cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are emotions necessary and sufficient for making moral judgments

Jesse Prinz (2006, 2007) claimed that emotions are necessary and sufficient for moral judgments. First of all, I clarify what this claim amounts to. The view that he labels emotionism will then be critically assessed. Prinz marshals empirical findings to defend a series of increasingly strong theses about how emotions are essential for moral judgments. I argue that the empirical support upon which his arguments are based is not only insufficient, but it even suggests otherwise, if properly interpreted. My criticism is then extended to his sentimentalist theory, that accounts for how emotions are integrated into moral judgments. The central problem is that Prinz’s view fails to capture the rational aspect of moral evaluation. I make this failure explicit and defend that some version or other of neosentimentalism is a more promising route.
The geometry of flocking

The convergence time for flocking in the Vicsek-Cucker-Smale model is known to be bounded by a tower-of-twos of height linear in the number of birds. We improve the height to logarithmic, which matches the known lower bound. In the process, we introduce an intriguing geometric object, the "flight net", and develop the idea of a "virtual agent." These two concepts give us insight into early flocking behavior, which is still the most mysterious aspect of these dynamical systems.
Bazex syndrome mimicking a primary autoimmune bullous disorder

Bazex syndrome is a paraneoplastic condition that is most frequently associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. The lesions affect acral areas of the skin, including hands, feet, ears, nose, and, to a lesser extent, elbows and knees. Lesions mimic psoriasis and dermatitis. Paronychia and nail dystrophy are frequent. Bullous lesions have been reported only rarely. We report a patient with Bazex syndrome with predominantly bullous lesions that mimicked a primary autoimmune bullous disorder.
Psychometric Properties of the Trauma Stages of Recovery

Of the trauma theories available, Herman's has captured the essential features common to most traumatic etiologies. Continued development of this theory has included dimensions within stages of recovery. The Trauma States of Recovery is presented here as a way of assessing stages of recovery and inherent components. Three samples of about 500 college students each and a clinical sample (n=34) were recruited. Independent principal components analyses, employing a scree plot, gave a five-component solution accounting for 40.2% of the total variance. The component solution employed Promax rotation for the correlated components. The five components were named Emotional Awareness and Control, Symptom Mastery, Coping, Memory, and Relationships. Internal consistencies, test-retest reliability, and split-half reliability were acceptable. Response bias was low. Convergent validity (with various subscales from the Beck Depression Inventory, the Self-esteem Scale, the Spielberger Anger-Expression Scale, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale) and discriminant validity (with various subscales of the AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Survey and Jackson's Personality Research Form Dominance Scale) were promising. The Trauma Stages of Recovery also significantly discriminated between clinical and nonclinical samples on three of the five components, Symptom Mastery, Coping, and Memory.
Is vaccine type seropositivity a marker for human papillomavirus vaccination? National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2010

Summary Objective Since 2006, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been routinely recommended for adolescent females in the USA. The quadrivalent vaccine induces long-term seropositivity to HPV 6/11/16, which may be useful as a marker for HPV vaccine coverage. Methods We evaluated vaccine type seropositivity (i.e., seropositivity to HPV 6/11/16 with or without HPV18) among females aged 14–59 years participating in the 2003–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (cross-sectional, nationally representative surveys). We compared pre-vaccine era (2003–2006) to vaccine era (2007–2010) seropositivity and assessed agreement between vaccine era seropositivity and reported vaccination by kappa statistic. Results Seropositivity was 1.0% among 2151 females in the pre-vaccine era and 22.1% among 1420 females in the vaccine era ( p Conclusion The increase in vaccine era seropositivity likely reflects vaccination uptake. Our study suggests seropositivity to HPV 6/11/16 may be a useful marker for vaccination coverage in adolescent and young adult females. Discordance between seropositivity and reported vaccination may be explained by inaccurate reporting and/or natural exposure to HPV.
Abstract 821: Developing a molecular understanding of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) resistance to platin-taxane chemotherapy

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Purpose: While chemotherapy has improved lung cancer patient survival, relapse rates after neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy (minimal residual disease settings) are high. This could be due to cancer cells acquiring resistance to therapy or selective survival of pre-existing resistant cells. The molecular basis for primary or acquired resistance to standard platinum doublet chemotherapies are unknown and their elucidation is necessary for developing curative therapy that can be personalized for each patient. Methods: 3 complementary approaches were used to explore mechanisms underlying NSCLC resistance to platin-taxane chemotherapy: A) NSCLC lines were exposed in vitro to cycles of paclitaxel + carboplatin to mimic clinical treatment and resistance validated with cell viability and colony formation assays. Genome wide mRNA expression profiles of resistant and parental lines were compared using Illumina arrays and qRT-PCR. B) A large dataset of clinically and molecularly annotated NSCLC tumor specimens obtained after no chemotherapy or neoadjuvant platin-taxane chemotherapy were subjected to mRNA microarray analysis. C) Lung cancer xenografts were treated with chemotherapy in vivo in mice and profiled for mRNA expression. Biostatistical and bioinformatics approaches were used to identify genes that are differentially expressed in resistant cells in these three settings, and their function studied using over-expression or shRNA mediated knockdown. Results: NSCLC lines H1299 and H1355 were treated in vitro with paclitaxel + carboplatin and showed progressive increases in resistance to chemotherapy (after 5 to 15 cycles) ultimately achieving 30 (H1299) or 60 fold (H1355) differences compared to parental cells. In addition, multiple single cell clones also demonstrated chemotherapy resistance. Resistant NSCLC strains were also resistant to platin+docetaxel and platin+pemetrexed combinations. Expression profiles revealed upregulation of ABCB1/MDR1, down regulation of epithelial-specific genes suggesting EMT, differences in expression of epigenetic modulators as well as cancer testis family of GAGE genes and many of these genes had expression correlated with recurrence after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and with poor survival. Resistance was only partially reversed by verapamil indicating that it can be only partly explained by MDR mechanisms. Mechanistic studies of genes identified by these three approaches provide opportunities for overcoming chemotherapy resistance and developing novel therapies for NSCLC. Grant support: UT-Lung SPORE (5 P50 CA70907-11) and DoD PROSPECT (W81XWH-07-1-0306) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 821. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-821
Metatheatricality and Subversion in the Comtesse de Murat's Voyage de campagne

In his book Le roi-machine, Jean-Marie Apostolides describes Louis XIV as the principal director of his own spectacle at Versailles. Alongside this micromanaged world, the petite societe represents another permanent space of representation which escapes the court’s watchful eye. The Voyage de campagne by the Comtesse de Murat highlights the adventures of a group of six aristocrats who spend two months in the Comte de Selincourt’s country château entertaining one other. We shall examine the metatheatrical aspects of this dramatic space, in which the characters, aware of their own role-playing, continually perform, becoming spectacles of one another. Colored with theatrical rhetoric, the characters’ language is seen as a symptom of the intermediate space. A closer look brings the insubordinate aspect of this “prise du pouvoir” to light. Far from the constrictive domain of the capital, the characters improvise their own spectacular world which at times spills into the realm of the supernatural, in direct opposition to the constraints of aesthetic codes. I will argue that the subversive nature of their otherworldly existence is in reaction to the controlled rational literary space of the capitol. It is through their own embracement of the irrational that these six romantic sojourners are able to escape, for a short time, the tragic puppeteered space of the roi-machine.
Intermolecular forces: A solution to dispersion interactions

London dispersion forces have been cited as an important factor in protein folding, drug–receptor interactions, and catalyst selectivities. However, careful analysis of a model system finds that the dispersion interactions are only minor contributors to the formation of complexes in solution.
Hemolytic anemia due to anti-A in concentrated antihemophilic factor preparations.

Progressive anemia developed in a type A, hem* philiac after he had received a large amount of commercial Factor VIII concentrate. Anti-A was found in the patient’s serum a8 well aa in eluates from hia erythrocytes. Moreover, the product contained potent anti-A. A positive direct antiglobulin teat and increaaed osmotic fragility with microspherocytosia were additional laboratory findings which suggested paaaive transfer of anti-A aa the cause of the anemia. The possibility of anemia due to transfused anti-A or anti-B should be considered in patients, other than those of type 0, who manifest progressive ancmia following treatment with large volumes of a pooled plasma product.
Smartphone based optical detection of Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus DNA

We create a smartphone accessory that is capable of optically reading out a detection reaction in a microfluidic chip. We test the accessory using an oligonucleotide conjugated gold nanoparticle colorimetric reaction targeted at detecting DNA from Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus, a cancer causing virus highly prevalent in some parts of the developing world.
Effects of Pregnancy on Antiepileptic Drug Utilization

Summary: Pregnancy is associated with characteristic changes in the disposition of antiepileptic drugs; recent findings on this aspect of drug utilization are presented. In one study involving 48 pregnancies, the mean level—dose ratio of phenytoin decreased by 34%. In another study of 111 patients, phenytoin clearance increased gradually over the first 32 weeks of pregnancy and reached twice the preconception value. In two studies with phenobarbital, levels tended to decrease, although this effect was less pronounced than for phenytoin. Similarly for primidone, pregnancy had little effect on steady-state levels; however, levels of phenobarbital formed from primidone exhibited large decreases during pregnancy followed by increases after delivery. This effect was quite consistent. Carbamazepine clearance tended to increase to a relatively small extent. Limited data indicate that valproate levels decrease by 30 to 40% during pregnancy. The mechanisms responsible for these effects have not been elucidated and possibly include decreased bioavailability or compliance, increased metabolic clearance, or decreased plasma protein binding. Since the patient at risk of an increase in seizure frequency cannot be identified prior to conception, therapeutic monitoring is imperative during and after pregnancy.
An intercultural test of the generality of interpretations of nonverbal cues

Abstract This study examines Mehrabian's claim concerning the cross-cultural generality of implicit metaphors that underlie a set of coding rules for the interpretation of nonverbal behaviors. Responses of Japanese and American school teachers were used to discover whether observers from two different cultures interpret nonverbal behaviors during interpersonal communication according to the three-dimensional metaphorical scheme proposed by Mehrabian and to assess the degree of intercultural consensus about dimensions and interpretations. Factor analysis, factor structure comparisons, and multiple discriminant analysis yielded evidence of significant differences between groups both in the dimensions used and in the interpretations of nonverbal cues along those dimensions.
Identification and characterization of lysine-rich proteins and starch biosynthesis genes in the opaque2 mutant by transcriptional and proteomic analysis

Background The opaque2 mutant is valuable for producing maize varieties with enhanced nutritional value. However, the exact mechanisms by which it improves protein quality and creates a soft endosperm texture are unclear. Given the importance of improving nutritional quality in grain crops, a better understanding of the physiological basis for these traits is necessary.
Limitations of the Outback LTD re-entry device in femoropopliteal chronic total occlusions

Objective Subintimal recanalization for the treatment of femoropopliteal chronic total occlusions (CTO) occasionally requires re-entry devices to access the true lumen distally, but limited information is available on factors predicting the success or failure of these devices. We evaluated the Outback LTD re-entry device (LuMend, Redwood City, Calif; acquired by Cordis Corp, Miami Lakes, Fla). Methods A retrospective review of patients with femoropopliteal CTO from August 2006 to August 2009 was performed. Age, gender, occlusion length, site of re-entry, and the angle of the aortic bifurcation were recorded. Procedural angiograms were used to assign a calcification score (none, mild, moderate, severe) at the re-entry site. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors predicting failure of re-entry into the true lumen. Results Of 249 CTOs treated, the re-entry device was used 52 times (20.9%): 47 superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusions and 5 combined SFA and popliteal artery occlusions (33 TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus II type C and 18 type D lesions). Of 48 procedures with available angiograms for review, the target re-entry site was at the adductor canal in 30 (62.5%), the above-knee popliteal artery in 13 (27.1%), behind the knee joint in 4 (8.3%), and the mid-SFA in 2 (4.2%). Patients (54% men) were a mean age of 73.1 years. Re-entry was successful in 34 attempts (64.5%). Causes of failure included inability to re-enter the true lumen in 11 (61.1%), difficulty tracking the device over a wire in 3 (16.7%), acute angle of aortic bifurcation in 2 (11.1%), mechanical failure of the device in 1 (5.6%), and difficulty tracking the device through the lesion in 1 (5.6%). Moderate or severe calcification at the site of re-entry was the only significant predictor of failure (odds ratio, 6.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-24.48; P = .01). An aortic bifurcation angle ≥40° did trend toward predicting success (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-1.02; P = .054). Conclusions Although the Outback re-entry device can be successful in extending the applicability of endovascular management to difficult femoropopliteal occlusions, it is not uniformly successful in current clinical practice. Significant calcification at the proposed re-entry site is a strong predictor of failure.
A Cartesian grid method for two‐phase gel dynamics on an irregular domain

We develop a numerical method for simulating models of two-phase gel dynamics in an irregular domain using a regular Cartesian grid. The models consist of transport equations for the volume fractions of the two phases, polymer network and solvent; coupled momentum equations for the two phases; and a volume-averaged incompressibility constraint. Multigrid with Vanka-type box relaxation scheme is used as a preconditioner for the Krylov subspace solver (GMRES) to solve the momentum and incompressibility equations. Ghost points are used to enforce no-slip boundary conditions for the velocity field of each phase, and no-flux boundary conditions for the volume fractions. The behavior of the new method, including its rate of convergence, is explored through numerical experiments for a problem in which strong phase separation develops from an initially (almost) homogeneous phase distribution. We also use the method to explore situations, motivated by biology, which show that imposed boundary velocities can cause substantial redistribution of network and solvent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comments on the evolving field of sonochemistry by a cavitation physicist

Abstract Sonochemistry is an evolving field that has shown recent rapid growth and increasing interest. Although this field concentrates on chemistry and uses acoustics principally as a tool, the basic mechanism that gives rise to sonochemistry — acoustic cavitation — is often ignored or given little attention. This paper addresses some of the relevant aspects of cavitation and physical acoustics that apply to sonochemistry.
Alcohol use and suicide rates

Alcohol use and abuse substantially influence suicide rates. Suicide is a cause of death for a substantial percentage of individuals with alcoholism. However, the results of epidemiological studies of the relation between alcohol use and suicide have been inconsistent. Studies conducted in one nation are not always applicable to other nations. Many different factors including prevalence of various psychiatric and medical disorders, quality of psychiatric and medical care, unemployment and divorce rates and other psychosocial and demographic factors determine suicide rates in a certain region or a country. There may be a broad-based social characteristic related to social stress which is associated with high rates of a variety of stress-related behaviors, including heavy alcohol use and suicide.
Expression of the yeast LEU4 gene is subject to four different modes of control.

Abstract A translational fusion of yeast LEU 4 and Escherichia coli lacZ which contains 679 bp of the LEU 4 5′-flanking region and the first two codons of LEU 4 was used to study LEU 4 expression. Eight recipient strains with different genetic backgrounds, transformed with a plasmid containing the fusion, were grown under a variety of conditions, and β-galactosidase activity was measured. Evidence was obtained for at least four modes of expression of LEU 4: general amino acid control, leucine-specifc control, basal level expression, and branched-chain amino acid-mediated repression. Determination of steady-state levels of LEU 4 mRNA suggested that LEU 4 expression is regulated transcriptionally.
Age of onset of major subtypes of obsessive—compulsive disorder

Abstract In 138 patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, significant differences in mean age of onset were found among subtypes. Patients with obsessions only or cleaning rituals only had comparable ages of onset (age 27), while patients with checking rituals only or mixed rituals had earlier onset (age 18–19). Implications of these findings are discussed.
CONTINGENCY IN PHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY: A CRITIQUE OF THE THEOLOGY OF WOLFHART PANNENBERG

Abstract. The concept of contingency serves to bridge the doctrine of creation and natural science in Wolfhart Pannenberg's theology. My paper first analyzes the relation of creatio ex nihilo and creatio continua. Next I suggest three categories of contingency: global, local, and nomological. Under each category I assess Pannenberg's use of physics, cosmology, and philosophy of science. Although I agree with Pannenberg's emphasis on continuous creation and on the role of science in renewing the doctrine of creation, I argue for a shift in the discussion from Pannenberg's topics to others, such as the anthropic principle, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Immunoinhibition of rubber particle-bound cis-prenyl transferases in Ficus elastica and Parthenium argentatum

Abstract A cis -prenyl transferase (‘rubber transferase’) catalyses the polymerization of isoprene units, derived from isopentenyl diphosphate, into natural rubber ( cis -1,4-polyisoprene). Cis -prenyl transferase activity is firmly associated with cytoplasmic rubber particles but the membrane-bound enzyme has yet to be identified. We have compared two different species, Ficus elastica and Parthenium argentatum , which produce predominantly short chain and long chain rubber, respectively. The two species have disparate rubber particle protein complements. Antigenic similarities between the rubber particle proteins may include their cis -prenyl transferases, which likely contain some structural features in common. Cis -prenyl transferase activity in F. elastica rubber particles was specifically inhibited by affinity-purified polyclonal IgG raised against a protein (LPR) purified from F. elastica rubber particles. Thus, LPR appears to contain the cis -prenyl transferase active site. Anti-LPR IgG also specifically inhibited cis -prenyl transferase activity in rubber particles from P. argentatum . Thus, an anti-LPR IgG recognized similar epitopes at or near the active site of both the F. elastica and P. argentatum cis -prenyl transferases. This is the first time that an antibody to a rubber particle protein has been shown to specifically inhibit cis -prenyl transferase activity, and could lead to the isolation of the enzyme from P. argentatum .
Thermal conduction analysis of layered functionally graded materials

Abstract A thermal conduction analysis is performed on layered functionally graded materials (FGMs) subjected to thermal shock by sudden cooling of the material in order to investigate the results obtained from three different mixing laws: linear, quadratic, and half-order. The functionally graded material considered in this research is a composite of nickel and carbon nanotubes at different compositions varying from two to five layers. Each FGM component is 10 mm high and 190 mm wide. The two-layer functionally graded material is composed of two layers, one that is 100% Ni and one that is 100% carbon nanotube. The middle layers for the three to five layers are composed of graded ( i.e. , gradually changing) percentages of nickel and carbon nanotube. The thermal analysis was performed using a finite-element code. The thermal properties of nickel and carbon nanotube are obtained from literature. The thermal conductivity, specific heat and density for the composites were calculated depending on the percentages of materials in each layer, and assuming different rules of mixture. The thermal conduction analysis is parameterized by different cooling times, different mixing rules and with different heat transfer coefficients.
Stochastic Mullins-Herring equation for a solid-on-solid crystal

We derive a stochastic version of the Mullins-Herring equation---a continuum equation of motion for the relaxation of a solid surface to morphological equilibrium---for a two-dimensional solid-on-solid crystal. For Arrhenius-type desorption and surface diffusion kinetics, a linear Langevin equation describes the scaling behavior of the surface width. The final equation of motion is interpreted in terms of effective, macroscopic desorption and surface-diffusion parameters that reflect the full chemical activity of the surface.
Use of 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3)-biocytin hepatobiliary scintigraphy to study the protective effect of a synthetic enzyme inhibitor on acute hepatotoxicity in mice

Abstract Recent data suggest that inhibitors of ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1) can protect the liver from injury caused by various substrates of CYP2E1. In this study, we measured the protective effect of isopropyl-2-(1,3-dithioetane-2-ylidene)-2[ N -(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)-carbamoyl]acetate (YH439), a transcriptional inhibitor of CYP2E1, against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced hepatotoxicity by using various conventional methods and dynamic scintigraphy with 99m Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3)-biocytin, a recently developed scintigraphic agent. Balb/c mice were pretreated with two doses of YH439 (50 or 150 mg/kg per day) at 48 h and 24 h and one dose of CCl 4 (0.25 mL/kg) at 18 h before scintigraphy. The results were compared with those of two other groups, one that received CCl 4 but not YH439, and the other that received neither (control). Scintigraphic images were acquired continuously at 15-sec intervals for 30 min. Pharmacokinetic parameters, such as peak liver/heart ratio ( r max ), peak liver uptake time ( t max ), and hepatic half-clearance time (HCT), were obtained from time-activity curves derived from regions-of-interest (ROI) over the liver and the heart. Acute administration of CCl 4 alone caused centrilobular necrosis and serum transaminase levels to rise more than 5 times higher than those of the control group. Pharmacokinetic parameters also changed significantly from those of the control group. Administration of YH439 prevented centrilobular necrosis and significantly improved pharmacokinetic parameters. This study demonstrates for the first time that hepatobiliary scintigraphy can be used to study in vivo biochemistry of the CYP2E1 inhibitor (YH439) against liver toxicity.
Three-dimensional architecture and gating mechanism of a K+ channel studied by EPR spectroscopy.

Three-dimensional architecture and gating mechanism of a K+ channel studied by EPR spectroscopy
Cu deposition using a permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance microwave plasma source

An electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma has been used in conjunction with a solid metal sputter target for Cu deposition over 200-mm diameters. The goal is to develop a deposition process suitable for filling submicron, high aspect ratio features used for ultralarge scale integration. The system uses a permanent magnet for creation of the magnetic field necessary for ECR and is significantly more compact than systems equipped with electromagnets. A custom launcher design allows remote microwave injection with the microwave entrance window shielded from the Cu flux. Cu deposition rates up to 100 nm/min were observed and film resistivities were typically in the low to mid 2 {mu}ohm-cm range. Based on deposition rate measurements at two radial sample position, uniformities of a few % over 200-mm diameters should be attainable.
Whole Grains, Multiple Grains Health or Hype

Today there are many food products on the supermarket shelves that make claims of whole grain or multiple grains content that is healthy. Many consumers are frequently confused about what is hype about the health benefits of the grains. This column attempts to bring clarity to this issue by separating the health facts from the hype.
Surface melting of neon and argon films: profile of the crystal-melt interface

Surface melting in Ne films evolves with thickness from logarithmic to power-law temperature dependence. The thin-film behavior appears to be due to the expected exponential decay of solid order. The variation with thickness of the melting entropy is examined to determine the profile of the crystal-melt interface. The interface width is approximately 6 layers in Ne and 4 in Ar.
An information systems approach to the preservation of biological diversity

Abstract Although biological diversity has emerged in the 1980s as a major scientific and political issue, efforts at scientific assessment have been hampered by the lack of cohesive sets of data. We describe, in concept, a comprehensive national diversity information system, using geographical information system (GIS) techniques to organize existing data and improve spatial aspects of the assessment. One potential GIS analysis, to identify gaps in the network of nature reserves for California, is discussed in greater detail. By employing an information systems approach, available data can be used more effectively and better management strategies can be formulated.
Precipitation and Color Reaction for Ascorbic Acid Specificity of Acidified Sodium Selenite Solution

ConclusionAscorbic acid reduces in the cold selenious acid, a straight sodium selenite solution, or one alkalinized or acidified. Reducing carbohydrates reduce only the alkalinized solution on heating. Thio compounds, including cysteine and glutathione, also reduce at room temperature the straight sodium selenite solution and the alkalinized solution, but the acidified solution only on the application of heat, A number of aldehydes, ketones, polyphenols, and creatinine also reduce the acidified selenite solution, but only on heating. Ascorbic acid differs from all the organic substances we have thus far tested, since it possesses the unique and specific property of reducing the acidified selenite reagent in the cold. The acidified sodium selenite reagent applied to plant and animal tissue rich in ascorbic acid is easily reduced in the cold with the formation of a brick red color characteristic of free selenium.
Addressing the chronic disease burden with tobacco control programs.

SUMMARYThe beneﬁts of tobacco use prevention and controlinterventions for population health, in terms of dis-ability-adjusted life years, can be estimated throughthe effect of reduced tobacco use on the incidence ofchronic disease, particularly cardiovascular disease,respiratory disease, and cancer. 3 The interventions dis-cussed here have a larger effect on population healthin regions with a high prevalence of tobacco use (e.g.,Central and Eastern Europe, South Asia, Western Pa-ciﬁc, and parts of the Americas). To achieve acceler-ated and sustained improvements in population health,a mix of interventions (such as taxation, comprehen-sive bans on advertising, and information dissemina-tion activities) are cost-effective in most countries.The greatest tobacco-related improvements in popu-lation health have been the result of efforts to increasetobacco taxation, develop clean indoor air policies,introduce comprehensive bans on advertising, and edu-cate the public through campaigns. Each componentis greatly enhanced when implemented in conjunc-tion with others. Integrated tobacco control programsrequire a sound surveillance system for monitoringand evaluation while developing infrastructure to sus-tain them. As the tobacco epidemic freely crosses in-ternational borders, strong partnerships within thecountry and across international organizations arenecessary to support global tobacco control. Such com-prehensive programs effectively reduce the prevalenceof tobacco use. With reduced tobacco use—the lead-ing risk factor associated with the greatest burden ofchronic disease—follows reduced incidence of cardio-vascular disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases.The CDC is dedicated to promoting tobacco controlstrategies with the expectation of averting many deathsattributable to tobacco use worldwide.REFERENCES
Some amphiphilic cations block the mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel, MAC

The mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) forms in the outer membrane of mitochondria early in apoptosis and this activity is altered by physiological levels of cytochrome c. While cyclosporine A and lidocaine have no effect, dibucaine induces a fast blockade of MAC with an IC50 of 39 μM. In contrast, the IC50 for propranolol and trifluoperazine are 52 and 0.9 μM, respectively, and these drugs likely destabilize the open state of MAC. These agents, and others not yet identified, should be valuable tools in the study of apoptosis. Profiling MAC's pharmacology may generate novel therapeutic regimes for disease.
The geometrical meaning of the Kantorovich- Wielandt inequalities

The Kantorovich‐Wielandt angle hOAU and the author’s operator angle /OAU are related by cos /OA 2 Uasin hOAU. Here A is an arbitrary symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrix. The relationship of these two diAerent geometrical perspectives is discussed. An extension to arbitrary nonsingular matrices A is given. A related four-way relationship with the operator trigonometry, strengthened CBS constants, and domain decomposition methods is noted. ” 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Progesterone Receptor and Stat5 Signaling Cross Talk Through RANKL in Mammary Epithelial Cells

Progesterone (P4) stimulates proliferation of the mammary epithelium by a mechanism that involves paracrine signaling mediated from progesterone receptor (PR)-positive to neighboring PR-negative cells. Here we used a primary mouse mammary epithelial cell (MEC) culture system to define the molecular mechanism by which P4 regulates the expression of target gene effectors of proliferation including the paracrine factor receptor and activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). MECs from adult virgin mice grown and embedded in three-dimensional basement-membrane medium resemble mammary ducts in vivo structurally and with respect to other properties including a heterogeneous pattern of PR expression, P4 induction of RANKL and other target genes in a PR-dependent manner, and a proliferative response to progestin. RANKL was demonstrated to have multiple functional P4-responsive enhancers that bind PR in a hormone-dependent manner as detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. P4 also stimulated recruitment of signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)5a to RANKL enhancers through an apparent tethering with PR. Analysis of primary MECs from Stat5a knockout mice revealed that P4 induction of RANKL and a broad range of other PR target genes required Stat5a, as did P4-stimulated cell proliferation. In the absence of Stat5a, PR binding was lost at selective RANKL enhancers but was retained with others, suggesting that Stat5a acts to facilitate PR DNA binding at selective sites and to function as a coactivator with DNA-bound PR at others. These results show that RANKL is a direct PR target gene and that Stat5a has a novel role as a cofactor in PR-mediated transcriptional signaling in the mammary gland.
Brain mitochondrial DNA is not damaged by prolonged cardiac arrest or reperfusion.

: Postischemic reperfusion is known to cause iron-mediated peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in membranes, including mitochondrial membranes, in the brain cortex. Consequently, we tested the hypothesis that this radical-mediated damage would extend to DNA. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was chosen because of its presence at a known site of free radical formation, its sensitivity and ease of assay, and its known lack of any repair systems. In model experiments we utilized endonuclease III or piperidine to amplify topological form conversions in mtDNA damaged by in vitro reactions with hydroxyl radical. We then applied the amplified detection assays to dog brain mtDNA isolated after 2 or 8 h of reperfusion following a 20-min cardiac arrest. We found that ischemia and reperfusion caused no topological form conversions in mtDNA. Similarly, nucleotide incorporation by a gap-filling reaction showed no sensitivity to digestion of the mtDNA by exonuclease III, an enzyme known to remove blocked 3’ termini at the site of radical-generated nicks. Furthermore, the recovery of mtDNA was similar in all experimental groups, suggesting that putatively damaged forms had not been removed by rapid degradation. Thus, despite mitochondrial membrane damage, brain mtDNA does not accumulate oxygen radical damage during postischemic brain reperfusion.
Defect Energetics and Nonstoichiometry in Lanthanum Magnesium Hexaaluminate

Abstract Computer-based atomistic simulation methods are applied to address quantitatively the defect energetics and crystal chemistry of lanthanum magnesium hexaaluminate (LMA). The tetrahedral site preference of Mg in the magnetoplumbite structure is determined by calculating lattice energies for different Mg ion distributions. It is revealed that the intrinsic and extrinsic disorders are much influenced by the distribution of Mg in the structure. Our calculations show that oxygen Frenkel disorder is the dominant defect mode to be expected, even though Schottky disorder may also exist. Several feasible defect processes in nonstoichiometric LMA are determined from the enthalpies of the quasi-chemical reactions for the processes with simple point defect energies. We have also modeled some defect complexes in the mirror plane regions. It is found that the Mg ions positioned in the tetrahedral sites suppress the formation of cation vacancies in the mirror plane, through hindering the relaxation of the 12 k Al ions by which the vacancies are stabilized. In Mg-deficient nonstoichiometric LMA, however, it is expected that the defect complex [V La +V Al +2(V Al +Al i )] will be formed in the interspinel layer. Our calculations also indicate that the O La defect is improbable in LMA not only as a simple point defect but also as a member of a defect complex.
MOLECULAR CLONING OF APLYSIA NEURONAL CDNAS THAT ENCODE CARBOXYPEPTIDASES RELATED TO MAMMALIAN PROHORMONE PROCESSING ENZYMES

ABSTRACT The bag cell neurons of Aplysia synthesize an egg-laying hormone (ELH) precursor that initially is cleaved into two fragments in the Golgi apparatus, and the fragments are differentially packaged in separate granule populations and further processed. Aplysia Afurin, Afurin2, prohormone convertase 1 (PC1), and PC2 are thought to be involved in the posttranslational processing of the ELH prohormone. In the present study, we have cloned Aplysia neuronal cDNAs that encode an enzyme most closely related to mammalian carboxypeptidase E (CPE), a peptide hormone processing enzyme that removes basic residues during prohormone processing. Northern blot analysis identified a single Aplysia CPE mRNA (∼5.2 kb) in central nervous system tissue. The C-terminal region of Aplysia CPE contains amphiphilic α-helices that may serve as a hydrophobic membrane anchor. A novel neuronal Aplysia enzyme was also identified by the polymerase chain reaction that was most closely related to the carboxypeptidase D (CPD)-relate...
Numerical optimization techniques applied to PPM signal design

A computer-oriented algorithm is developed for designing optimum waveforms for a pulse-position-modulation communication system. Nonlinear modulation threshold effects are incorporated directly into the design by introducing constraints on the sidelobe peaks of the autocorrelation function. The search is performed over the class of signals satisfying constraints on average power, peak power, and bandwidth. The optimum signal in this class is the one whose autocorrelation function has the sharpest central peak while the sidelobe peaks are below the specified constraint level. Numerical results for a realistic problem are presented, and the effect of introducing the correlation and peak power constraints is studied. It is shown that a large reduction in the sidelobe peaks is possible with relatively little loss in the sharpness of the central peak.
Use of on-site chemical analyses in the identification of groundwater contamination sources affecting the Rockaway Borough well field

Abstract Field chemical analyses were applied to an investigation of the Rockaway Borough well field, located in northwestern New Jersey, USA, and the designated sole-source glacial aquifer supplying the well field. The aquifer and the Borough water supply were found to be contaminated with up to 680 μg/L of tetrachlorethylene (PCE) and 172 μ/L of trichlorethylene (TCE) in 1980. The sources of the contaminants had not been identified in 1982 when the well field was placed on the United States Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. A limited site investigation was conducted using on-site chemical analyses of groundwater samples and soil sample headspace gases. The investigation identified optimal monitoring well locations, provided cost-effective time series sampling data, and identified the locations of three potential contaminant sources.
Iliac-Enteric Fistula Following Dacron Patch Angioplasty

We report a patient who developed fistulization between the jejunum and a Dacron patch placed at the bifurcation of the right common iliac artery during endarterectomy 14 years previously. The patient was successfully managed by resection of the iliac bifurcation and a segment of the involved bowel. While arterio-enteric fistulae typically involve prosthetic grafts, they may occur in association with artificial materials used to patch endarterectomy sites; hence, knowledge of technical detail is important in the diagnosis of this complication following endarterectomy.
Value creation and firm sales performance: The mediating roles of strategic account management and relationship perception

Abstract Research on relationship management has extolled the virtue of sellers creating value for their customers. Indeed, loyal relationships, defined as repeated business exchanges, tend to flourish when firms create and deliver value to their customers. While few argue this premise, questions remain regarding the precise delineation of a firm's value creation competence and the mechanism by which it influences the firm's performance. In the current study, the authors define the value creation competence concept and find empirical evidence for its positive effects on firm sales performance (e.g., new customer leads, close rates, retention, revenue, etc.). Interestingly, the results suggest this effect is mediated by strategic account management and the perception of the relationship held between buyer and seller. Both of these findings have implications in establishing that a firm's value creation competence translates into improved sales performance, mediated by strategic account management and relationship perceptions.
The role of the computer

In her introductory remarks Dr. Davis stated that the participants would discuss from a user's viewpoint what the role of computers is, may be, or should be in Health and Welfare. She explained the term "Health and Welfare Services".
Wingless signaling: The inconvenient complexities of life

Abstract Recent results suggest that our current model of Wingless/Wnt signal transduction is over-simplified.
Open tubular capillary electrokinetic chromatography in etched fused-silica tubes

This review describes an open tubular approach to capillary electrochromatography (OTCEC) that first etches the inner surface of the fused-silica tube using ammonium hydrogen diflouride. This process can increase the inner surface area significantly. The new surface is then chemically modified to attach a bonded stationary phase using a silanization/hydrosilation reaction process. The surfaces are characterized spectroscopically by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform and by electroosmotic flow measurements. Applications of OTCEC columns with C18, diol and chiral stationary phases are described.
New Molecular Techniques for Microbial Epidemiology and the Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases

A major aim of clinical microbiologists over the last century has been to demonstrate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in clinical or pathologic samples associated with infectious diseases. With the development of molecular genetics over the last two decades, new technologies have become available that allow more sensitive and specific determinations to be made in shorter periods. Two considerable benefits have accrued: Epidemiologists are now capable of judging clonality among various clinical isolates more powerfully, permitting added accuracy in the evaluation of the epidemic spread of microbes, and clinicians have gained enormous ability to diagnose previously difficult-to-detect pathogens.
Ultrastructural studies of renal peritubular amyloid experimentally induced in guinea pigs. II. Tubular epithelial cells.

The ultrastructure of cells of the renal tubule and its relationship to subepithelial amyloid deposits were studied in experimentally induced amyloidosis in guinea pigs. Amyloid fibrils were demarcated primarily between the epithelial cell and its basement membrane. Basal plasmalemmal infoldings were diminished whenever the cell abutted amyloid. Pocket-like plasmalemmal invaginations, associated with tufts of well-oriented amyloid fibrils, were found occasionally. Intracellular membrane-bound amyloid fibrils, fibrils in the extracellular space between two epithelial plasma membranes, and fibrils surrounded by basement membrane were also seen on rare occasions. These findings are discussed in relation to clinical features of renal amyloidosis.
THE CHEATER PROBLEM IN POLLING

HUMAN BEINGS, it seems, remain human beings when they are asking questions for polling organizations. They remain human enough to sometimes make up answers instead of pounding pavements in search of a carefully categorized specimen-so much so, Mr. Crespi says, that cheating is becoming a major problem of polling. Mr. Crespi feels that present methods of stopping cheating overlook the nub of the matter: the problem is not so much one of morals as of morale. Leo P. Crespi is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Princeton University.
Respiratory C fluxes and root exudation differ in two full-sib clones of Pinus taeda (L.) under contrasting fertilizer regimes in a greenhouse

Aims We investigated whether changes in respiratory C fluxes, soil CO2 efflux, or root exudate quantity or quality explained differences in growth rates between closely related clones of Pinus taeda (L.).
Cyclic GMP/Protein Kinase G Phosphorylation of Smad3 Blocks Transforming Growth Factor-β–Induced Nuclear Smad Translocation: A Key Antifibrogenic Mechanism of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide

See related article, pages 185–192 In response to hemodynamic overload, the heart undergoes a complex adaptive remodeling process that involves cardiac myocyte hypertrophy, transformation of fibroblast into myofibroblast, high-level expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, interstitial fibrosis, and cell death.1 Differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is critical to the production and deposition of collagens and plays a decisive role in myocardial fibrosis and morphological alterations during the progression of adaptive myocardial hypertrophy to decompensation and heart failure.1,2 Among the plethora of identified fibrogenic factors, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 plays a fundamental role in hypertrophic and fibrotic remodeling of the heart, where it regulates cardiomyocyte growth, fibroblast activation, and ECM deposition.4,5 The expression of ventricular TGF-β mRNA and protein is increased in numerous models of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and in cardiac cells in response to putative hypertrophic stimuli.6,7 In vitro, TGF-β activates myofibroblast transformation and increases ECM production.7 Blockade of TGF-β signaling is predicted to blunt fibrosis.5 Recent studies from Chen et al8 convincingly demonstrated that disruption of TGF-β signaling by inducible dominant-negative mutation of the TGF-β receptor type II (TβRII) gene significantly reduced the pressure overload–induced myofibroblast transformation and interstitial fibrosis in mouse heart. Thus, there is considerable interest in understanding how signaling by TGF-β receptors is transduced and how the inevitable damage produced could be mitigated. Of the 3 isoforms of TGF-β expressed in mammals,9,10 TGF-β1 is expressed in the adult heart, where it is secreted by cardiomyocytes and myofibroblasts and retained in significant amounts in ECM as a latent cytokine. Recent advances have led to clear description of downstream of TGF-β signal transduction pathways initiated by binding of TGF-β to membrane-bound heteromeric receptor kinases (TβRI and TβRII) that transduce intracellular signals via both Smad and non-Smad pathways …