cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longer-Term Impact of the Flavored Tobacco Restriction in Two Massachusetts Communities: A Mixed-Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION In response to high rates of youth tobacco use, many states and localities are considering regulations on flavored tobacco products. The purpose of this study was to assess whether flavored tobacco restrictions (FTRs) in Massachusetts curb youth tobacco use over time and whether a dose-response effect of length of policy implementation on tobacco-related outcomes exists. AIMS AND METHODS Using a quasiexperimental design, two municipalities with a FTR (adopting municipalities) were matched to a comparison municipality without a FTR. Surveys were administered before (December 2015) and after (January and February 2018) policy implementation to high school students in these municipalities (more than 2000 surveys completed at both timepoints). At follow-up, adopting municipalities had a policy in place for 1 and 2 years, respectively. In 2019, focus groups were conducted with high school students in each municipality. RESULTS Increases seen in current tobacco use from baseline to follow-up were significantly smaller in adopting municipalities compared to the comparison (-9.4% [-14.2%, -4.6%] and -6.3% [-10.8%, -1.8%], respectively). However, policy impact was greater in one adopting municipality despite shorter length of implementation. Focus groups indicated reasons for differential impact, including proximity to localities without FTRs. CONCLUSIONS Restrictions implemented in adopting municipalities had positive impacts on youth tobacco awareness and use 1-2 years postimplementation. Policy impact varies depending on remaining points of access to flavored tobacco, as such policy effectiveness may increase as more localities restrict these products. IMPLICATIONS In response to high rates of youth flavored tobacco use (including flavored vape products), federal, state, and localities have passed FTRs that reduce availability of flavored tobacco in youth-accessible stores. Previous research has found that FTRs may curb youth tobacco use in the short-term; however, the long-term effectiveness remains unknown.This is the first study to show FTRs can curb youth tobacco use and reduce youth awareness of tobacco prices and brands even 2 years after policy passage. Municipality-specific factors, including proximity to localities without FTRs, may attenuate policy impact, highlighting the importance of widespread policy adoption.
Black Paris: Touristic simulations

Abstract From the 1920s onward, Paris was seen by the black American elite as the locus of artistic freedom and expansion. Black American Paris contains a collection of touristic sights and experiences that are grafted onto the rest of American expatriate Paris. In contrast, Afro-Antillian Paris is a zone of migration with attractions accessible to domestic tourists who already know the city well. The transformation of the locales of everyday life into touristic sights connected with the identity of a particular foreign ethnic population is part of the process of postmodern simulation in tourism. This essay addresses the process of simulation in relationship to the imagery of black Paris.
Predictive findings of allergic disease in fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy.

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine whether findings on fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy beyond the nasal cavity can aid in diagnosis of atopy. Study Design Case control analysis of patients undergoing fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy and allergy testing at a single academic institution. Methods Patients who underwent flexible nasolaryngoscopy for either laryngeal or nasal symptoms and allergy testing by in vitro methods were divided into an atopic group and a nonatopic control group based on results of allergy testing. Three board-certified otolaryngologists who were blinded to the atopic status and symptoms viewed 88 patient videos and filled out an 8-item endoscopic rating questionnaire for each. Correlation between rater scores, endoscopic findings, and atopic status was calculated using Randolph's multirater kappa values and Mann-Whitney test. Results Intrarater reliability was moderate to perfect for all physicians on all questions (kappa 0.545–1.0). Inter-rater reliability was slight to fair (kappa 0.143–0.399) for all questions and the overall impression of atopic disease. Abnormalities of the torus tubarius (P = .007) and increased nasopharyngeal secretions (P = .038) were predictive of atopic disease, whereas the presence of an adenoid (P = .08) and impression of atopic disease (P = .15) approached significance. All other endoscopic measures were not predictive of atopic status. Conclusions Fiberoptic nasolaryngeal findings within the nasopharynx rather than the larynx are predictive of a positive atopic status. Level of Evidence 3b. Laryngoscope, 125:286–290, 2015
Further Characterization of Apolipoproteins from the Human Plasma Very Low Density Lipoproteins

Abstract Valine apolipoprotein, glutamic acid apolipoprotein, and alanine apolipoprotein (apoLP-Ala) (designated by their COOH-terminal amino acids) are three small apolipoproteins which constitute more than half of the protein in human plasma very low density lipoprotein. These proteins were isolated free of lipid by techniques previously described. As determined by sedimentation equilibrium analysis and estimated from amino acid analyses, the approximate molecular weights of the apolipoproteins were: valine apolipoprotein, 7,000; glutamic acid apolipoprotein, 10,000; and apoLP-Ala, 10,000. Circular dichroism and optical rotatory dispersion spectra for valine apolipoprotein were consistent with a high content of α helix, while the spectra obtained with apoLP-Ala suggested its structure to be mainly of random coil. Previously reported polymorphism of apoLP-Ala was found to be attributed to differences in content of sialic acid.
GRG President’s Report

It is the time of year where we would like to take the opportunity to update the readership of Digestive Diseases and Sciences on the past year’s Gastroenterology Research Group (GRG) activities. First off, we want to thank all of the members and speakers for their participations in the 2015 GRG Spring Symposium held during Digestive Disease Week on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, USA. The symposium was entitled ‘‘Chips Ahoy’’ and was chaired by Drs. John P. Lynch and Barbara H. Jung. Three excellent lectures were presented:
Induction of cold shock proteins in Bacillus subtilis

The cold shock response in the Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis is described. Cells were exposed to sudden decreases in temperature from their optimal growth temperature of 37°C. The B. subtilis cells were cold shocked at 25°C, 20°C, 15°C, and 10°C. A total of 53 polypeptides were induced at the various cold shock temperatures and were revealed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. General stress proteins were identified by a comparative analysis with the heat shock response of B. subtilis. Some unique, prominent cold shock proteins such as the 115 kDa, 97 kDa, and 21 kDa polypeptides were microsequenced. Sequence comparison demonstrated that the 115-kDa protein had homology to the TCA cycle enzyme, aconitase.
a New Challenge for Western Water Supplies

: In many of the limited water resource areas of the western United States most water supplies have been put to beneficial uses. Energy, a fast expanding high-priority water use, is making challenging demands for these limited supplies. Can water supplies be stretched, supplemented, or redirected so that present uses can be maintained and energy water needs satisfied? The Bureau of Reclamation is investigating innovative methods of water management, reregulation, and use to meet these demands. Related programs under study include potentials for: development of additional hydroelectric power, installation of low-head turbines in western water courses, utilization of pumped storage and underground storage, use of geo-thermal heat, extension of water supplies through more efficient irrigation systems and practices, and weather modification.
Nonuniform image motion estimation from noisy data

Image motion estimation is viewed as a problem in nonlinear demodulation. The motion D(x) modulates the intensity of the previous frame s(x) to result in the intensity of the present frame s(x-D(x)). An iterative algorithm based on the generalized maximum likelihood criterion is developed and implemented to demodulate D(x). An advantage of this scheme is the incorporation of the covariance function matrix, which is specifically useful in the stationary case to determine the integration region alpha /sub x/. Simulation demonstrated the ability of the algorithm to deal with cases such as Markov-2 motion. >
A Perspective on the Molecular Evolution of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia from Chronic Phase to Blast Transformation

Abstract Chronic myeloid leukemia is typically diagnosed in the Initials chronic phase and then spontaneously evolves after some years into an advanced phase, which can sometimes be subdivided into an earlier accelerated phase and a later blast transformation. It is remarkable that though much is now known about the molecular events that initiate the disease, the precise molecular basis of disease progression remains an enigma. It is generally assumed that one or more, probably a sequence of additional genetic events, occurs in the Bcr-Abl–positive clone. When the critical combination of additional events is achieved, clinically recognizable transformation occurs. In this article, we review the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of chronic myeloid leukemia from a chronic phase to blastic transformation.
Conditioned diastolic blood pressure

Four groups of normotensive subjects were used in an experiment designed to: (a) replicate earlier data, (b) determine whether heart rate and respiration rate changes accompanied the development of acquired bi-directional diastolic blood pressure responses, and (c) investigate whether males and females acquired diastolic blood pressure responses at differential rates. Observations were carried out over one baseline and eight consecutive one-hour training sessions. Analyses of the blood pressure scores revealed subjects were able to acquire a bi-directional response, thereby confirming earlier reports. From subsequent analysis of the heart rate and respiration rate scores and from intercorrelations between diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate, no consistent relationships or patterns emerged. Comparisons of male and female blood pressure performance failed to yield evidence of reliable sex differences.
NITRATE AND PHOSPHATE UPTAKE INTERACTIONS IN A MARINE PRYMNESIOPHYTE1

The short- and long-term uptake of nitrate and phosphate ions, and their interactions, were studied as functions of the preconditioning of Pavlova lutheri (Droop) Green. Populations were preconditioned in continuous culture at a variety of growth rates and N:P supply ratios. The maximum uptake rates cell−1 for nitrate and phosphate were of similar magnitudes, in spite of the forty-fold smaller requirement for phosphorus. Short-term phosphate uptake was independent of the nitrate concentration, but the short-term nitrate uptake rate was reduced in the presence of phosphate. The severity of inhibition of nitrate uptake by phosphate was positively correlated with the preconditioning N:P supply ratio and the preconditioning growth rate. In response to large additions of nutrients, P. lutheri was able to increase its phosphorus content sixty-fold, but was only able to take up enough nitrate to double its nitrogen content. The high rate of phosphate uptake relative to its requirement, the inhibition of nitrate uptake by phosphate, and the large capacity for phosphorus storage relative to its requirement, all of which were observed even under N limitation, may imply that even where nitrogen is limiting there can be interspecific competition for available phosphate.
An application of the dowel and composite resin core technique

Abstract A technique has been described whereby a stainless steel dowel/composite resin core was fabricated for an endodontically treated abutment tooth having an existing uncemented crown. Previous reports have presented alternate methods, but they require cast gold cores and two appointments. 22,23 The procedure has been used in numerous clinical situations by the author and has been found to be accurate, economical, expeditious, and clinically successful.
Short-term toxicity (one- and ten-day gavage) of potassium dichromate in male and female rats

This study was undertaken to simulate human exposure conditions that might occur after an accident or spill situation resulting in relatively high levels of dichromate in drinking water. Objectives were to identify health effects that would be associated with such an extreme exposure and provide the USEPA with data that could be utilized to deal with such a situation
Attitudes toward the government helping blacks: The South versus the rest of the nation

Data on racial attitudes are studied, specifically on whether or not the government should help blacks. A survey was made of a national representative sample of 880 people who voted in the 1988 national elections. The results show the South to be different from the rest of the nation, with the South having both more people against government help of blacks but also more people favoring government help of blacks. The other regions tend to be neutral on the issue, but lean toward the no-help end of the scale. Thus, the South is unlike other regions, having a bipolar distribution on the issue of government help for blacks. This is true for both black and white Southerners. However, black Southerners were somewhat different from blacks outside the South.
The Plot and Subplots of Matthew's Gospel

Narrative criticism has called our attention to the fact that the Gospels have plots. Still, the actual work of describing the plots of our various Gospels has only just begun. This article intends to further that project with regard to the Gospel of Matthew. It will review and critique work that has been done so far and will then offer a more precise formulation than has been proposed previously.
THE AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF HYPERTENSIN II AND ITS BIOCHEMICAL RELATIONSHIP TO HYPERTENSIN I

Preparations of hypertensin II, obtained from the treatment of hypertensin I by the action of the hypertensin converting enzyme of plasma and purified by countercurrent distribution, were quantitatively analyzed for their amino acid content. Chromatography on ion exchange columns showed the presence of equimolar amounts of aspartic acid, proline, valine, isoleucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, histidine, and arginine. Hypertensin I was found to contain one mole of leucine and one mole of histidine in addition to the amino acids of hypertensin II. These two amino acids were isolated from the conversion products of hypertensin I and identified as the peptide histidylleucine. Carboxypeptidase digestion of hypertensin I showed the carboxyl terminal sequence of amino acids to be residue-phenylalanyl-histidylleucine. Similar studies of hypertensin II demonstrated residue-phenylalanine. It was concluded that the conversion of hypertensin I by the plasma hypertensin converting enzyme involved hydrolysis of the phenylalanyl-histidine bond to form hypertensin II and histidylleucine. The further removal by carboxypeptidase of phenylalanine from hypertensin II destroyed all of the vasoconstrictor activity.
Aggregation Behavior of Surfactants in Polymer Gel Networks

Aggregation behavior of anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate and a nonionic surfactant, polyoxyethylene (p = 10) nonylphenyl ether, in the inside and outside of polymer hydrogels has been studied through solubilization techniques of an oil-soluble dye, measurements of surfactant concentration in the aqueous phase of the gel interior, and binding isotherms of the surfactants onto polymer chains of the gel. The surfactant aggregation is strongly affected by the presence of polymer gel networks. Interestingly, it is found that the nonionic surfactant cannot form micelles inside the gel at concentrations greater than even the critical micelle concentration in the outer bulk solution. The anionic surfactant molecules adsorb onto the polymer chains of a relatively hydrophobic N-isopropylacrylamide gel but not onto the hydrophilic acrylamide (AAm) gel. In the AAm gel, the anionic surfactant forms micelles in the aqueous solution phase inside the gel, avoiding the exclusive space of the polymer chains.
Acoustic coupler effects on speech audiometric scores using a CROS hearing aid.

A CROS hearing aid was utilized with four different acoustic couplers to obtain spondee thresholds and speech discrimination scores from three groups of hearing-impaired subjects. Couplers employed...
An Animal Source for the ROB-1 β-Lactamase of Haemophilus influenzae Type b

Abstract The most common cause of ampicillin resistance in Haemophilus influenzae type b is production of TEM-1 beta-lactamase; however, a novel enzyme with a similar substrate profile but a quite different isoelectric point has also been described. This beta-lactamase, designated ROB-1, has not been found previously in any other organism. In a survey of 46 ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae type b isolates, we found a second human isolate that produces ROB-1 and discovered that ampicillin-resistant isolates of the porcine pathogen Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae also produced ROB-1. In both Haemophilus species ROB-1 production was determined by plasmids that had considerable DNA sequence homology. However, the ROB-1 and TEM-1 beta-lactamase genes were not related. Our findings suggest that this form of ampicillin resistance has an animal reservoir and that conditions fostering its prevalence in animal strains may play a role in the spread of resistance to human pathogens.
Appraisal and coping deficits associated with eating disorders: Implications for treatment

This paper focuses on appraisal and coping deficits associated with clinical eating disorders. Following a brief review of the clinical eating disorder syndromes, the coping process is discussed. Next, empirical studies investigating appraisal and coping deficits associated with eating disorders are reviewed. Last, the treatment of eating disorders is discussed, with a focus on coping skills components.
Effect of Tooth Load Distribution on Bull Gear Vibration

A spur pinion and bull gear set was redesigned to a helical version to reduce stress and wear on the gear teeth. The spur gears had experienced significant end loading resulting in wear on the forward side. It was proposed that the uneven load distribution could excite bull gear web modes that have pitching motion of the gear rim. Analysis was performed to determine if the helical version would excite similar modes. The effect of tooth load distribution on traveling wave vibration was quantified for both the spur and the helical versions of the bull gear. The Ohio State University load distribution program (LDP) provided loads across the tooth face at incremental roll angles through one complete tooth mesh cycle. The tooth loads were applied to three-dimensional finite element models of the spur and helical gears, and transient forced response analyses were performed. The tooth loads were moved tooth-to-tooth around the circumference of the gear to simulate the bull gear rotating through mesh. Resonance of a given mode occurred when the frequency of the tooth loading coincided with the frequency of either a backward or forward traveling wave. Uneven loading excited the web modes of the bull gear to different levels in the spur and helical designs due to the nature of the tooth loading compared to the mode shapes. The spur gear was predicted to have a significantly higher web stress than the helical gear for the same amount of misalignment.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Pion Exchange Currents in Deuteron Photodisintegration. Dispersion Theory

A dispersion-theoretic treatment of the amplitudes describing photomagnetic disintegration of the deuteron at energies very near threshold has been developed. The effects of meson exchange currents in the photodisintegration or equivalent $n\ensuremath{-}p$ capture process are calculated. At threshold the photomagnetic transition is dominant. This transition is essentially the isovector $^{3}S_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{1}S_{0}$ transition. A fixed-angle dispersion relation for the dipole amplitude describing this transition can be written in terms of the related covariant amplitudes. Solutions to the dispersion relation are found using several different approximations. First, one may neglect all high-order effects which serve to define the unphysical cut, and consider only the contribution from the Born poles. Next, one may condense all the higher-order effects into a single interaction pole. The single experimental cross section value for thermal neutrons may be used to relate the position and residue of this pole in a single functional relationship by recalculating the solution to the dispersion relation with this pole included. Finally one may treat the contribution of the pion exchange currents using the Mandelstam representation, and recalculate the dispersion relations once again. This latter treatment is based upon the approximation that only the anomalous tip of the spectral function is effective in providing modifications in the physical region close to threshold. It is shown that the pion exchange terms are the dominant contributors to the spectral function in the anomalous region. The solution obtained in this approximation yields a cross section which is in agreement with the experimental value.
Scaling variables and interpretation of eigenvalues in principal component analysis of geologic data

The dominant feature distinguishing one method of principal components analysis from another is the manner in which the original data are transformed prior to the other computations. The only other distinguishing feature of any importance is whether the eigenvectors of the inner product-moment of the transformed data matrix are taken directly as the Q-mode scores or scaled by the square roots of their associated eigenvalues and called the R-mode loadings. If the eigenvectors are extracted from the product-moment correlation matrix, the variables, in effect, were transformed by column standardization (zero means and unit variances), and the sum of the p-largest eigenvalues divided by the sum of all the eigenvalues indicates the degree to which a model containing pcomponents will account for the total variance in the original data. However, if the data were transformed in any manner other than column standardization, the eigenvalues cannot be used in this manner, but can only be used to determine the degree to which the model will account for the transformed data. Regardless of the type of principal components analysis that is performed—even whether it is Ror Q-mode—the goodness-of-fit of the model to the original data is given better by the eigenvalues of the correlation matrix than by those of the matrix that was actually factored.
Engaging expectant parents to receive Tdap vaccination.

Objective To assess the acceptability of a Tdap vaccination program for partners of pregnant women. Study Design Pregnant women and their partners were enrolled in a prospective acceptability study. For partners absent during the initial encounter, an introductory letter inviting the partner to participate was sent home. Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) was offered to vaccine-eligible partners while vaccine-eligible pregnant women were offered Tdap immediately postpartum, as per national recommendations at the time the study was conducted. Tdap acceptance was defined as vaccination during study participation. Results A total of 69 pregnant women and 63 partners were enrolled. Excluding the 19 partners reporting prior receipt, 61.4% of partners (27/44) accepted Tdap during the study. Those who enrolled following the introductory letter were more likely to accept Tdap than those enrolled at the initial encounter (84 vs. 44%, p = 0.005). Excluding the 29 pregnant women reporting prior receipt, 65% (26/40) received Tdap postpartum. Demographic factors and vaccine beliefs were not associated with Tdap acceptance. Conclusion Tdap vaccination for partners of pregnant women during prenatal care is acceptable. Large-scale implementation would require substantial interest and willingness of obstetrician-gynecologists to administer Tdap not only to pregnant women but also to their partners. Such a program would provide improved “cocooning” of vulnerable infants against pertussis.
Judges as moral reasoners

Debates about judicial authority ― including debates about the desirability of judicial review of legislation — sometimes turn on the question of whether judges have superior skills when it comes to addressing what are, essentially, moral issues about rights. This paper considers the possibility that the answer may be “ no, ” not because judges are inept morally, but because the institutional setting in which they act and the role that they adopt both require them to address questions about rights in a particular legalistic way — indeed, in a way that, sometimes, makes it harder rather than easier for essential moral questions to be identifi ed and addressed. Of course, what we want is for moral issues to be addressed, not as one would make a personal moral decision, but in the name of the whole society. Perhaps the judicial mode of addressing them satisfi es that description, but there are other ways of satisfying it too — including legislative approaches, which proceed by identifying all the issues and all the opinions that might be relevant to a decision, rather than artifi cially limiting them in the way that courts do.
Structural variation in the phase Al65Cu20Co15 during the transition from the crystalline to the quasicrystalline state

Abstract The transition from the crystalline to quasicrystalline phase in the Al65Cu20Co15 alloy was observed and interpreted based on a structure defect model. The structures of the approximants are basically periodic but highly microtwinned. The transition to the quasicrystalline state upon annealing is a result of the increased appearance of microtwinned regions in the structures, driven by an inherent strain present in their structures. The ideas of twinning and tiling, formerly two entirely different schools of thought on the structure of the quasicrystals, appear to be closely related in the proposed structural description of this transition.
The Boston Middle School-Corner Store Initiative: Development, Implementation, and Initial Evaluation of a Program Designed to Improve Adolescents' Beverage-Purchasing Behaviors.

The Boston Middle School Corner Store Initiative (CSI) brought together schools, businesses, and community partners to develop, implement, and evaluate a multicomponent pilot program designed to promote healthier beverage purchasing at corner stores among 3,500 middle school students living in Boston, Massachusetts. Healthy drinks were defined for the purpose of this initiative as plain water, low-fat and fat-free milk, and 100% fruit juice. To accomplish the goals of the CSI, partnerships between middle schools and nearby corner stores in support of healthy beverage choices were formed; a social marketing plan aimed at middle school students was developed; local corner stores and schools engaged in the social marketing plan; school-based educational and motivational components were implemented; and parents were provided with information about the campaign. The purpose of this article is to describe the: (1) design and implementation of the CSI with a focus on developing relationships across the varied partners (i.e., school, business, and community/researchers); (2) initial process and outcome evaluation data of this pilot study; and (3) lessons learned and directions for future replication and program development. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Voting for myself: Candidate and voter group associations over time

Abstract There is little systematic research examining the potential propensity of voters to vote for candidates who are similar to themselves despite early evidence in The American Voter [Campbell, A., Converse, P., Miller, W.E., Stokes, D.E., 1960. The American Voter. John Wiley and Sons, New York.] and in other studies that social and demographic groupings can be determinative in voting. This paper begins to fill that gap by analyzing multiple similarities (group associations) over time. Using the 1958 and 2004 ANES surveys, I examine group similarities between voters and candidates, targeting groups existing research has found to be politically relevant in order to see what effect such similarities have on the vote. The 1958 analysis includes farmers, working class voters, business people, women and Catholics. The 2004 analysis includes all of the same groups, save farmers. In addition to analyzing how these group similarity cues affect voting in each year's congressional elections, I also compare the two years to discover any similarities or differences in the use of group identity cues over time.
Polymer-supported copolymerization of poly(phenylene vinylene)

A series of phenyl ring di-substituted α,α′-dichloro-p-xylene monomers were copolymerized in situ onto a cross-linked chloromethylated polystyrene resin. A phase-transfer catalyst was employed to facilitate this multiphase heterogeneous polymerization. The electrical as well as the thermogravimetric properties of the conducting grafted resins are reported.
Treatment of Anxiety about College Tests with Negative Practice and Systematic Desensitization: Some Negative Findings

72 test-anxious subjects were assigned to three treatment groups and two control groups for 6 weekly sessions. Treatment conditions were negative practice with and without homework instructions and systematic desensitization. The two control conditions involved a psychoanalytically oriented attention-placebo group and a waiting-list, no-treatment group. There were no differences in grade point average between groups following treatment. Only the group given systematic desensitization showed improvement in self-reported test anxiety. These negative results are discussed in comparison to earlier findings. The need for measures of behavioral outcome is emphasized.
Detection of underwater signals in reverberation limited noise: A specific example on the effects of non-zero velocity gradients

An example is given to demonstrate the utility and importance of a generalized theory of acoustic signal detection in reverberation-limited noise. The theory treats the significant influences of geometry and physics on the structure and performance of Bayes detectors.
A comparison of hypoxia-inducible factor-α in surgically excised neovascular membranes of patients with diabetes compared with idiopathic epiretinal membranes in nondiabetic patients.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to first determine whether hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1 α) was detectable in diabetic preretinal membranes and to compare the presence of HIF-1α in fibrovascular proliferative diabetic retinopathy membranes with nondiabetic, idiopathic, epiretinal membranes.
Vortex formation on Josephson junction lattices

Abstract Using relaxation techniques, the authors have simulated the flow of current vortices caused by a magnetic field applied perpendicular to a two dimensional lattice whose sites are connected by Josephson junctions. The inception of vortex flow coincides in each case with a reduction in the energy of the lattice. Different boundary conditions give rise to a different initial number of vortices, but energies per junction remain approximately the same regardless of the boundary conditions. In each case, the threshold magnetic field decreases inversely with the number of junctions in the lattice. A square “honeycomb” lattice, i.e. with each Josephson junction connected to nearest three instead of four neighbors, displays the similar behavior in an applied external magnetic field as an ordinary square lattice.
Serotonin involvement during in vitro conditioning ofhermissenda

Abstract To determine if serotonin may be involved in associative conditioningproduced changes in the excitability and photoresponses of Type B photoreceptors, isolated nervous systems were exposed to an in vitro conditioning procedure (16, 19, 27) in the presence or absence of drugs that alter normal serotonergic neurotransmission. Pairings of light and intracellular depolarization of a caudal hair cell (in vitro conditioning) produced a pairing-specific depolarization of Type B photoreceptors that was accompanied by an increase in resting input resistance. Treatment of nervous systems with pharmacological agents which disrupt 5-HT neurotransmission attenuated membrane potential and input resistance changes of Type B photoreceptors. These drugs included serotonin uptake inhibitors (imipramine, fluoxetine), a receptor antagonist (bufotenine), and a neurotoxin (5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, 5, 7-DHT). Yohimbine, an α 2 -receptor antagonist, was without effect. These results, and those in the accompanying papers (9,22), suggest that serotonin modulates Type B photoreceptor excitability during associative conditioning.
Walter Rodney: the historian as spokesman for historical forces

A History of the Upper Guinea Coast, 1545 to 1800. Oxford Studies in African Affairs. How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. London and Dar es Salaam A History of the Guyanese Working People, 7887-1905. Johns Hopkins
A rare case intractable diarrhea secondary to Clostridium difficile and cytomegalovirus coinfection

Patient: Male, 63 Final Diagnosis: Cytomegalo virus (CMV) infection Symptoms: Diarrhea Medication:— Clinical Procedure:— Specialty: Infectious Diseases Objective: Unusual clinical course
Academic skills: I got my own laboratory! And now what?

the new PI in the same field was not an obligatory part of the deal, but both parties, mentor and mentee, felt very happy to share almost 40 years of overlapping work that by synergy would expand our understanding of the field. Therefore, although there are other highly justified and valuable choices besides being an independent investigator, the choice of becoming a PI is no doubt an important guardian of the torch of knowledge and the search of scientific truth. Just as becoming a parent does not include a detailed manual on how to raise a child, becoming an independent investigator is an interesting and similar ‘awakening’ experience for most of us. So, after many years of ‘doing the right thing’, you finally now have your own laboratory ! What do you do? In the following, there are the first two short tips that may help to get things running more smoothly. The first one deals with conflict resolution and the second focuses on time management.
Mechanistic Modeling of Monocarboxylate Transporter-Mediated Toxicokinetic/Toxicodynamic Interactions Between γ-Hydroxybutyrate and l-Lactate

Overdose of γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) can result in severe respiratory depression. Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) inhibitors, including l-lactate, increase GHB clearance and represent a potential treatment for GHB intoxication. GHB can also affect l-lactate clearance, and l-lactate has been reported to affect respiration. In this research, we characterize these toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic interactions between GHB and l-lactate using mechanistic modeling. Plasma, urine, and respiration data were taken from our previous study in which GHB and sodium l-lactate were administered alone and concomitantly in rats. A model incorporating active renal reabsorption for both agents fit GHB and l-lactate toxicokinetic data. The Km for renal reabsorption of GHB (650 μg/mL) was close to its Km for the proton-dependent MCT1 and that for l-lactate (13.5 μg/mL) close to its Km for the sodium-dependent SMCT1. Inhibition of reabsorption by both agents was necessary to model concomitant drug administration. The metabolic Km for l-lactate closely resembled that for MCT-mediated hepatic uptake in vitro, and GHB inhibited this process. l-lactate significantly inhibited respiration at a high dose, and an indirect response model was used to fit these data. GHB toxicodynamics was modeled as a direct effect delayed by nonlinear transport into the brain extracellular fluid, with a Km value of 1,865 μg/mL for brain uptake which is similar to the in vitro Km value determined in rat brain endothelial cells. This model was useful for characterizing multiple MCT-mediated interactions. Incorporation of many parameters that can be determined in vitro may allow for clinical translation of these interactions.
Fracture toughness of partially-sintered brittle materials

Many materials are produced by the sintering of powder compacts and these may be utilized in technological applications, while still containing significant porosity. In order to understand the strength behaviour of such partially-sintered materials, the fracture toughness, /(ic, needs to be related to the microstructure. Maiti et al. [1] developed two theoretical expressions for the fracture toughness of cellular ceramics. The first model was derived from a simple energy balance approach whereas the second was based on a linear elastic fracture mechanics argument. For cellular ceramics, the second approach was found to be more successful in describing experimental data [2], and the aim of this letter is to modify this expression for an array of sintered particles. It is assumed the particles fail by a crack passing through the sintered interparticle contacts (necks). For partially-sintered glasses, this has been observed, although at larger degrees of densification, transparticle fracture was found to occur [3]. Consider the tensile stress involved in the fracture of an individual neck ahead of a crack in a partially-sintered compact. Maiti et al. [l] assumed that the forces acting near a crack tip are the same as those in a linear elastic isotropic continuum, but with the force, F, discretely acting on the unbroken material ahead of the crack (necks in this case), i.e.:
Gas Chromatographic Assessment of the Volatile Components of Lipids from Turkey Franks

Abstract Experiments were conducted to measure the effects of sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate on lipid oxidation in turkey franks. Franks were prepared with the addition of 0, 50, 100, 125, or 156 ppm nitrite and 0 or 550 ppm erythorbate. Gas chromatography was used to estimate volatile components of lipid extracts from the franks. The data confirm that the curing process imposes control on lipid oxidation in franks; both nitrite and erythorbate significantly decrease the formation of volatile compounds from lipids.
Cytogenetic findings in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Chromosome studies were performed on the bone marrow cells of 42 children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). All the children were subsequently treated with the same protocol. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 25 patients, i.e., in 59.5% of the cases. Hyperdiploidy was observed in 21.4% hypodiploidy in 14.3%, and pseudodiploidy in 23.8% of the children. The most frequent structural aberrations were translocations, which were found in half of the patients with abnormal karyotypes. Chromosomes #5, #6, #7, #9, #14, #17, and #21 were involved in different types of changes most frequently. Because these findings correspond with observations published by others, they can be regarded as evidence of nonrandom involvement of these chromosomes in rearrangements in ALL. Special attention should be also paid to the deletion of 6q, which seems to be relatively common in ALL. In 12 cases, clonal evolution of karyotypic changes was observed.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Structurally Highly Modified Analogues of the Antimitotic Natural Product Curacin A.

Structure-activity relationship analysis of synthetic analogues of curacin A revealed the lack of activity of traditional heterocyclic replacements of the thiazoline ring or cyclopropyl analogues of the core diene segment. The significance of the C(3)-C(4)-(Z)-alkene geometry was established, and a novel oxime analogue was designed that displays biological properties that are a close match of the natural product lead. The much less lipophilic, structurally simplified oxime 50 was only slightly weaker at inhibiting the growth of cultured human tumor cells than the natural product and was found to be more potent than curacin A at inhibiting the assembly of purified tubulin. Accordingly, the oxime moiety is likely to serve as a novel bioisostere of the (Z)-alkene group.
Iron deficiency enhances cholesterol gallstone formation.

Abstract Background. Cholesterol gallstones occur most commonly in multiparous women, but the causes for this phenomenon remain unclear. This same patient population is prone to chronic iron deficiency anemia. In addition, iron is known to play an important role in hepatic enzyme metabolism. Therefore, we tested the hypotheses that iron deficiency would alter hepatic cholesterol metabolism and enhance gallstone formation. Methods. Forty adult prairie dogs were fed either a control iron-supplemented (200 ppm), an iron-deficient (8ppm), a 0.4% cholesterol iron-supplemented (200 ppm), or a 0.4% cholesterol iron-deficient (8 ppm) diet. After 8 weeks gallbladder bile, serum, and liver were harvested. Gallbladder bile was examined for cholesterol crystals and gallstones. Bile lipids and hepatic enzymes were measured, and a cholesterol saturation index (CSI) was calculated. Results. Animals receiving the iron-deficient diet were more likely to have cholesterol crystals in their bile than were animals on the control diet (80% vs. 20%; p Conclusions. These data suggest that an iron-deficient diet (1) alters hepatic enzyme metabolism, which, in turn, (2) increases gallbladder bile cholesterol and promotes cholesterol crystal formation. We conclude that iron deficiency plays a previously unrecognized role in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstone formation in women.
Mending the Bones with Natural Products

In this issue, Qiu and colleagues [1] demonstrate in vitro and in vivo activity of a triterpene glycoside from black cohosh. The isolated compound acts as a suppressor of osteoclastogenesis, targeting specifically RANKL, a member of the TNF superfamily.
1139 Effect of preoperative radiotherapy on clinical-to-pathologic downstaging in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Downstaging (DS) after preoperative radiotherapy is well-established; however, the prognosis of such patients relative to those who exhibit DS in the absence of any radiotherapy has not been described. The relationship between DS and local control for 301 patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy and cystectomy (PREOP) from 1960–1983, was compared to that for 225 patients treated with radical cystectomy alone (CYST) from 1984–1990. PREOP patients received 50 Gy in 25 fractions 4–6 weeks prior to cystectomy. DS was found in 73% treated with PREOP and 29% treated with CYST (p p p = 0.01) and 91% vs 83% for CYST ( p = 0.13). Local control for clinical Stage T2 and T3a patients was not related to the treatment, regardless of whether DS was documented. In contrast, downstaged T3b patients treated with PREOP had significantly greater local control rates than those receiving CYST. These data indicate that preoperative radiotherapy for clinical Stage T3b patients had a significant impact on local control beyond selection based on downstaging.
The Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer for the MESSENGER Mission

The Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer (MASCS) is one of seven science instruments onboard the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft en route to the planet Mercury. MASCS consists of a small Cassegrain telescope with 257-mm effective focal length and a 50-mm aperture that simultaneously feeds an UltraViolet and Visible Spectrometer (UVVS) and a Visible and InfraRed Spectrograph (VIRS). UVVS is a 125-mm focal length, scanning grating, Ebert-Fastie monochromator equipped with three photomultiplier tube detectors that cover far ultraviolet (115-180 nm), middle ultraviolet (160-320 nm), and visible (250-600 nm) wavelengths with an average 0.6-nm spectral resolution. It will measure altitude profiles of known species in order to determine the composition and structure of Mercury’s exosphere and its variability and will search for previously undetected exospheric species. VIRS is a 210-mm focal length, fixed concave grating spectrograph equipped with a beam splitter that simultaneously disperses the spectrum onto a 512-element silicon visible photodiode array (300-1050 nm) and a 256-element indium-gallium-arsenide infrared photodiode array 850-1,450 nm. It will obtain maps of surface reflectance spectra with a 5-nm resolution in the 300-1,450 nm wavelength range that will be used to investigate mineralogical composition on spatial scales of 5 km. UVVS will also observe the surface in the far and middle ultraviolet at a 10-km or smaller spatial scale. This paper summarizes the science rationale and measurement objectives for MASCS, discusses its detailed design and its calibration requirements, and briefly outlines observation strategies for its use during MESSENGER orbital operations around Mercury.
Direct effects of calcium channel blockers on duodenal calcium transport in vivo.

Abstract The direct effects of verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine on duodenal calcium transport were assessed in rats by the in vivo ligated loop technique, using luminal calcium concentrations at which active and passive transport mechanisms predominate (2 and 50 mM Ca, respectively). At 2 mM Ca, addition of verapamil (0.3–10 mM) to the luminal solution caused a concentration-dependent decrease in calcium lumen-to-plasma uptake and an increase in calcium plasma-to-lumen translocation, such that at 10 mM verapamil there was a net secretion of calcium into the duodenal lumen. In contrast, nifedipine (0.3–3 mM) was without effect on calcium transport, and diltiazem reduced calcium lumen-to-plasma uptake and net calcium absorption only at 10 mM, without influencing plasma-to-lumen translocation. The verapamil-induced increase in calcium plasma-to-lumen translocation was abolished by bile duct ligation. Calcium transport was unaffected by any calcium channel blocker at 50 mM luminal calcium. Thus, verapamil can directly influence active calcium translocation in the intestine, in vivo, and may affect calcium homeostasis during chronic oral treatment with this drug.
Developmental and pathological angiogenesis in the central nervous system

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, in the central nervous system (CNS) is seen both as a normal physiological response as well as a pathological step in disease progression. Formation of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an essential step in physiological CNS angiogenesis. The BBB is regulated by a neurovascular unit (NVU) consisting of endothelial and perivascular cells as well as vascular astrocytes. The NVU plays a critical role in preventing entry of neurotoxic substances and regulation of blood flow in the CNS. In recent years, research on numerous acquired and hereditary disorders of the CNS has increasingly emphasized the role of angiogenesis in disease pathophysiology. Here, we discuss molecular mechanisms of CNS angiogenesis during embryogenesis as well as various pathological states including brain tumor formation, ischemic stroke, arteriovenous malformations, and neurodegenerative diseases.