cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial differences in knowledge, attitudes, and cancer screening practices among a triracial rural population

BACKGROUND Low-income, minority, and rural women face a greater burden with regard to cancer-related morbidity and mortality and are usually underrepresented in cancer control research. The Robeson County Outreach, Screening and Education Project sought to increase mammography use among low-income, minority, and rural women age > 40 years. The current article reports on racial disparities and barriers to screening, especially those related to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. METHODS A baseline survey was administered to 897 women age > 40 years who lived in rural Robeson County in North Carolina. The sample consisted of three principal racial groups: whites, African Americans, and Native Americans. Survey comparisons were made among racial groups with respect to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding breast and cervical carcinoma screening. RESULTS Overall, Native American and African-American women had lower levels of knowledge, more inaccurate beliefs, and more barriers to screening compared with white women. Among the notable findings were that 43% of the patient population did not mention mammograms and 53% did not mention Pap smears as breast and cervical carcinoma screening tests, respectively; furthermore, compared with white women, significantly fewer African-American and Native American women mentioned these tests (P < 0.001). Sixty-seven percent of all women reported that a physician had never encouraged them to receive a mammogram, although 75% reported having received a regular checkup in the preceding year. CONCLUSIONS Although all low-income rural women experienced significant barriers to receiving cancer screening tests, these barriers were more common for minority women compared with white women. More research is needed to identify ways to overcome such barriers, especially among Native American women. The results of the current study have important implications with respect to the designing of interventions aimed at improving cancer screening for all women. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
A Theoretical Analysis of the Synchronous-Nutation Experiment

Abstract The synchronous-nutation method, aimed at isolating a specific pair of spins with respect to cross relaxation or slow exchange with additional spins, is carefully analyzed. It is shown that isolation is effective in a great number of physically relevant situations.
Analcime Deposits in the Wichita Mountains, Southwestern Oklahoma

The Raggedy Mountain gabbro group is a layered body of basic igneous rocks which crop out in the Wichita Mountain region of southwestern Oklahoma. These gabbroic rocks consist of stratiform layers of troctolite, anorthosite, anorthositic gabbro, olivine gabbro, diallage gabbro, and quartz diorite. The Raggedy Mountain group has been dated at about 535 million years. Within this gabbroic terrain are scattered outcrops of a red-colored, layered, zeolitized sequence of rock that has been named the Tepee Creek Formation. This unit occurs as erosional remnants along the sides of low-lying anorthosite hills, or closely associated with nearby anorthosite outcrops. Field relationships suggest that the Tepee Creek is Permian in age. The zeolite has a composition in the analcime-wairakite range and is very fine grained. The presence of unaltered anorthosite pebbles and the petrographic nature of the Tepee Creek suggest that prior to zeolitization this rock was a poorly sorted plagioclase arkose. There is no field or laboratory evidence for either volcanic or hydrothermal activity associated with the formation of the zeolite. Zeolitization thus appears to be a diagenetic change; the zeolite replaces the plagioclase feldspars and forms the cementing material. Other alteration minerals that occur in relatively minor amounts are calcite, dolomite, natrolite, and quartz.
Thrombospondin is the endogenous lectin of human platelets.

Platelets activated by α-thrombin change shape from disks to spheres and aggregate. During this sequence of activation, platelets develop a membrane-bound lectin activity1,2 which is expressed after the secretion of intracellular granule contents3. This lectin activity seems to be important in mediating platelet aggregation by binding to a specific receptor on other platelets. Gartner et al.4 have recently shown that fibrinogen is the receptor for the endogenous lectin secreted by activated platelets. Thrombospondin5 (also called glycoprotein G6 and thrombin-sensitive protein7,8) is an α-granule constituent which has a molecular weight (MW) of 450,000 and is a disulphide-linked trimer of 160,000 MW subunits5,9,10. Secreted thrombospondin5–14 binds to platelet membranes in a calcium-dependent manner12. We show here that thrombospondin is the endogenous lectin of human platelets.
The effect of small intestinal distention upon bile and urine flow—its possible relationship to the hepatorenal syndrome

1. Experimental acute intestinal distention in nembutalized dogs caused a reflex inhibition of the bile flow. Intraenteric pressures of 20 and 40 mm. of mercury resulted in a decrease in the bile flow of 7 to 42 per cent below the control level. 2. A decrease in the portal blood flow and oxygen supply to the liver produced by distention of the entire intestine to pressures of 70 mm. of mercury caused a further decrease in bile flow in 4 of our dogs. Oxygen therapy lessened this inhibition in all of the dogs treated. 3. Nervous reflex inhibition of the flow of urine did not occur upon distention of the small intestine to pressures of 20, 40, 60 and 90 mm. of mercury. An increase in urine flow from 11 to 81 per cent occurred. This was attributed to an increased blood flow through the kidneys. 4. The blood pressure was not significantly altered by distention of the small intestine. 5. The depth of respiration was decreased and the rate was increased by distention. Oxygen therapy decreased the respiratory rate and lessened the depression of bile flow produced by distention of the small intestine. 6. Inhibitory nervous reflexes, decreased blood flow and anoxemia probably are factors involved in decreasing liver function and thereby make the liver more susceptible to damage in cases of intestinal distention. 7. Inhibition of liver function probably precedes inhibition of kidney function in the hepatorenal syndrome of intestinal obstruction.
When a quantum measurement can be implemented locally, and when it cannot

In the absence of quantum channels, local operations on subsystems and classical communication between parties (LOCC) constitute the most general protocols available on spatially separated quantum systems. Every LOCC protocol implements a separable quantum measurement, but it is known that there exist separable measurements that cannot be implemented by LOCC. A longstanding problem in quantum information theory is to understand the difference between LOCC and the full set of separable measurements. Toward this end, we show in this paper how to construct an LOCC protocol to implement an arbitrary separable measurement whenever such a protocol exists. In addition, given a measurement that cannot be implemented by LOCC within some fixed maximum number of rounds, the method shows explicitly that this is the case.
Methodology for designing M&S that integrates V&V processes and documentation

This paper presents a method that integrates Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Verification and Validation (V&V) as part of the M&S design. Experience indicates that in the past, very few models were developed with V&V as part of the design process. Formal V&V was usually done after the model had been released to the user community and was being used by major programs to support major decisions. This has changed in recent years as declining resources have resulted in a growing reliance on M&S. As awareness of the issues and the risks involved has increased, Department of Defense (DoD) policies have been written that require V&V to be implemented as part of the M&S design, development, and acquisition process. Many things can go wrong when a model is not carefully verified and validated. Not only does lack of V&V make a model difficult, if not impossible, to use, but the model may fail to support its intended use. V&V reduces the risks of developing an M&S that does not meet requirements or of using an inappropriate simulation to support a decision. While risks can never be eliminated entirely, they can be quantified in a way that they provide the decision maker with an indication of how high the cost of using an erroneous M&S result can be. This approach therefore allows optimal decisions to be made. This paper gives a description of a methodology for implementing V&V processes and documentation into the M&S design process.
The solubility of calcium from antacid tablets, calcium supplements and fortified food products

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare calcium solubility in Tums, Rolaids, Oscal, Caltrate, fortified yogurt, and fortified orange juice. The antacids and supplements containing either 200, 400, 800, or 1600 mg of calcium were subjected to three gastric treatments in an in vitro digestion procedure which was designed to observe the influence of acid secretion on calcium solubility. The gastric pHs included normal (pH 1.5), reduced acid (pH 1.7) and achlorhydria (pH 7.2). Normal and reduced acid conditions solubilized between 83 and 98% of the total calcium with no differences (p >- 0.05) observed among the various sources of calcium. Negligible quantities were dissolved in the achlorhydric solution. When analyzing the amount of calcium available at the four different levels and combining the sources, only 60% of 1600 mg of calcium was solubilized in the reduced acid solution compared to 87–96% solubilized at the lower levels. Fortified orange juice and yogurt samples were found to contain significant amounts of available calcium at all gastric pHs including achlorhydria. A low pH is necessary to solubilize calcium carbonate especially when higher levels of calcium are present in a single dose.
Non‐analytic implication

Some ordinary language philosophers, including Stanley Cavell, have attacked certain tendencies of traditional philosophers as follows. E.g., when we say that something looks red to us, we imply that we think it isn't really red. Thus we arc breaking a rule of language when we say that something looks red to us when we know it is red. And thus there is something logically wrong with the traditional attempt, to say that what justifies us in thinking that something is red is its looking red to us. In this article it is maintained that the ‘implication’ invoked above is a contingent relation having to do with what makes a fact noteworthy, and that the existence of this implication does not show that there is anything logically wrong with the traditional positions being attacked.
Challenges associated with micropropagation of Zephyranthes and Hippesatrum sp. (Amaryllidaceae)

Conventional propagation of amaryllis, Hippeastrum Herbert sp. hybrids by bulb offsets is slow, seasonal, and variable; additionally, some amaryllis hybrids do not produce many offsets. From seed, it takes approximately 2 yr to flower. Micropropagation of Zephyranthes L. sp. bulbs has challenges related to contamination of stage I cultures as well as genotype differences in culture media requirements. There are literature reports on in vitro propagation of both genera; however, the application of these reports to new cultivars leaves unanswered questions regarding surface disinfestation, explant, nutrient media, and multiplication rates. Surface disinfestation of container-grown Hippeastrum spp. hybrid cv. San Antonio Rose bulbs resulted in contamination rates of 20 to 100% in spite of various treatments, some of which killed the explant. Twin scale explants of San Antonio Rose bulbs responded on a Murashige and Skoog salt medium with 2 mg naphthalene acetic acid per 1, and transfer to soil was not a problem. In contrast, aseptically germinated seed of Zephyranthes sp. served as a suitable source of clean bulb tissue.
One hundred data-driven haptic texture models and open-source methods for rendering on 3D objects

This paper introduces the Penn Haptic Texture Toolkit (HaTT), a publicly available repository of haptic texture models for use by the research community. HaTT includes 100 haptic texture and friction models, the recorded data from which the models were made, images of the textures, and the code and methods necessary to render these textures using an impedance-type haptic interface such as a SensAble Phantom Omni. This paper reviews our previously developed methods for modeling haptic virtual textures, describes our technique for modeling Coulomb friction between a tooltip and a surface, discusses the adaptation of our rendering methods for display using an impedance-type haptic device, and provides an overview of the information included in the toolkit. Each texture and friction model was based on a ten-second recording of the force, speed, and high-frequency acceleration experienced by a handheld tool moved by an experimenter against the surface in a natural manner. We modeled each texture's recorded acceleration signal as a piecewise autoregressive (AR) process and stored the individual AR models in a Delaunay triangulation as a function of the force and speed used when recording the data. To increase the adaptability and utility of HaTT, we developed a method for resampling the texture models so they can be rendered at a sampling rate other than the 10 kHz used when recording data. Measurements of the user's instantaneous normal force and tangential speed are used to synthesize texture vibrations in real time. These vibrations are transformed into a texture force vector that is added to the friction and normal force vectors for display to the user.
Spectroscopy of electronic states of metals with a scanning tunneling microscope

We have constructed a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and have obtained current-voltage derivative spectra from metal surfaces. For Au(111) we have observed an electronic surface state 0.4 eV below the Fermi energy. This state has previously been observed with photoemission and oxide tunneling experiments. We have also observed strong peaks in spectra obtained from Pd(111) which we identify with surface states and effects derived from bulk energy bands. In the voltage range investigated here, tunneling takes place through the entire vacuum gap between the metallic tip of the microscope and the surface of the sample being examined. The STM spectroscopy results reported here are compared with previous experimental work and theory. These intrinsic surface states are the first which have been observed with the STM and demonstrate its unique applicability to the investigation of surface electronic structure.
Writing Egypt's Spring

Egypt's revolutionary spring of 2011 was the outbreak of pent-up frustration, humiliation, and anger shared by many Egyptians against widespread corruption, in the later years of Husni Mubarak's rule. This article analyzes several publications which echo or seek to explain these sentiments, while assessing their impact on contemporary Egypt, and on scholarly approaches to understanding Egyptian society and politics. It also highlights the need to articulate these sentiments even further, if one wishes to gain greater familiarity with the foundations of Egyptian society.
That's not fair!: the test of a model of organizational justice, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment among hotel employees.

ABSTRACT Organizational commitment has been shown to be significantly negatively related to employee turnover. Given the high incidence of employee turnover in the hospitality industry, practitioners and academics alike should be focused on a more complete understanding of this phenomenon. The present study is an exploration into the identification of the relationships among organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and organizational justice. The study was conducted with employees of a major casino-hotel. Results indicated that organizational justice has an indirect positive impact on organizational commitment by working through job satisfaction. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Effects of cattle grazing and haying on wildlife conservation at National Wildlife Refuges in the United States

The National Wildlife Refuge System is perhaps the most important system of federal lands for protecting wildlife in the United States. Only at refuges has wildlife conservation been legislated to have higher priority than either recreational or commercial activities. Presently, private ranchers and farmers graze cattle on 981,954 ha and harvest hay on 12,021 ha at 123 National Wildlife Refuges. US Fish and Wildlife Service policy is to permit these uses primarily when needed to benefit refuge wildlife. To evaluate the success of this policy, I surveyed grassland management practices at the 123 refuges. The survey results indicate that in fiscal year 1980 there were 374,849 animal unit months (AUMs) of cattle grazing, or 41% more than was reported by the Fish and Wildlife Service. According to managers' opinions, 86 species of wildlife are positively affected and 82 are negatively affected by refuge cattle grazing or haying. However, quantitative field studies of the effect of cattle grazing and haying on wildlife coupled with the survey data on how refuge programs are implemented suggest that these activities are impeding the goal of wildlife conservation. Particular management problems uncovered by the survey include overgrazing of riparian habitats, wildlife mortality due to collisions with cattle fences, and mowing of migratory bird habitat during the breeding season. Managers reported that they spend $919,740 administering cattle grazing and haying; thus refuge grazing and haying programs are also expensive. At any single refuge these uses occupy up to 50% of refuge funds and 55% of staff time. In light of these results, prescribed burning may be a better wildlife management option than is either cattle grazing or haying.
In vitro binding of a novel dopamine D3 receptor ligand: [125I]trans-7-OH-PIPAT-A.

Abstract An iodinated dopamine D3 receptor ligand, [125I]trans-7-OH-PIPAT-A-trans-7-hydroxy-2-(N-n-propyl-N-3′-iodo-2′-propenyl)aminotetralin, was developed. This ligand demonstrated unique high affinity and selectivity toward the dopamine D3 receptor; Kd = 0.48 nM and Bmax = 240 fmol/mg of protein in rat striatal membrane homogenates.
Spectral characteristics of the photoreceptor pigment of phototaxis in Dictyostelium discoideum.

—A photoresponsive pigment, described previously as the photoreceptor pigment for phototaxis in Dictyostelium discoideum, was examined by low-temperature spectroscopy. The absorption spectrum of the purified pigment frozen in darkness indicates the reduced form of a high-spin heme protein, and the spectrum of the pigment frozen during irradiation (to freeze in the photoproduct) indicates the oxidized form of the heme protein. The light-induced absorbance changes measured at room temperature also indicate photooxidation of a heme pigment. The action spectrum for the light-induced absorbance change shows a primary peak at about 430 nm and a broad, less active maximum in the 550–580 nm region. The absorption spectrum of the reduced pigment and the action spectrum for its photooxidation are both similar to the action spectrum for phototaxis of the pseudoplasmodia of D. discoideum.
Foreword to the Special Issue on the 14th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR2012)

The papers in this special issue are improved and expanded versions of papers presented at the 14th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR2012).
Symmetric dimethylarginine alters endothelial nitric oxide activity in glomerular endothelial cells

Abstract Circulating symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is increased in patients with chronic kidney disease. SDMA is considered an inert metabolite, but because it can transported into cells, we studied the effect of SDMA on glomerular endothelial cells. SDMA suppressed VEGF-induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation and nitric oxide production, but not VEGFR2 activation and signaling leading to eNOS activation. SDMA caused eNOS uncoupling and increased superoxide anion production in response to VEGF. All these effects were blocked by preventing cellular uptake of SDMA with a molar excess of arginine. These data show that SDMA interferes with nitric oxide production by uncoupling eNOS and leads to oxidative stress in glomerular endothelial cells. In conclusion, our data show that SDMA is not an inert metabolite and that it could contribute to oxidative stress in the renal endothelium.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy to Probe the Mechanism of Electron Transfer through Oligo(phenylene vinylene) Bridges

The valence spectra of monolayers of ferrocene oligo(phenylene vinylene) (OPV) methyl thiols deposited on gold have been collected using synchrotron radiation. These spectra reveal the relative pos...
Effectiveness and efficiency of three-dimensional shape retrieval

The effectiveness and efficiency of a content-based three-dimensional shape search system are investigated for supporting the re-use of engineering designs. Search effectiveness is characterized by precision and recall values from repeated search experiments. We extract four feature vectors from each three-dimensional shape and compare them for effectiveness. The performance of an R-tree-based index structure is also evaluated to characterize search efficiency. Search efficiency is evaluated by the ratio of the number of visited nodes in a search operation to the number of nodes in a database index. A multi-step refinement approach is proposed to improve search effectiveness. Based on the results of the experiments with a database of real models, the effectiveness of using multi-step refinement is predicted to be 51% higher than that of one-shot search using a single feature vector, although the difference becomes smaller when the number of retrieved shapes is larger. The R-tree index significantly improv...
A new built-in IDDQ testing method using programmable BICS

The paper presents a novel programmable Built In Current Sensor (BICS) topology in IBM 65 nm CMOS technology. Proposed topology has 2.086 GHz bandwidth and 38.9ps detection time. Moreover, a new built-in IDDQ test flow is proposed. Proposed test flow is applied to a charge pump. The results show 100% fault coverage for the defects that affects the output of the charge pump (CP). 97.87% overall fault coverage is achieved for the same test.
Applied physiology: the control of puberty

Abstract Puberty results from the re-activation of a quiescent hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal process and results in the acquisition of secondary sexual characteristics, adult height and fertility. Genetic and environmental factors influence the central nervous system to trigger the process. Animal data indicate that the neuropeptides γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are important in restraining the pubertal process. Animal and human data support a facilitatory role for the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin to act as a metabolic gate between nutritional status and the central nervous system to facilitate the onset of puberty. There are exciting new data in rats which suggests that the homeodomain gene Oct-2 POU may play a role in triggering puberty, and the challenge for the future is to identify master gene(s) in humans which control the timing of puberty.
Octet dominance and the d/f ratio in non-leptonic hyperon decays

Abstract Under the assumption that the quadratically ‘divergent’ terms dominatetthe matrix elements for non-leptonic decay, the model of Gell-Mann et al., extended to include terms transforming as the (8,1) ⊗ (1.8) representation of SU(3) ⊗ SU(3), is shown to lead to (1) octet dominance (2) near equality of d/f ratios for weak and medium strong mass splittings and (3) an instability in the solution of the Cabibbo angle as obtained by Gatto et al.
Potential hazards of land policy: Conservation, rural development and fire use in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract With growing awareness of fire hazard as an environmental threat within tropical rainforests, the state of Brazil initiated a set of fire control policies aimed at monitoring and ameliorating fire hazard in the Amazon region. These policies were developed in the aftermath of large-scale fire events and reflect a conservationist discourse that responded to internal as well as international environmental concerns. In doing so, the policies have framed the “fire problem” around those who use fire in their land use practices, in particular small-scale agriculturalists. Yet, land policy in general has repeatedly failed to address the institutional arrangements which compel small-scale farmers to use fire in their agricultural practices and the underlying development processes that have made the landscape more vulnerable to accidental spread of fire. Using regional level data on small-scale farmers, I suggest that the conservation oriented approach of fire policy may not be enough to curtail accidental fire events and instead that the fire issue needs to be positioned within rural development as well.
The new subjective medicine: taking the patient's point of view on health care and health

Calls to respect patient autonomy and produce patient-centered outcomes have recently brought the patient's point of view back into the center of clinical medicine. Bioethics has argued that patient values must be respected in health care decisions. But it has generally not questioned medicine's goals, including its definition of health. For bioethics, health has remained an objective biological fact. However, pressures to improve the cost-effectiveness of medical care have increased interest in the subjective health and quality of life of patients. Perceived health, health-related quality of life, and health-state utilities bring health assessment progressively closer to the patient's perspective. Now even death's harm to patients is qualified by the value patients place on their health state. Medicine's epidemiological transition from acute to chronic disease is thus prompting an epistemological transition from primarily objective to primarily subjective evidence of health and health care effectiveness. Now some of the most important patient outcomes, like patient choices before them, are valid because they are subjective. Pathophysiology is appropriately becoming a means to produce health as it is defined from the patient's point of view. The physicians' job description will be changed to focus on patients' lives rather than patients' bodies. Definitive evaluations of medical effectiveness will occur within patients' lives rather than within doctors' hospitals. This further incorporation of patient subjectivity should carry us well beyond informed consent and the other protections for patient autonomy bequeathed to us by bioethics.
Thermal stability and electrical conduction behavior of coevaporated WSi2±x thin films

The thermal stability of coevaporated amorphous WSi2±x(x≂±0.2) thin films from room temperature to 1000 °C has been studied by in situ resistivity measurements and hot‐stage transmission‐electron microscopy. During continuous heating two consecutive phase transformations were observed to occur via nucleation and growth processes. The first which occurs at ∼420 °C is the crystallization of the amorphous film to a metastable, semiconducting hexagonal phase WSi2. The second which occurs at ∼620 °C is the transformation of the hexagonal phase to the thermodynamically stable, metallic, tetragonal phase of WSi2. The hexagonal phase is characterized by an acicular morphology and its formation is associated with a drastic increase in resistivity. The crystallites (grains) of the stable tetragonal phase are equiaxed and their formation is associated with a rapid decrease in resistivity. In order to achieve a low value of resistivity, ∼70 μΩ cm at room temperature, the tetragonal phase must be annealed to the neigh...
Revising appointment, promotion, and tenure procedures to incorporate an expanded definition of scholarship: the University of Kentucky College of Medicine experience.

ABSTRACTScholarly activity and scholarly productivity are key features of the academic health center (AHC) and the work of college of medicine faculty. Recent changes in the academic environment of the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Medicine led to an examination of its appointment, promotio
Telerehabilitation Technologies: Accessibility and Usability

In the fields of telehealth and telemedicine, phone and/or video technologies are key to the successful provision of services such as remote monitoring and visits. How do these technologies affect service accessibility, effectiveness, quality, and usefulness when applied to rehabilitation services in the field of telerehabilitation? To answer this question, we provide a overview of the complex network of available technologies and discuss how they link to rehabilitation applications, services, and practices as well as to the telerehabilitation end-user. This white paper will first present the numerous professional considerations that shape the use of technology in telerehabilitation service and set it somewhat apart from telemedicine. It will then provide an overview of concepts essential to usability analysis; present a summary of various telerehabilitation technologies and their strengths and limitations, and consider how the technologies interface with end users’ clinical needs for service accessibility, effectiveness, quality, and usefulness. The paper will highlight a conceptual framework (including task analyses and usability issues) that underlies a functional match between telerehabilitation technologies, clinical applications, and end-user capabilities for telerehabilitation purposes. Finally, we will discuss pragmatic issues related to user integration of telerehabilitation technology versus traditional face-to-face approaches.
Potts models coupled to two-dimensional quantum gravity

Abstract We perform Monte Carlo simulations using the Wolff cluster algorithm of the q=2 (Ising), 3 and 4 Potts models on dynamical phi-cubed graphs of spherical topology with up to 5000 nodes. We find that the measured critical exponents are in reasonable agreement with those from the exact solution of the Ising model and with those calculated from KPZ scaling for q=3,4 where no exact solution is available.
Characterization of human cyclooxygenase 2 gene promoter localization of a TGF-β response element☆

We characterized 2.3 kb of 5′-flanking region of the human cyclooxygenase 2 gene and analyzed its promoter activity. We localized three positive and two negative cis-acting regulatory regions and a TGF-β response region. Basal promoter activity was located between −77 and + 99 bp. Maximal promoter activity was observed from −1838 to +99 bp. A TGF-β response region was found between −454 and −288 bp. This region included an NF-I site. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that TGF-β caused a marked change in the pattern and intensity of this NF-I like protein complex.
The All-Volunteer Military as a “Sociopolitical” Problem

The shift from a system of conscription to an all-volunteer military is a manifestation of the long-term decline in the mass armed force in Western parliamentary system. The end of conscription is no short-term measure but likely to persist so that the emergence of an expanded all-volunteer armed forces raises a series of sociopolitical issues for a political democracy. First, the hypothesis is examined that the military in the United States is displaying an increased emphasis on its organization boundaries and distinctive values. Thereby, its linkages with civilian society become attenuated and tied to special segments of the social structure. Second, it is possible to examine the changing social recruitment and, thereby, probe the hypothesis that the military—both the officer corps and the enlisted personnel—each in its own fashion is becoming less and less socially representative. These trends in social recruitment, especially of army officers, can create an “ideological cast” in the military and serve as another source of political cleavage. The implication is drawn that “institution building” is required in order to insure civilian control and to articulate the military with the larger society.
The adolescent child with short bowel syndrome: new onset of failure to thrive and need for increased nutritional supplementation.

Abstract Background Proper nutrition for children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) is challenging. An underappreciated SBS cohort is the group of adolescents in which nutritional demand is markedly increased. We identified several children that previously had weaned off parenteral nutrition but needed re-initiation of parenteral nutrition or increased enteral nutritional supplementation (NS) during adolescence. This study aims to identify characteristics of adolescent SBS patients to better understand their nutritional status. Methods A single institution, retrospective review of SBS patients over 10 years was done. Patients were analyzed for NS need, remaining bowel length, height, weight, and essential nutrient levels. Results Sixteen adolescent SBS patients were identified for analysis. Of these, ten did not require increased NS upon reaching adolescence (group A), and six required increased NS during adolescence (group B). Group B patients required a mean increase in NS of 29.6 kcal/kg per day. Group B patients had significantly shorter remaining bowel length. NS resulted in minimal height increase, but more substantial gains in weight and pubertal development. Conclusions Adolescents with SBS may require NS beyond what can be provided enterally. These patients are at risk for nutritional deficiencies, and an aggressive approach to monitoring and supplementing these deficiencies is warranted, especially during this critical period of growth.
Phenytoin Is an Estrogen Receptor α-Selective Modulator That Interacts With Helix 12:

Rationale: Phenytoin (Dilantin® DPH) is used to treat epilepsy but causes estrogen agonist–antagonist-like side effects. We investigated the interaction of phenytoin with estrogen receptors (ERs) α and β by computational molecular docking, ER competition binding, transcriptional assays, and biological actions, comparing outcomes with estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and tamoxifen (TMX). Experimental: (1) The DPH docking to 3-dimensional crystal structures of the ERα ligand-binding domain (LBD) showed a high degree of structural complementarity (−57.15 calculated energy units, approximating kcal/mol) with the ligand-binding pocket, including a contact at leucine (L540) in helix 12. Estrogen receptor β showed slightly less favorable interactions (−54.27 kcal/mol), without contacting L450. Estradiol, E1, and TMX contact points with ERα and ERβ do not include L450. (2) Cellular actions: Incubation of cells transfected with ERα or ERβ and a luciferase promoter phenytoin was several orders weaker than E2 as an agonist through ERα and had no effect through ERβ. However, phenytoin at clinical concentrations (10−11 to 10−6 mol/L) powerfully antagonized action of E2 on ERα-expressing cells. Similarly, phenytoin at clinically effective concentrations marginally induced alkaline phosphatase by ERα- and ERβ-expressing endometrial cancer cells but at doses well below clinical effectiveness blocked E2-induced alkaline phosphatase. (3) ER competition: In Scatchard plots comparing phenytoin with 17β-estradiol against endometrial cancer cell cytosol E2-alone more effectively displaced labeled E2 than phenytoin, but phenytoin was approximately equimolar effective to E2 in inhibiting E2’s displacement of the radiolabel, further confirming that phenytoin is a strong E2 antagonist. Conclusions: At clinically effective concentrations, phenytoin is a strong ERα cell antagonist but a many-fold weaker agonist. Although it interacts with ERβ LBD residues, phenytoin has no effects on ERβ-only expressing cells. Docking studies indicate phenytoin interacts with the ERα LBD at the hinge of helix 12 and could thereby interfere with the entry of other ER ligands or with the mobility of helix 12, either of which actions could explain phenytoin’s antagonism of ER-mediated E2 actions. Our results suggest an explanation for the broad profile of phenytoin’s actions and raise possibilities for the use of phenytoin or congeners in the clinical management of ERα-dependent conditions.
Comparative proteomics uncovers the signature of natural selection acting on the ejaculate proteomes of two cricket species isolated by postmating, prezygotic phenotypes

Two of the most well-supported patterns to have emerged over the past two decades of research in evolutionary biology are the occurrence of divergent natural selection acting on many male and female reproductive tract proteins and the importance of postmating, prezygotic phenotypes in reproductively isolating closely related species. Although these patterns appear to be common across a wide variety of taxa, the link between them remains poorly documented. Here, we utilize comparative proteomic techniques to determine whether or not there is evidence for natural selection acting on the ejaculate proteomes of two cricket species (Allonemobius fasciatus and A. socius) which are reproductively isolated primarily by postmating, prezygotic phenotypes. In addressing this question, we compare the degree of within-species polymorphism and between-species divergence between the ejaculate and thorax proteomes of these two species. We found that the ejaculate proteomes are both less polymorphic and more divergent than the thorax proteomes. Additionally, we assessed patterns of nucleotide variation for two species-specific ejaculate proteins and found evidence for both reduced levels of variation within species and positive selection driving divergence between species. In contrast, non-species-specific proteins exhibited higher levels of within-species nucleotide variation and no signatures of positive selection. Nucleotide and putative functional data for the two species-specific proteins, along with data for a third protein (ejaculate serine protease), suggest that all three of these genes are candidate speciation genes in need of further study. Overall, these patterns of proteome and nucleotide divergence provide support for the hypothesis that there is a causative link between selection-driven divergence of male ejaculate proteins and the evolution of postmating, prezygotic barriers to gene flow within Allonemobius.
Labeling of proteins with [35S]methionine and/or [35S]cysteine in the absence of cells.

Incubation of [35S]methionine and [35S]cysteine with bovine albumin, globulin, catalase, hemoglobin, or human globulin resulted in incorporation of the 35S label into each of these proteins. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation revealed that the percentage of label incorporated ranged from 1 to 15%. The 35S labeling was resistant to dissociation by reducing SDS-PAGE, prolonged dialysis against 4 M urea, heating, TCA precipitation, and dilution by gel filtration. The labeling effect was more efficient with [35S]cysteine than [35S]methionine. Incubation of 35S label with proteins differing in methionine and cysteine content revealed no requirement for sulfur-containing amino acids in the target protein. Protein carboxymethylation reduced but did not prevent 35S label incorporation. Amino acid analysis of labeled proteins revealed that the radioactive label was not consistently associated with an individual amino acid. Differences in the ability of various proteins to spontaneously label with these amino acids suggest caution in the interpretation of metabolic labeling experiments and the necessity for inclusion of additional controls. Alternatively, our experience indicates a potentially useful method for labeling proteins in the absence of cells.
Pathology raw data in nonclinical laboratory studies for the pharmaceutical industry: The pathologists' view

Post-mortem pathology data from nonclinical laboratory studies contain critical information for characterizing a new drug's safety and are pivotal for gaining an appreciation of potential hazards to humans. An understanding of the historical regulatory and scientific perspective on the nature of pathology data is valuable for assuring appropriate and useful audits of pathology material within nonclinical studies. This discussion reviews the specialty of pathology, the process of medical diagnosis, the definitions of ‘raw data’ as they pertain to histopathology data, and the rationale behind the consensus decisions made by industry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in interpreting good laboratory practice (GLP) regulations for this type of data. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microbial decontamination of fresh produce (strawberry) using washing solutions.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of natural antimicrobial washing solutions against microbial growths on fresh produce specifically strawberries. Selected washing solutions used for strawberry washing, and treatments were sterile water (control), white vinegar (VI), crude lemon juice extract (LE), VI+Origanum oil (VIO), LE+Origanum oil (LEO), and VI+LE+Origanum oil (VILEO). From the preliminary study of antimicrobial activity of washing solutions in aqueous model system tested at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min against S. Typhimurium, washing time was determined as 5 min to be used for this study. After the washing, strawberries were stored at 4 °C for 5 days. Results showed that all natural washing solutions exhibited inhibitory effect against total aerobic bacteria, yeast and mold. On day 5, compared to the control, all washing solutions significantly reduced S. Typhimurium by 2.7 Log CFU/g (P 0.05). Based on the results, it is indicated that the combination of vinegar with crude lemon juice extract and essential oil might be suitable as natural sanitizer for decontamination of fresh produce.
Peanut Protein Film as Affected by Drying Temperature and pH of Film Forming Solution

Films were made from peanut protein concentrate solution of pH 6.0, 7.5 or 9.0, and dried at 70, 80 or 90°C. Both total solubility and protein solubility of film decreased with increasing temperature but increased with increasing pH. Film color was darker and more yellow when pH increased. Tensile strength (TS) and elongation (E) increased but water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) decreased as temperature increased. At pH 9 and 90°C, film had the lowest WVP and OP, and the highest TS.
Validation of an angiographic method for estimating resting blood flow to distal tissue beds in the lower extremities.

PURPOSE The authors propose to validate an angiographic scoring system that estimates the resting blood flow in the lower extremities in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients with PVD underwent lower-extremity angiography. For each patient, three readers used the proposed scheme to estimate flow within 23 separate vessel segments from the infrarenal aorta to the pedal vessels. Each reviewer scored each angiogram twice. The scheme includes not only an assessment of stenoses and occlusions but also corrections for collaterals. Flow reductions to muscles in the thigh and calf were calculated by multiplying the estimated flows in the series of vessels that lead to these regions. The consistency of the scoring scheme was assessed by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients for intraand interobserver variability. The scoring scheme was also used to estimate the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and these estimates were compared to the known ABIs. RESULTS Overall, the scoring scheme demonstrated very good intraand interobserver agreement. Correlation coefficients were typically greater than 0.9. In general, the correlation coefficients for proximal vessels were higher than those for distal vessels. The scoring scheme also had minimal intraand interobserver variability for estimated flows to distal tissue beds. Agreement was better for a series of vessels than it was for individual segments. The estimated ABIs correlated well with the measured ABIs in all but two cases. These outliers include one case in which the measured ABI was >1 as a result of noncompressible vessels and the estimated ABI correctly reflected PVD. In the second case, the ABI was near normal because of a patent peroneal artery and our estimated ABI was abnormally low because our estimation method failed to factor in the peroneal artery. CONCLUSIONS The proposed angiography scoring system reproducibly estimated flow reductions to distal tissue beds. The authors plan to use this system as a research tool for evaluating new methods of assessing and treating PVD.
Measurement of SLAP2 and GISP δ17O and proposed VSMOW-SLAP normalization for δ17O and 17Oexcess

RATIONALE The absence of an agreed-upon δ(17)O value for the primary reference water SLAP leads to significant discrepancies in the reported values of δ(17)O and the parameter (17)O(excess). The accuracy of δ(17)O and (17)O(excess) values is significantly improved if the measurements are normalized using a two-point calibration, following the convention for δ(2)H and δ(18)O values. METHODS New measurements of the δ(17)O values of SLAP2 and GISP are presented and compared with published data. Water samples were fluorinated with CoF(3). Helium carried the O(2) product to a 5A (4.2 to 4.4 A) molecular sieve trap submerged in liquid nitrogen. The O(2) sample was introduced into a dual-inlet ThermoFinnigan MAT 253 isotope ratio mass spectrometer for measurement of m/z 32, 33, and 34. The δ(18)O and δ(17) values were calculated after 90 comparisons with an O(2) reference gas. RESULTS We propose that the accepted δ(17)O value of SLAP be defined in terms of δ(18) O = -55.5 ‰ and (17)O(excess) = 0, yielding a δ(17)O value of approximately -29.6986 ‰ [corrected]. Using this definition for SLAP and the recommended normalization procedure, the δ(17)O value of GISP is -13.16 ± 0.05 ‰ and the (17)O(excess) value of GISP is 22 ± 11 per meg. Correcting previous published values of GISP δ(17)O to both VSMOW and SLAP improves the inter-laboratory precision by about 10 per meg. CONCLUSIONS The data generated here and compiled from previous studies provide a substantial volume of evidence to evaluate the various normalization techniques currently used for triple oxygen isotope measurements. We recommend that reported δ(17) O and (17)O(excess) values be normalized to the VSMOW-SLAP scale, using a definition of SLAP such that its (17)O(excess) is exactly zero.