cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue factor inflammatory response regulated by promoter genotype and p38 MAPK in neonatal vs. adult microvascular endothelial cells

Variable tissue factor (TF) expression by human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) may be regulated by two promoter haplotypes, distinguished by an 18-basepair deletion (D) or insertion (I) at −1,208. We sought to determine the relationship between these haplotypes and interleukin-1α (IL-1α)-induced TF expression in neonatal versus adult HMVEC. IL-1-stimulated TF mRNA, protein, and activity were significantly higher in neonatal compared to adult D/D donors. IL-1-stimulated HMVEC from neonatal D/D donors expressed threefold higher levels of TF mRNA, twofold higher TF protein, and fourfold increased TF activity compared to HMVEC from adult D/D donors. These results indicate that homozygosity for the D haplotype is characterized by increased response to IL-1 in neonates, but not adults. IL-1 induced increased phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which was significantly greater in neonatal compared to adult HMVEC. Moreover, inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway reduced IL-1-stimulated TF mRNA expression in D/D neonatal but not adult HMVEC. Upregulation of D/D neonatal HMVEC TF expression by IL-1 is mediated through the p38 MAPK pathway. This heightened response of D/D neonatal HMVEC to inflammatory stimuli may contribute to increased microvascular coagulopathies in susceptible newborn infants.
Real-time computed tomography image update for endoscopic skull base surgery.

Introduction: The development of computer-aided systems for endoscopic sinus surgery has enabled surgical navigation through diseased or surgically altered sinus anatomy with increased confidence. However, conventional computer-aided systems do not provide intra-operative updated computed tomography imaging. We describe the technical aspects of the xCAT™, a new intra-operative mobile volume computed tomography scanner. Technical report: A patient with a malignant melanoma unwittingly removed at another hospital underwent surgery for removal of the lateral nasal wall and directed biopsies, in an attempt to identify the site of tumour origin. The procedure was performed with the GE InstaTrak 3500 Plus™ computer-aided system, updated with intra-operative computed tomography images. Intra-operative, updated images were integrated successfully into the InstaTrak system, and these images were consistent with the observed endoscopic anatomy. Conclusion: The xCAT intra-operative mobile volume computed tomography scanner is a technological advancement that can assist the endoscopic sinus surgeon when performing complex rhinological and skull base procedures.
Abstract A97: An analysis of diversity based on race and ethnicity in the radiation oncology workforce

Background/Purpose: The American Association for Cancer Research has created initiatives to increase the participation of minority scientists in cancer research, while the American Society of Clinical Oncology has similarly set the objective of diversifying the clinical oncology workforce as a “requisite to improving cancer care for the underserved.” Studies indicate that racial/ethnic minority providers are more likely to serve in minority and medically underserved communities and more likely to pursue research on health disparities. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recently examined diversity in the oncology workforce in Forecasting the Supply of and Demand for Oncologists, however, data on Radiation Oncology (RadOnc), specifically, were not included. To our knowledge, no published studies have examined racial/ethnic diversity within RadOnc. Nearly two-thirds of all cancer patients will undergo radiation therapy during their treatment course. The purpose of this study was to assess the diversity of the RadOnc workforce, with particular attention to the resident trainee level, and compare the findings to that of medical school graduates, Hematology/Medical Oncology (MedOnc) fellows, and the general population. Methods: The most recent available public registries (2004–2010) from the American Medical Association, AAMC, and United States Census were used to assess racial/ethnic diversity. Significant differences in race/ethnicity were investigated between RadOnc residents and: 1) medical school graduates, 2) MedOnc fellows, and 3) RadOnc practicing physicians. All levels were compared to the general population. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-squared tests. Results: Based on 2007 data, there was a significant decrease in representation of Blacks from medical school graduates to RadOnc residents (6.7% vs. 3.4%, p=0.0038), an increase of Asians (20.4% v. 29.1%, p Conclusions: Blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented in RadOnc at the residency and practicing physician levels compared to the overall population. Blacks remain underrepresented in the RadOnc resident trainee level when compared to their proportions as medical school graduates, suggesting that underrepresentation of these groups is not diminishing. Given existing cancer disparities and the potential to address them through diversification of the physician workforce, further research is needed to investigate whether these disparities simply represent different preferences in specialty choice, or other factors such as differences in exposure, selection, recruitment, mentorship, research, and/or real vs. perceived ability to successfully attain residency positions. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A97.
Biomass production and diameter growth of nine half-sib families of mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa) and a fast growing Prosopis alba half-sib family grown in Texas

Abstract In a 10 year field trial involving nine half-sib families of native south Texas mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa ) and one fast growing Prosopis alba half-sib family, 0166, no significant differences in biomass productivity were found between native P. glandulosa families. The biomass productivity of P. alba 0166 was significantly greater than that of native P. glandulosa families in the first 4 years of the trial. However, the survival of P. alba 0166 over the 10 year period was 17%, versus 84% for the native P. glandulosa families, owing to severe freezes in 1983 and 1989. The two P. glandulosa families with the highest biomass productivities over the 10 year trial were the progeny of the two largest mother trees of the original nine. The P. glandulosa family from a small mother tree had the lowest biomass productivity. The nine south Texas P. glandulosa families had an average basal diameter growth rate of 1.67 cm year −1 and average dry biomass productivity of 6.9 t ha −1 year −1 . In 1986, a year of average annual rainfall preceded by a year of high annual rainfall, the mean basal diameter growth rate for native P. glandulosa families was 2.83 cm year −1 . These diameter growth rates compare favourably with the diameter growth rates of commercial hardwood timber species grown in the USA.
Monte Carlo studies on the effectiveness of the bootstrap bias reduction method on 2SLS estimates

Abstract If first moments exist, two stage least squares estimators are consistent although biased. In this paper several bias correction methods are compared including bootstrap two stage least squares, Nagar's k-class and jackknife estimators for both parametric and non-parametric cases. Monte Carlo experiments on several models investigate the non-large sample properties of these estimators. The results strongly favor the bootstrap procedure judged by the amount of bias reduction and comparative variances.
N-oxidation of imipramine by isolated perfused rat and rabbit lung.

Abstract Pulmonary uptake and metabolism of imipramine (IMP) was investigated in isolated perfused rat (IPrL) and rabbit (IPRL) lung preparations. Perfusate containing 14 C-IMP (1.2 μmole/g lung) was recirculated through the pulmonary artery in artificially ventilated lungs. The radioactivity in the perfusate declined rapidly and about 80% of the dose was taken up by the lungs within 10 minutes in both IPrL and IPRL preparations. A steady-state was apparently reached thereafter in the IPRL, while a portion of the radiolabel effluxed into the perfusate of the IPrLs, thus reducing the net lung content to 54% of added IMP by 60 minutes. After 60 minutes perfusion, metabolites of IMP accounted for the major radioactivity (80%) in the perfusate, while the lung contained mainly (83%) the unchanged parent compound. The principal metabolite was identified as IMP-N-oxide (IMP-NO) which was found in the perfusate after 5 minutes of perfusion. Only 3% of the added IMP was metabolized by IPRL in 60 minutes. SKF-525A, an inhibitor of cytochrome P-450-mediated monooxygenase system, did not inhibit but enhanced the metabolism of IMP by IPrL to IMP-NO. IMP was principally metabolized to IMP-NO by incubations of 9,000 g supernatant fractions of rat lungs to a significantly higher extent than similar rabbit lung preparations. Including SKF-525A significantly accelerated the metabolism of IMP to IMP-NO in accordance with the perfusion experiments. These results suggest that in contradiction to publishedd reports, IMP is appreciably metabolized by the rat lung via N-oxidation by non-cytochrome P-450 pathway and the metabolite formed in the lung is released into the circulation indicating its low affinity for the lung tissue.
Protein design: Engineering di-iron enzymes.

A dramatic switch of reactivity — from hydroquinone oxidation to N-hydroxylation — can be achieved through the rational engineering of a de novo-designed di-iron protein. Four specific amino-acid mutations spread throughout the first, second and third coordination shells result in a million-fold increase in the relative rate of these two reactions.
Lithology and internal structure of the San Andreas fault at depth based on characterization of Phase 3 whole-rock core in the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) borehole

Abstract We characterize the lithology and structure of the spot core obtained in 2007 during Phase 3 drilling of the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) in order to determine the composition, structure, and deformation processes of the fault zone at 3 km depth where creep and microseismicity occur. A total of approximately 41 m of spot core was taken from three separate sections of the borehole; the core samples consist of fractured arkosic sandstones and shale west of the SAF zone (Pacific Plate) and sheared fine-grained sedimentary rocks, ultrafine black fault-related rocks, and phyllosilicate-rich fault gouge within the fault zone (North American Plate). The fault zone at SAFOD consists of a broad zone of variably damaged rock containing localized zones of highly concentrated shear that often juxtapose distinct protoliths. Two zones of serpentinite-bearing clay gouge, each meters-thick, occur at the two locations of aseismic creep identified in the borehole on the basis of casing deformation. The gouge primarily is comprised of Mg-rich clays, serpentinite (lizardite ± chrysotile) with notable increases in magnetite, and Ni-Cr-oxides/hydroxides relative to the surrounding host rock. The rocks surrounding the two creeping gouge zones display a range of deformation including fractured protolith, block-in-matrix, and foliated cataclasite structure. The blocks and clasts predominately consist of sandstone and siltstone embedded in a clay-rich matrix that displays a penetrative scaly fabric. Mineral alteration, veins and fracture-surface coatings are present throughout the core, and reflect a long history of syn-deformation, fluid-rock reaction that contributes to the low-strength and creep in the meters-thick gouge zones.
Etiology of Oroya Fever. VI. Pathological Changes observed in Animals Experimentally infected with Bartonella bacilliformis. The Distribution of the Parasites in the Tissues.

The pathological changes observed in the organs in Macacus rhesus monkeys which have succumbed to severe infection with Bartonella bacilliformis are similar to those found in human organs in persons dying of Oroya fever. The characteristic changes in the liver are the zonal necrosis of the cells around the hepatic veins, involving active macrophagocytosis of invading polymorphonuclear leucocytes in the necrotic areas, and a marked endothelial hyperplasia in the sinusoids or around the portal veins. In some instances there is fatty infiltration of hepatic cells. In the spleen persistent hyperplasia of the endothelial cells of the capillaries leads to the formation of minute foci of infarction, owing to occlusion of the lumina. The follicles are dispersed or reduced, and there is an active macrophagocytosis of cellular debris, polymorphonuclear leucocytes, and erythrocytes. In some specimens an increase in normoblasts is noted. Pigment is sometimes present. The lymphatic system shows general progressive endothelial hyperplasia, with active invasion of macrophages which contain polymorphonuclear leucocytes, erythrocytes, and greenish or dark pigments. In the bone marrow there is increased activity of macrophagocytes. Numerous normoblasts are found in some instances. In one monkey, sacrificed during the course of infection, small, verruga-like nodules were found in the lungs and spleen. Bartonella bacilliformis has been detected microscopically, though in small numbers, in all tissues showing histological changes. Parallel cultural determinations of the presence of Bartonella bacilliformis in the blood, liver, spleen, lymphatic glands, bone marrow, and local lesions established the relationship between the pathological conditions and the presence of the parasite. The organism seems to persist longest in the lymphatic glands. Cultural methods offer a simple and conclusive means for the determination of the presence or absence of the infecting organism.
Immunological aspects of Giardia infections

Immunodeficiency, particularly antibody deficiency, predisposes to increased intensity and persistence of Giardia infections. Giardia-infected immunocompetent hosts produce serum and intestinal antibodies against Giardia trophozoites. The number of Giardia muris trophozoites, in mice with G. muris infection, is reduced by intra-duodenal administration of anti-G. muris antibody. Giardia intestinalis antigens that are recognised by human anti-trophozoite antibodies include variable (variant-specific) and invariant proteins. Nitric oxide (NO) appears to contribute to host clearance of Giardia trophozoites. Arginine is a precursor of NO and is metabolised by Giardia trophozoites, possibly reducing its availability for generation of NO by the host. Work with mice suggests that T lymphocytes and interleukin-6 (IL-6) contribute to clearance of Giardia infection via mechanisms independent of antibodies.
Chromosome Topology—Organizing Genes by Loops and Bounds

Suppose that you have several kilometers of very fine thread and must find a way to fit it inside a sphere the size of a golf ball. The thread cannot be packed too tightly because all points along its length must be accessible. Your packaging plan must also accommodate the need to unravel and repack
COMPLETE RADICAL NEPHRECTOMY AND VENA CAVAL THROMBECTOMY DURING CIRCULATORY ARREST

Purpose: A modification of radical nephrectomy for renal carcinoma and vena caval tumor thrombectomy for supradiaphragmatic tumor extension under hypothermic circulatory arrest is presented.Materials and Methods: Nephrectomy was performed during the circulatory arrest time in 16 consecutive patients during the last 4 years.Results: Average hypothermic circulatory arrest time increased by 6 minutes. By elimination of manipulation of tumor and thrombus before circulatory arrest potential thrombus fragmentation and embolization were minimized. There were no significant differences in blood loss or complications compared to a prior series of 10 patients undergoing the procedure using conventional techniques.Conclusions: Performance of complete radical nephrectomy along with venal caval embolectomy during circulatory arrest increases the safety of the procedure without significant morbidity.
The interaction of conditioned taste aversions and schedule-induced polydipsia: Effects of repeated conditioning trials

In Experiment 1, rats poisoned following schedule-induced saccharin consumption showed a moderate reduction in the schedule-induced consumption of saccharin. With repeated poisoning, schedule-induced saccharin polydipsia was markedly reduced. Acquisition of conditioned aversion under the schedule-induced procedure was significantly slower than acquisition under water deprivation. In addition, recovery of consumption of the previously poisoned solution during extinction was more rapid under schedule-induced polydipsia. Experiment 2 revealed that schedule-induced polydipsia was less sensitive to suppression by conditioned aversions than a prandial drinking condition in which subjects were equally food deprived but were given a mass feeding instead of spaced pellet deliveries, suggesting that the relative insensitivity of schedule-induced polydipsia to conditioned taste aversions is not simply a function of different levels of food deprivation. This relative insensitivity is offered as a partial basis for the occurrence and maintenance of schedule-induced alcohol polydipsia.
Charge density enhancement due to recirculatory flow

This paper develops a system model for electrification in a flow loop and investigates volume charge accumulation due to re-circulatory flow between a charge source and several charge relaxation regions. Enhanced charge densities are predicted when the source is a filter and the residence time in the relaxation regions is small compared to the liquid dielectric relaxation time. Small scale flow loop experiments verified the enhanced charge densities. In these experiments, transformer oil was circulated at volume flow rates of 0.063-1.26 l/s between a 208 l reservoir and a paper cellulose filter. The filter and the reservoir were electrically isolated from the rest of the flow loop and either grounded or virtually grounded through current measuring electrometers. The charge densities of the fluid entering and exiting the filter and reservoir were measured using absolute charge sensors. Good agreement was obtained between the electrometer current and the calculated difference in convection currents. Bypassing the reservoir greatly reduced the residence time for charge relaxation and resulted in increased volume charge densities over the reservoir flow case. The charge density was found to have a strong dependence on temperature. >
A Crossover in the Mechanical Response of Nanocrystalline Ceramics

Multimillion-atom molecular dynamics simulation of indentation of nanocrystalline silicon carbide reveals unusual deformation mechanisms in brittle nanophase materials, resulting from the coexistence of brittle grains and soft amorphous grain boundary phases. Simulations predict a crossover from intergranular continuous deformation to intragrain discrete deformation at a critical indentation depth. The crossover arises from the interplay between cooperative grain sliding, grain rotations, and intergranular dislocation formation similar to stick-slip behavior. The crossover is also manifested in switching from deformation dominated by indentation-induced crystallization to deformation dominated by disordering, leading to amorphization. This interplay between deformation mechanisms is critical for the design of ceramics with superior mechanical properties.
Speckle reduction in multipolarization, multifrequency SAR imagery

An algorithm to take advantage of this polarization diversity to suppress the speckle effect with much less resolution broadening than using spatial filtering is discussed. The coupling between polarization channels is minimized by using local intensity ratios. The degree of speckle reduction is similar to two-look or three-look processing. The same algorithm can also be used to process multifrequency polarimetric SAR. For three-frequency aircraft SAR data speckle reduction equivalent to six-look processing can be achieved. Further speckle reduction is possible by applying speckle filters in the spatial domain. In addition, a vector speckle filter which operates simultaneously in the polarization and spatial domains is tested. Experimental results with simulated polarimetric SAR as well as one-look and multilook parametric SAR data demonstrate the effectiveness of these speckle reductions, with minimum resolution broadening and coupling between polarimetric and frequency channels. Comparisons with other algorithms are also made. >
Weak legs: misbehavior before the enemy.

STATUTES MAKE FOR APPALLINGLY TEDIOUS reading unless primitively short and to the point as, for example, this provision in the early Kentish laws of IEthelberht (c. 600): "He who smashes a chin bone [of another] shall pay 20 shillings" or this one from King AElfred (c. 890): "If anyone utters a public slander, and it is proved against him, he shall make no lighter amends than the carving out of his tongue."1 Yet on very rare occasion a modern statute can rivet our attention and when it does it seems to do so by mimicking some of the look and feel of legislation enacted in less lawyer-ridden times. Consider the statute presently set forth in the United States Code as part of the Uniform Code of Military Justice:
Blood, sweat, and fears: the autonomic architecture of emotion.

Abstract: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in emotion, providing metabolic support for adaptive action, generating appearance changes with high signal value for conspecifics, and producing visceral sensations that shape subjective emotional experience. In this chapter, I consider several of the most important ways that the ANS is involved in emotion, including: (a) peripheral activation of emotion; (b) autonomic influences on emotional language and the labeling of subjective emotional experience; (c) positive emotion and autonomic soothing; (d) expressive signs of autonomic origin; (e) autonomic substrates of emotional contagion and empathy; and (f) autonomic consequences of emotion regulation. For each, I describe relevant research from our laboratory and discuss implications for an evolutionary account of emotion. In these and many other ways the autonomic architecture of human emotion has evolved not only to move blood and tears in the service of fears, but also to provide us with a rich set of tools that help us communicate and signal the nature of our internal emotional experiences, understand the emotions of others, calm ourselves and others, and give us some modicum of control over harmful and unproductive emotions.
Sustained elevations in NEFA induce cyclooxygenase-2 activity and potentiate THP-1 macrophage foam cell formation.

Abstract Type 2 diabetes, a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, is associated with a cluster of lipid risk factors, many of which can be mechanistically linked with underlying dysregulated fatty acid metabolism and elevated plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Thus, we tested the hypothesis that elevated NEFA dysregulates lipid metabolism at the levels of lipid synthesis and gene expression in THP-1 monocyte derived macrophages (MDM). THP-1 MDM incubated with oleic acid (OA) and a BODIPY-conjugated NEFA, accumulate, respectively, intracellular inclusions that are positive for oil red O and BODIPY-labeling. Parallel studies with [ 14 C]OA show dose-dependent accumulation of intracellular 14 C-labeled neutral lipid, almost exclusively as triglyceride; the rate of [ 3 H]OA uptake increases as THP-1 MDM convert to foam cells. Preincubation of THP-1 MDM with higher concentrations of OA (1.8mM versus 0.2mM) was associated with enhanced uptake of Ac-LDL, and increased expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein, FAT/CD36, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); COX-2 mass and activity also increased. These observations suggest a mechanistic link between sustained elevations in albumin-bound NEFA and foam cell formation that may be mediated by enhanced adipogenesis, increased uptake of modified LDL, and upregulated formation of eicosanoids, which may be proinflammatory.
Assessing the consequences

Columbian Consequences. Volume 2: Archaeological and Historical Perspectives on the Spanish Borderlands East. DAVID HURST THOMAS, ed.
The Relationship between Text Comprehension and Second Language Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition: A Matter of Topic Familiarity.

The study examines the relationship between second language (L2) passage comprehension and intake (form recognition), gain (meaning recognition and production), and retention of new lexical items from the passages. The effect of topic familiarity on the above relationships is also examined. Participants were a cross-sectional sample of L2 learners. All participants read more and less familiar script-based narratives containing nonsense words. After reading they performed a free-written recall in their first language. Two days after reading, an intake and 2 gain measures were administered. Twenty-eight days after reading, the 2 gain measures were repeated. Analyses reveal a generally robust consistent role of passage comprehension in lexical gain and retention, but differential patterns of relationships in intake due to effects of topic familiarity.
Combined reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peripheral artery disease in sedentary elders with functional limitations

Abstract Objectives Because they are potentially modifiable and may coexist, we evaluated the combined occurrence of a reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), including its association with exertional symptoms, physical inactivity, and impaired mobility, in sedentary elders with functional limitations. Design Cross sectional. Setting Lifestyle Interventions and Independence in Elder (LIFE) Study. Participants A total of 1307 sedentary community-dwelling persons, mean age 78.9, with functional limitations (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] Measurements A reduced FEV1 was defined by a z-score less than −1.64 ( Results A combined reduced FEV1 and PAD was established in 6.0% (78/1307) of participants. However, among those who had a reduced FEV1, 34.2% (78/228) also had PAD, whereas 20.8% (78/375) of those who had PAD also had a reduced FEV1. The 2 combined conditions were associated with exertional dyspnea (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] 2.59 [1.20–5.60]) and slow gait speed (adjOR 3.15 [1.72–5.75]) but not with exertional leg symptoms, high sedentary time, and moderate-to-severe mobility impairment. Conclusions In sedentary community-dwelling elders with functional limitations, a reduced FEV1 and PAD frequently coexisted and, in combination, were strongly associated with exertional dyspnea and slow gait speed (a frailty indicator that increases the risk of deleterious outcomes).
The influence of transection site on the development of pancreatic fistula in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy: A review of 294 consecutive cases

Background Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a significant cause of morbidity in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy (DP), with an incidence of 15–40%. It remains unclear if the location of pancreatic transection affects the rate of PF occurrence. This study examines the correlation between the transection site of the pancreas during DP and the incidence of PF. Methods All cases of DP from October 2005 to January 2012 were reviewed retrospectively from an institutional review board-approved database at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. The pancreatic transection location was determined by review of operative reports, and then dichotomized into 2 groups: neck/body or tail. PF were graded following the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula guidelines. Results During the study period, 294 DP were performed with 244 pancreas transections at the neck/body and 50 at the tail. Of the 294 patients, 52 (17.7%) developed a postoperative PF. The incidence of PF after transection at the tail of the pancreas was higher (28%) when compared with transection at the neck/body (15.6%; P = .04). When stratified by PF grade, grade A PF occurred more commonly when transection of the gland was at the tail (22% tail vs 8.2% neck/body; P = .007); however, no difference was found for grade B/C PF (6% tail vs 7.4% neck/body; P = 1). Conclusion Our data suggest that PF occurs more often when the tail is transected during DP, although the majority are low grade and of minimal clinical significance. More severe PF occurred equally between the transection sites.
Anxiolytic effects of nicotine in a rodent test of approach–avoidance conflict

Rationale Nicotine has been reported to produce both anxiolytic and/or anxiogenic effects in humans and animals. Objectives This study examined whether pretreatment with nicotine would alter anxiety in a unique runway model of approach–avoidance conflict. Materials and methods Food-restricted rats were trained to run a straight alley once a day to obtain food upon goal-box entry. Beginning on trial 11, food reward was followed by a series of five foot shocks (0.3–0.4 mA, 0.5 s) in the goal box. Non-shocked control rats continued to run for food only. The resulting association of the goal box with both a positive (food) and negative (foot shock) stimulus produced an approach–avoidance conflict (subjects exhibited “retreat behaviors” in which they would approach the goal box, stop, and then retreat back towards the start box). Once retreats were established, their sensitivity to nicotine pretreatment (0.0, 0.03, 0.045, 0.06, or 0.075 mg/kg, i.v.) was compared to saline. In subsequent tests, the effects of nicotine (0.06 or 0.03 mg/kg) were examined on spontaneous activity (locomotion) and center-square entries in an open field (anxiety). Results Doses of 0.06 and 0.075 mg/kg, but not lower doses of nicotine, reduced the number of runway retreats, and 0.06 mg/kg nicotine increased the number of open-field center entries relative to saline. No effects on locomotion were observed. Conclusions Nicotine reduced approach–avoidance conflict and increased the rats’ willingness to enter the center of an open field, suggesting that the drug can produce anxiolytic properties and that such effects may serve as an important factor in the persistence of smoking behavior.
Geophysical Model of Gravity-Magnetic High, Virginia Coastal Plain: ABSTRACT

The Coastal Plain province of Virginia is characterized by a coincidental gravity and magnetic high parallel with the northeast-southwest Appalachian trend in the north changing to a north-south trend in the south. Both ends of the anomaly steeply grade into the regional field in Maryland and North Carolina. Interpretation of 2 cross-strike geophysical profiles indicates that the anomaly is due to a high-density mafic unit flanked by low-density granitic(?) units. Geophysical signatures to the east of the anomaly are not parallel with Appalachian regional trends that characterize areas to the west. Gravity models extending to 3 km depths on the southern profile (parallel with I-64 USGS line) and 4 km on the northern profile were chosen experimentally for optimal estimation of density contrasts. First approximations of the profile using vertical blocks to obtain density contrasts showed that east-dipping (^approx60°) crustal blocks better represent the data. Well logs show that the anomaly is characterized by metagabbro, metabasalt, and amphibolite flanked by coherent lower-density granitic crustal blocks. Triassic-Jurassic clastic basins on the flanks of the anomaly to the west are fault-bound, but occur as vast basin infills to the east. A conceptual model suggests that the anomaly may represent a suture zone between the North American crustal block to the west and possibly a remnant Avalonian(?) microplate to the east. Marked lineaments observable on computer-enhanced Landsat images closely parallel the subsurface trend of the anomaly. End_of_Article - Last_Page 248------------
Influence of the U(1) A anomaly on the QCD phase transition

The SU(3){sub r}xSU(3){sub l} linear sigma model is used to study the chiral symmetry restoring phase transition of QCD at nonzero temperature. The line of second order phase transitions separating the first order and smooth crossover regions is located in the plane of the strange and nonstrange quark masses. It is found that if the U(1){sub A} symmetry is explicitly broken by the U(1){sub A} anomaly, then there is a smooth crossover to the chirally symmetric phase for physical values of the quark masses. However, if the U(1){sub A} anomaly is absent, the region of first order phase transitions is significantly enlarged and it is found that there is a phase transition for physical values of the quark masses provided that the {sigma} meson mass is at least 600 MeV. In both cases, the region of first order phase transitions in the quark mass plane is enlarged as the mass of the {sigma} meson is increased.
Cancer cachexia and anabolic interventions: a case report

Background Standard-of-care (SOC) cancer treatments are primarily aimed at reducing size and progression of a tumor. There is a need for successful supplemental anabolic therapies to combat cancer cachexia in addition to these SOC treatment modalities. Anabolic interventions, including testosterone and amino acid supplements, may be beneficial in reducing and/or reversing muscle wasting in these patient populations.
Graded Visual Attention Modulates Brain Responses Evoked by Task-irrelevant Auditory Pitch Changes

Previous studies suggested that auditory change-specific neural responses are attention-independent and reflect central auditory processing. The automaticity of the brain's response to infrequent changes in pitch within a series of auditory tone pips was examined in parallel functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and event-related potential (ERP) studies. Subjects performed a continuous perceptual-motor visual tracking task at two levels of difficulty while simultaneously hearing a series of task-irrelevant standard tone pips and infrequent pitch-deviant tones. fMRI results revealed that the unattended pitch-deviant tones strongly activated superior temporal and frontal cortical regions. These activations were significantly modulated by the tracking difficulty of the primary task. ERP results revealed that the amplitude of the scalp-negative component evoked by deviant tones (MMN) was attenuated during the more difficult tracking task. Our results demonstrate that the brain's response to task-irrelevant sensory changes is strongly influenced by intermodal attentional demands.
What Can 1 Million Trials Tell Us About Visual Search

In a typical visual search experiment, observers look through a set of items for a designated target that may or may not be present. Reaction time (RT) is measured as a function of the number of items in the display (set size), and inferences about the underlying search processes are based on the slopes of the resulting RT 〈 Set Size functions. Most search experiments involve 5 to 15 subjects perform- ing a few hundred trials each. In this retrospective study, I examine results from 2,500 experimental sessions of a few hundred trials each (approximately 1 million total trials). These data represent a wide variety of search tasks. The resulting picture of human search behav- ior requires changes in our theories of visual search.
The autumn effect: timing of physical dormancy break in seeds of two winter annual species of Geraniaceae by a stepwise process

Background and aims The involvement of two steps in the physical dormancy (PY)-breaking process previously has been demonstrated in seeds of Fabaceae and Convolvulaceae. Even though there is a claim for a moisture-controlled stepwise PY-breaking in some species of Geraniaceae, no study has evaluated the role of temperature in the PY-breaking process in this family. The aim of this study was to determine whether a temperature-controlled stepwise PY-breaking process occurs in seeds of the winter annuals Geranium carolinianum and G. dissectum. Methods Seeds of G. carolinianum and G. dissectum were stored under different temperature regimes to test the effect of storage temperature on PY-break. The role of temperature and moisture regimes in regulating PY-break was investigated by treatments simulating natural conditions. Greenhouse (non-heated) experiments on seed germination and burial experiments (outdoors) were carried out to determine the PY-breaking behaviour in the natural habitat. Key results Irrespective of moisture conditions, sensitivity to the PY-breaking step in seeds of G. carolinianum was induced at temperatures ≥20 °C, and exposure to temperatures ≤20 °C made the sensitive seeds permeable. Sensitivity of seeds increased with time. In G. dissectum, PY-break occurred at temperatures ≥20 °C in a single step under constant wet or dry conditions and in two steps under alternate wet-dry conditions if seeds were initially kept wet. Conclusions Timing of seed germination with the onset of autumn can be explained by PY-breaking processes involving (a) two temperature-dependent steps in G. carolinianum and (b) one or two moisture-dependent step(s) along with the inability to germinate under high temperatures in G. dissectum. Geraniaceae is the third of 18 families with PY in which a two-step PY-breaking process has been demonstrated.
Isothiocyanatostilbenes as novel c-Met inhibitors

// Alana L. Gray 1, 2 , David T. Coleman 1, 2 , Reneau F. Castore 1, 2 , Mohamed M. Mohyeldin 3 , Khalid A. El Sayed 3 , James A. Cardelli 1, 2 1 Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA 2 Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Shreveport, LA, USA 3 University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA Correspondence to: James A. Cardelli, e-mail: jcarde@lsuhsc.edu Keywords: c-Met, isothiocyanatostilbenes, DIDS, H2DIDS Received: August 05, 2015 Accepted: September 17, 2015 Published: October 31, 2015 ABSTRACT The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR or c-Met) is a driver of multiple cancer subtypes. While there are several c-Met inhibitors in development, few have been approved for clinical use, warranting the need for continued research and development of c-Met targeting therapeutic modalities. The research presented here demonstrates a particular class of compounds known as isothiocyanatostilbenes can act as c-Met inhibitors in multiple cancer cell lines. Specifically, we found that 4,4′-Diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) and 4,4′-Diisothiocyanatodihydrostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (H2DIDS) had c-Met inhibitory effective doses in the low micromolar range while 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS) and 4,4′-dinitrostilbene-2, 2′-disulfonic acid (DNDS) exhibited IC 50 s 100 to 1000 fold higher. These compounds displayed much greater selectivity for inhibiting c-Met activation compared to similar receptor tyrosine kinases. In addition, DIDS and H2DIDS reduced hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced, but not epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced, cell scattering, wound healing, and 3-dimensional (3D) proliferation of tumor cell spheroids. In-cell and cell-free assays suggested that DIDS and H2DIDS can inhibit and reverse c-Met phosphorylation, similar to SU11274. Additional data demonstrated that DIDS is tolerable in vivo . These data provide preliminary support for future studies examining DIDS, H2DIDS, and derivatives as potential c-Met therapeutics.
A review of the genus Bruchia Weise 1906 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)

The species of Bruchia are reviewed. Bruchia armata from Brazil, Colombia and Peru, and B. scapularis from Colombia are described as new. Each species is described and illustrated and a key to the species is provided.
Women Engineering Students' Self Efficacy -- A Longitudinal Multi-Institution Study

This paper describes the results of a longitudinal study of women engineering self- efficacy at five institutions across the U.S. Results are mixed indicating that while students show positive progress on some self-efficacy and related subscales, the isolation subscale shows a decrease from the first to second measure. Further, individual students do not show growth in these subscales as they move from one year to the next in their degree programs.
A SPECTRAL THEORY FOR LINEAR ALMOST PERIODIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a spectral theory for linear almost periodic differential equations. The chapter presents a theory describing the asymptotic behavior of solutions of linear differential equations with almost periodic coefficients. By using a theory on the existence of dichotomies and invariant splittings, a certain subset of the real line turns out to be crucial in theory. The prototype for a linear skew product flow arises in the study of linear ordinary differential equations. The central problem in the spectral theory of linear almost periodic differential equations is to determine whether the spectrum where an almost periodic minimal set is given is always pure point spectrum.
Gender roles and coping with work stress

The influence of gender roles on coping with workplace stressors was examined among 176 adult undergraduate students (130 females, 46 males) who were concurrently employed while attending college. The majority of participants (91.5%) were White and from working-class backgrounds. As expected, androgynous persons were significantly more likely to report using help-seeking, direct action, and positive-thinking coping mechanisms than were individuals with undifferentiated gender roles. Both feminine and masculine persons reported significantly greater use of positive-thinking coping styles than did undifferentiated persons, and feminine persons were also significantly more likely than undifferentiated persons to use direct action. No gender-role differences were found among individuals' reported use of escape-related coping mechanisms. Regression analyses revealed that femininity and masculinity scores were significant predictors of control-related coping styles, whereas biological gender was a significant predictor of direct action coping. These findings are discussed within the context of future research and application.
A Fatal Attraction The Effect of TV Viewing on Smoking Initiation Among Young Women

This study explores whether there is a connection between TV viewing and the intention of young adult women to smoke and their ability to refuse smoking. Young adult women were defined as between 18 and 24 years of age (N = 156). Using Cultivation Theory as a framework, the researchers found that TV viewing positively predicts smoking intentions and negatively predicts the ability to refuse smoking. Accounting for smoking knowledge, current smoking behaviors, and other media use, TV viewing predicts smoking intentions. This suggests that TV viewing may be a powerful predictor of (a) smoking intentions and (b) the inability to refuse a cigarette in a peer pressure/social situation.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis produced in mice by brain proteolipide (Folch-Lees).

ConclusionProteolipide A and B of Folch and Lees, a new group of lipoproteins, are capable of bringing about in mice acute disseminated encephalomyelitis indistinguishable from the affection induced by inoculation of whole brain tissue. The substance contains practically all of the encephalitogenic agent present in brain.
Our First Decade with the Face Fly, Musca autumnalis

A year-by-year documentation of the 1951–60 history of the face fly ( Musca autumnalis DeGeer) in North America is presented. It is apparently an immigrant species, from the lack of authentic early records and the recent spreading throughout northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Critical nodes identification in complex systems

To control complex systems with limited resources, critical nodes need to be identified for protection or removal. Loss of critical nodes decreases or minimizes a system’s ability to diffuse entities such as information, goods, or diseases. We design three metrics to assess system homogeneity, diffusion speed, and diffusion scale, and investigate their performance over complex systems. Six algorithms using the three metrics to identify critical nodes are examined. The three nonpolynomial-time algorithms identify the most critical nodes (global optimum). The three polynomial-time algorithms identify critical nodes step by step (local optima), but do not guarantee the global optimum. The three polynomial-time algorithms are compared to other critical nodes identification algorithms and have better performance; they may be applied to practical problems to efficiently identify critical nodes in complex systems.
The Challenge of Diagnosing Dyspnea

Dyspnea is a subjective and nonspecific symptom, yet very distressing for those who experience it. Acute onset dyspnea and exacerbation of chronic dyspnea from heart or lung disease significantly add to the number of emergency department visits and inpatient admissions. Although dyspnea may appear to be a simple condition to evaluate and manage, it is actually complex in description and quality. As such, dyspnea is the first symptom of many diseases. The onset of dyspnea can be due to a new acute disease, the exacerbation of an existing chronic illness, or a new disease compounding a chronic illness. Finding the cause of dyspnea is generally more difficult than it originally may appear. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to discuss the differential diagnoses associated with dyspnea.
Intersections between public and private: community gardens, community service and geographies of care in the US City of Buffalo, NY

Abstract. This paper discusses issues of public space, citizenship, gender, and race in the light of public relocation of responsibility for social services and care to private communities due to the elimination, privatization or devolvement of such services by state restructuring and welfare reform. The presented case studies are taken from a larger study of community gardens in Buffalo, NY. This mixed methods study found connections between community organizations' commitment to community gardening and their involvement in the provision of social, youth, and emergency services, including after school programs, tutoring, refugee services, and winter coat drives. The paper concludes that the everyday lives of Buffalo’s residents within the social, political and economic conditions cannot be separated from the effects of larger structural processes, such as deindustrialization, privatization, and state restructuring.
Comparative Study of Pretreatment Methods for the Determination of Aluminum in Flour and Its Products by Zeeman Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Objective Set up relatively-complete sample pretreatment methods for the determination of aluminum in flour and its products;Study the effects of various factors on the Zeeman Graphite Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy determination Method After treating the samples by different.Methods Dry digestion,wet digestion,microwave digestion,the aluminum in flour and its products is determined by Zeeman Graphite Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.Results The optimum determination wavelength is 257.4nm.Linear calibration range is 0～400 μg/L,r=0.990,the detection limit was 5mg/kg,recoveries of 83%～95%,the RSD of 2.6%～5.7%.Conclusion In dry digestion process,the temperature choice of 700～750 C gives optimum results;Wet digestion process gives relatively lower recovery results;Microwave digestion by adding Nitric acid and Hydrofluoric acid,setting up enough digestion time is complete and would achieve satisfied results.By moderately elevating the graphite ash temperature and atomic temperature an increased accuracy of determination is obtained.