cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Health Education Doctorate Cohort, 1983–1989

Abstract Statistical files obtained from the National Research Council were analyzed for the purpose of developing demographic profiles of all new health education doctorates (N=639) who graduated from American colleges and universities over a seven-year period, 1983–89. The analysis yielded the following salient findings: (1) Graduation patterns of new doctorates have been relatively consistent during the past seven years. (2) In comparison with other academic disciplines, health education appears to be unique in that it attracted more females than males, a ratio of more than two to one. (3) The median age for new health education doctorates was 37, about four years older than their peers in other disciplines. (4) The majority of doctoral students were white, married, and U. S. citizens. (5) A large majority had received master's degrees prior to doctoral study. (6) Almost two-thirds of the doctorate cohort came through disciplinary tracts other than health education at the undergraduate level. (7) The m...
Abolition of Pell Grants for Higher Education of Prisoners: Examining Antecedents and Consequences

Abstract Rehabilitative and reintegrative correctional philosophies see prison inmate college education as an effective approach to reduction of offender recidivism rate. The provision of prison-based college education Pell Grants by Congress were part and parcel of these correctional philosophies. This study critically and rigorously examines the history and the politics that led to the abolition of Pell Grants for prison inmates' college education in the United States of America. The elimination of Pell Grants for prison inmates' post-secondary correctional education is not without profound consequences that are too important and too costly to ignore. In this analysis, adequate efforts are made to discuss the profound consequences that occurred as a result of the abolition of Pell Grants for prison inmates' college education.
EGFR mutation status and brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer: an understudied problem

Metastases to the central nervous system (CNS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often herald a poor prognosis and a significant decrement in quality of life. Despite the substantial number of NSCLC patients who develop CNS metastases, there are few trials specifically addressing outcomes in these patients (1); many NSCLC trials studying systemic treatment exclude patients with active brain metastases. Dr. Welsh and colleagues recently published an article addressing this understudied population. They enrolled 40 NSCLC patients with brain metastases who went on to receive WBRT with concurrent administration of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), erlotinib (2).
Finite element method applied to the problem of stability of a non‐conservative system

The finite element method is applied to the stability analysis of structural systems subject to non-conservative forces. The development of the method is general, but the specific application considered here is the stability of thin-walled members subject to follower forces. The method predicts the type of instability, whether it be buckling or flutter. Example problems, for which exact solutions are known, illustrate the accuracy and convergence characteristic of the finite element formulation.
A theory of transversely isotropic fluids

The present paper proposes a theory for the mechanical behaviour of a fluid with a rigid microstructure. The microstructure is described by a director frame of three vectors and a second-order tensor W and its gradient are proposed as measures of the kinematics of this frame. When the frame is spinning without deforming, W reduces to the director spin velocity. Postulating the existence of a couple stress in addition to the classical Cauchy stress, the linear constitutive equations for such a structured fluid are derived and then specialized to the case of transverse isotropy.These equations are used to study rectilinear shearing flow. When [dtri ]W = 0, the condition for a non-interacting substructure, the results of the theory are shown to be in agreement with the work of Jeffery and of Ericksen. For mutually interacting substructure particles, [dtri ]W ≠ 0, a geometric analysis of the non-linear differential equations is performed in order to exhibit the effects of particle concentration on the flow kinematics.
DSP acceleration using cache logic FPGAs

Stand-alone digital signal processors (DSPs) support many on-chip functions and are highly optimized for the demands of high-speed computing. The problem associated with this functional optimization is that the increase in performance comes at the expense of flexibility. To make the DSP general purpose enough for a wide variety of applications, a custom ASIC must be used to achieve the desired performance. DSPs and ASICs are not able to easily adapt on-the-fly to different algorithms. Even DSPs that can do this don't match the high level of optimization provided by an ASIC. Recent developments in FPGA design tools enable system designers to develop in-system reconfigurable adaptive DSP hardware. Designed to exploit register rich, dynamically recongigurable field programmable gate arrays, high speed custom DSP functions can be created and implemented, resulting in significantly improved performance for compute-intensive applications, including graphics and image processing, telecommunications, networking and instrumentation.
A gene highly expressed in tumor cells encodes novel structure proteins

We isolated several related but distinct cDNA clones encoding novel structure proteins (NSP) when screening a cDNA library. Analysis revealed that these cDNAs and several similar ESTs in the public databases are derived from a single gene of 17 exons that span a minimum of 227-kb region. This gene is located at chromosome 17p11.2, a region frequently amplified in human gliomas and osteosarcomas, and involved in Birt–Hogg–Dube syndrome, a tumor-prone syndrome. The major coding sequences shared by all isolated transcripts are predicted to encode SMC (structural maintenance of chromosome)/SbcC ATPase motifs and coiled-coil domains commonly seen in motor or structure proteins. Two 5′-end and two 3′-end variants (type 5α/β and 3α/β, respectively) were identified, making a total of four possible transcripts. Both 5α and 5β variants were detected in human testis mRNA, but only type 5α was detectable in RNA samples extracted from HeLa cells. The unique carboxyl-terminus of 3β contains a Ca2+-dependent actin-binding domain. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that NSPs were mostly localized to nuclei. Northern blot analysis demonstrated two major bands and the expression levels are tremendously high in testis while barely detectable in other normal tissues examined. Interestingly, NSP5α3α is highly expressed in some tumor cell lines. These results suggest that NSPs represent a new family of structure proteins with a possible role in nuclear dynamics during cell division, and that NSP5α3α may serve as a tumor marker.
Inhibition of collagen synthesis by the proline analogue cis-4-hydroxyproline

Abstract These data demonstrate clearly that subcutaneous administration of cis -4-hydroxyproline in the postoperative period can significantly decrease the bursting strength of colonic anastomoses in rats directly, and that the effect is not explained by malnutrition or adverse systemic toxic effects.
Neurobehavioral and somatic effects of perinatal PCB exposure in rats

Developing rats were exposed to PCBs via provision of diets containing 0.02 (no PCB added), 2.5, 26, or 269 ppm Aroclor 1254 to sperm-positive female rats from mating to weaning of their pups. Provision of the 269 ppm diet decreased the number of impregnated rats that delivered a litter and lowered pup birth weight, and most pups died within 7 days of birth. Pregnancy success, pup birth weight, and dam body weight and food intake were not altered in the 2.5 and 26 ppm conditions. Preweaning pup growth was reduced in the 26 ppm condition and slightly reduced in the 2.5 ppm condition. The ontogeny of negative geotaxis, auditory startle, and air righting was delayed in pups from the 26 ppm condition. Pups in the 2.5 ppm condition had slightly delayed development of auditory startle. PCB exposure did not affect the duration of forepaw suspension or age at eye opening. Maximal electroshock seizure tests on postweaning rats showed that perinatal PCB exposure decreased seizure severity of both the 2.5 and 26 ppm groups as indicated by increased durations of forelimb and hindlimb flexion and decreased duration of hindlimb extension. PCB exposure increased pup liver weights at birth and dam and pup liver weights at weaning. Spleen and thymus weights were lower in PCB-exposed pups, while brain weights were unaffected. Analytical determination of PCB levels in brain showed greater maternal transfer of PCBs during lactation than during gestation. Elevated PCB levels were detectable in brains of perinatally exposed adult rats. The results indicate that perinatal PCB exposure of rats alters neurobehavioral and somatic ontogeny.
Social Stigma and Self-Esteem: Situational Construction of Self-Worth

Many classic analyses of stigmatization assume that negative images and stereotypes are internalized, resulting in stable low self-esteem in the stigmatized across many situations. I argue here that the self-esteem of the stigmatized is constructed in the situation and depends on both the collective representations, or shared meanings, that people bring with them to the situation and features of the situation that make those collective representations relevant or irrelevant when evaluating the self. Thus, self-esteem in the stigmatized may be higher, lower, or the same as self-esteem in the nonstigmatized, and it may change from situation to situation if the collective representations that are relevant in those situations differ. Previous research consistent with this perspective is reviewed and implications of this analysis for the study of social stigma, and group differences more generally, are considered.
Dermo-1, a multifunctional basic helix-loop-helix protein, represses MyoD transactivation via the HLH domain, MEF2 interaction, and chromatin deacetylation

Dermo-1 is a multifunctional basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor that has been shown to be a potent negative regulator for gene transcription and apoptosis. To understand the molecular mechanisms that mediate the function of Dermo-1, we generated a series of Dermo-1 mutants and used a MyoD-mediated transcriptional activation model to characterize the roles of its N-terminal, bHLH, and C-terminal structural domains in transcriptional repression. Both the C-terminal and HLH domains of Dermo-1 were essential for its repression of MyoD-mediated transactivation. Dermo-1 repressed, in a dose-dependent fashion, the transactivation activity of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), a protein known to cooperate with MyoD in activating E-box-dependent gene expression. Both the N- and C-terminal domains of Dermo-1, but not the bHLH domain, were required for the inhibition of MEF2, suggesting that Dermo-1 inhibits both MyoD- and MEF2-dependent transactivation but through different mechanisms. Dermo-1 interacted directly with MEF2 and selectively repressed the MEF2 transactivation domain. An overall increase of histone acetylation induced by trichostatin A treatment reduced Dermo-1 transcriptional repression activity, suggesting that histone deacetylation is involved in Dermo-1-mediated transcriptional repression. Together, these results suggest that MEF2 is an important target in Dermo-1-mediated transcriptional repression and provide initial evidence of the involvement of histone acetylation in Dermo-1 transcriptional repression.
Image processing methods for characterizing cryogenic target quality during ice layer formation at the National Ignition Facility (NIF)

A challenging aspect of preparing cryogenic targets for National Ignition Facility (NIF) ignition experiments is growing a single crystal layer (~ 70 m thick) of solid frozen deuterium-tritium (DT) fuel on the inner surface of a spherical hollow plastic capsule 2 mm in diameter. For the most critical fusion experiments, the layer must be smooth, having uniform thickness, and largely free of isolated defects (e.g. grooves). A single target layer typically takes up to 18 hours to form. X-ray images on 3 orthogonal axes are used to monitor the growth of the crystal and evaluate the quality of the layer. While these methods provide a good indicator of target layer condition, new metrics are currently being developed to take advantage of other properties in the x-ray image, which may give earlier indications of target quality. These properties include symmetry of texture, seed formation, and eigenimage analysis. We describe the approach and associated image processing to evaluate and classify these metrics, whose goal is to improve overall layer production and better quantify the quality of the layer during its growth.
Abortion-seeking minors' views on the Illinois parental notification law: a qualitative study.

CONTEXT Thirty-seven states have laws in effect that mandate parental involvement in adolescent abortion decisions. Little is known about minors’ opinions of parental involvement laws. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 minors presenting for an abortion at one of three Chicago-area clinics in 2010. Interviewers described the Illinois parental notification law (which was passed in 1995 but is not in effect because of legal challenges) and a corresponding judicial bypass option to the minors and asked their opinions about them. Interviews were coded and analyzed using content analysis and grounded theory methods. RESULTS Most minors perceived the law negatively, citing fears that it would lead to diminished reproductive autonomy for minors, forced continuation of pregnancies, adverse parental reactions (including emotional or physical abuse) and damaged parental relationships. A few held positive or ambivalent opinions, concluding that notifying a trusted adult could provide an adolescent with needed support, but that parental involvement should not be mandated. Most participants held negative opinions of judicial bypass, describing it as overwhelming and logistically complicated, and worrying that some minors might go to extreme lengths to avoid the process. CONCLUSIONS Many minors have deep concerns about the potential harm that could result from parental involvement laws. These opinions provide a valuable addition to the debate on such laws, which purportedly are intended to ensure minors’ best interests.
Job Stress and Public Sector Occupations Implications For Personnel Managers

Stress in public organizations can affect the health, well-being and productivity of the workforce This article examines three so-called "high stress" government jobs (nurses, police officers and air traffic controllers), identifies the sources, symptoms, and conse quences of stress, and compares stress levels in these occupations with those in other populations Public personnel managers can work with others to prevent, detect, and manage stress in their work settings The authors discuss and illustrate various individ ual and or ganizational strategies relevant to stress management in each of the three oc- cupations
Globalization, telecommunications and trade

Abstract This article describes some characteristics of globalization, one of the most dramatic impacts of the information revolution. There is a need for a broad international agreement on trade in services, yet the changes in thinking that this demands are being hampered by old perceptions, particularly in telecommunications. Issues arising in the Geneva negotiations on trade in services are examined. Particular importance is attached to factoring the implications of the globalization process and the new telecommunications realities into national decision making, if governments wish to retain control over those decisions and their impacts.
Effect of tranexamic acid on rebleeding after subarachnoid hemorrhage: A double‐blind controlled clinical trial

In a double-blind controlled clinical trial on 51 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, tranexamic acid, 4 gm per day for ten consecutive days, did not favorably affect the outcome. Neither mortality nor rebleeding rates were improved after a follow-up of three months.
Simulation of the initial psychiatric interview

Systematic exploration of interviewing techniques is made possible by the procedures described here. Properly used this will be an important training device.
The Impacts of Global Warming on Farmers in Brazil and India

How big a threat is global warming to climate-sensitive and economically important sectors such as agriculture in developing countries? How well will farmers be able to adapt to the threats of global warming? This paper attempts to shed light on these two important questions. A cross-sectional analysis is employed to estimate the climate sensitivity of agriculture in Brazil and India. Using panel data from both countries, the study measures how net farm income or property values vary with climate, and consequently, how farmers in India and Brazil react and adapt to climate. The estimated relationships are then used to predict the consequence of alternative climate scenarios. Global warming by the end of the next century could cause annual damages in Brazil between 1% and 39% and between 4% and 26% in India, although some of this effect may be potentially offset by carbon fertilization. These estimates do not factor into account climate-induced extreme weather events.
Authentic interaction in a virtual classroom: leveling the playing field in a graduate seminar1

Abstract This article looks at how a class newsgroup, originally created to facilitate the sharing of responses to readings, impacted on class participation in a graduate seminar that included students who initially appeared at a possible disadvantage—linguistically, educationally, and experientially. Analysis of these culturally diverse students’ contributions to the asynchronous class discussion, of their evolving intellectually and emotionally supportive interaction, is presented and discussed. Concerns about the limitations of the apparent empowering and democratizing effects of computer networking are raised.
A KrF oscillator system with uniform profiles

Abstract A KrF oscillator system that has produced highly uniform flat-top focal distributions is described. The oscillator system is part of a large laser system that will utilize the echelon-free induced spatial incoherence technique to obtain uniform illumination of planar targets for fusion research. With this system, focal profiles with small long scale length nonuniformities have been obtained. The nonuniformity was determined by performing a least-squares fit to a series of profiles, and calculating the deviation of each fit from a flat-top profile. With a linear fit, the deviation averaged over the series is ±0.5%, and with a quadratic fit, it is ±1.4%. Details of the oscillator system configuration, focal uniformity measurement techniques, and resulting focal profiles are presented.
Pulsatile pressure and flow in the mesenteric vascular bed of the cat.

The transmission of arterial pressure and flow pulse through the mesenteric vascular bed was studied in 18 experiments on cats. Pressures were measured in the superior mesenteric artery and in small mesenteric veins, red blood cell flow velocities in mesenteric microvessels smaller than 60 μ diameter. Venous pressures were found to show heart beat synchronous oscillatory components of 0.2–0.5mmHg amplitude. Venous pressure pulses were delayed in time in comparison to the arterial pressure pulses: mean transit times varied between 85 and 110 msec. Blood flow velocities in arterioles and venules were generally pulsatile, the amplitude of the arteriolar pulses averaging 52.5% of mean velocity, of the venular pulses 32.5%. The velocity pulses were found to be similar in shape as flow pulses in larger arteries. Infusion of vasoactive drugs showed transmission of arterial pulses to be inversely dependent upon vascular resistance. It is concluded that the concept of complete damping of the arterial pulse during the passage of blood through the intestinal vascular bed cannot be maintained. Two different mechanisms of pulse transmission are discussed: direct hydraulic transmission through the capillary network and transmission across the vascular wall from the arteriole to the venule.
The effect of the minimal deflation pressure on lung mechanics in isolated rabbit lungs.

Alterations in the PV relationships of isolated rabbit lungs which are dependent on the minimal deflation pressure (Pmin) have been studied. When Pmin remains positive both inflation and deflation limbs of the PV loop are shifted toward lower transpulmonary (P1) pressures throughout most of the cycle. In addition, Pmin(+) conditions eliminate the deflation inflection and increase deflation compliance at low and mid-lung volumes. Results from indicator washout and spontaneous deflation reveal that Pmin(+) conditions produce a more even inflation of the lung parenchyma and dilate airways at low lung volumes. These effects cause a stabilization of the parenchyma and a delay in airway closure resulting in the increased deflation compliance and a decrease in the trapped gas volume during Pmin(+) conditions. The relevance of Pmin(+) and (−) conditions are discussed for several clinical conditions.
Renewable technologies and their role in mitigating greenhouse gas warming

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses renewable technologies and their role in mitigating greenhouse gas warming. Human activity has led to an increased atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), and other gases that resist the outward flow of infrared radiation more effectively than they impede incoming solar radiation. This imbalance yields the potential for global warming as the atmospheric concentrations of these gases increase. The chapter discusses the role that renewable and other mitigation approaches could play in ameliorating such projected warming. There are many uncertainties associated with the expected magnitude of global warming, including atmospheric sensitivity, CO 2 life cycles, projected growth of CO 2 emissions over time, methane lifetime, projected growth of methane emissions, use of high global warming potential compounds to replace chlorofluorocarbons, actual temperature response versus calculated equilibrium warming, and aerosol (Sulfate) cooling. The chapter examines the important greenhouse gases and their potential warming contributions and discusses the uncertainties associated with future emissions of CO 2 .
Are there patients with stage I rectal carcinoma at risk for failure after abdominoperineal resection

The clinical courses of 64 patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection for Stage I lower rectal carcinoma (tumors confined to the muscularis propria without lymph node involvement) were reviewed to identify subsets at risk for failure. Twelve of 12 patients with tumors limited to the submucosa remained disease free without evidence of recurrence. Of the 52 patients with muscularis propria involvement, there have been eight failures with three patients having local failure only, three patients with local failure and distant metastases, and two patients with distant metastases only. The 6-year actuarial disease-free survival, local control, and freedom from distant metastases rates for patients with tumors invasive of the muscularis propria were 80%, 84%, and 88%, respectively. Patients with tumors exhibiting vascular/lymph vessel involvement were at even higher risk for failure. Although adjuvant treatment is infrequently advised for these patients, the use of radiation therapy and chemotherapy should be reconsidered for patients with Stage I lower rectal carcinoma, specifically for patients with tumors invasive of the muscularis propria with vascular/lymph vessel involvement.
A Study of Strong Thermal Interactions between a Laser Beam and an Absorbing Gas

A recent study of temperature-dependent absorption, nonsteady beam propagation, and laminar to turbulent transition in a laser-induced convection column is described. The column is generated by passing a CO2-N2 laser beam vertically through a CCh absorption cell. The radial intensity distribution of the transmitted beam is scanned during the transient and quasi-steady-state absorption periods using a Ge:Au detector. During the transient period, relaxation and beam divergence effects are observed. In the quasi-steady period, a "flickering" of the beam profile from the initially Gaussian shape due to induced turbulent convection is observed at sufficiently high pressure. The onset of turbulence is measured with a fine-wire resistance thermometer and laser power meter. The transition boundary in terms of cell pressure p and incident laser power P0 at a fixed beam diameter and cell pressure is found to be given approximately by pPo = const. This can be shown to imply a constant transition Reynolds number for the induced flow under certain restrictive conditions. The transition Reynolds number so determined is found to be surprisingly low. Local gas temperatures measured near the edge of the laser beam indicate very strong absorption heating within the convection column at the lower cell pressures.
Late mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and functional status of long-term survivors: Report from the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor study

We assessed late mortality in 1479 individuals who had survived 2 or more years after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Median age at HCT was 25.9 years and median length of follow-up was 9.5 years. The conditional survival probability at 15 years from HCT was 80.2% (SE = 1.9%) for those who were disease-free at entry into the cohort, and the relative mortality was 9.9 (95% confidence interval, 8.7-11.2). Relative mortality decreased with time from HCT, but remained significantly elevated at 15 years after HCT (standardized mortality ratio = 2.2). Relapse of primary disease (29%) and chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD: 22%) were the leading causes of premature death. Nonrelapse-related mortality was increased among patients older than 18 years at HCT (18-45 years: relative risk [RR] = 1.7; 46+ years: RR = 3.7) and among those with cGVHD (RR = 2.7), and was lower among patients who received methotrexate for GVHD prophylaxis (RR = 0.5). HCT survivors were more likely to report difficulty in holding jobs (odds ratio [OR] = 13.9), and in obtaining health (OR = 7.1) or life (OR = 9.9) insurance compared with siblings. This study demonstrates that mortality rates remain twice as high as that of the general population among 15-year survivors of HCT, and that the survivors face challenges affecting their health and well-being.
A pancreatic ductal leak should be sought to direct treatment in patients with acute pancreatitis

Abstract Background: The end result of leakage of pancreatic juice into the peripancreatic space can be sterile necrosis, infected necrosis, or rupture into an adjacent hollow viscus or blood vessel (eg, colon, small bowel, or pseudoaneurysm). If a pancreatic duct (PD) leak is present, should treatment be aimed at minimizing the sequela of the leakage of pancreatic juice and not just supportive observation until a necrosectomy is required? Methods: In 144 patients with severe pancreatitis we investigated whether the presence of a PD leak was associated with necrosis and also asked if PD leak might predict other outcomes such as a length of stay (LOS), mortality, and need for surgery. Furthermore, we questioned whether the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to search for a PD leak might worsen the clinical outcome because of the potential for introducing microorganisms into an undrained space or exacerbating pancreatitis. Results: The presence of a demonstrable pancreatic duct leak was observed in 37% of patients and was significantly associated with both a higher incidence of necrosis and prolonged LOS (≥20 days). These patients were 3.4 times more likely to have necrosis and 2.6 times more likely to have a prolonged LOS. When treated with a combination of percutaneous drains, pancreatic duct stents, and surgery as necessary, a PD leak (even with its higher necrosis rate) was not significantly correlated with either mortality or the need for necrosectomy. The use of ERCP was not associated with LOS, mortality, or the need for necrosectomy, provided discovered PD leaks were immediately drained. Conclusions: A PD leak is common in patients with pancreatic necrosis but it is also important to locate and decompress in order to impede progression of the disease and keep mortality low.
Carbon nanofibers derived from cellulose nanofibers as a long-life anode material for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries

A highly reversible anode is indispensable to the future success of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) derived from cellulose nanofibers are investigated as an anode material for SIBs. The CNFs exhibit very promising electrochemical properties, including a high reversible capacity (255 mA h g−1 at 40 mA g−1), good rate capability (85 mA h g−1 at 2000 mA g−1), and excellent cycling stability (176 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 over 600 cycles).
Using ancient and recent DNA to explore relationships of extinct and endangered Leiolopisma skinks (Reptilia: Scincidae) in the Mascarene islands.

Abstract Phylogenetic analysis, using 1455 bp of recent mtDNA (cytochrome b 714 bp, 12S rRNA 376 bp) and nuclear (c-mos 365 bp) sequence from 42 species and 33 genera of Scincidae, confirms Leiolopisma telfairii, now confined to Round island off Mauritius, is a member of the mainly Australasian Eugongylus group of the Lygosominae. Ancient mtDNA (cytochrome b 307 bp, 12S rRNA 376 bp) was also extracted from subfossils of two other Mascarene taxa that are now extinct: the giant L. mauritiana from Mauritius and Leiolopisma sp., known only from fragmentary remains from Reunion. Sequence divergences of 4.2–5.7% show that all three forms were distinct and form a clade. There is restricted evidence that L. mauritiana and L. sp. from Reunion were sister species. Monophyly and relationships suggest Leiolopisma arose from a single transmarine invasion of the oceanic Mascarene islands from Australasia, 5600–7000 km away. This origin is similar to that of Cryptoblepharus skinks and Nactus geckos in the archipelago but contrasts with Phelsuma day geckos, which appear to have arrived from Madagascar where Mascarene Cylindraspis tortoises may also have originated. Diversification of the known species of Leiolopisma occurred from about 2.3–3.4 Mya, probably beginning on Mauritius with later invasion of Reunion. The initial coloniser may have had a relatively large body-size, but L. mauritiana is likely to have become gigantic within the Mascarenes. Other relationships supported by this investigation include the following. Scincines: Pamelaescincus + Janetaescincus, and Androngo (Amphiglossus, Paracontias). Lygosomines: Sphenomorphus group—(Sphenomorphus, Lipinia (Ctenotus, Anomalopus (Eulamprus and Gnypetoscincus))): Egernia group—Egernia (Cyclodomorphus, Tiliqua); Eugongylus group—(Oligosoma, Bassiana. (Lampropholis (Niveoscincus, Carlia))).
Pathogenicity of periodontal pathogens during pregnancy

Objective: Periodontal disease may cause several complications of pregnancy, including fetal death. The purpose of this study was to investigate in sheep the effects of the intra-amniotic injection of lipopolysaccharide from 3 periodontopathic organisms and to compare these effects with those resulting from similar injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. The outcomes that were studied included the rates of fetal death and the features of inflammation and lung maturation in survivors. Study design: At 118 days of pregnancy, ewes that were bearing single fetuses were allocated at random to receive intra-amniotic injections of saline solution (n = 13 fetuses), or lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (in doses from 0.1 to 10 mg [n = 22 fetuses]), Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (10 mg [n = 6 fetuses]; 1 mg [n = 6 fetuses]), Fusobacterium nucleatum (10 mg [n = 6 fetuses]) or Escherichia coli (10 mg [n = 14 fetuses]; 1 mg [n = 7 fetuses]). Surviving fetuses were delivered abdominally at 125 days of gestation (term, 150 days). Results: When compared with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide at similar dosages, periodontopathic lipopolysaccharides had high rates of fetal lethality. Only 6 of 22 fetuses that were exposed to intra-amniotic Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide survived doses of 0.1 to 10 mg, and only 3 of 6 fetuses survived 10-mg Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide. Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide did not cause fetal loss when given at doses of 10 mg (n = 14 fetuses) or 1 mg (n = 7 fetuses). Fetuses that survived exposure to these lipopolysaccharides showed features of inflammation in amniotic fluid and cord blood at birth and enhanced lung maturation. Conclusion: Lipopolysaccharides from these 3 periodontopathic organisms have much higher rates of fetal lethality than Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide but can cause similar intrauterine inflammatory responses and improvements in lung volumes in survivors. Sources of inflammation that are distant from the uterus may underlie a proportion of unexplained stillbirth and other complications of pregnancy.
Total deletion of yeast LEU4: Further evidence for a second α-isopropylmalate synthase and evidence for tight LEU4-MET4 linkage

Using a combination of restriction endonuclease digestion, nuclease BAL 31 treatment, and standard ligation procedures, a 4.4-kb DNA segment that carried the yeast LEU4 gene [encoding alpha-isopropylmalate synthase (IPMS) I] and adjoining sequences was excised from an appropriate plasmid and replaced with the yeast HIS3 gene. The new plasmid was digested to obtain a linear HIS3-carrying fragment flanked by remnants of the LEU4 region. Integrative transformation of a LEU4fbr LEU5+ his3- strain with this fragment resulted in the deletion of the LEU4 gene from the genome of some recipients, as demonstrated by transformant phenotype, genetic analysis and the absence of RNA capable of hybridizing to a LEU4 probe. The leu4 deletion strains remained Leu+. The extract of one such strain contained about 18% of the IPMS activity of wild-type cells. It is concluded that the residual activity is that of a second IPMS (IPMS II) that depends on an intact LEU5 locus. IPMS II was inhibited by leucine, but its sensitivity was about an order of magnitude lower than that of IPMS I. Deletion of the LEU4 region by the method utilized here resulted in an amino acid auxotrophy that could be satisfied by methionine, homocysteine, or cysteine. Complementation tests and genetic analysis demonstrated that the affected gene was MET4. Linkage to MET4 would place the LEU4 gene on the left arm of chromosome XIV.
No Doubt About It: When Doubtful Role Models Undermine Men's and Women's Math Performance Under Threat

ABSTRACT Past work has shown that female role models are effective buffers against stereotype threat. The present research examines the boundary conditions of this role model effect. Specifically, we argue that female role models should avoid expressing doubt about their math abilities; otherwise they may cease to buffer women from stereotype threat. For men, a non-doubtful male role model should be seen as threatening, thus harming performance. A doubtful male role model, however, should be seen as non-threatening, thus allowing men to perform up to their ability in math. To test this reasoning, men and women were exposed to either an outgroup or ingroup role model who either expressed doubt or did not. Participants then took a math exam under stereotype threat conditions. As expected, doubtful ingroup role models hurt women, but helped men's performance. Outgroup role models' expressed doubt had no differential effect on performance. We also show that expressions of doubt take on a different meaning whe...
Do alternative energy sources displace fossil fuels

Analysts implicitily assume that increasing renewable-energy generation by one unit displaces conventional energy by the same amount. Research now shows that, owing to the complexity of our socio–economic systems, each unit of total national non-fossil-fuel energy use displaced less than one-quarter of a unit of fossil-fuel energy use over the past 50 years.
Housing and the Church

Church involvement in urban community renewal is both widespread and underrecognized. Community development corporations (CDCs), the basic institutional unit involved in urban community renewal, have grown tenfold in number since their creation in the 1960s. Today, many churches are forming CDCs to improve the lives of congregants and residents in the community. This article examines eight “church birthed” CDCs that are actively engaged in the development of housing for low-and moderate-income individuals and families in Los Angeles County, California.
First Report of Waitea circinata var. circinata Causing Brown Ring Patch on Poa trivialis in California

Rough bluegrass (Poa trivialis L.) is a C3 (cool-season) turfgrass used on golf course putting greens. It is often used to overseed C4 (warm-season) turf for fall through early-summer use. In March...
Euthyroid Sick Syndrome: Is It a Misnomer?

Alterations in thyroid function tests are very common in patients with NTI. Multiple, complex, and incompletely understood mechanisms are involved in these abnormalities. Knowledge of these abnormalities is necessary to avoid errors in the diagnosis of thyroid disease. Measurement of serum TSH, free T4, and free T3 levels by direct equilibrium dialysis/RIA methods probably yield most useful (accurate) information in the setting of NTI. Patients with low free T4 by these methods and normal or low TSH have secondary hypothyroidism. This may be due to NTI per se, drugs administered for treatment of NTI, or associated pituitary or hypothalamic disease; the latter consideration may require evaluation of cortisol reserve, PRL, and/or gonadotropins. A serum TSH level above 20-25 microU/mL probably reflects primary hypothyroidism; accompanying findings of goiter, low free T4, and positive antithyroid antibodies help establish the diagnosis. An elevated serum concentration of rT3 argues against hypothyroidism. Studies have demonstrated no discernible benefit of treatment of NTI patients with T4. Some studies have shown a few benefits of treatment with T3 in selected cases, but much more needs to be learned. There is no evidence of harm by treatment of NTI patients with up to replacement doses of T3. As some NTI patients may indeed be hypothyroid, the term ESS should be replaced with NTIS.
Electrophoretic characterization of six selected enzymes of peanut cultivars

Abstract The isozyme patterns (both anodic and cathodic) of esterase, catalase, leucine aminopeptidase, acid phosphatase, alcohol dehydrogenase and INT oxidase in individual seeds from several peanut cultivars (Arachis hypogaea) were characterized by polyacrylamide and starch gel electrophoresis in relation to the stages of seed development, maturity, and germination, geographic areas where grown and phylogenetic relationship. Of the six enzymes examined, only esterase contained cathodic isozymes, of which the patterns served to distinguish between the Spanish and the Virginia-type peanuts. Anodic esterase and acid phosphatase zymograms of early developing and germinating peanuts could be distinguished from those of predormant and mature seeds and the latter showed much intravarietal variation which was consistent among cultivars and the geographic areas where grown. Anodic isozymes of catalase, leucine aminopeptidase, alcohol dehydrogenase and INT oxidase were synthesized very early in peanut development and remained constant through maturity and to at least 24 hr germination; they were consistent within and between peanut cultivars and they were not influenced by the environmental conditions of the areas where the peanuts were grown. The consistency of the isozyme patterns within and between cultivars supports the suggestion that plant breeding programs used to develop superior cultivars have produced genetic uniformity in peanuts.
NAKFI Smart Prosthetics: Exploring Assistive Devices for the Body and Mind

Prosthetics to replace impaired or absent body functions are clearly one the earliest examples of medical technology. Many might argue that true advances in prosthetic technologies, especially repl...
Prognostic Significance of Atrial Fibrillation is a Function of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported to be associated with decreased survival in population-based studies. Its prognostic importance in end-stage heart failure is not clear. Methods and Results We investigated the prognostic implications of AF as function of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) in 8,931 consecutive patients undergoing echocardiography at our medical center between 1990 and 1999. Patient characteristics were: age 66 ± 13 years, EF 51 ± 15, AF in 1,203 patients. There were 1,911 deaths over a mean follow up of 913 days. The prevalence of AF was 11% in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (EF ≥ 55%, n = 5, 130), and 18% each in those with mild (EF 41–54%, n = 1209), moderate (EF 26–40%, n = 1183) and severe reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (EF ≤ 25%, n = 961). The 5-year survival rate was 72% for those in sinus rhythm compared to 56% for those in AF (p < 0.0001). The effect of AF on 5-year survival was most pronounced in those with normal LVEF (62 vs 78%, p < 0.0001) followed by those with mild reduction in LVEF (57 vs 72%, p = 0.02). It was not a predictor of survival in those with moderate (5-year survival 55 vs 61%, p = ns) or severe LV dysfunction (5-year survival 47 vs 45%, p = ns). Using the Cox regression model, AF was an independent predictor of mortality after correcting for age and LVEF in the entire cohort and in those with normal LVEF, but not in those with reduced LVEF. Among the other co-morbidities analyzed, an independent effect of AF on mortality was present in those with QTc ≥ 450, raising a possibility of enhanced susceptibility of these patients. Conclusions The effect of AF on mortality diminishes with worsening LV function and is absent in those with severe LV dysfunction. Susceptibility of patients with QT prolongation to AF mortality warrants further attention. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of wellness and academic leadership

Purpose – The leadership lifestyle lived by academic leaders is characterized by fast pace, high responsibility, and little personal time. This lifestyle may be unattractive for professionals seeking high-level academic leadership positions. The purpose of this paper is to discover the meaning of wellness for leaders in higher education and better understand how they achieve and maintain wellness in their lives. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a qualitative methodology and specifically a grounded theory approach. Grounded theory was the chosen methodological approach due to its applicability to academic and non-academic audiences as well as its ability to better understanding the processes associated with certain phenomenon such as wellness. Findings – The results yielded a grounded theory called wellness maturity with four supporting axial categories: intention, gauge of wellness, reflection, and adaptation. Wellness maturity, depicted as a continuum, represents an optimal wellness destinat...
Abstract B244: The small molecule focal adhesion kinase inhibitor Y15 decreases human glioblastoma cell viability, clonogenicity, and tumor growth.

Introduction: Glioblastomas are the third most frequent cause of cancer-associated deaths due to the cancer cell rapid growth and high invasion and novel therapeutic approaches are needed for this disease. Focal adhesion Kinase (FAK) is known to be highly expressed and activated in glioblastoma and plays significant role in tumorigenesis. Experimental procedures: In this report we tested FAK autophosphorylation inhibitor, Y15 (called also Inhibitor 14) or 1,2,4,5-Benzenetetraamine tetrahydrochloride) that specifically decreased Y397-FAK autophosphorylation in DBTRG and U87 glioblastoma cells. To test Y15 we used the following in vitro assays: viability, clonogenicity, detachment, apoptosis, invasion, immunostaining, Western blotting and microarray analysis of gene expression; and in vivo assay: xenograft tumor growth model. Results: Y15 significantly decreased viability and clonogenicity of DBTRG and U87 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Y15 inhibitor increased detachment, apoptosis and inhibited cell invasion in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Y15 decreased autophosphorylation of FAK in a dose-dependent manner and changed cell morphology by causing cell rounding in DBTRG and U87 cells. Moreover, we tested the effect of Y15 on gene expression by Illumina Human HT12v4 microarray assay and among 34, 694 genes affected by Y15 there we 8087 and 6555 genes either up- or down-regulated in DBTRG and U87 cells, respectively (p Conclusion: Inhibition of FAK autophosphorylation with the oral small molecule inhibitor Y15 can be an effective therapy approach to block glioblastoma tumor growth. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B244.
Severity of Nasality in Three Selected Speech Tasks

This study was designed to evaluate the relative effects of three speech tasks upon the perception of nasality for 10 nasal speakers without cleft palate (Group I) and 10 nasal speakers with cleft ...
Immunogenicity of Dendritic-Tumor Fusion Hybrids and Their Utility in Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy using fusion hybrid cells generated from dendritic cells (DCs) and tumor cells may be more effective than other DC-based vaccines. DC-tumor fusion potentially confers not only the DCs' antigen-presenting functionality but also a continuing source of endogenous tumor antigens for major-histocompatibility-complex-restricted T-cell sensitization. In animal models, many investigators demonstrated that vaccination with fusion hybrids was protective against tumor challenge and therapeutic, resulting in the regression of established tumors. In clinical trials for patients with a variety of metastatic diseases, fusion hybrid vaccines were well tolerated, but the overall objective response rate was only 10.9%. Careful scrutiny of a large number of publications revealed that, in most cases, no definitive evidence of heterokaryonic fusion cell formation was found. Further corroboration of this conclusion comes from reports that fusion hybrids generated from autologous (syngeneic) and allogeneic DCs displayed equivalent immunological function and therapeutic effects in vitro and in vivo. This puzzling finding suggests that effective fusion immunotherapy depends on tumor antigen scavenging and presentation by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of host origin and is in violation of the basic tenet of the principle of DC function. We believe that conclusions drawn from reported clinical trials have not properly evaluated the efficacy of the DC-tumor hybrid vaccine, and therefore, they neither confirm nor disclaim the potential benefits that may be derived from this form of immunotherapy.