cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring scholarly use of government information: An altmetrics analysis of federal statistics

Abstract Purpose This paper examines how federal statistics is used in scholarly research via a new type of citation analysis that leverages the strengths of information aggregators, like Altmetric LLP, in looking for evidence of government information use beyond traditional citations/references. In this citation analysis, abstracts were examined. Results Drawing on a dataset containing articles aggregated via Altmetric Explorer, a querying interface provided by Altmetric LLP, content analysis was used to 1) determine the distribution of federal statistics incorporated in scholarly studies, and 2) qualitatively understand the particular ways in which studies incorporated federal statistics. It was found that the dominant source of federal statistics was the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), followed by the Census Bureau, and then the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prevalent qualitative themes underlying the studies in this dataset included mortality and population studies, linked datasets, international studies, and critical studies (i.e. presenting alternative measures for federal statistics). Conclusions When querying studies referencing one or more of the principal US statistical agencies in Altmetric Explorer, almost all studies in the final dataset cited these agencies because they had cited federal statistics. This finding need not have been the case however. A separate study on the use of federal statistics in scholarly research will compare altmetrics to traditional citation analysis. Preliminary results from Google Scholar, using traditional citations, found non-dataset publications to be the most frequently cited titles from NCHS and the Census Bureau.
Early Vlambda diversification in sheep.

This study examined a number of tissues during early gestation in foetal sheep to determine the earliest site of Vlambda expression and time of generation of the Vlambda repertoire. Tissues, including spleen, liver, gut, blood and bone marrow, were obtained from 48, 55, 60 and 63 gestational day (g.d.) ovine foetuses and cDNA libraries were prepared from them by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Clones were randomly selected from cDNA libraries and subjected to sequencing. Analysis of these sequences and comparison with a pool of germline genes led to the following conclusions. The expression of Vlambda occurs earlier in spleen (48 g.d.) than in all of the other tissues examined. Also, diversity is seen earlier and at higher levels in early foetal spleen than in all of the other tissues examined. In this regard, it is notable that splenic Vlambda expression is readily apparent even before such gut-associated lymphoid tissue as the ileal Peyer's patch (IPP) has developed. Two germline Vlambda genes, 5.1 and 5.3 predominate in early immunoglobulin lambda light-chain gene rearrangement. Examination of Jlambda usage revealed the existence of a new Jlambda gene and its utilization during the early phases of the development of the ovine antibody repertoire. This study indicates that sites other than the IPP contribute to the diversification of the Vlambda repertoire in sheep. We suggest that it is likely that foetal spleen may provide a partially diversified B-cell repertoire before the IPP becomes active as a major site for massive clonal expansion and extensive diversification of B cells.
VEGFR2 promotes migration and invasion on ovarian cancer cells

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 4403 Objective: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) have recently been discovered on ovarian cancer cells, but their functional significance is unknown and is the focus of the current study. Methods: Four ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, HeyA8, SKOV3ip1 and EG) were evaluated for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and their activated forms by Western blot. Twenty-eight invasive epithelial ovarian cancer specimens and 5 normal ovarian specimens were examined for VEGFR expression by in situ hybridization and immunoflourescence. The effects of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 blockade on in vitro invasion and migration were also assessed. Results: By Western blot analysis, SKOV3ip1 and EG cell lines exhibited VEGFR-2 expression while A2780 and HeyA8 cell lines did not. Three ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, SKOV3ip1, and EG) expressed some level of VEGFR-1. By immunoflourescence, little or no VEGFR-2 was detected in epithelial cells of normal ovarian samples, whereas expression was detected in 75% of invasive ovarian cancer specimens. Ovarian tumor-cell associated VEGFR-2 was phosphorylated in 71% of ovarian tumor specimens. By in situ hybridization, 75% of ovarian cancer specimens showed moderate to high VEGFR-2 expression and little or no VEGFR-1 expression. All normal ovarian specimens showed low or absent VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 expression. Exposure to VEGFR-2 blocking antibody significantly inhibited SKOV3ip1 cell migration (68% reduction, P < 0.01) and invasion (72% reduction, P < 0.01), but exposure to VEGFR-1 antibody demonstrated no effect. Neither antibody elicited an effect on HeyA8 (VEGFR-negative) cell migration or invasion. Conclusion: VEGF receptors are present in the majority of ovarian cancer cell lines and epithelial ovarian tumors examined and promote migration and invasion, contributing to the malignant phenotype. Therefore, VEGF-receptors on tumor cells may represent an additional therapeutic target.
Behavior of the idiotypic network in conventional immune responses. I: Kinetics of idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies following immunization with T-independent and T-dependent antigens

Abstract A minimal requirement in investigations of the behavior of the idiotypic network during immunization is the ability to quantitate both the idiotypic (Ab1) and anti-idiotypic (Ab2) responses. Quantitation of Ab2 in serum is complicated by the simultaneous presence of Ab1, so that Ab1–Ab2 immune complexes escape detection. In contrast, immune complexes should not complicate the enumeration of Ab2-producing lymphocytes in a hemolytic plaque assay. This study utilizes a procedure that allows detection of Ab2-producing cells in such an assay. The procedure relies upon the insertion of the appropriate antibody (Ab1) into the membrane of indicator SRBC through a covalently attached dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE) tail. When the Ab2 response following murine immunization with DNP-Ficoll was analyzed using such an assay, peak plaque-forming cell (PFC) numbers were found to coincide with peak Ab1 PFC numbers in both the primary and secondary response. In addition, this Ab2 response was found to be T independent. The murine immune response to DNP-HGG demonstrated a peak Ab2 PFC response which followed the peak Ab1 PFC response after both primary and secondary immunization. This Ab2 response appeared to be T dependent. The secondary responses to both DNP-Ficoll and DNP-HGG showed increased levels of Ab2 PFC and decreased levels of Ab1 PFC in comparison to the primary responses to the same antigens, suggesting that immunoregulation may occur within these idiotypic networks.
Grb10, a positive, stimulatory signaling adapter in platelet-derived growth factor BB-, insulin-like growth factor I-, and insulin-mediated mitogenesis.

Grb10 has been described as a cellular partner of several receptor tyrosine kinases, including the insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor (IGF-IR). Its cellular role is still unclear and a positive as well as an inhibitory role in mitogenesis depending on the cell context has been implicated. We have tested other mitogenic receptor tyrosine kinases as putative Grb10 partners and have identified the activated forms of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor β (PDGFRβ), hepatocyte growth factor receptor (Met), and fibroblast growth factor receptor as candidates. We have mapped Y771 as a PDFGRβ site that is involved in the association with Grb10 via its SH2 domain. We have further investigated the putative role of Grb10 in mitogenesis with four independent experimental strategies and found that all consistently suggested a role as a positive, stimulatory signaling adaptor in normal fibroblasts. (i) Complete Grb10 expression from cDNA with an ecdysone-regulated transient expression system stimulated PDGF-BB-, IGF-I, and insulin- but not epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced DNA synthesis in an ecdysone dose-responsive fashion. (ii) Microinjection of the (dominant-negative) Grb10 SH2 domain interfered with PDGF-BB- and insulin-induced DNA synthesis. (iii) Alternative experiments were based on cell-permeable fusion peptides with the Drosophila antennapedia homeodomain which effectively traverse the plasma membrane of cultured cells. A cell-permeable Grb10 SH2 domain similarly interfered with PDGF-BB-, IGF-I-, and insulin-induced DNA synthesis. In contrast, a cell-permeable Grb10 Pro-rich putative SH3 domain binding region interfered with IGF-I- and insulin- but not with PDGF-BB- or EGF-induced DNA synthesis. (iv) Transient overexpression of complete Grb10 increased whereas cell-permeable Grb10 SH2 domain fusion peptides substantially decreased the cell proliferation rate (as measured by cell numbers) in normal fibroblasts. These experimental strategies independently suggest that Grb10 functions as a positive, stimulatory, mitogenic signaling adapter in PDGF-BB, IGF-I, and insulin action. This function appears to involve the Grb10 SH2 domain, a novel sequence termed BPS, and the Pro-rich putative SH3 domain binding region in IGF-I- and insulin-mediated mitogenesis. In contrast, PDGF-BB-mediated mitogenesis appears to depend on the SH2 but not on the Pro-rich region and may involve other, unidentified Grb10 domains. Distinct protein domains may help to define specific Grb10 functions in different signaling pathways.
Systolic array technique applied to symmetric FIR filters

A VLSI chip has been designed that takes advantage of the symmetry that is present in many finite impulse response filters. A group of these chips may be joined together in a systolic arrangement. The result is a very powerful filter processing system.
An Analysis of Fair Value Accounting in the Banking Industry

Since the recent financial crisis, fair value accounting (FVA), specifically Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157 (SFAS No. 157), has had many critics. Some claim that fair value accounting caused or at least contributed to the crisis. Others reject fair value accounting on a conceptual level in favor of historical cost. Of these criticisms, three have been levied most by fair value accounting critics. The first is the claim that increased volatility is caused by the pro-cyclicality of fair value accounting. The next is the claim that fair value accounting has an overly negative impact on a bank’s regulatory capital. Finally, critics claim that there is no framework for valuing assets in illiquid markets when the assets are still performing. When analyzed, these criticisms don’t justify the suspension or revocation of fair value accounting in US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Evidence will show that fair value accounting did not cause the financial crisis. In fact, fair value accounting can potentially lessen the severity of financial crises.
Learning From the Swets Fallout

New column editor, Christine L. Ferguson, provides her first installment of the Balance Point column focusing on the fallout of the Swets bankruptcy in September 2014. This installment outlines the consequences for libraries and reactions of publishers after the bankruptcy and discusses lessons learned by libraries and other subscription agents. Several subscription agents interviewed discussed the issue of financial stability; the responsibility of libraries to understand the holistic financial health of their vendors is also discussed.
Luce's Choice Axiom

Luce's Choice Axiom (LCA) is a hypothesis about probabilistic choice behavior (leading to a mathematical model) due to R. D. Luce. It envisions a situation in which an individual makes repeated choices from a set A containing N alternatives: A={a1, …, aN} (e.g., N restaurants). On each occasion exactly one alternative is selected. Sometimes all N alternatives are available for selection (all the restaurants are open); on other occasions only subsets of A are available (some restaurants are closed). P(i; A) denotes the probability that ai is chosen when all of A is available; P(i; S) is the probability that ai is chosen when the available set of alternatives is S⊆A. What is the relationship between P(i; S) and P(i; A)? LCA is the assumption that P(i; S) equals the conditional probability that ai is chosen from the full set A, given that the choice from A belongs to subset S. The article deals with: (a) testable predictions of LCA (e.g., the constant ratio rule: for all i≠j and S⊆A, P(i; S)/P(j; S)=P(i; A)/P(j; A)), (b) the empirical validity of LCA, (c) relationships between LCA and other models for choice behavior: Thurstone's ‘Law of Comparative Judgement,’ Tversky's ‘Choice by Elimination’ model, McFadden's ‘Multinomial Logit’ and ‘Generalized Extreme Value’ models, and (d) extension of LCA to preferences expressed by rank ordering.
Three-dimensional embedded defect detection and localization in a semi-transparent medium

The fabrication of new optical materials has many challenges that suggest the need for new metrology tools. To this purpose, the authors designed a system for localizing 10 micron embedded defects in a 10-millimeter thick semitransparent medium. The system, comprising a single camera and a motion system, uses a combination of brightfield and darkfield illumination. This paper describes the optical design and algorithm tradeoffs used to reach the desired detection and measurement characteristics using stereo photogrammetry and parallel-camera stereoscopic matching. Initial experiment results concerning defect detection and positioning, as well as analysis of computational complexity of a complete wafer inspection are presented. We concluded that parallel camera stereoscopic matching combined with darkfield illumination provides the most compatible solution to the 3D defect detection and positioning requirement, detecting 10 micron defects at a positioning accuracy of better than +/- 0.5 millimeters and at a speed of less than 3 minutes per part.
Antiproliferative Effects of Src Inhibition on Medullary Thyroid Cancer

There is no effective treatment for recurrent or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Hereditary MTC is associated with mutations in the RET protooncogene, which encodes for a tyrosine kinase. We postulated that Src tyrosine kinases regulate MTC proliferation. Proliferation of the human MTC cell line, TT, was examined in the presence of a Src-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, PP2, or genistein. Cell counts were performed with a Coulter counter or by flow cytometry. DNA synthesis was evaluated by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. A cell death ELISA was used to assess apoptosis. Akt phosphorylation was determined by Western immunoblot. MAPK activity was measured using an immunoprecipitation kinase assay, and MAPK inhibition was achieved with SB202190 (p38 MAPK) and PD098059 (MAPK kinase). Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Compared with controls, PP2 reduced DNA synthesis, abolished Akt phosphorylation, and increased apoptosis. The MAPK kinase inhibitor, PD098059, attenuated DNA synthesis, whereas genistein caused modest declines in cell count and DNA synthesis and minimal changes in apoptosis. We conclude that Src-dependent MTC proliferation occurs via increased DNA synthesis and reduced apoptosis. The latter effect may be mediated by Akt survival signals. Modulation of Src activity is a potential therapeutic target in MTC.
Surveillance of suicidal and nonsuicidal self-injury in the New York City jail system.

Suicide and nonsuicidal self-injury represent significant causes of morbidity and mortality in jail settings. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene instituted a database of suic...
Technical note: the United States Department of Agriculture beef yield grade equation requires modification to reflect the current longissimus muscle area to hot carcass weight relationship.

With the adoption of visual instrument grading, the calculated yield grade can be used for payment to cattle producers selling on grid pricing systems. The USDA beef carcass grading standards include a relationship between required LM area (LMA) and HCW that is an important component of the final yield grade. As noted on a USDA yield grade LMA grid, a 272-kg (600-lb) carcass requires a 71-cm 2 (11.0-in. 2 ) LMA and a 454-kg (1,000-lb) carcass requires a 102-cm 2 (15.8-in. 2 ) LMA. This is a linear relationship, where required LMA = 0.171(HCW) + 24.526. If a beef carcass has a larger LMA than required, the calculated yield grade is lowered, whereas a smaller LMA than required increases the calculated yield grade. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the LMA to HCW relationship against data on 434,381 beef carcasses in the West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) Beef Carcass Research Center database. In contrast to the USDA relationship, our data indicate a quadratic relationship [WTAMU LMA = 33.585 + 0.17729(HCW) -0.0000863(HCW 2 )] between LMA and HCW whereby, on average, a 272-kg carcass has a 75-cm 2 (11.6-in. 2 ) LMA and a 454-kg carcass has a 96-cm 2 (14.9-in. 2 ) LMA, indicating a different slope and different intercept than those in the USDA grading standards. These data indicate that the USDA calculated yield grade equation favors carcasses lighter than 363 kg (800 1b) for having above average muscling and penalizes carcasses heavier than 363 kg (800 1b) for having below average muscling. If carcass weights continue to increase, we are likely to observe greater proportions of yield grade 4 and 5 carcasses because of the measurement bias that currently exists in the USDA yield grade equation.
Differentiation in vivo of the sequential blood cell invasion following ureter obstruction of the rabbit kidney.

Inflammatory cellular changes occurring during renal injury as a consequence of unilateral ureter obstruction were studied in vivo using 111In-labeled leukocytes and 111In-labeled platelets. The radiolabeled cells were administered at various times after induction of hydronephrosis by unilateral ureter ligation in New Zealand rabbits. The contralateral kidney (CLK) served as the control. The migration and accumulation of the radiolabeled cells was monitored by dual isotope scintigraphic imaging (i.e. 99mTc-labeled red blood cell subtraction) and confirmed by direct analysis of removed epsilateral hydronephrotic kidney (HNK) and CLK at the time of sacrifice. When 111In platelets were administered, significantly greater uptake in the hydronephrotic kidney was observed within 15 min of ureter ligation. Furthermore, the HNK accumulated twice the amount of 111In radioactivity than the CLK, when either the polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) or monocytes were injected at the time of ureter obstruction. The differences between HNK and CLK were scintigraphically detectable between 6 and 12 h after hydronephrosis respectively; and 111In-labeled monocytes selectively accumulated in HNK if administered during the first 48 h after ureter ligation. These data suggest that inflammatory cells sequentially accumulate following ureter obstruction and are derived from circulating white blood cells.
A typology of surzhyk: Mixed Ukrainian-Russian language:

A typology is developed that systematizes the various linguistic phenomena in Ukraine that are commonly referred to as surzhyk—a Ukrainian term meaning `impure, mixed language'. The term surzhyk has become frequently used in public discourse and the media since Ukrainian was elevated to the status of official state language and Ukraine declared its independence. A heightened purist ideology has led to broad use of the term, which tends to have pejorative connotations. The typology is based on the historical, social, and ideological factors that have shaped language use. Five major categories of surzhyk are defined: (1) urbanized peasant surzhyk, (2) village dialect-surzhyk, (3) Sovietized-Ukrainian surzhyk, (4) urban bilinguals' surzhyk, and (5) post-independence surzhyk. These five prototypes are further characterized according to the typology of bilingualism proposed by Auer (1999), by considering the degree of pragmatic salience and the grammaticalization of language alternation. This case study presents a paradigm for the analysis of mixed languages.
Gamma-pulse-height evaluation of a USA Savannah River Site Burial Ground special configuration waste item

The Savannah River Site (SRS) Burial Ground had a container labeled as Box 33 for which they had no reliable solid waste stream designation. The container consisted of an outer box of dimensions 48″ × 46″×66″ and an inner box that contained high density and high radiation dose material. From the outer box Radiation Control measured an extremity dose rate of 22 mrem/h. With the lid removed from the outer box, the maximum dose rate measured from the inner box was 100 mrem/h extremity and 80 mrem/h whole body. From the outer box the material was sufficiently high in density that the Solid Waste Management operators were unable to obtain a Co-60 radiograph of the contents. Solid Waste Management requested that the Analytical Development Section of Savannah River National Laboratory perform a γ-ray assay of the item to evaluate the radioactive content and possibly to designate a solid waste stream. This paper contains the results of three models used to analyze the measured γ-ray data acquired in an unusual configuration.
A Dive to Challenger Deep

Humans have always been fascinated by the deep sea. Early sketches of submarines in the 16th century led to the construction of the first underwater vehicle in 1623. By the 18th century, submarines were used for warfare. In 1870, Jules Verne created a fictional world of sea monsters and life aboard the mystical submarine Nautilus that could descend 20 km into the sea. The novel captured the imagination of millions of people.
Synovial perfusion in the human knee:A methodologic analysis*

Abstract Synovial perfusion was quantified in milliliters per minute per knee by two quite different clearance methods based on (1) counting tritiated water in serial aspirates of intraarticular saline, and (2) external counting of joints injected with free radioiodide. In each case, the serial counting data determine a rate constant that is multiplied by a distribution volume to provide the clearance in flow terms of milliliters per minute. This report updates and summarizes these data and compares the two methods to each other and to alternative assessments of synovial blood flow. Available methods such as laser Doppler flowmetry (with data output measured in volts) and solute clearance constant determinations (in min −1 ) are useful for selected purposes but cannot be used to quantify the articular flux (in milligrams per minute) of any solute. Radiolabeled microspheres provide data (in milliliters per minute per g of tissue) but are unsuitable for human use. The two clearance methods provide comparable results, but the free iodide technique seems most suitable for physiologic investigations. The latter potentially includes critical evaluations of synovial blood flow in relation to issues such as palpable warmth, visible erythema, articular ischemia, the permeability of synovial vessels, the genesis of effusions, the delivery and removal of therapeutic agents, and the concentration of every synovial fluid solute from micronutrients through cytokines, plasma proteins, and molecular markers of cartilagenous injury.
Analysis of the two heavy and light strand origins and the direction of replication of mitochondrial DNA within a detailed physical map of this genome in transformed hamster cells

Abstract The precise physical map positions of the two origins of replication of mtDNA † have been determined in C 13 B 4 cells, a line of Syrian baby hamster kidney fibroblasts transformed with the Bryan strain of Rous sarcoma virus. A detailed physical map with 27 restriction endonuclease recognition sites was constructed, which aligns eight HpaI and two PstI sites with previously mapped cleavage positions for HpaII, HindIII, EcoRI and BamHI. The origin of heavy strand mtDNA replication, which corresponds to the 5′ end of the 7 S initiation sequence in the D-loop structure, was aligned on restriction fragments HpaI A, PstI A, BamHI A, HindIII B, EcoRI B and HpaII F. The location of the origin within the 891 bp fragment HpaII F is approximately 220 bp from the HpaII F A junction which bisects the D-loop. The remaining about 180 bp sequence extends from this border into a ~ 642 bp subfragment of HpaII A, HpaII + EcoRI 8, and expansion of the D-loop proceeds in this direction. Fragment HpaII F can be further cut into at least two subfragments by HaeIII. The identical map position of the D-loop was found for mtDNA from the non-transformed parent cell line BHK 21 C 13 . The 5′ → 3′ orientation of heavy chain replication was specified by the use of exonuclease III. Replication of C 13 B 4 mtDNA appears exclusively asymmetrical, as determined by electron microscopic analysis of replication intermediates and by hybridization of pulse-labeled isolated initiation and expanded sequences with restriction fragments and with H- and L-strands of mtDNA. Unidirectional H-strand displacement synthesis proceeds to 67± 3% of the genome before any duplex synthesis occurs at this location in the opposite direction, marking L-strand initiation. The majority of clustered L-strand initiation sequences flank the restriction site HpaI D B within fragment HpaII E at map position 67.0. The Syrian hamster mtDNA replication system provides an excellent model for studies of genome substructure and function.
Estimation of neural energy in microelectrode signals

We considered the problem of determining the neural contribution to the signal recorded by an intracortical electrode. We developed a linear least-squares approach to determine the energy fraction of a signal attributable to an arbitrary number of autocorrelation-defined signals buried in noise. Application of the method requires estimation of autocorrelation functions R(ap)(tau) characterizing the action potential (AP) waveforms and R(n)(tau) characterizing background noise. This method was applied to the analysis of chronically implanted microelectrode signals from motor cortex of rat. We found that neural (AP) energy consisted of a large-signal component which grows linearly with the number of threshold-detected neural events and a small-signal component unrelated to the count of threshold-detected AP signals. The addition of pseudorandom noise to electrode signals demonstrated the algorithm's effectiveness for a wide range of noise-to-signal energy ratios (0.08 to 39). We suggest, therefore, that the method could be of use in providing a measure of neural response in situations where clearly identified spike waveforms cannot be isolated, or in providing an additional 'background' measure of microelectrode neural activity to supplement the traditional AP spike count.
Minimum Hellinger distance estimation for randomized play the winner design

Abstract Response-adaptive designs in clinical trials incorporate information from prior patient responses in order to assign better performing treatments to the future patients of a clinical study. An example of a response adaptive design that has received much attention in recent years is the randomized play the winner design (RPWD). Beran [1977. Minimum Hellinger distance estimates for parametric models. Ann. Statist. 5, 445–463] investigated the problem of minimum Hellinger distance procedure (MHDP) for continuous data and showed that minimum Hellinger distance estimator (MHDE) of a finite dimensional parameter is as efficient as the MLE (maximum likelihood estimator) under a true model assumption. This paper develops minimum Hellinger distance methodology for data generated using RPWD. A new algorithm using the Monte Carlo approximation to the estimating equation is proposed. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimators are established and the robustness and small sample performance of the estimators are illustrated using simulations. The methodology when applied to the clinical trial data conducted by Eli-Lilly and Company, brings out the treatment effect in one of the strata using the frequentist techniques compared to the Bayesian argument of Tamura et al [1994 . A case study of an adaptive clinical trialin the treatment of out-patients with depressive disorder. J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 89, 768–776].
Visual spatial perception and paternal deprivation

Abstract College men and women who were father deprived for at least 1 year from birth to 18 years of age or non-deprived were compared on the Spatial Relations Test of the Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT), the Identical Blocks Test (IBT) and the Water Level Test (WLT). There was a significant sex difference favoring men—as expected—on the IBT and WLT but not on the DAT. There was no significant effect of father deprivation on the mean performance on any test but there was a correlation between years of deprivation and WLT performance for men (r = 0.48,P
Context effects in the behavioral ratings of hyperactivity.

It was proposed that parents of hyperactive children would observe more problems at home in some but not all home contexts. To test this hypothesis, parents of teacher-identified hyperactive and nonhyperactive children were asked to complete a context-specific behavioral rating scale (Werry, 1968). Hyperactive children were rated by their parents as changing activities, talking, interrupting, and exhibiting dependency more than nonhyperactive children. Furthermore, those differences between hyperactive and control children were observed primarily in the play and homework contexts.
Evidence for the effects of yogurt on gut health and obesity

Obesity is associated with increased risk for chronic diseases, and affects both developed and developing nations. Yogurt is a nutrient-dense food that may benefit individuals with lactose intolerance, constipation and diarrheal diseases, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that yogurt consumption might also improve the health of obese individuals. Obesity is often accompanied by chronic, low-grade inflammation perpetuated by adipose tissue and the gut. In the gut, obesity-associated dysregulation of microbiota and impaired gut barrier function may increase endotoxin exposure. Intestinal barrier function can be compromised by pathogens, inflammatory cytokines, endocannabinoids, diet, exercise, and gastrointestinal peptides. Yogurt consumption may improve gut health and reduce chronic inflammation by enhancing innate and adaptive immune responses, intestinal barrier function, lipid profiles, and by regulating appetite. While this evidence suggests that yogurt consumption is beneficial for obese individuals, randomized-controlled trials are needed to further support this hypothesis.
A note on the almost sure limit theorem for the product of partial sums

We present an almost sure limit theorem for the product of the partial sums of i.i.d. positive random variables. We also prove a corresponding almost sure limit theorem for a triangular array.
Systematic Identification of mRNAs Recruited to Argonaute 2 by Specific microRNAs and Corresponding Changes in Transcript Abundance

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate mRNA stability and translation through the action of the RNAi-induced silencing complex (RISC). Our current understanding of miRNA function is inferred largely from studies of the effects of miRNAs on steady-state mRNA levels and from seed match conservation and context in putative targets. Here we have taken a more direct approach to these issues by comprehensively assessing the miRNAs and mRNAs that are physically associated with Argonaute 2 (Ago2), which is a core RISC component. We transfected HEK293T cells with epitope-tagged Ago2, immunopurified Ago2 together with any associated miRNAs and mRNAs, and quantitatively determined the levels of these RNAs by microarray analyses. We found that Ago2 immunopurified samples contained a representative repertoire of the cell's miRNAs and a select subset of the cell's total mRNAs. Transfection of the miRNAs miR-1 and miR-124 caused significant changes in the association of scores of mRNAs with Ago2. The mRNAs whose association with Ago2 increased upon miRNA expression were much more likely to contain specific miRNA seed matches and to have their overall mRNA levels decrease in response to the miRNA transfection than expected by chance. Hundreds of mRNAs were recruited to Ago2 by each miRNA via seed sequences in 3′-untranslated regions and coding sequences and a few mRNAs appear to be targeted via seed sequences in 5′-untranslated regions. Microarray analysis of Ago2 immunopurified samples provides a simple, direct method for experimentally identifying the targets of miRNAs and for elucidating roles of miRNAs in cellular regulation.
Power flow measurements in a small diameter magnetically-insulated transmission line for flash radiography

A self-magnetic-pinch diode (SMP) driven by a pulsed power generator is an attractive radiographic source option for future flash radiography experiments. TW-scale flash radiography systems often must be fielded in confined spaces. This can place challenging constraints on the permitted size for the radiographic diode hardware, as well as on the transmission line that must couple the pulsed power generator to the diode. For conventional SMP diodes at 4–8 MV, driven by the coaxial, magnetically-insulated transmission line (MITL) of an inductive-voltage adder (IVA), the MITL's vacuum electron flow current is shed to a large (∼1 m dia.) outer conductor chamber just before the load using a torus or knob on the inner conductor. The large diameters and electrostatic field shaping are required to suppress new electron flow from developing post-shedding, which can degrade radiographic performance in standard SMP diodes. Space constraints can prohibit use of this large diameter chamber, which makes preventing reestablishment of the vacuum electron flow current very difficult. Because of this constraint, a new approach for an SMP was investigated where electron flow would not be shed before the SMP diode, but instead would be suppressed or harnessed using an advanced power flow configuration. LSP simulations suggest such an approach may be possible at small MITL diameters. Therefore, a constant-impedance (40-Ω Z flow ), tapered MITL was fielded on NRL's Mercury pulsed power generator to bring the outer conductor from a nominal 38-cm diameter down to 8 cm. The power flow was diagnosed with B-dot monitors along the MITL to measure the impedance and any current losses. The work presented here focuses on these power flow measurements. Outer current losses were minimal through the taper into the load; however, the small diameter MITL operated 10–15% below Mercury's line-limited impedance. One possible cause for the reduced impedance is localized ion source formation at current joints in the outer conductor. Results from LSP simulations and Mercury experiments of the tapered MITL geometry will be presented for both benign and SMP diode loads.
A cell permeable peptide targeting the intracellular loop 2 of endothelin B receptor reduces pulmonary hypertension in a hypoxic rat model.

Cell permeable peptides (CPP) aid cellular uptake of targeted cargo across the hydrophobic plasma membrane. CPP-mediated cargo delivery of receptor signaling motifs provides an opportunity to regulate specific receptor initiated signaling cascades. Both endothelin-1 receptors, ETA and ETB, have been targets of antagonist therapies for individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These therapies have had success but have been accompanied by adverse reactions. Also, unlike the CPP which target specific signaling cascades, the antagonists target the entire function of the receptor. Using the CPP strategy of biased antagonism of the ETB receptor’s intracellular loop 2 (ICB2), we demonstrate blunting of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) in the rat, including indices of pulmonary arterial pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Further, ex vivo analysis of the pulmonary artery treated with the IC2B peptide upon injection manifests marked reductions in Akt and ERK activation. Both kinases have been intimately related to cell proliferation and vascular contraction, the hallmarks of PAH. These observations in sum illustrate an involvement of the ETB receptor in HPH and furthermore provide a basis for a novel, CPP-based, strategy in the treatment of PAH, ultimately able to target not only ET-1, but also other factors involved in the development of PAH.
Estimating Environmental Costs in Port Development: Case Study of Economic Costs to Fisheries of Marine Disposal of Clean Dredge Sediments

The economic assessment of potential external costs due to port development is considered. The importance of environmental cost estimates in making decisions about port development is outlined. A case study in Rhode Island is used to illustrate quantification of one important environmental issue—the economic cost to commercial and recreational fisheries resulting from marine disposal of dredged material. The bioeconomic framework, data, and assumptions used are described. Key results are summarized for seven potential disposal sites for 5.1 million cubic yards of clean dredge sediment, three in Narragansett Bay and four in Rhode Island Sound. To reflect the many sources of uncertainty in the analysis, an overstated cost approach is used and several sensitivity analyses are presented. Results suggest that costs of sediment disposal for bay sites are higher than for Rhode Island Sound sites and support including long-term and ecological effects, and recreational as well as commercial losses, in assessments ...
Differential metabolism of sulfoximine and neonicotinoid insecticides by Drosophila melanogaster monooxygenase CYP6G1

Abstract Sulfoxaflor [ N -[methyloxido[1-[6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl]ethyl]-λ 4 -sulfanylidene] cyanamide] is in development as the first product from the new sulfoximine class of insect control agents. Highly effective against a variety of sap-feeding pest insects, available data indicate no cross-resistance to sulfoxaflor in pest insect strains that exhibit high levels of resistance to neonicotinoids and other insecticides. In vitro studies of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP6G1 from Drosophila melanogaster , expressed in a Drosophila cell line, show very high levels of metabolism for a variety of neonicotinoids, but not for sulfoxaflor and its chloropyridine-analog. A sulfoxaflor analog with nitrogen in place of the carbon in the bridge between the pyridine and sulfoximine moiety shows a modest degree of metabolism. In silico homology modeling of the CYP6G1 with the sulfoximines and neonicotinoids suggests that steric effects may limit interactions of the sulfoximines with the reactive heme-oxo complex. A distinct relationship was identified for the summed Huckel charges and the degree of metabolism observed. These observations help explain the lack of sulfoxaflor metabolism by CYP6G1, and in turn provide a basis for the lack of cross-resistance to sulfoxaflor in insecticide resistant strains of pest insects.
Animated graphics for comparing two risks: a cautionary tale.

Background: The increasing use of computer-administered risk communications affords the potential to replace static risk graphics with animations that use motion cues to reinforce key risk messages. Research on the use of animated graphics, however, has yielded mixed findings, and little research exists to identify the specific animations that might improve risk knowledge and patients’ decision making. Objective: To test whether viewing animated forms of standard pictograph (icon array) risk graphics displaying risks of side effects would improve people’s ability to select the treatment with the lowest risk profile, as compared with viewing static images of the same risks. Methods: A total of 4198 members of a demographically diverse Internet panel read a scenario about two hypothetical treatments for thyroid cancer. Each treatment was described as equally effective but varied in side effects (with one option slightly better than the other). Participants were randomly assigned to receive all risk information in 1 of 10 pictograph formats in a quasi-factorial design. We compared a control condition of static grouped icons with a static scattered icon display and with 8 Flash-based animated versions that incorporated different combinations of (1) building the risk 1 icon at a time, (2) having scattered risk icons settle into a group, or (3) having scattered risk icons shuffle themselves (either automatically or by user control). We assessed participants’ ability to choose the better treatment (choice accuracy), their gist knowledge of side effects (knowledge accuracy), and their graph evaluation ratings, controlling for subjective numeracy and need for cognition. Results: When compared against static grouped-icon arrays, no animations significantly improved any outcomes, and most showed significant performance degradations. However, participants who received animations of grouped icons in which at-risk icons appeared 1 at a time performed as well on all outcomes as the static grouped-icon control group. Displays with scattered icons (static or animated) performed particularly poorly unless they included the settle animation that allowed users to view event icons grouped. Conclusions: Many combinations of animation, especially those with scattered icons that shuffle randomly, appear to inhibit knowledge accuracy in this context. Static pictographs that group risk icons, however, perform very well on measures of knowledge and choice accuracy. These findings parallel recent evidence in other data communication contexts that less can be more—that is, that simpler, more focused information presentation can result in improved understanding. Decision aid designers and health educators should proceed with caution when considering the use of animated risk graphics to compare two risks, given that evidence-based, static risk graphics appear optimal. [J Med Internet Res 2012;14(4):e106]
Thoracic duct lymph and lymphocyte studies in man using a thoracic duct “side‐fistula”

A technique for cannulation of the cervical thoracic duct in man is described. It leaves the thoracic duct circulation unimpaired and allows repetitive lymph sampling without loss. This technique can be used to study the re-circulating pool of long-lived lymphocytes and thereby help to evaluate better the immunologic status of cancer patients. The technique of side-cannulation has been used in one patient. Thoracic duct lymphocytes labelled with 51Cr were reinfused IV and were recovered in the thoracic duct in a stable number over a 5-day study, thereby demonstrating a recirculating lymphocyte pool in man and the applicability of the side-cannulation to its study.
Stereoselective inversion of (R)‐fenoprofen to (S)‐fenoprofen in humans

The concentrations of the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of fenoprofen (alpha-methyl-3-phenoxy-benzeneacetic acid) were measured in plasma and urine of volunteers after oral administration of the (R,S)-racemate. In addition, urinary concentrations of the (R)- and (S)-4'-hydroxy metabolite of fenoprofen, the major metabolite, were measured. The (R)-enantiomer of fenoprofen was stereoselectively inverted to (S)-fenoprofen, which was the major isomeric form found in plasma and urine. A potency comparison of the enantiomers in vitro showed the (S)-isomer to be 35 times more active than the (R)-isomer in inhibiting the fatty acid cyclo-oxygenase pathway from human platelets. In vivo, the similar pharmacological potency of the two enantiomers previously observed in experimental animals may have been due to the rapid inversion of the (R)- to (S)-isomer.
Evaluation of a Supervised Exercise Program in a Geriatric Population

Most studies that assess the effects of exercise in the elderly involve subjects who are in good health. The objective of this prospective longitudinal study was to examine the impact of exercise on cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and strength in an elderly population that included chronically ill individuals. Patients were recruited initially from a population of veterans over 64 years of age who use a VA outpatient clinic as their regular source of care. The exercise intervention consisted of 90 minutes of exercise 3 days per week at 70% of the patient's maximal capacity. Activities included stationary cycling, stretching, weight training, and walking. Of 69 patients who began the program, 49 (71%) reached 4-month follow-up. Most patients completing follow-up (76%) had at least one chronic disease, such as arthritis, hypertension, or heart disease. Patients who dropped out were more likely to have multiple chronic illnesses than those who remained in the program. Average weekly attendance was 65% and was stable over time. Improvements in cardiovascular fitness at 4-month follow-up were significant: Metabolic equivalents increased from 7.1 +/- 2.3 to 8.3 +/- 2.6 (P less than .001), treadmill time increased from 8.5 +/- 3.8 to 11.2 +/- 4.2 minutes (P less than .001), submaximal heart rate decreased from 123.7 +/- 18.8 to 118.8 +/- 19.4 beats per minute (P less than .001) and resting heart rate decreased from 68.1 +/- 10.6 to 63.3 +/- 11.6 beats per minute (P = .005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Determinants of one-year outcome from balloon aortic valvuloplasty☆

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has been a therapeutic alternative treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Previous studies have been unable to predict 1-year outcome because of limited acute and follow-up clinical, invasive and echocardiographic data. The purpose of this study was to predict long-term outcome based on comprehensive data obtained at the time of valvuloplasty and at 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Of 170 consecutive patients undergoing BAV, 108 (mean age 78 years) were at least 1 year from their procedure. Prospective clinical, micromanometer hemodynamic, digital ventriculographic and echocardiographic/Doppler data were collected at baseline and immediately after the procedure. Echocardiographic data were also obtained at 3 and 6 months. With use of Cox model analysis, major events (defined as cardiac death [n = 30], aortic valve replacement [n = 21] or repeat BAV [n = 13]) were predicted by advanced age, baseline heart failure class, and baseline echocardiographic-determined diastolic left ventricular diameter. Only baseline left ventricular ejection fraction proved to be a significant predictor of cardiac death (p = 0.002) in a multivariate model. Absolute values after BAV (stroke work, first derivative of left ventricular pressure, valve area, end-systolic volume, Fick cardiac output, transvalvular gradient) and acute changes measured by catheterization or echocardiography did not provide additional predictive information over that of post procedure ejection fraction. Similarly, echocardiographic valve area and transvalvular gradient at 3 months added no further prognostic data. With an ejection fraction greater than or equal to 45% (n = 63), cardiac survival at 1 year was 80%, irrespective of age, sex, congestive heart failure class or severity of coronary artery disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)