cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sometimes less is more: Directed coping with interpersonal stressors at work

Summary Within the coping literature, researchers have long been interested in identifying ways in which individuals can improve their coping efforts, making them more effective and thereby reducing the harmful effects of stressful encounters. Although Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model has greatly advanced understanding of the coping process, there continues to be methodological and conceptual challenges that have hindered understanding of the mechanisms behind effective coping. Addressing these issues in the use of a novel approach of analyzing variation in coping (i.e., directed coping) at both the coping event and person coping levels, the current study examined the process of coping with work stress and the beneficial coping outcomes associated with using a directed coping strategy. A total of 143 nurses completed up to 12 weekly surveys online, reporting on weekly stressful interpersonal conflicts and how they coped with them. Results from multilevel analyses supported predictions that greater directed coping at both the level of the coping event and person is associated with improvements in occupational health outcomes even after controlling for other coping factors. Implications of these results are discussed in relation to future research on coping effectiveness and workplace applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromosomal Genetic Disease: Structural Aberrations

Structural chromosome rearrangements are changes in the physical structure of chromosomes that may result in birth defects, mental retardation and increased risk for infertility or pregnancy loss. Keywords: cytogenetics; inversions; insertions; deletions; duplications; isochromosomes; ring chromosomes; aneusomy; karyotype; contiguous gene syndromes; reciprocal translocations; robertsonian translocations; quadrivalent
The Effect of Nature-Based Experiences on Children's Adjustment to the Hospital: A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT:Numerous research projects conducted in various settings have supported the thesis that nature experiences lead to increased environmental awareness and aid in the development of self-concept, self-confidence, and levels of achievement in children. This study was designed to examine the effectiveness of nature-based activities as a method of reducing the fear and anxiety levels of children participating in a hospital child-life program. An experimental group of thirty hospitalized children participated in nature experiences designed for hospital playroom and in-room use. A control group of forty children participated only in regular child-life activities. The anxiety level of the children, ages four to seventeen, was evaluated by three instruments: a thirteen-item, five-point Fear Thermometers Test, a sixty-four-item Behavior Observation Checklist, and a four-item Anxiety Rating Scale. The results suggest that the experiential nature activities did contribute to a comprehensive approach to therap...
Activation of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

A number of different agents, such as growth factors, cytokines and phorbol esters have been shown to modulate trabecular meshwork cell function. These studies were designed to evaluate the role extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway plays in mediating the responses to platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in trabecular meshwork cells. The human trabecular meshwork cell line, HTM-3, and the bovine trabecular meshwork (BTM) cells were treated with either PDGF-BB or PMA and the activation of ERK 1/2 evaluated. The effects of the MAP kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126, and the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine on ERK 1/2 were also determined. In a separate group of experiments, cells were treated with PDGF-BB or PMA and the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) evaluated. The addition of PDGF-BB or PMA produced time- and dose-dependent activation of ERK 1/2. Pretreatment with U0126 or chelerythrine significantly reduced ERK 1/2 activation induced by PDGF-BB or PMA. The addition of PDGF-BB or PMA stimulated the secretion of MMP-2. This secretory response was inhibited by pretreatment with the MEK inhibitor U0126. In trabecular meshwork cells, PDGF-BB and PMA activate ERK 1/2 by a PKC-dependent mechanism. Activation of ERK 1/2 by these agents in trabecular meshwork cells leads to the secretion of MMP-2. These studies provide evidence that ERK pathway is an important mechanism for integrating various signals that regulate trabecular function.
Scaling criteria for IFE liquid wall protection scheme simulation

Applicability of experimental results to a full-size system depends on the scaling criteria on which the test article/fluid medium is used. This paper presents a careful review and assessment of a number of key parameters which influence fluid stability phenomena relevant to the IFE wall protection schemes, and provides guidance for future simulation experiments. The analysis shows that the non-dimensional jet surface ripple size can be reproduced by simultaneously preserving prototypical jet Reynolds and Weber numbers. The results show the difficulties of using water as a simulant for liquid protectants in experiments for evaluating IFE thin and thick liquid wall protection schemes. The analysis also shows that a modified HTS salt seems a good simulant for Flibe and that liquid sodium a good simulant for liquid lead. However, in the absence of information on liquids other than water, serious questions remain concerning the issue of scaling. Nevertheless, to best utilizing the available R&D resources, further experiments should be performed using fluids with significantly lower vapor pressures, such as liquid metals or low-melting temperature salts or eutectics.
Autoregulation of kinase dephosphorylation by ATP binding in AGC protein kinases

AGC kinases, including the three Akt (protein kinase B) isoforms, protein kinase A (PKA) and all protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, require activation loop phosphorylation (threonine 308 in Akt1) as well as phosphorylation of a C-terminal residue (serine 473 in Akt1) for catalytic activity and phosphorylation of downstream targets. Conversely, phosphatases reverse these phosphorylations. Virtually all cellular processes are affected by AGC kinases, a circumstance that has led to intense scrutiny of the molecular mechanisms that regulate phosphorylation of these kinases. Here, we review a new layer of control of phosphorylation in Akt, PKA and PKC pointing to ATP binding pocket occupancy as a means to decelerate dephosphorylation of these and, potentially, other kinases. This additional level of kinase regulation opens the door to search for new functional motifs for the rational design of non- ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors that discriminate within and between protein kinase families.
My Tuesdays With Morrie

Mitch Albom's book, Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man and Life's Greatest Lesson (1997), entered the poet's life during a time when death and terminal illness were affecting her immediate family and one of her closest friends. This life-affirming case study, the result of a series of taped conversations between Albom and his beloved undergraduate professor, the late Morrie Schwartz, represents good art in the Deweyian sense because it flows from everyday life experience. It inspired the poet to interact with the book through her own hybrid African American cultural lens and create new work.
Resettlement in Colombia The Case of El Guavio

When it was started in 1981, the 250 meter high Guavio hydroelectric project was designed to be one of the highest hydroelectric dams ever built in South America after completion. Although the project was the least cost for greatest gain investment available for meeting Colombia's rising need for power, the project's almost one billion dollar price tag made Guavio the largest capital investment ever made in Colombia.
A deformation theory of plasticity based on minimum work paths

Abstract A deformation theory of plasticity is proposed wherein the deformation paths for material elements are assumed and the plastic work becomes dependent on displacements. Among the infinite possible ways to assume deformation paths, one has been chosen that has several advantages when materials harden isotropically. Earlier, this path was shown to require the minimum work path to achieve a desired strain. Here, a mathematical description of a constitutive law of deformation plasticity is developed based upon this path for rigid-plastic and for elastoplastic materials. The proposed deformation theory provides a convenient theoretical basis for FEM applications involving analysis, and especially design, of forming processes.
Critical current properties of V3Ga with third element additions

Abstract Critical current densities of over 1.7 × 106 Acm−2 at 10T and 4.2K have been achieved in multifilamentary V3Ga wire produced by a modified bronze technique. Attempts to further improve this value were made by adding a third element, either Ti or Zr, to the V-Ga alloy filaments along with Al to the Cu-Ga matrix. The effects of reaction temperature and layer thickness with the third element additions were qualitatively similar to those measured for wires without third element additions, ie lower reaction temperatures and smaller layer thickness gave higher Jc values. At low reaction temperatures, these composite wires with third element additions exhibited slower growth rates and lower Jc values than those obtained for V-Ga cores in a Cu-Ga matrix, at higher temperatures just the opposite was true. In all cases, however, the Jc values obtained were lower than the best we have been able to achieve using V + Ga filaments and Cu + Ga matrix under optimum conditions.
Theoretical studies on the charge-induced failure of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Electromechanical coupling in single-walled carbon nanotubes has been studied theoretically. The charge distribution on single-walled carbon nanotubes in an electric field is obtained by an atomistic moment method based on classical electrostatics theory. The electrostatic interactions between charged carbon atoms are calculated using the Coulomb law. The charge-induced deformations of single-walled carbon nanotubes in axial and radial directions are obtained by using the molecular structural mechanics method and considering the electrostatic interactions as external loads acting on carbon atoms. The electrical failure of charged carbon nanotubes is found to be controlled by the charge level and also affected by the caps on the nanotube ends. The results indicate that the bond breaking first appears at the tube ends and the end-caps can enhance the stability of the nanotubes.
Maxillofacial prosthetics: a preliminary analysis of Resource Based Relative Value Scale.

Abstract A study done by the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics to evaluate the Medicare Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) as it relates to maxillofacial prosthetics. The method of RBRVS formulation is described. The degree of difficulty and treatment time were determined for nine Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology-edition 4(CPT-4) codified maxillofacial procedures. A preliminary survey indicates that practice expense and malpractice expense ratios were 66% and 1%, respectively. Correlation of maxillofacial procedures to other medical procedures was not performed because an additional study with a greater sample size is needed.
Genomic organization and sequence of T-cell receptor |[beta]|-chain constant- and joining-region genes

The genomic structure of the joining (J) and constant (C) regions of the locus encoding the beta-chain of the murine T-cell receptor has been analysed. The gene segments are arranged tandemly (J-C/J-C) within a 15-kilobase region. The two constant-region genes are almost identical, differing by only four amino acids, all in carboxy-terminal portions. Each C region comprises four exons encoding an external globular domain, a small hinge-like region, a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic tail plus 3'-untranslated region. The two clusters of J regions each contain 7 distinct elements, 12 of which may be functional.
Neurochemical mechanisms of phentermine and fenfluramine : Therapeutic and adverse effects

Most clinically available anorectic medications, such as phentermine and fenfluramine, are thought to interact with monoamine systems in the brain. Preclinical evidence suggests that there is substantial overlap between the neural circuits controlling feeding behavior and those involved in self-administration of abused drugs. Thus, anorectics may be effective treatments for substance use disorders. The purpose of the present article is to review recent findings that address the neurochemical mechanisms of action of phentermine, fenfluramine, the phentermine plus fenfluramine combination, and other selected anorectic medications. We review studies that have examined the effects of phentermine and fenfluramine in a variety of preclinical models of stimulant addiction. The implications of these findings for explaining the therapeutic efficacy and potential adverse actions of these drugs are considered. Finally, the review concludes by discussing the feasibility of developing novel drugs that produce the same neurochemical effects as phentermine plus fenfluramine, without the associated adverse effects of primary pulmonary hypertension (fenfluramine-related), neurotoxicity (fenfluramine-related), and abuse liability (phentermine-related). Such agents would have potential applications in the treatment of obesity, drug dependence, and other psychiatric disorders. Drug Dev. Res. 51:52–65, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Energy versus free-energy conservation in first-principles molecular dynamics

In applying first-principles molecular dynamics to metals, a fictitious temperature is usefully assigned to the electronic (Fermi-Dirac) occupation functions. This avoids instabilities associated with fluctuations in these occupations during the minimization of the energy density functional. Because these occupations vary with the ionic motion, they give rise to an extra contribution in addition to the usual Hellmann-Feynman forces. If this extra force is omitted, energy is not conserved. We point out, however, that ionic kinetic energy plus electronic free energy {ital is} conserved, and argue that this yields a sensible and realistic conservative dynamics.
Fragility of skewed bridges under orthogonal seismic ground motions

The paper evaluates seismic fragility characteristics of skewed bridges under simultaneous action of orthogonal ground motion components. The effect of skew angle on bridge seismic fragility characteristics is investigated through nonlinear time-history analyses of Painter Street Overpass, a 38.5° skewed bridge located in Rio Dell, CA, and six representative bridges with skew angles varying between 0° and 50°. Ground motion incident angle is varied from 0° to 180° to investigate the effect of the direction of ground motion incidence on bridge seismic performance. Bridge seismic response is used to generate fragility curves and contours plots that quantify the sensitivity of bridge fragility characteristics on skew angle and incident angle. For any value of incident angle, bridge seismic vulnerability increases with an increase in skew angle; however, no such general trend is found to describe the effect of incident angle on bridge fragility characteristics. Results show that the variation of maximum rotat...
Abstract 3624: Therapeutic targeting of glioblastoma multiforme using anti-EMP2 antibodies

Despite recent advances in molecular classification, surgery and radiotherapy, and the integration of novel molecular targeted therapies, the clinical outcome of patients with malignant brain tumors remains extremely poor. In particular, the prognosis for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive form of brain tumors, yields only a median survival of 12 months; the 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. In this report, we show that epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) is a novel tetraspan protein upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in 95% of patients with GBM. We have started to characterize the functional consequence of EMP2 up-regulation in GBM cells. Within these cells, EMP2 appears to orchestrate the membrane expression of proteins required for cell migration and invasion. Specifically, our past results as well as our current preliminary results strongly suggest that EMP2 modulates the repertoire of integrin heterodimers on the cell surface and stabilizes the FAK complex and signaling required for cell migration and GBM progression. We further show that this upregulation is sufficient to induce tumor growth in a number of xenograft models using immunocompromised mice. The high expression of EMP2 on the membrane of GBM cells caused us to predict that we could exploit this increase in expression using anti-EMP2 recombinant antibodies. Using both anti-EMP2 antibody fragments (diabodies) as well as a humanized anti-EMP2 IgG1, we show that anti-EMP2 antibodies specifically induce apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo using GBM xenograft models. We have also started characterizing any potential toxicity that may arise from anti-EMP2 therapy. Importantly, no systemic or histological toxicity was observed at therapeutic doses. Thus, we predict that EMP2 expression can be targeted in GBM to develop a novel therapeutic strategy, and it may have broad applicability given that EMP2 expression is upregulated in a number of other tumors such as ovarian and breast cancer. 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 3624. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3624
Immunological consequences of exposure to pentachlorophenol.

Evaluation of lymphocyte phenotype frequencies, functional responses, serum immunoglobulin levels, and autoantibodies was completed for 38 individuals (i.e., 10 families) who were exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP) in manufacturer-treated log houses. Comparison of subjects with controls revealed that the exposed individuals had activated T-cells, autoimmunity, functional immunosuppression, and B-cell dysregulation. Autoimmunity was evidenced by elevation of TA1 phenotype frequencies and a 21% incidence of anti-smooth muscle antibody. Functional immunosuppression was evidenced by the significantly reduced responses to all mitogens tested and to allogeneic lymphocytes in the mixed lymphocyte culture test. There was a significant elevation of CD10, and an 18% increase or decrease in serum immunoglobulins was noted. A striking anomaly was the enhanced natural killer activity found in exposed females but not in males.
Handling confidentiality and disclosure in the evaluation of client outcomes in managed mental health services for children and adolescents

In the process of examining client outcomes of mental health services, evaluators often find themselves immersed in ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding participant privacy and the confidentiality of information gained in the process of the evaluation. Evaluators must be prepared to make decisions about disclosure of confidential information that indicates risk of abuse or serious harm to the client or by the client toward another. This article details the experience of the investigators of the Fort Bragg Evaluation Project in the development and application of standardized decision algorithms for considering disclosure of confidential information obtained during the evaluation. The consequences of using such decision paradigms, including the number of disclosures made and the subsequent effects on family participation in the study, are also described.
Investigation of the role of aesthetics in differentiating between photographs taken by amateur and professional photographers

Automatically quantifying the aesthetic appeal of images is an interesting problem in computer science and image processing. In this paper, we incorporate aesthetic properties and convert them into computable image features for classifying photographs taken by amateur and professional photographers. In particular, color histograms, spatial edge distribution, and repetition identification are used as features. Results of experiments on professional and amateur photograph data sets confirm the discriminative power of these features.
Linking emissions of fossil fuel CO2 and other anthropogenic trace gases using atmospheric 14CO2

[1] Atmospheric CO2 gradients are usually dominated by the signal from net terrestrial biological fluxes, despite the fact that fossil fuel combustion fluxes are larger in the annual mean. Here, we use a six year long series of 14CO2 and CO2 measurements obtained from vertical profiles at two northeast U.S. aircraft sampling sites to partition lower troposphere CO2 enhancements (and depletions) into terrestrial biological and fossil fuel components (Cbio and Cff). Mean Cff is 1.5 ppm, and 2.4 ppm when we consider only planetary boundary layer samples. However, we find that the contribution of Cbio to CO2 enhancements is large throughout the year, and averages 60% in winter. Paired observations of Cff and the lower troposphere enhancements (Δgas) of 22 other anthropogenic gases (CH4, CO, halo- and hydrocarbons and others) measured in the same samples are used to determine apparent emission ratios for each gas. We then scale these ratios by the well known U.S. fossil fuel CO2 emissions to provide observationally based estimates of national emissions for each gas and compare these to “bottom up” estimates from inventories. Correlations of Δgas with Cff for almost all gases are statistically significant with median r2for winter, summer and the entire year of 0.59, 0.45, and 0.42, respectively. Many gases exhibit statistically significant winter:summer differences in ratios that indicate seasonality of emissions or chemical destruction. The variability of ratios in a given season is not readily attributable to meteorological or geographic variables and instead most likely reflects real, short-term spatiotemporal variability of emissions.
Associated neurologic abnormalities in congenital third nerve palsies.

A study of ten patients (six girls and four boys ranging in age from 17 months to 9½ years) with congenital third nerve palsies showed that not all cases are benign without other signs of focal neurologic damage. Six of the ten children showed some degree of pupillary involvement, five had signs of oculomotor synkinesis, four had associated focal neurologic abnormalities, and two had generalized developmental delay. Only three children showed no signs of neurologic change except the third nerve palsy. Although congenital third nerve palsies are incompletely understood, these lesions probably occur as a result of the damage both to the peripheral nerve and to the brain stem itself. Signs of oculomotor synkinesis do not occur in all cases and the pupil is frequently spared.
Marijuana Use in Suburban Schools Among Students With Learning Disabilities

Abstract Although much research exists on adolescent marijuana use, few studies have examined marijuana use in school settings. Students experiencing academic and social difficulties at school, such as those receiving special education services, may be more at risk for school-related substance use. Nevertheless, virtually no research has examined this problem. This study assessed the prevalence of marijuana use at school and the perceived availability and consequences of using marijuana in school among students with learning disabilities. The results showed that 15 percent of students reported using marijuana at school, and that marijuana was easily obtained. Most students perceived marijuana to be harmful to their schoolwork, and many non-users felt unsafe and angry when drugs were present at school.
A Two-Step Model for Colon Adenoma Initiation and Progression Caused by APC Loss

Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling following loss of the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is thought to initiate colon adenoma formation. Using zebrafish and human cells, we show that homozygous loss of APC causes failed intestinal cell differentiation but that this occurs in the absence of nuclear β-catenin and increased intestinal cell proliferation. Therefore, loss of APC is insufficient for causing β-catenin nuclear localization. APC mutation-induced intestinal differentiation defects instead depend on the transcriptional corepressor C-terminal binding protein-1 (CtBP1), whereas proliferation defects and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin require the additional activation of KRAS. These findings suggest that, following APC loss, CtBP1 contributes to adenoma initiation as a first step, whereas KRAS activation and β-catenin nuclear localization promote adenoma progression to carcinomas as a second step. Consistent with this model, human FAP adenomas showed robust upregulation of CtBP1 in the absence of detectable nuclear β-catenin, whereas nuclear β-catenin was detected in carcinomas.
Rotordynamic Coefficients for Stepped Labyrinth Gas Seals

The basic equations are derived for compressible flow in a stepped labyrinth gas seal. The flow is assumed to be completely turbulent in the circumferential direction where the friction factor is determined by the Blasius relation. Linearized zeroth and first-order perturbation equations are developed for small motion about a centered position by an expansion in the eccentricity ratio. The zeroth-order pressure distribution is found by satisfying the leakage equation while the circumferential velocity distribution is determined by satisfying the momentum equations. The first order equations are solved by a separation of variables solution. Integration of the resultant pressure distribution along and around the seal defines the reaction force developed by the seal and the corresponding dynamic coefficients. The results of this analysis are presented in the form of a parametric study, since there are no known experimental data for the rotordynamic coefficients of stepped labyrinth gas seals. The parametric study investigates the relative rotordynamic stability of convergent, straight and divergent stepped labyrinth gas seals. The results show that, generally, the divergent seal is more stable, rotordynamically, than the straight or convergent seals. The results also show that the teeth-on-stator seals are not always more stable, rotordynamically, then the teeth-on-rotor seals as was shown by experiment by Childs and Scharrer (1986b) for a 15 tooth seal.
Sequence and evolution of the regions between the rrn operons in the chloroplast genome of Euglena gracilis bacillaris

The rRNA genes are arranged in three sequential operons preceded by a fourth partial operon. Part or all of a 1462 nucleotide sequence extending from within the 3′-end of the 23S rRNA gene, across the 5S rRNA gene and a presumptive transcription terminator, to within the first structural gene (for 16S rRNA) of the rrn operon was determined for each region between operons. Homologies of the 3′-end of the 23S rRNA gene with the 4.5S rRNA genes of higher plant chloroplasts, and of the 5S rRNA gene with other 5S rRNA genes were examined. The region preceding the 16S rRNA gene, which is expected to contain sites for initiation and regulation of rrn transcription, includes a 305 base-pair sequence with substantial homology with structural genes elsewhere in the chloroplast genome. The homologies suggest that this portion of the leader evolved from copies of parts of the structural genes which had been inserted before the 16S rRNA genes. Thus the chloroplast rrn leader may provide a unique opportunity to study how a regulatory sequence evolved from well-defined structural genes.
WE-C-217BCD-07: Best in Physics (Joint Eyiaging-Therapy) - Direct Imaging of the Uptake of Platinum Anticancer Agents Using X-Ray Stimulated Fluorescence: A Proof-Of-Concept Study.

Purpose: Platinum‐based (Pt) chemotherapy has greatly improved the initial response rate of different cancers. However, relapse of a drug‐resistant tumor occurs with a high frequency, resulting in poor long term survival. The most common phenotype of Pt chemoresistance is decreased Pt drug accumulation in the tumor region due to either decreased influx or increased efflux, which is invisible for current imaging modalities. The inability of imaging methods to directly image the Pt drug uptake has resulted in a very unfavorable scenario for early assessment of chemotherapeutic efficacy as well as for personalized treatment planning. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of imaging the uptake and retention of Pt drugs using x‐ray stimulated fluorescenceCT (XSF‐CT). Methods: Pt is a high atomic number element, and it emits XSF photons when excited by ionizing photons. Therefore, the alteration of spatial distribution and concentration of Pt drugs in the cancer region could be monitored with XSF‐CT. In this study, a polychromatic X‐ray source was used to stimulate emission of XSF photons from the Pt drugs. XSF‐CT used a first‐generation CT geometry. The data were collected using a cadmium telluride detector to sort out a set of spectra. The spectra were then used to generate sinogram. The bio distribution and concentration of each element were reconstructed with the ML‐EM algorithm. Results: The reconstructed images clearly identified the distributions of cisplatin. A good linearity between XSF intensities and the concentrations of cisplatin was also observed, suggesting that XSF‐CT is capable of quantitative imaging. The X‐ray dose for stimulating the XSF photon was 0.25 cGy per projection. Conclusions: XSF‐CT has the potential to be a promising modality for monitoring the intervention processes within X‐ray scanners. It would afford a powerful way to reliably modify an ineffective treatment regimen in nearly real time. This work was supported by NIH/NCI grants (CA133474, CA153587), an NSF grant (0854492) and a grant from the Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test Foundation.
Common and specific gender influences on individual differences in reading performance: a twin study

Abstract In order to test the hypothesis of a gender-based differential etiology of individual differences in reading performance, data from two research-identified samples of twins (638 pairs of twins in which at least one member of the pair had a positive school history of reading problems and a comparison sample of 414 twin pairs with no history of reading problems) were fitted to a structural equation model of sex-limitation. When a parsimonious model that constrained the genetic correlation between reading performance of males and females in the proband group to be equal to that in the control group was fitted to the data, the resulting pooled estimate of the genetic correlation (0.59) was significantly greater than zero and less than one (0.28–0.88, 95% confidence interval). Thus, the etiology of individual differences in reading performance is due to both common and gender-specific genetic influences.
Toxicity of cadmium and mercury to horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) embryos and larvae.

This paper is part of a series of investigations into the lethal and sublethal effects of heavy metals on developmental stages of the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus (Botton et al. 1998a, b; Itow et al. 1998a, b). These studies have been prompted by concerns about the apparent decline in horseshoe crabs from the middle Atlantic coast of the US, leading to the recent development of an interstate fisheries management plan for the species (Schrading et al. 1998). Horseshoe crabs are an important commercial fishery in the region; an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 adult crabs have been collected from Delaware Bay and coastal NJ, DE, and MD in each of the last five years for use as bait in the eel and whelk (Busycon sp.) fisheries (Schrading et al. 1998). Uneasiness over the status of horseshoe crab populations is linked to the fact that Limulus eggs are the most important food source for hundreds of thousands of migrant shorebirds during their northward (Spring) migration through Delaware Bay (Botton et al. 1994).
The trouble with US military medicine

Squalour at the Walter Reed Army Hospital shows how out of touch America9s elites really are
Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by cationic rhodamines as a possible teratogenicity mechanism

Abstract Exposure of mice to cationic rhodamines, Rh 123 and Rh 6G, has been found to be associated with developmental toxicity, while neutral rhodamines (e.g., Rh B) had no such effect. When mouse embryos from dams given ip injections of Rh 123, Rh 6G (15 mg/kg), or Rh B (30 mg/kg) on gestation Day (GD) 10 were examined, Rh 123 and Rh 6G were present in embryonic tissue in fluorescent bodies within the average dimensions of mitochodria. Rh B was evenly distributed in the cytoplasm. With in vitro exposure of isolated mitochondria to rhodamines on GD 12, 3–4 times more Rh 123 was associated with mitochondria under energized conditions than under nonenergized conditions; the amount of Rh 6G associated with mitochondria was much less under either condition. Treatment of pregnant mice (ip) with Rh 123 (15 mg/kg/day) or Rh 6G (0.5 mg/kg/day) on GD 7–10 resulted in inhibition of state 3 respiration of embryonic mitochondria isolated on GD 12. When isolated embryonic mitochondria were exposed to the cationic rhodamines, inhibition of state 3 respiration was dose dependent. With 5 μg of Rh 123/mg mitochondrial protein, state 3 respiration decreased by 31%, while Rh 6G (1 μg/mg) decreased state 3 respiration by 27%. In vivo exposure of maternal liver mitochondria to cationic rhodamines did not result in inhibition of respiration 2 days later, whereas in vitro results were similar to those for embryonic mitochondria. In vivo or in vitro exposure to Rh B had no effects on mitochondrial respiration. These results indicate that interference with embryonic energy metabolism is a possible mechanism by which cationic rhodamines exert adverse effects on embryogenesis.
Correlates of knowledge of Alzheimer's disease among caregivers

Little research has been conducted involving the effects that knowledge of Alzheimer's disease has on caregivers as well as the possible consequences of this knowledge. The major purpose of the current study was to determine the amount of knowledge caregivers possessed. The second purpose was to explore possible correlates of knowledge of Alzheimer's disease. One hundred and one caregivers participated in the study. Participants were given a 30 item test which consisted of 15 multiple choice items and 15 true/false items. The caregivers answered an average of 46 percent of the items correctly. Female caregivers answered more questions correctly compared to male caregivers. Additional results are presented in the paper Itappears that education about Alzheimer's disease is needed, especially in caregivers of patients diagnosed with possible or probable Alzheimer's disease. Strategies and suggestions for dissemination of this information are presented.
Pathways from family religiosity to adolescent sexual activity and contraceptive use.

Few studies with nationally representative longitudinal data have examined whether and how family religiosity is associated with adolescent sexual and contraceptive behavior. Data from the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were used to examine associations between a multidimensional measure of family religiosity assessed during early adolescence and reproductive health outcomes (sexual activity number of partners and consistent contraceptive use) at age 17. Pathways through which family religiosity is associated with these outcomes were identified using structural equation models. Family religiosity was negatively associated with adolescent sexual activity both directly (beta -0.14) and indirectly (-0.02). The indirect association was mediated by family cohesion (as reflected in parental monitoring among the entire sample and among males and in parent-teenager relationship quality and family routine activities among females) and negative peer behaviors. Greater family religiosity was indirectly associated with having fewer sexual partners (-0.03) and with using contraceptives consistently (0.02); these relationships were mediated through later age at first sex more positive peer environments and higher levels of parental monitoring and awareness. However among sexually active males (but not females) family religiosity was directly and negatively associated with contraceptive consistency (-0.11). Cohesive family environments and positive peer networks contribute to reduced levels of risky sexual behavior among adolescents from religious families. Parents who monitor their childrens activities and peer environments engage their families in regular activities and foster strong parent-child relationships can help reduce risky sexual behavior regardless of family religiosity. Parental involvement in prevention programs may help reduce rates of teenage pregnancy and STDs.
Within-Field Variability in Optimum Nitrogen Rate for Corn Linked to Soil Moisture Availability

Understanding the interaction between yield response to N and other growth-limiting factors is essential to improving spatially dependent N fertilizer applications. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of soil moisture variability on the economically optimum N rate (EONR) for corn (Zea mays L.). Corn grain yield response to N was determined at each of 10 locations along a hillslope in central Pennsylvania (2005-2007). Volumetric soil water content (θ p , 0-90-cm depth) was also determined at each location approximately weekly between mid-June and August. The mean EONR (n = 10) was 117,140, and 169 kg N ha -1 in 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively, while the range in EONR among locations each year was 147, 69, and 146 kg N ha -1 , respectively. The mean θ p (n = 10) was between 15 and 25 cm in 2005, 23 to 37 cm in 2006, and 21 to 27 cm in 2007. While there was greater temporal change in the mean θ p in 2006, the smaller variability among locations during the drier growing seasons of 2005 and 2007 was more relevant to differences in EONR. The EONR in 2005 and 2007 was strongly related (r 2 = 0.74 and 0.71, respectively) to the change in θ p at each location as determined during a defining drying and wetting cycle in June and July. During the relatively wetter 2006 growing season, the EONR was not related to changes in θ p . Greater water availability during drier growing seasons increased the EONR.
Ethics of administration: The California crisis

Administrators encounter problems in the ethical sphere substantially different from those encountered by personnel involved mainly in the diadic therapeutic relationship. Although they can never neglect their ultimate responsibility for the individual patient's welfare, it is in the broader reaches of that responsibility that they become involved in local and regional economics, politics, and health policy. Many of the administrator's problems center around lack of resources for maintenance of quality care, progressive erosion of that level of care over time, increasing threats to humanitarian standards and ideals, and the ethical and moral obligations related to their numerous constituencies. Thus, inequitable access to health care, the favoring of clients with good insurance coverage, discriminations in direct service due to crowded facilities, undue physical and mental risks borne by service staff, unavoidable flouting of legal or regulatory standards, the compromising of professional integrity and ideals—all burden the ethical and judicial consciousness of the administrator. In addition, pursuit of one's duty to the public versus one's own institution is worrisome, particularly when untoward events occur in one's institution for which one may take blame. There is also the decision if and when the administrator should take social/political action after other measures have failed and the situation has deteriorated to unacceptable levels.
Project Green Thumb: A Demonstration in Wisconsin.

Abstract A prototype of NOAA's proposed Green Thumb agricultural information dissemination system was demonstrated at five different sites across Wisconsin during the period July–October 1979. Those viewing the system were asked to complete questionnaires on their reactions to what they saw. Over 90% of those responding would use the system if it were available, and most were willing to pay between $100 and $150 to purchase the box.
Determination of the isotopic composition of ammonium-nitrogen at the natural abundance level from estuarine waters

Abstract A method was developed to measure the stable nitrogen isotope ratio of dissolved ammonium (NH 4 + ) at the natural abundance level from estuarine waters. This method employed rapid steam distillation with collection of ammonium on zeolite via ion-exchange. The steam distillation step had a recovery of 103±5%; subsequent exchange of the ammonium on zeolite had a yield of 96.4±1.6%. The zeolite with exchanged ammonium was converted to N 2 in quartz tubes at 910°C with CuO and Cu and the isotopic composition of the gas was measured in an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. When analyzing 200 μg of N the accuracy using isotopic standards was within 4% of the true ratio, with an overall precision of ±0.5%. A benefit of this method is that samples can be distilled and preserved onboard ship, thereby minimizing storage artifacts. This method was used in a seasonal study of the isotopic composition of dissolved ammonium from the Delaware Estuary.
Sources of Emotional Help Sought by Low Income Women of Mexican Descent

From a larger convenience sample of 315 women of Mexican descent, the focus of this secondary analysis of cross sectional data was a subset of 68 women who reported that they sought help for feelin...
On the boundary layer at perforated walls

Fur Windkanalversuche im Geschwindigkeitsgebiet der schallnahen Stromungen werden seit einigen Jahren perforierte oder geschlitzte Kanalwande verwendet. Fruhere experimentelle Untersuchungen [3] haben angedeutet, dass die Grenzschicht entlang solchen Wanden der turbulenten Mischzone in einer freien Strahlgrenze gleicht. Diese Beobachtung legt die Annahme affiner Geschwindigkeitsprofile und linear anwachsender Mischzonenbreite nahe (Figur 1). Wird die Prandtlsche Mischlange fur die turbulente Schubspannung der Mischzonenbreite proportional gesetzt, dann resultiert eine konstante Schubspannung entlang der perforierten Wand. Diese kann abgeschatzt werden, wenn man die perforierte Wand als eine Folge von soliden Wandstucken und freien Strahlgrenzen betrachtet (Figur 4) und damit eine mittlere Wandschubspannung berechnet. Mit dieser ist dann auch die aus dem Kanal entweichende Luftmenge bestimmt. Versuche mit einer perforierten und einer quergeschlitzten Wand bestatigen die theoretischen Voraussagen.
Interacting influence of mycorrhizal symbiosis and competition on plant diversity in tallgrass prairie.

In tallgrass prairie, plant species interactions regulated by their associated mycorrhizal fungi may be important forces that influence species coexistence and community structure; however, the mechanisms and magnitude of these interactions remain unknown. The objective of this study was to determine how interspecific competition, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and their interactions influence plant community structure. We conducted a factorial experiment, which incorporated manipulations of abundance of dominant competitors, Andropogon gerardii and Sorghastrum nutans, and suppression of mycorrhizal symbiosis using the fungicide benomyl under two fire regimes (annual and 4-year burn intervals). Removal of the two dominant C4 grass species altered the community structure, increased plant species richness, diversity, and evenness, and increased abundance of subdominant graminoid and forb species. Suppression of mycorrhizal fungi resulted in smaller shifts in community structure, although plant species richness and diversity increased. Responses of individual plant species were associated with their degree of mycorrhizal responsiveness: highly mycorrhizal responsive species decreased in abundance and less mycorrhizal responsive species increased in abundance. The combination of dominant-grass removal and mycorrhizal suppression treatments interacted to increase synergistically the abundance of several species, indicating that both processes influence species interactions and community organization in tallgrass prairie. These results provide evidence that mycorrhizal fungi affect plant communities indirectly by influencing the pattern and strength of plant competitive interactions. Burning strongly influenced the outcome of these interactions, which suggests that plant species diversity in tallgrass prairie is influenced by a complex array of interacting processes, including both competition and mycorrhizal symbiosis.
Cholesteric Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers Prepared from Ionic Bis–Olefinic Crosslinking Units

A series of cyclosiloxane-based cholesteric LCEs were synthesized by using a LC monomer cholest-5-en-3-ol(3β)-4-(2-propenyloxy)benzoate and an ionic divinyl monomer 2,2'-(1,2-ethenediyl)-bis[5-[(4-undecenoyl-oxy)phenyl]-azo]-benzenesulfonic acid. The polymers were prepared in a one-step reaction with ionic crosslinking contents ranging between mass content 0 and 11.8%. Their chemical structures and liquid-crystalline properties were characterized by FT IR, 'H NMR, DSC, POM and X-ray measurement. The effective crosslink density (M c ) was determined by swelling experiments in mixed buffer/organic solvent mixtures, using Brannon-Peppas models. All the polymers exhibit thermotropic LC properties and reveal cholesteric phase. With increase of ionic crosslinking component in the polymers, the melting behavior disappears and the temperature of clear point decreases. Reflection spectra of cholesteric mesophase of the series of polymers showed that the reflected wavelength becomes broad and shifts to long wavelength with increase of the ionic crosslinking component in the polymer systems.
Flow Shop Scheduling Problems with No In-process Waiting: A Special Case

The objective is to minimize makespan for a special case of flow shop problems subject to the constraint that no in-process waiting is allowed. Several new results are proposed.
Phenotypic variation in residual feed intake and performance traits in rams

Abstract The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate relationships in rams between residual feed intake (RFI) and pre-test variables such as birth type and age put on performance test, (2) determine if relationships exist between RFI and carcass characteristics, growth traits, and wool traits in rams, and (3) identify the adequate length of testing necessary to determine individual RFI ranking in sheep. University of Wyoming performance tested rams, whiteface wool breed (WB; n = 183) and meat breed (MB; n = 147), were evaluated for feed intake traits using an automated feed intake system. Whiteface wool breed rams were composed of three contemporary groups (WB1 = Fall 2009, WB2 = Fall 2010, and WB3 = Fall 2011) and MB rams were composed of two contemporary groups (MB1 = Summer 2010 and MB2 = Summer 2011). Carcass, growth, wool, pre-test variables, and weekly weight measurements were collected for rams. Weekly and trial RFI values were calculated separately within each contemporary group. There were no relationships between trial RFI and carcass, growth, or wool traits. However, there was a tendency (P = 0.054) for a positive correlation (0.23) between trial RFI and scrotal circumference in WB2, and a positive (0.46; P