cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA repair genes and prostate cancer risk

The specific causes of prostate cancer are not known. However, multiple etiological factors, including genetic profile, metabolism of steroid hormones, nutrition, chronic inflammation, family history of prostate cancer, and environmental exposures are thought to play significant roles. Variations in exposure to these risk factors may explain inter-individual differences in prostate cancer risk. However, regardless of the precise mechanism(s), a robust DNA repair capacity may mitigate any risks conferred by mutations from these risk factors. Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes have been found, and studies of these SNPs and prostate cancer risk are critical to understanding the response of prostate cells to DNA damage. A few SNPs in DNA repair genes cause significantly increased risk of prostate cancer, however, in most cases, the effects are moderate and often depend upon interactions among the risk alleles of several genes in a pathway or with other environmental risk factors. This report reviews the published epidemiologic literature on the association of SNPs in genes involved in DNA repair pathways and prostate cancer risk.
Promoting the Medical Library on the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Campus Through Outreach

Version of record first published: 25 Jan 2010. Version in this repository is the author's pre-print (ie pre-refereeing) version. This item contains the author's .doc file, plus an additional converted PDF.
Referéndum del gas en Bolivia 2004: mucho más que un referéndum

El 18 de julio del 2004 se dio el primer referendum sobre los hidrocarburos en Bolivia; el proceso prereferendum puso en manifiesto problemas nacionales que amenazaban la estabilidad social. Este trabajo analiza las posiciones de los sectores sociales organizados y de los partidos politicos mas importantes de Bolivia, en una coyuntura politica conflictiva donde las diferencias entre los distintos actores sociales y politicos imposibilitaban el establecimiento de una politica hidrocarburifera consensuada desde el Ejecutivo. Del mismo modo estudia como estos hechos influyeron en las caracteristicas de la iniciativa pres~ dencial en la politica de hidrocarburos. Finalmente, muestra que en su momento el referendum sirvio para legitimar al Presidente Carlos Mesa, pero a la larga las discrepancias entre el poder legislativo y el poder ejecutivo en torno a la interpretacion de los resultados del referendum contribuyeron al debilitamiento del Presidente y a su posterior renuncia.
Effect of substance P and eledoisin on K+ efflux, amylase release and cyclic nucleotide levels in slices of rat parotid gland.

Abstract The undecapeptides, substance P and eledosin, caused a rapid, concentration-dependent increase in K + efflux and amylase release from parotid tissue slices. The effects were not blocked by β-adrenergic, α-adrenergic, or cholinergic anatagonists. Incubation buffer calcium was required for stimulation of K + efflux and amylase release. The action of the undecapeptides was independent of any effects on parotid cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP levels. Since the actions of the undecapeptides were Ca 2+ dependent and no effects on cyclic nucleotide levels were discerned it was concluded that Ca 2+ plays a primary role in agonist regulation of K + efflux from the parotid.
The Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor as a Target for Antidepressant Drug Development

An important new area of antidepressant drug development involves targeting the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). This receptor, which is distributed widely in regions of the brain associated with depression, is also implicated in other important processes that are relevant to depression, such as stress and inflammation. The two classes of drugs that target nAChRs can be broadly divided into mecamylamine- and cytisine-based compounds. These drugs probably exert their effects via antagonism at α4β2 nAChRs, and strong preclinical data support the antidepressant efficacy of both classes when used in conjunction with other primary antidepressants (e.g., monoamine reuptake inhibitors). Although clinical data remain limited, preliminary results in this area constitute a compelling argument for further evaluation of the nAChR as a target for future antidepressant drug development.
Correlated autoradiographic and biochemical study of DNA labeling in equine abortion virus hepatitis.

Abstract Incorporation of tritiated thymidine into hamster liver cell nuclei in vivo during infection with equine abortion virus (EAV) was investigated with autoradiography and liquid scintillation counting. It was found that the labeling was much lighter than in normal animals, was widespread, and appeared in nuclei which also showed evidence of viral damage.
Direct narrow linetuning of a high power CO 2 laser

The operation of a high power, narrow linewidth CO2 laser suitable for application as a pump for pulsed submillimeter lasers is reported. Grating tuning and single mode CW injection have been employed in an unstable ring resonator which produces 100 nsec duration, 200-400 Joule pulses on the 9R(22) line with a bandwidth of less than 20 MHz.
Fugitive emissions of NO2 from vented gas appliances in residences--a pilot study.

(1990). Fugitive Emissions of NO2 from Vented Gas Appliances in Residences—A Pilot Study. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association: Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 359-361.
Nitric oxide mediates mecamylamine- and naloxone-precipitated nicotine withdrawal

A nitric oxide synthase inhibitor blocked nicotine abstinence signs and increased weight loss in male, nicotine-dependent rats during withdrawal precipitated by the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine or the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. These results indicate that nitric oxide systems mediate important aspects of the expression of nicotine physical dependence and suggest the potential use of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors as aids in tobacco smoking cessation.
Two separable steps in the development of platelet prothrombin-converting activity.

Abstract Platelets catalyze conversion of prothrombin to thrombin in the presence of coagulation Factors Va and Xa. Bovine Factor Va was found to bind to human and bovine platelets washed by centrifugal pelleting. Factor Va was bound to sites varying in affinities but only those sites saturated at approximately 1 mM are active. Platelets in citrate or benzamidine-anticoagulated plasma or those washed by gel filtration bound substantially less Factor Va with these affinities, indicating that the binding sites increased in number or affinity or both during the centrifugal pelleting and redispersal. Thrombin production catalyzed by platelets with developed binding sites started at a low initial rate but after a lag period rapidly reached a maximum rate. Addition of 0.25 mM dinitrophenol increased the lag period and decreased the maximum rate obtained concomitantly with the reduction in ATP levels. Neither dinitrophenol nor its induced depletion of the ATP levels reduced Factor Va binding. Therefore, the activation of platelet pro thrombin-converting activity was separated into two steps; one being the development of the high-affinity binding sites and the other a step partially dependent on sufficient levels of ATP within the platelet.
Optimization of the neural net connectivity pattern using a backpropagation algorithm

Abstract This paper presents an approach to using a backpropagation learning algorithm in defining an optimal connectivity pattern given a fixed number of neurons. A neural net structure suitable for this approach is defined and the associated backpropagation algorithm is presented. The training of the neural network is divided into two phases: an exploration phase and a fixation phase. In the exploration phase, the backpropagation algorithm is utilized in finding optimal connections between neurons. In the fixation phase, the non-optimal connections are de-linked and learning is continued. In both the phases, weight updates are carried out similar to the regular backpropagation algorithm. The end result is a neural network with both optimal weights and optimal connections. Two test cases are used to show the effectiveness of this technique in terms of both generalization and accuracy of the network copying. Comparisons are made with the traditional multilayered feedforward neural networks.
Pro-inflammatory Genes as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major health problem worldwide, and patients have a particularly poor 5-year survival rate. Thus, identification of the molecular targets in OSCC and subsequent innovative therapies are greatly needed. Prolonged exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and pathogenic agents are known risk factors and have suggested that chronic inflammation may represent a potential common denominator in the development of OSCC. Microarray analysis of gene expression in OSCC cell lines with high basal NF-κB activity and OSCC patient samples identified dysregulation of many genes involved in inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and growth regulation. In particular IL-8, CCL5, STAT1, and VEGF gene expression was up-regulated in OSCC. Moreover, IL-8 protein levels were significantly higher in OSCC cell lines as compared with normal human oral keratinocytes. Targeting IL-8 expression by siRNA significantly reduced the survival of OSCC cells, indicating that it plays an important role in OSCC development and/or progression. Inhibiting the inflammatory pathway by aspirin and the proteasome/NF-κB pathway by bortezomib resulted in marked reduction in cell viability in OSCC lines. Taken together our studies indicate a strong link between inflammation and OSCC development and reveal IL-8 as a potential mediator. Treatment based on prevention of general inflammation and/or the NF-κB pathway shows promise in OSCCs.
NONEQUILIBRIUM DISSOCIATING FLOW OVER A CUSPED BODY

19 Inger, G. R., "Specific heat inequality effect in the chemically frozen stagnation point boundary layer," ARS J. 30, 1028-1029 (1960). 20 Teare, J. D., Hamerling, P., and Kivel, B., "Theory of the shock front. II. High temperature reaction rates," Res. Note 133, Avco Research Lab., Boston, Mass. (June 1959). 21 Benson, S. W. and Fueno, T., "The mechanism of atom recombination by consecutive vibrational deactivations," J. Chem. Phys. 36,1597-1604 (1962). 22 Rosner, D. E., "Recent advances in convective heat transfer with dissociation and atom recombination," Jet Propulsion 28, 445-451(1958). 23 Rosner, D. E., "Chemically frozen boundary layers with catalytic surface reaction," J. Aerospace Sci. 26, 281-286 (1959). 24 Rosner, D. E., "Boundary conditions for the flow of a multicomponent gas," Jet Propulsion 28, 555-556 (1958). 25 Inger, G. R., "An analogy between boundary layer pressure gradient and chemical reaction rate effects," J. Aerospace Sci. 27,1028-1029(1960). 26 Chung, P. M., "A simplified study of the nonequilibrium Couette and boundary layer flows with air injection," NASA TN D-306 (February 1960).
Preliminary characterization of the major RNA species from Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the total RNA extracted from cultures of Plasmodium falciparum resolved two major RNA components with estimated molecular weights of 1.3 × 10 6 and 0.72–0.74 × 10 6 . Oligo(dT)-cellulose column chromatography of the total cellular RNA indicates that more than 90% of the total radiolabeled RNA lacks substantial poly(A) sequences (poly(A) − ). Resolution of the poly(A) − fraction on polyacrylamide or agarose gels indicates that the majority of the poly(A) − RNAs are the 1.3 × 10 6 and 0.72–0.74 × 10 6 species. This observation was confirmed by two-dimensional oligonucleotide fingerprint analysis of the total cellular RNA as well as the poly(A) − RNA components. Oligonucleotide fingerprint analysis confirmed that the small RNA species is not a breakdown or cleavage product of the larger RNA component. Base ratio analysis of the large and small RNA species indicate that they are typically protozoan type with a low guanine + cytosine (G + C) content. The findings that these two RNA species (i) are the major cellular RNA species, (ii) lack substantial poly(A) sequences, (iii) have estimated molecular weights similar to the ribosomal RNAs obtained from other protozoa, (iv) have a low G + C content (≅ 35–37%), and (v) are distinct from one another, indicates that the 1.3 × 10 6 and 0.72–0.74 × 10 6 RNA components obtained from P. falciparum cultures are the major ribosomal RNAs.
The impact of insulin resistance and inflammation on the association between sarcopenic obesity and physical functioning.

Age associated increases in visceral adiposity and decreases in muscle mass (sarcopenia) have been shown to contribute to disability in late life. Furthermore, there is evidence that obesity-related physiological states, such as insulin resistance and systemic inflammation, may exacerbate physical functioning problems. Both conditions have been shown to prompt hypercatabolism and impair the anabolic effect of muscles, ultimately stimulating protein breakdown and suppressing muscle synthesis. This cross-sectional study investigates whether insulin resistance and inflammation partially account for the associations between decreased physical functioning and sarcopenic obesity. Subjects include 2,287 males and females aged 60 and older without diagnosed diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999–2004). Body composition measurements indicating waist circumference and appendicular skeletal muscle mass, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), were used to construct four body composition categories—healthy, sarcopenic nonobese, nonsarcopenic obese, and sarcopenic obese. Physical functioning was measured using self-reports of difficulty performing six activities. The homeostasis model assessment (IRHOMA) was used to measure insulin resistance, while inflammatory state was assessed through measurement of serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Modified Poisson regression models were used to examine the association between physical functioning and body composition, and to evaluate whether differences in insulin resistance or inflammation partially explained this relationship. In the analysis, we controlled for possible confounders such as age, education, sex, height, and race/ethnicity. Findings suggest that physical functioning problems are increased in those with sarcopenic obesity, sarcopenic nonobesity and nonsarcopenic obesity. Furthermore, these associations may be influenced by differences in insulin resistance among different body composition phenotypes.
General Base Catalysis by the Phosphatidylcholine-Preferring Phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus: The Role of Glu4 and Asp55†

To assess what roles the active site residues Glu4 and Asp55 of the phosphatidylcholine-preferring phospholipase C of Bacillus cereus (PLCBc) might play in binding and catalysis, selected mutants were prepared through site-directed mutagenesis of the plc gene. The mutants were then expressed in Escherichia coli and purified as fusion proteins with the maltose binding protein (MBP). Kinetic analysis showed that mutations at Glu4 had only modest effects on the catalytic activity, whereas those at Asp55 led to proteins whose values for kcat/KM were 10(4)-10(6) times less than that of the wild-type enzyme. The modest decrease in catalytic activity and the pH-dependent profile of the E4L mutant strongly suggest that glutamic acid at position 4 is not the general base in the PLCBc-catalyzed reaction. Rather, the results support the hypothesis that Glu4 is primarily involved in substrate binding, perhaps by electrostatic stabilization of the positive charge of the choline moiety of the phosphatidylcholine substrate. Examination of X-ray crystallographic data of PLCBc and its various complexes reveals that the carboxylate side chain of Asp55 is positioned such that it could activate a water for nucleophilic attack on the substrate or serve as a ligand for Zn1. However, the involvement of the side chain of Asp55 as an important Zn1 ligand is not consistent with the atomic absorption and thermostability data obtained for the D55L mutant, which are virtually identical with that of the wild-type enzyme. The large reduction in the measured kcat/KM of the D55E, D55N, and D55L mutants of PLCBc indicates that Asp55 plays a critical role in catalysis and likely serves as the general base in the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by PLCBc.
High-Throughput Phase-Distribution Method to Determine Drug-Cyclodextrin Binding Constants

A high-throughput method has been developed to measure drug-cyclodextrin binding constants. It measures the distribution ratio of a drug between a polymer film [polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with 67% (w/w) dioctyl sebacate (DOS)] and a cyclodextrin-containing buffer in a 96-well format. Measurements of distribution ratios at several cyclodextrin concentrations lead to binding constants. Binding constants for econazole with six CDs have been determined in one 96-well microplate with four replications of each condition in 10 h. The K(1:1)/10(3) M(-1) values are 3.98 +/- 0.13, 3.90 +/- 0.22, 29.3 +/- 2.2, 0.66 +/- 0.04, 1.78 +/- 0.30, 4.08 +/- 0.50, with (2-hydroxyethyl)-beta-cyclodextrin, (2-hydroxypropyl)-beta-cyclodextrin, 2,6-di-O-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin, alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, respectively. It is likely that 1:2 complexes are also formed in some cases. This method has also been applied to study the binding behavior as a function of the drug concentration and pH. Binding weakens at higher drug concentration which may be due to the self-association of the drug. An acidic environment decreases the binding constant of CD with the basic econazole. The formation of the 1:2 complexes is completely suppressed in acid as well. This protocol is faster than the phase-solubility method. Moreover, the material requirement is up to four orders of magnitude lower.
GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON SELF-REPORTED DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN A GENERAL POPULATION TWIN SAMPLE

To determine the etiology of self-reported depressive symptoms and their co-occurrence in the general population, multivariate genetic models were fitted to the responses of 771 female twin pairs (463 MZ, 308 DZ) to a 20-item epidemiological depression inventory (CES-D scale). A model which contained one common genetic factor, one shared environmental factor, and four unique environmental factors provided a useful account of symptom covariation. Under this model, the four non-shared environmental factors explained the largest proportion of variance in response to the CES-D scale, whereas a single common genetic factor explained substantially less of the variation in symptomatology. Consistent with previous findings (Kendler, Heath, Martin, & Eaves, Archives of General Psychiatry 43, 213-221, 1986) shared environmental influences were found to play a relatively minor role in the report of depressive symptoms. These results suggest that while genetic factors do contribute to the covariation among symptoms of depression, it is the largely non-shared environmental factors that account for the co-occurrence of symptoms in the general population.
The Competitive Structure of U.S. Agricultural Exports

The competitive structure of U.S. agricultural exports is examined using a model of exporter behavior based on pricing decisions across destination markets. Market power is revealed in the adjustment patterns of export prices in response to exchange rate movements. The results reject the hypothesis that the export pricing decisions by U.S. firms are consistent with price discrimination across destination markets for cotton, corn, and soybeans. The strongest evidence against the competitive market structure is obtained for international trade in wheat, where results indicate that the two largest importers (Soviet Union and PRC) may exert market power to obtain lower prices.
Regulation of MyoD function in the dividing myoblast

Proliferating myoblasts express MyoD, yet no phenotypic markers are activated as long as mitogen levels are sufficient to keep the cells dividing. Depending upon mitogen levels, a decision is made in G1 that commits the myoblast to either continue to divide or to exit from the cell cycle and activate terminal differentiation. Ectopic expression of MyoD under the control of the RSV or CMV promoters causes 10T1/2 cells to rapidly exit the cell cycle and differentiate as single myocytes, even in growth medium, whereas expression of MyoD under the weaker SV40 promoter is compatible with proliferation. Co-expression of MyoD and cyclin D1, but not cyclins A, B, E or D3, blocks transactivation of a MyoD responsive reporter. Similarly, transfection of myoblasts with the cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitors p16 and p21 supports some muscle-specific gene expression even in growth medium. Taken altogether, these results suggest cell cycle progression negatively regulates myocyte differentiation, possibly through a mechanism involving the D1 responsive cdks. We review evidence coupling growth status, the cell cycle and myogenesis. We describe a novel mitogen-sensitive mechanism that involves the cyclin D1-dependent direct interaction between the G1 cdks and MyoD in the dividing myoblast, which regulates MyoD function in a mitogen-sensitive manner.
Cross Currents and Community Networks: The History of the Indian Ocean World – Edited by Himanshu Prabha Ray and Edward A. Alpers

Is there “such a thing as an ‘Indian Ocean World’” (15)? This series of essays, the compilation of which was triggered by a 2003 conference entitled “Narratives of the Sea: Encapsulating the Indian...
Activation of human intraepithelial lymphocytes reduces CD3 expression

The aim of this study was to examine in detail the low functional capacity of human intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and CD3 ligation. Human IELs were extracted from jejunal mucosa obtained from patients undergoing gastric bypass operations for morbid obesity and compared to peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes composed predominantly of CD8+ T cells. Calcium influx ([Ca2+]i) was analysed using Fura-2-loaded cells; IL-2 receptor expression was measured by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry; IL-2 binding was determined using radiolabelled IL-2; IL-2 production was quantified by ELISA; and apoptosis was detected with Apo 2.7 staining. Compared to naive PB CD8+ T lymphocytes, calcium influx by IELs was only transient with CD3 ligation and low in amplitude with PHA. IL-2 receptor expression was reduced after CD3 ligation, yet normal in numbers and affinity after PHA stimulation. Both cell types secreted similar amounts of IL-2. CD3 expression on IELs, but not PB CD8+ T cells, declined upon activation, due partly to incomplete reexpression after modulation. Little apoptosis was found. The partial activation of IELs in response to PHA and CD3 ligation, as manifested by diminished [Ca2+]i, resulted in a decline in CD3 expression.
Restoring Tacrolimus-Induced Impaired Barrier Function

Our bodies are equipped with a variety of mechanisms to optimize survival. A keratinized epidermis and the complex “brick and mortar” construction are first lines of defense against invading organisms. When the stratum corneum and epidermal architecture are disrupted, a second line of defense, the innate immune system, is upregulated. Previous studies have shown that topically applied tacrolimus slows restoration of the epidermal barrier following tape stripping and also reduces the innate immune reactivity, which ordinarily serves in antimicrobial defense (Kim et al., 2010).
The mathematical theory of group selection. I. Full solution of a nonlinear Levins E = E(x) model.

The first complete overtime solution is obtained for a group selection model of Levins E = E(x) type with recolonization but no other gene flow between islands. Assuming a subdivided population at carrying capacity, the model describes selection at a biallelic locus (A, a) where a is opposed by Mendelian selection but is favored by a lower rate of extinction of demes having high a frequency. By contrast to the linear diffusion equations encountered in classical mathematical genetics, the PDE governing the dynamics is now nonlinear in the metapopulation gene frequency distribution φ(x, t); furthermore, the initial conditions now heavily influence the equilibrium distribution φ∞(x). A fully explicit formula (20) expressing this dependence is derived. The results indicate that a fixation is never reached, but (A, a) polymorphism in the metapopulation will result if E(0) − E(1)s > B(1 − h), where s ⪡ 1 parametrizes the strength of Mendelian selection, E(x) is the Levins extinction operator, h (typically in the open interval (0, 1)) is the dominance of a, and B is a parameter measuring the flatness of the initial distribution f(x) in the x → 1 limit.
Combining thermodynamics and public policy: Exploring the benefits of this alternative instructional method

The Rochester Institute of Technology has recently developed an Engineering and Public Policy master's program that is modeled after the program instituted at Carnegie Mellon University in 1976. One of the key graduate-level courses in this program, and the focus of this paper, is the Sustainable Energy Management (SEM) course offered within the Mechanical Engineering Department. SEM is an upper level engineering class that combines advanced studies of thermodynamics with public policy basics. The class is unique in the way that it takes thermodynamic analyses of complex contemporary engineering issues a step further by incorporating government regulations into problems that would otherwise be defined only by thermodynamic principles. The purposes of this paper are to explore the development and implementation of this novel course and its implications in regards to whether the course accomplishes its goal of developing an understanding of the interrelationship between engineering and public policy. Student course-end evaluations were analyzed and six student interviews were conducted in order to inform this investigation. From this research, it is clear that most students view the class favorably, and several possible improvements are considered for future iterations of the course.
Attitudes About Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease Among Women and Men Presenting for Exercise Testing

To assess attitudes that could contribute to gender differences in the use of coronary procedures, we surveyed 322 patients presenting for exercise testing at a major teaching hospital. Adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors, women and men did not differ significantly in their willingness to seek a second opinion, reduce physical activity, or take drugs to avoid major cardiac surgery, but men were more likely than women to describe themselves as risk takers on a three-item personality measure (adjusted odds ratio 2.5; 95% confidence interval 1.4–4.6). Patients’ attitudes about risk should be explored further in studies of gender differences in the use of coronary procedures.
New and evolving treatment methods for pulmonary metastases.

Abstract Treatment strategies other than surgery for pulmonary metastases are needed to improve disease-free and overall survival. Surgical attempts to solve a biologic problem by mechanical means. Alternative treatment may include induction or adjuvant chemotherapy, lung perfusion or regional drug delivery, biologic therapies (inhaled IL-2, biologic modifiers), and potentially, molecular or genetic therapy. Experimental radiofrequency ablation techniques are rarely applicable. Combinations of resection of macrometastases with treatment of occult micrometastases may be best in improving disease-free and overall survival. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Worsening endothelial function with efavirenz compared to protease inhibitors: a 12-month prospective study.

Objective Changes in endothelial function, measured as flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, has not been systematically assessed beyond 6 months of initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) when drug-related effects might offset initial improvements with virologic control. Design We assessed 6 and 12 month changes in FMD [presented as median (quartile 1, quartile 3)] and circulating HIV and cardiovascular biomarkers in 23 subjects initiating ART. Results There were no significant changes in FMD at 6 or 12 months overall despite significant increases in CD4 cell count and HDL-C and reductions in HIV RNA level, MCP-1, IP-10, sVCAM-1, sTNFR2, and sCD14. However, there were significant differences (P = 0.04) in the changes in FMD between those receiving efavirenz [N = 12; −3.50% (−4.90%, 0.68%)] vs. protease inhibitors at 12 months [N = 11; 1.50% (−0.86%, 4.56%)]. The differences in changes in FMD between those receiving and not receiving emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz were more pronounced and were significantly different at both 6 and 12 months (P<0.02 for both). Additional studies showed no significant differences in changes in 25-(OH)-vitamin D, PTH, FGF-23, of F2-isoprostane levels between efavirenz and PI use or between those receiving and not receiving emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz. Conclusion Efavirenz use was associated with reduced FMD at 12 months compared to PI-based regimens while emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz was associated with reduced FMD at both 6 and 12 months compared to those not receiving this combination. Long-term effects of antiretrovirals on endothelial function may play an important role in the risk of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients.
A cognitive influence on the loudness of tones that change continuously in level

The loudness of tones that change continuously in level over time was studied using magnitude estimation and a delayed loudness-balance procedure. In the magnitude estimation task, subjects estimated the loudness of continuous and intermittent 1000-Hz tones that either increased or decreased continuously in level over roughly 3 min. Two stimulus ranges were used: 30 to 70 and 50 to 90 dB SPL. For the low-level conditions, the results are essentially identical to those of Canevet and Scharf [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 88, 2136-2142 (1990)], who ran similar conditions. Tones that increased in level changed in loudness as a function of SPL at a slower rate than tones that decreased in level. For the high-level conditions, the same result was obtained, but the magnitude of the difference among conditions is smaller. A delayed loudness-matching procedure was used to measure the physical magnitude corresponding to loudness differences among a subset of the conditions. Judged equal-loudness levels showed a sharp decline in loudness for conditions with tones that decreased continuously in level, but the magnitude of the reduction was less than that interpolated from magnitude estimates for identical stimuli. The source of the difference is unclear. To explore the role of cognitive influences, subjects' attention was diverted by a video word-identification task during the period of adaptation. For this task, the loudness decline was reduced for loudness balances and magnitude estimations compared to conditions where attention was concentrated on the adapting stimulus. In another magnitude-estimation task, the loudness decline for monaural stimulation was found to occur only in the "adapted" ear.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Object-oriented design and programming: an Eiffel, C++, and Java course for C programmers

An undergraduate junior or senior level course in object-oriented design and programming is described. The course assumes familiarity with ANSI C and with data structures. The course is a popular elective among upper division students. The small, elegant, pure, and powerful object-oriented language Eiffel is used to illustrate the significant object concepts and as a guide to identifying the most relevant subsets of the C++ and Java languages.
One dimensional acoustic direct nonlinear inversion using the Volterra inverse scattering series

Direct inversion of acoustic scattering problems is nonlinear. One way to treat the inverse scattering problem is based on the reversion of the Born–Neumann series solution of the Lippmann–Schwinger equation. An important issue for this approach is the radius of convergence of the Born–Neumann series for the forward problem. However, this issue can be tackled by employing a renormalization technique to transform the Lippmann–Schwinger equation from a Fredholm to a Volterra integral form. The Born series of a Volterra integral equation converges absolutely and uniformly in the entire complex plane. We present a further study of this new mathematical framework. A Volterra inverse scattering series (VISS) using both reflection and transmission data is derived and tested for several acoustic velocity models. For large velocity contrast, series summation techniques (e.g., Cesaro summation, Euler transform, etc) are employed to improve the rate of convergence of VISS. It is shown that the VISS method with summation techniques can provide a relatively good estimation of the velocity profile. The method is fully data-driven in the respect that no prior information of the model is required. Besides, no internal multiple removal is needed. This one dimensional VISS approach is useful for inverse scattering and serves as an important step for studying more complicated and realistic inversions.
Towards integrated service innovation: from strategic goals to organisational structures

Service innovation is emerging as a critical source of competitive advantage for firms in the 21st century. The success of service innovation requires an integrated approach that can align abstract service strategies with specific organisation and information structures. This paper proposes a methodology that can systematically guide the creation and concretisation of new service strategies. Specifically, by integrating theories, techniques and heuristics from the fields of service innovation, strategic management and organisation modelling, we create a service-oriented organisational ontology and a process model for service strategy analysis and design. We illustrate the methodology with a real-life based case study and preliminarily evaluate the effectiveness of the methodology with a small behavioural experiment.
Measurements of near-field blast effects using kinetic plates

Few tests have been designed to measure the near-field blast impulse of ideal and non-ideal explosives, mostly because of the inherent experimental difficulties due to non-transparent fireballs and thermal effects on gauges. In order to measure blast impulse in the near-field, a new test has been developed by firing spherical charges at 152 mm (6 in) from steel plates and probing acceleration using laser velocimetry. Tests measure the velocity imparted to the steel plate in the 50 – 300 μs timeframe, and are compared with free-field overpressure measurements at 1.52 m (5 ft) and ms timescales using piezoelectric pencil gauges. Specifically, tests have been performed with C4 to probe the contributions of ideal explosives and charge size effects. Non-ideal aluminized explosive formulations have been studied to explore the role of aluminum in near-field blast effects and far-field pressure, and are compared with formulations using LiF as an inert surrogate replacement for Al. The results are compared with other near-field blast tests and cylinder tests, and the validity of this test is explored with modeling and basic theory.
Weak Experimental Verification of the Expected Utility Hypothesis

The five experiments described in this paper are the modest final product of an initially ambitious attempt to verify a theory of choice under uncertainty. Yaari [5] in 1965 reported the results of some experiments he had performed in which he attempted to show that the acceptance of unfair gambles is better explained by the assumption that gamblers are optimistic about the occurrence of low probability events, than by the assumption of increasing marginal utility of wealth as postulated by Friedman and Savage [1] and as demonstrated experimentally by Mosteller and Nogee [2]. The hypotheses I attempted to test in these five experiments all rest on the assumption that a subject faced with a choice under uncertainty will calculate the expected utility of each alternative, in the sense of von Neumann and Morgenstern [3], and will choose that alternative for which the expectation is greatest. In the first and second experiments I was testing a theory having to do with the formation, by the subject, of his beliefs as to the proper probabilities to use in the calculation. In the third I was interested in verifying Yaari's experimental findings, and in the fourth and fifth experiments I was trying merely to obtain very weak evidence to support the hypothesis that decisions are made under uncertainty so as to maximize expected utility.
The treatment of atopic dermatitis with systemic immunosuppressive agents

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that typically occurs in individuals with a personal or family history of atopy ie, hay fever, asthma, or AD itself. Typically beginning in early childhood, the disease affects approximately 7 to 17% of the pediatric population. Although in many cases there is moderation of the disease with increasing age, it may persist into adulthood in up to 60% of patients. AD can be managed in many patients with topical therapies, sometimes supplemented by systemic antibiotics, but some individuals, typically those with widespread disease or recalcitrant local disease that interferes with the quality of life, require more aggressive treatment. Management should embrace measures to control environmental “flare factors” such as house dust mites or in young children, certain foods. In addition, coincident skin infection, emotional distress, xerosis from dry ambient air or excessive bathing, and high temperatures causing sweating-induced exacerbations should be addressed with allergen avoidance, antibiotic therapy, relaxation techniques, bathing and skin hydration, humidification, and air conditioning, respectively. If control of flare factors combined with aggressive topical therapy or phototherapy fail to control symptoms of AD, a number of systemic immunomodulatory agents may play a role in treatment (Table 1). Because these agents have significant side effects, utmost care should be exercised in their use. It is also crucial to realize, particularly when contemplating the use of these agents in children, that none of them is approved for the treatment of AD in the United States. Informed consent, preferably in writing, for off-label use in the treatment of AD, should be obtained. Patients should be given written documentation of possible adverse effects and the treatment regimen should be tailored to each patient to limit overall exposure to the systemic agent. Although an extensive discussion of immunopathogenesis (see Kang et al, this issue) is beyond the scope of this paper, a basic understanding of the role of various immune cells and mechanisms in the causation of AD helps to clarify the rationale for using these agents.
Preventing youth access to alcohol: outcomes from a multi-community time-series trial*.

Aims/intervention The Complying with the Minimum Drinking Age project (CMDA) is a community trial designed to test effects of two interventions designed to reduce alcohol sales to minors: (1) training for management of retail alcohol establishments and (2) enforcement checks of alcohol establishments. Design CMDA is a multi-community time-series quasi-experimental trial with a nested cohort design. Setting/participants CMDA was implemented in 20 cities in four geographic areas in the US Midwest. Measurements The core outcome, propensity for alcohol sales to minors, was directly tested with research staff who attempted to purchase alcohol without showing age identification using a standardized protocol in 602 on-premise and 340 off-premise alcohol establishments. Data were collected every other week in all communities over 4 years. Mixed-model regression and Box–Jenkins time-series analyses were used to assess short- and long-term establishment-specific and general community-level effects of the two interventions. Findings Effects of the training intervention were mixed. Specific deterrent effects were observed for enforcement checks, with an immediate 17% reduction in likelihood of sales to minors. These effects decayed entirely within 3 months in off-premise establishments and to an 8.2% reduction in on-premise establishments. Conclusions Enforcement checks prevent alcohol sales to minors. At the intensity levels tested, enforcement primarily affected specific establishments checked, with limited diffusion to the whole community. Finally, most of the enforcement effect decayed within 3 months, suggesting that a regular schedule of enforcement is necessary to maintain deterrence.
Description of Action in the Narratives of Euripidean and Sophoclean Tragedy

Drama and narrative share basic constituents, such as a chronological series of actions, their agents, and a setting in time and place. Narrative, moreover, often makes use of dialogue, while dramatic dialogue is hardly conceivable without narrative. Recognition of this kinship has encouraged the notion that narrative and dialogue are naturally complementary, so that when a story is told in tragic dialogue, for instance, the dramatic illusion is maintained unaffected. This essay asserts to the contrary that, just as certain kinds of narrative are not hospitable to dialogue, certain dramatic narratives—messenger speeches in particular—do not fit well in the dialogues in which they are embedded. In support of this assertion the study attempts to examine the way in which the narratives in Sophoclean and Euripidean dialogue describe action. Assuming that dramatic narrative seeks to approximate, at least in some degree, what van Dijk calls “natural narrative”—that occurring in everyday conversation—which mentions only those actions and events that are “strictly relevant”, the study finds that in fact most narratives in tragic dialogue are sparing of extraneous detail. There is, however, a group of narratives which with some frequency make 'irrelevant' multiple references to single actions and events. Most of the Euripidean narratives spoken by anonymous messengers and three in Sophoclean tragedy belong to this group, as well as five narratives spoken by named characters, four of which closely resemble messenger speeches in form and function.
Hooke numbers of polymers

Hooke numbers He ≡ σb/(E) are calculated from published ultimate tensile strengths σb, tensile moduli E, and ultimate elongations ϵb. Data for common thermoplastics and natural fibers each follow a function He = [1 + (ϵb/ϵcrit)ab]−1/b with a Hookean region I (He = 1) at ϵb ≪ ϵcrit, a non-Hookean region III at ϵb ≫ crit, and a transition region II for ϵb ≈ ϵcrit. Only non-Hookean regions III were found for semisimultaneous interpenetrating networks from polyisobutylene-polymethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic elastomers from segmented polyamide-polyethers, molecular composites from poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) and poly[2,5(6)-benzimidazole], and three groups of various synthetic fibers. The Hooke numbers of lyotropic and thermotropic liquid-crystalline polymers vary with the heat treatment and depend on orientation angles for orientation angles greater than ca. 10°. Hooke numbers much greater than 1 are observed for highly stressed polymers. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Metal centers in the anaerobic microbial metabolism of CO and CO2

Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are important components of the carbon cycle. Major research efforts are underway to develop better technologies to utilize the abundant greenhouse gas, CO2, for harnessing ‘green’ energy and producing biofuels. One strategy is to convert CO2 into CO, which has been valued for many years as a synthetic feedstock for major industrial processes. Living organisms are masters of CO2 and CO chemistry and, here, we review the elegant ways that metalloenzymes catalyze reactions involving these simple compounds. After describing the chemical and physical properties of CO and CO2, we shift focus to the enzymes and the metal clusters in their active sites that catalyze transformations of these two molecules. We cover how the metal centers on CO dehydrogenase catalyze the interconversion of CO and CO2 and how pyruvate oxidoreductase, which contains thiamin pyrophosphate and multiple Fe4S4 clusters, catalyzes the addition and elimination of CO2 during intermediary metabolism. We also describe how the nickel center at the active site of acetyl-CoA synthase utilizes CO to generate the central metabolite, acetyl-CoA, as part of the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, and how CO is channelled from the CO dehydrogenase to the acetyl-CoA synthase active site. We cover how the corrinoid iron–sulfur protein interacts with acetyl-CoA synthase. This protein uses vitamin B12 and a Fe4S4 cluster to catalyze a key methyltransferase reaction involving an organometallic methyl-Co3+ intermediate. Studies of CO and CO2 enzymology are of practical significance, and offer fundamental insights into important biochemical reactions involving metallocenters that act as nucleophiles to form organometallic intermediates and catalyze C–C and C–S bond formations.
The Stability of Viscous Fluid Flow under Pressure between Parallel Planes

If we consider, by the method of small oscillations, the stability of a viscous fluid flow in which the undisturbed velocity is parallel to the axis of x and its magnitude U is a function of y only (x, y, z being rectangular Cartesian co-ordinates), and if we assume that any possible disturbance may be analysed into a number (usually infinite) of principal disturbances, each of which involves the time only through a single exponential factor, then it has been proved by Squire, by supposing the disturbance analysed also into constituents which are simple harmonic functions of x and z, and considering only a single constituent, that if instability occurs at all, it will occur for the lowest Reynolds number for a disturbance which is two-dimensional, in the x, y plane. Hence only two-dimensional disturbances need be considered. The velocity components in the disturbed motion will be denoted by (U + u, v). Since only infinitesimal disturbances are considered, all terms in the equations of motion which are quadratic in u and v are neglected. When u and v are taken to be functions of y multiplied by ei(αx−βi), the equation of continuity becomesand the result of eliminating the pressure in the equations of motion then gives the following equation for v, where ν is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid:
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder and Risk of Suicide

A 30-year-old male patient developed a hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) after smoking cannabis laced with phencyclidine (PCP) or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) 10 years prior to hospital admission. Clinically, he reported seeing vivid, saturated colors and caricature-like objects. The patient described perceiving objects or people in motion as moving faster than normal. He reported living in a dream-like state and feeling numb and detached from other people and his surroundings. Upon pharmacotherapy initiation, facility transfer, and subsequent discharge from an acute psychiatry unit, he ultimately committed suicide. Although hallucinogen abuse is common in the United States, this case suggests that HPPD maybe significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated. In some cases, this oversight may perpetuate years of unnecessary patient suffering and can ultimately lead to severe depression and suicide.