cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxicity and bioaccumulation of cadmium and lead in aquatic invertebrates

Abstract Cadmium toxicity and lead toxicity to four species of insects ( Pteronarcys dorsata, Hydropsyche betteni, Brachycentrus sp. and Ephemerella sp.), one snail ( Physa integra ) and one amphipod ( Gammarus pseudolimnaeus ) were determined during 28-day exposures. The 28-day LC50 values for cadmium-exposed snails and lead-exposed amphipods were eleven and four times lower than the 7- and 4-day (96 h) values for these metals, respectively. Lowest effect concentrations obtained after 28 days for cadmium-exposed mayflies ( Ephemerella sp.) and snails and lead-exposed amphipods were similar to those affecting fish exposed over their complete life cycle in water of similar quality. Lethal threshold concentrations were not observed for species exposed to either metal, indicating that possible effects could occur at lower concentrations during longer exposure periods. Cadmium and lead concentrations in the animals tested generally increased with increasing water concentrations and were up to 30,000 and 9000 times greater than corresponding metal concentrations in the water.
The congruence of vocational interests and the workplace environment: Reducing the language teacher shortage

There is a shortage of second/foreign language (S/FL) teachers in many parts of the world, and the rates of attrition are cause for alarm in North America. Canadian and US teachers’ (N = 323) were administered the Self-Directed Search vocational interest inventory and the Coping in Stressful Situations scale. Results from this quantitative study confirmed the vocational profile of an efficacious second/foreign language teacher and revealed significant differences in coping styles between those teachers with and without the vocational profile. Additionally, data analysis indicated that the Social, Artistic, and Enterprising profile is directly related to teacher longevity in the profession. The research has implications for the recruitment and retention of S/FL teachers at a time of critical need.
Structure of Ge epilayers on Si{100}

Abstract Germanium epilayers which were grown epitaxially on a Si {100}−(2 × 1) substrate at 650°C have been investigated by a version of low-energy ion scattering known as time-of-flight scattering and recoiling spectrometry (TOF-SARS). The structure of the epilayers has been compared to that of a clean Ge{100} surface. In both the submonolayer and monolayer thickness ranges, the azimuthal angle scans of Ge recoil and Ne scattering intensities show that the Ge epilayer is well-ordered and has a dimer structure, consistent with the observation of a (2 × 1) LEED pattern. The results indicate that for coverages below 1 monolayer, the epilayer grows by an islanding mode in which the deposited Ge atoms migrate together to form two-dimensional islands with (2 × 1) symmetry. The Ge intradimer spacing parallel to the surface has been determined from TOF-SARS as 2.6 ± 0.1 A . The incident angle scans of Ne scattering from Ge atoms provide evidence that the Ge dimer in the epilayer is buckled. Evidence for such buckling is not observed from the Ge{100} crystal, implying that the strain in the overlayer results in an increased barrier height for dimer interconversion which increases the interconversion time to the extent that it can be observed by TOF-SARS.
The usefulness of financial and nonfinancial performance information in resource allocation decisions

Abstract In this article I evaluate the impact of adding nonfinancial performance information to reports containing financial information. I consider the association between nonfinancial information and the resource allocations and performance evaluations made by individuals involved with the governmental budget process. Tests indicated that the allocation decisions made by these individuals were not significantly associated with nonfinancial information. However, nonfinancial information was influential in the performance evaluations of both the agency and the agency's director. Although I found no association between nonfinancial information and resource allocations, I found an association between financial information and resource allocations. Additionally, financial information significantly impacted the performance evaluation of the agency director. An additional test of the importance of nonfinancial information in resource allocations involved resource scarcity. As discussed in the paper, I hypothesized that under scarcity nonfinancial information and financial information would become more important to the allocation process. My results indicated that nonfinancial information had no impact on allocation decisions made under scarcity. The association between financial information and resource allocations was opposite that predicted.
CLINICALLY APPLIED MEDICAL GEOGRAPHY: ITS ROLE IN TRAVEL MEDICINE

Medical geography frequently contributes to public health, but rarely are medical geographic concepts applied in clinical settings. This article describes the application of medical geographic concepts to an academic travel and tropical medicine clinical service at University Hospital in Seattle, and reviews the role of a medical geographer in this particular clinical setting. Applied concepts of medical geography improve the quality of patient care for overseas travellers and recent immigrants to the United States.
The thermal response of the polyether soft segment chain conformation in a polyurethane block copolymer measured by small-angle neutron scattering

Abstract The conformation of the soft segment chains in a pair of polyether polyurethanes was studied as a function of temperature using small angle neutron scattering. The samples were synthesized from 3 moles of methylene bis( p -phenyl isocyanate), 2 moles of butanediol, and one mole of a poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) blend. The PTMO blend was composed of 0.325 moles of deuterated PTMO (d-PTMO) and 0.675 moles of hydrogenous PTMO. This degree of deuterolabelling was chosen so that there would be no interphase scattering in the final sample; only intrachain scattering from the labelled soft segments comprised the coherent part of the total scattering. At room temperature, the average soft segment was found to be in an extended conformation. As the temperature was raised from room temperature, the radius of gyration of the soft segments decreased. This was attributed to the stress exerted by the extended soft segments on the adjoining hard segments increasing as the temperature was increased. The increased stress causes some of the hard segments to pull out of the hard domain into the soft phase, thereby allowing the soft segments adjacent to the extracted hard segment to relax to a more compact conformation. As the temperature was increased above 160°C, the soft segment radius of gyration increased slightly. This behaviour is ascribed to an increased degree of mixing between the phases. The presence of substantial amounts of hard segment material in the soft phase causes the increase in the soft segment R g due to the greater compatibility between the soft and hard segments in the soft phase at these elevated temperatures. This effect is similar to a homopolymer being swollen by a small amount of a good solvent, where the chain conformation is a random coil, but the radius of gyration is larger than that measured for the pure material.
One enzyme inactivates two antibiotics.

A single enzyme is responsible for antibiotic resistance to two very different drugs ( pages 83–88 ).
A robust method for determining 1H–15N long-range correlations: 15N optimized CIGAR-HMBC experiments

An examination of a variety of common nitrogen-containing systems was undertaken to optimize parameters for observation of 1H–15N long-range correlations. Because of the diversity of coupling constants encountered with 1H–15N correlations, a modified accordion-based sequence was used to provide the best results. Optimization of the values for the accordion delay revealed that a range between 3 and 10 Hz provided the best compromise between detection of weak correlations and loss of signal to T2 processes. Multiple bond correlations were readily detected for each class of compound with the exception of anilines. Correlations within heterocyclic systems revealed some general patterns. In general, stronger correlations were observed from protons to ‘pyrrole-like’ nitrogens than to the ‘pyridine-type’ nitrogens of imidazoles and pyrazoles. Very long-range (four- and five-bond) correlations were routinely observed between methyl groups and the nitrogens of aromatic heterocycles. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pressure-Volume-Temperature relations of liquid He3 from 1.00 to 3.30°K

Abstract Accurate P-V-T measurements have been made for liquid He3 from 0.98–3.32°K and from saturation pressure to the melting pressure. Included are measurements of the locus of the zero of the coefficient of expansion on the P-V-T surface and of the melting curve. Coefficients of expansion and compressibility have been deduced from the volume data and from these entropies of compression and heat capacities computed. Tables of all these quantities are included as well as properties of the saturated liquid.
Thrombosed interrupted inferior vena cava and retroaortic left renal vein mimicking retroperitoneal neoplasm

Anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) have been recognized as one of the predisposing factors for deep vein thrombosis. Rarely, thrombosis of an anomalous retroperitoneal vein may resemble a soft tissue mass. Awareness of this fact helps preventing unnecessary interventions. We report a case of thrombosis of retroaortic left renal vein and interrupted IVC that mimicked a retroperitoneal neoplasm.
Peasant prospects in the neoliberal age

Peasant prospects today are matters of significant contention, not least regarding the question of the recomposition of the peasantry. The question of the peasantry's future links to another longst...
Practical management of heterogeneous neuroimaging metadata by global neuroimaging data repositories

Rapidly evolving neuroimaging techniques are producing unprecedented quantities of digital data at the same time that many research studies are evolving into global, multi-disciplinary collaborations between geographically distributed scientists. While networked computers have made it almost trivial to transmit data across long distances, collecting and analyzing this data requires extensive metadata if the data is to be maximally shared. Though it is typically straightforward to encode text and numerical values into files and send content between different locations, it is often difficult to attach context and implicit assumptions to the content. As the number of and geographic separation between data contributors grows to national and global scales, the heterogeneity of the collected metadata increases and conformance to a single standardization becomes implausible. Neuroimaging data repositories must then not only accumulate data but must also consolidate disparate metadata into an integrated view. In this article, using specific examples from our experiences, we demonstrate how standardization alone cannot achieve full integration of neuroimaging data from multiple heterogeneous sources and why a fundamental change in the architecture of neuroimaging data repositories is needed instead.
Rationality of geometric signatures of complete 4-manifolds

According to [CG4]|and [CFG], the complete manifolds with bounded sectional curvature and finite volume admit positive rank F-structures near infinity. In this paper, we show that, in dimension four, if the manifolds also have bounded covering geometry near infinity, then there exist F-structures with special topological properties. F-structures with these properties cannot be constructed solely by means of the general methods in [CG4]|and [CFG]. Using these special properties we prove a conjecture of Cheeger-Gromov on the rationality of the geometric signatures in the four dimensional case.
A Foucaultian Critique of Learning Disability Discourses: Personal Narratives and Science.

In this article, I present a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of two discourses in learning disabilities (LD) – the academic research literature on emotions of students labeled as LD and retrospective autobiographies from adults labeled as LD writing about their emotions as students. Drawing mainly on Foucaultian explanations of power, I investigate how these two discourses differentially position persons labeled as LD as human subjects. I raise research and theoretical concerns to further interpret power as discursively and historically situated and point out opportunities for resisting ways the dominant positivist, scientific discourse positions students labeled as LD.
Effect of Inhibitors of Macromolecular Synthesis on HL‐A Antibody Mediated Lysis of Cultured Lymphoblasts1

The effect of inhibitors of macromolecular synthesis on the cell surface expression of HL-A antigens of cultured lymphoblastoid cells has been investigated by utilizing the complement dependent cytotoxic reaction and the absorption test. Cultured human lymphoid cells (WI-L2 and RPMI 8866) treated with actinomycin D do not show any change in the expression of HL-A antigens, while RAJI cells incubated with the same drug display a reduced absorbing capacity for HL-A alloantisera. Cycloheximide does not affect the absorbing capacity of lymphoblastoid cells, but tends to increase their reactivity in the cytotoxic test with HL-A alloantisera and complement. Puromycin, which like cycloheximide inhibits protein synthesis but by a different mechanism, decreases the cell surface expression of HL-A antigens. The effect of puromycin is not due to steric hindrance since analogues of puromycin which do not inhibit protein synthesis do not change the absorbing capacity of lymphoblastoid cells for HL-A alloantisera. The limitations of the complement dependent cytotoxic test in quantitating antigens on cell membranes are discussed. It is proposed that HL-A antigens which have been extensively characterized as to their genetical, serological, and chemical properties can be utilized as markers to characterize cell membrane metabolism.
Rat transformation-associated proteins (TAP) induced by moloney murine sarcoma virus interact with specific receptors on normal rat kidney cells

Summary In this report, data are presented to show that transformation-associated proteins (TAP) secreted from the transformed 6M2 cells have mitogenic activities in the stimulation of DNA synthesis and proliferation of normal rat kidney (NRK-2) cells and of nonpermissively grown 6M2 cells. TAP also bound specifically to NRK-2 cells with a binding dissociation constant (K d ) of 1.4 pM. Approximately 2 × 10 5 binding sites per cell were found. Therefore, TAP may represent a set of virally-induced growth stimulatory factors.
Induction of homologous recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have investigated the effects of UV irradiation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in order to distinguish whether UV-induced recombination results from the induction of enzymes required for homologous recombination, of the production of substrate sites for recombination containing regions of DNA damage. We utilized split-dose experiments to investigate the induction of proteins required for survival, gene conversion, and mutation in a diploid strain of S. cerevisiae. We demonstrate that inducing doses of UV irradiation followed by a 6 h period of incubation render the cells resistant to challenge doses of UV irradiation. The effects of inducing and challenge doses of UV irradiation upon interchromosomal gene conversion and mutation are strictly additive. Using the yeast URA3 gene cloned in non-replicating single- and double-stranded plasmid vectors that integrate into chromosomal genes upon transformation, we show that UV irradiation of haploid yeast cells and homologous plasmid DNA sequences each stimulate homologous recombination approximately two-fold, and that these effects are additive. Non-specific DNA damage has little effect on the stimulation of, homologous recombination, as shown by studies in which UV-irradiated heterologous DNA was included in transformation/recombination experiments. We further demonstrate that the effect of competing single- and double-stranded heterologous DNA sequences differs in UV-irradiated and unirradiated cells, suggesting an induction of recombinational machinery in UV-irradiated S. cerevisiae cells.
Alexandre de rhodes’ dictionary (1651)

Abstract Among multilingual dictionaries of Vietnamese, the earliest one available is the Vietnamese‐Portuguese‐Latin dictionary by Alexandre de Rhodes (1593–1660), a Jesuit missionary‐scholar from Avignon. Dictionarium Annamiticum Lusitanum et Latinum, published in Rome in 1651, gave the entries in a romanization which reflected the spelling conventions of Portuguese and Italian, each headword followed by a Portuguese gloss and a Latin gloss. This paper introduces the dictionary corpus, and the 31‐page Brevis Declaratio on Vietnamese grammar, then discussed Middle Vietnamese phonology and lexicology. It shows how this example of language codification treated a sampling of some 50 lexemes most frequently occurring in modern Vietnamese.
Network Operating System Kernels for Heterogenous Environments

A major function of a Network Operating System Kernel is to free application program developers from the need for designing complex protocols. The Operating System analogy for networks offers a paradigm for inter-program cooperation, as if this cooperation were local. Instead of forcing programs to send and interpret messages explicitly, the Network Operating System provides services for remote operations on accustomed data structures, whereby the message exchange as such remains invisible to the programmer.
Solving the failure-to-fit problem for plant layout: By changing department shapes and sizes

Abstract The problem of assigning positions to unequal fixed size and shape departments within a given plant area has prompted numerous research efforts in recent years. Most of the published papers discuss techniques that place departments in such a way that the local cost of material flow between departments is minimized. Many of these techniques assume that there exists at least one-feasible layout. When no such layout exists, a failure-to-fit problem arises. In this paper, we present a new method, which combines the existing layout techniques with heuristic search techniques to construct a solution to the failure-to-fit problem by changing the size and/or shape of the departments in a systematic manner without the help of humans. Experimental results show that the proposed technique is able to produce high quality and practical solutions.
Comment on "Spectroscopic evidence for multiple order parameter components in the heavy fermion superconductor CeCoIn5".

Recently, Rourke et al. reported point-contact spectroscopy results on the heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn$_5$ [1]. They obtained conductance spectra on the c-axis surfaces of CeCoIn$_5$ single crystals. Their major claims are two-fold: CeCoIn$_5$ has i) d-wave pairing symmetry and ii) two coexisting order parameter components. In this Comment, we show that these claims are not warranted by the data presented. [1] Rourke et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 107005 (2005).
The Influence of Vehicles on the Action of Drugs

The influence of such vehicle ingredients as sucrose, dextrose, glycerin, propylene glycol, and alcohol on the gastrointestinal absorption of sodium pentobarbital and metrazol has been studied in mice. Sucrose, dextrose, and glycerin in concentrations above 10 per cent inhibit the absorption by a purely local mechanism. Alcohol in concentrations of 10 per cent or more enhances the action of sodium pentobarbital and decreases the metrazol action, both actions being systemic. Propylene glycol exhibits the qualitative effects of alcohol, but is quantitatively less active. When glycerin, alcohol, and propylene glycol are administered intravenously, systemic forces interfere with the absorption of sodium pentobarbital and metrazol although following oral administration the actions are not apparent. When a drug is dissolved in a vehicle composed of two or more ingredients, mutually antagonistic, the degree of antagonism is dependent upon relative concentrations.
Nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation for lymphoma

Abstract High-dose chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative therapy for younger patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The benefits of this therapy, however, are largely offset by the high rate of treatment-related mortality, exceeding 40% in many studies. Risks increase with comorbidities, advanced age, histocompatibility, and disease-related prognostic factors. Given the potential efficacy of graft-versus-malignancy effects against many lymphoid malignancies, we evaluated an alternative strategy utilizing less toxic, nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens to allow engraftment of donor cells, and then exploit the graft-versus-lymphoma (GVL) effects of allogeneic transplantation as the primary therapy. This strategy involved fludarabine-based preparative regimens +/− high-dose rituximab, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis for 6 months, and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) only for progressive or nonresponding disease. Results from these trials confirm the full potential on nonmyeloablative transplantation for patients with NHL.
Green manures and crop sequences influence alfalfa root rot and pathogen inhibitory activity among soil-borne streptomycetes

A two-year trial was conducted to determine the effects of green manures and crop sequences on plant disease, streptomycete and bacterial densities, and inhibitory activity of indigenous streptomycetes against four target pathogens. Green manure treatments, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor) (L.) Moench × Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.), and fallow control were tested in conjunction with three crop sequences in a Phytophthora-infested soil placed in containers. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), potato (Solanum tubersoum L.), or corn (Zea mays L.) was grown in the first year, and alfalfa was grown in all containers in the second year. Compared to fallow controls, alfalfa grown in sorghum-sudangrass- or buckwheat-treated soil had significantly greater stand counts and total biomass, respectively. In addition, alfalfa grown in fallow-treated soils had the greatest Phytophthora root rot as a function of stand count. Crop rotation also had a significant effect on alfalfa root rot and yield. Potato scab disease intensity was greatest on tubers grown in fallow-treated soils, while tubers grown in canola-treated soils had the highest yields (total tuber weight). Green-manure-treated soils tended to have greater streptomycete and bacterial densities than fallow-treated soils. In addition, buckwheat- or sorghum-sudangrass-treated soils had greater proportions of streptomycetes that were antagonistic against the target pathogens than fallow-treated soils. The proportion of antagonists in soil was negatively correlated with alfalfa root rot, and positively correlated with alfalfa stand counts. Inhibitory activity of the streptomycetes was also negatively correlated with potato scab and positively correlated with potato yield. These data suggest that green manures may provide a strategy for increasing pathogen inhibitory activity within the streptomycete community in soil, and, in conjunction with crop rotation, may contribute to the control of a diverse collection of soil-borne plant pathogens on multiple crop species.
Design and optimization of silicon JFET in 180nm RF/BiCMOS technology

In this paper, we discuss a method to extrapolate intrinsic and extrinsic R on components for a JFET. The results provide the guideline to lower R on , hence to achieve competitive “R on vs. pinch off (V off )” benchmark. The optimization impacts on channel length scaling and process variation are discussed. Besides, an improved RESURF condition is achieved using one of the experimental conditions. The optimized JFET demonstrates the 50% lowered R on , low V off of −2.75V, and high BVd ss of 11V.
The mitogen activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway: From the cell surface to the nucleus

Activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays essential roles in many signal transduction pathways. MAPK has been demonstrated to phosphorylate and regulate numerous cellular proteins, including growth factor receptor, transcription factors, cytoskeletal proteins, phospholipase and other protein kinases. Activation of MAPK requires phosphorylation of both threonine and tyrosine residues, which are catalysed by a single protein kinase known as MAPK kinase or MEK. MEK itself is activated by phosphorylation on two conserved serine residues. Three distinct mammalian Ser/Thr kinases, including Raf, Mos and MEKK (for MEK kinase), have been demonstrated to phosphorylate and activate MEK. The MAP kinase cascade is highly conserved in all eukaryotes and involved in numerous cellular responses. Activation of MAPK is a transient event that is tightly regulated by both kinases and phosphatases. A growth factor induced dual specific phosphatase is likely to play an important role in MAPK regulation.
Family structure, intergenerational mobility, and the reproduction of poverty: Evidence for increasing polarization?

A substantial body of research has demonstrated links between poverty and family structure from one generation to the next, but has left open key questions about the implications of these associations for aggregate-level change. To what extent does intergenerational inheritance affect trends in poverty and single parenthood over time and, in particular, trends in the relative economic positions of single-parent and two-parent families? This article examines how patterns of intergenerational inheritance play out in the population over the long run, using data from the National Longitudinal Surveys and a model of population renewal that takes into account intergenerational mobility and differential fertility across groups that are defined by poverty status and family structure. Our results suggest that current rates of intergenerational inheritance have little effect on population change over time. They account for only a small share of the recent historical change in poverty and family structure and play no role in exacerbating existing economic disparities by family structure.
Photoresist outgassing: a potential Achilles heel for short-wavelength optical lithography?

The outgassing of volatile organic compounds during photoresist exposure at short wavelengths ( 50%) would outgas within seconds. The implications of these findings are twofold. First, analytical methods used to measure outgassing that rely on long (>10 minute) sample collection and preconcentration steps must now assume that the measured product is liberated over a few-second time frame when converting the data to outgassing rates. This means that the peak transient outgassing rates for the few seconds during and immediately after exposure derived using this corrected method could be hundreds of times higher than previously reported, with values approaching as much as 1014 molecules/cm2-sec leading to transient concentrations well into the parts per million range. Second, given these higher rates, a review of lens purging designs should be done to ensure protection against these outgassing fluxes. In this paper we also discuss potentially new and unique issues caused by outgassing as they pertain to immersion and 157-nm lithographies that are currently under development.
Study on MIMO transmission using orthogonal directivities obtained from higher order microstrip antenna modes

A simpler MIMO transmission method using orthogonal directivities is proposed. In future wireless communication systems, higher data rates will be required since large amounts of data will be transmitted and received. MIMO technology is useful for achieving higher data rates. However, since MIMO detection becomes complicated when the number of antennas becomes large, a simpler method should be considered. To solve this problem, the present authors proposed a spatial division method using orthogonal directivities. This previously proposed method to N streams is expanded transmission for application to much higher data rate systems. Furthermore, using higher order antenna modes at the same frequency to more easily obtain orthogonal directivities is proposed. To evaluate the proposed method, it is confirmed by numerical analysis that the capacity of the proposed method increases without MIMO detection when the number of antennas becomes large.
Mass and scattering length inequalities in QCD and QCD-like theories

Abstract Some observations about mass and scattering length inequalities in QCD-like theories are presented. It is shown that the Weingarten mass inequality can be used to argue that global vector symmetries are unbroken in such theories. For QCD, in the limit Nc→ ∞, it is shown that M baryon ⩾ 1 2 N c M meson , provided there are at least Nc degenerate flavors of quarks. It is argued that when there are no bound states in a scattering channel, the mass inequalities can be used to derive inequalities between scattering lengths. Some rigorous inequalities for two and higher point functions for operators bilinear in currents are derived, and used to extract inequalities between quartic coupling constants.
Midbrain Dopamine Receptor Availability Is Inversely Associated with Novelty-Seeking Traits in Humans

Novelty-seeking personality traits are a major risk factor for the development of drug abuse and other unsafe behaviors. Rodent models of temperament indicate that high novelty responding is associated with decreased inhibitory autoreceptor control of midbrain dopamine neurons. It has been speculated that individual differences in dopamine functioning also underlie the personality trait of novelty seeking in humans. However, differences in the dopamine system of rodents and humans, as well as the methods for assessing novelty responding/seeking across species leave unclear to what extent the animal models inform our understanding of human personality. In the present study we examined the correlation between novelty-seeking traits in humans and D(2)-like (D(2)/D(3)) receptor availability in the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area. Based on the rodent literature we predicted that novelty seeking would be characterized by lowered levels of D(2)-like (auto)receptor availability in the midbrain. Thirty-four healthy adults (18 men, 16 women) completed the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire-Novelty-Seeking Scale and PET scanning with the D(2)/D(3) ligand [(18)F]fallypride. Novelty-Seeking personality traits were inversely associated with D(2)-like receptor availability in the ventral midbrain, an effect that remained significant after controlling for age. We speculate that the lower midbrain (auto)receptor availability seen in high novelty seekers leads to accentuated dopaminergic responses to novelty and other conditions that induce dopamine release.
TWO STRATEGIES FOR RESPONDING TO STRESSORS: MANAGING CONFLICT AND CLARIFYING WORK EXPECTATIONS

The ability to take personal control of stressors may help reduce the effects of stress. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the use of two stress management strategies, conflict management and clarification of work expectations, can predict reductions in stressors—role conflict, role ambiguity, quantitative work overload, and time pressure—as well as overall stress reactions. The four stressors were selected because of their relevancy to middle managers whose companies had downsized. One hundred and twenty middle managers from midwestern companies participated in the study. Results indicate that the two stress management strategies do significantly predict lower scores on both the specific stressors tested and on levels of overall stress reactions.
Linking payment to health outcomes: a taxonomy and examination of performance-based reimbursement schemes between healthcare payers and manufacturers.

Abstract Objective To identify, categorize and examine performance-based health outcomes reimbursement schemes for medical technology. Methods We performed a review of performance-based health outcomes reimbursement schemes over the past 10 years (7/98–010/09) using publicly available databases, web and grey literature searches, and input from healthcare reimbursement experts. We developed a taxonomy of scheme types by inductively organizing the schemes identified according to the timing, execution, and health outcomes measured in the schemes. Results Our search yielded 34 coverage with evidence development schemes, 10 conditional treatment continuation schemes, and 14 performance-linked reimbursement schemes. The majority of schemes are in Europe and Australia, with an increasing number in Canada and the U.S. Conclusion These schemes have the potential to alter the reimbursement and pricing landscape for medical technology, but significant challenges, including high transaction costs and insufficient information systems, may limit their long-term impact. Future studies regarding experiences and outcomes of implemented schemes are necessary.
Determination of bristle direction in Drosophila

Abstract In Drosophila melanogaster the recessive mutant aristaless ( al ) leads to an abnormal orientation of the posterior scutellar bristles. The mutant also affects the shape of the dorsal scutellar surface. Heterozygous al + al flies show more than 10% penetrance in causing mutant-type bristle orientation. By means of genetic mosaics on the scutellum, caused by X-ray-induced somatic crossing-over and marked by areas of yellow pigmentation on a nonyellow background, it is shown that al autonomously leads to abnormal scutellar growth. Secondarily, in cases of such abnormal growth, an aristaless-type direction is imposed on the posterior scutellar bristle, regardless of its own al al or al + al genotype.
Sequences in the Cytoplasmic Tail of the Gibbon Ape Leukemia Virus Envelope Protein That Prevent Its Incorporation into Lentivirus Vectors

Pseudotyping retrovirus and lentivirus vectors with different viral fusion proteins is a useful strategy to alter the host range of the vectors. Although lentivirus vectors are efficiently pseudotyped by Env proteins from several different subtypes of murine leukemia virus (MuLV), the related protein from gibbon ape leukemia virus (GaLV) does not form functional pseudotypes. We have determined that this arises because of an inability of GaLV Env to be incorporated into lentivirus vector particles. By exploiting the homology between the GaLV and MuLV Env proteins, we have mapped the determinants of incompatibility in the GaLV Env. Three modifications that allowed GaLV Env to pseudotype human immunodeficiency virus type 1 particles were identified: removal of the R peptide (C-terminal half of the cytoplasmic domain), replacement of the whole cytoplasmic tail with the corresponding MuLV region, and mutation of two residues upstream of the R peptide cleavage site. In addition, we have previously proposed that removal of the R peptide from MuLV Env proteins enhances their fusogenicity by transmitting a conformational change to the ectodomain of the protein (Y. Zhao et al., J. Virol. 72:5392–5398, 1998). Our analysis of chimeric MuLV/GaLV Env proteins provides further evidence in support of this model and suggests that proper Env function involves both interactions within the cytoplasmic tail and more long-range interactions between the cytoplasmic tail, the membrane-spanning region, and the ectodomain of the protein.
Transient heat and mass transfer of interacting vaporizing droplets in a linear array

Abstract A validated computer simulation model, based on an extended finite element software package, has been developed for the detailed analysis of colinear interacting vaporizing droplets in a heated air stream. The complete transport equations describing transient laminar axisymmetric fluid-particle flow with phase change have been solved for three closely-spaced n-octane fuel droplets and a free-stream ambient with Re0 = 100, T∞ = 1000 K and p∞ = 10 atm. Of interest are the gas-phase temperatures jmd vapor concentrations with time, the transient interfacial phenomena and integral properties, such as Nug, Shg and cD, for each droplet. Comparisons with approximate analyses of three colinear monodisperse droplets and empirical studies for a solitary blowing sphere are included.
Nationalism, gender and the body in Icelandic nationalist discourse

Abstract The main focus of the article is on the use of women's dress as means of constructing a new national body in 19th and 20th century Icelandic nationalist discourse. The article will show that in Icelandic nationalist discourse Icelandic women were carriers of double difference. The women were not only the different sex, they also embodied the national features that made Icelanders different and distinct from the Danes. Through the construction of a national costume for women, Icelandic men created a new national body within which they could stake their claims for power and political independence from Denmark.
Liquid-vapor interfacial tension of blood plasma, serum and purified protein constituents thereof

Abstract A systematic study of water–air (liquid–vapor, LV) interfacial tension γ lv of blood plasma and serum derived from four different mammalian species (human, bovine, ovine and equine) reveals nearly identical concentration-dependence ( d γ lv d ln C B ; where CB is plasma/serum dilution expressed in v/v concentration units). Comparison of results to a previously-published survey of purified human-blood proteins further reveals that d γ lv d ln C B of plasma and serum is surprisingly similar to that of purified protein constituents. It is thus concluded that any combination of blood-protein constituents will be substantially similar because d γ lv d ln C B of individual proteins are very similar. Experimental results are further interpreted in terms of a recently-developed theory emphasizing the controlling role of water in protein adsorption. Accordingly, the LV interphase saturates with protein adsorbed from bulk solution at a fixed weight-volume concentration (∼436 mg/mL) independent of protein identity or mixture. As a direct consequence, d γ lv d ln C B of purified proteins closely resembles that of mixed solutions and does not depend on the relative proportions of individual proteins comprising a mixture. Thus variations in the plasma proteome between species are not reflected in d γ lv d ln C B nor is serum different from plasma in this regard, despite being depleted of coagulation proteins (e.g. fibrinogen). A comparison of pendant-drop and Wilhelmy-balance tensiometry as tools for assessing protein γ lv shows that measurement conditions employed in the typical Wilhelmy plate approach fails to achieve the steady-state adsorption state that is accessible to pendant-drop tensiometry.
Phenotyping transgenic embryonic murine hearts using optical coherence tomography

We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to characterize the morphological phenotype of embryonic murine hearts discerning hexamethylene-bis-acetamide-inducible protein 1 (HEXIM1) mutants from their wild-type littermates. At E12.5 and E13.5 murine embryos were excised from the mother, the hearts were removed, and 3D OCT data sets were obtained from each heart in the litter. Next, we segmented the morphological borders to obtain cavity volumes and wall thicknesses. The mutant hearts exhibited increased ventricular chamber volume and decreased compact myocardium wall thickness when compared with their wild-type littermates. Also, the E13.5 HEXIM1 −/− embryo was distinguished by morphological asymmetry (underdeveloped left side).
The French Election of January 1956

THE SECOND LEGISLATURE OIF THE FOURTH FRENCH REPBULIC ended, like the First Legislature, several months before the limit of its five-year term and after a difficult debate over the electoral law. This is the only similarity between the French elections of 1956 and 1951. The First Legislature had ended its own mandate by statute; the Second Legislature was dissolved by the first dissolution decree issued by a President of the Republic since that of President MacMahon in 1877. The First Legislature had enacted the electoral law by which its successor was to be elected; the Second Legislature could not reach a new decision and the 1951 electoral law became operative by default. The character of the two elections differed as much as the circumstances under which they occurred. The 1951 election had been largely a triangular contest, with the more or less grouped center parties-the Socialists, the Mouvement Rgpublicain Populaire (MRP), the Radicals and the Conservatives-opposing both the Communists and the Rassemblement du Peuple Franfais (RPF) of General De Gaulle. The temporary electoral unity achieved by the center parties in 1951 was not repeated in 1956, with the result that the 1956 election can be characterized (although only roughly) as a four-cornered contest. The center parties again had to fight on both their flanks, against the Communists and an entirely new
Improvement of left ventricular dysfunction after control of persistent tachycardia

Five children are described who had persistent, chronic tachycardia and left ventricular dysfunction manifested by decreased left ventricular percent fractional shortening on echocardiogram (five patients) cardiomegaly on chest roentgenogram (three), ventricular or atrial hypertrophy on ECG (three), and symptoms of congestive heart failure (three). After antidysrhythmia therapy and control of the tachycardia, signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure resolved in two infants. Moreover, in each patient signs of cardiomegaly resolved on chest roentgenogram, hypertrophy resolved on ECG, and the fractional shortening improved to normal (mean 20.2%±2.4% SEM before vs 36.2%±2.4%, P =0.02, after treatment). Evaluation in the child who has dilated cardiomyopathy should include assessment of heart rate and rhythm. Moreover, when persistent tachycardia is found in an asymptomatic child, evaluation of left ventricular function is indicated.
The influence of chromium on mechanical properties of austempered ductile cast iron

An investigation was carried out to examine the influence of microstructure and chromium on the tensile properties and plane strain fracture toughness of austempered ductile cast iron (ADI). The investigation also examined the growth kinetics of ferrite in these alloys. Compact tension and round cylindrical tensile specimens were prepared from ductile cast iron with Cr as well as without Cr. These specimens were then given four different heat treatments to produce four different microstructures. Tensile tests and fracture toughness tests were carried out as per ASTM standards E-8 and E-399. The crack growth mechanism during fracture toughness tests was also determined. The test results indicate that yield strength, tensile strength, and fracture toughness of ADI increases with an increase in the volume fractions of ferrite, and the fracture toughness reaches a peak when the volume fractions of the ferrite are approximately 60% in these alloys. The Cr addition was found to reduce the fracture toughness of ADI at lower hardness levels (<40 HRC); at higher hardness levels (≥40 HRC), the effect of chromium on the fracture toughness was negligible. The crack growth mechanism was found to be a combination of quasi-cleavage and microvoid coalescences, and the crack trajectories connect the graphite nodules along the way.
Abstract 3782: Chloroquine induces defective autophagic flux and enhances pancreatic cancer cell death induced by pegylated-arginine deiminase

We have previously shown that a majority of human pancreatic adenocarcinomas are deficient in argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS), a key enzyme in arginine synthesis and therefore sensitive to arginine deprivation by arginine deiminase (ADI). ASS deficient cell lines undergo cell death when deprived of arginine, but also undergo autophagy. The role of autophagy and its contribution to cell death is controversial. We hypothesized that autophagy is protective in the setting of arginine deprivation and that inhibition of autophagy by hydroxychloroquine (ChQ) would increase cell death. Methods: The human pancreatic cancer cell line MIA-PaCa2 was treated in vitro and in vivo with pegylated arginine deiminase (PEG-ADI) alone or in the presence of ChQ. Cell death was measured by propidium iodide-FACS and apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V-PI flow cytometry. Caspase 3 cleavage was evaluated by western blotting and ELISA as was expression of LC3. In vivo experiments were conducted by creation of subcutaneous xenografts in athymic mice followed by treatment with intraperitoneal injections of PBS, PEG-ADI, ChQ and combination of PEG-ADI and ChQ. At sacrifice, tumors were removed for analysis. Tumor lysates were analyzed by western blot for caspase 3 and p62. Immunohistochemistry for activated caspase 3 and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) were also performed. Results: In vitro treatment of MIA-PaCa2 with PEG-ADI induced caspase dependent cell death as well as autophagy at 72 hours. ChQ at low doses inhibited autophagy induced by PEG-ADI, but increased cell death. In vivo, addition of ChQ to a sub-therapeutic dose of PEG-ADI increased tumor suppression decreased autophagy and increased caspase 3 activation compared to either treatment alone. Conclusion: Arginine deprivation induces autophagy and cell death in cell lines deficient in ASS. Autophagy appears to play a protective role, and its inactivation by hydroxychloroquine leads to enhanced tumor suppression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3782. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3782
Spectroscopy of a Young Brown Dwarf in the ρ Ophiuchi Cluster

We present observations of a young (~3-10 Myr old) brown dwarf within the ρ Ophiuchi star-forming region. A low-resolution optical spectrum exhibits a spectral type of M8.5 ± 0.5 and strong Hα emission (Wλ ~ 60 A). After demonstrating the youth of this source through several additional lines of evidence, we place it on the H-R diagram and use the latest evolutionary tracks to derive a substellar mass of 0.01-0.06 M☉. A more accurate mass estimate will require tests of the evolutionary tracks and temperature scales at such young ages and late types.
Distinctive positron feature from particle dark-matter annihilations in the galactic halo

If the dark matter in our galactic halo consists of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMP's) heavier than the W± boson which have a significant annihilation branch into W± and Z0 pairs, e.g., a Higgsino-like neutralino, a very distinctive feature in the cosmic-ray positron spectrum arises from W+ and Z0 decays. Because of inherent astrophysical uncertainties such a signal is by no means guaranteed even if heavy WIMP's do comprise the galactic halo. However, the positron signature is virtually a "smoking gun" for particle dark matter in the halo and thus worthy of note.
Recurrent Cushing’s disease with low adrenal androgen production

A 33 year old woman presented with recurrent Cushing’s disease 4 years after complete remission induced by pituitary surgery. On relapse she exhibited the unusual pattern of elevated indices of Cortisol secretion with markedly suppressed serum DHEA-S; urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion was also below the normal range. Biochemical testing was otherwise consistent with ACTH-mediated hyper-cortisolism, and adrenal histopathology showed bilateral hyperplasia with no evidence of tumor. This case illustrates that serum DHEA-S is not an infallible guide to the differential diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome, and it supports the existence of a pituitary-secreted adrenal androgen stimulating factor that is distinct from ACTH.