cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
4-Threonine-oxytocin: a more active and specific oxytocic agent than oxytocin

SINCE the original synthesis of oxytocin1, the principal uterine contracting and milk ejecting hormone of the posterior pituitary gland, more than 200 analogues have been synthesized in a number of laboratories and the structure–function relationships of the parent hormone have been elucidated pharmacologically2. We now wish to report the synthesis and properties of 4-threonine-oxytocin, an analogue of oxytocin in which the glutamine residue in the four position is replaced by a threonine residue. This analogue has strikingly greater activities in the isolated rat uterus and fowl vasodepressor assays than oxytocin itself, and possesses specifically weaker vasopressor and antidiuretic activities than oxytocin. We believe that study of this analogue may help (a) in elucidating the nature of hormone-receptor interactions, (b) from the standpoint of the phylogeny of the neuro-hypophysial hormones, and (c) in clinical use.
Comparison of the Infectivity and Transmission of Contemporary Canine and Equine H3N8 Influenza Viruses in Dogs

Phylogenetic analyses indicate that canine influenza viruses (CIVs) (H3N8) evolved from contemporary equine influenza virus (EIV). Despite the genetic relatedness of EIV and CIV, recent evidence suggests that CIV is unable to infect, replicate, and spread among susceptible horses. To determine whether equine H3N8 viruses have equally lost the ability to infect, cause disease, and spread among dogs, we evaluated the infectivity and transmissibility of a recent Florida sublineage EIV isolate in dogs. Clinical signs, nasal virus shedding, and serological responses were monitored in dogs for 21 days after inoculation. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR and hemagglutination inhibition assays showed that both the viruses have maintained the ability to infect and replicate in dogs and result in seroconversion. Transmission of EIV from infected to sentinel dogs, however, was restricted. Furthermore, both CIV and EIV exhibited similar sialic acid-α2,3-gal receptor-binding preferences upon solid-phase binding assays. The results of the in vivo experiments reported here suggesting that dogs are susceptible to EIV and previous reports by members of our laboratory showing limited CIV infection in horses have been mirrored in CIV and EIV infections studies in primary canine and equine respiratory epithelial cells.
Trimethoprim-induced hyperkalemia: An analysis of reported cases.

Background: Trimethoprim has been recently implicated in the development of hyperkalemia when administered at standard doses to immunocompetent patients. However, many clinicians are unaware of this potentially dangerous adverse effect. Objective: To review reported cases of trimethoprim-induced hyperkalemia in immunocompetent patients and identify predisposing factors, treatment, and outcome. Methods: A MEDLINE literature search was performed using the key words ‘trimethoprim’ and ‘hyperkalemia’. All English-language case reports and bibliographies of immunocompetent patients with trimethoprim-induced hyperkalemia were reviewed. Results: Nine cases were identified. The mean patient age was 77.6 years, and the mean duration of therapy was 10.2 days. Seven patients received standard oral dosages of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for common infections, and 2 patients were concurrently receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The mean pretreatment levels of creatinine and potassium were 1.01 mg/dl and 4.55 mmol/l, respectively. The mean peak serum potassium level was 7.0 mmol/l. No deaths attributable to hyperkalemia occurred. Conclusions: Hyperkalemia due to trimethoprim typically affects elderly patients administered standard oral dosages, even in the presence of a normal serum creatinine level. Concurrent angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. The prognosis is favorable with standard therapy for hyperkalemia and withdrawal of trimethoprim.
Regional Dynamic Tensile Properties of the TMJ Disc

Although the TMJ disc has been well-characterized under tension and compression, dynamic viscoelastic regional and directional variations have heretofore not been investigated. We hypothesized that the intermediate zone under mediolateral tension would exhibit lower dynamic moduli compared with the other regions of the disc under either mediolateral or anteroposterior tension. Specimens were prepared from porcine discs (3 regions/direction), and dynamic tensile sweeps were performed at 1% strain over a frequency range of 0.1 to 100 rad/sec. Generally, the intermediate zone possessed the lowest storage and loss moduli, and the highest loss tangent. This study further accentuates the known distinct character of the intermediate zone by showing for the first time that these differences also extend to dynamic behavior, perhaps implicating the TMJ disc as a structure primarily exposed to predominantly anteroposterior tension via anterior and posterior attachments, with a need for great distension mediolaterally across the intermediate zone.
Synthesis and x-ray crystal structure of -dithia[3.3](2.6)triquinacenophane

Abstract Synthesis of the title compound ( 5 ) is presented herein as part of an approach to the synthesis of substituted dodecahedranes.
Charmonium production in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

Using the two-component model that includes charmonium production from both initial nucleon-nucleon hard scattering and regeneration in the produced quark-gluon plasma, we study $J/\ensuremath{\psi}$ production in heavy-ion collisions at the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS), Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), and Large Hadron Collider (LHC). For the expansion dynamics of produced hot dense matter, we use a schematic viscous hydrodynamic model with the specific shear viscosity in the quark-gluon plasma and the hadronic matter taken, respectively, to be two and ten times the lower bound of $1/4\ensuremath{\pi}$ suggested by the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory (AdS/CFT) correspondence. For the initial dissociation and the subsequent thermal decay of charmonia in the hot dense matter, we use the screened Cornell potential to describe the properties of charmonia and perturbative QCD to calculate their dissociation cross sections. Including regeneration of charmonia in the quark-gluon plasma via a kinetic equation with in-medium chamonium decay widths, we obtain a good description of measured $J/\ensuremath{\psi}$ nuclear modification factors in Pb $+$ Pb collisions at $\sqrt{{s}_{NN}}=1.73$ GeV at SPS and in Au $+$ Au collisions at $\sqrt{{s}_{NN}}=200$ GeV at RHIC. A reasonable description of the measured nuclear modification factor of high transverse momenta $J/\ensuremath{\psi}$ in Pb $+$ Pb collisions at $\sqrt{{s}_{NN}}=2.76$ TeV at LHC is also obtained.
The effect of injected iron on the absorption of iron in iron deficiency.

Summary. The effects of injected iron on the absorption of iron by iron deficient animals have been studied. When iron deficiency is partly or fully corrected by injection of iron dextran, prolonged and marked depression of iron absorption follows despite the persistence of iron deficiency. Although total absorption increases with decreasing size of parenteral replacement dose, the depression of absorption per unit of iron injected increases.
Hedge fund information depository: a case study of a pre‐emptive solution to fund manager fraud

Purpose – The objective of this research is to educate investors and hedge fund industry stakeholders about a hedge fund manager's alarming activities prior to recognition of the fraud by the authorities. The lessons serve as red flags to stakeholders in the hedge fund industry such as prime brokers, auditors, administrators, accountants, custodians and government regulators, and especially investors conducting due diligence on hedge funds. A far‐reaching proposal is for the industry to found a hedge fund information depository (HFID) where participants/stakeholders provide information on any hedge fund on a regular basis. Such an information clearing‐house would facilitate a long overdue timely communication among hedge fund industry constituents. The services would be available for a fee. This service elevates transparency in the hedge fund community to an unprecedented level and could ultimately mitigate a manager's fraud.Design/methodology/approach – A major hedge fund fraud case, Lancer Management Gr...
A >130,000-year-long pollen record from Pittsburg Basin, Illinois.

Pittsburg Basin, in south-central Illinois, contains a sediment record extending from the present back to the end of the late Illinoian glaciation, when central Illinois was covered with Picea/Pinus forest. During the last interglaciation, a temperate deciduous forest more diverse than Holocene Quercus/Carya forest replaced the Illinoian late-glacial boreal forest. Prairie pollen types and the charcoal/pollen ratio, indicating fire frequency, temporarily increased. Then forest, with high Juniperus percentages, became dominant once more, as the charcoal/pollen ratio dropped. After the last interglaciation, the charcoal/pollen ratio increased again and prairie and wetland surrounded Pittsburg Basin through the entire Wisconsinan glacial age. The area was still prairie in late Wisconsinan time, but with some Picea and Pinus. During the Holocene, the region has been a mixture of prairie and Quercus/Carya forest. During the last interglaciation, Pittsburg Basin was surrounded by vegetation different from that surrounding it during the present interglaciation. Rather than indicating substantial differences in climate between analogous phases of different glacial/interglacial cycles, this variation may be due to changes in fire frequency, which could be caused by small changes in climate, human activity, or differences in soil.
The evaluation of complex clinical trial protocols: resources available to research ethics committees and the use of clinical trial registries—a case study

Objectives To assess the potential role of clinical trial (CT) registries and other resources available to research ethics committees (RECs) in the evaluation of complex CT protocols in low-income and middle-income countries. Methodology Using a case study approach, the authors examined the decision-making process of a REC in Argentina and its efforts to use available resources to decide on a complex protocol. We also analysed the information in the USA and other CT registries and consulted 24 CT experts in seven countries. Findings Information requested by the Argentinean REC from other national RECs and ethics’ experts was not useful to verify the adequacy of the REC9s decision whether or not to approve the CT. The responses from the national regulatory agency and the sponsor were not helpful either. The identification of international resources that could assist was beyond the REC9s capability. The information in the USA and other CT registries is limited, and at times misleading; and its accuracy is not verified by register keepers. Discussion and conclusion RECs have limited access to experts and institutions that could assist them in their deliberations. Sponsors do not always answer RECs’ request for information to properly conduct the ethical and methodological assessment of CT protocols. The usefulness of the CT registries is curtailed by the lack of appropriate codes and by data errors. Information about reasons for rejection, withdrawal or suspension of the trial should be included in the registries. Establishing formal channels of communication among national and foreign RECs and with independent international reference centres could strengthen the ethical review of CT protocols.
Effect of short-term castration and starvation upon hypothalamic content of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in adult male rats.

SummaryA sensitive and specific radio-immunoassay for hypothalamic LH-RH has been described. Within 7 days after castration there is a significant decline in hypothalamic content of LH-RH in adult male rats. Total starvation for 7 days does not affect hypothalamic content of LH-RH in either intact or castrated rats.The authors thank the Hormone Distribution Officer, NIAMDD, for reagents for the radioimmuno-assay of rat LH and rat FSH. They also thank Mrs. E. Morris for secretarial assistance.
LONG-TOED SALAMANDERS IN HARVESTED AND INTACT DOUGLAS-FIR FORESTS OF WESTERN MONTANA

There is little known about how timber harvest practices have affected ter- restrial amphibians in the northern Rocky Mountains. Especially lacking is information on the effects of revised harvest methods that fall within the framework of environmental or New Forestry. We estimated the relative abundance of a common forest amphibian, the long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) captured in pitfall arrays on intact, environmentally harvested, and overstory-removal harvested sites in mixed-conifer forests of western Montana. Pitfall data from 1994 through 1996 showed that previously logged sites contained significantly fewer long-toed salamanders regardless of harvest method used. The number of salamanders captured on intact sites (3.1 salamanders.(array)-1.(100 d)-') was nearly three times the number captured on logged sites (1.2 salamanders4(array)-14(100 d)-1). Habitat conditions measured in conjunction with trapping efforts indicated that lower amphibian abundance was associated with decreased numbers of large live trees. Declines in amphibian abundance occurred in the absence of changes in understory vegetation that typically occur when forest canopy is reduced. Our findings suggest that long-toed sala- manders responded to changes in the physical environment, probably increased temperatures and decreased moisture. That salamanders should respond so dramatically indicates that immediate changes in physical conditions may profoundly alter habitat quality even when other components of the habitat are unaffected.
Photonic time-domain electromagnetic arbitrary waveform generation

We discuss experiments in which ultrafast optical pulse shaping technology is applied for generation of arbitrarily shaped, ultrawideband voltage waveforms in the range between a few GHz and /spl sim/1 THz.
Affirmative Peremptory Juror Selection

Tracey Altman, like so many of us, is distressed over the tendency of prosecutors systematically to remove distinguishable minorities from our juries. Until its recent overturn, the Supreme Court decision in Swain v. Alabama 1 fostered and secured this tendency. In her thoughtful note,2 Altman suggests a way to arrest this trend: namely, that we replace our system of negative peremptory challenges with one in which the litigants affirmatively select the jurors they want. Since the recent overruling of Swain3 will remove only the worst excesses of racial discrimination in the exercise of peremptory challenges, the idea of affirmative jury selection may retain its attractiveness. The following comment, therefore, pursues some of the implications of affirmative selection.
Welding of a Two-Phase Ni3Al Alloy

Autogeneous gas tungsten arc welding was performed on plates (about 3 mm thick) cut from cast ingot of a Ni3Al alloy (Ni73.80Al15.82Cr8.33Mo1.68Zr0.52B0.05), known as IC-396M. The alloy was susceptible to cracking in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). The cracks in HAZ were liquation cracks and occurred along dendritic boundaries and around eutectic cells. The fusion zone (FZ) contained many fine eutectic cells (about 5–10 μm in diameter) and there were microcracks (1–5 μm in size) in the cells. Two types of eutectic structures were observed in the base metal, HAZ and FZ of IC-396M. One had web-like structure and the other had lamellar structure, the later having high enrichment with Zr. The role of Zr enrichment in dendritic boundaries and eutectic cells in causing liquation cracks will be discussed.
Root architecture, plant size and soil nutrient variation in natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana

Phenotypic variation in ecologically important traits may vary at large and small geographic scales, and may be shaped by natural selection. Here our explicit aim is to evaluate phenotypic differentiation among local populations and examine its relationship with ecological edaphic and climatic features that could lead to local adaptation. We characterized six populations of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana over 3 years in the field in its native range. At each site, we measured edaphic conditions and aboveground and belowground phenotypes. In addition, we grew plants from the six characterized populations in a common greenhouse along with an additional fifteen populations from the Iberian Peninsula to examine evolutionary and ecological differentiation among populations, and relationships between geographic and ecological distance to phenotypic differences among populations. Significant differences in aboveground and belowground traits, population density, and micro- and macro-nutrient soil concentrations were found among the field populations. In particular, root architectural traits differed significantly among field populations. Complex patterns of ecological differences among population and plant phenotypes emerged when examining edaphic conditions in the Extremadura region, and geographic and climate variables at a broader scale of the Iberian Peninsula. We report levels of phenotypic variation at the local scale comparable to those found at broad geographic scales and report that local edaphic conditions contribute to population-level phenotypic variation in root and shoot traits. To our knowledge, these are the first reports of among population root architectural variation from natural field populations for this model organism. We demonstrate how ecological features, such as soil nutrients, can be associated with the phenotypic variation of A. thaliana measured in natural populations and may contribute to adaptive differentiation at a local scale.
Two Decades of Research on Teacher Expectations: Findings and Future Directions:

Good discusses the types of teacher expectation effects evi denced in the classroom. Particular attention is focused on the research that addresses teachers' expectations for and interac tions with...
Race and global patterns of phenotypic variation

Phenotypic traits have been used for centuries for the purpose of racial classification. Developments in quantitative population genetics have allowed global comparison of patterns of phenotypic variation with patterns of variation in classical genetic markers and DNA markers. Human skin color shows a high degree of variation among geographic regions, typical of traits that show extensive natural selection. Even given this high level of geographic differentiation, skin color variation is clinal and is not well described by discrete racial categories. Craniometric traits show a level of among-region differentiation comparable to genetic markers, with high levels of variation within populations as well as a correlation between phenotypic and geographic distance. Craniometric variation is geographically structured, allowing high levels of classification accuracy when comparing crania from different parts of the world. Nonetheless, the boundaries in global variation are not abrupt and do not fit a strict view of the race concept; the number of races and the cutoffs used to define them are arbitrary. The race concept is at best a crude first-order approximation to the geographically structured phenotypic variation in the human species.
A Chinese yuppie in Beijing: Phonological variation and the construction of a new professional identity

Recent sociolinguistic studies have given increased attention to the situated practice of members of locally based communities. Linguistic variation examined tends to fall on a continuum between a territorially based “standard” variety and a regional or ethnic vernacular. This article emphasizes the need for sociolinguistics, especially variationist sociolinguistics, to look beyond strictly local contexts and to go beyond treating variation as located along a linear dimension of standard and vernacular. Based on quantitative analysis of four phonological variables among Chinese professionals in foreign and state-owned companies in Beijing, this study demonstrates that professionals in foreign businesses employ linguistic resources from both local and global sources to construct a new cosmopolitan variety of Mandarin, whereas their counterparts in state-owned businesses favor the use of local features. The study shows that variation does not just reflect existing social categories and social change, but is a resource for constructing those categories and participates in social change. (Mandarin Chinese, phonological variation, identity, style, linguistic market, China, business professionals, social change.)*
Primary vaginal melanoma: improved survival with radical pelvic surgery.

Abstract Primary vaginal melanoma is an aggressive and rare gynecological malignancy with 2 . Age and stage of disease did not affect prognosis. Quality of life was not reduced in the radical group. A review of all reported cases since 1949 (119) was then performed. These were divided into the same Group A, radical (50); and Group B, conservative (69). Again, a statistically significant improved outcome was found with the radically treated patients (48%) when compared to the conservatively treated patients (20%). Our findings suggest that radical surgery for patients with primary vaginal melanoma is recommended in patients with lesions 2 .
Multimorbidity and Evidence Generation

Most people with a chronic disease actually have more than one, a condition known as multimorbidity. Despite this, the evidence base to prevent adverse disease outcomes has taken a disease-specific approach. Drawing on a conference, Improving Guidelines for Multimorbid Patients, the goal of this paper is to identify challenges to the generation of evidence to support the care of people with multimorbidity and to make recommendations for improvement. We identified three broad categories of challenges: 1) challenges to defining and measuring multimorbidity; 2) challenges related to the effects of multimorbidity on study design, implementation and analysis; and 3) challenges inherent in studying heterogeneity of treatment effects in patients with differing comorbid conditions. We propose a set of recommendations for consideration by investigators and others (reviewers, editors, funding agencies, policymaking organizations) involved in the creation of evidence for this common type of person that address each of these challenges. The recommendations reflect a general approach that emphasizes broader inclusion (recruitment and retention) of patients with multimorbidity, coupled with more rigorous efforts to measure comorbidity and comorbidity burden and the influence of multimorbidity on outcomes and the effects of therapy. More rigorous examination of heterogeneity of treatment effects requires careful attention to prioritizing the most important comorbid-related questions, and also requires studies that provide greater statistical power than conventional trials have provided. Relatively modest changes in the orientation of current research along these lines can be helpful in pointing to and partially addressing selected knowledge gaps. However, producing a robust evidence base to support patient-centered decision making in complex individuals with multimorbidity, exposed to many different combinations of potentially interacting factors that can modify the risks and benefits of therapies, is likely to require a clinical research enterprise fundamentally restructured to be more fully integrated with routine clinical practice.
Case Studies in Breakthrough Pain

Objective. To illustrate the variable presentations of and treatments for breakthrough pain (BTP). Design. Five cases of BTP were selected by the author, and treatment options were then considered. Results. Breakthrough pain presents in many different ways in clinical practice. Clinicians must first evaluate patients to identify the subtype, etiology, severity, and pattern of BTP, and then use that information to suggest appropriate interventions. Whenever possible, correctable causes of BTP should first be addressed. A variety of treatment tools are available, including opioid analgesics, nonopioid analgesics, adjuvant agents, nonpharmacologic strategies, and procedural and surgical interventions. In many cases, more than one treatment option will be appropriate, but in all cases, regular communication between patient and clinician will be needed to achieve optimal control of BTP. Conclusion. Treatment of BTP should be individualized by using a multidisciplinary approach to address each patient's pain profile.
An Investigator-Initiated Open-Label Trial of Sonidegib in Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma Patients Resistant to Vismodegib

Purpose: To assess the tumor response to the smoothened (SMO) inhibitor, sonidegib (LDE225), in patients with an advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) resistant to treatment with vismodegib (GDC0449). Experimental Design: Nine patients with an advanced BCC that was previously resistant to treatment with vismodegib were given sonidegib in this investigational, open-label study. Tumor response was determined using the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. SMO mutations were identified using biopsy samples from the target BCC location. Results: The median duration of treatment with sonidegib was 6 weeks (range, 3–58 weeks). Five patients experienced progressive disease with sonidegib. Three patients experienced stable disease and discontinued sonidegib either due to adverse events (n = 1) or due to election for surgery (n = 2). The response of one patient was not evaluable. SMO mutations with in vitro data suggesting resistance to Hh pathway inhibition were identified in 5 patients, and none of these patients experienced responses while on sonidegib. Conclusions: Patients with advanced BCCs that were previously resistant to treatment with vismodegib similarly demonstrated treatment resistance with sonidegib. Patients who have developed treatment resistance to an SMO inhibitor may continue to experience tumor progression in response to other SMO inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 22(6); 1325–9. ©2015 AACR.
Arthroscopic basic task performance in shoulder simulator model correlates with similar task performance in cadavers.

Background: Attainment of the technical skill necessary to safely perform arthroscopic procedures requires the instruction of orthopaedic surgery residents in basic arthroscopic skills. Although previous studies involving shoulder arthroscopy simulators have demonstrated a correlation between task performance and the level of prior arthroscopic experience, data demonstrating the correlation of simulator performance with arthroscopic skill in a surgical setting are scarce. Our goal was to evaluate the correlation between timed task performance in an arthroscopic shoulder simulator and timed task performance in a cadaveric shoulder arthroscopy model. Methods: Subjects were recruited from among residents and attending surgeons in an orthopaedic surgery residency program. Each subject was tested on an arthroscopic shoulder simulator and objectively scored on the basis of the time taken to complete a standardized object selection program. After an interval of at least two weeks, each subject was then tested on a cadaveric shoulder arthroscopy model designed to replicate the shoulder arthroscopy simulator testing protocol, and the time to completion was again recorded. Both testing protocols involved the simple task of placing a probe on a series of assigned locations in the glenohumeral joint. Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed, and regression analysis was used to determine the predictive ability of the simulator score. Results: The performance time on the simulation program was strongly correlated with the performance time on the cadaveric model (r = 0.736, p < 0.001). The time required to complete the simulator task was a significant predictor of the time required to complete the cadaveric task (t = 4.48, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results demonstrated a strong correlation between performance of basic arthroscopic tasks in a simulator model and performance of the same tasks in a cadaveric model. Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that performance of basic arthroscopic tasks in a simulator environment may be indicative of performance of similar arthroscopic tasks in a surgical setting. This work supports the continued study of arthroscopy simulators as a potentially beneficial educational tool.
Cross‐shore variation of wind‐driven flows on the inner shelf in Long Bay, South Carolina, United States

and exceeded 0.1 N/m 2 , vertical mixing occurred, the two-layered flow pattern disappeared, and currents were directed alongshore with the wind at all sites and throughout the water column. In the fall, near-bed flows close to the shore (water depth <7 m) were often reduced compared to or opposed those measured farther offshore under southwestward winds. A simplified analysis of the depth-averaged, alongshore momentum balance illustrates that the alongshore pressure gradient approached or exceeded the magnitude of the alongshore wind stress at the same time that the nearshore alongshore current opposed the wind stress and alongshore currents farther offshore. In addition, the analysis suggests that the wind stress is reduced closer to shore so that the alongshore pressure gradient is large enough to drive the flow against the wind.
Performance and cross-layer design of CSMA for wireless networks with multipacket reception

With the improvement of the physical layer's ability to decode more than one packets from multiple users, the classical collision model no longer applies and a cross-layer approach should be employed when designing multiple access protocols. This is especially the case for CSMA communications, which previously have not been studied under a multipacket reception (MPR) model. Since CSMA is used in the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN standards and other wireless networks, improving its performances could have widespread benefits. In here, we investigate the impact of MPR on CSMA and propose a performance-improving cross-layer designed CSMA protocol for wireless networks.
Patterns of cortisol reactivity in African‐American neonates from low‐income environments

Individual differences and stability in patterns of salivary cortisol reactivity were examined in 100 African American neonates from low-income environments. A pattern of reactivity was defined by the change from prestressor to poststressor cortisol concentrations and the change following the poststressor during a recovery phase. Cortisol reactivity was measured in response to two stressors: the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS; T. B. Brazelton & J. K. Nugent) and the routine hospital heel-stick procedure. The use of two stressors allowed an examination of whether patterns of reactivity to different stimuli vary and whether there is individual stability in patterns of cortisol reactivity. Cortisol concentrations changed significantly across the three time points. The magnitude of change during the recovery period differed across stressors. Prestressor cortisol values were associated with cortisol reactivity. Both prestressor cortisol concentrations and pattern of cortisol response were significantly associated within individuals.
Do Financial Policy Makers Use Financial Theory: The Case Of S&L And BHC Merger Regulation

The potential for risk reduction through free market merger activity between savings and loan associations (S&Ls) and bank holding companies (BHCs) in the late 1970s and early 1980s is the focus of this research. Analysis using event study methodology, the efficient portfolio approach of Markowitz (1952), and select financial and accounting performance measures illustrates the potential risk reduction benefits from merger activity between S&Ls and BHCs that existed during the study period.
History of ultrasound in animal science.

The application of ultrasound to animals has had a very close relationship to medical applications, as shown by the first animal evaluation publication in the United States in 1956.1 Back fat thickness was measured on beef cattle at Colorado A & M College, now Colorado State University, with a “somascope” ultrasonic unit previously used by the group led by Douglass Howry, MD, at the University of Colorado Medical Center. Staff members from both institutions were listed as coauthors. At about this same time in Europe, industrial A-mode ultrasonic metal flaw detection equipment was used for measuring back fat thickness in pigs.2,3 At the Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, I recognized that it was important to measure muscle mass, such as rib eye depth or area, in addition to back fat thickness, for improved accuracy in predicting body composition. I first made a series of A-mode measurements at specific intervals and angles in 19594 with the Sperry Reflectoscope (Sperry Company, Danbury, CT) and a 1-MHz transducer shown in Figure 1 and then plotted the values on paper. This procedure provided better results than the single A-mode depth readings, but it was apparent that a multiposition scanning technique was required to eliminate “false” echoes and to produce better images, similar to the developments of Howry and Bliss.5 Because it was not practical to place a live animal in a “water tank,” I developed a continuous mechanical scanning procedure, as illustrated in Figure 2. An electric motor was mounted on a thick rubber belt that was placed on the animal’s back. The motor moved a transducer horizontally as it was held vertically by an operator. The movement of the camera back and film was controlled by a synchronized motor to record the image as the lens was open during the entire 10-second scan. The image on Polaroid film developed in about 1 minute (Figure 3) and was evaluated and subsequently measured. This technology was used to evaluate the fat and muscling of all the steers in the Quality Beef Contest at the International Livestock Exposition (Chicago, IL) in 1960, 1961, and 1962. These predicted carcass measurements were provided to the judges for assistance in the ranking of the live animals. Before this time, the cattle judges used only visual appraisal. There was a great need for objective evaluation because it was acknowledged that it was difficult to estimate visually what was under the hide of an animal.
RASCALS IN PARADISE: URBAN GANGS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

This article identifies indignation, a sense of injustice growing out of Papua New Guinea's colonial past and continuing into the present, as a basis for urban gang activity there. This sense of injustice grows out of violated personal expectations regarding benefits and opportunities associated with urban life. Unfulfilled expectations lead gang members, called Rascals, to redistribute opportunities through gang activities. In other words, as the supply of labor is unable to be absorbed by the formal structures, workers move to the nonformal structures --that is, gangs--where the demand for labor is greater. The very use of the term "Rascals" by Papua New Guinea's urban youth gangs itself captures the normative deviance that accompanies the shift into the informal sector.
An alternative proof of a characterization of the TTC mechanism

For the problem of reallocating indivisible objects among a set of agents with strict preferences, Ma characterized the Top-Trading Cycles (TTC) mechanism using the properties of Pareto efficiency, individual rationality, and strategy-proofness. A simpler, direct proof of this result is presented here.
Ecdysteroids Regulate the Release and Action of Eclosion Hormone in the Moth Manduca sexta

The regulation of hormone secretion often involves a complex interaction between neuroendocrine and endocrine centers. The classic example of such an interaction is between the vertebrate anterior pituitary and hypothalamus in which the cells of the former are regulated by peptides and amines that are released from neurosecretory cells in the latter [1,2]. These influences, however, are not unidirectional since the hormones released from endocrine glands may also act back on the central nervous system (CNS) to influence neurosecretory activity [2]. In insects, the existence of neurosecretory cells that release tropic hormones which then affect the activity of endocrine glands is well established. The best known example is the role of brain neurosecretory cells in regulating the secretory activity of the prothoracic glands [3]. There is now also a growing interest in insect endocrinology in how endocrine glands may in turn regulate neurosecretory centers in the CNS. One such example is the recent report that circulating ecdysteroids regulate the release of a myotropic peptide from the brain of female Rhodnius [4]. This paper will focus on another example in which ecdysteroids may control neuroendocrine function; in this case it involves the hormones involved in bringing a molt to its successful completion.
Abstract 18570: Intronic SCARB1 (Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I, SR-BI) rs10846744 Variant Mediates Functional Effect by Enhancer Activity

Objective: We previously reported the significant association of SCARB1 intronic rs10846744 in reducing odds ratio for incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Using in vitro and ex vivo approaches, we sought to define the underlining molecular mechanism for this clinical association. Methods and results: Using publicly available genome databases, a bioinformatic screen revealed that rs10846744 resided in a region exhibiting DNase I hypersensitivity and H3K4me1 chromatin methylation markers. Gel shift assays revealed significantly lower binding of nuclear proteins to the probe expressing the risk C allele for CHD ( p p p =0.0136, q =0.2437) and lower levels of lysolipids (46% lower, p =0.0043, q =0.1605). Conclusion: The intronic rs10846744 variant resides within a functionally active regulatory region of SCARB1 , without directly regulating SR-BI expression itself. Our results confirm the importance of dissecting the pathway by which this region influences CHD.
Sources of Variability in Waist and Hip Measurements in Middle-aged Women

The reliability of single measurements of waist and hip circumference and the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference (a widely used measure of body fat distribution) has not been fully examined. The authors analyzed measurements of waist and hip circumference, as well as self-reported weight and height, repeated 3-6 times between 1986 and 1991 among 1,851 participants in the New York University Women's Health Study. Quetelet index (weight (kg)/height (m)2) was positively correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.88), hip circumference (r = 0.89), and waist/hip ratio (r = 0.52). Mean weight was positively correlated with the within-subject variance of waist circumference (r = 0.27) and, to a lesser degree, with the within-subject variance of hip circumference (r = 0.08) and waist/hip ratio (r = 0.10). The within-subject variance of weight was positively correlated with the within-subject variance of waist (r = 0.30) and hip (r = 0.23) measurements, and less so with waist/hip ratio (r = 0.05). Intraclass correlations for waist, hip, and waist/hip ratio were 0.89, 0.81, and 0.74, respectively; adjustment for Quetelet index reduced the intraclass correlations for waist and hip measures by 33% and 48%, respectively. Such adjustment can provide a more realistic determination of the reliability associated with an exposure variable in the design and analysis of studies investigating the relation between body fat distribution and disease.
A Tail Plethysmograph for Measuring Arterial Blood Pressure in Dogs

SummaryThe tail plethysmograph as used on the rat has been modified for use on the dog. When properly applied, it affords an easy and repeatable measure of arterial blood pressure in close agreement with values obtained by the mercury manometer.
Velocity distributions in laminar and turbulent vegetated flows

ABSTRACTVegetated flows are typical in many aquatic systems such as natural and man-made wetlands, and therefore attract significant attention of researchers and engineers. This study first solves the Navier–Stokes–Forchheimer (NSF) equation for laminar vegetated flow and then modifies the obtained velocity distribution for turbulent flow. It demonstrates that (i) for flows through emergent and over submerged vegetation, the laminar velocity distributions are expressed by the Jacobi elliptic functions for which the parabolic law is recovered for zero vegetation; (ii) for flow through emergent vegetation, the laminar velocity distribution exhibits a typical boundary-layer profile, while its turbulent counterpart is simply uniform; and (iii) for flow over submerged vegetation, both laminar and turbulent velocity distributions are similar to those in conventional channel flows for the water layer, but both are approximated by hyperbolic sine laws for the vegetation layer. The laminar solutions meet the NSF e...
A statistical model of cleavage fracture in structural steels with power-law distribution of microcrack size

AbstractBased on the well-accepted physical understanding that cleavage fracture of structural steels is preceded by plastic deformation, a critical flaw in the Beremin model and its modifications is proposed, and a new statistical model with the power-law distribution of microcracks is obtained to describe the cumulative probability of cleavage fracture. A set of cleavage fracture toughness data of a nuclear pressure vessel steel is used to highlight the difference between the new model and the Beremin model.
Survey analysis of Hepatitis B infection in boarder students in Wanzhou region

Objective:To study the condition of HBV infection rate and preventive inoculation rate in Boarder students in Wanzhou Region.Methods: ELISA was used to determine the five markers of HBV infection for 5829 students in school.Results:HBS Ag positive rate was 1.03%(60/5829),HBS Abpositive rate was 50.08%(2919/5829 not exclude for individual past infection),5 marker negative rate were 49.51%(2850/5829).Conclusion:Boarder students HBV infection remain in some extent,Hep B inoculation rate was poor.It is suggested that HBV marker determination should be conducted in students.Preventive inoculation should be done in feasible infection population.
Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Comorbid Conditions Associated with Morbid Obesity

The prevalence of obesity has increased so dramatically that it is now considered a global epidemic. Defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more, obesity is associated with several comorbid conditions that decrease life expectancy. Diet therapies have been reported to be ineffective in the long-term treatment of obesity, and guidelines for the surgical therapy of morbid obesity (BMI ≥40 or BMI ≥35 in the presence of substantial comorbidities) have since been established. Considering that the number of bariatric surgical procedures has dramatically increased since these guidelines were established, we review the types of bariatric surgical procedures and their impact on diabetes, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and liver disease.
A comparison between the Metric Dimension and Zero Forcing Number of Line Graphs

The metric dimension dim(G) of a graph G is the minimum number of vertices such that every vertex of G is uniquely determined by its vector of distances to the chosen vertices. The zero forcing number Z(G) of a graph G is the minimum cardinality of a set S of black vertices (whereas vertices in V (G)\S are colored white) such that V (G) is converted entirely to black after finitely many applications of “the color-change rule”: a white vertex is converted black if it is the only white neighbor of a black vertex. Zero forcing number was introduced and used to bound the minimum rank of graphs by the “AIM Minimum Rank – Special Graphs Work Group”. We investigate the metric dimension and the zero forcing number of line graphs. First, we determine the metric dimension of the line graphs of wheel graphs and bouquet of circles. Second, we determine the zero forcing number of the line graphs of complete graphs, wheel graphs, and bouquet of circles. We prove that Z(G) ≤ 2Z(L(G)) for a simple and connected graph G. Further, we show that Z(G) ≤ Z(L(G)) when G is a tree or when G contains a Hamiltonian path and has a certain number of edges. Finally, we compare the metric dimension with the zero forcing number of a line graph by demonstrating a couple of inequalities between the two parameters. We conclude with some open problems.
Unusual twig “twistiness” in pawpaw (Asimina triloba) provides biomechanical protection for distal foliage in high winds

PREMISE OF STUDY Deciduous woody species invest considerable resources in the growth of new foliage and distal stems. This new growth is at risk for mechanical damage from high winds and storms. Pawpaw has large leaves borne distally on thin twigs. Following a storm, pawpaw branches sometimes exhibit a persistent "flipped" orientation, slowly returning upright over 24 h. We investigated biomechanical properties of pawpaw twigs, comparing them to co-occurring species with similarly high leaf areas and loads, which do not exhibit this "flipping". Our goal was to determine biomechanical and structural properties in these species and how variation in form might relate to functional differences. METHODS We measured flexural stiffness, torsional stiffness, and viscoelastic creep in pawpaw and co-occurring trees Liriodendron tulipifera and Carya cordiformis. We also recorded twig/foliage reconfiguration in high winds. We stained thin cross sections of distal twigs and recorded images using fluorescent light microscopy. KEY RESULTS Flexural and torsional stiffness increased with twig radius in pawpaw and tulip tree, although torsional stiffness increased more slowly in pawpaw. Pawpaw had a high ratio of flexural to torsional stiffness (EI/GJ) across a range of twig radii and significant viscoelastic creep compared with the other species. CONCLUSIONS Biomechanical data showed that pawpaw twigs were "twistier" than the comparison species, which were shown previously to alleviate drag-induced damage by reorienting petioles and leaves. Pawpaw has an unusual strategy of low torsional stiffness in twigs, allowing for reorientation of the entire distal appendage, likely minimizing drag-induced damage in storms.