cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interventions for Tobacco Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Persons: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

Importance It has been estimated that in 2018 nearly 20% of adults in the US were currently using a tobacco product. Objective To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy, behavioral interventions, and electronic cigarettes for tobacco cessation among adults, including pregnant persons, to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Data Sources PubMed, PsycInfo, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination of Health Technology Assessment; surveillance through September 25, 2020. Study Selection Systematic reviews of tobacco cessation interventions and randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or pharmacotherapy among pregnant persons. Data Extraction and Synthesis Independent critical appraisal and data abstraction; qualitative synthesis and random-effects meta-analyses. Main Outcomes and Measures Health outcomes, tobacco cessation at 6 months or more, and adverse events. Results Sixty-seven reviews addressing pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions were included as well as 9 trials (N = 3942) addressing e-cigarettes for smoking cessation and 7 trials (N = 2285) of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) use in pregnancy. Combined pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions (pooled risk ratio [RR], 1.83 [95% CI, 1.68-1.98]), NRT (RR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.49-1.61]), bupropion (RR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.52-1.77]), varenicline (RR, 2.24 [95% CI, 2.06-2.43]), and behavioral interventions such as advice from clinicians (RR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.58-1.96]) were all associated with increased quit rates compared with minimal support or placebo at 6 months or longer. None of the drugs were associated with serious adverse events. Five trials (n = 3117) reported inconsistent findings on the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes on smoking cessation at 6 to 12 months among smokers when compared with placebo or NRT, and none suggested higher rates of serious adverse events. Among pregnant persons, behavioral interventions were associated with greater smoking cessation during late pregnancy (RR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.23-1.48]), compared with no intervention. Rates of validated cessation among pregnant women allocated to NRT compared with placebo were not significantly different (pooled RR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.79-1.56], n = 2033). Conclusions and Relevance There is strong evidence that a range of pharmacologic and behavioral interventions, both individually and in combination, are effective in increasing smoking cessation in nonpregnant adults. In pregnancy, behavioral interventions are effective for smoking cessation, but data are limited on the use of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. Data on the effectiveness and safety of electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation among adults are also limited and results are inconsistent.
Differential Pulley Release in Trigger Finger: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial:

Background:The palmar aponeurosis or “A0 pulley” may play a role in trigger finger pathology. This study assesses the involvement of the A0 pulley in patients receiving trigger finger release.Metho...
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among Healthcare Workers in a United States Medical Center

BackgroundThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prioritized healthcare personnel for the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination in the United States to keep critical healthcare infrastructure open and functioning, but vaccine hesitancy may limit vaccine uptake. ObjectiveTo evaluate vaccine intentions among healthcare workers eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and explore differences by sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. DesignFrom February 1-15, 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional, opt-in online survey at a Midwest U.S. academic healthcare center that began vaccinating employees in December 2020. ParticipantsThe entire employee workforce of the study site was eligible. Main MeasuresCOVID-19 vaccination intention, categorized as Received/Scheduled/ASAP, Not Now, and Not Ever. Logistic regression models to assess the relationship between demographic and occupational characteristics and intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Key ResultsMost participants (n=11,387, of 39,259 individual and group email accounts invited) had received or were scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (n=9081, 79.8%) or planned to receive it as soon as possible (n=546, 4.8%), while fewer were hesitant (Not Now, n=954, 8.4%; Not Ever, n=369, 3.2%). In multivariable logistic regression models predicting vaccine intention, physicians (aOR 22.2, 9.1-54.3), trainees (aOR 5.9, 3.0-11.4), and nurse practitioners/nurse midwives/physician assistants (aOR 1.9, 1.2-3.0) were significantly more likely to demonstrate vaccine acceptance, compared to nurses, whereas other clinical staff were significantly less likely (aOR 0.8, 0.6-0.9). Prior infection with COVID-19, gender, race/ethnicity, and age were all significantly associated with vaccine intention. Overall, 29.6% reported at least one concern about COVID-19 vaccination. ConclusionsIn a large, diverse sample of healthcare workers, over 11% delayed COVID-19 vaccination when it was available to them, with notable variation in vaccine hesitancy across professional roles and demographic groups. Our findings suggest immediate opportunities to empathetically engage those with COVID-19 vaccine concerns and optimize vaccine coverage across our healthcare system.
Axis switching in low to moderate aspect ratio rectangular orifice synthetic jets

The behavior and performance of synthetic jets is closely tied to the dynamics of vortex rings, which are a dominant feature of the early jet. When a synthetic jet actuator employs a non-axisymmetric orifice, the self-induced deformations of the vortex rings are responsible for changes in the shape, momentum distribution, and entrainment rate of the jet. In this study, axis-switching of vortex rings in finite-span synthetic jets with a range of orifice aspect ratios was experimentally investigated using stereoscopic particle imaging velocimetry, and the results were compared to vortex dynamics simulations based on the Biot-Savart law to gain additional insight.
Detection and quantification of pipe damage from change in time of flight and phase.

Abstract The use of ultrasonic guided waves for damage detection in pipes is continuously increasing. Generally longitudinal (axial symmetric) modes are excited and detected by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) transducers in transmission mode for this purpose. In most studies the change in the received signal strength with the extent of damage has been investigated while in this study the change in the phase and the time-of-flight (TOF) of the propagating wave modes with the damage size is investigated. The cross-correlation technique is used to record the small changes in the TOF as the damage size varies in steel pipes. Dispersion curves are calculated to carefully identify the propagating wave modes. Differential TOF is recorded and compared for different propagating wave modes. Feature extraction techniques are used for extracting phase and time–frequency information. The main advantage of this approach is that unlike the recorded signal strength the TOF and the phase are not affected by the bonding condition between the transducer and the pipe. Therefore, if the pipe is not damaged but the transducer–pipe bonding is deteriorated then although the received signal strength is altered the TOF and phase remain same avoiding the false positive alarms of damage.
Review of available studies of the neurobiology and pharmacotherapeutic management of trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair. Currently there are no FDA approved treatments for TTM, which makes it difficult for clinicians to select an appropriate therapeutic plan. The clinical studies that have been performed do not provide sufficient or consistent evidence regarding which drug classes should be administered. Unfortunately, most of the available data consist of case reports and clinical trials with limited sample size. This review provides an overview of currently available clinical literature that targets TTM. A summary of clinical trials as well as case reports is provided. The most common rating scales used for clinical assessment are also reviewed. The etiology of TTM remains unclear. Studies that examine various neuroanatomical, neurobiologic, as well as genetic factors associated with TTM are thoroughly discussed in this review. It is evident that clear understanding of TTM is crucial to provide better recognition, assessment, and treatment to patients of this disorder. Finally, despite research efforts for establishing pharmacological options for treatment, it is clear that new targets are warranted in order to ensure a clinically supported effective pharmacological approach to treat TTM.
Waikeung Tam: Legal Mobilization Under Authoritarianism

Legal Mobilization under Authoritarianism traces and explains the rise of law to a more prominent role in the politics of post-colonial Hong Kong. The author, Waikeung Tam, a political scientist, argues that Hong Kong is a ‘‘surprise’’ case, in the double sense that law is effectively mobilized despite the non-democratic and controlled setting within which the Hong Kong legal system works and also that law is mobilized in ways that different from what China would wish. There is quite a body of scholarship on the legal development of Hong Kong post-1997, with special attention paid to the performances of the relatively young Court of Final Appeal (CFA). But most of these works are written by legal scholars, whose concerns are more strictly jurisprudential and court-centered. Legal Mobilization treats the process of legal development within a broader sociopolitical context. It is, to my knowledge, one of the very few books that examine the post-colonial legal development of Hong Kong from the perspective of a social scientist. The strength of the book lies in its theoretical clarity and the wellorganized analytical framework it adopts. Tam argues that the successful case of Hong Kong is in part a consequence its historical legacies and in part an outcome of the opening up of the legal opportunities in the first decade of the post-colonial era. The book is divided into four parts. Part I sets out the theoretical framework and the overall argument of the book. Part II discusses the dynamic interplay between the opening up of legal opportunities and the narrowing of political opportunities in post-1997 Hong Kong. Part III discusses cause lawyering in Hong Kong. Part IV offers some concluding remarks. Its main data come from outcome and topical analyses of cases decided by the CFA and also its colonial predecessor, the Privy
Targeting autophagy in cancer management-strategies and developments

Autophagy is a highly regulated catabolic process involving lysosomal degradation of intracellular components, damaged organelles, misfolded proteins, and toxic aggregates, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. The process is also induced in response to various conditions, including nutrient deprivation, metabolic stress, hypoxia, anticancer therapeutics, and radiation therapy to adapt cellular conditions for survival. Autophagy can function as a tumor suppressor mechanism in normal cells and dysregulation of this process (ie, monoallelic Beclin-1 deletion) may lead to malignant transformation and carcinogenesis. In tumors, autophagy is thought to promote tumor growth and progression by helping cells to adapt and survive in metabolically-challenged and harsh tumor microenvironments (ie, hypoxia and acidity). Recent in vitro and in vivo studies in preclinical models suggested that modulation of autophagy can be used as a therapeutic modality to enhance the efficacy of conventional therapies, including chemo and radiation therapy. Currently, more than 30 clinical trials are investigating the effects of autophagy inhibition in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapies and targeted agents in various cancers. In this review, we will discuss the role, molecular mechanism, and regulation of autophagy, while targeting this process as a novel therapeutic modality, in various cancers.
Ultra low aspect ratio stellarator or hybrid configurations

Novel concepts of an ultra-low-aspect-ratio stellarator system, called a Spherical Stellarator (SS), or a stellarator-tokamak hybrid system, called SMARTH (Small Aspect Ratio Toroidal Hybrid) are discussed for high-{beta} regimes of operation. Self-consistent analysis of the three-dimensional MHD equilibria with inductively driven plasma current or bootstrap current is presented. It is stressed that the bootstrap current in SS can be large and is flowing in such a direction that the rotational transform produced enhances the vacuum rotational transform. This feature increases the equilibrium {beta}-limit. The high-{beta} equilibria in SS and SMARTH ({beta}(0) > 30%, {beta}O 8-9%) are demonstrated, correspondingly, with the bootstrap current and the ohmic current. Possible experiments and scalings, including those for reactor parameters, are outlined. 38 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.
Spiradenoma and cylindroma originate from the hair follicle bulge and not from the eccrine sweat gland: an immunohistochemical study with CD200 and other stem cell markers.

Background Spiradenoma and cylindroma have historically been described as sweat gland tumors and have often been considered to be of eccrine lineage. However, (a) associations with trichoepitheliomas in Brooke-Spiegler syndrome or with trichoepitheliomas and milia in Rasmussen syndrome, (b) neoplastic combinations with hair follicle tumors in solitary cases, and (c) anatomical considerations support a folliculosebaceous-apocrine lineage. Follicular stem cell markers may allow for further characterization of these neoplasms. Methods A total of 97 tumors were examined for the expression pattern of follicular stem cell markers cytokeratin 15 (CK15), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), pleckstrin homology-like domain, family A, member 1 (PHLDA1), and CD200. The tumors were comprised of 27 spiradenomas, 30 cylindromas, 16 hidradenomas, 19 poromas, 4 dermal duct tumors and 1 hidroacanthoma simplex. Results All spiradenomas and cylindromas were CD200-positive whereas the other tumors classified as eccrine in lineage were all CD200-negative. CK15 also discriminated between spiradenomas and cylindromas and the remaining neoplasms but not to the degree of CD200. PHLDA1 and CK19 were noncontributory. Conclusions It is concluded that both spiradenoma and cylindroma are not eccrine but follicular tumors. More specifically, it is proposed that both adnexal neoplasms are derived from the hair follicle bulge and as such represent one of the least differentiated follicular tumors.
A vortex isolation and removal algorithm for numerical weather prediction model tropical cyclone applications

[1] Inserting an externally defined (i.e., synthetic) tropical cyclone (TC) vortex into numerical weather prediction (NWP) model analyses requires that an existing TC vortex first be removed. Similarly, statistical-dynamical forecasting methods require that the larger-scale environmental attributes of the flow be separated (and preserved) from those on the smaller meso- and TC vortex scales. The existing operational methods to accomplish such tasks are optimized particularly for the respective models grid spacing resolution and thus are not general when applied to finer resolution analyses. Further, the existing methods often adhere to rigid assumptions regarding the size and structure of the TC. A methodology is provided in this study to overcome these limitations. This is accomplished through analyzing the features of the NWP model analysis (e.g., the variables in the vicinity of the TC) and then systematically removing the TC through the application of both a smoothing operator and a subsequent statistical evaluation of the smoothed analysis variable. The value of our methodology is determined when analyzing the results from experiments initialized from an analysis containing TCs and those initialized from analyses without the respective TCs. This methodology is also robust for it does not require a tuning of parameters relative to varying grid-spacing resolutions and may thus benefit the statistical-dynamical TC intensity prediction schemes.
How Autocrats Defend Themselves Against Armed Rivals

In this paper I investigate the survival strategies of dictators whose tenure in office depends on armed supporters. The main threat that faces such leaders is ouster by military coup. I argue that dictators’ strategy choices for responding to that threat depend on characteristics of the military force from which these rivals are likely to come. Where the military is professionalized, commanders can make credible promises to support a dictator who shares power with the rest of the officer corps and also credible threats to oust those who do not. In such circumstances, dictators’ best strategy is to agree to authoritarian institutions that induce power sharing and consultation among military rivals. Where the military is relatively unprofessionalized, however, promises of support are not credible because commanding officers cannot assure the discipline of other officers. Dictators who lack the option of stable power sharing with the rest of the military often try to build a balancing political force through the creation of a mass-based party or paramilitary force. Results of the data analysis are consistent with the argument that dictators from less professionalized armed forces are more likely to organize support parties. The argument also implies that if the strategies described are effective, dictators who form parties while they rule should be less likely to be ousted by coup than those who do not. Results from the data analysis show that party creation tends to reduce the likelihood of coups and coup attempts.
The parabolic concentrating collector: A tutorial

A tutorial overview of point-focusing parabolic collectors is presented. Optical and thermal characteristics of such collectors are discussed. Data representing typical achievable collector efficiencies are presented and the importance of balancing collector cost with concentrator quality is argued through the development of a figure of merit for the collector. The impact of receiver temperature on performance is assessed and the general observation made that temperatures much in excess of 1500 to 2000/sup 0/F can actually result in decreased performance. Various types of two-axis tracking collectors are described, including the standard parabolic deep dish, Cassegrainian and Fresnel, as well as two forms of fixed mirrors with articulating receivers. The present DOE program to develop these devices is briefly discussed, as are present and projected costs for these collectors. Pricing information is presented for the only known commercial design available on the open market.
Zakat: Drawing Insights for Legal Theory and Economic Policy from Islamic Jurisprudence

The rapid development of complex income taxation and welfare systems in the 20th century may give the impression that progressive wealth redistribution systems are uniquely modern. However, religious systems provided similar mechanisms for addressing economic injustice and poverty alleviation centuries earlier. Zakat is the obligation of almsgiving and is the third pillar of Islam - a requirement for all believers. In the early development of the Islamic community, zakat was collected as a tax by the state and the funds were distributed to a defined set of needy groups. As a theoretical matter, there are three insights that make zakat an especially relevant subject for modern legal scholars. First, zakat is an example of a modest wealth tax combined with an income tax that may be illustrative in the discourse regarding wealth taxes. Second, the jurisprudence of zakat supports the ethical conclusions of scholars who contend that property rights are attached to post rather than pre-tax income. Third, to the extent that zakat is considered a principal source of revenue for public programs, it might imply a limited role for government, focusing on equitable distribution of goods. This paper begins with a thorough evaluation and synthesis of the traditional Islamic jurisprudence related to zakat. The next section identifies three broad approaches to zakat adopted by modern Muslim states, with particular emphasis on ways that zakat is institutionalized legally. This is followed by an empirical analysis of the correlation of the approaches to zakat with (1) individual income and (2) wealth stratification. The article concludes with observations and policy recommendations related to zakat and broader legal theory based on the earlier qualitative analysis and empirical findings.
The Impact of Union Experience on Job Satisfaction: Impact of Union Experience on Job Satisfaction

The relationship between union status and job satisfaction is commonly estimated without recognizing the heterogeneity of non-union members. Many non-union workers have experienced union jobs in the past while others have not, suggesting past estimations of the impact of unions on job satisfaction may miss a critical distinction. After separating non-union members into those workers with and without union experience, this article shows that job satisfaction increases significantly for first-time union workers, but decreases as workers accumulate experience in the union. Finally, after leaving the union jobs, worker job satisfaction recovers but does so only as the time since unionization grows.
1918 pandemic influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae co‐infection results in activation of coagulation and widespread pulmonary thrombosis in mice and humans

To study bacterial co-infection following 1918 H1N1 influenza virus infection, mice were inoculated with the 1918 influenza virus, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) 72 h later. Co-infected mice exhibited markedly more severe disease, shortened survival time and more severe lung pathology, including widespread thrombi. Transcriptional profiling revealed activation of coagulation only in co-infected mice, consistent with the extensive thrombogenesis observed. Immunohistochemistry showed extensive expression of tissue factor (F3) and prominent deposition of neutrophil elastase on endothelial and epithelial cells in co-infected mice. Lung sections of SP-positive 1918 autopsy cases showed extensive thrombi and prominent staining for F3 in alveolar macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, endothelial and epithelial cells, in contrast to co-infection-positive 2009 pandemic H1N1 autopsy cases. This study reveals that a distinctive feature of 1918 influenza virus and SP co-infection in mice and humans is extensive expression of tissue factor and activation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway leading to widespread pulmonary thrombosis. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital relics of the saints of affliction: HIV/AIDS, digital images and the neoliberalisation of health humanitarianism in contemporary Vietnam

AbstractNeoliberal logics and calculations have been incorporated into strategies for global health management as rational, technical, scientific guarantors of the integrity and dignity of The Human. NGOs demonstrate, accrue and trade in virtue to gain support, funding and prestige. They field site-visit teams which conduct audits of local partners, review programme data and collect images and narratives of and from the recipients of aid. These images and narratives are used to assess the performance of their local partners and win new donations and volunteers in their home countries. These powerful images and harrowing stories appear in NGO media, establishing the NGOs’ humanitarian credentials. Images of the ill, abandoned and poor are put to work among distant actors as assurances that funds are being efficiently applied and that these efforts are ‘doing good’. The practice is commonplace within a contemporary neoliberalised health humanitarian apparatus. This process both requires and produces particu...
Amidinate–carboxylate complexes of dimolybdenum and ditungsten: M2(O2CR)2((NiPr)2CR′)2. Preparations, molecular and electronic structures and reactions

The compounds M2(O2CMe)4 and the lithium amidinates Li[(NiPr)2CR] react to give the new compounds trans-M2(O2CMe)2[(NiPr)2CR]2 where M = Mo or W and R = Me (M = Mo only), –CCtBu, –CCPh and –CC–Fc where Fc = 1-ferrocenyl. The limitations of this type of reaction are described based on steric considerations together with the preparation and characterization of the compound Mo2(µ-O2C-9-anthracene)2[η2-(NiPr)2CMe]2. The electronic structures of the bis-amidinate–bis-carboxylate M2 complexes are described based on model compounds employing density functional theory and are correlated with the experimental observations of their physicochemical properties and in particular their observed electronic absorption spectra which show intense MLCT absorption bands. Preliminary studies of the reactions of these bis-amidinate–bis-carboxylate complexes in the preparation of 1-D oligomers are also described along with the preparation and molecular structures of the compounds [Li(NiPr)2CR·THF]2 where R = 2-thienyl or –CC–Ph. The kinetic lability of these new M2-containing compounds toward ligand exchange is also noted.
Report of Research Committee on Runoff, 1946–1947

The membership of the Committee has remained unchanged during the year. There has been some discussion of committee activities between individual members and in small groups. The further discussion of runoff terminology has resulted in no new developments of special note. The following statements have been received from members of the committee concerning activities of the agencies with which they are associated.
Religion and spirituality among patients with localized prostate cancer

Objective: To examine: (1) daily religious and spiritual experiences among localized prostate cancer patients as compared to a national age and race-matched male sample; (2) cognitive-affective and clinical predictors of prostate cancer diagnosis-related increases in religiosity and spirituality; (3) short-term impact of daily religious and spiritual experiences on cancer recurrence worry.Methods: Analyses of data from a longitudinal questionnaire study among patients (N = 254) diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and data from a random sample (N = 238) of respondents to the national General Social Survey.Results: Compared to the national sample, prostate cancer patients reported higher levels of daily spiritual experiences. Patients with higher worry about prostate cancer and elevated levels of prostate-related symptoms around diagnosis were more likely to report a diagnosis-related increase in religiosity and spirituality. Positive benefits (reduced recurrence worry) of religious coping/practices were restricted to those patients with higher versus lower level of postdiagnosis increase in religiosity; patients not reporting postdiagnosis increases in religion who are not engaging in religious coping/practice adjusted equally well. Results suggest that the development of religious/spiritual interventions is premature.Significance of results: This is the first prospective study to report on the prevalence and influence of daily spiritual and religious experiences among prostate cancer patients.
The phase boundary in dilute and random Ising and Potts ferromagnets

The authors present an approach to dilute Ising and Potts models, based on the Fortuin-Kasteleyn random cluster representation, which is simultaneously rigorous, intuitive and surprisingly simple. Their analysis yields, with no dimensional restrictions or other caveats, the following asymptotic form of the phase boundary. For the regular dilute model in which bonds have constant ferromagnetic coupling J with probability p and are vacant with probability 1-p, the critical temperature scales as exp(-J/(kTc(p))) approximately mod p-pc mod , implying that the crossover exponent is Phi =1. If the constant couplings are replaced by a distribution F(J) with mass near J=0, quite different crossover behaviour is observed. For example, if F(J) approximately Jalpha then, for p near pc, Tc(p) approximately mod p-pc mod 1 alpha /.
New immunochemical system for study of intracellular host-parasite relationships.

SERUM proteins are often altered when an animal is infected by an intracellular parasite, but do the soluble proteins of the parasitized cell itself change ? This question and others involving intracellular host–parasite relationships were studied using two antigenically different cell lines grown in a chemically defined medium free of antigenic molecules and antibiotics1. In these cloned lines, antigenic differences resulting from the same parasite infection were compared.
Structure−Activity Study of Pentamidine Analogues as Antiprotozoal Agents

Diamidine 1 (pentamidine) and 65 analogues (2-66) have been tested for in vitro antiprotozoal activities against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Plasmodium falciparum, and Leishmania donovani, and for cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Dications 32, 64, and 66 exhibited antitrypanosomal potencies equal or greater than melarsoprol (IC(50) = 4 nM). Nine congeners (2-4, 12, 27, 30, and 64-66) were more active against P. falciparum than artemisinin (IC(50) = 6 nM). Eight compounds (12, 32, 33, 44, 59, 62, 64, and 66) exhibited equal or better antileishmanial activities than 1 (IC(50) = 1.8 microM). Several congeners were more active than 1 in vivo, curing at least 2/4 infected animals in the acute mouse model of trypanosomiasis. The diimidazoline 66 was the most promising compound in the series, showing excellent in vitro activities and high selectivities against T. b. rhodesiense, P. falciparum, and L. donovani combined with high antitrypanosomal efficacy in vivo.
Strategies to elucidate the mechanism of excessive theca cell androgen production in PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by increased ovarian androgen production. We have developed a strategy to identify differentially transcribed genes in PCOS theca cells. Using long-term cultures of normal and PCOS theca cells, we are characterizing the complete repertoire of differentially transcribed genes, the common transcription factor mediators, and the signal transduction cascade(s) that are abnormal in PCOS theca cells. The latter will be interrogated for mutations/genetic variants linked to PCOS.
Substrate and Sodium Binding Energetics to a ``Straight-Jacketed'' Glutamate Transporter Homologue

Glutamate transporters are secondary active transporters that couple the trans-membrane movement of the substrate to the movement ions, mainly sodium. To achieve this, the transporters alternate between outward- and inward-facing conformations, in which the substrate and ion binding sites are accessible to the extracellular and cytoplasmic sides of the membrane, respectively. Importantly, the substrate binding properties of these states and the extent to which they are modulated by sodium ions remain largely unknown. To shed light on these questions, we used a thermophilic archaeal homologue of the glutamate transporters, GltPh, solubilized in detergent and purified to homogeneity. In order to characterize the binding energetics of the isolated outward- and inward-facing states, the transporters were conformationally constrained in these states by cysteine cross-links and probed by isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy. Strikingly, both states demonstrate similar affinity for the substrate at 25 °C, which is steeply dependent on sodium concentration and increases by five orders of magnitude in the presence of 1 to 60 mM sodium. Sodium binding in the absence of substrate can be detected spectroscopically and is characterized by low affinity in both states. Interestingly, the enthalpy and the heat capacity changes upon substrate binding are different in the two states, suggesting that distinct conformational changes underlie the reactions. Using the experimentally determined temperature dependences of the thermodynamic parameters, we extrapolate the substrate binding affinities to the physiological temperatures near 100 °C for GltPh. We find that under these conditions the inward-facing state binds substrate significantly weaker than the outward-facing state.
Associations of trimester-specific gestational weight gain with maternal adiposity and systolic blood pressure at 3 and 7 years postpartum

Objective Our objective was to examine the associations of total and trimester-specific gestational weight gain (GWG) rate with postpartum maternal weight and cardiometabolic risk. We hypothesized that first-trimester GWG would be most strongly associated with long-term maternal health. Study Design We studied 801 women enrolled during the first trimester of pregnancy in the Boston-area Project Viva cohort 1999 through 2002. At 3 years postpartum we measured maternal weight, waist circumference (WC), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and collected fasting blood from a subset. At 7 years postpartum we again measured weight and WC. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate relations of total and trimester-specific GWG rate with weight change (vs self-reported prepregnancy weight) and WC at each time point, stratified by prepregnancy weight, as well as associations with SBP and insulin resistance at 3 years. Results Median age at enrollment was 34.0 years (range, 16.4–44.9); 65% were white. Mean (SD) total GWG rate was 0.38 (0.14) kg/wk. Women gained weight faster during the second (0.47 [0.19] kg/wk) and third (0.44 [0.22] kg/wk) trimesters than the first (0.22 [0.22] kg/wk). Total and first-trimester GWG rate were most strongly associated with postpartum weight change. Among normal-weight women, each 1-SD increase in total and first-trimester GWG rate corresponded with 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07–1.63) kg and 2.08 (1.32–2.84) kg greater weight change at 3 and 7 years postpartum, respectively, but there was not strong evidence of association for either second- (–0.30 kg; 95% CI, –1.08 to 0.48) or third- (–0.26 kg; 95% CI, –1.08 to 0.55) trimester GWG. First-trimester GWG rate also related to 3-year postpartum weight change in overweight (2.28 kg; 95% CI, 0.95–3.61) and obese (2.47 kg; 95% CI, 0.98–3.97) women. Greater total and first-trimester GWG rate were associated with larger WC and higher SBP but not insulin resistance. Conclusion In this observational cohort, first-trimester weight gain was more strongly associated with maternal weight retention as well as higher WC and blood pressure than second- or third-trimester gain. Interventions targeting GWG beginning very early in pregnancy may benefit long-term maternal health.
Transonic Shock-Boundary-Layer Interactions in Cryogenic Wind Tunnels

'Hwang, C. and Pi, W.S., "Investigation of Steady and Fluctuating Pressures Associated with the Transonic Buffeting and Wing Rock of a One-Seventh Scale Model of the F-5A Aircraft/' NASA Contract Kept., 3061, Nov. 1978. Hwang, C. and Pi, W.S., "Some Observations on the Mechanism of Aircraft Wing Rock," presented as Paper 78-1456 at the AIAA Aircraft Systems and Technology Meeting, Los Angeles, Calif., Aug. 21-23, 1978.
Effectiveness of certain sterilizing agents for seedling incubation in radiothymidine

Failure of seed sterilization methods and breakdown in sterile technique can result in catabolism of thymidine by microorganisms during seedling incubation in radioisotope. The effectiveness of some sterilizing agents was monitored by microbiological methods and by thin layer chromatography for the presence of thymidine degradation products. Sodium hypochlorite and ethylene oxide each sterilized pea and sunflower seeds. Sodium hypochlorite failed to sterilize onion seeds while ethylene oxide was only occasionally effective and often retarded germination. Captan, commonly used before germination to prevent fungal blight of seedlings, did not reduce the bacterial flora of onion seeds.
Integrating Content and Strategy Instruction at the College Level: A Collaborative Model.

Describes a combination of peer content-area tutoring and strategy instruction to help college-level students with learning disabilities become self-regulated learners
Directionally different expectancy theory predictions of work motivation and job satisfaction

Conventionally, expectancy theory has utilized a multiplicative combination of expectancy and value scores in predicting both job behavior (work motivation and job performance) and job-related affect (job satisfaction). An extensive clinical literature, however, suggests that affect is a function of the discrepancy between expectancies and values. Hence, two hypotheses were advanced and tested in organizational settings: (1) that the multiplicative formulation (ɛEV) will yield superior predictions of work motivation and job performance in comparison to the discrepancy model (ɛE-ɛV), (2) that the discrepancy model (ɛE-ɛV) will yield superior predictions of job satisfaction in comparison to the multiplicative model (ɛEV). Results from three studies (of 399 engineers, 202 librarians, and 1,777 engineers) were highly supportive of both hypotheses.
Some Thoughts on the Philosophy of Spectrum Management

The philosophy of spectrum management is discussed, using terminology employed by sociologists, economists, and political scientists. Past history is reviewed and approaches for attaining the aims of spectrum management are briefly evaluated.
Excess FoxG1 causes overgrowth of the neural tube

The winged helix transcription factor FoxG1 (Bf-1, qin) plays multiple roles in the development of the telencephalon, with different parts of the protein affecting either proliferation or differentiation. We examined the consequences of over-expression, via retroviral expression, of FoxG1 on the growth of different regions of the chicken brain. Excess expression of FoxG1 caused a thickening of the neuroepithelium, and ultimately large outgrowths of the telencephalon and mesencephalon. In contrast, the myelencephalon appeared unaffected, exhibiting normal apoptosis and growth characteristics. A DNA binding defective form of FoxG1 did not exhibit these abnormalities, suggesting that these effects are due to FoxG1's function as a transcriptional repressor. To examine the means by which excess FoxG1caused overgrowth of the brain, we examined alterations in cell proliferation and death. No increase in proliferation was noted in any portion of the neural tube, rather a significant decrease in neuroepithelial apoptosis was seen. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for winged helix factors in the regulation of neural cell apoptosis.
Chronic L-lysine develops anti-pentylenetetrazol tolerance and reduces synaptic GABAergic sensitivity

Abstract L-Lysine 10 mmol/kg given to mice for 1 to 10 days significantly increased clonic and tonic seizure latencies caused by 60 mg/kg pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). On day 1 the clonic and tonic seizure latencies were increased from 160.4 ± 26.3 and 828.6 ± 230.8 s to 287.1 ± 103.3 and 982.3 ± 98.6 s, respectively. Both clonic and tonic seizure latencies increased steadily with additional L-lysine treatment without significant change in survival rate. On day 10, the anticonvulsant effect reached its highest level with a block of tonic seizures and a survival rate of 100% without tolerance developing. Acute L-lysine treatment significantly increased the mean clonic latency from 85.8 ± 5.24 to 128.2 ± 9.0 s and the mean tonic seizure latency from 287.2 ± 58.7 to 313.5 ± 42.2 s with 80 mg/kg PTZ. On the day 10 of treatment, the anticonvulsant effect of L-lysine was highest, with a significant increase of 155 and 184% in clonic and tonic latencies over the control, respectively. After 15- and 20-day treatment, clonic and tonic seizure latencies and survival rate decreased, suggesting development of tolerance. Brain membranes from tolerant mice showed decreased enhancement by γ-aminobutyric acid of specific [3H]flunitrazepam binding from 210 ± 8 to 169 ± 5% with EC50 values of 4.1 ± 1.4 and 7.8 ± 1.5 μM, respectively. Scatchard analysis of [3H] flunitrazepam binding showed no significant change of apparent binding affinity (KD) or binding density (Bmax) after chronic L-lysine exposure. L-Lysine enhanced the specific [35S]tert-butyl bicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding in brain membranes dose dependently. This enhancement was reduced from 38 to 10% in tolerant mouse brain membranes. The brain levels of L-lysine in the chronically L-lysine-treated mice did not vary significantly compared to those in animals before treatment.
Selecting and Developing an A+ Staff.

Because the demand for excellence in public education is ever present, this article explores the development of a professional enhancement program designed to select and develop a qualified, competent faculty and staff. The basis for the program is a strong educational philosophy, which leads to a vision of what schools can be. It stresses the need for leadership on the part of administrators and the awareness that good administrators are change agents. It points out that good recruitment and selection lessens the demands on a staff development program. Even so, it concludes that staff development must be a continuous process. The cornerstone of this article is a desire for excellence. Recognizing that there is no place for mediocrity in education, this information is offered for those who recognize the same.
Crystal structure of DNA-bound Co(III) bleomycin B2: Insights on intercalation and minor groove binding.

Bleomycins constitute a widely studied class of complex DNA cleaving natural products that are used to treat various cancers. Since their first isolation, the bleomycins have provided a paradigm for the development and discovery of additional DNA-cleaving chemotherapeutic agents. The bleomycins consist of a disaccharide-modified metal-binding domain connected to a bithiazole/C-terminal tail via a methylvalerate-Thr linker and induce DNA damage after oxygen activation through site-selective cleavage of duplex DNA at 5′-GT/C sites. Here, we present crystal structures of two different 5′-GT containing oligonucleotides in both the presence and absence of bound Co(III)·bleomycin B2. Several findings from our studies impact the current view of bleomycin binding to DNA. First, we report that the bithiazole intercalates in two distinct modes and can do so independently of well ordered minor groove binding of the metal binding/disaccharide domains. Second, the Co(III)-coordinating equatorial ligands in our structure include the imidazole, histidine amide, pyrimidine N1, and the secondary amine of the β aminoalanine, whereas the primary amine acts as an axial ligand. Third, minor groove binding of Co(III)·bleomycin involves direct hydrogen bonding interactions of the metal binding domain and disaccharide with the DNA. Finally, modeling of a hydroperoxide ligand coordinated to Co(III) suggests that it is ideally positioned for initiation of C4′-H abstraction.
Effect of the chemical environment on the L and M heavy-ion-induced X-ray satellite emission spectra

Abstract High-resolution measurements of L, heavy-ion-induced X-ray satellite emission (HIXSE) spectra have been obtained for Zr and Nb alloys and compounds. Variations in the relative intensity profile of the satellite lines were observed and are attributed to the influence of the valence-electron distribution or chemical environment of the emitting element. Although these spectra are more complex than the Kα, results are presented which demonstrate that the satellite spectra can be correlated with the valence-electron density of the target. Chemical effects on the Au and Pb M X-ray satellite spectra were also observed. These results indicate that HIXSE can probe the chemical nature of intermediate and high Z materials. The effect of projectile energy on the L X-ray satellites is also examined.
Lipidyl pseudopteranes A-F: isolation, biomimetic synthesis, and PTP1B inhibitory activity of a new class of pseudopteranoids from the Gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia acerosa.

Novel lipidyl pseudopteranoids, lipidyl pseudopteranes A−F (1−6), have been isolated from the soft coral Pseudopterogorgia acerosa collected from the Bahamas. Structure elucidation of the six new c...
On the K = 12 rotation spectrum in odd-A nuclei

Abstract The striking behavior of the rotational levels of K = 1 2 bands in deviating from regularity by tending to cluster into doublets is widely understood in terms of the change in the energy of collective rotation induced by the coupling to the particle angular momenta and involving the intricacies of the rotation functions SCJMK. It is here derived for a special case as a manifestation of the true Coriolis influence of the rotation on the particle energy in a way to emphasize the essential simplicity of the effect.
On information and distance measures, error bounds, and feature selection

The information and distance measures are useful to provide probability of error bounds, especially when the exact error probability is not available or too difficult to compute. They are also useful for feature selection and ordering in pattern recognition such that the error probability is indirectly minimized. This paper provides a fairly complete list of information and distance measures including a new average conditional cubic entropy proposed by the author. Major problem areas such as computation with these measures are examined and methods of approach for the unresolved problems are suggested. Error bounds on feature subset selection and on one-dimensional Laplacian and Gaussian densities are also considered.
Transepithelial transport of zinc and l-histidine across perfused intestine of American lobster, Homarus americanus

The intestine of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, was isolated and perfused in vitro with a physiological saline, based on the ion composition of the blood, to characterize the mechanisms responsible for transmural transport of zinc and how the amino acid, L-histidine, affects the net movement of the metal across the tissue. Previous studies with this preparation, focusing on the characteristics of unidirectional mucosa to serosa (M to S) fluxes of (65)Zn(2+) and (3)H-L-histidine, indicated the presence of a brush border co-transport process responsible for simultaneously transferring the metal and amino acid across this tissue as an apparent bis-complex (Zn-[His](2)) using a PEPT-1-like dipeptide carrier mechanism. In addition, both zinc and L-histidine were also transferred toward the blood by separate transporters that were independent of the other substrate. The focus of the present study was to characterize the serosa to mucosa (S to M) flux of (65)Zn(2+) under a variety of conditions, and use these values in conjunction with those from the previous study, to assess the direction and magnitude of net metal movement across the tissue. Transmural S to M transport of (65)Zn(2+) was markedly reduced with the addition of the serosal inhibitors ouabain (32%), excess K(+) (25%), excess Ca(2+) (30%), Cu(2+) (38%), nifedipine (21%), and vanadate (53%). In contrast, this flux was markedly stimulated with the serosal addition of ATP (24%) and excess Na(+) (28%). These results suggest that S to M fluxes of zinc occurred by the combination of the basolateral Na/Ca exchanger (NCX), where zinc replaced calcium, and a basolateral nifedipine-sensitive calcium channel. Transmural M to S (65)Zn(2+) fluxes (5-100 microM) were threefold greater than S to M metal transport, and the addition of luminal L-histidine doubled the net M to S zinc flux over its rate in the absence of the amino acid. The results of this paper and those in its predecessor indicate that zinc transport by the lobster intestine is absorptive and significantly enhanced by luminal amino acids.