cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the MGH tenorrhaphy: An algorithm for the development of flexor tendon repair techniques

The ideal flexor tendon repair is strong enough to withstand early motion regimens, interferes with neither wound healing nor tendon gliding, resists gap formation, and performs well in any surgeon's hands. We present several studies and an algorithm used for the development and evaluation of a superior tendon repair technique.
Perspectives on Struggling English Language Learners: Case Studies of Two Chinese-Canadian Children.

Chinese learners are often stereotyped as high achievers and overlooked in literacy research. This year-long, qualitative study in a combined Grade 4/5 classroom presents the cases of two strugglin...
The demise of short-term memory

Abstract The first wave of modern research on short-term memory was preoccupied with its existence as a valid system of memory. One subsequent development has been the application of the short-term/ long-term distinction to the study of individual and subject-population differences (aging, amnesia, and so on). Another development has been the investigation of how short-term memory articulates with such full-blown cognitive processes as reasoning, perception, and language comprehension. These efforts have now faltered, badly, in response to changing conceptions of human memory and unwelcome data. However, the properties of isolated, short-term memory subsystems continue to be identified. The sorts of evidence that have contributed to the fragmentation, if not the death, of an all-purpose short-term memory system have nonetheless advanced our knowledge of related cognitive processes. The study of such relationships is illustrated in the case of reading.
What Fans the Fire Insights Into Mechanisms of Inflammation in Atherosclerosis and Diabetes Mellitus

It is now widely accepted that inflammation and immunity play important roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Over the past 3 decades, it has been demonstrated that cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis and modulation of plaque stability.1 Similarly, recent studies in experimental models of obesity and type II diabetes mellitus have shown that not only macrophages, but also T cells and B cells are involved in the modulation of adipose depots and the development of insulin resistance.2–5 However, even with all that is known about the important cellular players in atherogenesis, a clear understanding of the mechanisms by which immune cells influence arterial plaque formation is lacking. Article see p 2933 Macrophages are considered the predominant cell involved in foam cell formation and atherosclerotic plaque development. Numerous studies have linked macrophage activation in atherosclerosis to Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and have demonstrated that “danger signals” such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), heat shock proteins, and other products of oxidative stress induce adhesion molecule and chemokine production by cells of the vessel wall and by direct activation of macrophages in the lesion. For example, TLRs such as TLR-4, TLR-2, and TLR-6 (in concert with the scavenger receptor CD36 and TLR-4),6–10 are activated by oxidized LDL and may exacerbate the inflammatory nature of the atherosclerotic plaque. In addition to macrophages, other immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and a unique group of cells, NK T (NKT) cells, have been identified in atherosclerotic plaques of both humans and mice, and depletion of these cells by either antibodies or genetic approaches has shown that these lymphocytes play important roles in lesion formation.1 Specifically, NK and CD4+ T helper 1 (Th1) …
The value of the neuropsychological assessment for adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A case study

Sparrow, J., Grant, T., Connor, P., & Whitney, N. (2013). The value of the neuropsychological assessment for adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A case study. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 2 (3), 79-86. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107 ( http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107 ) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that reflects the range of potential effects resulting from Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE). Individuals with FASD may demonstrate cognitive, functional and adaptive challenges that are as debilitating as those experienced by individuals with the full fetal alcohol syndrome. This case study describes a young mother with PAE who was enrolled in a three-year intensive case management program and who was suspected of having FASD. Authors describe the neuropsychological battery that was administered and how assessment results were used to help members of a multidisciplinary team reframe their thinking and respond to the client’s neuropsychological strengths and impairments by adjusting their language, expectations and interventions accordingly. Recognized as a valued member throughout the assessment and intervention process, the client learned to develop strategies that supported her autonomy and self-advocacy.
Structure and Function of the Core Histone N-Termini: More Than Meets the Eye†

For two decades, the core histone N-termini generally have been thought of as unstructured domains whose function is to bind to DNA and screen negative charge. New data indicates that both the molecular mechanisms of action and biological functions of the core histone N-termini in chromatin are considerably more complex. At the level of the chromatin fiber, multiple distinct functions of the N-termini are required to achieve higher order chromatin condensation, two of which apparently involve protein-protein rather than protein-DNA interactions. In addition, the N-termini have been documented to participate in specific interactions with many chromatin-associated regulatory proteins. Here, we discuss evidence supporting the new concepts that when functioning in their natural chromatin context, (1) the N-termini are engaged primarily in protein-protein interactions, (2) as a consequence of these interactions the N-termini adopt specific secondary structure, (3) posttranslational modifications such as acetylation disrupt the ability of the N-termini to form secondary structure, and (4) because the N-termini perform essential roles in both chromatin condensation and also bind specific chromatin-associated proteins, the global structure and function of any given region of the genome will be determined predominantly by the core histone N-termini and their specific interaction partners.
Ventral tegmental area α6β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors modulate phasic dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens core

Phasic dopamine (DA) signaling underlies reward learning. Cholinergic and glutamatergic inputs into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are crucial for modulating burst firing activity and subsequent phasic DA release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), but the specific VTA nicotinic receptor subtypes that regulate phasic DA release have not been identified. The goal was to determine the role of VTA N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and specific subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in regulating phasic DA release in the NAc core. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in anesthetized rats was combined with intra-VTA micro-infusion to evaluate the ability of glutamatergic and cholinergic drugs to modulate stimulated phasic DA release in the NAc core. VTA NMDAR blockade with AP-5 decreased, while VTA NMDAR activation with NMDA increased NAc peak phasic DA release. Intra-VTA administration of the nonspecific nAChR antagonist mecamylamine produced a persistent decrease in phasic DA release. Infusion of the α6-selective antagonist α-conotoxin MII (α-ctx MII) produced a robust, but transient decrease in phasic DA, whereas infusion of selective doses of either the α4β2-selective antagonist, dihydro-beta-erythroidine, or the α7 antagonist, methyllycaconitine, had no effect. Co-infusion of AP-5 and α-ctx MII produced a similar phasic DA decrease as either drug alone, with no additive effect. The results suggest that VTA α6β2 nAChRs, but not α4β2 or α7 nAChRs, regulate phasic DA release in the NAc core and that VTA α6β2 nAChRs and NMDA receptors act at a common site or target to regulate NAc phasic DA signaling.
Neuronal calcium mishandling and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Perturbed neuronal Ca 2+ homeostasis is implicated in age-related cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). With advancing age, neurons encounter increased oxidative stress and impaired energy metabolism, which compromise the function of proteins that control membrane excitability and subcellular Ca 2+ dynamics. Toxic forms of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) can induce Ca 2+ influx into neurons by inducing membrane-associated oxidative stress or by forming an oligomeric pore in the membrane, thereby rendering neurons vulnerable to excitotoxicity and apoptosis. AD-causing mutations in the β-amyloid precursor protein and presenilins can compromise these normal proteins in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively. Emerging knowledge of the actions of Ca 2+ upstream and downstream of Aβ provides opportunities to develop novel preventative and therapeutic interventions for AD.
Evaluation of Chronic Opioid Receptor Antagonist Effects Upon Weight and Intake Measures in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats

Body weight and food intake are significantly reduced in rats during development of dietary obesity following chronic central administration of mu (beta-funaltrexamine, BFNA), mu1 (naloxonazine), kappa1 (nor-binaltorphamine, NBNI), delta1 ([D-Ala2,Leu5,Cys6]-enkephalin, DALCE) and delta2 (naltrindole isothiocyanate, NTII) opioid receptor subtype antagonists. In contrast, rats made obese by maintainance on a 'cafeteria' diet failed to display weight loss following chronic mu1 receptor antagonism. To test the hypothesis that chronic administration of opioid antagonists are less effective in controlling intake and weight in obese animals, the present study assessed whether chronic, central administration of either BFNA (20 micrograms), naloxonazine (50 micrograms), NBNI (20 micrograms), DALCE (40 micrograms) or NTII (20 micrograms) altered weight and intake in lean and obese Zucker rats over seven days. Body weight was reduced following chronic mu (lean: 42 g; obese: 49 g), mu1 (lean: 71 g; obese: 38 g), kappa1 (lean: 30 g; obese 14 g), delta1 (lean: 43 g; obese: 22 g) or delta2 (lean: 37.5 g; obese: 36 g) antagonism. Overall food intake was reduced following chronic mu (lean: 8.8 g; obese: 16.1 g), mu1 (lean: 12.6 g; obese: 17.0 g), kappa1 (lean: 6.5 g; obese 7.0 g), delta1 (lean: 9.7 g; obese: 11.1 g) or delta2 (lean: 9.4 g; obese: 14.3 g) antagonism. Therefore, both lean and obese Zucker rats display weight loss and reduced intake following chronic central administration of opioid receptor subtype antagonists.
Software economy in a rapidly changing hardware environment.

The recent dramatic advances in microcomputer hardware capability have created a problem for software developers and users. In the past, software programs could be transported to newer machines only with great difficulty and at substantial cost in time and money. This paper describes the use of the p-System™ operating system environment to achieve universal transportability of microcomputer applications.
Trends in the use of smokeless tobacco in united states, 2000–2010

Objectives/Hypothesis: To quantify trends in the use of smokeless tobacco in the United States. Study Design: Longitudinal analysis of national population database. Methods: The National Health Interview Surveys for 2000, 2005, and 2010 were analyzed for adult responses to specific questions regarding smokeless tobacco use, which includes chewing tobacco and snuff. Smokeless tobacco lifetime exposure, current use, and frequency of use were determined according to each sampled year, examining for trends over the past decade. Subset analysis for young adults (ages 18–44 years) was conducted. Demographic factors associated with smokeless tobacco use were also determined. Results: A total of 86,270 adults were surveyed. Among all adults, the proportions of those who had ever tried chewing tobacco were 7.1 ± 0.2%, 8.5 ± 0.2%, and 9.2 ± 0.2% for 2000, 2005, and 2010, respectively (P < .001). Similarly, the proportions of those who had ever tried snuff were 4.4 ± 0.2%, 7.5 ± 0.2%, and 8.4 ± 0.3%, respectively (P < .001). In aggregate, the proportions who were regular users of chewing tobacco remained stable over the survey years: 1.3 ± 0.1%, 1.1 ± 0.1%, and 1.2 ± 0.1%, respectively (P = .382). In contrast, the percentages who were regular users of snuff tobacco increased significantly over the survey years: 1.4 ± 0.1%, 1.6 ± 0.1%, and 2.0 ± 0.1% (P < .001). The proportion of young adults regularly using snuff rose to 2.8 ± 0.2% (P < .001) in 2010. Male sex, non-Hispanic ethnicity, white race, and less than a high school education were characteristics that were strongly associated with smokeless tobacco use. Conclusions: There was a trend toward increased smokeless tobacco use, mainly snuff, in the United States in the past decade. This trend was more prominent among young adults and likely will have future health-care implications. Laryngoscope, 2012
Coenzyme A and diphosphopyridine nucleotide in guinea pig mammary tissue

Abstract The coenzyme A and diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN) concentrations in guinea pig mammary gland tissue during gestation, lactation, and involution are reported. DPN remains relatively constant through growth and lactation, while the coenzyme A content is lowest during the period of growth, highest following parturition. The intracellular distribution of coenzyme A and DPN in lactating and nonlactating mammary gland tissue is similar, the highest concentration being found in the supernatant fraction. Heat inactivation of mammary tissue before coenzyme A determination was found unnecessary.
EHMTI-0314. A window to the past: the association between inflated pain scores and a history of abuse in women with chronic migraine

Childhood abuse is a risk factor for depression and anxiety and is reported by 58% of patients with episodic migraine (EM) or chronic migraine (CM). Maximum headache severity >10/10 on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) is not uncommon among CM patients. The relationship between inflated pain scores and abuse has never been investigated.
An Shp2/SFK/Ras/Erk Signaling Pathway Controls Trophoblast Stem Cell Survival

Little is known about how growth factors control tissue stem cell survival and proliferation. We analyzed mice with a null mutation of Shp2 (Ptpn11), a key component of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Null embryos die peri-implantation, much earlier than mice that express an Shp2 truncation. Shp2 null blastocysts initially develop normally, but they subsequently exhibit inner cell mass death, diminished numbers of trophoblast giant cells, and failure to yield trophoblast stem (TS) cell lines. Molecular markers reveal that the trophoblast lineage, which requires fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF4), is specified but fails to expand normally. Moreover, deletion of Shp2 in TS cells causes rapid apoptosis. We show that Shp2 is required for FGF4-evoked activation of the Src/Ras/Erk pathway that culminates in phosphorylation and destabilization of the proapoptotic protein Bim. Bim depletion substantially blocks apoptosis and significantly restores Shp2 null TS cell proliferation, thereby establishing a key mechanism by which FGF4 controls stem cell survival.
The effects of litter size on emotional reactivity in BALB/c mice

The relationship between litter size and emotional reactivity in BALB/c mice was investigated. Emotional reactivity was measured by obtaining data on activity level, quadrants traversed, and defecation in an automated open field for 3 consecutive days, beginning at 60 days of age. Groups of mice were reared in litter sizes of nine, three, and one. On the measures of activity level and quadrants traversed, mice reared in large litters displayed more emotional reactivity than those reared in small litters. The problem of defecation as a reliable index of emotional reactivity was discussed.
Wheat germ agglutinin inhibits nerve fiber growth and concanavalin A stimulates nerve fiber initiation in cultures of dorsal root ganglia neurons.

Abstract Treatment of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons with the lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA; 25 μg/ml), which binds to N-acetylglucosamine containing glycoconjugates, inhibits nerve fiber growth in culture. DRG neurons treated with WGA have significantly reduced total output in nerve fiber length per neuron as well as reductions in the average length of the individual nerve fibers extended. The inhibition of nerve fiber growth by WGA is concentration-dependent, specific, reversible and not mimicked by treatment with several metabolic poisons. In contrast, treatment with the lectin concanavalin A (25 μg/ml), which binds to mannose-containing glycoconjugates, increases the number of nerve fibers produced per neuron. These results suggest that lectins which bind to distinct carbohydrate moieties can differentially regulate nerve fiber growth.
Comparison of C-band and K u -band scatterometry for medium-resolution tropical forest inventory

Since 1978, AVHRR imagery from NOAA polar orbiters has provided coverage of tropical regions at this desirable resolution, but much of the imagery is plagued with heavy cloud cover typical of equatorial regions. Clearly a medium resolution radar sensor would be a useful addition to AVHRR, but none are planned to fly in the future. In contrast, scatterometers are an important radar component of many future earth remote sensing systems, but the inherent resolution of these instruments is too low (approximately equals 50 km) for monitoring earth's land surfaces. However, a recently developed image reconstruction technique can increase the spatial resolution of scatterometer data to levels (approximately equals 4 to 14 km) approaching AVHRR global area coverage (approximately equals 4 km). When reconstructed, scatterometer data may prove to be an important asset in evaluating equatorial land cover. In this paper, the authors compare the utility of reconstructed Seasat scatterometer (SASS), Ku-band microwave data to reconstructed ERS-1 C-band scatterometer imagery for discrimination and monitoring of tropical vegetation formations. In comparative classification experiments conducted on reconstructed images of Brasil, the ERS-1 C-band imagery was slightly superior to its reconstructed SASS Ku-band counterpart for discriminating between several equatorial land cover classes. A classification accuracy approaching .90 was achieved when the two scatterometer images were combined with an AVHRR normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) image. The success of these experiments indicates that further research into reconstructed image applications to tropical forest monitoring is warranted.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Use of the Internet for Addiction Education

The authors prepared a course in addiction psychiatry for the Internet that combines a psychosocial and a medication modality for alcoholism; namely, network therapy and naltrexone. Responses of those who accessed the course revealed 679 counts (visits) at the Web Site. A group of 210 unique respondents, of whom 154 were psychiatrists, answered a demographic question set. Over half of these psychiatrists completed the course and evaluated it. The majority indicated that it helped them understand “a good deal” about the management of alcoholism and the use of network therapy and naltrexone. This result suggests the feasibility of using the Internet as a vehicle for teaching in addiction psychiatry, an area where needs for training are often unmet.
Pastoral Care of the Polis: Combative Discourse as Societal Enactment and the Need for Redemptive Discourse

In this article, I argue that political polarization is supported by combative discourse—a discourse that fosters hostility and division, closing off possibilities for understanding, agreement, cooperation or compromise. Combative discourse and resulting political polarization signify a societal enactment, which is a form of resistance to accountability, understanding, and change. From this analysis, I propose a pastoral response, redemptive discourse, which is founded on three Christian metaphors, namely imago dei, kenosis, and Kingdom of God.
Quantitative determination of trans fatty acid content in hydrogenated edible vegetable oils by 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance

High resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an effective means for the determination of trans fatty acid content in hydrogenated vegetable oils. The trans fatty acid content is calculated from the number of trans double bonded carbons and average molecular weight derived directly from the spectrum of 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR, respectively. Allylic carbons were used to estimate the absolute number of trans double bonded carbons. NMR results of hydrogenated oils were compared with those obtained by IR method. Correlation coefficient of the data between ordinary IR method and NMR method was r2=0.995, and the regression equation was Y=0.986X+1.37, where X was the IR results. The trans fatty acid measured by NMR was ±6% of error, when corrected with proposed regression equation, except for two samples in which trans fatty acid contents were below 6%.
Auto-initialized cascaded level set (AI-CALS) segmentation of bladder lesions on multidetector row CT urography.

Rationale and Objectives To develop a computerized system for segmentation of bladder lesions on computed tomography urography (CTU) scans for detection and characterization of bladder cancer. Materials and Methods We have developed an auto-initialized cascaded level set method to perform bladder lesion segmentation. The segmentation performance was evaluated on a preliminary dataset including 28 CTU scans from 28 patients collected retrospectively with institutional review board approval. The bladders were partially filled with intravenous contrast material. The lesions were located fully or partially within the contrast-enhanced area or in the non–contrast-enhanced area of the bladder. An experienced abdominal radiologist marked 28 lesions (14 malignant and 14 benign) with bounding boxes that served as input to the automated segmentation system and assigned a difficulty rating on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 = most subtle) to each lesion. The contours from automated segmentation were compared to three-dimensional contours manually drawn by the radiologist. Three performance metric measures were used for comparison. In addition, the automated segmentation quality was assessed by an expert panel of two experienced radiologists, who provided quality ratings of the contours on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 = excellent). Results The average volume intersection ratio, the average absolute volume error, and the average distance measure were 67.2 ± 16.9%, 27.3 ± 26.9%, and 2.89 ± 1.69 mm, respectively. Of the 28 segmentations, 18 were given quality ratings of 8 or above. The average rating was 7.9 ± 1.5. The average quality ratings for lesions with difficulty ratings of 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 8.8 ± 0.9, 7.9 ± 1.8, 7.4 ± 0.9, and 6.6 ± 1.5, respectively. Conclusion Our preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of using the three-dimensional level set method for segmenting bladder lesions in CTU scans.
X-ray crystal structures ofcis-bis(diphenylphosphinamide)tetracarbonylmolybdenum(0) andtrans-bis(N-methyl diphenylphosphinamide)tetracarbonylmolybdenum(0)

The X-ray crystal structures ofcis-Mo(CO)4(Ph2PNH2)2,I, andtrans-Mo(CO)4(Ph2PNHMe)2,II, are presented. ComplexI crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupP21/c(a=13.433(1),b=12.2719(8),c=17.318(2)A;β=109.79(1)°;V=2686.1(8)A3;Z=4). ComplexII crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP¯1 (a=6.9986(8),b=10.328(1),c=11.241(2)A,α=107.58(1)°,β=91.76(1)°, γ=101.28(1)°,V=756.1(4)A3,Z=1). The molybdenum coordination geometry in each complex is a slightly distorted octahedron. The molybdenum-carbon bond lengths for the carbonyls trans to phosphorus in complexI are shorter than those the carbonyls trans to other carbonyls. The average molybdenum-phosphorus distance inI (2.525(5)A) is similar to those in other diphenylphosphinamide complexes and longer than the molybdenum-phosphorus distance inII in 2.4585(7)A). The distance between two nitrogen atoms incis Mo(CO)4(Ph2PNH2)2 (3.74(3)A) is significantly larger than the sum of their van der Waals radii (3.10 A) indicating that the two nitrogens are not hydrogen bonded.
Trial Designs to Demonstrate Cost-Benefit Claims for Antiulcer Drugs

Clinical trials of long-term maintenance therapy for ulcer disease were undertaken with the goal of demonstrating prevention of ulcer recurrence. Modeling of the recurrence and healing process with its high frequency of asymptomatic ulcers demonstrates that trials with infrequent scheduled endoscopies are inadequate to demonstrate prevention. The design of future trials should be based on specification of the goals of therapy.The design process will then entail:1.defining alternate diagnostic-therapeutic strategies2.specifying costs for elements in these approaches3.defining a model for the relevant elements of the disease process and the effects of treatment, and4.using parameter estimates in simulations to assess the adequacy of a proposed designDifferent goals or different models for the disease process will suggest different trial designs. Very simple models can provide considerable insight and spreadsheet programs can assist with modeling calculations. The process is discussed in detail for designs d...
The Interaction of Field Independence with Discovery Learning in Mathematics

This study tested the hypothesis that students with a field-independent cognitive style would learn most about numeration systems if they had minimum guidance and maximum opportunity for discovery through the use of manipulative materials. Field-dependent students were expected to perform best with maximum guidance and a symbolic treatment. Data were gathered on 46 prospective elementary school teachers who had been randomly assigned to the two treatment groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant disordinal interaction for one of two achievement measures. The interaction supported the hypothesis that field-independent students achieve most in a discovery treatment, and field-dependent students learn best in expository instruction.
Restricted polynomial expansions and approximation

Abstract Melkman computed the n -width of the set of functions which are nearly “time-” and “band-limited”. He applied these results to study some optimal interpolation problems. We note that these results extend readily to the study of the set of functions that are “nearly” polynomials of degree less than or equal to N and “nearly” vanish off some subset of the real line.
Segmented impact fracture of toppling truncated cones and tall trees

Critical dynamic stresses and segmented fracture lengths are predicted for a tall, initially upright, truncated right circular cone as it rotates about its base point and as the cone tip impacts the ground plane. This cone can represent a tall masonry structure such as a tapered stone tower or a brick chimney which has a foundation failure; or the trunk of a tree which topples in a windstorm. In any case, ground impacts can induce sequential fractures along the cone's length, resulting in multiple in-line cone segments that come to rest on the ground plane. A dynamic analysis for the cone's bending moment and stress distributions during impact is used to predict the primary fracture points for the broken segment lengths. The dynamic bending stresses controlled the failures since they were found to be about two orders of magnitude higher than the longitudinal stresses caused by the self-weight and the centrifugal acceleration of a rotating cone. In a case study, this dynamic analysis is shown to correlate well with observed fracture patterns of fallen segments for a dead tree toppled by wind. An unexpected secondary fracture point observed in this case study is also explained using the dynamic theory.
Understanding social relationship maintenance among friends: Why we don't end those frustrating friendships.

Social relationships are a fundamental part of our lives and may have both positive and negative effects on physical health; thus, this study examined how and why individuals would maintain ambivalent relationships, as previous research indicates that such relationships may be potentially detrimental. Specifically we examined the influence of external and internal barriers, intimacy, distancing, and obligation vs. voluntary contact in relationship maintenance within ambivalent (highly positive and negative) and supportive (primarily positive) friendships. Participants included 87 male and 138 female undergraduates (N = 225), who were randomly assigned to rate either a supportive or ambivalent friend on measures of relationship maintenance. Results suggest that ambivalent relationships are not maintained primarily due to obligation or external barriers, but rather are viewed as voluntary associations maintained primarily because of internal factors such as commitment to the relationship. The positive aspec...
Women's migration and quality of life in Turkey

Abstract Turkey's urban growth has been unprecedented for the last two decades with women playing an increasingly substantial role in its development. In this context, we examine determinants of women's migration and quality of life in cities in 1990 (the most recent published census of Turkey) and onwards. Factor analysis of provincial data identified three quality of life dimensions: affluence, deprivation, and housing. Substantial disparities in quality of life indices exist between men and women, urban and rural milieu, and geographic regions. Migrants, especially women, still tend to move with their families but they prefer provinces with high scores on (relative) urban affluence and avoid deprived, rural provinces. Thus Istanbul, Ankara, and southern coastal provinces are preferred destinations. Policy implications for urban growth, regional development, and gender equality relative to migration are discussed.
Neuroprotection by pramipexole against dopamine- and levodopa-induced cytotoxicity.

Pramipexole, a novel non-ergoline dopamine (DA) agonist, has been applied successfully for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). We report here that pramipexole can protect dopaminergic cell line Mes23.5 against dopamine- and levodopa-induced cytotoxicity possibly through a mechanism related to antioxidant activity. In the MES 23.5 cultures, DA and L-DOPA induce a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, as determined by tetrazolium salt and trypan blue assays. Furthermore, an in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay demonstrates that DA-induced cell death is apoptotic. Pretreatment with pramipexole in a concentration range (4-100 microM) significantly attenuates DA- or L-DOPA-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, an action which is not blocked by D3 antagonist U-99194 A or D2 antagonist raclopride. Pramipexole also protects MES 23.5 cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. In cell-free system, pramipexole can effectively inhibit the formation of melanin, an end product resulting from DA or L-DOPA oxidation. These results indicate that pramipexole exerts its neuroprotective effect possibly through a mechanism, which is independent of DA receptors but related to antioxidation or scavenging of free radicals (e.g. hydrogen peroxide). As a direct DA agonist and potentially neuroprotective agent, pramipexole remains attractive in the treatment of PD.
Torn Country: Turkey between Secularism and Islamism

ZEYNO BARAN, Stanford, CA: Hoover Institution Press, ISBN 978-0-8179-1144-7, US$19.95 (hb), pp. xviii+173 Torn Country is a testament to the longevity of modernisation theory in contemporary social...
Abstract ED03-01: Validation and quantitation of DNA methylation changes

Advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer demonstrates that prostate cancer cells carry a myriad of genomic defects including both genetic and epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation. Underlying this aberrant DNA methylation is the accumulating body of data hinting that normal prostate cells may be subjected to a relentless barrage of genome-damaging stresses due to both exogenous and endogenous carcinogens, with damage accumulating over time and age. There are increasing numbers of genes that show aberrant DNA methylation changes in human prostate cancer. In addition, recent reports indicate widespread methylation changes that correlate with a broad range of clinical behavior in prostate cancer patients. Thus aberrant DNA methylation changes may represent the integration of environmental or lifestyle exposures and genetic predisposition to prostate cancer. Such events may differ between individuals belonging the same ethnic group or individuals belonging to different ethnic groups. We hypothesize that differential methylation patterns maybe associated with ethnicity and could potentially contribute to the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer. Our research studies validate and quantify selected regions of genes from a genome-wide methylation analysis in a large sample number from African American and Caucasian male patients with prostate cancer. Our preferred method for studying DNA methylation is pyrosequencing over other methods of methylation analysis in that it is processive and quantitative. The principle of pyrosequencing is the real-time detection of pyro-phosphate (PPi), released after each incorporation of a specific nucleotide, initiated by simple primer extension on a PCR product template. Pyrosequencing has both qualitative and quantitative applications, and is optimal for allele quantification, DNA methylation estimation, and for regions that contain multiple polymorphisms (SNPs, IN/DELs) adjacent or in close proximity. Using this approach, we have observed significant differences in the methylation pattern for several genes in prostate tissue samples from African American and Caucasian men. Such alterations can contribute to the biological differences underlying prostate cancer disparity. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):ED03-01.
Discussion of “The Role of Expectations in Explaining the Cross-Section of Stock Returns”

This paper discusses Copeland et al. (2004), which empirically investigates the role of changes in expectations in explaining contemporaneous cross-sectional stock returns. Because the main results in this study are largely confirmatory of results reported in prior literature, my discussion emphasizes conceptual issues in the econometric specification of earnings–return relations. I derive three versions of return specifications from popular valuation models based on residual earnings, free cash flows, or earnings growth, and contrast them with that adopted by Copeland et al. (2004). This analysis suggests that firmer grounding in theory would help the paper in empirical specifications as well as interpretations of results.
Script-based inferences: Effects of text and knowledge variables on recognition memory

Two experiments examined the tendency for subjects to falsely recognize script-based concepts after reading incomplete script-based texts. On an immediate recognition test, both the hypothesized position of a concept in the reader's preexperimental knowledge structure (central, peripheral) and the number of times the concept was implied in the text (0, 1, 3, or 5) affected the reader's judgments about whether the concept had been presented in the text. For central concepts, the number of text implications had no significant effect on either error rates or judgment times. For peripheral concepts, error rates and response times were dependent on the number of text implications. These findings were interpreted as evidence for selective activation of concepts within scripts.
Technology acquisition among Korean and Taiwanese firms in the United States

Abstract This paper adopts a resource-based view (RBV) to illuminate the technology and/or innovation acquisition processes of Taiwanese and South Korean firms that have invested directly in the United States (US). Specifically, it shows that inward investment to the US by Asian firms reflects a strategy of resource renewal and expansion. Further technological resource acquisition is driven by a reverse product cycle model that emphasizes incremental innovations. Survey data from a sample of Taiwanese and South Korean firms points to significant differences in the technology acquisition processes that characterize these Asian investors. The US appears to be a more important source of knowledge for resource acquisition among Taiwanese firms (these firms are typically smaller and younger than their South Korean counterparts). Further, ordered probit regression reveals that Taiwanese firms are more likely to develop technological competency from local basic research, whereas South Korean firms are more likely to build technological competency from applied research and market-derived knowledge. For reasons we discuss in the concluding section, it is unclear if such a strategy of resource acquisition will lead to long-term competitive advantage on a sustained basis.
Explanation for the very low Ga and Ge concentrations in some iron meteorite groups

Parallels between the abundance patterns of moderately volatile elements in iron meteorites and ordinary chondrites are pointed out and discussed in relation to condensation processes in the solar nebula. The discussion is centered around a graph in which As, Cu, Ga, Ge to Ni ratios, normalized to CI chondrites, are compared for IVB, IVA, IVB, and IIIAB irons and H-group ordinary chondrites. The patterns suggest that the same volatile loss mechanism was at work for both IVB irons and ordinary chondrites, but was more efficient in the IVB process. A picture for the process at the IVB location is proposed, according to which condensation occurred when temperature decreased rapidly and trace metals condensed as a fine aerosol that was later blown away by a T-Tauri solar storm. Condensation at the H-group location was more complete because of a less rapid temperature decrease, allowing trace metals to diffuse deeper into Fe-Ni grains. Possible ways in which IVA conditions may have differed from IIIAB or H conditions are also proposed and discussed.
Plastic Deformation and Failure in A359 Aluminum and an A359-SiCp MMC under Quasistatic and High-strain-rate Tension

The deformation and failure (under quasistatic and dynamic tension) of an A359 aluminum alloy and an A359 aluminum alloy reinforced by 20 vol.% SiC particles have been investigated. Tensile strains are measured using the laser occlusive radius detector (LORD) and/or strain gauge in Kolsky bar tests, and using the LORD and/or clip extensometer in quasistatic tests. The influence of the rate of deformation on the tensile stress-strain curves and on the failure strains is determined for these heterogeneous materials. Both composite and matrix behave in a brittle manner with no necking before fracture, and the tensile failure strain is slightly reduced at high strain rates. The fracture surfaces and the microstructure of the tested specimens of each material are examined using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The tensile failure of the A359 matrix alloy and the composite are controlled by the microcracking of Si particles.
Phorbol ester-induced threonine phosphorylation of the human epidermal growth factor receptor occurs within the EGF binding domain.

Abstract Partial proteolysis with trypsin has been used to map the sites of phorbol ester-induced phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Both 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) and EGF stimulate phosphorylation of the EGF receptor in intact human carcinoma cells. Under the conditions examined, EGF is more effective than TPA in stimulating phosphorylation of a 45 kDa intracellular receptor domain, while TPA is more effective than EGF in inducing phosphorylation of a 120 kDa transmembrane EGF-binding domain. The phosphorylation of the 120 kDa peptide occurs primarily on threonine residues. Two-dimensional peptide mapping indicates that the two major phosphopeptides found in the 120 kDa receptor fragment correspond to the major new phosphopeptides found in intact EGF receptor following treatment with TPA. Thus, the major sites of TPA-induced threonine phosphorylation reside in the 120 kDa binding domain of the EGF receptor.
A linear programming based algorithm for determining corresponding point tuples in multiple vascular images

Multi-view imaging is the primary modality for high-spatial-resolution imaging of the vasculature. The 3D vascular structure can be reconstructed if the imaging geometries are determined using known corresponding point-pairs (or k -tuples) in two or more images. Because the accuracy improves with more input corresponding point-pairs, we propose a new technique to automatically determine corresponding point-pairs in multi-view ( k -view) images, from 2D vessel image centerlines. We formulate the problem, first as a multi-partite graph-matching problem. Each 2D centerline point is a vertex; each individual graph contains all vessel-points (vertices) in an image. The weight ('cost') of the edges between vertices (in different graphs) is the shortest distance between the points' respective projection-lines. Using this construction, a universe of mappings ( k -tuples) is created, each k-tuple having k vertices (one from each image). A k -tuple's weight is the sum of pair-wise 'costs' of its members. Ideally, a set of such mappings is desired that preserves the ordering of points along the vessel and minimizes an appropriate global cost function, such that all vertices (in all graphs) participate in at least one mapping. We formulate this problem as a special case of the well-studied Set-Cover problem with additional constraints. Then, the equivalent linear program is solved, and randomized-rounding techniques are used to yield a feasible set of mappings. Our algorithm is efficient and yields a theoretical quality guarantee. In simulations, the correct matching is achieved in ~98% cases, even with high input error. In clinical data, apparently correct matching is achieved in >90% cases. This method should provide the basis for improving the calculated 3D vasculature from multi-view data-sets.
Mouse Models of Lipodystrophy

Lipodystrophies are a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by the loss of adipose tissue and by abnormalities of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, including insulin resistance, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. In this review, we describe several mouse models that recapitulate various aspects of the lipodystrophy syndrome, offering insights into the etiology of this condition and potential therapeutic approaches. Studies on these mice suggest that adipose is the primary tissue affected in lipodystrophy, and that secondary leptin deficiency may be responsible for the associated insulin resistance.
Hole transport theory in pseudomorphic Si1-xGex alloys grown on Si(001) substrates.

The physics of hole transport in pseudomorphic ${\mathrm{Si}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ge}}_{\mathrm{x}}$/Si(001) is investigated by Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo method developed in this work takes into account several aspects of the strained p-type system which qualitatively distinguish it from an n-type system. (1) The valence-band system is described with use of a three-band k\ensuremath{\cdot}p method which gives an accurate representation of the strongly coupled heavy-hole, light-hole, and split-off--hole states. (2) The valence-band deformation-potential theory is used to determine both the strain effects on the band structure and the hole-phonon scattering rates in both strained and unstrained materials. (3) The scattering rates are anisotropic, depending upon the direction of flight and are calculated on a mesh which exploits the symmetry of the system. (4) The postscattering states are determined from a probability distribution which depends not only on the scattering angle, but also upon the initial direction of flight. The Monte Carlo method is used to make a detailed study of the effect of strain and alloying on hole transport in lightly doped pseudomorphic ${\mathrm{Si}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ge}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ (0\ensuremath{\le}xl=0.4) grown on Si(001), subjected to electric fields in the range of 1--20 kV/cm, at 300 K. The scattering mechanisms considered are: alloy scattering, acoustic-phonon scattering, and both Si-Si and Ge-Ge optical-phonon scattering. Each of these mechanisms can drive both intraband and interband scattering within and between all of the top three valence bands. The combined effects of strain and alloying are found to produce a monotonic increase in hole mobility and temperature, which at the highest Ge content alloy studied, ${\mathrm{Si}}_{0.6}$${\mathrm{Ge}}_{0.4}$/Si(001), are comparable to the hole mobility and temperature in bulk Ge. A slightly greater carrier velocity is found for in-plane transport than for perpendicular transport.
Microwave Mapping Demonstration Using the Thermochromic Cobalt Chloride Equilibrium

An update to the thermochromic cobalt(II) chloride equilibrium demonstration is described. Filter paper that has been saturated with aqueous cobalt(II) chloride is heated for seconds in a microwave oven, producing a color change. The resulting pink and blue map is used to colorfully demonstrate Le Châtelier’s principle and to illuminate the hot spots in the microwave oven. The demonstration is a quick, easy, and colorful way to introduce Le Châtelier’s principle to students in high school or general chemistry courses.
Abnormal Grain Growth During Rapid Annealing of Sol–Gel Alumina Thin Film Deposited on Ni‐Based Superalloy

A ∼50 nm thick alumina layer was deposited on an Ni-based superalloy substrate by a sol–gel method. α-AlOOH particles presented in the layer after drying at 140°C transformed mostly to α-Al2O3 grains within ∼1 min at 1100°C under a low oxygen partial pressure annealing environment. During the same time period, the α-Al2O3 grains grew significantly in the lateral direction, resulting in the aspect ratio of grain diameter to thickness of ∼20. The presence of a preferred orientation in the α-Al2O3 layer suggested that the mechanism for the lateral growth was abnormal. The lateral growth mechanism appeared to become very slow when a critical thickness (∼100 nm) was reached.
Atomic bromine electronic-transition chemical laser

An atomic bromine electronic-transition chemical laser is described. Stimulated emission on the 42P3/2 ← 42P1/2 transition at 3685 cm−1 is obtained as a consequence of the reaction I(52P1/2) + Br2 → IBr + Br(42P1/2), and this reaction accounts for ≥85% of the quenching of I(52P1/2) by Br2. Stimulated emission is also obtained as a consequence of the reaction I(52P1/2) + IBr → IBr + Br(42P1/2).
MASSIVE BLEEDING FROM ILEAL CONDUIT PERISTOMAL VARICES: SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT WITH THE TRANSJUGULAR INTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT

Bleeding from stomal varices is a rare but well-known complication of ileostomy, colostomy and ileal conduits in patients with portal hypertension.' Treatment of these often severe hemorrhages is controversial. Conservative local measures are associated with high recurrence rates and extensive surgical shunting procedures are frequently not indicated in the high risk cirrhotic patient. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a recently described technique for treating complications of portal hypertension. We report our experience using this procedure in a patient with massive peristomal bleeding. CASE REPORT