cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Depressive Symptoms and Walking in African-Americans.

Objective Although increased frequency of physical activity is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in African-Americans, most studies do not focus on a specific type of activity. Identifying the activity can provide helpful information for designing interventions that focus on depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine the odds of depressive symptoms in relation to walking in African-Americans. Design and Sample A secondary analysis was performed on the National Survey of American Life. The sample was made up of community-dwelling African-American women (n = 1,903) and men (n = 1,075) who did not meet the DSM-IV-TR criteria for depression. Measures Walking was measured by self-reported frequency (i.e., never, rarely, sometimes, often). Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Logistic regression for complex samples was used to examine the odds of depressive symptoms in relation to walking. Results Women who reported often walking had lower odds for depressive symptoms than women who reported never walking (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.38–0.82). Walking frequency was not related to depressive symptoms in men. Conclusions Walking frequency is a modifiable risk factor for elevated depressive symptoms in African-American women.
Strong-arming immune regulation: suppressing regulatory T-cell function to treat cancers.

In recent years there has been an accelerated understanding of immune regulatory mechanisms. Much of this immune regulation is linked to a collection of specialized regulatory cells of the T-cell lineage (Tregs). This collection consists of Tregs that are either thymically derived or peripherally induced. Tregs are important for controlling potentially autoreactive immune effectors and immune responses to foreign organisms and molecules. Their importance in maintaining immune homeostasis and the overall health of an organism cannot be overstated. However, there is a dark side, and Tregs may also be involved in the pathogenesis of malignancies. Evidence shows that tumors induce or recruit Tregs to block antitumor effectors. Thus, there are efforts underway to identify approaches that specifically inhibit the function of intratumoral Tregs, which could lead to increased immunity to tumors without off-target immune-related pathologies (i.e., autoimmune disease). In this review, the biology of Tregs is discus...
Atherectomy for Infrainguinal Peripheral Artery Disease

Compared to conventional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent implantation for arterial occlusive diseases, atherectomy offers the theoretical advantages of eliminating stretch injury on arterial walls and reducing the, rate of restenosis. Historically, however, neither rotational nor directional atherectomy, whether used alone or with adjunctive PTA, has shown any significant long-term benefit over PTA alone in the coronary or peripheral arteries. However, the SilverHawk Plaque Excision System has produced positive results in single-center prospective registries of patients with femoropopliteal and infrainguinal lesions, with reduced adjunctive PTA, minimal adjunctive stenting, and competitive 6-month and 12-month patency rates. In the observational nonrandomized TALON (Treating Peripherals with SilverHawk: Outcomes Collection) registry, freedom from target lesion revascularization was 80% for 87 patients at 12 months. Questions remaining for further research with this device include more accurate determination of an event rate for distal embolization, the appropriate use of distal protection, the value of and appropriate circumstances for adjunctive angioplasty, and definitive patency and clinical outcomes. Other atherectomy devices are discussed.
Long-term results of canal wall reconstruction tympanomastoidectomy.

ObjectivesThis study was designed to evaluate the long-term results using the technique of canal wall reconstruction (CWR) tympanomastoidectomy with mastoid obliteration in the treatment of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma.Study DesignInstitutional review board–approved retrospective case rev
Rhodium Derivatives of Lacunary Heteropolytungstates Illustrate Metalloporphyrin Analogies. Reductive Dimerization to Rh2-Linked Keggin Moieties

The heteropolyanion [PW11O39RhCl]5- (1-Cl) was synthesized by hydrothermal reaction of [PW11O39]7- and RhCl3 at 150 °C for 20 h. The tetramethylammonium salt of 1-Cl was characterized by elemental analysis, 31P and 183W NMR, and solution molecular weight determination by ultracentrifugation (found 2744 ± 63, calcd 2816). The cyclic voltammogram of 1-Cl shows an irreversible reduction wave at −0.45 V vs Ag/AgCl, and controlled potential reduction at −0.5 V generates the dimeric metal−metal bonded species [(PW11O39Rh)2]10- (2). The composition and structure of 2 have been confirmed by elemental analysis of the cesium salt, analytical ultracentrifugation (ionic weight 5821 ± 186, calcd 5561), P and W NMR, and a limited structural analysis of the potassium salt, which revealed a Rh−Rh bond length of 2.52(2) A (K10[(PW11O39Rh)2]·xH2O, triclinic, P1; a = 12.703(6), b = 17.868(8), and c = 19.131(9) A; α = 96.56(2), β = 97.12(2), and γ = 91.318(33)°; Z = 2; V = 4278(3) A3). Aqueous solutions of 2 show an absorpt...
Predicting Thermophilic Spore Population Dynamics for UHT Sterilization Processes

A mathematical model of Bacillus stearothermophilus spore populations during lethal heating treats activation of dormant spores and inactivation mechanisms affecting dormant/activated spores. Rate constants of activation/inactivation processes were determined from isothermal survivor curves of experiments in 105, 110, 115, and 120°C and corresponding simulations with the model. Variations of rate constants with temperature were incorporated by Arrhenius equations responding to general temperature regimes. Tests demonstrated high correspondence between experimental survivor curves and those generated by simulations with the model for isothermal and dynamic, lethal heating. Tests also indicated Arrhenius rate constants at low lethal temperatures (105-120°C) and the model may apply to ultra high temperature. The new model was more effective than the traditional model in representing and predicting spore population dynamics during lethal heating.
Antiviral Drugs for Viruses Other Than Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Most viral diseases, with the exception of those caused by hu- man immunodeficiency virus, are self-limited illnesses that do not require specific antiviral therapy. The currently available antivi- ral drugs target 3 main groups of viruses: herpes, hepatitis, and influenza viruses. With the exception of the antisense molecule fomivirsen, all antiherpes drugs inhibit viral replication by serving as competitive substrates for viral DNA polymerase. Drugs for the treatment of influenza inhibit the ion channel M 2 protein or the en- zyme neuraminidase. Combination therapy with Interferon-α and ribavirin remains the backbone treatment for chronic hepatitis C; the addition of serine protease inhibitors improves the treatment outcome of patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1. Chronic hepatitis B can be treated with interferon or a combina- tion of nucleos(t)ide analogues. Notably, almost all the nucleos(t) ide analogues for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B possess an- ti-human immunodeficiency virus properties, and they inhibit rep- lication of hepatitis B virus by serving as competitive substrates for its DNA polymerase. Some antiviral drugs possess multiple potential clinical applications, such as ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and respiratory syncytial virus and cidofovir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus and other DNA viruses. Drug resistance is an emerging threat to the clinical utility of antiviral drugs. The major mechanisms for drug resistance are mutations in the viral DNA polymerase gene or in genes that encode for the viral kinases required for the activation of certain drugs such as acyclovir and ganciclovir. Widespread antiviral resistance has lim- ited the clinical utility of M 2 inhibitors for the prevention and treat- ment of influenza infections. This article provides an overview of clinically available antiviral drugs for the primary care physician, with a special focus on pharmacology, clinical uses, and adverse effects.
Sequence of the bacteriophage P22 Anti-RecBCD (abc) genes and properties of P22 abc region deletion mutants

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of a segment of the bacteriophage P22 chromosome to the left (downstream in the P L operon) of the erf gene was determined. Previous studies ( A. C. Fenton and A. R. Poteete, 1984 , Virology 134, 148–160) have shown that this region encodes a function that is required for efficient growth of P22 in wild-type, but not in rec B − Salmonella . The gene or genes encoding this function were designated abc (anti-rec BC D). The DNA sequence reveals three open reading frames that potentially encode polypeptides with molecular weights of 10,900, 11,600, and 6600 (in order of transcription). P22 deletion mutants lacking each of the open reading frames were constructed. In addition, plasmids were constructed placing each of the open reading frames under control of the lac UV5 promoter. The phenotypes of the deletion mutants, and the results of plasmid-phage complementation tests, indicate that Abc activity depends primarily on sequences that encode the 11.6-kDa polypeptide; the 10.9-kDa polypeptide-encoding sequence makes a minor contribution to Abc activity as well. These sequences have been designated abc 2 and abc 1, respectively. The 6.6-kDa polypeptide is apparently uninvolved.
Periodontal manifestations of hyperoxaluria and oxalosis.

Dental and periodontal findings associated with primary hyperoxaluria in a 29–year old male patient are described. This is a rare, inherited, metabolic disease which results in excessive calcium Oxalate synthesis. The predominant and early manifestation of hyperoxaluria is nephrocalcinosis which results in chronic renal failure. Widespread extrarenal deposits of calcium Oxalate crystals, however, is a consistent finding. Extensive infiltration of crystals was noted in the pulps of the teeth, in the marrow spaces of the alveolar bone, in the gingival corium, and in the periodontal ligament. Crystalline calcium Oxalate deposits in the periodontal ligament provoked a granulomatous foreign–body reaction. This resulted in aggressive external root resorption leading to pulp exposure and tooth mobility.
Transparently supporting a wide range of VR and stereoscopic display devices

This paper describes an architecture for virtual reality software which transparently supports a number of physical display systems and stereoscopic methods. Accurate, viewer- centered perspective projections are calculated, and graphics display options are set, automatically, independent of application code. The design is intended to allow greater portability of applications between different VR devices.
Is Akt the Mastermind Behind Age-Related Heart Disease?

Over the past several years, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway has become a central figure in the study of organismal aging. Mutations in components of this pathway have led to enhanced longevity in several organisms, but it is still not clear whether and how this pathway contributes to human aging and aging-related diseases. In a new study, Miyauchi and colleagues propose that Akt, a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase family and a downstream component of the insulin/IGF pathway, plays a central role in the life span of endothelial cells. These findings implicate the insulin/IGF pathway in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.
Induction of liver microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes by 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl.

The major component of Firemaster, a mixture of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), is 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl (HBB). HBB was isolated to greater than 99.9% purity, and its effects on tissue structure and liver microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes were examined. Male rats were injected ip with 90 mg of HBB/kg and sacrified 1 to 14 days later. Ten tissues were examined microscopically; only liver revealed HBB-dependent lesions. Hepatic cells were swollen and vacuolated, predominantly in the midzonal region. Liver to body weight ratios were increased by a third, and microsomal protein was nearly tripled. NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase was induced, and cytochrome P-450 was increased more than 2.5-fold, with the spectral maximum remaining at 450 nm. Aminopyrine demethylation was doubled by HBB, while PBBs and phenobarbital (Pb) both tripled this activity. Induction of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylation was similar to that caused by Pb, but the level was fivefold smaller than that obtained by 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) induction. PBBs induced this activity to half of the MC level. HBB induced epoxide hydratase more than threefold. While PBBs tripled UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity, HBB was a poor inducer. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of HBB-induced microsomes revealed heme and protein profiles similar to those of microsomes induced by Pb, but markedly different from those of control microsomes. While PBBs are a mixed-type inducer of microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes, these results show that HBB is strictly a Pb-type inducer.
Seasat Orbit Refinement for Altimetry Calibration

This paper describes the use of stochastic differential correction models in refining the Seasat orbit based on post-flight analysis of tracking data. The objective is to obtain orbital-height precision that is commensurate with the inherent Seasat altimetry data precision level of 10 cms. Local corrections to a mean ballistic arc, perturbed principally by atmospheric drag variations and local gravitational anomalies, are obtained by the introduction of stochastic dynamical models in conjunction with optimal estimation/ smoothing techniques. Assessment of the resulting orbit with "ground truth" provided by Seasat altimetry data shows that the orbital height precision is improved by 32% when compared to a conventional least-squares solution using the same data set. The orbital height precision realized by employing stochastic differential correction models is in the range of 73 cms to 208 cms RMS.
Preparation and properties of nano-sized calcium fluoride for dental applications.

Objectives The aim of the present study was to prepare nano-sized calcium fluoride (CaF2) that could be used as a labile F reservoir for more effective F regimens and as an agent for use in the reduction of dentin permeability.
Pediatric Nurses' Grief Experience, Burnout and Job Satisfaction

Correlations among grief, burnout, and job satisfaction among highly satisfied pediatric nurses were examined using the Revised Grief Experience Inventory (RGEI), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and Index of Work Satisfaction (IWS). Results showed that grief had significant correlations; positive with burnout, negative with job satisfaction. RN's reported significantly higher emotional exhaustion if their primary patients died and higher guilt if patients died younger. Conclusions suggest a dynamic statistical interaction among nurses' grief, burnout, and job satisfaction representing a pathway to intention to leave their unit, organization, or nursing. Recommendations include implementation and evaluation of grief intervention and education programs.
Quality response of twelve hard red winter wheat cultivars to foliar disease across four locations in central Kansas

ABSTRACT Twelve hard red winter wheat cultivars were grown at four locations in central Kansas to evaluate the role of foliar fungal diseases on wheat end-use quality in 1995. Disease was allowed to develop naturally on control plots and was controlled partially on plots treated with a systemic fungicide. After harvest, wheat samples were evaluated for the impact of the disease complex (leaf rust, tan spot, speckled leaf blotch) on physical grain quality, grain protein, milling properties, flour absorption, and peak mixing time. Data were analyzed using a mixed model to account for random (location and block) and fixed (cultivar and fungicide) effects. Location significantly influenced quality characteristics except kernel size and peak mixing time. The magnitudes of variation among random effects on all quality characteristics were larger for location than for the interactions between location × cultivar and location × fungicide. The fixed effects portion of the analysis revealed that the cultivar × fung...
The free rider problem: Experimental evidence

We have described a number of ‘invalidating factors,’ any one of which, if present, could account for the weakness or absence of the free rider problem in the voluntary provision of a public good. When any of these factors is present, the free rider phenomenon is not necessarily an implication of economic theory. These invalidatingg factors have been used as a guide in the construction of an experiment which, by avoiding all such factors, should exhibit the free rider phenomenon. The results of performing the experiment indicate that the free rider hypothesis should not be rejected. The contrast between this result and previous experimental results indicates that some of the factors we have identified will be important in attempting to explain the presence or absence of the free rider phenomenon in any particular situation in which a public good is to be financed by voluntary means.
Self-organization of rod-coil molecules into nanoaggregates: A coarse grained model

Triblock rod−coil oligomers with bulky coil blocks were previously utilized to create self-organized mushroom-shaped nanoaggregates. The boundary effects in such small aggregates and the steric repulsions due to close packing of bulky coil blocks lead to highly perturbed, nonideal systems. We describe here a coarse grained model to understand the properties of such systems. This model is based on enumeration of chain conformations on a lattice to calculate entropy loss due to aggregation. We studied the contribution of chain architecture and crystallization enthalpy on equilibrium properties such as size, size distribution, and thermodynamic stability for a mushroom-shaped constrained structure. In agreement with previous theoretical work for other finite architectures, our study verified that aggregate size is determined by the competition between entropic and enthalpic contributions from different blocks. Most importantly, polydispersity of the nanoaggregates was found to decrease as bulkiness of the co...
Toxicity of spinosad to susceptible and resistant strains of house flies, Musca domestica

The toxicity of spinosad, a new insecticide derived from the bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa, was evaluated against susceptible and resistant strains of house fly (Musca domestica L.). Spinosad was highly toxic to house flies based on 72-h LD50 values and the symptoms of poisoning were consistent with a neurotoxic mechanism of action. Spinosad was relatively slow acting, with the maximum toxicity noted at 72 h. Piperonyl butoxide and S,S,S,-tribu-tylphosphorotrithioate synergized the toxicity of spinosad by 3·0- and 1·8-fold, respectively, while diethyl maleate had no significant effect. These results suggest that there is a small degree of monooxygenase-mediated spinosad detoxification in house flies, while hydrolases may be only minimally important and glutathione transferases may have no role. There were no substantial levels of cross-resistance detected, except in the LPR strain where a low 4·3-fold cross-resistance was observed. The cyclodiene-resistant OCR strain was 2·7-fold more sensitive to spinosad than the susceptible strain (CS). These results suggest that cross-resistance may not be a limiting factor for the use of spinosad against house flies. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry
Sulfhydryl systems are a critical factor in the zebrafish developmental toxicity of the dithiocarbamate sodium metam (NaM).

Dithiocarbamates (DTCs) are sulfhydryls (thiol)-containing compounds, often associated with metals, and have both antioxidant and pro-oxidant abilities depending on the compound, experimental system and condition. In this study we investigated whether cell death plays a role in the manifestation of DTC-induced notochord distortions in the developing zebrafish and if thiol-containing compounds or antioxidants could modify this developmental toxicity. Sodium metam (NaM) induced notochord distortions could not be protected with the antioxidants ascorbic acid, trolox (synthetic vitamin E) or lipoic acid. However, NaM-induced distortions could be protected with co-exposure to glutathione or N-Acetyl Cysteine. Staggering the NaM and glutathione exposures in consecutive 10 h developmental windows also resulted in protection. There were no discernable changes in TUNEL positive cells, a marker of apoptotic cells, at 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) in NaM, dimethyl-dithiocarbamate, carbon disulfide, or neocuproine exposed embryos. Live NaM-exposed embryos incubated with acridine orange, a general stain for cell death, for 1 h beginning at 11, 18 and 24 hpf showed clusters of stained nuclei near the somitogenic front but not in the cells making up the notochord. Overall, induction of apoptotic pathways and widespread cell death are not involved in the manifestation of the adverse developmental outcomes following NaM exposure. However, cellular thiol status or critical sulfhydryl moieties are important considerations in the mechanisms of DTC developmental toxicity.
Peptide sequencing with the 2‐pyridinecarboxaldehyde schiff base peptide degradation

Dedicated to Professor John C. Sheehan on the occasion of his sixty-fifth birthday. Peptides treated with 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde are converted to Schiff bases, pyridoimidazoles, α-ketoacyl amino acids and peptide amides, and diketopiperazines. Nitrogen abstraction and condensation with 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde gives heterocyclic products. The products are separable by gas chromatography and when analyzed by mass spectrometry afford information for sequence assignment. Thus, a nonvolatile peptide can be converted to a mixture of products in one step that by mass spectrometric analysis affords the sequence. Peptides of up to eight and nine amino acids have been analyzed using this degradation as the basis of a one-step procedure.
Measuring the costs of magnet schools

Abstract Magnet schools use their specialized curricula and prestige to attract pupils from a wide geographical area within large, often urban, school districts. It has long been debated whether magnet schools foster academic excellence and desegregation. The issue of whether these presumed benefits justify the extra personnel, capital, and overhead costs of magnet schools has not received as much attention, mainly because of the lack of valid and reliable cost data. Based on a sample of school districts, this study determined that magnet schools in general cost more than nonmagnets; however, most of these extra costs tended to be fixed. As magnet school enrollments increased, their per pupil costs decreased to a point near and often below per pupil costs at nonmagnets. Finally, the study found that magnet schools with higher costs tended to have higher levels of integration and educational quality than magnet schools with lower costs.
Geologic framework for the coal-bearing rocks of the Central Appalachian Basin

Abstract Coal production has been an important economic factor in the Central Appalachian Basin. However, regional stratigraphic and structural relationships of the coal-bearing rocks of the basin have been poorly understood due to numerous separate nomenclatural schemes employed by various states. In order to estimate coal resources and understand mechanisms controlling the distribution of coal within the basin, a reliable geologic framework is necessary. Seven detailed cross sections across the Central Appalachian Basin were constructed in order to examine the stratigraphic and structural framework of the coal-bearing rocks in the basin. The cross sections were based on more than 1000 oil and gas well logs, measured sections, and borehole information from Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The cross sections revealed three main points discussed here: southeast thickening of the Pennsylvanian strata, uncomfortable northwestward onlapping relationship of Lower Pennsylvanian strata over underlying Lower Pennsylvanian and Mississippian strata and regional continuity of beds. The cross sections, geologic mapping, coal-resource studies, extensive new highway exposures and the occurrence of tonstein beds indicate that many coal beds and marine strata are laterally extensive, albeit locally variable across the basin. Certain quartzose sandstone bodies are also extensive over large areas of the basin. Existing stratigraphic nomenclature schemes obscured the geologic framework of the basin, so a new unified nomenclature scheme was devised to better describe stratigraphic features of the basin. The new stratigraphic nomenclature, now only formalized for Kentucky, was based on key stratigraphic units that proved to be extensive across the basin. Lower and Middle Pennsylvanian rocks are now recognized as the Breathitt Group (the Breathitt Formation was elevated to group rank). The Breathitt Group was subdivided into eight coal-bearing formations by relatively thick marine strata, and, in the lower part of the Breathitt Group, by quartzose sandstone formations. The new coal-bearing units are formally ranked as formations and, in ascending order, are the Pocahontas, Bottom Creek, Alvy Creek, Grundy, Pikeville, Hyden, Four Corners and Princess Formations. The quartzose sandstone units are also formally ranked as formations and are, in ascending order, the Warren Point, Sewanee, Bee Rock and Corbin Sandstones. The sandstone formations were previously recognized units in some states, but have been extended (formally in Kentucky) across the basin. The key stratigraphic marine units are formally ranked as members, and are, in ascending order, the Betsie Shale Member, the Kendrick Shale Member, Magoffin Member and Stoney Fork Member.
Fluorescence visualization of Ia antigens on T cells.

Abstract Visualization with the fluorescence microscope of Ia antigens on T cells has previously not been successful. In this paper we have used fluorescence hapten-sandwich labeling to examine cells for the simultaneous display of Ia antigens and T-cell-specific antigens. In contrast to small unstimulated T cells which bear only small amounts of Ia antigens, we find that concanavalin A-stimulated T-cell blasts exhibit amounts that are clearly recognizable. The predominant specificity expressed is encoded by the I -A subregion and appears to be indistinguishable from that on B cells. Smaller subpopulations exhibit products coded by the I -C and I -J subregions. Separation of subpopulations of T cells on the basis of selective display of Ia antigens appears only to be feasible with stimulated cells.
Rehabilitating Tsarism: The Imperial Russian State and Its Historians A Review Article

The discussion of the literature in this essay was influenced by the papers and commentaries delivered at the Third Meeting of the National Seminar for the Study of Russian Society in the Twentieth Century, held in Philadelphia, 29-30 January 1983, and particularly by the introductory remarks of Michael Confino. Neither Professor Confino, however, my colleague Geoff Eley, Daniel Field, nor John Dewald, who read an earlier draft of this review, is responsible for the views or conclusions here presented.
Users as Research Inventions: How Research Categories Perpetuate Inequities

By reifying conceptual systems that set up market-based disparities, we allow the new technologies to do only what the old ones do and blame the user for the failure of the system.
Studies on Regulation of Plasma Iron in Dogs with Turpentine Abscesses

ConclusionsMarked hour to hour and day to day fluctuations in plasma iron levels were observed in normal mongrel dogs. It was not possible to demonstrate a factor in the plasma of dogs with subcutaneous turpentine abscesses that was capable of producing hypoferremia in normal recipient dogs.
Symmetric Propositions and Logical Quantifiers

Symmetric propositions over domain \(\mathfrak{D}\) and signature \(\Sigma = \langle R^{n_1}_1, \ldots, R^{n_p}_p \rangle\) are characterized following Zermelo, and a correlation of such propositions with logical type-\(\langle \vec{n} \rangle\) quantifiers over \(\mathfrak{D}\) is described. Boolean algebras of symmetric propositions over \(\mathfrak{D}\) and Σ are shown to be isomorphic to algebras of logical type-\(\langle \vec{n} \rangle\) quantifiers over \(\mathfrak{D}\). This last result may provide empirical support for Tarski’s claim that logical terms over fixed domain are all and only those invariant under domain permutations.
Prevalence of Dysphoria after Fentanyl in Dogs Undergoing Stifle Surgery

Objective To describe the prevalence of dysphoria after intraoperative administration of fentanyl by infusion and identify other risk factors influencing this in dogs undergoing stifle surgery. Study Design Prospective, randomized clinical study. Animals Dogs (n = 92) that had tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Methods Dogs were anesthetized using a standardized anesthetic protocol, and randomly assigned to receive a loading dose followed by 1 of 3 infusions of fentanyl perioperatively: 2 μg/kg/h, 10 μg/kg/h, or 20 μg/kg/h. Dog characteristics and all additional medications were recorded and included as part of the statistical analysis. Dog behavior was scored before anesthesia and during recovery using a scale of 1–4 (Appendices A and B). If no improvement in behavior was seen in 3–5 minutes postextubation, dogs with a score of 3 or 4 during recovery were administered fentanyl (2 μg/kg intravenously [IV]) in the event that the behaviors associated with the higher scores were related to pain. If they did not respond favorably to the administration of additional fentanyl and wound palpation did not elicit a response, but the untoward behaviors continued, dogs were administered either a tranquilizer, sedative, or opioid antagonist, and were considered dysphoric. Results Of 92 dogs, 22 (23.9%) were considered dysphoric using aforementioned criteria. Conclusions About one-fourth of dogs enrolled in this study were dysphoric based on study criteria.
Treating Zero Brand Sales Observations in Choice Model Estimation : Consequences and Potential Remedies

Abstract This research focuses on the consequences of and potential remedies for incorporating zero brand sales observations when calibrating choice models on the basis of household panel data. As the authors show both analytically and empirically, including or excluding zero brand sales observations can bias price elasticities, even in cases in which the data are generated by a multinomial logit model. The authors show that an appropriate choice of a model form (i.e., specification) is influenced by the incidence of “missingness” and the mechanism presumed to be causing a brand to have no purchases in a given store/week. The authors propose two model forms that may perform well in the presence of zero brand sales observations and investigate their relative performance on the basis of simulated data and two household panel data sets.
Regulation of spermatogonia

The progression of spermatogenesis relies on the precise regulation of spermatogonial self-renewal and differentiation. Many genes/proteins have been identified with specific expression profiles in individual spermatogonial cell types but the molecular mechanism of their regulation is still obscure. In this review, an overview of current knowledge on the various factors essential for these two major steps of spermatogonial development is presented. Elucidating the function of these factors was typically made possible through either naturally occurring mutant mice or genetically modified mice, in which a specific and clearly defined spermatogonial arrest is seen. In addition, a few factors, which are potentially important but less clearly defined, are also included. Moreover, the relevance and postulated interactions between these factors is discussed.
Ambulance redeployment: an approximate dynamic programming approach

Emergency medical service (EMS) providers are charged with the task of managing ambulances so that the time required to respond to emergency calls is minimized. One approach that may assist in reducing response times is ambulance redeployment, i.e., repositioning idle ambulances in real time. We formulate a simulation model of EMS operations to evaluate the performance of a given allocation policy and use this model in an approximate dynamic programming (ADP) context to compute high-quality redeployment policies. We find that the resulting ADP policies perform much better than sub-optimal static policies and marginally better than near-optimal static policies. Representative computational results for Edmonton, Alberta are included.
The Midfield high school safety belt incentive program

An incentive program was implemented by Midfield High School of suburban Birmingham, AL, to encourage the use of safety belts among teenage drivers. This was undertaken to minimize mortality due to vehicular accidents. The school community, city council and law enforcement agencies planned and implemented the program and funding was provided by local and national sponsors. The program offered cash incentives to teenage drivers who used their seatbelts and this resulted to increased use of the safety device while driving.
Optimality of Four-Threshold Policies in Inventory Systems with Customer Returns and Borrowing/Storage Options

Consider a single-commodity inventory system in which the demand is modeled by a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables that can take negative values. Such problems have been studied in the literature under the name cash management and relate to the variations of the on-hand cash balances of financial institutions. The possibility of a negative demand also models product returns in inventory systems. This article studies a model in which, in addition to standard ordering and scrapping decisions seen in the cash management models, the decision-maker can borrow and store some inventory for one period of time. For problems with back orders, zero setup costs, and linear ordering, scrapping, borrowing, and storage costs, we show that an optimal policy has a simple four-threshold structure. These thresholds, in a nondecreasing order, are order-up-to, borrow-up-to, store-down-to, and scrap-down-to levels; that is, if the inventory position is too low, an optimal policy is to order up to a certain level and then borrow up to a higher level. Analogously, if the inventory position is too high, the optimal decision is to reduce the inventory to a certain point, after which one should store some of the inventory down to a lower threshold. This structure holds for the finite and infinite horizon discounted expected cost criteria and for the average cost per unit time criterion. We also provide sufficient conditions when the borrowing and storage options should not be used. In order to prove our results for average costs per unit time, we establish sufficient conditions when the optimality equations hold for a Markov decision process with an uncountable state space, noncompact action sets, and unbounded costs.
Hypoxia-inducible factors in the kidney

Tissue hypoxia not only occurs under pathological conditions but is also an important microenvironmental factor that is critical for normal embryonic development. Hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1 and HIF-2 are oxygen-sensitive basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, which regulate biological processes that facilitate both oxygen delivery and cellular adaptation to oxygen deprivation. HIFs consist of an oxygen-sensitive alpha-subunit, HIF-alpha, and a constitutively expressed beta-subunit, HIF-beta, and regulate the expression of genes that are involved in energy metabolism, angiogenesis, erythropoiesis and iron metabolism, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and other biological processes. Under conditions of normal Po(2), HIF-alpha is hydroxylated and targeted for rapid proteasomal degradation by the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3-ubiquitin ligase. When cells experience hypoxia, HIF-alpha is stabilized and either dimerizes with HIF-beta in the nucleus to form transcriptionally active HIF, executing the canonical hypoxia response, or it physically interacts with unrelated proteins, thereby enabling convergence of HIF oxygen sensing with other signaling pathways. In the normal, fully developed kidney, HIF-1alpha is expressed in most cell types, whereas HIF-2alpha is mainly found in renal interstitial fibroblast-like cells and endothelial cells. This review summarizes some of the most recent advances in the HIF field and discusses their relevance to renal development, normal kidney function and disease.
Learning Markov Structure by Maximum Entropy Relaxation

We propose a new approach for learning a sparse graphical model approximation to a specified multivariate probability distribution (such as the empirical distribution of sample data). The selection of sparse graph structure arises naturally in our approach through solution of a convex optimization problem, which differentiates our method from standard combinatorial approaches. We seek the maximum entropy relaxation (MER) within an exponential family, which maximizes entropy subject to constraints that marginal distributions on small subsets of variables are close to the prescribed marginals in relative entropy. To solve MER, we present a modified primal-dual interior point method that exploits sparsity of the Fisher information matrix in models defined on chordal graphs. This leads to a tractable, scalable approach provided the level of relaxation in MER is sufficient to obtain a thin graph. The merits of our approach are investigated by recovering the structure of some simple graphical models from sample data.
Sub-grid scale model for convection-driven dynamos in a rotating plane layer

Abstract We develop a sub-grid scale (SGS) model for convection-driven dynamos, based on the nonlinear gradient model of Leonard [Leonard, A., 1974. Energy cascade in large-eddy simulations of turbulent fluid flows. Adv. Geophys. 18, 237–248]. The predictions of the SGS model are tested using snapshots from a direct numerical simulation (DNS). Good agreement is obtained throughout most of the fluid, but discrepancies occur near the boundaries. We also implement the SGS model in a large-eddy simulation (LES) to assess the temporal behavior of the SGS model. Both the DNS and LES have large time variation in the kinetic and magnetic energies, so comparisons are made using time averages. The time-averaged energies in the LES are slightly larger than those in the resolved DNS, but not as high as those obtained in an unresolved DNS with the same grid resolutions as the LES. The source of dissipation in the LES is revealed by examining the energy balances. The work done by the SGS Lorentz term and the magnetic energy generated by the SGS induction term are both negative, indicating that these SGS terms transfer energy from the resolved scales into the unresolved scales.
Aphagia due to pharyngeal constrictor paresis from acute lateral medullary infarction

Although swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) frequently occur in acute brainstem infarction, physiological studies of dysphagia (videofluoroscopy, manometry) are rarely reported. We present a patient with ipsilateral Horner's syndrome, palatal and laryngeal weakness, aphagia, and ipsilateral face and contralateral extremity pin and temperature loss due to lateral medullary infarction confined to the rostral dorsolateral medulla (RDM). Videofluoroscopy showed that the patient was unable to initiate a swallow. Manometry showed a markedly reduced peak pharyngeal pressure and weak pharyngeal contractions. Within 20 months, the patient's neurological deficits resolved, videofluoroscopy showed a normal swallow, and manometry showed normal peak pharyngeal pressure. Correlation of the clinical, physiological, and imaging evaluations shows that aphagia and severe bilateral pharyngeal paresis can result from unilateral RDM infarction. We suggest that, in man, the bilateral medullary swallowing centers function as one integrated center, and that infarction of a portion of this center is sufficient to cause complete loss of swallowing.
A Comparison of the Responses of Preadolescents and Adolescents in a National Victimization Survey

This article compares the responses of 10-and 11-year-olds with those of 12-to 16-year-olds in a national telephone survey of 2,000 youth concerning victimization and victimization-prevention education. Although the overall participation rate was quite good for both groups, parents were slightly more likely to bar the younger children from taking part in the survey. The younger children also disclosed fewer of the most sensitive kinds of victimization, such as sexual abuse. However, by contrast, they did not give any more problematic responses to the key questions dealing with victimization and its details, and their rates for both family and nonfamily assaults, which comprised most of the victimizations, were equivalent to those of older children. The younger children also did not report any greater levels of distress in response to the survey. The few difficulties in interviewing the 10-and 11-year-old children and the quantity of valuable information they can provide suggest that they should be include...
Identification and functional assessment of the novel murine organic anion transporter Oat5 (Slc22a19) expressed in kidney

An uncharacterized murine cDNA clone was identified and, through sequence, phylogenetic, and functional analysis, determined to encode the newest member of the organic anion transporter family, organic anion transporter 5 (Oat5; Slc22a19). The Oat5 cDNA clone contained an insert 1,964 bp in length with a predicted open reading frame (from bp 84 to bp 1,739) coding for a peptide 551 amino acids long. Slc22a19 was localized to mouse chromosome 19 near the genes encoding Oat1 (Slc22a6) and Oat3 (Slc22a8). Northern blot analysis revealed Oat5 is highly expressed in the kidney of adult mice and rats. No sexual dimorphism in renal or hepatic expression of Oat5 was observed. Unlike Oat1-3, Oat5 expression was not detected in the choroid plexus of either mice or rats. Murine Oat5-expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes supported increased accumulation of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A, compared with water-injected control oocytes. This uptake was significantly inhibited by probenecid and the organic anions 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, salicylate, and estrone sulfate but not by para-aminohippurate or urate. Transport of ochratoxin A by murine Oat5 was saturable, with an estimated K(m) of 2.0 +/- 0.45 microM. Oat5-mediated transport was neither cis-inhibited nor trans-stimulated by the dicarboxylate glutarate. Uptake was also completely unaffected by short-circuiting of the membrane potential. Thus the motive forces behind Oat5 function, which provide insight into its membrane localization, need to be further resolved. These data demonstrate for the first time that this newly identified gene encodes a protein that functions as an organic anion transporter.
Understanding Teasing: Lessons From Children With Autism

Teasing requires the ability to understand intention, nonliteral communication, pretense, and social context. Children with autism experience difficulty with such skills, and consequently, are expected to have difficulty with teasing. To better understand teasing concepts and behaviors, children with autism, their parents, and age and Verbal-IQ-matched comparison children and parents described concepts and experiences of teasing and engaged in a parent-child teasing interaction. The teasing of children with autism was less playful and provocative and focused less on social norms than that of comparison children. Similarly, parents of children with autism teased in less playful ways. Scores on a theory of mind task accounted for several of the observed differences. Discussion focused on the importance of understanding social context and playful behavior during teasing.
Harm-reduction initiative provides alcohol to Ottawa's street alcoholics

In a cramped, smoky room at the Shepherds of Good Hope hostel in Ottawa, a staff member pours U-brew wine into coffee mugs. Ten street alcoholics, 2 in wheelchairs and 1 with a walker, wait patiently for their share. From 7:30 am until 10 pm the coffee mugs will be refilled hourly. Normally,
Regulation of Development in Fission Yeast

In the Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, copulation and meiosis appear to be regulated by the mating-type genes, mat1 and mat2 (Leupold, Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 23: 161, 1958). A mat2 gene mutant, meI1, has been reported which is normal with respect to copulation but defective with respect to meiosis. From homothallic strains, we have isolated new mat2 mutants representing three additional groups: 1) mutants unable to self-copulate but still able to turn on the mating-type auxiliary gene maps and still normal with respect to the meiosis function; 2) mutants unable to self-copulate as they cannot turn on map1, but still normal with respect to the meiosis function; and 3) mutants which are nonfunctional both with respect to self-copulation and to meiosis. Furthermore, we have found a new group of genes which appear to regulate the activity of the mat1 and mat2 genes. Homothallic h 90 colonies normally exhibit a homogeneous black color after exposure to iodine vapors (non-sporulating colonies turn yellow). The mutants found in h 90 strains were neither homogeneously black nor yellow but rather were mottled in appearance. Further studies hint that this group of at least four genes may act as specific mutator genes for the mating-type region, changing the region from an active mat1--inactive mat2 to an inactive mat1--active mat2 and vice versa.
Activation of Vascular BK Channel by Tempol in DOCA-Salt Hypertensive Rats

Large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels modulate vascular smooth muscle tone. Tempol, a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic, lowers blood pressure and inhibits sympathetic nerve activity in normotensive and hypertensive rats. In the present study, we tested the hypotheses depressor responses caused by tempol are partly mediated by vasodilation. It was found that tempol, but not tiron (a superoxide scavenger), dose-dependently relaxed mesenteric arteries (MA) in anesthetized sham and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. Tempol also reduced perfusion pressure in isolated, norepinephrine (NE) preconstricted MA from sham and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Maximal responses in DOCA-salt rats were twice as large as those in sham rats. The vasodilation caused by tempol was blocked by iberiotoxin (IBTX, BK channel antagonist, 0.1 micromol/L) and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) (1 mmol/L). Tempol did not relax KCl preconstricted arteries in sham or DOCA-salt rats, and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), apamin, or glibenclamide did not alter tempol-induced vasodilation. IBTX constricted MA and this response was larger in DOCA-salt compared with sham rats. Western blots and immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of BK channel alpha subunit protein in DOCA-salt arteries compared with sham arteries. Whole-cell patch clamp studies revealed that tempol enhanced BK channel currents in HEK-293 cells transiently transfected with mslo, the murine BK channel a subunit. These currents were blocked by IBTX. The data indicate that tempol activates BK channels and this effect contributes to depressor responses caused by tempol. Upregulation of the BK channel alpha subunit contributes to the enhanced depressor response caused by tempol in DOCA-salt hypertension.