cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low density lipoproteins and Lovastatin modulate the organ-specific transendothelial migration of primary and metastatic human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines in vitro

Tumor cell arrest and tumor migration are two of the critical steps in the metastatic cascade. We hypothesized that these steps may be facilitated by the low density lipoprotein (LDL)-induced activation of microvessel endothelial cells (MVEC). The purpose of our study was to investigate the biological effects of an LDL-enriched milieu and the effects of the anticholesterol drug Lovastatin on metastatic behavior. The SW480 and SW620 are primary and metastatic human colonic adenocarcinoma cell lines derived from the same patient. We investigated the effect of LDL on adhesion and migration of the two tumor cell lines across human brain, lung, liver and dermal endothelial monolayers. Adhesion and migration assays were done before and after pretreat-ment of the MVEC or tumor cells with LDL (100 mg/ml) for 24 h. Although metastatic SW620 cells were more adherent to MVEC compared with primary SW480 cells, LDL pretreatment of SW480 and SW620 cells did not affect tumor cell adhesion to MVEC. In contrast, tumor cell migration was significantly increased across endothelial monolayers when MVEC were pretreated with LDL. Transendothelial cell migration was not sig-nificantly affected by pretreatment of the tumor cells with LDL. Lovastatin is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reduc-tase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. It has been shown to have anti-tumor activity in vitro. We investigated the effect of Lovastatin on tumor cell kinetics and tumor cell migration across MVEC. Growth curves and migration assays were done before and after pretreatment of the tumor cells with Lovastatin (30 mg/ml). Migration assays were also done after treatment of unstimulated or LDL-stimulated MVEC (100 mg/ml) for 24 h with Lovastatin. Lovastatin inhibited the in vitro growth of the metastatic SW620 cell line to a greater extent than the invasive SW480E cell line. On the other hand, pretreatment of tumor cells with Lovastatin (30 mg/ml) did not suppress transendothelial tumor cell migration of tumor cells. Finally, Lovastatin given to mice effectively suppressed the number of MCA-26 tumor colonies in the liver of Balb/c mice com-pared with untreated mice. ©Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Tritium Distribution in Ground Water around Large Underground Fusion Explosions

Tritium will be released in significant amounts from large underground nuclear fusion explosions in the Plowshare Program. The tritium could become highly concentrated in nearby ground waters, and could be of equal or more importance as a possible contaminant than other long-lived fission-product and induced radionuclides. Behavior of tritiated water in particular hydrologic and geologic environments, as illustrated by hypothetical explosions in dolomite and tuff, must be carefully evaluated to predict under what conditions high groundwater concentrations of tritium might occur.
Empirical measurements of biomechanical anisotropy of the human vocal fold lamina propria

The vocal folds are known to be mechanically anisotropic due to the microstructural arrangement of fibrous proteins such as collagen and elastin in the lamina propria. Even though this has been known for many years, the biomechanical anisotropic properties have rarely been experimentally studied. We propose that an indentation procedure can be used with uniaxial tension in order to obtain an estimate of the biomechanical anisotropy within a single specimen. Experiments were performed on the lamina propria of three male and three female human vocal folds dissected from excised larynges. Two experiments were conducted: each specimen was subjected to cyclic uniaxial tensile loading in the longitudinal (i.e., anterior–posterior) direction, and then to cyclic indentation loading in the transverse (i.e., medial–lateral) direction. The indentation experiment was modeled as contact on a transversely isotropic half-space using the Barnett–Lothe tensors. The longitudinal elastic modulus EL was computed from the tensile test, and the transverse elastic modulus ET and longitudinal shear modulus GL were obtained by inverse analysis of the indentation force-displacement response. It was discovered that the average of EL/ET was 14 for the vocal ligament and 39 for the vocal fold cover specimens. Also, the average of EL/GL, a parameter important for models of phonation, was 28 for the vocal ligament and 54 for the vocal fold cover specimens. These measurements of anisotropy could contribute to more accurate models of fundamental frequency regulation and provide potentially better insights into the mechanics of vocal fold vibration.
Correlates of relationship satisfaction in cohabiting gay and lesbian couples : integration of contextual, investment, and problem-solving models

This study examined the relation between relationship satisfaction and variables representing the contextual, investment, and problem-solving models of intimate relationships. Ss were 75 gay and 51 lesbian cohabiting couples. There were very few instances in which mean levels of model variables differed significantly for gay and lesbian couples. The strength of the correlates of relationship satisfaction rarely differed between gay and lesbian couples. Relationship satisfaction was related to variables from each of the 3 models. Support was obtained for a mediational model that proposed ordered linkages among variables from the 3 models.
Executive dysfunctions across adulthood: measurement properties and correlates of the DEX self-report questionnaire

Difficulties in executive processes can disturb daily life functioning. Using data obtained from two independent community-dwelling samples (n(1) = 468, n(2) = 669, 18-97 years), we examined the factor structure of the Dysexecutive Functioning Questionnaire (DEX) and explored the frequencies and potential correlates of self-reported executive difficulties. Our results revealed that executive problems are parsimoniously described with one underlying factor. Everyday executive dysfunctions were moderately frequent throughout adulthood. Reports of executive problems were associated with individual difference characteristics including age, subjective health, personality, affect, and cognition. We also found that, although executive functions are known to decline with advancing adult age, younger age groups reported more problems than older groups, an effect that was partially mediated by a negative affect factor. We discuss implications for the validity of the instrument as well as directions for future research on executive functioning difficulties in everyday life.
F-18 FDG-PET for detection of osseous metastatic disease and staging, restaging, and monitoring response to therapy of musculoskeletal tumors

Recent advances in PET technology and applications have led to a proliferation in PET and PET/CT imaging, allowing correlation of both physiologic and anatomic information. This has also led to new and innovative ways to utilize PET imaging for the evaluation of musculoskeletal neoplasm. Currently, the most widely utilized musculoskeletal application of F-18 FDG-PET imaging is for the detection and characterization of osseous metastatic disease. The other notable potential role for FDG-PET imaging is for staging and restaging of primary bone tumors and soft tissue sarcomas. Precise staging and restaging of musculoskeletal neoplasm is critical to optimize treatment planning and to accurately determine patient prognosis. FDG-PET is also useful in evaluating response to therapy for musculoskeletal tumors. The future likely holds even more unique and potentially quite useful applications of PET imaging for primary osseous and soft tumors. This article will review the common and potentially useful applications of F-18 FDG-PET imaging for evaluating musculoskeletal tumors and malignancy.
Analytical and Experimental Elastic-Plastic Impact Analysis of a Magnetic Storage Head-Disk Interface

As the use of hard disk drives in mobile applications increases, the susceptibility of disk damage due to high velocity slider-disk impact presents a serious challenge. The impact could result in extremely high contact stresses, leading to the failure of the head-disk interface. An elastic-plastic contact-mechanics-based impact model was developed and implemented to study the impact between a slider comer and a disk. The impact model is based on the contact of a rigid sphere on a deformable half-space. The effect of slider corner radii and impact velocities on the contact parameters was initially investigated for a homogeneous disk substrate. To examine the effects of thin-film layers on the disk, the model was extended to a realistic layered disk, where the actual layered mechanical properties were directly measured. At high impact velocities and/or small slider corner radii, the impact was found to be dominated by the substrate and the effect of layers was negligible. At low impact velocities and/or large slider comer radii, the effect of nanometer thick layers could be clearly seen, as these layers are stiffer than the substrate protecting the disk from potential damage at lighter loads. Realistic dynamic impact experiments involving a slider and a spinning thin-film disk were performed using an operational shock tester. The impact damage was characterized in terms of residual penetration depth caused by the impact force of the shock and the impact velocity of the slider. However, the results were inconclusive in correlating with the impact model. To better control the experimental parameters, quasistatic nanoindentation experiments were performed on actual thin-film media and were successfully compared with the model predictions.
The size distributions of proteins, mRNA, and nuclear RNA

The frequency distributions of size (molecular weight) and of numbers of subunits were determined from lists of over 500 mammalian and bacterial proteins. The size distribution of polypeptides is well fitted by a lognormal distribution with a median value of about 40,000 daltons and a deviation of 1.8. About 60% of all proteins exist in multimeric aggregates. Of the multimers 75% have either two or four subunits while less than 1% have an odd number of subunits that is greater than three. Over 90% of the time, a given multimer is composed of subunits of nearly equal size so that the size of a N-mer is lognormally distributed with a median value of N x 40,000 daltons and a deviation of 1.8. The distribution of polypeptide size and subunit number is similar for mammalian and bacterial proteins as well as for intracellular and extracellular proteins. The sedimentation profiles of mRNA from HeLa and CHO cells indicate that the lengths of mammalian mRNA are lognormally distributed with a median value of 1.4 kb and a deviation of 2.0. This implies that, on the average, a mRNA species is only about 25% larger than the mature polypeptide it codes for. Therefore, at most a small fraction of mammalian mRNA could code for large precursor polypeptides which are then cleaved into a number of mature polypeptides (like polio mRNA), or for 3′ coterminal mRNAs where the larger species contain the information for up to four proteins (like adenovirus mRNA). The sedimentation profile of nascent nuclear RNA from HeLa suggests that the length distribution of transcription units has 2 components: An exponential component that decays with a half-length of 10–15 kb, and a high frequency of very short molecules. However, other distributions (for example, the lognormal distribution) of transcription unit lengths could also be consistent with the data if one or more of the following occurred: Physiological cleavage of nascent chains, perturbation of non-rRNA transcription by actinomycin D, or degradation during isolation. The length distribution of HeLa nuclear RNA labeled for 60 min is similar to that of nascent nuclear RNA, indicating that a completed hnRNA chain is quickly transported or degraded after being cleaved.
Comparison of Ribonucleic Acid Metabolism in Tissues of Immature and Adult Rats

The metabolism of RNA in tissues of immature and adult rats was compared following the injection of 3H-cytidine, 20 μc/100 g body weight. The turnover of both nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA was slower in ventral prostate and seminal vesicle than in liver and thymus. The sedimentation profiles of both cytoplasmic and nuclear RNA of all tissues of both immature and adult rats showed 3 peaks. At 30 min after the injection of labeled cytidine all 3 peaks of nuclear RNA were labeled, whereas the cytoplasmic RNA was labeled primarily in the light fraction. By 120 min after the injection of labeled cytidine, tritium was incorporated into the heavier cytoplasmic RNA fractions. Following a 30 min pulse with 3H-cytidine, actinomycin D, 1 mg/kg body weight, inhibited RNA synthesis in the liver but had little or no effect on RNA synthesis in the ventral prostate and seminal vesicle of immature rats. There was no radioactivity in the heavy RNA of the cytoplasm of the liver 90 min after the administration of actinomycin, ...
Poisoning of calcite growth viewed in the atomic force microscope (AFM)

We present real-time, in situ atomic force microscope (AFM) observations of poisoning of calcite. This technique allows direct observation of chemically induced changes in the velocity and morphology of monomolecular steps less than 1 nm high, and direct imaging of adsorbates. Phosphonates and phosphates attach directly but reversibly onto growth steps above a threshold concentration, and further growth is inhibited until the poison is removed. In contrast, magnesium ions and NaCl have much weaker effects on growth. All additives studied changed step shapes, and HEDP and SHMP modofy re-growth morphology, leading to spicular growth on rhomb faces.
Increase in conductance to water vapor during incubation in eggs of two avian species

In contrast to previously published observations of constant daily water loss during incubation in some large, precocial eggs, daily rates of water loss increase approximately 42% between days 1–4 in redwinged blackbird eggs and conductance to water vapor increases 47 and 48% during the early stages of incubation in red-winged blackbird and robin eggs, respectively. Therefore, the age of eggs is one factor which must be considered when conductance of eggs of conspecific populations is compared between habitats or over altitudinal gradients.
Orientation and formation of atypical Widmanstaetten plates in the Gd5(SixGe1−x)4 system

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used to examine the bulk microstructure of Gd5Si2Ge2 and Gd5Ge4 compounds, and specifically the Gd5(Ge,Si)3 thin plates seen in these systems. The orientation relationship between the matrix and the precipitate thin plates was determined as [ 1 ¯ 0 1 0 ] ( 1 2 ¯ 1 1 ) p / / [ 0 1 0 ] ( 1 0 2 ¯ ) m . High-resolution TEM images of the Gd5Ge4 were used to study the crystallographic relationship between the parent and matrix that exists along the interface boundary. The observed planar alignment and microscopic structure of the interface, which consists of ledges and terraces, indicate the presence of invariant line strain. The results are also consistent with the Δg approach suggested by Zhang and Purdy. A displacive–diffusional mechanism is proposed to explain the rapid formation of the precipitate Gd5(Ge,Si)3 plates.
Evaluation of poly(1,4‐cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate) blends for improved processability

Poly(l,4-cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate) (PCT) exhibits superior heat deflection temperature when compared to conventional polyesters such as poly(butylene terephthalate) or poly(ethylene terephthalate). It is subject to degradation, however, at the processing temperatures normally employed to extrude or mold this material. Several approaches were taken to broaden the processing window of this material including: blending PCT with other crystalline and amorphous polymers to allow for lower processing temperatures, addition of conventional stabilizers, addition of crosslinking agents to maintain viscosity during processing and the addition of lubricants to improve processing. Key parameters included physical properties, rate of degradation, extruder torque measurements vs. time, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis (melting point and glass transition). All systems tested produced significant reduction of the intrinsic viscosity (molecular weight) for PCT during processing. The most successful approach was the blending of various polymers with PCT to lower extruder processing temperatures. Reductions in processing temperature may have resulted from improved heat transfer due to the presence of a lower melting polymer, reduction in melting point of the blend, or changes in the frictional characteristics of the PCT in the extruder. Transesterification may have played a role in compatibilizing some polyester mixtures. As expected, certain polymers had major'effects on the flow behavior of the blend. Tradeoffs were obtained in physical and thermal properties. A combined approach of polymer blending and the use of lubricants, stabilizers or crosslinking agent may hold the most promise for future development work. Thermal resistance under vapor phase soldering conditions was best for LCP/PCT blends and worst for PBT/PCT blends. Additional evaluations of the blend materials will include solvent resistance, processability, thermal resistance, dimensional stability, heat aging resistance, flammability, and specific end use tests.
Hydrogen sulfide chemical biology: Pathophysiological roles and detection

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the most recent endogenous gasotransmitter that has been reported to serve many physiological and pathological functions in different tissues. Studies over the past decade have revealed that H2S can be synthesized through numerous pathways and its bioavailability regulated through its conversion into different biochemical forms. H2S exerts its biological effects in various manners including redox regulation of protein and small molecular weight thiols, polysulfides, thiosulfate/sulfite, iron-sulfur cluster proteins, and anti-oxidant properties that affect multiple cellular and molecular responses. However, precise measurement of H2S bioavailability and its associated biochemical and pathophysiological roles remains less well understood. In this review, we discuss recent understanding of H2S chemical biology, its relationship to tissue pathophysiological responses and possible therapeutic uses.
Vaterite formation during coal liquefaction

Abstract The vaterite form of calcium carbonate seldom occurs in geological formations or during chemical processing. However, vaterite crystals form during the liquefaction of a Wyoming subbituminous coal. Gravitational separation of the coal showed vaterite to form because of the presence of some other mineral in the coal matrix. Model compound studies with calcium acetate identified silica and possibly iron pyrite to be minerals found in coal which seed vaterite crystals.
The effects of frontal lobe functioning and age on veridical and false recall.

Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri Older adults’ heightened susceptibility to false memories has been linked to compromised frontal lobe functioning as estimated by Glisky and colleagues’ (Glisky, Polster, & Routhieaux, 1995) neuropsychological battery (e.g., Butler, McDaniel, Dornburg, Price, & Roediger, 2004). This conclusion, however, rests on the untested assumption that young adults have uniformly high frontal functioning. We tested this assumption, and we correlated younger and older adults’ frontal scores with veridical and false recall probabilities with prose materials. Substantial variability in scores on the Glisky battery occurred for younger (and older) adults. However, frontal scores and age were independent contributors to recall probabilities. Frontal functioning is not the sole cause of older adults’ heightened susceptibility to false memories.
Trehalase and the enzymes of trehalose biosynthesis in Lilium longiflorum pollen

Abstract Lilium longiflorum cv. “Ace”, contained a trehalase which was not bound to cell structure. The enzyme was active over a broad range of pH, with an optimum at 5·4. It had an energy of activation of 8·2 kcal/mole, a transition temp. of 56°, and was exceptionally heat stable, retaining full activity when incubated at 50° for 30 min in the absence of substrate. The enzyme had a K m of 1 × 10 −3 M for trehalose and was competitively inhibited by phloridzin. The enzymes of trehalose biosynthesis—hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase, UDPG pyrophosphorylase, trehalose-6-P synthetase, and trehalose-6-P phosphatase—were present in pollen; all except hexokinase were fully soluble.
Altering shoppers' supermarket purchases to fit nutritional guidelines: An interactive information system

This study reports the results of one effort to help supermarket shoppers alter food purchases to make purchases (and meals) that are lower in fat and higher in fiber. A prototype interactive information system using instructional video programs, feedback on purchases with specific goals for change, weekly programs, and the ability to track user interactions and intended purchases was evaluated. The major dependent measure was users' actual food purchases as derived from participants' highly detailed supermarket receipts. After a 5- to 7-week baseline phase, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental or control condition for the 7- to 8-week intervention phase. A follow-up phase began 5 to 8 weeks after participants completed the intervention and discontinued use of the system. The results indicated that experimental participants, when compared to control participants, decreased high fat purchases and increased high fiber purchases during intervention, with evidence for some maintenance of effect in follow-up. Plans for increasing the use and impact of the system are discussed.
Automated Characterization and Compensation for a Compliant Mechanism Haptic Device

Compliant mechanisms and voice coil motors can be used in haptic device designs to eliminate bearings and achieve smooth friction-free motion. The accompanying return-to-center behavior can be compensated using feedforward control if a suitable multidimensional stiffness model is available. In this paper we introduce a method for automatic self-characterization and compensation, and apply it to a planar haptic interface that features a five-bar compliant mechanism. We show how actuators and position sensors already native to typical impedance-type haptic devices can readily accommodate stiffness compensation. Although a portion of the motor torque is consumed in compensation, the device achieves smooth friction-free articulation with simple, low tolerance, and economic components. Empirical models built on self-characterization data are compared to standard empirical and analytical models. We produce a model by self-characterization that requires no inversion and is directly useable for compensation. Although our prototype compliant mechanism, which we fabricated in plastic using fused deposition modeling, exhibited hysteresis (which we did not compensate), the return-to-center behavior was reliably reduced by over 95% with feedforward compensation based on the self-characterized model.
Cell-to-Cell Communication of Osteoblasts

Osteoblasts were investigated by two methods, electrical conductance and dye injection. Current injection into one cell caused a change in the recorded transmembrane potential of a second cell, indicating high conductance pathways between the two cells. Dyes injected into a single osteoblast were transmitted to numerous surrounding cells.
An ultrastructural study of lymphocytes with surface-bound immunoglobulin.

This report is on a radioautographic study of lymphocytes exposed to 125I-labeled anti-Ig in an attempt to identify surface-bound Ig molecules. The results as studied by ultrastructural radioautography confirmed the presence of surface-bound Ig on a certain population of lymphocytes. The specificity of the anti-Ig was determined by using appropriate controls that included the use of an absorbed anti-Ig and anti-hemocyanin antibody. The labeling pattern resulting from the interaction of labeled anti-Ig and Ig was found to be specifically associated with the cell surface and random in its distribution. Morphological differences were not apparent between labeled and nonlabeled lymphocytes in the spleen and lymph nodes. In the thymus, most lymphocytes did not exhibit detectable Ig. The few thymic lymphocytes that were labeled had unique morphological characteristics that included fewer ribosomes, many of which were monoribosomes. Relative to the amount in their cytoplasmic organelles, plasma cells had surface Ig but to a lesser degree than lymphocytes. Finally, macrophages were nonspecifically labeled and contained antibody on their membranes as well as intracellularly.
High Genetic Diversity and Low Population Structure in Porter’s Sunflower (Helianthus porteri)

Granite outcrops in the southeastern United States are rare and isolated habitats that support edaphically controlled communities dominated by herbaceous plants. They harbor rare and endemic species that are expected to have low genetic variability and high population structure due to small population sizes and their disjunct habitat. We test this expectation for an annual outcrop endemic, Helianthus porteri (Porter’s sunflower). Contrary to expectation, H. porteri has relatively high genetic diversity (H e = 0.681) and relatively low genetic structure among the native populations (F ST = 0.077) when compared to 5 other Helianthus species (N = 288; 18 expressed sequence tag–SSR markers). These findings suggest greater gene flow than expected. The potential for gene flow is supported by the analysis of transplant populations established with propagules from a common source in 1959. One population established close to a native population (1.5 km) at the edge of the natural range is genetically similar to and shares rare alleles with the adjacent native population and is distinct from the central source population. In contrast, a transplant population established north of the native range has remained similar to the source population. The relatively high genetic diversity and low population structure of this species, combined with the long-term success of transplanted populations, bode well for its persistence as long as the habitat persists.
Child Neurology: Brachial plexus birth injury What every neurologist needs to know

While most often transient, brachial plexus birth injury can cause permanent neurologic injury. The major risk factors for brachial plexus birth injury are fetal macrosomia and shoulder dystocia. The degree of injury to the brachial plexus should be determined in the neonatal nursery, as those infants with the most severe injury--root avulsion--should be referred early for surgical evaluation so that microsurgical repair of the plexus can occur by 3 months of life. Microsurgical repair options include nerve grafts and nerve transfers. All children with brachial plexus birth injury require ongoing physical and occupational therapy and close follow-up to monitor progress.
Physicomechanical Evaluation of Polypropylene, Polyester, and Polytetrafluoroethylene Meshes for Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background For meshes to be used effectively for hernia repair, it is imperative that engineers and surgeons standardize the terminology and techniques related to physicomechanical evaluation of these materials. The objectives of this study were to propose standard techniques, perform physicomechanical testing, and classify materials commonly used for inguinal hernia repair. Study Design Nine meshes were evaluated: 4 polypropylene, 1 polyester, 1 polytetrafluoroethylene, and 3 partially absorbable. Physical properties were determined through image analysis, laser micrometry, and density measurements. Biomechanical properties were determined through suture retention, tear resistance, uniaxial, and ball burst testing with specimens tested in 2 different orientations. A 1-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-test or a t -test were performed, with p Results Significant differences were observed due to both mesh type and orientation. Areas of interstices ranged from 0.33 ± 0.01 mm 2 for ProLite (Atrium Medical Corp) and C-QUR Lite (Atrium Medical Corp) Large to 4.10 ± 0.06 mm 2 for ULTRAPRO (Ethicon), and filament diameters ranged from 99.00 ±8.1 μm for ProLite Ultra (Atrium Medical Corp) and C-QUR Lite Small to 338.8 ± 3.7 μm for Parietex Flat Sheet TEC (Covidien). These structural characteristics influenced biomechanical properties such as tear resistance and tensile strength. ProLite Ultra, C-QUR Lite Small, ULTRAPRO and INFINIT (WL Gore & Associates) did not resist tearing as effectively as the others. All meshes exhibited supraphysiologic burst strengths except INFINIT and ULTRAPRO. Conclusions Significant differences exist between the physicomechanical properties of polypropylene, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, and partially absorbable mesh prostheses commonly used for inguinal hernia repair. Orientation of the mesh was also shown to be critical for the success of meshes, particularly those demonstrating anisotropy.
Interactive effects of drinking history and impulsivity on college drinking

Abstract The transition from adolescence into emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period for changes in alcohol use and drinking related problems. Prior research has identified a number of distinct developmental alcohol use trajectories, which appear to be differentially related to young adult drinking outcomes. Another correlate of alcohol use in early adulthood is impulsivity. The primary aim of this study was to examine the moderating role of impulsivity in the relation between patterns of past alcohol use and hazardous drinking during the first year of college. Participants (N = 452; 49% male; mean age 18.5 years; 82% Caucasian) completed self-report measures during the first year of college, including retrospective alcohol use calendars, current alcohol use and drinking problems, and personality. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify groups with similar adolescent drinking history from retrospective, self-report. Four groups were identified: abstainers/very light users, late/moderate users, early/moderate users, and steep increase/heavy users. The abstainer/very light user group reported the lowest levels of alcohol use and problematic drinking in college; the steep increase/heavy use group reported the highest levels of alcohol use and problematic drinking. As predicted, the role of personality—specifically urgency, or emotion-based rash action—was strongest among moderate use groups. These findings may be helpful in guiding targeted prevention and intervention programs for alcohol use and abuse.
Carbon dioxide reforming of methane to synthesis gas over supported rhodium catalysts: the effect of support

Abstract The carbon dioxide reforming of methane over the reduced supported Rh (0.5 wt.%) catalysts was investigated. Two kinds of oxides, reducible (CeO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, TiO2, and ZrO2) and irreducible (γ-Al2O3, La2O3, MgO, SiO2, and Y2O3) were used as supports. Among the irreducible metal oxides, γ-Al2O3, La2O3 and MgO provided stable catalytic activities during the period of study, and the activity increased in the sequence: La2O3
The pathogenesis of acne: How might azelaic acid act?

(1989). The pathogenesis of acne: How might azelaic acid act? Journal of Dermatological Treatment: Vol. 1, No. sup1, pp. 3-6.
Imaging Hematopoietic Precursor Division in Real Time

Stem cells are thought to balance self-renewal and differentiation through asymmetric and symmetric divisions, but whether such divisions occur during hematopoietic development remains unknown. Using a Notch reporter mouse, in which GFP acts as a sensor for differentiation, we image hematopoietic precursors and show that they undergo both symmetric and asymmetric divisions. In addition we show that the balance between these divisions is not hardwired but responsive to extrinsic and intrinsic cues. Precursors in a prodifferentiation environment preferentially divide asymmetrically, whereas those in a prorenewal environment primarily divide symmetrically. Oncoproteins can also influence division pattern: although BCR-ABL predominantly alters the rate of division and death, NUP98-HOXA9 promotes symmetric division, suggesting that distinct oncogenes subvert different aspects of cellular function. These studies establish a system for tracking division of hematopoietic precursors and show that the balance of symmetric and asymmetric division can be influenced by the microenvironment and subverted by oncogenes.
Immune therapeutic targeting of glioma cancer stem cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal cancer that responds poorly to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Glioma cancer stem cells (gCSCs) have been shown to recapitulate the characteristic features of GBM and to mediate chemotherapy and radiation resistance. Immunotherapeutic targeting of this cell population holds therapeutic promise but must be considered in the context of the immunosuppressive properties mediated by the gCSC. Recent findings have indicated that this goal will be challenging because the gCSC can suppress both the innate and adaptive immune systems by a variety of gCSC-secreted products and cell-membrane interactions. In this review article, we will attempt to reconcile the disparate research findings regarding the potential of immune targeting of the gCSC and propose several novel solutions.
Distinguishing between Traumatic and Non‐Traumatic Memory: A Commentary on Reminiscing and Child Maltreatment

Summary Salmon and Reese review literature on parent–child conversations about children's negative experiences and consider how impoverished parent–child reminiscing about child sexual abuse may affect children's memory for that trauma. To extend the application of developmental psychopathology theory to the study of reminiscing and memory, the present commentary had three overarching goals. First, evidence supporting relatively accurate retention of memories for trauma in contrast to impairments in non-traumatic autobiographical memory among maltreated children is reviewed. Second, the influence of mother–child reminiscing about everyday emotional experiences on maltreated children's autobiographical memory and socio-emotional functioning is considered. Third, translational implications are discussed.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Practical Approach to Two-Dimensional Scalar Topology

Computing and analyzing the topology of scalar fields has proven to be a powerful tool in a wide variety of applications. In recent years the field has evolved from computing contour trees of two-dimensional functions to Reeb graphs of general two-manifolds, analyzing the topology of time-dependent volumes, and finally to creating Morse-Smale complexes of two and three dimensional functions. However, apart from theoretical advances practical applications depend on the development of robust and easy to implement algorithms. The progression from initial to practical algorithms is evident, for example, in the contour tree computation where the latest algorithms consist of no more than a couple of dozens lines of pseudo-code. In this paper we describe a similarly simple approach to compute progressive Morse-Smale complexes of functions over two-manifolds. We discuss compact and transparent data-structures used to compute and store Morse-Smale complexes and demonstrate how they can be used to implement interactive topology based simplification. In particular, we show how special cases arising, for example, from manifolds with boundaries or highly quantized functions are handled effectively. Overall the new algorithm is easier to implement and more efficient both run-time and storage wise than previous approaches by avoiding to refine a given triangulation.
Hill on phenomenal consciousness

I argue that it is at least open to a proponent of type materialism for phenomenal consciousness to accept Hill’s representational theory of experiential awareness of perceptual qualia.
Building a More Effective Global Climate Regime Bottom-Up

The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action holds out the promise of progress towards a climate treaty that includes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limitations commitments by all major emitting countries, including developing as well as developed countries. But as the UNFCCC process still faces significant obstacles, it needs to be supplemented, supported and furthered by concerted domestic and international efforts to build from the bottom up, a network of more limited and targeted regulatory and financial arrangements that would promote transnational cooperation, coordination and quantitative progress in reducing net GHG emissions. This paper focuses on specific transnational arrangements that are regulatory in character, involving standards, protocols, and other norms for products and production and process methods, for investments, financing, and trade, for generating and transmitting information, and other activities relevant to achieving GHG reductions. These transnational programs would focus to a considerable extent on achieving economic or environmental objectives other than climate protection, but in doing so would stimulate behavioral changes and instigate institutional arrangements that produce GHG reductions as a co-benefit. These regimes would involve not only major emitting countries but also firms, sub-national jurisdictions, civil society organizations (CSOs) and international organizations. These latter actors are not part of the UNFCCC process (other than as observers), but often already have significant economic and other non-climate incentives to undertake actions that will reduce GHG, or would readily respond to the deployment of such incentives. The strategy is to complement the universalist state-centered UNFCC process with a suite of concerted initiatives for regulatory and financial cooperation and coordination in specific fields involving non-state as well as state actors, focused on the most promising targets of opportunity for near-term emissions reductions.
The role of in-vivo and in-vitro maturation time on ooplasmic dysmaturity

This study investigates whether the timing of in-vivo and in-vitro maturation influences ooplasmic dysmaturity. This is a retrospective comparison of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles (index cycles) complicated by complete fertilization failure (CFF) to cycles with successful fertilization in the same patient. The cycle following the index cycle was modified intentionally to increase fertilization. The times between human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) trigger and oocyte retrieval, HCG trigger and removal of cumulus cells, and HCG trigger and sperm injection were recorded. Fifteen patients were included. Compared with successful fertilization cycles, index (CFF) cycles showed a shorter time interval between HCG trigger and oocyte retrieval (2029.0 ± 16 versus 2195.0 ± 10 min; P < 0.001), HCG trigger and removal of cumulus cells (2201.4 ± 15 versus 2309.0 ± 23 min; P < 0.001) and oocyte retrieval and removal of cumulus cells (114.0 ± 13 versus 171.8 ± 15 min; P < 0.001). The interval between HCG trigger and ICSI was comparable between groups. Findings reveal novel patterns in time intervals between HCG trigger, oocyte retrieval, removal of cumulus cells and ICSI. Thus, modulating time intervals between HCG trigger, oocyte retrieval, removal of cumulus cells and ICSI to grant fertilization seems feasible.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS IN UTAH, 1940-1979

The prevalence and distribution of 991 cases of neural tube defects who were born in Utah in 1940-1979 are analyzed. The average prevalence at birth is 1.00 per 1000 births (live and stillbirths), which is similar to other states in the western United States. A decline in prevalence is observed during the past 10 years, although there is not a long-term secular trend for the whole time period. Examination of hospital records shows that 17.9% of neural tube defects were not reported on birth or fetal death certificates. The male/female sex ratio is 0.67. No seasonality is found for spina bifida cases; however, a bimodal distribution, with a substantial deficit in May, is observed for anencephaly. A significant negative correlation is found between neural tube defect prevalence and the percentage of individuals in each Utah county who are members of the Mormon Church. No association is found between levels of fallout exposure in Utah and regional variation in neural tube defects, and time-space clustering analysis demonstrates no significant clusters of neural tube defects in Utah.
Distance-based indexing and its applications in bioinformatics

Distance-based indexing is a general solution to the problem of searching based on similarity of complex data types. Distances between pairs of data objects are specified by a metric function, which is positive definite, symmetric and satisfies the triangle inequality. Distance-based indexing is exploited in many data intensive applications, such as multimedia and biological databases. This dissertation concerns distance-based indexing in the context of the MoBIoS (Molecular Biology Information System) project, a next generation DBMS aimed at bioinformatics applications. The three primary contributions of this dissertation include evaluation and improvement of existing distance-based index structures, a pivot space model for the pivot selection problem of distance-based indexing and the MoBIoS Index software package. For the first part, we designed a bi-directional construction algorithm for Metric Tree (M-tree). It increased the construction speed and improved the query performance. Then, we conducted a comparative analysis of the performance of M-tree, General Hyper-plane Tree (GHT) and Vantage Point Tree (VPT) on biological work loads, and VPT turned out to be the optimal choice. Further, we designed better heuristics for pivot selection and partition of VPT. Superior to multi-dimensional indexing in its generality, distance-based indexing is difficult by virtue that no coordinate structure is available and thus many mathematical tools in Rn cannot be applied. A common method used is to map the metric space into Rn and then apply geometric methods. Summarizing this method, we propose the pivot space model, which demonstrates the validity of tackling distance-based problems in Rn. Further, we study distance-based indexing from the perspective of dimension reduction. We prove that the only form of dimension reduction leading to performance gain for distance-based indexing is pivot selection, which does not create new dimensions. To adapt general dimension reduction techniques to distance-based problems, we propose a heuristic that approximates the dimensions created by dimension reduction. As a demonstration, a dimension reduction algorithm and a method to estimate the intrinsic dimension of data are proposed based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). These ideas are evaluated on a test suite consisting of synthetic and real workloads. The MoBIoS Index was released in 2006. It supports similarity queries for user defined data types and distance functions. It has been used to build several biological application.
Architecture of Space Vehicles for Direction-Controlled Artificial Gravity, Using Available Assets

This paper deals with the use of direction-controlled artificial gravity—using electromagnetic “shoes” on magnetic tracks, reacting against the mass of the Space Vehicle—to convert the Orbiter and the ET of the Space Shuttle into Space Hotels. Architectural sketches have been provided for the Living Unit, the Lobby and Library Unit, the Kitchen and Dining Unit, and the Observatory and Fitness Room Unit for the Orbiter Space Hotel, designed for 6 guests; all Units being placed in the Mid-fuselage section of the Orbiter. Direction-controlled artificial gravity permits the use of all surfaces and the entire volume of the Orbiter for various activities, and this leads to a very efficient and economical design of the Space Hotel. The layout of the magnetic tracks makes the architectural design both complex and challenging. High-paying guests are not trained astronauts; neither are they out in space to “rough” it, and this has been taken into account in the design of the Space Hotel—from the “hot” food they will eat to the showers they will take. Astronauts may well be trained to be satisfied with “sponge” baths, but this would be unacceptable for high-paying guests. In the case of the ET, on the same principles, architectural sketches have been provided for 30 guests, in the LH2 portion of the tank. This includes a padded room where guests can experience weightless “dancing” and socializing with other guests—as in a cruise liner. In conclusion, the advantages and disadvantages of converting these two available assets into Space Hotels have been discussed. Structural modifications—including provision of structural bulkheads and several more “windows” in both assets— would be necessary to outfit either the Orbiter or the ET of the Space Shuttle into Space Hotels. Finally, the point is made that both the Orbiter and the ET have cylindrical or nearcylindrical shapes, and so this research is valid, not merely for available assets that could be discontinued in the NASA program, but for any rocket shell casing of an appropriate size— provided the principle of direction-controlled artificial gravity is adopted in the design.
High-Speed Penetration of Concrete Using a New Analytical Model of Velocity-Dependent Friction

In this paper, a completely analytical formulation of velocity-dependent friction is used to eliminate the analytical complexity associated with the evaluation of velocity-dependent integrals in the penetration model presented in [5]. The simplification employed is an extension of the method used in [6], in which the velocity regime governing the coefficient of sliding friction was divided into two sectors, producing two distinct velocity-dependent friction coefficients, for low-speed and high-speed friction. In this paper, the velocity regime is divided into a number of intervals, thereby replacing the linear velocity-dependent friction relationship at low speeds with a series of steps; the method is flexible enough also to permit a nonlinear profile for low-speed sliding friction. As a byproduct of the work, a completely analytical estimate for the work done by sliding friction in the problem can be found, permitting the evaluation of projectile mass loss.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Medullary thyroid carcinoma metastatic to breast masquerading as infiltrating lobular carcinoma

Metastatic tumors to the breast from an extramammary site are rare entities and may present diagnostic difficulties for the surgical pathologist because of frequent histological similarities to primary neoplasms in this location. A case is reported of medullary thyroid carcinoma metastatic to the breast in a 28-year-old woman with a family history of MEN IIA (Sipple's) syndrome. Histological features resembled infiltrating lobular carcinoma and included the so-called "targetoid" and "Indian file" patterns. Immunostaining revealed the true nature of the lesion and was diffusely positive for calcitonin, chromogranin, and carcinoembryonic antigen. Electron microscopy disclosed typical neurosecretory granules confirming the diagnosis. A brief review of the literature and differential diagnosis is also presented.
Dāphā: sacred singing in a South Asian city. Music, performance and meaning in Bhaktapur, Nepal

Richard Widdess's masterful study of dapha devotional song aims for a comprehensive account of how musical, social and sacred orders meaningfully interact in Bhaktapur, Nepal. A fascinating account...