cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Similarity between the picornavirus VP3 capsid polypeptide and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae virus capsid polypeptide

We have compared the sequence of the capsid polypeptide of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae double-stranded RNA virus, ScV, with those of the picornaviruses. A central region of 245 amino acids in the ScV capsid polypeptide of 680 amino acids has significant similarity to the picornavirus VP3. This similarity is more extensive than that already noted for the alphavirus capsid polypeptide and the picornavirus VP3 (Fuller, S.D. and Argos, P, EMBO J. 6, 1099, 1987). Together with the similarity between the ScV RNA polymerase and the picornavirus RNA polymerases, this result implies an evolutionary relationship between a simple double-stranded RNA virus of fungi and the small plus strand RNA animal viruses.
Sedimentary record of Triassic intraplate extension in North China: evidence from the nonmarine NW Ordos Basin, Helan Shan and Zhuozi Shan

Abstract The Helan Shan and Zhuozi Shan of the NW Ordos basin, China, contain thick (up to 4 km) sequences of nonmarine Triassic strata. These rocks represent a major intraplate sedimentary basin, the paleogeography, tectonic setting and provenance of which are poorly understood and controversial. Studies of the sedimentary geology of the basin, supported by new palinspastic reconstruction of younger deformation, demonstrate that the basin filled from three sides by fluvial, lacustrine-deltaic and alluvial fan depositional systems. The basin forms a westward-thickening wedge that reaches its maximum thickness along the western margin of the Helan Shan and thins to a relatively constant 600–800 m east of the Zhuozi Shan. The stratigraphy of the basin is strongly asymmetric; alluvial fan strata are restricted to the extreme western margin of the basin and interfinger with axial fluvial deposits low in the section and deep lacustrine facies high in the section. Much of the eastern part of the basin is dominated by west-flowing meandering river and deltaic systems. Large structures of Triassic age have not been identified in the Helan Shan or Zhuozi Shan, but small Triassic normal faults have been documented in the western and central Helan Shan. These characteristics most strongly support an extensional origin for the Triassic basin in NW Ordos. The basin is interpreted to have been a north-trending half graben, bound along its western margin by an east-dipping normal fault, presently concealed beneath Quaternary cover west of the Helan Shan. The eastern margin, now found in the Zhuozi Shan, has simple ramp-margin geometry. Driving mechanisms for this extension are not obvious due to limited documentation of Triassic structure throughout the region, but probably relate to far-field stresses from the Qinling or Jinsha active margins interacting with the stable Ordos block.
Analysis of corporate average fuel economy regulation compliance scenarios inclusive of plug in hybrid vehicles

Abstract The US Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards regulate the fleet fuel economy of automakers that manufacture and sell automobiles in the US. CAFE standards will increase by 24% (for the passenger car fleet) – 35% (for the light-truck fleet) over the period 2011–2025 leading to a renewed interest in the role that advanced technologies will play in enabling CAFE compliance. This study compares the effects of 2 designs of plug in hybrid electric (PHEV) to estimate the cost of CAFE compliance with PHEVs as a component of the domestic passenger car fleet and as a component of the domestic light truck fleet. Results show that for many of the US automakers and for a variety of incremental cost scenarios, the introduction of PHEVs into the vehicle fleet reduces the costs of CAFE compliance relative to baseline scenarios. Overall, results show that PHEVs can contribute to a reduction in the costs of CAFE compliance for domestic automakers and should be more thoroughly considered in near-term regulatory and industrial analyses of CAFE compliance strategies.
Synthesis of carbon nanotubes using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as carbon sources in an arc discharge

Abstract The influence of starting carbon materials on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is investigated. Comparisons are made between graphite rods and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as carbon sources in helium arc discharge. The major parameters are also evaluated in order to obtain high-yield and high-quality carbon nanotubes. The cathode deposits are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the microstructure of carbon nanotubes. The SEM investigation of the carbon nanotube deposits formed on the cathode provides evidence that PAHs can serve as building blocks for nanotube formation. The high-temperature graphitization process induced by the arc plasma enables the hydrocarbons to act as carbon sources and changes the aromatic species into the layered graphite structure of CNT. These polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons not only act as the precursors but also enhance the production rate of carbon nanotubes. The PAH precursors thus play an important role in the mass production of carbon nanotubes.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Concomitant Venous Obstruction in Patients with Secondary Lymphedema

PURPOSE It has been proposed that concomitant iatrogenic venous obstruction substantially contributes to the appearance and severity of the secondary lymphedema that follows cancer surgery, radiation, and other traumas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of venous obstruction in the clinical presentation of patients with secondary lymphedema and to analyze the efficacy of interventional therapy in this patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS The experience of the university center for lymphatic and venous disorders with combined lymphaticovenous edema was retrospectively examined. The records and clinical course were reviewed for all patients referred to a university lymphedema center for evaluation between January 1996 and March 1999. During this interval, in 365 patients with lymphedema, 35 radiocontrast venograms were obtained to evaluate the suspected presence of mixed lymphaticovenous edema. Venographic evidence of venous stenosis (>50%) or occlusion was analyzed, as were the technical success of the intervention, determined by ability to cross the affected segment of the vein and perform venoplasty and place the stent, and the clinical success of the intervention assessed by relief of clinical symptoms (edema, pain) within 24 hours. RESULTS The diagnosis of venous obstruction was confirmed in 17 patients (4.6% of all patients with lymphedema; 49% of patients studied with venography). Venography disclosed clinically relevant venous stenosis in five of seven patients with edema of the upper extremity and in six of 10 patients with leg lymphedema. Venous occlusion was found in two of seven patients with upper extremity edema and in four of 10 patients with leg lymphedema. Percutaneous endovascular venoplasty was attempted in all 17 patients and was successful in 16. Subsequent venous stent placement was performed in three patients with upper extremity edema and in all patients with lower extremity lymphedema. Clinical amelioration of edema was observed in 15 of these 17 patients. Amelioration was assessed by relief of symptoms, improvement in function, and reduction in limb girth. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the clinical importance of concomitant venous obstruction in some patients with chronic secondary lymphedema. Edema can often be ameliorated through percutaneous catheter-based interventions.
Pixel-based statistical analysis by a 3D clustering approach: Application to autoradiographic images

Statistical analysis of medical images in experimental laboratories plays an important role in confirming scientific findings and in guiding potential clinical applications. In experimental neuroscience studies, autoradiographic images taken under differing physiological or pathological conditions from replicate animals are often compared in order to detect any significant change in glucose utilization or blood flow and to localize these changes. For these comparisons to be valid and informative, proper statistical procedures are in order. Conventional methods include statistic parametric mapping (SPM) analysis, non-parametric analysis and cluster-analysis. Each method of comparison has a specific purpose. This paper describes an approach that combines these conventional methods and presents a non-parametric statistical procedure based on cluster-analysis for localizing significant differences in autoradiographic data sets. By thresholding cluster sizes rather than pixel values to reject false positives, this approach enhances statistical power. By re-shuffling the data sets to produce the null distribution of a cluster size statistic, the test makes few assumptions as to the statistical properties of the SPM, and thus it is valid under a broad range of conditions. The designed method was tested on autoradiographic images of rats subjected to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Different methods were also performed on the same data sets. Comparison among these methods shows that this method is suitable for the statistical analysis of autoradiographic images.
Cross enyne metathesis of para-substituted styrenes: a kinetic study of enyne metathesis.

The intermolecular enyne metathesis between alkynes and styrene derivatives was developed to study electronic effects in enyne metathesis. A Hammett plot for the overall reaction, catalyst initiati...
A Novel Image Denoising Method for Matched Filtering System

One method is proposed to remove the random noise and low-frequency coherent noise in the images of the optic 4f system, which is based on fusion of multiple spatial frequency spectrum images. The multiple spatial frequency spectrum images of once experiment are captured based on the image copying character from the lattice structure of spatial light modulators, which contains the same useful image information and noise with the similar distribution but different values. The random noise and coherent noise in these images are removed by combining it utilizing image fusion technique, which is similar to cumulative mean in time domain. The theoretical analysis and physical experiment suggests that the method is able to remove random noise and low-frequency coherent noise effectively and reserve the useful image information.
The role of protein kinase C in laminin-mediated neurite outgrowth.

Abstract Laminin is a potent stimulator of neurite outgrowth in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Here, we investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the mechanism of laminin-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Phorbol ester activators of PKC have been shown to have divergent effects on laminin-mediated neurite outgrowth. Therefore, we tested the effect of the non-phorbol PKC activator, indolactam V. At 1.0 μM indolactam V inhibited laminin-mediated neurite outgrowth by 85%. Further, the PKC inhibitor H7 blocked the inhibitory effect of indolactam V on laminin-mediated neurite outgrowth. Direct measurement of protein kinase C activity in the soluble (cytosolic) and particulate (membrane) fractions of PC12 cells showed that laminin failed to alter protein kinase C activity. These data demonstrate that PKC activation inhibits laminin-mediated neurite outgrowth and that laminin does not activate PKC in PC12 cells.
Physical pictures of symmetry breaking in quenched QED4

Abstract We discuss “collapse of the wavefunction” as the phenomenon underlying chiral symmetry breaking in quenched QED4. The 1/r singularity in the “collapsed” q q wavefunction causes “catalyzed symmetry breaking” which is the field theoretic analog of “monopole induced proton decay.”. The evasion of mean field exponents by the quenched theory's chiral phase transition is emphasized.
How Does Stochastic Ryanodine Receptor-Mediated Ca Leak Fail to Initiate a Ca Spark?

Spontaneous calcium (Ca) sparks are initiated by single ryanodine receptor (RyR) opening. Once one RyR channel opens, it elevates local [Ca] in the cleft space ([Ca]Cleft), which opens other RyR channels in the same Ca release unit (CaRU) via Ca-induced Ca-release. Experiments by Zima et al. (J. Physiol. 588:4743–4757, 2010) demonstrate that spontaneous Ca sparks occur only when intrasarcoplasmic-reticulum (SR) [Ca] ([Ca]SR) is above a threshold level, but that RyR-mediated SR Ca leak exists without Ca sparks well below this threshold [Ca]SR. We examine here how single RyR opening at lower [Ca]SR can fail to recruit Ca sparks at a CaRU, while still contributing to SR Ca leak. We assess this using a physiologically detailed mathematical model of junctional SR Ca release in which RyR gating is regulated by [Ca]SR and [Ca]Cleft. We find that several factors contribute to the failure of Ca sparks as [Ca]SR declines: 1), lower [Ca]SR reduces driving force and thus limits local [Ca]Cleft achieved and the rate of rise during RyR opening; 2), low [Ca]SR limits RyR open time (τO), which further reduces local [Ca]Cleft attained; 3), low τO and fast [Ca]Cleft dissipation after RyR closure shorten the opportunity for neighboring RyR activation; 4), at low [Ca]SR, the RyR exhibits reduced [Ca]Cleft sensitivity. We conclude that all of these factors conspire to reduce the probability of Ca sparks as [Ca]SR declines, despite continued RyR-mediated Ca leak. In addition, these same factors explain the much lower efficacy of L-type Ca channel opening to trigger local SR Ca release at low [Ca]SR during excitation-contraction coupling. Conversely, all of these factors are fundamentally important for increasing the propensity for pro-arrhythmic Ca sparks and waves in cardiac myocytes at high [Ca]SR.
Line energy and the relation between advancing, receding, and young contact angles.

The line energy associated with the triple phase contact line is a function of local surface defects (chemical and topographical); however, it can still be calculated from the advancing and receding contact angles to which those defects give rise. In this study an expression for the line energy associated with the triple phase contact line is developed. The expression relates the line energy to the drop volume, the interfacial energies, and the actual contact angle (be it advancing, receding, or in between). From the expression we can back calculate the equilibrium Young contact angle, θ0, as a function of the maximal advancing, θA, and minimal receding, θR, contact angles. To keep a certain maximal hysteresis between advancing and receding angles, different line energies are required depending on the three interfacial energies and the drop's volume V. We learn from the obtained expressions that the hysteresis is determined by some dimensionless parameter, &#x1d4a6; , which is some normalized line energy. The val...
Influences on Search Behavior of Industrial Tourists

Abstract People seek information concerning a vacation or pleasure trip before, during, and following a vacation. Despite substantial research concerning the information sources used by many tourists, little is known about some of the influences upon the search behavior of industrial tourists. A study of people who visited one type of industrial tourist site found that there were several main sources that were used. In addition, a number of variables including their attitude before their visit, number of previous visits, product involvement, and demographic variables influenced individual information sources and the total information sources used. Implications for managers include targeting specific demographic groups with certain types of information, and the need to use several different types of information sources to reach industrial tourists.
Partisanship and Environmental Policy The Mediating Influence of State Organizational Structures

Earlier studies involving the role of party in influencing environmental policies have argued that environmental policies are "'consensus issues," which transcend the partisan differences character...
Proportion of the litter farrowed, litter size, and progesterone and estradiol effects on piglet birth intervals and stillbirths☆

Stillbirth in swine ranges from 2 to 9%, resulting in a significant loss of piglets. Previous studies clearly indicate a relationship between prolonged birth intervals and stillbirth, but factors influencing birth intervals are not fully known. To characterize birth intervals and stillbirth, farrowing was recorded during three farrowing seasons. Blood samples were collected on d 110 and d 113 of gestation, and were assayed for progesterone and estrogen. Relationships between estrumate (cloprostenol sodium, an analogue of prostaglandin F(2alpha)) usage, litter size, proportion of the litter farrowed, progesterone and estrogen concentrations, birth intervals, and stillbirth were analyzed using regression analysis. A clear relationship between birth intervals and stillbirth was observed. Stillbirth rate was unaffected by birth intervals of 1 h. A significant negative association between litter size and birth intervals was observed (P < 0.01). Birth intervals were unaffected by proportion of the litter farrowed until the last piglet in the litter, whose birth interval increased dramatically (1.5-fold; P < 0.01). Stillbirth rates increased as proportion of the litter farrowed increased, and a dramatic increase in stillbirth occurred for the last piglet in the litter. Neither d 110 nor 113 plasma progesterone concentrations were associated with litter size, birth intervals, or stillbirth rates. Curvilinear relationships were present between d 110 or 113 plasma estradiol concentrations and litter size. However, neither d 110 nor 113 estradiol concentrations were associated with birth intervals or stillbirth rates. These results indicate that (1) birth intervals greater than 1 h are associated with increased stillbirth; (2) larger litter size reduces birth intervals; (3) the last piglet in the litter has both a prolonged birth interval and increased risk of stillbirth; (4) plasma progesterone before farrowing does not influence birth intervals or stillbirth; and (5) plasma estradiol does not influence birth interval or stillbirth, despite a positive relationship between litter size and plasma estradiol. An understanding of the effects of litter size and proportion of the litter farrowed on birth intervals might be exploited to decrease stillbirth in piglets.
A 12% Efficient Silicon/PEDOT:PSS Heterojunction Solar Cell Fabricated at < 100 °C

Solar cells based on a heterojunction between crystalline silicon and the organic polymer PEDOT:PSS were fabricated at temperatures <;100 °C by spin coating. The Si/PEDOT interface blocks electrons in n-type silicon from moving to the anode and functions as a low-temperature alternative to diffused p- n junctions. The device takes advantage of the light absorption and transport properties of silicon and combines it with the simplicity of fabrication afforded by organics. Reverse recovery measurements were used to analyze the electron-blocking effectiveness of the heterojunction. The data show that current in the device is primarily due to holes injected from the anode into the silicon. At AM1.5, Si/PEDOT heterojunction solar cells achieve power conversion efficiency of 11.7%, which is among the highest reported values for this class of devices.
An IGY/IGC data publication with a built‐in retrieval system

A classification and coding system is described which was incorporated into the publication of IGY and IGC meteorological data on microcards. It was derived from inherent and recurrent characteristics of the material and of the chosen publishing medium. The data, nearly 8 million world-wide synoptic meteorological observations, were reproduced on microcards grouped in regular series of basic layouts. The main features were expressed in simple numerical codes which enable users to locate data easily and rapidly on any of over 20,000 IGY and IGC microcards.
Stereoselective synthesis of functionalized carbocycles by cycloaddition to levoglucosenone

Abstract Levoglucosenone (1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-β- d - glycero -hex-3-enopyranos-2-ulose) undergoes [4 + 2] addition with cyclopentadiene from the α face to give 65% of endo -alkene ( 2 ) and 16% of exo -alkene ( 3 ) adducts. Reduction of 2 with sodium borohydride gave 53% of the endo alcohol 4 , and 39% of the exo alcohol 5 . Oxidation of 5 with m -chloroperoxybenzoic acid gave the expected oxirane, whereas 4 gave an alcohol ( 6 ) resulting from oxirane ring-opening by HO-2. Reduction of adduct 3 with sodium borohydride gave 74% of the exo alcohol and 22% of the endo alcohol. The structure of 6 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
Life-history Variation in Caribbean gambusia, Gambusia puncticulata puncticulata (Poeciliidae) from the Cayman Islands, British West Indies

We studied seasonal and spatial variability in the reproductive life-history traits of Caribbean gambusia, Gambusia puncticulata puncticulata, using collections representing dry and wet periods from eight pond sites located across the three Cayman Islands. Caribbean gambusia exhibited a seasonal life-history response over the 5-month interval between the relatively dry and wet periods, marked by shifts to larger adult sizes and smaller broods made up of larger offspring. This seasonal shift in the life-history pattern coincided with increased rainfall, lower salinity, lower water temperature, and higher food availability. Overall, there was a reproductive trade-off involving a reciprocal relationship between brood size and mean embryo mass, and a direct relationship between brood size and total embryo mass. Levels of various environmental variables, including salinity, submerged aquatic vegetation cover, and capture depth, were apparently unrelated to the life-history pattern. Furthermore, the life-history pattern did not reflect an island effect. However, a correlation between the seasonal difference in salinity and offspring size suggested that the Cayman Island life-history pattern may correspond in part with the environmental stability hypothesis.
Second Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Cardiac Mortality in Stage T1aN0 Breast Cancer Patients With or Without External Beam Radiation Therapy: A National Registry Study

Abstract Introduction/Background With improved BC screening and treatment, the risk for long-term toxicities of treatments must be considered, especially in good prognosis patients. In this study we examined the outcome, risks of second cancers, and cardiac mortality with RT for early-stage BC from recent years. Materials and Methods Analysis of the SEER database was conducted for women who had stage T1aN0 BC as their first primary malignancy between 1990 and 1997 and were treated with partial or complete mastectomy with or without external beam RT. The overall survival (OS), BC-specific survival (BCSS), cardiac cause-specific survival (CCS), and deaths from second cancers in the chest area were compared between the RT and no-RT groups. Results Of the 6515 women identified, 2796 received RT and 3719 did not. The median age group (60-64 years) and follow-up lengths (approximately 15 years) were similar. Compared with the RT group, the no-RT group was associated with lower 10-year OS (85.5% vs. 79.3%; P P = .04), and CCS (97.0% vs. 93.8%; P Conclusion This review of SEER data suggests that secondary malignancy in the chest area and cardiac mortality are rare after RT in the 1990s for T1aN0 BC.
Testicular biopsy and occult tumor in acute lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract Testicular biopsy has become a routine procedure before discontinuing chemotherapy in male children being treated for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Before a decision can be made to discontinue multiple drug therapy, all possible sites of occult tumor such as the testis, cerebrospinal fluid, and bone marrow must be sampled. Between December 1978 and November 1981, 25 male children underwent testicular biopsies after two or more years of combination chemotherapy at the Babies Hospital, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. Only 3 of the 25 patients (12%) were found to have leukemic infiltrates on histologic sections. Two of 3 patients, however, were noted preoperatively to have either irregular testicular contours or testicular enlargement and induration. Occult testicular infiltration discovered after two or more years of chemotherapy is rare. Most children with a histologically positive biopsy result were at least suspected preoperatively to have testicular involvement.
N6-(Δ2-isopentenyl)adenosine metabolism in man

Abstract After intravenous administration of N 6 ( Δ 2 -isopentenyl)adenosine-8- 14 C (IPA-8- 14 C) to human subjects, several metabolites were isolated along with a small quantity of unchanged IPA. The ultraviolet spectra and paper chromatography of purified metabolites led to the identification of 6- N -(3-methyl-3-hydroxybutylamino)purine, hypoxanthine, adenine and some N 6 -alkylated adenines and N -alkylated xanthines. A large quantity of the radioactivity (50 per cent) from IPA-8- 14 C was excreted in the form of non-ultraviolet absorbing compounds, suggesting saturation or cleavage or both of the purine portion of IPA. Orally administered IPA produced comparable urine levels and gave a very similar metabolic picture. These results indicate that IPA is rapidly metabolized in the body, but not to uric acid, as is found for common purine nucleosides. Incubation of N 6 -( Δ 2 isopentenyl)adenine with xanthine oxidase resulted in rapid oxidation, presumably, to 2,8-dihydroxy- N 6 ( Δ 2 -isopentenyl)adenine. On the basis of these findings in vivo and in vitro , a catabolic pathway for IPA is suggested.
Introns regulate the rate of unstable mRNA decay.

The expression of neutrophil-specific chemokines is known to be regulated via adenine-uridine-rich sequence elements in the 3′-untranslated regions of their mRNAs that confer a high degree of mRNA instability. Although the presence of intron sequences in eukaryotic genes is known to enhance expression, the effect of intron content on the rate of mature, translatable mRNA degradation has not been demonstrated. In this study, we have determined the effects of intron content on the rate of decay of the chemokine CXCL1 (KC) mRNA. The half-life of KC mRNA was markedly prolonged when the primary transcript was obtained from a genomic clone containing three introns as compared with the half-life observed with sequence-identical KC mRNA derived from an intron-free cDNA construct. The effect of intron content was achieved with a single intron, and neither the intron sequences nor the intron positions were critical determinants of the outcome. The intron content produced the same effect when expressed in multiple cell types and when the sequences were stably integrated into the genome. The differential decay rates were not a consequence of differential nuclear to cytoplasmic transport. The intron content of the primary transcript did not influence the rate of KC mRNA translation and did not modulate the ability of interleukin-1 stimulation to stabilize the otherwise unstable mRNA. The intron effect on mRNA decay was seen with mRNAs containing two distinct instability determinants. These findings document that intron content marks the mRNA sequence leading to enhanced stability that is particularly evident in short lived ARE-containing mRNAs.
Overexpression of pigment epithelium-derived factor inhibits retinal inflammation and neovascularization.

Pigment epithelium–derived factor (PEDF) is a serine proteinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic activities. To investigate whether PEDF overexpression has an impact on ocular neovascularization in vivo, we generated PEDF transgenic (PEDF-Tg) mice that ubiquitously express human PEDF driven by the β-actin promoter. The PEDF-Tg mice under normal conditions did not show any abnormalities in retinal histologic findings or visual function. In contrast, PEDF-Tg animals with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) developed significantly less severe retinal neovascularization compared with wild-type (Wt) mice with OIR. In addition, PEDF-Tg mice with OIR had significantly lower vascular leakage in the retina but higher occludin levels than the Wt mice with OIR, suggesting a protective effect on the blood-retinal barrier. Furthermore, retinal levels of proinflammatory factors were significantly lower in PEDF-Tg mice with OIR than in the Wt mice with OIR. In the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model, the CNV area was significantly smaller in the PEDF-Tg mice than in the Wt mice. Also, the laser burn–induced overexpression of proangiogenic and inflammatory factors was observed in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium of Wt mice but not in PEDF-Tg mice. Taken together, these results suggest that overexpression of PEDF inhibits retinal inflammation and neovascularization in both the OIR and laser-induced CNV models. The PEDF-Tg mice provide a useful model for studying the roles of angiogenic inhibitors in neovascular disorders such as diabetic retinopathy.
Developmental and Gender Influences on Coping: Implications for Skills Training.

The transition to adulthood for today's youth is a difficult journey filled with risk, rapid change, and seemingly endless choices. Effective coping skills can help youth navigate these challenges. This article explores the impact of gender and developmental level on coping skill acquisition in adolescence. Suggestions for helping youth to develop effective coping strategies are provided from both a prevention and intervention perspective. By helping today's youth develop the necessary strategies to deal with the unavoidable stresses encountered in life, school psychologists and counselors can help to ultimately create adults who have the skills and necessary psychological resources to successfully cope and adapt to life's changes. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Biosynthetic Pathways of Glycerol Accumulation under Salt Stress in Aspergillus nidulans

A culture of Aspergillus nidulans (FGSC 359) was gradually adapted for growth in media containing up to 2 M NaCl or was exposed to a salt shock with 2 M NaCl. The intracellular glycerol level increased by about 7.9-fold in salt-adapted and 2.4-fold in salt-shocked cultures when compared to the unadapted culture. The biosynthetic pathway involved in the accumulation of glycerol was investigated under long-term salt adaptation and short-term salt shock. Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.8) was induced 1.4-fold in salt-shocked but not in salt-adapted cultures. An alternate enzymatic pathway involving glycerol dehydrogenase (NADP(+)-dependent) utilizing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and/or DL-glyceraldehyde (DL-GAD) was induced by NaCl. DHA-dependent glycerol dehydrogenase activity was induced about 6.3-fold in salt-adapted and 1.35-fold in salt-shocked cultures, while DL-GAD-dependent activity was induced about 6.1-fold in salt-adapted and 1.2-fold in salt-shocked cultures. However, the level of glycerol dehydrogenase activity with DL-GAD as substrate was 7% of the DHA-dependent activity. We conclude that a salt-inducible NADP(+)-dependent glycerol dehydrogenase activity electrophoretically indistinguishable from previously described glycerol dehydrogenase I results in glycerol accumulation in salt-stressed A. nidulans.
ISDB: Interaction Sentence Database

Background Rapid growth in the scientific literature available on-line continues to motivate shifting data analysis from humans to computers. For example, greater knowledge of sentence characteristics indicative of interaction between two biological entities is needed to aid in the creation of better-performing information extraction tools for effectively using this rich body of information.
Photorefractivity with nondestructive readout at near-infrared wavelengths

Photorefractive polymers for dynamic holography applications are rapidly improving. The reversible nature of photorefractivity results in erasing of the photorefractive grating by uniform illumination, typically the reading beam. Recently, we successfully demonstrated non-destructive readout in photorefractive materials utilizing two-photon absorption (TPA) sensitization by a chromophore blended into the polymer material [1]. TPA occurs at high peak intensities during the writing process with short pulses while the readout is performed at much lower light intensities for which the material is transparent. To apply this idea at near-infrared wavelengths the two-photon sensitivity spectrum of the chromophore must be shifted to longer wavelength and a suitable polymer host material has to be developed. In our study, we report on characterization of novel electro-active chromophores with high TPA cross sections and study the feasibility of the composite polymeric material for NIR photorefractivity.
Pitting Corrosion Behavior of Powder Metallurgy Mechanically Alloyed IN-9052

Only several studies can be found in the open literature on the corrosion behavior of MA aluminium alloys. The purpose of this investigation is to compare the pitting behavior of IN-9052, AA-6061-T6, and AA-5086-H32
The partition function of the d-dimensional Ising model: A one-variable integral formula

Abstract It is shown that the partition function of the Ising model on a d -dimensional hypercubic lattice can be rigorously expressed as an integral over a single variable. The same quantity can also be written as an integral over a finite small number of variables. The exact form of this integrand depends on the dimension of the model. Some “gauge” freedom is left in choosing the integrand in any case. Common to all these formulations is the fact that the integrand itself is a product of a number of terms equal to the number of lattice sites. Recent progress has shown that such integrals may be reducible to integrals over finite integrands.
Discrimination between tasks with user activity patterns during information search

Can the activity patterns of page use during information search sessions discriminate between different types of information seeking tasks? We model sequences of interactions with search result and content pages during information search sessions. Two representations are created: the sequences of page use and a cognitive representation of page interactions. The cognitive representation is based on logged eye movement patterns of textual information acquisition via the reading process. Page sequence actions from task sessions (n=109) in a user study are analyzed. The study tasks differed from one another in basic dimensions of complexity, specificity,level, and the type of information product (intellectual or factual). The results show that differences in task types can be measured at both the level of observations of page type sequences and at the level of cognitive activity on the pages. We discuss the implications for personalization of search systems, measurement of task similarity and the development of user-centered information systems that can support the user's current and expected search intentions.
Neonatal Seizures: Treatment Practices Among Term and Preterm Infants

Neonatal seizures are common clinical conditions in both term and preterm neonates, yet no clinical management guidelines for direct care exist. We surveyed 193 international neurologists, neonatologists, and specialists in neonatal neurology or neonatal neurocritical care to assess management practices for seizures in preterm and term neonates. We found high reported rates of electroencephalogram and amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) monitoring to detect neonatal seizures, prevalent use of older anticonvulsant agents, and high rates of neuroimaging. Overall, responses were similar for term and preterm neonates. However, term neonates were likelier to be more heavily investigated, with higher use of magnetic resonance imaging and of electroencephalogram and aEEG monitoring of at-risk neonates. Continuous monitoring and cranial imaging of neonatal seizures now comprise the standard of care in many centers, although management practices vary widely. Early recognition and management of neonatal seizures and possible underlying injury may lead to increased opportunities for stopping seizures, protecting the brain, and improving developmental outcomes in at-risk neonates. The need for collaboration among neonatologists and neurologists is urgent, to address gaps in knowledge regarding management of neonatal seizures in term and preterm neonates.
The structure of test anxiety in israeli-arab high school students: An application of confirmatory factor analysis with miniscales

Abstract The structure and the levels of test anxiety among Israeli-Arab high school students were examined using the Arabic version of Sarason's Reactions to Tests scale. The questionnaire was administered before a math exam to 226 female and 195 male students. The results of confirmatory factor analyses using eight miniscales consisting of three items each indicated that the four-factor model of Sarason fit the data ‘best’ for both male and female students. Multiple group confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the number of factors, factor loadings, and item residuals were invariant across gender. Latent mean analysis showed that girls reported higher test anxiety levels in worry, tension, bodily symptoms, but not in test irrelevant thinking.
The Prevalence of Sexual Violence among Female Refugees in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: Refugees and internally displaced persons are highly vulnerable to sexual violence during conflict and subsequent displacement. However, accurate estimates of the prevalence of sexual violence among in these populations remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of sexual violence among refugees and displaced persons in complex humanitarian emergencies. DATA SOURCE: We conducted systematic review of relevant literature in multiple databases (EMBASE, CINAHL, and MEDLINE) through February 2013 to identify studies. We also reviewed reference lists of included articles to identify any missing sources. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria required identification of sexual violence among refugees and internally displaced persons or those displaced by conflict in complex humanitarian settings. Studies were excluded if they did not provide female sexual violence prevalence, or that included only single case reports, anecdotes, and those that focused on displacement associated with natural disasters. After a review of 1175 citations 19 unique studies were selected. Data Extraction: Two reviewers worked independently to identify final selection and a third reviewer adjudicated any differences. Descriptive and quantitative information was extracted; prevalence estimates were synthesized. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2. MAIN OUTCOMES: The main outcome of interest was sexual violence among female refugees and internally displaced persons in complex humanitarian settings. RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual violence was estimated at 21.4% (95% CI, 14.9-28.7; I2=98.3%), using a random effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was noted with studies using probability sampling designs reporting lower prevalence of sexual violence (21.0%, 95% CI, 13.2-30.1; I2=98.6%), compared to lower quality studies (21.7%, 95% CI, 11.5-34.2; I2=97.4%). We could not rule out the presence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that approximately one in five refugees or displaced women in complex humanitarian settings experienced sexual violence. However, this is likely an underestimation of the true prevalence given the multiple existing barriers associated with disclosure. The long-term health and social consequences of sexual violence for women and their families necessitate strategies to improve identification of survivors of sexual violence and increase prevention and response interventions in these complex settings. Language: en
Kinetic studies of the oxidation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite

Abstract Two highly oriented stress-recrystallized pyrolytic graphites have been used to study the kinetics of the carbon-O2 reaction. Experimental conditions ranged from 700 to 800°C with O2 pressures from 6 to 60 Torr. Activation energies were determined at 20 Torr O2 pressure and the order of reaction determined at 725–750°C. Prior to the reaction, specimens were outgassed at about 10-6 Torr for 8–12 hr at 950°C. The reaction was then followed by continuously monitoring the weight loss using a microbalance. An initial, high transient oxidation rate was shown to be due to surface irregularities at the basal plane edges. Oxidation then occurred at a constant rate (provided that the O2 pressure was not significantly depleted) with an activation energy of 47–53 kcal/mole, which was shown to be due to the reaction of O2 with carbon atoms at edges of graphite basal planes. There was no indication of retardation of reaction by concurrent formation of a surface oxygen complex. Reaction order was 0·5andO·6 for the two graphites.
Anonymity, monotonicity, and limited neutrality: Selecting a single alternative from a binary agenda

Abstract Anonymity and neutrality conflict if the number of individuals is even and a single alternative is selected. Limited neutrality, anonymity, and monotonicity imply majority rule when the agenda is a two-element set.
Prognostic factors in patients with non‐small cell bronchogenic carcinoma and brain metastases

Prognostic factors were examined in 38 patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma and brain metastases. The most important factors were the response to total therapy (corticosteroids, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) and the presence of brain metastases alone; these factors had the most impact on survival. Age, sex, histologic type of lung cancer, and initial performance status were not prognostically important. Our results indicate that certain subgroups of patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma and brain metastases have a favorable prognosis and should be treated aggressively.
HYPOXIA-INDUCED CHANGES IN PULMONARY AND SYSTEMIC VASCULAR RESISTANCE: WHERE IS THE O2 SENSOR?

Pulmonary arteries (PA) constrict in response to alveolar hypoxia, whereas systemic arteries (SA) undergo dilation. These physiological responses reflect the need to improve gas exchange in the lung, and to enhance the delivery of blood to hypoxic systemic tissues. An important unresolved question relates to the underlying mechanism by which the vascular cells detect a decrease in oxygen tension and translate that into a signal that triggers the functional response. A growing body of work implicates the mitochondria, which appear to function as O2 sensors by initiating a redox-signaling pathway that leads to the activation of downstream effectors that regulate vascular tone. However, the direction of this redox signal has been the subject of controversy. Part of the problem has been the lack of appropriate tools to assess redox signaling in live cells. Recent advancements in the development of redox sensors have led to studies that help to clarify the nature of the hypoxia-induced redox signaling by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, these studies provide valuable insight regarding the basis for discrepancies in earlier studies of the hypoxia-induced mechanism of redox signaling. Based on recent work, it appears that the O2 sensing mechanism in both the PA and SA are identical, that mitochondria function as the site of O2 sensing, and that increased ROS release from these organelles leads to the activation of cell-specific, downstream vascular responses.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphisms and some implications for cognitive therapeutics

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a gene involved in the degradation of dopamine and may both increase susceptibility to develop schizophrenia and affect neuronal functions involved in working memory. A common variant of the COMT gene (val108/158met) has been widely reported to affect prefrontally mediated working memory function, with the high-activity val allele associated with poorest performance across a number of tests sensitive to updating and target detection. Pharmacological manipulations of COMT val108/158met also have reliably produced alterations in cognitive function, in line with an inverted U function of prefrontal dopamine signaling. Furthermore, there is accumulating evidence that COMT val108/158met genotype may influence the cognitive response to antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia patients, with met allele load predicting the greatest improvement with medication. Recently, other single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the COMT gene have emerged as possible risk alleles for schizophrenia, although little is known about whether they affect prefrontal cognition in a manner similar to COMT val108/158met. Preliminary evidence suggests a modest role for a SNP in the 5′ region of the gene on select tests of attention and target detection. Haplotype effects also may account for a modest percentage of the variance in test performance, and are an important area for future study.
Abstract 3471: Reciprocal roles of cytochromes P4501A1 and 1A2 in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-mediated tumorigenesis in mice: Implications for lung cancer in humans

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Humans are constantly exposed to environmental carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through cigarette smoke, diesel exhausts, charcoal-broiled meats, etc. Cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) enzymes play important roles in the activation of PAHs such as 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) to carcinogenic DNA-binding metabolites. The resulting DNA adducts may lead to mutations of tumor suppressor genes such as p53, thereby leading to tumorigenesis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that CYP1A1 and 1A2 have reciprocal roles in PAH-mediated tumorigenesis. Eight week-old female wild type (WT) (A/J) mice or mice lacking the gene for CYP1A1 or CYP1A2 on the A/J background were treated with a single dose of MC (40 µmol/kg), benzo[a]pyrene (BP), or vehicle (corn oil), and liver and lung tumors were studied after 28 weeks. While 100% of WT or Cyp1a2-null mice exposed to MC showed lung tumors after 28 weeks, about 80% of the Cyp1a1-null mice showed lung tumors. However, there were striking differences in the Cyp1a1-null and Cyp1a2-null in regard to lung tumor multiplicities and sizes of tumors. The WT mice treated with MC had about 15 lung tumors/animal. On the other hand, the Cyp1a2-null mice displayed about 40 lung tumors/animal, while the Cyp1a1-null mice showed about 2-3 tumors/mouse. Also, the tumor sizes were much larger in the Cyp1a2-null mice, compared to the much smaller sizes in the Cyp1a1-null mice. Although BP was less potent in inducing lung tumors in the WT mice compared to MC, it was similar to MC In that tumors were suppressed in the Cyp1a1-null mice and augmented in the Cyp1a2-null mice. Immunohistochemical studies showed that CYP1A1 was overexpressed in the tumorous portions of the lung in the Cyp1a2-null or WT mice, compared to non-tumorous regions, These results suggest that CYP1A1 contributes to the formation of tumorigenesis by PAHs, while CYP1A2 plays an important role in the protection against carcinogenesis mediated by PAHs, presumably through it role in PAH detoxification. In conclusion, our results strongly suggest that CYP1A1 and 1A2 could be novel candidates for cancer prevention and therapy though either inhibition of CYP1A1 or induction of CYP1A2. Thus, CYP1a1-null and Cyp1a2-null mice could be developed as novel animal models for future cancer prevention and/or therapeutic intervention in humans exposed to environmental PAHs. (Supported by NIH grant ES009132.) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3471.