cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A pool of 1,086 words with unique two-letter fragments

Cognitive psychology is finding increasing use for the word fragment completion test, in which words have to be completed from a subset of their letters (e.g.,horizon from --r-z--). Researchers often try to restrict their fragments to those that can be completed with only one word, but this is difficult to do and probably never has been achieved. To help resolve this problem, a list is provided of 1,086 three- to eight-letter words, each of which is uniquely specified by a two-letter fragment, where uniqueness is defined on the basis of two sizable word collections.
PAR-1-Stimulated Factor IXa Binding to a Small Platelet Subpopulation Requires a Pronounced and Sustained Increase of Cytoplasmic Calcium†

We previously reported that only a subpopulation of PAR-1-stimulated platelets binds coagulation factor IXa, since confirmed by other laboratories. Since calcium changes have been implicated in exposure of procoagulant aminophospholipids, we have now examined calcium fluxes in this subpopulation by measuring fluorescence changes in Fura Red/AM-loaded platelets following PAR-1 stimulation. While fluorescence changes in all platelets indicated calcium release from internal stores and influx of external calcium, a subpopulation of platelets displayed a pronounced increase in calcium transients by 15 s and positive factor IXa binding by 2 min, with calcium transients sustained for 45 min. Pretreatment of platelets with Xestospongin C to inhibit IP3-mediated dense tubule calcium release, and the presence of impermeable calcium channel blockers nifedipine, SKF96365, or LaCl3, inhibited PAR-1-induced development of a subpopulation with pronounced calcium transients, factor IXa binding, and platelet support of FX...
In vitro release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor by acetylcholine is increased during the guinea pig pregnancy.

The relaxation of isolated blood vessels by acetylcholine is dependent on the presence of intact endothelium and its release of a smooth muscle relaxing nitroso-like compound. Pregnancy is associated with altered vascular responsiveness to a variety of agents. Because many of these agents stimulate the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, we investigated in vitro the effect of pregnancy on acetylcholine-mediated relaxation of guinea pig uterine and carotid artery rings. The presence of intact and functional endothelium was confirmed both by examination under the scanning electron microscope and by vessel relaxation after the addition of acetylcholine. The addition of acetylcholine to the vessel bath produced dose-dependent relaxation of both carotid and uterine artery segments obtained from pregnant and nonpregnant animals after they had been submaximally preconstricted with phenylephrine. There was a significant increase in both response and efficacy to acetylcholine during pregnancy for both uterine and carotid arteries (p
Inhibitory effects of botulinum toxin on pyloric and antral smooth muscle

Botulinum toxin injection into the pylorus is reported to improve gastric emptying in gastroparesis. Classically, botulinum toxin inhibits ACh release from cholinergic nerves in skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of botulinum toxin on pyloric smooth muscle. Guinea pig pyloric muscle strips were studied in vitro. Botulinum toxin type A was added; electric field stimulation (EFS) was performed every 30 min for 6 h. ACh (100 microM)-induced contractile responses were determined before and after 6 h. Botulinum toxin caused a concentration-dependent decrease of pyloric contractions to EFS. At a low concentration (2 U/ml), botulinum toxin decreased pyloric contractions to EFS by 43 +/- 9% without affecting ACh-induced contractions. At higher concentrations (10 U/ml), botulinum toxin decreased pyloric contraction to EFS by 75 +/- 7% and decreased ACh-induced contraction by 79 +/- 9%. In conclusion, botulinum toxin inhibits pyloric smooth muscle contractility. At a low concentration, botulinum toxin decreases EFS-induced contractile responses without affecting ACh-induced contractions suggesting inhibition of ACh release from cholinergic nerves. At higher concentrations, botulinum toxin directly inhibits smooth muscle contractility as evidenced by the decreased contractile response to ACh.
Analysis of iron kinetics: Identifiability, experiment design, and deterministic interpretations of a stochastic model

Abstract A useful stochastic model of iron kinetics is examined in terms of a mathematically equivalent multicompartment model. Although this model oversimplifies the process by which iron moves from the plasma to circulating red blood cells, it accurately describes iron kinetics under a variety of circumstances. Parameters of this compartment model are shown to be uniquely identifiable. A D -optimal ferrokinetic blood-sampling schedule based on the model achieves a 33% increase in efficiency over a schedule commonly used.
Normal embryonic development in the clearnose skate, Raja eglanteria, with experimental observations on artificial insemination

Clearnose skates, Raja eglanteria, are a common species of skate found seasonally along the Atlantic coast of North America from Cape Cod to mid-Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico from mid-Florida to eastern Texas. Clearnose skates inhabit the west central coast of Florida during winter months, when Gulf temperatures are conducive to mating and egg-laying (approximately 16°C–22°C). Specimens collected during this time will breed in captivity and, if maintained at 20°C, mated females will store sperm and continue to lay fertile eggs for up to six months. With fertile eggs available from day of laying until hatching, the first complete description of batoid elasmobranch embryonic development with a timetable has been established and is presented here. If eggs are maintained at 20°C, appearance and progression of embryonic events proceed over a reproducible timeline. The timeline has been divided into discrete time periods into which developmental events have been grouped. These include cleavage and expansion of the blastodisc (day 1–day 4), embryonic axis and neural tube formation (day 4–day 7), pharyngeal pouches and gill filament development (day 10–day 28), expansion of fins and transition from external filaments to internal gills (week 4–week 7), and epidermal pigmentation and yolk absorption (week 8–week 12). Fully formed offspring hatch after an incubation period of approximately 12 weeks (85 ± 6 days). To examine possible mechanisms of transport and storage of sperm in the reproductive tract of females following copulation, experiments resulting in the first artificial insemination for any elasmobranch fish are described. These experiments provide evidence for functional roles of the alkaline gland, whose secretions stimulate sperm motility and may enhance migration of sperm to the oviducal glands, and the clasper gland, whose secretions may provide nutrition during storage of viable sperm in the oviducal gland.
Influence of demographic factors and biochemical characteristics on the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response to testosterone replacement therapy

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate how the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) varies with age, mode of testosterone treatment, and baseline levels of PSA and testosterone. In total, 48 consecutive hypogonadal men who completed 1 year of TRT were evaluated. All men had a negative prostate biopsy obtained prior to initiating TRT. Men received TRT in the form of intramuscular injections (n = 33) or topical gel (n = 25) based on clinical response. Comparisons in the change in PSA after 1 year of TRT were made based on various thresholds for age and baseline values of PSA, total testosterone (TT), and free testosterone (FT). Baseline levels of TT (297.7+/-156.6 vs 292.7+/-89.7 ng/dl; P = 0.88) and FT (0.95+/-0.3 vs 1.1+/-0.3 ng/dl; P = 0.08) were similar for the injection and transdermal groups, and both groups also had similar baseline PSA values (1.92+/-1.9 vs 1.71+/-1.9 ng/ml, respectively; P = 0.67). After 1 year of TRT, mean PSA values did not differ significantly between groups, nor did the mean increase in PSA (P > 0.05). The overall mean increase in PSA was 0.31+/-0.76 ng/ml. After one year of TRT, PSA was decreased in 21%, unchanged in 22%, and increased in 57%. Only 24% of the entire group demonstrated a PSA increase of 0.5 ng/ml or greater. No statistical difference was found in the change in PSA based on patient age, baseline PSA levels, or baseline levels of TT or FT. TRT causes only a mild increase in PSA in most hypogonadal men, and does not appear to be influenced by the mode of TRT, age, or baseline levels of PSA or testosterone.
Beyond Boundaries. Reconceptualizing Exchanges between Management Scholars and Practitioners

This paper challenges orthodox understandings about the existence of a theory-practice gap in organization science and points out the limitations of, and uncertainties behind, seeing management aca...
Popular Movements and Political Change in Mexico

Assessing the overall political significance of the emergence of strong popular movements in Mexico, the authors draw on extensive case materials to explore the multiple ways these movements engage with regional and national politics.
An Empirical Test of the Configurational Theory of Organizations

The configurational theory of organizations was used to analyze the relationships among organization environment, structure, and performance in proprietary nursing homes. This theory extends previous contingency theory research and conceptualization by including performance as the main focus behind organization design activities. Thirty proprietary nursing homes in the state of Washington responded to comprehensive interviews and survey questionnaires designed to measure variables specified in the configurational theory. The results of this study suggest partial support for the configurational theory; most notably in explaining differences in efficiency among nursing homes operating in low intensity environments.
Alkylation of Carboxylate Salts of Acidic Herbicides for Gas Chromatographic Analysis

Abstract The methyl esters of 2-methoxy-3, 6-dichlorobenzoic acid and three phenoxyacetic acids were prepared by the admixture of an excess of both methyl iodide and anhydrous alkali-metal carbonate to a solution of the carboxylic acids in acetone. The reaction was completed within the shortest period of time when cesium carbonate was used, and the reaction mixture was injected without further work-up into a gas chromatograph fitted with a flame ionization detector. Further reduction of reaction time was achieved by heating the mixture to 50°C and by ultrasonic treatment; this technique is also suitable for esterification of microliter quantities and obviates the need for a microrefluxer. Butylesters of 2, 4-D and 2, 4, 5-T were prepared in an analogous manner. The methyl esters of 2, 4-D and 2, 4, 5-T, and the butyl ester of 2, 4-D were obtained in better than 90% yield.
Natural History of Rheumatic Aortic Regurgitation Criteria Predictive of Death, Congestive Heart Failure, and Angina in Young Patients

The medical courses of 174 young patients with aortic regurgitation were followed prospectively for a median of 10 years. The data were analyzed by life-table methods; congestive failure and angina, as well as death, were considered as end points, since the occurrence of the former is considered sufficient indication for aortic valve replacement. Thirty-one patients developed the triad of moderate or marked left ventricular enlargement, two or three electrocardiographic abnormalities, and abnormal blood pressure. Thirty-three percent of these patients either died or had failure or angina within 1 year, 48% within 2 years, 65% within 3 years, and 87% within 6 years from the acquisition of the triad. The 71 patients with none of the above features had uneventful courses. Of the 71 patients with one or two features only seven either died (three) or became symptomatic. These data are useful for patient selection for surgery before symptoms appear.
The Effect of the Combustor-Turbine Slot and Midpassage Gap on Vane Endwall Heat Transfer

Turbine vanes are generally manufactured as singleor double-airfoil sections that are assembled into a full turbine disk. The gaps between the individual sections, as well as a gap between the turbine disk and the combustor upstream, provide leakage paths for relatively higher-pressure coolant flows. This leakage is intended to prevent ingestion of the hot combustion flow in the primary gas path. At the vane endwall, this leakage flow can interfere with the complex vortical flow present there and thus affect the heat transfer to that surface. To determine the effect of leakage flow through the gaps, heat transfer coefficients were measured along a first-stage vane endwall and inside the midpassage gap for a large-scale cascade with a simulated combustor-turbine interface slot and a midpassage gap. For increasing combustor-turbine leakage flows, endwall surface heat transfer coefficients showed a slight increase in heat transfer. The presence of the midpassage gap, however, resulted in high heat transfer near the passage throat where flow is ejected from that gap. Computational simulations indicated that a small vortex created at the gap flow ejection location contributed to the high heat transfer. The measured differences in heat transfer for the various midpassage gap flowrates tested did not appear to have a significant effect. DOI: 10.1115/1.4002950
Novel catalysts for advanced hydroprocessing: transition metal phosphides

The field of catalysis is continuously invigorated by the discovery of new catalytic materials. Transition metal phosphides represent one such group of compounds that have recently been shown to have excellent activity for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN). This is an important area, as continuous decline in the quality of petroleum feedstocks and increasingly stringent environmental regulations have made the removal of sulfur a paramount problem in the refining industry. The structure of the metal-rich phosphides is based on trigonal prisms, which can well accommodate the relatively large phosphorus atoms. The prisms are similar to those in sulfides, but phosphides do not take on layered structures and are metal conductors, not insulators or semiconductors. Lack of layers leads to a more isotropic crystal morphology and potentially better exposure of surface metal atoms to fluid phase reactants. Phosphides can be prepared readily in bulk and supported forms by reduction of phosphate precursors. The catalytic activity of the phosphides for dibenzothiophene HDS and quinoline HDN at 643 K and 3.1 MPa followed the order Fe2P<CoP<MoP<WP<Ni2P. The best catalyst, Ni2P/SiO2, had better activity in hydroprocessing than a commercial Ni–Mo–S/Al2O3 (HDS 98% vs 78% and HDN 80% vs 43%), based on equal sites loaded in the reactor. The sites were titrated by CO chemisorption at room temperature for the phosphides and by pulse O2 chemisorption at dry-ice acetone temperatures for the sulfide. The Ni2P/SiO2 also compared favorably with a commercial Co–Mo–S/Al2O3 catalyst (Ketjenfine 756) using a real feed at 593 K and 3.9 MPa. On the basis of equal weights loaded in the reactor, the Ni2P was again found to have higher performance than the sulfide (HDS 85% vs 80%). Studies of Ni2P/SiO2 catalysts with varying Ni/P ratios indicated that the principal phase remained Ni2P, but that the crystallite size decreased with increasing P content as a result of facilitated contact on the surface between the Ni component and the phosphorus reagent. Activity measurements on these samples indicated that HDS was structure-insensitive, but that HDN was structure-sensitive. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements indicated that the surface formed a phospho sulfide after reaction. The mechanism of HDN was investigated using a series of molecular probes of varying structure. The reactivity order for pentylamines indicated that CNH2 bond scission proceeded by a β-hydride elimination mechanism, similar to that occurring on sulfides. The reactivity order of substituted piperidines indicated that ring-opening proceeded by CN bond scission and involved an α-carbon, and thus was different from the pathway on sulfides, which again appeared to involve a β-hydride elimination. This difference may account for the higher activity of phosphides over sulfides.
The Communication Education of Older Persons: Prior Training and Utilization of Information Sources.

This article presents data from surveys conducted among older individuals in three sampling locations in northwest Arkansas. The purpose was to define the educational n.eds of this population. The survey questions attempted to gather information about the education and training of older persons in the areas of interpersonal communication, normal aging, normal changes in communicative behavior associated with the aging process, and communication disorders commonly encountered in the older population. In addition, respondents were asked to identify both the extent to which they utilized other information sources pertinent to these topic areas and the nature of these sources. In general, little education or formal training was reported for all but the interpersonal communication topic area. Respondents did report higher levels of usage of other information sources, but normal aging and normal interpersonal communication again received the greatest attention. Subgroup differences are described, and possible v...
Capitalizing Art Education: Mapping International Histories

geopolitical entities, nationalism, networks of international influences, topics, or themes each might provide a framework or be combined to shape international history. Following Pearse’s (1997) speculation about the history of Canadian art education, one might use a geographical, political scheme (examining art teaching and learning in turn in European, North and South American, Asian, Australia and Pacific Island, and African countries) or structure a story into historical periods. Such periods might include: (1) a prehistory of informal means of art education up to the Renaissance in European-dominated nations, roughly ca. 100 BCE-ca. 1600, later in the Pacific Rim or tricontinental sites (Young, 2001, 2003)1; (2) artist education and liberal art education for elite amateurs in the context of national formation, ca. 1600–1800; (3) emerging capitalism and middle-class aspirations, ca. 1800–1850 and later; (4) industrial drawing systems, dominated by South Kensington in English-speaking countries and colonies, ca. 1850–1910; (5) ideology of the self-expressive child artist, ca. 1910–1960; (6) turn toward intellectual rigor, ca. 1960 to the present. A third way of framing an international history of art education might be in relation to forming or maintaining national identity, a theme found in a number of written histories (Arano, 1992; Boschloo, 1989; Kraus, 1968; Masuda, 2003; Petrovich-Mwaniki, 1992). A fourth approach might be to map the complex web of influences from Western to the Pacific Rim and tricontinental countries, and, in some cases, back again (Barbosa, 1992; Boughton, 1989; Chalmers, 1985, 1992b; Foster, 1992; Okazaki, 1987, 1991, 1992; Rogers, 1992; van Rheeden, 1992). Freedman and Hernandez identify several waves of European influence on international art education, and, like Efland, position art education as a school subject, making history of art education a subset of curriculum history (Efland, 1990; Freedman & Hernandez, 1998).
AD-Frustum: Adaptive Frustum Tracing for Interactive Sound Propagation

We present an interactive algorithm to compute sound propagation paths for transmission, specular reflection and edge diffraction in complex scenes. Our formulation uses an adaptive frustum representation that is automatically sub-divided to accurately compute intersections with the scene primitives. We describe a simple and fast algorithm to approximate the visible surface for each frustum and generate new frusta based on specular reflection and edge diffraction. Our approach is applicable to all triangulated models and we demonstrate its performance on architectural and outdoor models with tens or hundreds of thousands of triangles and moving objects. In practice, our algorithm can perform geometric sound propagation in complex scenes at 4-20 frames per second on a multi-core PC.
A CXCR4‐Targeted Site‐Specific Antibody–Drug Conjugate

Herein, we describe the synthesis of a chemically defined CXCR4-auristatin antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that selectively eliminates CXCR4+ over-expressing tumors. The unnatural amino acid p-acetylphenylalanine (pAcF) was site-specifically incorporated into an anti-CXCR4 IgG and conjugated to an auristatin analogue via a stable, non-cleavable oxime linkage to afford a chemically homogeneous ADC. The full-length anti-CXCR4 ADC was selectively cytotoxic to CXCR4+ cancer cells in vitro (EC50 ≈80–100 pM). Moreover, the anti-CXCR4 ADC eliminated pulmonary lesions from human osteosarcoma cells in a lung-seeding tumor model. No significant overt toxicity was observed while there was a modest decrease in the bone marrow-derived CXCR4+ cell population. Because CXCR4 is highly expressed in a majority of metastatic cancers, a CXCR4-auristatin ADC may be useful for the treatment of a variety of metastatic malignancies.
Multiple influences on children's language performance

Our commentary concerns the Competing Factors Model (CFM). As Drozd says, the CFM is fictitious and without proponents. (See also McDaniel, 2001.) But we will argue that something like it is necessary to our field. Everyone recognizes multiple influences on language performance, even C&T. Most important, recognizing these factors does not require a denial of the grammar's existence or even of its dominance.
Magnetic resonance detection: spectroscopy and imaging of lab-on-a-chip

This mini-review is focused on the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and imaging to study processes on lab-on-a-chip devices. NMR as an analytical tool is unmatched in its impact across nearly every area of science, from biochemistry and medicine to fundamental chemistry and physics. The controls available to the NMR spectroscopist or imager are vast, allowing for everything from high level structural determination of proteins in solution to detailed contrast imaging of organs in-vivo. Unfortunately, the weak nuclear magnetic moment of the nucleus requires that a very large number of spins be present for an inductively detectable signal, making the use of magnetic resonance as a detection modality for microfluidic devices especially challenging. Here we present recent efforts to combat the inherent sensitivity limitation of magnetic resonance for lab-on-a-chip applications. Principles and examples of different approaches are presented that highlight the flexibility and advantages of this type of detection modality.
A model of very fast oscillations in a realistic cortical axonal plexus

Very Fast Oscillations (VFOs, > 80 Hz) in the hippocampus and cortex have been linked with gap junctions. [1-3]. Modeling work has confirmed that VFOs can be produced by an axon plexus (network of axons connected by gap junctions). [4-6] Here, we explore how a realistic cortical axonal plexus may produce VFOs. By looking at axonal reconstructions from the rat somatosensory cortex [7], we confirm that an axonal arbor consists of a relatively thick central main axon and collaterals which branch off of the main axon. Considering that myelin is often found on the main axon and not the collaterals [8], we assume that putative gap junctions are placed on axon collaterals. This means that in order for action potentials to travel through an axonal plexus, they must be able to travel up the collaterals, through the main axon, and into the other collaterals. Using simulations, we determine how propagation from one collateral to another is affected by (1) maximum sodium conductance in the axon (gNa), (2) somatic voltage, (3) excitatory chandelier cell synapses onto the initial segment [9], and (4) basket cell synapses onto the soma. We also explore possible network connectivity between collaterals. The somatic voltage and synapses control propagation between collaterals for a range gNa. This range depends on (1) how close the collateral is to the soma, and (2) the number of branch points surrounding the junction between the collateral and main axon. We find that many of the collaterals branch off the main axon within 200 um from the soma, so propagation can be controlled by the somatic voltage and synapses in many cells. Furthermore, chandelier and basket cell synapses can interact with each other, so that their overall balance determines propagation between collaterals. Following the work in [4], we piece together the conditions for which propagation occurs in a single axon and the properties of the network to find the conditions under which VFOs occur. We then relate this to the occurrence of VFOs during the up-state of slow-wave sleep, and the lessening of VFOs during the down-state of slow-wave sleep and during waking.
Limitations of the Cubical Block Model of Man in Calculating SAR Distributions

Block models of man which consist of a limited number of cubical cells are commonly used to predict the internal electromagnetic (EM) fields and specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions inside the human body. Numerical results, for these models, are obtained based on moment-method solutions of the electric-field integral equation (EFIE) with a pulse function being used as the basis for expanding the unknown internal field. In this paper, we first examine the adequacy of the moment-method procedure, with pulse basis functions, to determine SAR distributions in homogeneous models. Calculated results for the SAR distributions in some block models are presented, and the stability of the solutions is discussed. It is shown that, while the moment-method, using pulse basis functions, gives good values for whole-body average SAR, the convergence of the solutions for SAR distributions is questionable. A new technique for improving the spatial resolution of SAR distribution calculations using a different EFIE and Galerkin's method with linear basis functions and polyhedral mathematical cells is also described.
Cost-effectiveness of preventive strategies for women with a BRCA1 or a BRCA2 mutation

The authors evaluated the cost-effectiveness of preventive strategies for women who do not have breast cancer but who carry a single BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation that is associated with a high incidence...
The use of phonemic information to solve anagrams

Two studies investigated the role of phonemic information in anagram solving. In the first study, subjects were given bigram clues to beginnings of solution words. In addition, some subjects pronounced the letters, either correctly or incorrectly with respect to their pronun-ciations in the solution words. Correct pronunciations facilitated and incorrect pronunciations inhibited anagram solving. The second study required subjects to repeat the pronunciation of the entire anagram prior to attempting solution. Again, correct pronunciations were solved more quickly than were anagrams containing incorrect phonemic units. Results of the two studies support an analysis of anagram solving in which both orthographic and phonemic information are used to search memory to retrieve possible solution words. The relationship of the present results to recent research concerning reading and other lexical access tasks is discussed.
Catecholamine-stimulated guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) binding to the stimulatory GTP-binding protein of adenylate cyclase: kinetic analysis in reconstituted phospholipid vesicles.

The stimulatory GTP-binding protein of adenylate cyclase, G,, and fl-adrenergic receptors were reconstituted into unilamellar phospholipid vesicles. The kinetics of the quasi- irreversible binding of guanosine 5'-0-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPyS) to G,, equivalent to G, activation by nucleotide, was studied with respect to the stimulation of this process by p- adrenergic agonists and Mg2+. The rate of GTPyS binding displayed apparent first-order kinetics over a wide range of nucleotide, agonist, and Mg2+ concentrations. In the absence of agonist, the apparent first-order rate constant, kapp, was 0.17-0.34 min-' and did not vary significantly with the con- centration of nucleotide. At 50 mM MgC12, kapp increased somewhat, to 0.26-0.41 min-', and remained invariant with
Behavioral effects of d-amphetamine in humans: influence of subclinical levels of inattention and hyperactivity.

Objective: Several studies suggest a link between stimulant abuse and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms (e.g., inattention and hyperactivity). To further assess the nature of this relationship, the present study examined the association between subclinical symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity and the behavioral effects of d-amphetamine. Methods: Participants were classified into a High- (n = 8) or Low-Score (n = 9) group based on their responses on a rating scale that assessed inattention and hyperactivity symptoms. Results: The participants did not differ across the High-Score and Low-Score groups in their ability to discriminate d-amphetamine. The participants in the High-Score group were significantly more sensitive to the positive participant-rated effects of d-amphetamine (e.g., Good Effects, Like Drug), but less sensitive to drug-induced increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Conclusion: The selective increase in positive subjective effects of d-amphetamine suggests ...
Heritabilities of Common and Measure-Specific Components of the Big Five Personality Factors

Abstract Three different measures of the Big Five personality dimensions were developed from the battery of questionnaires used in the National Merit Twin Study: one from trait self-rating scales, one from personality inventory items, and one from an adjective check list. Behavior-genetic models were fit to what the three measures had in common, and to the variance distinctive to each. The results of the model fitting agreed with other recent studies in showing the Big Five dimensions to be substantially and about equally heritable, with little or no contribution of shared family environment. Heritabilities for males and females did not differ significantly. For Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, some effect of shared environment was found for measure-specific variance on the personality inventory, and for Extraversion and Neuroticism, models involving nonadditive genetic variance or twin contrast effects provided slightly better fits.
The linear conflict resolution algorithm for unidirectional broadcast bus networks

A protocol called linear conflict resolution (LCR) for unidirectional broadcast bus networks is introduced. This protocol is shown to be suitable for both LAN (local area network) and MAN (metropolitan area network) environments. LCR combines the benefits of the quick access of the Aloha protocol and the deterministic access of TDMA (time-division multiple access). Not only could the maximum throughput of LCR be increased to near 100% but also the network is stable in that the delay is finite for all the operating conditions. The channel capacity of the LCR protocol is less sensitive to the bus characteristics than most of the existing protocols. Numerical results indicate that LCR exhibits good performance over a wide range of network sizes. >
Pleasant Events, Hopelessness, and Quality of Life in Rural Older Adults.

Purpose Rural older adults are susceptible to depression and reduced quality of life. This study explored contrasting explanations (behavioral vs cognitive route) for the relation of emotional distress with quality of life. Methods This retrospective study included rural older adults (N = 134) with reduced quality of life and increased psychological symptoms. Multiple mediation analysis was conducted to test the indirect effect of engagement in pleasant events and hopelessness on the emotional distress and quality of life relation. Findings Both engagement in pleasant events and hopelessness were found to partially mediate the relation between emotional distress and quality of life. Conclusions Targeting both hopelessness and engagement in pleasant events may be helpful in improving the quality of life of vulnerable, rural older adults.
Quantitative method to study the network formation of endothelial cells in response to tumor angiogenic factors

To study the network formation of endothelial cells (ECs) in an extracellular matrix (ECM) environment, we have devised an EC aggregation-type model based on a diffusion limited cluster aggregation model (DLCA), where clusters of particles diffuse and stick together upon contact. We use this model to quantify EC differentiation into cord-like structures by comparing experimental and simulation data. Approximations made with the DLCA model, when combined with experimental kinetics and cell concentration results, not only allow us to quantify cell differentiation by a pseudo diffusion coefficient, but also measure the effects of tumor angiogenic factors (TAFs) on the formation of cord-like structures by ECs. We have tested our model by using an in vitro assay, where we record EC aggregation by analysing time-lapse images that provide us with the evolution of the fractal dimension measure through time. We performed these experiments for various cell concentrations and TAFs (e.g. EVG, FGF-b, and VEGF). During the first six hours of an experiment, ECs aggregate quickly. The value of the measured fractal dimension decreases with time until reaching an asymptotic value that depends solely on the EC concentration. In contrast, the kinetics depend on the nature of TAFs. The experimental and simulation results correlate with each other in regards to the fractal dimension and kinetics, allowing us to quantify the influence of each TAF by a pseudo diffusion coefficient. We have shown that the shape, kinetic aggregation, and fractal dimension of the EC aggregates fit into an in vitro model capable of reproducing the first stage of angiogenesis. We conclude that the DLCA model, combined with experimental results, is a highly effective assay for the quantification of the kinetics and network characteristics of ECs embedded in ECM proteins. Finally, we present a new method that can be used for studying the effect of angiogenic drugs in in vitro assays.
Interactions Between Liver and Parathyroid Hormone

In the past decade advances have been made in the understanding of the metabolism of parathyroid hormone and the interpretation of the findings of fragments of parathyroid hormone in peripheral blood. Early studies1,2 with radioimmunoassay gave different results in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. It was thought that the radioimmunoassay for parathyroid hormone measured in blood the peptide secreted by the parathyroid glands. However, Berson and Yalow3 demonstrated that parathyroid hormone in plasma of patients was heterogeneous and differed immunologically from the hormone extracted from parathyroid glands of humans. Using different antisera they clearly demonstrated the presence of fragments of the PTH molecule with various half lives such that some fragments rapidly become undetectable after parathyroidectomy while other fragments had prolonged half lives in circulation. They also demonstrated that the half life of immun-oreactive PTH was markedly prolonged in patients with uremia. Subsequently it became apparent that intact PTH and the biologically active amino-terminal fragments have short half lives in the circulation (less than 5 minutes) while carboxy-terminal fragments have much longer half lives (30 to 40 minutes).
“Now everyone can fly”? Scheduled airline services to secondary cities in Southeast Asia

Since the late 1990s, almost no world region has experienced faster air traffic growth than Southeast Asia. Much of that growth is attributable to new low-cost carriers (LCCs), which collectively accounted for nearly half of scheduled airline capacity on routes from Southeast Asian cities in 2013. Yet despite the expansion of traffic and the proliferation of carriers, airline traffic remains strongly concentrated in the key hubs of Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila. Similarly, trunk routes, defined as sectors with more than 0.01 percent of global airline capacity, continue to account for 54 percent of all seat capacity in the region. LCCs have helped to perpetuate these imbalances as budget airlines like AirAsia have disproportionately favored already well-served markets. Such patterns are important because aviation plays an outsized role in Southeast Asian intercity transportation and in its economic development. The analyses reported here indicate that while the growth of aviation since the late 1990s has been impressive, that growth so far has not done much to improve Southeast Asia's entrenched patterns of spatial inequality.
Teaching Social Play Skills to Adults and Children with Autism as an Approach to Building Rapport.

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and no intellectual disabilities were taught to increase the social play skills of children with ASD as part of a vocational training program. Participants included 3 adults, aged 21 to 27 years, and 6 children with ASD. Probes conducted throughout the study evaluated whether play skills training affected a measure of rapport between the adult and child. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of behavioral skills training for teaching the adult participants the appropriate play skills. In addition, the children's social engagement increased. Finally, rapport probes showed that play skills training increased levels of proximity, our measure of rapport, between the adults and children.
Seller and Buying Firm Factors Affecting Industrial Buyers’ Negotiation Behavior and Outcomes:

The author posits and tests the effects of seller concession behavior, seller information, and buying firm monitoring of the buyer on the negotiation behavior and outcomes of industrial buyers. Pra...
Recent Advances in the Primary Classification of the Diptera

The work of Hennig and Griffiths on the basic classification of the Diptera is summarized in a dendrogram and discussion, in which is also set forth the author's solution to a formal problem in the naming of superfamilial categories. It is stressed that the classification, even in Hennig's opinion, is tentative to a high degree.
Field Evaluation of Three Granular Systemic Insecticides for Control of the Aphids Eulachnus agilis and Cinara pinea on Scotch Pine

Effects of three 10% granular systemic insecticides, disulfoton, carbofuran, and Temik® (UC-21149) (2-methyl-2-(methyIthio)propionaldehyde O -(methylcarbamoyl)oxime), were evaluated for control of the aphids Eulachnus agilis (Kaltenbach) and Cinara Pinea (Mordvilko) on Scotch pine. Temik and disulfoton were applied in circular and broadcast applications, while carbofuran was applied only as a circular application. In the broadcast application, the granular materials were applied at 56.0, 112.0, and 224,0 kg/hectare, and in the circular application at 22.3, 44.5, and 66.9 g/cm of trunk diameter. The aphid population was sampled weekly from the end of May to December 1966. Temik gave complete control from the 1st sampling date throughout the season. The performances of disulfoton and carbofuran were not equal to that of Temik.
Gastrointestinal absorption and urinary excretion of vitamin B12-Co60.

Summary and Conclusions1. Following oral administration of vit. B12-Co60 to normal individuals and subsequent “flushing” by subcutaneous injection of cobalamin, the radioactive material could be extracted from urine by n-butanol; the Co60 containing substance had the same distribution coefficient between ammonium sulfate saturated urine and n-butanol as authentic vit. B12-Co60. 2. In an aqueous 2, 4-lutidine system the radioactive material in the urine has the same Rf value as pure vit. B12 and vit. B12-Co60. 3. Our studies support the view that the Schilling test measures absorption of vit. B12-Co60 from the gut rather than absorption of decomposition products. Its use therefore as an assay of intrinsic factor appears justified.
Selective Modulation of GABAA Receptors by Aluminum

Trombley, Paul Q. Selective modulation of GABAA receptors by aluminum. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 755–761, 1998. Aluminum has been implicated in several neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's...
Recent Advances in Dermatology

THE past decade has witnessed important advances in the field of dermatology, several of which we have selected for review in this paper. Acne Vulgaris Acne vulgaris, the most common skin disease seen in dermatologic practice, affects approximately 17 million people in the United States.1 Its precise cause is unknown, although abnormal keratin production with obstruction of the follicular opening, increased production of sebum (lipids secreted by the androgen-sensitive sebaceous glands), and proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes (anaerobic follicular diphtheroids) leading to inflammation play a part.1 Topical treatments for mild and moderate cases of acne include comedolytic agents, such as tretinoin . . .
Non-invasive localization of urinary tract infection.

AbstractNew methods to localize the source of bacteriuria were evaluated in monkeys with experimental urinary tract infection. A high level of diagnostic accuracy was obtained with the combined study of antibody-coated urinary bacteria by immunofluorescence, 131I hippuran scintiphotos in the hydropenic state and 67gallium citrate scintiphotos. Unique patterns were found, which differentiate cystitis, ureteritis, pyelonephritis and renal or perinephric abscesses.
Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors of the Testis

Sex cord-stromal tumors (SCST) are very rare, representing approximately 4 % of all testis tumors and about 8 % of testis tumors in prepubertal males. Most resemble or recapitulate normal testicular components such as Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and nonspecific stromal cells. SCST usually present as a painless testicular mass, but some may be associated with endocrine manifestations such as isosexual precocity, or gynecomastia, or erectile dysfunction. Most SCST are sporadic, but some show particular clinical associations with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Carney complex, and androgen insensitivity syndrome. In certain cases, the diagnosis of SCST may be the presenting feature for one of these syndromes.
Changing Trends in Viral Hepatitis- Associated Hospitalizations in the American Indian/Alaska Native Population, 1995-2007

Objective. We described the changing epidemiology of viral hepatitis among the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population that uses Indian Health Service (IHS) health care. Methods. We used hospital discharge data from the IHS National Patient Information Reporting System to determine rates of hepatitis A-, B-, and C-associated hospitalization among AI/ANs using IHS health care from 1995– 2007 and summary periods 1995–1997 and 2005–2007. Results. Hepatitis A-associated hospitalization rates among AI/AN people decreased from 4.9 per 100,000 population during 1995–1997 to 0.8 per 100,000 population during 2005–2007 (risk ratio [RR] 5 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1, 0.2). While there was no significant change in the overall hepatitis B-associated hospitalization rate between time periods, the average annual rate in people aged 45–64 years increased by 109% (RR52.1, 95% CI 1.4, 3.2). Between the two time periods, the hepatitis C-associated hospitalization rate rose from 13.0 to 55.0 per 100,000 population (RR54.2, 95% CI 3.8, 4.7), an increase of 323%. The hepatitis C-associated hospitalization rate was highest among people aged 45–64 years, males, and those in the Alaska region. Conclusions. Hepatitis A has decreased to near-eradication levels among the AI/AN population using IHS health care. Hepatitis C-associated hospitalizations increased significantly; however, there was no significant change in hepatitis B-associated hospitalizations. Emphasis should be placed on continued universal childhood and adolescent hepatitis B vaccination and improved vaccination of high-risk adults. Prevention and education efforts should focus on decreasing hepatitis C risk behaviors and identifying people with hepatitis C infection so they may be referred for treatment.
Abstract 1220: MDM2 promotes p53-independent breast cancer metastatic phenotypes

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Many human cancers overexpress the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2. The cancer genome atlas (TCGA) found that increased MDM2 expression is one of four gene pathways that correlate with all breast cancer subtypes. An increasing body of literature strongly suggests that overexpression of MDM2 can drive breast oncogenesis in the presence of mutant p53 (mtp53), as well as through molecular pathways that do not require wild-type p53 degradation. Therefore, the canonical wild-type p53 degradation pathway by MDM2 is clearly not the only important pathway. MDM2 expression has been shown to influence breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis. One potential mechanism for this is through the activation of SLUG (a transcription repressor of E-Cadherin) and the process of E-cadherin degradation. To investigate the p53-independent influence of MDM2 we engineered human breast cancer clones with inducible shRNA to knockdown MDM2 in MDA-MB-231 (mtp53 R280K), T47D (mtp53 L194F) and MCF-7 (wild-type p53) cells. Wound healing assays showed that MDM2 knockdown in all three cell lines reduced cell migratory capacity without altering p53 protein levels. In T47D.shmdm2 cells, a decrease in SLUG expression was observed with MDM2 knockdown indicating SLUG is a p53-independent target of MDM2. The knockdown of MDM2 also decreased slug and mmp9 mRNA detected by quantitative RT-PCR. To determine the biological significance of MDM2 in a system to recapitulate breast cancer architecture we examined T47D.shmdm2 cells in a 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture model. Importantly, the depletion of MDM2 in T47D.shmdm2 cells grown in 3D culture promoted luminal clearance. Our findings suggest that MDM2 can influence SLUG and MMP9 levels associated with breast cancer metastasis through a mechanism that does not require degradation of wild-type p53. Moreover our work suggests that MDM2 may promote changes to breast cancer architecture that drive metastasis. Acknowledgements. This work was supported by a grant to JB from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Citation Format: Chong Gao, Nandini Kundu, Jill Bargonetti. MDM2 promotes p53-independent breast cancer metastatic phenotypes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1220. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1220