cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Where’s WALDO: a potential tool for training radiology residents?

We investigated the effects of using games to identify hidden abnormalities to enhance visual diagnostic skills in radiology residents. Radiology residents viewed 50 chest images while their eye position was recorded. They were then given a Where’s WALDO book to study over 3 weeks. They then reviewed the 50 chest images again. Performance in detecting abnormalities and visual search parameters were analyzed. There was no significant difference as a function of Waldo vs control for pre vs post testing. With respect to the eye-tracking data, the first measure considered was total viewing time. Overall there was a significant difference as a function of Waldo vs control group (z = 2.332, p = 0.0197) and pre vs post (F = 43.48, p < 0.0001) with those in the Waldo group experiencing a larger drop in viewing time from pre (mean = 20.65, sd = 15.29 Waldo; mean = 12.43, sd = 6.91 control) to post (mean = 14.62, sd = 10.32 Waldo; mean = 10.86, sd = 6.11 control). Fixation durations were significantly shorter (F = 16.51, p < 0.0001) pre (mean = 332.31, sd = 232.47 Waldo; mean = 378.32, sd = 234.88 control) than post (mean = 328.36, sd = 210.41 Waldo; mean = 359.45, sd = 228.17 control) and for control vs Waldo (F = 188.56, p < 0.0001). Practicing Where’s WALDO or similar nonradiology search task images may facilitate the acquisition of radiology image interpretation skills.
Analysis of Underfill-Polymer Interfacial Adhesive Strength by Combined Experimental and Modeling Approaches

Underfill (UF) polymer (PM) structures are becoming increasingly popular in fan-out packages because they exhibit several advantages, such as protection from mechanical stress and package- to-system electrical and thermal conductivity. The laminate integrity of UF-PM interfaces plays a crucial role in determining fan-out package performance and long-term reliability. In this study, we presented a fracture-mechanics-based experimental method and finite element method to quantitatively determine the interfacial adhesive performance of UF PMs. The adhesion in the UF-PM interface was experimentally characterized using the four-point bending (4PB) test. Unlike the stud-pull test, which is widely used in industry, fracture toughness can be characterized using the (4PB) test, which is effective in determining not only the interfacial strength but also the critical strain energy release rate (Gc). Furthermore, an underfill polymer structure design was simulated based on the fracture modeling methodology in which the virtual crack closure technique (also known as virtual crack closure integral) was applied to estimate strain energy release rate (G) at a specific UF-PM interface. This result revealed that the proposed predictive modeling approach could successfully evaluate the risk of delamination. Crucially, these techniques can be applied to rapidly evaluate new UF and polymer material selection strategies and to examine the effect of process modification on adhesive performance in various environments.
Biliary intervention rates during neoadjuvant therapy for adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head.

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant therapy prior to resection of adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head increases time to surgery and thus the possibility of biliary complications. We hypothesized that biliary complications during neoadjuvant therapy negatively impact clinical outcomes. Methods We completed a retrospective study of a cohort of borderline resectable patients consistently treated with neoadjuvant therapy from May 2014 through March 2019. Biliary complications were defined as new-onset biliary obstruction, existing stent failure, cholecystitis, and cholangitis. Results Of 59 patients that met inclusion criteria, 34 (57.6%) went on to resection. Biliary complications affected 16 patients (27%); 8 (50%) of these patients went on to surgical resection. Of those 43 patients who did not have a biliary intervention, 26 went on to surgical resection (60.4%). There was no significant effect of a biliary complication on total number of chemotherapy cycles (p = 0.12), proceeding to surgical resection (p = 0.56) or on median survival (p = 0.23). Among patients who did proceed to surgery, there was a notable difference in median survival for patients who required a biliary intervention (17.9 vs 31.0 months) that did not reach significance (p = 0.35). Conclusion The need for further biliary interventions during neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma is common, but does not appear to have a significant effect on number of cycles of neoadjuvant therapy or proceeding to surgical resection. Larger studies are necessary to determine if these events compromise overall survival.
Will advanced cholangiocarcinoma become a targetable malignancy

Cholangiocarcinoma and biliary tract cancers are rare but aggressive tumors that are characterized by an heterogenous molecular and genetic footprint. Genetic aberrations such as FGFR2 fusion and ErBb2 amplification are common in those cancers. Recent studies aimed at exploring the efficacy and benefit of targeted therapy in the treatment of advanced cholangiocarcinoma. Many promising drugs exist and warrant additional investigations. This review will summarize available results and highlight therapeutic strategies incorporated in clinical trials.
Role and mechanism of all-trans retinoic acid in up-regulating apelin expression in vascular smooth muscle cells

This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA) up-regulating apelin expression in vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs). The effect of ATRA on apelin expression in the VSMCs was investigated by RT-PCR, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. To further define whether retinoic acid receptor α(RARα) mediated the induction of apelin by ATRA, endogenous RARα was down regulated by transfection of si RNA against RARα(si-RARα) or RARα was over-expressed by infection of the adenovirus vector p Ad-GFP-RARα in the VSMCs. The results showed that ATRA significantly induced apelin expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner in the VSMCs. Although RARα expression was increased in a time-dependent manner, the expressions of RARβ and RARγ were little changed by the ATRA treatment. When VSMCs were treated with a RARα antagonist Ro 41-5253 prior to the addition of ATRA, or si-RARα was used to down regulate endogenous RARα expression, the blockade of RARα signaling partially reduced the response of apelin to ATRA. Moreover, RARα over-expression, induced by infection of p Ad-GFP-RARα, further increased the induction of apelin by ATRA. In conclusion, ATRA may up-regulate apelin expression in VSMCs, and the mechanism may be RARα dependent.
On a theology of social work: Historical teachings in contemporary clinical applications

A Christian identity, coupled with clinical social work, can offer a unique lens through which continued clinical work around trauma and healing is both informed and directed. I have leaned heavily...
Intrathecal Methotrexate Induced Dorsal Column Syndrome (5351)

Objective: To describe a rare case of dorsal column dysfunction caused by intrathecal methotrexate. Background: Common causes of dorsal column dysfunction include vitamin B12 deficiency, copper deficiency, syphillis, and more rarely, folate deficiency. Here we report a case of dorsal column dysfunction caused by intrathecal methotrexate, a folate antagonist. Design/Methods: A 69 yo male who developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia was initially treated with HyperCVAD therapy. After a couple of rounds of vincristine, he experienced symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and the vincristine was stopped. Six months later he went into remission and additional therapy was held. His symptoms of neuropathy slowly improved. Unfortunately a year later he relapsed and was started on blinatumomab and intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine. His neuropathy worsened again, even though he was not receiving vincristine and neuropathy is not a known side effect of blinatumomab. Results: MRI of the cervical and thoracic spines showed abnormal T2 hyperintensity in the the dorsal spinal cord. Conclusions: Intrathecal methotrexate is a rare, potential cause of posterior column dysfunction thought to be caused by folate antagonism and should be considered when evaluating the cause of numbness and neuropathy in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. Disclosure: Dr. Nance has nothing to disclose.
Why Play Girls' Rules in Basketball?

(1946). Why Play Girls' Rules in Basketball? The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 152-190.
Could you hand me those keys on the right?'' Disentangling spatial reference frames using different methodologies

Spatial descriptions frequently contain ambiguities because they can be interpreted using more than one reference frame. How do people handle such ambiguities? Previous work suggests either serial choice of reference frames or multiple activation of available frames. While behavioral evidence shows mixed support for these positions, a technique of cognitive neuroscience may provide additional insight. The present research examined spatial description processing using an electrophysiological measure, event-related potentials (ERPs). ERP's fine-grained temporal resolution allows examination of cognitive processes as they unfold. A second behavioral study provides comparison results. This initial study indicated that spatial description comprehension relates to semantic integration. Given this interpretation, data also suggested multiple frame activation with then primary selection of the intrinsic reference frame. Results are discussed in a framework of comparing methodological techniques.
The Sound of Silence: Public School Response to the Needs of Gay and Lesbian Youth.

Abstract In spite of professional association leadership, public schools have been reluctant to accept responsibility for protecting sexual minority students against acts of harassment and discrimination. Study results show attitudes of students and educators toward homosexual youth have changed little over the past ten years. It is proposed that active involvement of educators in the creation of safe and supportive environments for gay and lesbian students is no longer optional due to recent court decisions. Problem areas and suggestions for developing gay supportive school environments are provided.
Methods to Explore Uncertainty and Bias Introduced by Job Exposure Matrices

Job exposure matrices (JEMs) are used to measure exposures based on information about particular jobs and tasks. JEMs are especially useful when individual exposure data cannot be obtained. Nonetheless, there may be other workplace exposures associated with the study disease that are not measured in available JEMs. When these exposures are also associated with the exposures measured in the JEM, biases due to uncontrolled confounding will be introduced. Furthermore, individual exposures differ from JEM measurements due to differences in job conditions and worker practices. Uncertainty may also be present at the assessor level since exposure information for each job may be imprecise or incomplete. Assigning individuals a fixed exposure determined by the JEM ignores these uncertainty sources. We examine the uncertainty displayed by bias analyses in a study of occupational electric shocks, occupational magnetic fields, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Static uncertainty analysis of a wind turbine test bench's load application unit

Modern wind turbine test benches include devices for applying non-torque loads to the driveline of the device under test. The device studied in this paper works by using hydraulic actuators to apply forces to a large disk that is part of and rotates with the driveline. The applied actuator loads result in a net linear force and net moment at the nacelle's control point (point along the driveline that corresponds to what would be the center of the blade hub). Direct measurement of the resulting control point loads is difficult due to their magnitudes (up to 2 million Newtons of linear force and 10 million Newton-meters of bending moment). The current strategy is to use actuator pressure measurements to estimate the loading at the control point. This paper investigates the sources and effects of uncertainty on static, control point load estimation.
Building Workflow Business Objects

OMG is in the final stages of defining the Workflow Management Facility. The facility represents an important building block for a business component infrastructure; it provides a framework for workflow business components that enable realization business processes in a business component environment. Workflow components take care of the overall process logic of a business process, enable monitoring of workflow execution and support flexible combination of reusable business components into workflow applications. We will describe the key concepts of the Workflow Management Facility specification, discuss implementation options for this facility, and explain how to build distributed workflow applications within the framework of such a facility. In addition, we will discuss future extensions to the workflow standard in the areas of resource management and workflow process definition.
Magnetization and heat-capacity measurements on Zn 1-x Cr x Te.

We have taken magnetization and calorimetric measurements on ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Cr}}_{\mathit{x}}$Te (x=0.003). The heat-capacity measurements show a Schottky peak indicating an energy-level splitting of 3.1 K between the ground and first excited states. Above 1.5 K we observe additional heat capacity, which indicates the presence of additional low-energy vibronic excitations. The magnetization data reveal a small anisotropy (\ensuremath{\sim}7%) with the (111) direction giving the largest value. The magnetization data were fit with a model including a static Jahn-Teller distortion proposed previously in these materials [J. T. Vallin, G. A. Slack, S. Roberts, and A. E. Hughes, Phys. Rev. B 2, 4313 (1970)]. Reasonable agreement was found with the data for a spin-orbit parameter of -59 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and a Jahn-Teller energy of 320 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$.
Recognition performance on words interrupted (10 ips, 50% duty cycle) with two interruption patterns referenced to word onset: Young listeners with normal hearing for pure tones and older listeners with sensorineural hearing loss

Objective: To determine in an interrupted word paradigm (Maryland CNCs; 10 ips, 50% duty cycle) if different locations of the interruption pattern produce different recognition performances. Design: Repeated measures using two interruption patterns that were complementary halves referenced to word onset; one started with word onset (0-ms), the other started 50 ms later. The hypothesis was that recognition performance would be better on the 0-ms condition than on the 50-ms condition, but there would be some words with the reverse relation. Study sample: Twenty-four young adults with normal hearing for pure tones and 32 older adults (mean = 67 years) with sensorineural hearing loss participated. Results: With the young listeners mean recognition performance on the 0-ms condition (63.1%) was significantly better than the mean performance on the 50-ms condition (47.8%). About twice as many words had better performance on the 0-ms condition. With the older listeners, who were given only stimuli on which perfor...
Detection of Brominism by an Automated Chloride Method

In the performance of routine determinations of serum chloride by the automated method, which depends on halide displacement of mercury from the thiocyanate to allow formation of ferric thiocyanate complex, 4 cases of bromide poisoning were detected. Experimental evidence shows the halide substitution to be an equilibrium, with higher formation constants for the heavier halide ions. As a result, the chloride determination simultaneously becomes a screen for brominism since the presence of appreciable quantities of bromide ion in serum will produce apparently high chloride values.
Electrical impedance tomography with piecewise polynomial conductivities

Abstract Given only the static boundary flux and potential, electrical impedance tomography solves the inverse problem for the conductivity distribution. A Gauss-Newton solution is presented to solve this nonlinear problem when the conductivity distribution is represented by a piecewise polynomial basis function. An efficient method is presented to solve for the Jacobian matrix. This efficiency is made possible because of the local support of the basis functions used to approximate the conductivity distribution and data collection using the four-electrode technique. A method is presented for the local support case to solve for the Jacobian constants, which are needed to assemble the Jacobian matrix. It is shown that when higher than piecewise constant conductivities are desired it is more efficient to model conductivity than resistivity. Results are presented showing simulated reconstructions using a piecewise constant conductivity representation, and a (bi)linear conductivity representation with C° continuity across conductivity elements. These results show that although the Gauss-Newton method performs very well, further work needs to be done in designing meshes that increase the conditioning of the approximate Hessian matrix.
A Case Study of a Valve Failure Due to Condensation-Induced Waterhammer

In preparation for a power reduction at a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) power plant, the Moisture Separator Drain Tanks (MSDT) were being transitioned from pumping to a flash tank to dumping to the Condenser. This evolution includes initially transitioning to pressure feeding to a lower pressure flash tank first. As soon as the MSDT Pump was tripped, a waterhammer occurred in the 6″ line that contained a valve that isolated the flow path to the lower pressure flash tank. The waterhammer caused the operator of this valve to fail due to a fracture of the yoke on the actuator. Several thermal-hydraulic mechanisms were evaluated and it was postulated that the failure mechanism was a bubble collapse in a 6″ horizontal line upstream of the failed isolation valve leading to the lower pressure (a.k.a., “D”) flash tank. A prerequisite for this mechanism is that the isolation valve leading to the “D” flash tank is “tight” such that line is “cold.” As the valve opens the initial flow regime would be annular before transitioning to a dispersed regime. The vapor and cold water interacted leading to the collapse of an assumed 1″ diameter “trapped” bubble. The collapse of the postulated bubble yielded an unbalanced impulse force of 6000 lbs. for approximately 5 – 10 milliseconds. The pressure spike that generated the unbalanced force was estimated at 208 psid. The initial acceleration of the pipe was estimated to have been as high as 21 g, which was greater than the 11 g estimated necessary to fail the valve actuator.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Conformational Switching Mechanisms Underlying the Activation of Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1)

Physiological Ca2+ signalling in T lymphocytes and various other mammalian cells depends on the STIM-ORAI pathway of store-operated Ca2+ entry. STIM1 and STIM2 are Ca2+ sensors located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, with ER-luminal domains that monitor cellular Ca2+ stores and cytoplasmic domains that gate ORAI channels in the plasma membrane. Physiological stimulation_ through the T cell receptor, the Fce receptor of mast cells, or various G protein-coupled receptors in other cells_ initiates a sequence of ER Ca2+ depletion, dimerization or oligomerization of the STIM luminal domain, and targeting of STIM to ER-plasma membrane junctions. STIM at ER-plasma membrane junctions recruits and directly activates the ORAI channel. Here we demonstrate that dimerization of STIM1 ER-luminal domains triggered by dissociation of Ca2+ initiates an extensive conformational change in STIM1 cytoplasmic domains that involves apposition of the predicted coiled-coil 1 (CC1) regions, physical extension of the STIM1 cytoplasmic domain, and increased exposure of the STIM1 polybasic C-terminal tail. Together these conformational changes promote interaction of the STIM1 C-terminal region with the plasma membrane, the first essential step for communication of STIM1 with ORAI calcium channels in the plasma membrane.
Localization of Mn(II)-oxidizing activity and the putative multicopper oxidase, MnxG, to the exosporium of the marine Bacillus sp. strain SG-1

Dormant spores of the marine Bacillus sp. strain SG-1 catalyze the oxidation of manganese(II), thereby becoming encrusted with insoluble Mn(III,IV) oxides. In this study, it was found that the Mn(II)-oxidizing activity could be removed from SG-1 spores using a French press and recovered in the supernatant following centrifugation of the spores. Transmission electron microscopy of thin sections of SG-1 spores revealed that the ridged outermost layer was removed by passage through the French press, leaving the remainder of the spore intact. Comparative chemical analysis of this layer with the underlying spore coats suggested that this outer layer is chemically distinct from the spore coat. Taken together, these results indicate that this outer layer is an exosporium. Previous genetic analysis of strain SG-1 identified a cluster of genes involved in Mn(II) oxidation, the mnx genes. The product of the most downstream gene in this cluster, MnxG, appears to be a multicopper oxidase and is essential for Mn(II) oxidation. In this study, MnxG was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and used to generate polyclonal antibodies. Western blot analysis demonstrated that MnxG is localized to the exosporium of wild-type spores but is absent in the non-oxidizing spores of transposon mutants within the mnx gene cluster. To our knowledge, Mn(II) oxidation is the first oxidase activity, and MnxG one of the first gene products, ever shown to be associated with an exosporium.
Bridge-condition assessment by modal flexibility

A bridge-condition assessment method for evaluating the global state of health is formulated based on modal flexibility directly obtained by processing modal test data, complemented by structural identification. The method is proven and the experimental and analytical tools that have been developed for implementation are demonstrated on a three-span reinforced-concrete high-way bridge.
True Life in Death

T HE expression "true life in death" is taken, of course, from St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch. It comes from one of the letters1 he wrote in the course of his journey towards martyrdom at Rome, and is one of a series of paradoxical expressions in which he tries to describe the meaning of Jesus Christ. This particular expression, however, is the most typical of all those which he uses, for, as Rudolf Bultmann has well remarked, "death and life are the opposites that govern St. Ignatius' thinking."2
Theory of dissipationless Nernst effects.

We develop a theory of transverse thermoelectric (Peltier) conductivity ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{xy}$, in a strong magnetic field---this particular conductivity is often the most important contribution to the Nernst thermopower. We demonstrate that ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{xy}$ of a free electron gas can be expressed purely and exactly as the entropy per carrier irrespective of temperature (which agrees with the seminal Hall bar result of Girvin and Jonson). In two dimensions we prove the universality of this result in the presence of disorder which allows explicit demonstration of a number of features of interest to experiments on graphene and other two-dimensional materials. We also exploit this relationship in the low-field regime and analyze the rich singularity structure in ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{xy}(B,T)$ in three dimensions; we discuss its possible experimental implications.
Electrostatic control of magnetism in all-oxide multiferroic heterostructures

Much effort has been devoted recently to designing systems exhibiting simultaneous magnetic and ferroelectric order (multiferroics) with a strong magnetoelectric coupling, which could enable the electrostatic control of magnetism in the solid state. One approach consists of exploring interfacial couplings between magnetic and ferroelectric phases of composite systems, where magnetoelectric couplings larger than those typical of single-phase multiferroics have been achieved. Here, we overview our recent work on epitaxial Pb(Zr 0.2 Ti 0.8 )O 3 /La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 (PZT/LSMO) heterostructures tailored to display a large magnetoelectric coupling, which relies on the sensitivity of the magnetic properties of the doped manganites to charge. The magnetoelectric response in this system is hysteretic, displaying abrupt switching between two magnetic states for the two states of the ferroelectric polarization. The microscopic origin of this effect, which is studied using advanced spectroscopic techniques, arises from changes of the valence state of Mn in LSMO induced by the electrostatic modulation in the charge carrier density. Hence, the magnetoelectric coupling in these multiferroic heterostructures is charge-based and electronic in origin. From a quantitative comparison between the measured change in valency and magnetic moment, we conclude that the interfacial spin ordering is modified upon charge doping. This ability to control spin via electric fields opens a new pathway for the development of novel spin-based technologies.
The role of hydrogen bond acceptor groups in the interaction of substrates with Pdr5p, a major yeast drug transporter

The yeast ABC (ATP-binding cassette protein) multidrug transporter Pdr5p transports a broad spectrum of xenobiotic compounds, including antifungal and antitumor agents. Previously, we demonstrated that substrate size is an important factor in substrate−transporter interaction and that Pdr5p has at least three substrate-binding sites. In this study, we use a combination of whole cell transport assays and photoaffinity labeling of Pdr5p with [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin in purified plasma membrane vesicles to study the behavior of two series of novel substrates: trityl (triphenylmethyl) and carbazole derivatives. The results indicate that site 2, defined initially by tritylimidazole efflux, requires at least a single hydrogen bond acceptor group (electron pair donor). In contrast, complete inhibition of rhodamine 6G efflux and [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin binding at site 1 requires substrates with three electronegative groups. Carbazole and trityl substrates with two groups show saturating, incomplete inhibi...
Reconstitution of Functional 50S Ribosomes from in Vitro Transcripts of Bacillus stearothermophilus 23S rRNA

In vitro transcripts of Bacillus stearothermophilus 23S rRNA can be reconstituted into catalytically active 50S ribosomal subunits with an efficiency only 3−4-fold lower than that of natural 23S rRNA. Thus, post-transcriptional modifications in 23S rRNA are not essential for the assembly or function of the 50S subunit of the ribosome. This reconstitution sytem has been used to characterize the peptidyl transferase activity of site-directed mutations in 23S rRNA at positions G2252, U2506, U2584, and A2602 (Escherichia coli numbering), demonstrating its potential for the analysis of the role played by 23S rRNA in the function of the 50S subunit of the ribosome.
Microprocessor Control and Data Acquisition at the LLNL 100 MeV Accelerator

A distributed microprocessor control and data acquisition network has been designed for implementation on the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 100 MeV electron/positron accelerator (LINAC). The system has been designed to be as transparent to the user as possible by stressing responsiveness, reliability, and relevance of data presented to the user. Implementation of the network will take place in modular fashion in three stages, so as to minimize disruption of normal operations. The first elements to be installed will be the beam transport system controls, beam position monitors, and accelerator operating status monitors. These units will reduce beam set-up time. Beam diagnostic equipment is now being designed that will be used in a second stage implementation. This stage will concentrate on determining beam parameters and allowing the user to optimize the beam for a given parameter. The final stage will be to install experimenter data acquisition equipment. The equipment will augment the presently existing data acquisition system. The completed network will allow a more efficient operation of the LINAC, resulting in reduced experiment costs, and more controllable beam parameters, both of which are major concerns of experimenters.
Resolving the phylogeny of lizards and snakes (Squamata) with extensive sampling of genes and species

Squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) are one of the most diverse groups of terrestrial vertebrates. Recent molecular analyses have suggested a very different squamate phylogeny relative to morphological hypotheses, but many aspects remain uncertain from molecular data. Here, we analyse higher-level squamate phylogeny with a molecular dataset of unprecedented size, including 161 squamate species for up to 44 nuclear genes each (33 717 base pairs), using both concatenated and species-tree methods for the first time. Our results strongly resolve most squamate relationships and reveal some surprising results. In contrast to most other recent studies, we find that dibamids and gekkotans are together the sister group to all other squamates. Remarkably, we find that the distinctive scolecophidians (blind snakes) are paraphyletic with respect to other snakes, suggesting that snakes were primitively burrowers and subsequently re-invaded surface habitats. Finally, we find that some clades remain poorly supported, despite our extensive data. Our analyses show that weakly supported clades are associated with relatively short branches for which individual genes often show conflicting relationships. These latter results have important implications for all studies that attempt to resolve phylogenies with large-scale phylogenomic datasets.
Continuous cocaine treatment and monoamine transmission measured by microdialysis in the rat ventral tegmental area.

Rats were treated on a continuous cocaine administration schedule (85 mumol/kg/day s.c. by osmotic minipumps for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week drug-free period) that makes them tolerant to the locomotor-activating effect of cocaine. Subsequently, extracellular serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) were assayed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) by microdialysis in the awake animal. Local infusion of the 5-HT 1A, B, D, 2, 6, 7 receptor antagonist methiothepin (50 muM for 3 hours) into the VTA caused a smaller increase in dialysate 5-HT in cocaine- than saline-pretreated rats (902±189 versus 1630±210%; area under the curve, p<0.02), whereas the increase in DA was small and unchanged (281±50 versus 290±76%; area under the curve, p=0.09). The results provide preliminary support for a cocaine-induced subsensitivity of 5-HT 1B autoreceptors in the VTA in agreement with our previous results obtained ex vivo.
Current concepts in DRA gene regulation

The purpose of this review is to provide an interpretative view of work from our laboratory on the DRA gene, and incorporate it with work from other laboratories. Specially, we will deal with: (a) the functional roles of transcription factors in DRA gene regulation; (b) the mechanisms of DRA induction by cytokines; (c) the analysis of DRA gene control in primary untransformed cells, and (d) interactions among transcription factors critical for DRA gene expression.
Measurement of Genetic Change in Twelve California Dairy Herds

Summary Genetic change in fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield was studied in a population of 11,993 lactation records of 3,900 Jersey cows in 12 herds over a 30-year period. Differences between herds as well as total genetic progress was determined. The between lactation variance of records age-corrected with factors derived from intra-herd analyses of the lactation means was reduced an average of 91%. Repeatability of the age-corrected FCM records estimated by intraclass correlation within herds ranged from .20±.05 to .52±.05. Yearly environmental effects were estimated using a maximum likelihood method developed by Henderson (6). Annual genetic change was expressed as the linear regression of FCM yield on year of records adjusted for yearly environmental effects. The average genetic change for all herds was 74lb FCM annually. The genetic change within individual herds ranged from −51±52 to 145±21lb FCM per year. A pooled intra-sire regression of the progeny's MPPA on generation number within the largest herd yielded an estimate of genetic change agreeing closely with the maximum likelihood estimate.
Release of smart chemicals for the in-service repair of bridges and roadways

The purpose of this project was to investigate the effectiveness of `self-healing' concrete in seismic situations. The concept of self-healing concrete involves the release and activation of an adhesive agent from within a given concrete member in order to fill and seal local cracks. It is possible that such a mechanism could enhance stiffness in the member, increase damping, or do both, thus reducing the structure's chances of failure in the event of an earthquake.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Signaling through the small G-protein Cdc42 is involved in insulin-like growth factor-I resistance in aging articular chondrocytes

During aging, chondrocytes become unresponsive to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). This study examined the role of Cdc42 (cell-division-cycle 42) in IGF-I signaling during aging. Experiments were performed using cartilage and chondrocytes isolated from horses ages 1 day-25 years. Northern analysis was used to examine expression of the small GTPases Cdc42, Rac, and RhoA. Western analysis was utilized to assess total Cdc42 (GTP + GDP-bound); active, GTP-Cdc42 was assessed using a pulldown assay with Western analysis. GTP-Cdc42 was also measured following IGF-I treatment. Gene expression for Cdc42 and Rac were decreased in mature samples, but there was no difference in total Cdc42 (GTP + GDP-bound) protein expression due to age. GTP-Cdc42 was significantly greater in prepubescent samples compared to other age groups. IGF-I diminished the GTP-bound state of Cdc42 in prepubescent chondrocytes; however, this effect was lost during aging. No differences in results were observed due to sample type; that is, cartilage tissues versus isolated chondrocytes. These studies suggest that loss of IGF-I-mediated regulation of Cdc42 activation may be a mechanism for the chondrocyte unresponsive state during aging. Further, the activation state of Cdc42, measured in native and IGF-I-treated cartilage tissue for the first time, is similar to that of isolated chondrocytes, indicating that the activation state of small G-proteins is not affected by isolation of chondrocytes from the extracellular matrix. Continued studies will identify the upstream regulators of Cdc42, which will further elucidate the molecular mechanism of IGF-I resistance during aging thereby providing insight into targeted strategies for age-related osteoarthritis.
Brief Report: Concurrent Validity of Autism Symptom Severity Measures

The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic classifications, according to the DSM-5, include a severity rating. Several screening and/or diagnostic measures, such as the autism diagnostic and observation schedule (ADOS), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and social responsiveness scale (SRS) (teacher and parent versions), include an assessment of symptom severity. The purpose of this study was to examine whether symptom severity and/or diagnostic status of preschool-aged children with ASD (N = 201) were similarly categorized on these measures. For half of the sample, children were similarly classified across the four measures, and scores on most measures were correlated, with the exception of the ADOS and SRS-P. While the ADOS, CARS, and SRS are reliable and valid measures, there is some disagreement between measures with regard to child classification and the categorization of autism symptom severity.
MILLIMETER AND SUBMILLIMETER REST FREQUENCIES FOR NaCN (X̃1A′): A REMARKABLY ABUNDANT CIRCUMSTELLAR MOLECULE

The pure rotational spectrum of NaCN has been recorded in the millimeter/submillimeter region using direct absorption techniques, the first experimental study of this molecule at frequencies above 40 GHz. The species was produced in the gas phase in an AC discharge by the reaction of sodium vapor with cyanogen. Twelve rotational transitions of NaCN have been measured in the range of 180-530 GHz, extending the previous microwave data to millimeter/submillimeter frequencies. Multiple Ka asymmetry components were recorded in each rotational transition up to Ka = 5 or 6, a total of 131 individual lines. These data have been analyzed with a standard asymmetric top Hamiltonian, combined with prior microwave measurements. Higher-order centrifugal distortion terms were clearly needed to model the millimeter-wave transitions of this floppy molecule. From this revised set of spectroscopic constants, accurate frequency predictions can now be made up to 600 GHz for NaCN for the lower-value Ka components (Ka ≤ 4). Based on the new laboratory data and past spectral surveys, a revised abundance for NaCN in IRC+10216 has been estimated. For a 5'' source, the fractional abundance for this molecule was found to be f (NaCN/H2) ~ 1 × 10–8, comparable to that of c-C3H2. These new frequency measurements should aid in line identification in surveys in the 0.8 mm band and at shorter wavelengths.
Drosophila CtBP regulates proliferation and differentiation of eye precursors and complexes with Eyeless, Dachshund, Dan and Danr during eye and antennal development

Specification factors regulate cell fate in part by interacting with transcriptional co-regulators like CtBP to regulate gene expression. Here, we demonstrate that CtBP forms a complex or complexes with the Drosophila melanogaster Pax6 homolog Eyeless (Ey), and with Distal antenna (Dan), Distal antenna related (Danr) and Dachshund to promote eye and antennal specification. Phenotypic analysis together with molecular data indicates that CtBP interacts with Ey to prevent overproliferation of eye precursors. In contrast CtBP,dan,danr triple mutant adult eyes have significantly fewer ommatidia than CtBP single or dan,danr double mutants, suggesting that the CtBP/Dan/Danr complex functions to recruit ommatidia from the eye precursor pool. Further, CtBP single and to a greater extent CtBP,dan,danr triple mutants affect the establishment and maintenance of the R8 precursor, which is the founding ommatidial cells. Thus, CtBP interacts with different eye specification factors to regulate gene expression appropriate for proliferative versus differentiative stages of eye development.
INTERNATIONALIZATION AND DIVERSIFICATION OF U.S. TRADE: 1970 TO 1981

U.S. trade has undergone considerable change since 1970. The decade of the 1970s witnessed the dollar go from strength to weakness and then start back to its current strong position. That decade also contained the energy crisis with its resulting consequences for the world economy. This paper presents the shifts which occurred in the nature of U.S. international trade between 1970 and 1981. It first considers the shifts in the countries to which this nation exports its products and the countries from which it obtains its imports. The paper then describes the changes which have occurred in the specific product categories which are exported and imported; which products have gained and lost the greatest share of U.S. exports and imports. The findings of the study imply that U.S. firms are becoming more internationalized in orientation and more diversified in the nature of their imports and exports.
Role for sphingosine kinase 1 in colon carcinogenesis

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) phosphorylates sphingosine to form sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and is a critical regulator of sphingolipid-mediated functions. Cell-based studies suggest a tumor-promoting function for the SphK1/S1P pathway. Also, our previous studies implicated the SphK1/S1P pathway in the induction of the arachidonic acid cascade, a major inflammatory pathway involved in colon carcinogenesis. Therefore, we investigated whether the SphK1/S1P pathway is necessary for mediating carcinogenesis in vivo. Here, we report that 89% (42/47) of human colon cancer samples stained positively for SphK1, whereas normal colon mucosa had negative or weak staining. Adenomas had higher expression of SphK1 vs. normal mucosa, and colon cancers with metastasis had higher expression of SphK1 than those without metastasis. In the azoxymethane (AOM) murine model of colon cancer, SphK1 and S1P were significantly elevated in colon cancer tissues compared to normal mucosa. Moreover, blood levels of S1P were higher in mice with colon cancers than in those without cancers. Notably, SphK1−/− mice subjected to AOM had significantly less aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation and significantly reduced colon cancer development. These results are the first in vivo evidence that the SphK1/S1P pathway contributes to colon carcinogenesis and that inhibition of this pathway is a potential target for chemoprevention.—Kawamori, T., Kaneshiro, T., Okumura, M., Maalouf, S., Uflacker, A., Bielawski, J., Hannun, Y. A., Obeid, L. M. Role for sphingosine kinase 1 in colon carcinogenesis.
The Effect of Microwave Radiation on Tensile Properties of Silkworm (B. mori) Silk

We have developed a reproducible protocol for studying the effect of microwave radiation on the mechanical behavior of Bombyx mori cocoon silk. In the course of this work, we identified multiple improvements that can be made to ASTM F 1317-98, the standard according to which microwave oven power output is calibrated. Exposure to microwaves does not significantly affect mechanical properties of silkworm silk, if samples are kept in a desiccator after degumming (or after degumming and microwaving) and prior to testing in a dry environment. This finding contrasts with previous work in which samples were not kept in a desiccator, and were tested in a relatively humid environment. Because the effect of microwave radiation on the mechanical behavior of silk is sensitive to ambient moisture, meaningful comparison or pooling of test results acquired in different laboratories is contingent on standardization of both the sample storage environment and the environment in which samples are tested. Interpretation of the extensive existing literature on silk mechanical properties must take account of the reality that the sample storage and testing environments are not standardized and are usually not reported.
Nerve growth factor induced after temporomandibular joint inflammation decelerates chondrocyte differentiation.

Objective The goal of this study was to investigate changes in nerve growth factor (NGF) and its high-affinity receptor-tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) expression in the TMJ after intra-articular inflammation. Materials and Methods We employed the Col1-IL1βXAT inducible model of joint inflammation. Changes in NGF and TrkA expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The function of NGF on cell differentiation was assessed in vitro employing the ATDC5 chondrocyte cell line. Results NGF expression was observed in articular chondrocytes only after TMJ inflammation, whereas TrkA expression was detected in articular chondrocytes under both naive as well as inflamed conditions. The potential effect of NGF on articular chondrocytes was studied on the ATDC5 cell line, whereby NGF decelerated the maturation rate of this chondrogenic cell line, presumably by arresting cell differentiation at the prehypertrophic stage of chondrocyte maturation. Conclusions NGF-TrkA signaling in the TMJ provides potentially a means of protection against the development of osteoarthritis by decelerating chondrocyte differentiation. This discovery may lead to the development of novel therapies for osteoarthritis of the TMJ and other joints.
Postischemic Recovery of Contractile Function is Impaired in SOD2+/− but Not SOD1+/− Mouse Hearts

Background— Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to myocardial stunning. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a major defense mechanism against ROS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contributions of cytosolic (SOD1) and mitochondrial (SOD2) isoforms to protect against myocardial stunning. Methods and Results— Isolated hearts from wild-type, heterozygous (+/−) SOD1 and SOD2 knockout mice received 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. After 60 minutes of reperfusion, the heart rate multiplied by the developed pressure (HR×DP) in the wild-type and SOD1+/− hearts recovered to 92±9 and 85±7 of preischemic baseline values, respectively (P=NS). In contrast, the HR×DP was significantly lower (63±7%) in the SOD2+/− hearts compared with the wild-type hearts. Western blot analysis and enzymatic activity of tissue lysates confirmed reduction of activities of specific SOD isoforms without compensatory increase in the other isoform in the knockout animals studied. Conclusions— Postisch...
The effects of alcohol, relationship power, and partner type on perceived difficulty implementing condom use among African American adults: an experimental study.

African American adults are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States, underscoring the need for additional research on barriers to condom use. Guided by the theory of gender and power, this experimental study used a series of vignettes to test causal hypotheses regarding the influence of event-level alcohol use (present and absent), partner type (serious and casual), and relationship power (low and equal) on perceived difficulty implementing condom use. A total of 299 (151 women and 148 men) heterosexual African American adults indicated how “difficult” it would be to use a condom after reading 8 hypothetical sexual encounters, presented in a random order. A 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of covariance with one between subjects factor (gender) and one covariate (condom use self-efficacy) was used to estimate the effects of these variables on an index of perceived difficulty. The women in the study reported significantly higher ratings of difficulty implementing condom use in vignettes characterized by low relationship power (p < .001) and presence of alcohol use (p < .001); the manipulated independent variables did not produce any main effects for men. Both men and women’s ratings of perceived difficulty decreased as condom use self-efficacy increased (p < .001). This is the first study to use an experimental methodology to test hypotheses about barriers to condom use among a community-based sample of African American adults. These data can be used to enhance existing HIV prevention interventions.
Generalized effective-medium approach to the conductivity of an inhomogeneous material

An old effective-medium approximation for the conductivity tensor of a randomly inhomogeneous medium is generalized to treat, in principle, materials consisting of crystallites of arbitrary shape and conductivity tensors of arbitrary symmetry. The effective-medium approximation is roughly analogous to the coherent-potential approximation (CPA) of alloy theory. The analog of the average-$t$-matrix approximation (ATA) is also formulated in a general way. The method is fully tractable analytically for ellipsoidal crystallites. Several applications are discussed. The effective conductivity of a polycrystal consisting of randomly oriented uniaxial crystallites is calculated as a function of the anisotropy of the grains. For a model polycrystal in an intense magnetic field, the CPA and ATA are compared, the former giving more accurate results.
Laser driven synthesis of BHCl2 from BCl3 and H2

Abstract Mixtures of BCl3 and H2 have been irradiated by a pulsed CO2 laser yielding BCHl2 and HCl as the only products. Approximately 50% conversion of the reagents was obtained with a quantum efficiency of 122 10.6 μ photons per BCHl2 molecule. The product yield is observed to scale with laser power as (P/P0)1.26.