cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of pesticide mixtures against the western flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions

ABSTRACT Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande is a commonly encountered and economically important insect pest of greenhouses. Greenhouse producers typically apply pesticides as mixtures to mitigate western flower thrips populations; however, there is limited information available on the compatibility and efficacy of commonly used pesticide mixtures. This study assessed nine binary and three tertiary pesticide mixtures used in greenhouses which included pesticides containing abamectin, acephate, azadirachtin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, fenpropathrin, imidacloprid, novaluron, pymetrozine, and spinosad. Compatibility was determined for the binary pesticide mixtures using jar tests. In addition, the binary mixtures were applied to nine horticultural plant species to determine phytotoxicity based on visual appearance assessed 7 d after treatment. Bean-dip bioassays were performed in a laboratory using green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to determine LC50 values for each individual pesticide ...
Preoperative embolization and endovascular treatment of midline facial and skull base lesions

Over the past 2 decades, the application of endovascular techniques has revolutionized the care of patients with midline facial and skull base diseases. These techniques have been applied as adjuncts to surgery or as definitive, stand-alone therapies. This article details the endovascular techniques used in the skull base and midline facial region to treat vascular lesions such as aneurysms and congenital vascular malformations, traumatic conditions, and tumors.
Physiological and pharmacological interventions in radionuclide imaging of the tubular gastrointestinal tract

Radionuclide studies of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) are used to measure GI function and to detect anatomic lesions such as Meckel's diverticuli. A variety of physiological and pharmacological interventions have been applied to both types of studies to gain a better understanding of GI function and to improve detection of disease. This article will review interventions useful in imaging the tubular GI tract. Discussed are the measurement of GI motility and function by gastric emptying and imaging studies for GI bleeding including the Meckel's scan. Interventions involving the hepatobiliary system are covered elsewhere in this issue.
Nicotinamide and PNC1 govern lifespan extension by calorie restriction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Calorie restriction extends lifespan in a broad range of organisms, from yeasts to mammals. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, including decreased oxidative damage and altered energy metabolism. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, lifespan extension by calorie restriction requires the NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase, Sir2 (ref. 1). We have recently shown that Sir2 and its closest human homologue SIRT1, a p53 deacetylase, are strongly inhibited by the vitamin B3 precursor nicotinamide2. Here we show that increased expression of PNC1 (pyrazinamidase/nicotinamidase 1), which encodes an enzyme that deaminates nicotinamide, is both necessary and sufficient for lifespan extension by calorie restriction and low-intensity stress. We also identify PNC1 as a longevity gene that is responsive to all stimuli that extend lifespan. We provide evidence that nicotinamide depletion is sufficient to activate Sir2 and that this is the mechanism by which PNC1 regulates longevity. We conclude that yeast lifespan extension by calorie restriction is the consequence of an active cellular response to a low-intensity stress and speculate that nicotinamide might regulate critical cellular processes in higher organisms.
Associations between soil lead concentrations and populations by race/ethnicity and income-to-poverty ratio in urban and rural areas

Lead (Pb) is a well-studied environmental contaminant that has many negative health effects, especially for children. Both racial/ethnic and income disparities have been documented with respect to exposure to Pb in soils. The objectives of this study were to assess whether soil Pb concentrations in rural and urban areas of South Carolina USA, previously identified as having clusters of intellectual disabilities (ID) in children, were positively associated with populations of minority and low-income individuals and children (≤ 6 years of age). Surface soils from two rural and two urban areas with identified clusters of ID were analyzed for Pb and concentrations were spatially interpolated using inverse distance weighted analysis. Population race/ethnicity and income-to-poverty ratio (ITPR) from United States Census 2000 block group data were aerially interpolated by block group within each area. Urban areas had significantly higher concentrations of Pb than rural areas. Significant positive associations between black, non-Hispanic Latino, individuals and children ≤ 6 years of age and mean estimated Pb concentrations were observed in both urban (r = 0.38, p = 0.0007) and rural (r = 0.53, p = 0.04) areas. Significant positive associations also were observed between individuals and children with an ITPR < 1.00 and Pb concentrations, though primarily in urban areas. Racial/ethnic minorities and low ITPR individuals, including children, may be at elevated risk for exposure to Pb in soils.
The Joint Distribution of the Sum and the Maximum of IID Exponential Random Variables

The authors establish the joint distribution of the sum X and the maximum Y of IID exponential random variables. They derive exact formuli describing the random vector (X, Y), including its joint PDF, CDF, and other characteristics; marginal and conditional distributions; moments and related parameters; and stochastic representations leading to further properties of infinite divisibility and self-decomposability. The authors also discuss parameter estimation and include an example from climatology that illustrates the modeling potential of this new bivariate model.
Refugees' perceptions of healthy behaviors.

This descriptive study explored refugees’ knowledge and perceptions of nutrition, physical activity and smoking behaviors using the Health Promotion and Transtheoretical Models. A one-time interview used both closed- and open-ended questions. The sample included 31 adults from Bosnia, Iran, and Cuba. Refugees had some knowledge of a healthy diet and physical activity, and were aware of both benefits and barriers for health behaviors. They had a realistic perception of their weight (55% overweight), and none thought obesity was a positive characteristic. Changes in diet, physical activity and smoking since arrival in the US have been positive for some and negative for others. For all categories discussed, refugees were in the pre-contemplation stage of change. There is a need to study refugees’ health behaviors over time after arrival. Health behavior interventions must be specific to ethnicity in order to accurately document progress and to be culturally appropriate.
Actor Interests in a Social Topology: Foundation for a Structural Theory of Action*

Actors use their resources to realize their “interests.” How are actor interests patterned by the social structure in which actors find themselves? The purpose of this discussion is to propose a structural law of perception that provides a general basis for applying network concepts in empirical studies of human action so as to bridge two heretofore irreconcilable perspectives in social action theory. In terms of postulates of purposive action and marginal evaluation, “atomistic” versus “normative” perspectives on action differ in their interpretation of how actors make perceptions within a social context. Stevens' law provides a rigorous function form describing subjective evaluations. Network analysis provides rigorous description of the social context in which subjective evaluations are made. Modifying Stevens' law so as to take into account a social context of evaluation (that context being a structure of distances between actors in a system ensured by an inevitable division of labor), a structural law of perception is proposed. The proposed perceptual model states that actor interests are patterned by actors' positions in social structure. Using the proposed model, conditions sufficient for the occurrence of social norms in a group and a specific functional form for relative deprivation effects are derived. The derivations are in accord with, and generalize, classic empirical studies of social norms and relative deprivation. Implications for structural action theory are discussed.
Decreased frontal lobe phosphocreatine levels in methamphetamine users

BACKGROUND: Mitochondria-related mechanisms have been suggested to mediate methamphetamine (METH) toxicity. However, changes in brain energetics associated with high-energy phosphate metabolism have not been investigated in METH users. Phosphorus-31 ((31)P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to evaluate changes in mitochondrial high energy phosphates, including phosphocreatine (PCr) and β-nucleoside triphosphate (β-NTP, primarily ATP in brain) levels. We hypothesized that METH users would have decreased high-energy PCr levels in the frontal gray matter. METHODS: Study participants consisted of 51 METH (age=32.8±6.7) and 23 healthy comparison (age=31.1±7.5) subjects. High-energy phosphate metabolite levels were compared between the groups and potential gender differences were explored. RESULTS: METH users had lower ratios of PCr to total pool of exchangeable phosphate (PCr/TPP) in the frontal lobe as compared to the healthy subjects (p=.001). The lower PCr levels in METH subjects were significantly associated with lifetime amount of METH use (p=.003). A sub-analysis for gender differences revealed that female METH users, who had lower daily amounts (1.1±1.0g) of METH use than males (1.4±1.7g), had significantly lower PCr/TPP ratios than male METH users, controlling for the amount of METH use (p=.02). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that METH compromises frontal lobe high-energy phosphate metabolism in a dose-responsive manner. Our findings also suggest that the abnormality in frontal lobe high-energy phosphate metabolism might be more prominent in female than in male METH users. This is significant as decreased PCr levels have been associated with depressive symptoms, and poor responses to antidepressant treatment have been reported in those with decreased PCr levels. Language: en
Transplantation of Unrelated Placental/Umbilical Cord Blood Cells for Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency

Transplantation of Unrelated Placental/Umbilical Cord Blood Cells for Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
The Causal Cascade to Multiple Sclerosis: A Model for MS Pathogenesis

Background MS pathogenesis seems to involve both genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors. Three sequential factors are implicated in the environmental risk. The first acts near birth, the second acts during childhood, and the third acts long thereafter. Two candidate factors (vitamin D deficiency and Epstein-Barr viral infection) seem well suited to the first two environmental events.
Usefulness of Fetuin-A to Predict Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Among Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Fetuin-A, a novel hepatokine, has been associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS), insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, all of which are highly prevalent in patients with OSA and associated with increased CVD risk. The goal of this study was to determine whether fetuin-A could be involved in the pathogenesis of CVD risk in patients with OSA, through relations of fetuin-A with MetS components and/or insulin resistance. Overweight or obese, nondiabetic volunteers (n = 120) were diagnosed with OSA by in-laboratory nocturnal polysomnography. Steady-state plasma glucose concentrations derived during the insulin suppression test were used to quantify insulin-mediated glucose uptake; higher steady-state plasma glucose concentrations indicated greater insulin resistance. Fasting plasma fetuin-A and lipoprotein concentrations were measured. Whereas neither the prevalence of MetS nor the number of MetS components was associated with tertiles of fetuin-A concentrations, the lipoprotein components of MetS, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased (p <0.01) and decreased (p <0.05), respectively, across fetuin-A tertiles. Additionally, comprehensive lipoprotein analysis revealed that very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles and VLDL subfractions (VLDL1+2 and VLDL3) were increased across fetuin-A tertiles. In contrast, neither insulin resistance nor sleep measurements related to OSA were found to be modified by fetuin-A concentrations. In conclusion, abnormalities of lipoprotein metabolism, but not MetS or insulin resistance per se, may represent a mechanism by which fetuin-A contributes to increased CVD risk in patients with OSA.
Joel Barlow: American Diplomat and Nation Builder. By Peter P. Hill. (Washington, DC: Potomac Books, 2012. Pp. 271. $34.95.)

This newest book by an eminent diplomatic historian is the culmination of years of research in archives in the United States, France, and Britain. Peter P. Hill's book ably complements his other st...
Effect of vehicular generated interference on double-sideband and single-sideband A.M. receivers

As this paper was presented as part of a panel discussion, it is rather brief. The purpose, however, is to illustrate the manner in which impulsive type interference such as that generated by automobiles, neon lights, electric motors, etc., in the form of arc discharges, effects double-sideband and single-sideband A.M. receivers. Also, how this interference compares with that in F.M. receivers.
Enlightened Narratives and Imperial Rivalry in Bourbon Spain: The Case of Almodovar's Historia Politica De Los Estabelecimientos Ultramarinos De Las Naciones Europeas (1784-1790)

This article examines the historical work of the Spanish diplomat, the Duke of Almodovar, specifically the ways in which his work paralleled and diverged from Raynal and Robertson.
Probing rotational viscosity in synaptic vesicles.

The synaptic vesicle (SV) is a central organelle in neurotransmission, and previous studies have suggested that SV protein 2 (SV2) may be responsible for forming a gel-like matrix within the vesicle. Here we measured the steady-state rotational anisotropy of the fluorescent dye, Oregon Green, within individual SVs. By also measuring the fluorescence lifetime of Oregon Green in SVs, we determined the mean rotational viscosity to be 16.49 ± 0.12 cP for wild-type (WT) empty mice vesicles (i.e., with no neurotransmitters), 11.21 ± 0.12 cP for empty vesicles from SV2 knock-out mice, and 11.40 ± 0.65 cP for WT mice vesicles loaded with the neurotransmitter glutamate (Glu). This measurement shows that SV2 is an important determinant of viscosity within the vesicle lumen, and that the viscosity decreases when the vesicles are filled with Glu. The viscosities of both empty SV2 knock-out vesicles and Glu-loaded WT vesicles were significantly different from that of empty WT SVs (p < 0.05). This measurement represents the smallest enclosed volume in which rotational viscosity has been measured thus far.
Replicative senescence: the final stage of memory T cell differentiation?

One of the major obstacles to effective prolonged CD8 T cell control over HIV and other latent infections may be the intrinsic, genetically programmed barrier to unlimited proliferation that is characteristic of all normal human somatic cells. Replicative senescence, characterized extensively in cell culture for a variety of cell types, comprises both irreversible cell cycle arrest and striking changes in function. CD8 T cells with features similar to senescent CD8 T cell cultures (i.e., absence of CD28, inability to proliferate, telomeres in the 5-7 kb range, resistance to apoptosis) increase progressively during aging and in chronic HIV infection, suggesting that replicative senescence may be occurring in vivo, and, in fact, may constitute the final stage in the normal differentiation of human T cells. CD8 T cells with characteristics suggestive of senescence have also been implicated in modulating immune function and altering bone homeostasis. Further characterization of the underlying mechanism leading to the generation of senescent memory CD8 T cells and analysis of their functional attributes will help elucidate their role in HIV disease pathogenesis.
Molecular and anatomic considerations in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

In spite of the recent recognition of specific genes associated with an elevated lifetime incidence risk of breast cancer, the molecular mechanisms of breast tumor formation remain largely unknown. Tumorigenesis is thought to be highly complex, likely involving the accumulation of 5–10 genetic and epigenetic events. Recent investigations have begun to identify some of these events, and in vitro model systems for breast tumorigenesis, including radiation-induced breast cancer, are expected to provide further insight. Normal human breast epithelial cells exhibit a finite life span, both in vivo and in vitro. A critical event in oncogenic transformation is the ability of cells to multiply indefinitely, a phenomenon referred to as “immortalization.” Using human papillomavirus (HPV) oncogenes, multiple normal breast epithelial subtypes have been shown to have distinct susceptibilities to immortalization by the HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes. Because HPV E6 and E7 inactivate two well-known tumor suppressor proteins, p53 and Rb, respectively, this suggests that a cell-type-specific predominance exists with respect to these tumor suppressor pathways. Additional evidence for variability to oncogenic stimuli among normal breast epithelial cells is provided by findings of locally confined loss of heterozygosity. An in vitro model of radiation-induced breast cancer is associated with early abrogation of p53 function. The resultant pair of normal and radiation-transformed breast epithelial cells serves as a useful system to identify other genes critically relevant to breast tumorigenesis. These and other models should help further define the molecular mechanisms underlying the early steps of breast cancer formation. Radiat. Oncol. Invest. 7:1–12, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Perceived stress, stressors, and mental distress among Doctor of Pharmacy students

We conducted an online survey to assess stress levels, stressors, coping strategies, and mental distress among first year professional Doctor of Pharmacy students at St. Louis College of Pharmacy. We used the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10) to measure perceived stress and the Health-related Quality of Life Scale (HRQOL-14) to assess physical and mental health. Self-reported stress levels among our respondents were elevated, significantly higher than among other populations as reported in previous studies, and exceeded the threshold benchmarked as being unhealthy. Mental health scores were negatively correlated with stress levels, exceeded the threshold for frequent mental distress, and were significantly higher than in comparison groups as reported in previous studies. Examinations were ranked the most stressful events and spending time with family ranked as the most effective stress reliever. Further specific investigation is needed to identify probable contributors to distress and to solicit recommendations to help students alleviate their stress and strengthen their mental health.
AN ADAPTIVE NOISE CANCELER IMPLEMENTED WITH CMOS ANALOG TECHNOLOGY

A fully analog implementation of an adaptive noise canceler is presented, including design, simulation, and test results of the fabricated chip. The prototype chip was fabricated using 2-µ CMOS P-Well technology on a 4.0 mm2 die and uses ±5 V power supplies. The static power dissipation is 276 milliwatts. Analog signal processing techniques are used to realize an adaptive system based upon a finite impulse response (FIR) filter and least mean squares (LMS) adaptive algorithm. The circuit is tested as an adaptive noise canceler, where a signal corrupted by noise is the input. The circuit adaptively converges to cancel the noise to produce an output that is the best LMS estimate of the signal. The circuit could be used for other real-time adaptive filter applications or for realizing an on-chip learning algorithm. The implementation illustrates the advantages of an analog system with no requirements for A/D and D/A converters, reduced size of circuit subsystems (e.g. multipliers), and the relatively fast convergence.
The rationale for combining an online audiovisual curriculum with simulation to better educate general surgery trainees.

Background Surgery interns' training has historically been weighted toward patient care, operative observation, and sleeping when possible. With more protected free time and less clinical time, real educational hours for trainees in 2013 are precious. Methods We created a 20-session (3 hours each) simulation curriculum (with pre- and post-tests) and a 24/7 online audiovisual (AV) curriculum for surgery interns. Friday morning simulation sessions emphasize operative skills and judgment. AV clips (using operating room, whiteboard, and simulation center videos) take learners through 20 different general surgery operations with follow-up quizzes. We report our early experience with this novel setup. Results Thirty-two surgical interns (2012–2013) attended simulation sessions on 20 separate subjects (hernia, breast, hepatobiliary, endocrine, etc). Post-test scores improved ( P 4.5; Likert scale, 1–5). The AV curriculum feedback is similar (mean, >4.3) and usage is available 24/7 preparing learners for both operating room and simulation sessions. Most simulation sessions utilize low-fidelity models to keep costs P Conclusion Residents enjoy and learn from the step-by-step, in-house, AV curriculum and both appreciate and thrive on the ‘hands-on’ simulation sessions mimicking operations they see in real operating rooms. The cost of these programs is not prohibitive and the programs offer simulated repetitions for duty-hour–regulated trainees.
Multiphase synchronous circuits for low power performance

In a p-phase synchronous circuit the state register is partitioned into p parts which are clocked in sequence. This results in lower power consumption in a CMOS implementation. The paper gives an overview of the multiphase design techniques, and provides a comparison between the power consumption of multiphase and conventional synchronous circuits.
Fluorescence properties of pyridoxamine 5-phosphate.

Abstract 1. 1. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of pyridoxamine 5-phosphate were studied as a function of pH. From spectroscopic data the pK of the species in the singlet excited state were determined. 2. 2. The limiting polarization of fluorescence p0 = 0.41 was measured and by means of Perrin's equation the molar volume of the fluorescent species was obtained. 3. 3. Energy transfer from the aromatic residues of the protein human serum albumin to the pyridoxamine 5-phosphate groups was observed by fluorescence spectroscopy.
Incorporation of oxygen chemisorbed on Ru(001)

Abstract The behavior of oxygen on the basal plane of ruthenium has been studied at temperatures above 300 K using uptake measurements, thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). A temperature-independent initial sticking coefficient of 0.8 ± 0.1 is calculated from uptake measurements made at 320 K and 900 K, while AES data at 320 K gives a value of 0.62 ± 0.05. At 320 K the sticking coefficient declines with exposure more rapidly than at 900 K. Moreover, at 320 K the total oxygen uptake at saturation is less than at 900 K. TDS measurements after saturation exposure show a single high temperature O 2 desorption peak (≈ 1350 K) which is larger when the exposure temperature is 900 K than when it is 320 K. In either case, the amount of O 2 desorbed is significantly less than the amount adsorbed. A consideration of processes, other than O 2 desorption, which can reduce the surface oxygen concentration indicates that penetration into the first few layers beneath the surface makes the most significant contribution. Incorporation of oxygen into the subsurface region, upon heating a surface saturated at 320 K, occurs with a measurable rate at temperatures as low as 400 K. The distribution of oxygen in the first few atomic layers beneath the surface depends strongly on the thermal history of the sample. A model which is qualitatively consistent with the data involves the rapid removal of a large amount of the surface oxygen by incorporation mainly into the first subsurface layer followed by much slower uptake into the deeper layers.
Methamphetamine, physostigmine, atropine and mecamylamine: Effects on force lever performance

Dose response functions for d-methamphetamine (MA), physostigmine, atropine, and mecamylamine on force lever performance (a measure of motor control) were determined in three rhesus monkeys. The rhesus monkeys were then treated with a repeated high dose regimen of MA, and the effects of the four drugs were redetermined. Following the completion of the behavioral studies, the monkeys were killed and brain monoamine concentrations were measured. It was found that each of the four drugs produced differential effects on force lever performance indices. Following the MA regimen, the MA-treated monkeys were less sensitive to the effects of MA on force lever performance but showed no change in sensitivity to any of the cholinergic agents. The monkeys were subsequently shown to have decreased brain dopamine and serotonin levels.
Metastatic renal adenocarcinoma to the ureteral stump in a hemophiliac.

A case of a delayed distal ureteral metastasis from a cortical renal adenocarcinoma in a hemophiliac is presented as an unusual but significant problem. The need for total ureterectomy with nephrectomy is discussed. The various metastatic pathways for this tumor are presented. It would seem that the proposed avenues are, at present, only theoretical, and it might be reasonable to assume that any one or several of them may be the pathway in an individual case. Regardless of the mode of spread, we must be cognizant of the possibility of distal ureteral metastases long after nephrectomy. The diagnostic value of cystoscopy during active bleeding is emphasized. With the use of coordinated efforts on the part of hematology, general medicine, and surgery, such instrumentation and quite radical operations can be and are being carried out successfully in hemophilia.
Whispers and triumphs: Latin American women writers today☆

Abstract Due to the many authoritarian regimes that have dominated the Latin American scene and continue to do so in Chile and Paraguay, writers, especially women writers, have been confronted with censorship, repression and fear. But many women writers have emerged to become the brave voice of a voiceless people. This paper deals with two such writers and their novels: Conversation in the South (1981) by Marta Traba speaks of the Argentine regime of terror during the seventies and particularly of how this government of fear affects every day reality; Isabel Allende, in The House of The Spirits , creates a fictional and historical account of Chile's history from the turn of the century until the Pinochet regime. Both writers defy authority and silence and refuse to allow us to forget the ‘dirty years’ of Latin America's hardest dictatorshiops. This paper also focuses on the female protagonists in both novels and their ways of coping with tyranny.
The fine scale temporal structure of hard X-ray bursts

Abstract We report on the preliminary analysis of fast temporal fluctuations observed in hard X-ray bursts, as recorded by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory.
ERK2- and p90Rsk2-dependent Pathways Regulate the CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein-β Interaction with Serum Response Factor

Abstract The serum response element (SRE) of the c-fos promoter is a convergence point for mitogenic signaling pathways. Several transcription factors regulate SRE, including serum response factor (SRF), ternary complex factors, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBPβ). C/EBPβ can interact with both SRF and the ternary complex factor family member Elk-1, but only in response to activated Ras. Transactivation of the SRE by C/EBPβ is also greatly stimulated by Ras. The Ras effectors that signal to C/EBPβ are unknown. In this report, we demonstrate that a consensus MAPK site in C/EBPβ is necessary for Ras stimulation of both C/EBPβ-SRF interaction and transactivation of the SRE by C/EBPβ. To dissect signaling pathways activated downstream of Ras, different Ras effector constructs were analyzed. We show that activated forms of Raf and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase stimulate C/EBPβ-SRF interaction. We also show a novel selectivity for the MAPK family member ERK2, where dominant-negative ERK2, but not dominant-negative ERK1, blocks Ras stimulation of C/EBPβ-SRF interaction. In addition, recombinant C/EBPβ protein is phosphorylated by ERK2, but not by ERK1, in vitro. Finally, we demonstrate a requirement for p90Rsk2 in regulation of C/EBPβ-SRF interaction. These data show that multiple Ras effectors are required to regulate C/EBPβ and SRF association.
Prevalence of alternative forms of tobacco use in a population of young adult military recruits

Recent evidence suggests that the popularity of certain alternative forms of tobacco may be increasing in adolescents. Little is known, however, about the use of these products among young adults. This study examined the use of alternative tobacco products including bidis, cigars, kreteks (clove cigarettes), pipes, and smokeless tobacco in a large sample of young adult military recruits (N=31107). Overall, 18.5% of participants were using some form of alternative tobacco product prior to entry into Basic Military Training. Results revealed a relatively high prevalence of cigar (12.3%) and smokeless tobacco use (6.7%). Use of other products was less common, including 1.1% for pipes, 2.0% for bidis, and 3.0% for kreteks. With the exception of kreteks, which did not differ by gender, the prevalence of use of alternative tobacco products was greater for males than for females (p<.001). Patterns of use also differed according to other demographic characteristics including race, ethnicity, age, and income. Implications for surveillance and tobacco control efforts are discussed.
Hemodynamic stabilization of acute prosthetic valve thrombosis using percutaneous catheter manipulation

Thrombosis of a tilting-disk prosthetic heart valve can be an acute and potentially life-threatening problem. Surgical thrombectomy, valve replacement, or systemic thrombolytic agents have been successfully employed in the management of such cases. Some patients, however, may not survive the acute episode long enough to receive definitive surgical therapy. For such patients, temporary hemodynamic stabilization might be achieved by re-establishing partial valve disk mobility. This report describes a technique for re-establishing valve disk mobility in an acutely compromised patient by using a percutaneously introduced "rigid" catheter to manipulate an entrapped tilting-disk valve in the aortic position.
Independent general principles for constructing responsive software systems

Three general principles are presented that can be applied in early software life cycle stages for the definition of software requirements and designs with acceptable performance. They are genuine high-level considerations for meeting responsiveness goals without sacrificing understandability and maintainability, and without increasing development time and cost. The principles are derived from the interrelationships of two performance models: a queueing network based on computer system model and an execution graph software model. The performance effect of each of the principles is quantified using the models. Examples are given that illustrate how they can be applied to software systems.
Directional emittance of an electric nonconductor as a function of surface roughness and wavelength

Directional distributions of thermal radiation emittance measured for influence of surface roughness of electric nonconductor
Smad1 Recognition and Activation by the ALK1 Group of Transforming Growth Factor-β Family Receptors

Two structural elements, the L45 loop on the kinase domain of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family type I receptors and the L3 loop on the MH2 domain of Smad proteins, determine the specificity of the interactions between these receptors and Smad proteins. The L45 sequence of the TGF-β type I receptor (TβR-I) specifies Smad2 interaction, whereas the related L45 sequence of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor (BMPR-I) specifies Smad1 interactions. Here we report that members of a third receptor group, which includes ALK1 and ALK2 from vertebrates and Saxophone from Drosophila, specifically phosphorylate and activate Smad1 even though the L45 sequence of this group is very divergent from that of BMPR-I. We investigated the structural elements that determine the specific recognition of Smad1 by ALK1 and ALK2. In addition to the receptor L45 loop and the Smad1 L3 loop, the specificity of this recognition requires the α-helix 1 of Smad1. The α-helix 1 is a conserved structural element located in the vicinity of the L3 loop on the surface of the Smad MH2 domain. Thus, Smad1 recognizes two distinct groups of receptors, the BMPR-I group and the ALK1 group, through different L45 sequences on the receptor kinase domain and a differential use of two surface structures on the Smad1 MH2 domain.
Dipiperidinoethane neurotoxicity clarified.

Abstract By systemic administration, dipiperidinoethane (DPE) induces a seizure-linked brain damage syndrome similar to that induced by kainic acid. Here, we report that DPE does not reproduce this syndrome when injected into the amygdala, but an oxidized derivative (DPE-di-N-oxide) does. It is pointed out that DPE-di-N-oxide, a postulated in vivo metabolite of DPE, bears a closer structural resemblance to the cholinergic agonist oxotremorine than to kainic acid. On the basis of this and related evidence we propose that a cholinergic mechanism may play a role in this type of seizure-brain damage syndrome.
Nonlinear evolution of interplanetary Alfvénic fluctuations with convected structures

At least at solar minimum, many regions in slow solar wind near the heliospheric current sheet have very low Alfvenicity. Motivated by recent suggestions that the interaction of the waves with the observed striated density, temperature, and magnetic field structures in the low Alfvenicity regions causes the decay of outward dominance, we have used two- and three-dimensional MHD codes to simulate such situations to determine the evolution. We find that outward propagating waves in the presence of structures become only slightly less Alfvenic (unlike observations), and that what were initially parallel propagating waves fairly rapidly become nearly isotropic with a self-similar spectrum typical of turbulence (similar to observations). These simulations suggest that the low Aflvenicty regions must arise from some other cause, such as “microstreams” that are eradicated as they decrease the Alfvenic correlations.
Sedimentation properties of yeast nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.

Abstract The sedimentation behavior of high molecular weight nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been examined and the molecular weights estimated based on a linear, double-stranded configuration. Nuclear DNA molecules exhibit a narrow range of molecular weights of the order 400 × 10 6 to 600 × 10 6 daltons, and chromosome VIII of a disomic strain has been tentatively assigned a molecular weight of 400 × 10 6 daltons. Several sedimenting DNA components can be distinguished from isolated yeast mitochondria: a major species corresponding to a molecular weight of 46 × 10 6 daltons, as well as others with molecular weights of 120 × 10 6 , 55 × 10 6 and 25 × 10 6 daltons.
Age calibration of piston core EW9709-07 (equatorial central Pacific) using fish teeth Sr isotope stratigraphy

Abstract A high-resolution age–depth profile is presented for a 16-m deep-sea piston core (EW9709-PC07) using three different methods: magnetostratigraphy, fish-teeth strontium isotope stratigraphy, and radiolarian biostratigraphy. Fish teeth are abundant throughout the core, allowing for precise age determinations by Sr isotope stratigraphy. Magnetostratigraphic ages, though not available for this core, were determined by correlation with the drill core record from adjacent ODP Site 1218. Biostratigraphic ages were independently assigned to the lower 12 m of the core, which contains abundant radiolaria. All three methods define an early Miocene age (∼20 Ma) for the core base. A linear sedimentation rate of ∼2.0 mm/ky was calculated for the lower 10 m of the core, which is dominated by siliceous clays and calcareous ooze. All three methods yield concordant ages over this interval (∼20 to 15 Ma). Tectonic migration of the PC-07 site away from the equatorial high productivity zone produced a significant decrease in sedimentation rates after 15 Ma, diminishing to just ∼0.30 mm/ky in the uppermost 3 m of the core. Correlated magnetic reversal and fish teeth ages are concordant within this upper red clay interval (∼10 to 0.0 Ma), which is dominated by eolian dust accumulation; however, within the 15 to 10 Ma interval, fish teeth ages appear to show more scatter, departing from the magnetic ages by as much as 2–3 million years. Age discrepancies in this dominantly siliceous clay interval are most likely due to uncertainties in magnetostratigraphic age correlations. We conclude from this that the eolian dust component in red clay cores can be reliably dated by the fish teeth strontium technique. For otherwise undatable red clay cores from the vast northern Pacific pelagic clay province, this may prove to be the only available method for developing a regional Cenozoic chrono-stratigraphy.
The infrared and Raman spectra of phosphabenzene and arsabenzene

Abstract Phosphabenzene and arsabenzene are analogs of pyridine. Their IR and Raman spectra are reported for the first time. IR spectra are for a polycrystalline solid at about 100 K, and Raman spectra are for the liquid at room temperature. Assignments are suggested for all but five of the 54 fundamentals, and most of them are believed to be reliable. The molecules are known to have aromatic properties. This is demonstrated in the spectra by the regular trends in frequency and intensity in the sequence pyridine-phosphabenzene-arsabenzene.
Acreage stability and resource allocation before and after the implementation of a marketing order

Acreage stability and resource allocation are evaluated in the Florida celery market before and after the installment of a marketing order. Prior to the marketing order, producers placed emphasis on the lagged ratio of the fresh vegetable price index and the Florida celery price, lagged California quantity, and lagged Florida celery acreage to determine acreage planted. With the marketing order, the price ratio had less impact. Marketing orders may modify and possibly eliminate the cobweb cycle. Thus, a marketing order may improve the acreage stability and allocation of resources in a market. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AspectBrowser for Eclipse: a case study in plug-in retargeting

A powerful feature of Eclipse is its plug-in architecture for incorporating third-party tools. An important source of plug-ins is standalone tools that were developed prior to the release of Eclipse. However, such tools inevitably incorporate features that Eclipse provides natively, requiring rework to rehost those features to Eclipse.In our retarget of the AspectBrowser application to Eclipse, we found not only an unexpected number of deeply ingrained features that needed to be rehosted, but also numerous GUI and architectural mismatches between AspectBrowser's version of these features and Eclipse's. By judiciously resolving these issues, we were able to minimize their impact on the AspectBrowser base code, and still reap significant benefits from Eclipse's high level of plug-in integration. For example, AspectBrowser is able to function as a viewer for any existing plug-in that produces Eclipse resource markers.This paper describes the insights gained from retargeting AspectBrowser to Eclipse and provides guidelines to those retargeting tools to Eclipse. We also reflect on the importance of recent improvements to Eclipse in this process, and what additional improvements could be made.
Anticipating issues related to increasing preimplantation genetic diagnosis use: a research agenda

Increasing use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) poses numerous clinical, social, psychological, ethical, legal and policy dilemmas, many of which have received little attention. Patients and providers are now considering and using PGD for a widening array of genetic disorders, and patients may increasingly seek 'designer babies.' In the USA, although governmental oversight policies have been discussed, few specific guidelines exist. Hence, increasingly, patients and providers will face challenging ethical and policy questions of when and for whom to use PGD, and how it should be financed. These issues should be better clarified and addressed through collection of data concerning the current use of PGD in the USA, including factors involved in decision making about PGD use, as well as the education of the various communities that are, and should be, involved in its implementation. Improved understanding of these issues will ultimately enhance the development and implementation of future clinical guidelines and policies.
Stimulation of Lactic Acid Production in Vitro from Prepubertal Rat Ovaries by Gonadotropins and Their Subunits1

Lactic acid production in prepubertal rat ovaries in response to gonadotropins has been investigated by Hamberger and Ahren (1). Using highly purified hormones we have reexamined the specificity of this response and found that all gonadotropins (LH, FSH, hCG, PMSG) are active and give parallel dose response curves with the exception of PMSG. Other anterior hormones were not active. LH molecules from different species were able to stimulate lactic acid production to different degrees: ovine ≥ human > bovine. Nitration of the LH molecule was found to reduce activity. The response to hormones possessing sialic acid (hLH, oFSH, hCG and PMSG) was unaffected following treatment with neuraminidase. The subunits of LH, hCG and FSH were found to possess very low activity with the exception of FSH—β, which was as potent as native FSH. (Endocrinology 92: 1022, 1973)
Nonlinear time-series analysis of stock volatilities

SUMMARY The absolute value of the mean-corrected excess return is used in this paper to measure the volatility of stock returns. We apply various nonlinearity tests available in the literature to show that such volatility series are strongly nonlinear. We then explore the use of threshold autoregressive (TAR) models in describing monthly volatility series. The models built suggest that the volatility series exhibit significant lower-order serial correlations when the volatility is large, indicating certain volatility clustering in stock returns. Out-of-sample forecasts are used to compare the TAR models with linear ARMA models and nonlinear GARCH and EGARCH models. Based on mean squared error and average absolute deviation, the comparisons show that (a) the TAR models consistently outperform the linear ARMA models in multi-step ahead forecasts for large stocks, (b) the TAR models provide better forecasts than the GARCH and EGARCH models also for the volatilities of large stock returns, and (c) the EGARCH model gives the best long-horizon volatility forecasts for small stock returns.
Regulated expression of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin in naturally cpe-negative type A, B, and C isolates of C. perfringens

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), the virulence factor responsible for symptoms associated with C. perfringens type A food poisoning, is produced by enterotoxigenic C. perfringens type A isolates when these bacteria sporulate in the gastrointestinal tract. Less than 5% of the global C. perfringens population apparently carries the cpe gene. To assess the distribution of cpe-regulatory factors, we investigated whether the cpe gene of a C. perfringens food poisoning isolate can be expressed and properly regulated (i.e., expressed in a sporulation-associated manner) when transformed into naturally cpe-negative C. perfringens isolates. Sporulation-associated CPE expression was observed when low-copy-number plasmids carrying either a 5.7-kb DNA insert, containing the cpe open reading frame plus >1 kb each of upstream and downstream flanking sequences from C. perfringens food poisoning isolate NCTC 8239, or a 1.6-kb insert, containing only the cpe open reading frame of NCTC 8239, were electroporated into cpe-negative C. perfringens type A, B, and C isolates. Northern (RNA) blot analysis demonstrated that the sizes of the cpe message in the transformants and the naturally enterotoxigenic C. perfringens NCTC 8239 were similar and that this message was detectable only in sporulating cultures of the transformants or NCTC 8239. These studies strongly suggest that many, if not all, cpe-negative C. perfringens isolates (including type B isolates, which are not known to naturally express CPE) produce a factor(s) involved in normal (i.e., sporulation-associated) transcriptional regulation of CPE expression by C. perfringens food poisoning isolates. These findings are consistent with this CPE-regulatory factor(s) also regulating the expression of other genes in C. perfringens.
Pathogenomic Sequence Analysis of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates Closely Related to Bacillus anthracis

Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus thuringiensis are closely related gram-positive, spore-forming bacteria of the B. cereus sensu lato group. While independently derived strains of B. anthracis reveal conspicuous sequence homogeneity, environmental isolates of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis exhibit extensive genetic diversity. Here we report the sequencing and comparative analysis of the genomes of two members of the B. cereus group, B. thuringiensis 97-27 subsp. konkukian serotype H34, isolated from a necrotic human wound, and B. cereus E33L, which was isolated from a swab of a zebra carcass in Namibia. These two strains, when analyzed by amplified fragment length polymorphism within a collection of over 300 of B. cereus, B. thuringiensis, and B. anthracis isolates, appear closely related to B. anthracis. The B. cereus E33L isolate appears to be the nearest relative to B. anthracis identified thus far. Whole-genome sequencing of B. thuringiensis 97-27and B. cereus E33L was undertaken to identify shared and unique genes among these isolates in comparison to the genomes of pathogenic strains B. anthracis Ames and B. cereus G9241 and nonpathogenic strains B. cereus ATCC 10987 and B. cereus ATCC 14579. Comparison of these genomes revealed differences in terms of virulence, metabolic competence, structural components, and regulatory mechanisms.