cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen withdrawal alters oxytocin signaling in the paraventricular hypothalamus and dorsal raphe nucleus to increase postpartum anxiety

Background: Estrogen increases dramatically during pregnancy, but quickly drops below pre-pregnancy levels at birth and remains suppressed during the postpartum period. Clinical and rodent work suggests that this postpartum drop in estrogen results in an "estrogen withdrawal" state that is related to changes in affect, mood, and behavior. Most studies examining the effect of estrogen withdrawal on the brain have focused solely on the hippocampus. Methods: We used a hormone-simulated pseudopregnancy model in Syrian hamsters, a first for this species. Ovariectomized females were given daily injections to approximate hormone levels during gestation and then withdrawn from estrogen to simulate postpartum estrogen withdrawal. Subjects were tested for behavioral assays of anxiety and anhedonia during estrogen withdrawal. Following sacrifice, neuroplasticity in oxytocin-producing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) and its efferent targets was measured. Results: Estrogen-withdrawn females had increased anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus and open field, but did not differ from controls in sucrose preference. Furthermore, estrogen-withdrawn females had more oxytocin-immunoreactive cells and oxytocin mRNA in the PVH, as well as an increase in oxytocin receptor density in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Finally, blocking oxytocin receptors in the DRN during estrogen withdrawal prevented the high-anxiety behavioral phenotype in estrogen-withdrawn females. Conclusions: Estrogen withdrawal alters oxytocin signaling in the PVH and DRN to increase anxiety-like behavior during the postpartum period. More broadly, these experiments suggest Syrian hamsters as a novel organism in which to model the effects of postpartum estrogen withdrawal on the brain and anxiety-like behavior.
Levelized Cost of Charging Electric Vehicles in the United States

Summary The cost to charge an electric vehicle (EV) varies depending on the price of electricity at different charging sites (home, workplace, public), vehicle use, region, and time of day, and for different charging power levels and equipment and installation costs. This paper provides a detailed assessment of the current (2019) levelized cost of light-duty EV charging in the United States, considering the purchase and installation costs of charging equipment and electricity prices from real-world utility tariffs. We find national averages of $0.15/kWh for battery EVs and $0.14/kWh for plug-in hybrid EVs in the United States. Costs, however, vary considerably (e.g., $0.08/kWh to $0.27/kWh for battery EVs) for different charging behaviors and equipment costs, corresponding to a total projected fuel cost savings between $3,000 and $10,500 compared with gasoline vehicles (over a 15-year time horizon). Regional heterogeneities and uncertainty on lifetime vehicle use and future fuel prices produce even greater variations.
Creating Disability-Competent Medical Students Via Community Outreach.

Abstract Introduction Medical students often have limited exposure to providing care to physically and cognitively disabled patients. To address this gap, Involvement with Disability Education and Advancement (IDEA) was started in 2015 at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). The organization provides NJMS students the opportunity to visit a school dedicated to disabled students and lead educational sessions on health topics. Materials and methods We conducted a survey study in 2018 to compare comfort levels between IDEA members and non-members in eliciting information from and providing medical attention to nonverbal, cognitively impaired, and physically disabled patients. The survey-based study utilized yes/no questions, and a Likert scale questionnaire to determine IDEA member and non-member comfort levels in working with various disabilities. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS Enterprise Guide 7.1; p value Results and discussion A total of 56 responses (19 members, 37 non-members) were analyzed. Regardless of IDEA membership, medical students of all years perceived themselves to have more comfort caring for physically disabled than cognitively impaired or nonverbal patients. IDEA members also recorded higher comfort levels with eliciting information from cognitively impaired patients and lower comfort levels with providing medical attention to physically disabled patients. Implications IDEA members may have increased comfort interacting with cognitively impaired individuals due to their regular experience and lower levels of comfort providing medical attention to physically disabled patients due to awareness of complex problems specific to the population. The current results warrant continued data collection and further evaluation.
Loss of PI3-kinase activity of inositol polyphosphate multikinase impairs PDK1-mediated AKT activation, cell migration, and intestinal homeostasis

Inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) is a rate limiting enzyme in the inositol phosphate (IP) pathway which converts IP3 to IP4 and IP5. In mammalian cells, IPMK can also act as a phosphoinositol3kinase (PI3 kinase). We previously found that IPMK is a critical PI3kinase activator of AKT. Here, we show that IPMK mediates AKT activation by promoting membrane localization and activation of PDK1. The PI3kinase activity of IPMK is dispensable for membrane localization of AKT, which is entirely controlled by classical PI3-kinase (p110a,b,g,d). By contrast, we found that PDK1 membrane localization was largely independent of classical PI3kinase. Membrane localization of PDK1 stimulates cell migration by dissociating ROCK1 from inhibitory binding to RhoE and promoting ROCK1 mediated myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. Deletion of IPMK impairs cell migration associated with the abolition of PDK1- mediated ROCK1 disinhibition and subsequent MLC phosphorylation. To investigate the physiological relevance of IPMK mediated AKT activation, we generated mice selectively lacking IPMK in epithelial cells of the intestine, where IPMK is highly expressed. Deletion of IPMK in intestinal epithelial cells markedly reduced AKT phosphorylation and diminished numbers of Paneth cells, a crypt-resident epithelial cell type that generates the physiological niche for intestinal stem cells. Ablation of IPMK impaired intestinal epithelial cell regeneration basally and after; chemotherapy induced damage, suggesting a broad role for IPMK in the activation of AKT and intestinal tissue regeneration. In summary, the PI3kinase activity of IPMK promotes membrane localization of PDK1, a critical kinase whereby AKT maintains intestinal homeostasis.
Toward a History of American Criminal Law Theory

This article describes the author’s formulation of the Field of Truth. The Field of Truth is a theoretical concept that does two things. First, it is designed to facilitate the study of the historical progress of American criminal law theory. It is a structure that is neutral, because it does not evaluate the merits of any particular theory and does not limit its reach to modes of thought generally accepted by scholars as “theory.” Therefore, the structure encompasses all ideas that have affected the criminal law. Second, the Field of Truth reflects how theories progress through time and interact with the fact of the system of criminal law. For example, the Field posits the existence of three elements: theories, facts, and forces. These three elements constantly interact to create the system of criminal law and move that system through time.The Field of Truth is based on the work of a number of theorists. Those who have most influenced the creation of the Field include Stephen M. Feldman, H.L.A. Hart, Nicola Lacey, Gerald Leonard, and Alan Norrie. The article therefore describes the Field of Truth, and then discusses the work of these and other theorists in light of the Field. This discussion is designed to support the Field of Truth and more fully describe it.This article is an original contribution to the current scholarship because it proposes a universal, neutral paradigm with which the history of criminal law theory can be explored. Heretofore, theoretical historians largely have remained tied to their own outlooks in their work. The Field of Truth intends to provide an objective basis upon which to explore history.
The cross section of the monetary policy announcement premium

Abstract Using the expected option-implied variance reduction to measure the sensitivity of stock returns to monetary policy announcement surprises, this paper shows monetary policy announcements require significant risk compensation in the cross section of equity returns. We develop a parsimonious equilibrium model in which FOMC announcements reveal the Federal Reserve’s private information about its interest-rate target, which affects the private sector’s expectation about the long-run growth-rate of the economy. Our model accounts for the dynamics of implied variances and the cross section of the monetary policy announcement premium realized around FOMC announcement days.
TPMT and NUDT15 Variants Predict Discontinuation of Azathioprine for Myelotoxicity in Patients with Inflammatory Disease: Real-World Clinical Results.

Azathioprine is used frequently to treat several inflammatory conditions. However, treatment is limited by adverse events-in particular, myelotoxicity. Thiopurine-S-methyltransferase (TPMT) and nudix hydrolase-15 (NUDT15) are enzymes involved in azathioprine metabolism; variants in the genes encoding these enzymes increase the risk for azathioprine myelotoxicity. The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) has recommended dose adjustments based on the results of TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping. However, little is known about the importance of this genetic information in routine clinical care. We hypothesized that in patients with inflammatory diseases, TPMT and NUDT15 genotype data predict the risk of discontinuing azathioprine due to myelotoxicity. This was a retrospective cohort study in 1,403 new adult azathioprine users for the management of inflammatory conditions for whom we had genetic information and clinical data. Among patients who discontinued azathioprine, we adjudicated the reason(s). Genotyping was performed using the Illumina Infinium Expanded Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array plus custom content. We used CPIC guidelines to determine TPMT and NUDT15 metabolizer status; patients were grouped as either: (i) poor/intermediate, or (ii) normal/indeterminate metabolizers. We classified 110 patients as poor/intermediate, and 1,293 patients as normal/indeterminate metabolizers. Poor/intermediate status was associated with a higher risk for azathioprine discontinuation due to myelotoxicity compared to normal/indeterminate metabolizers (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-5.31, P = 0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for race, age at initiation, sex, primary indication, and initial daily dose of azathioprine (adjusted HR (aHR) = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.44-4.94, P = 0.002). In conclusion, TPMT and NUDT15 metabolizer status predicts discontinuation due to myelotoxicity for patients taking azathioprine for inflammatory conditions.
The Role of Ifosfamide-Doxorubicin Chemotherapy in Histology-Specific, High Grade, Locally Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Treated With Wide Excision Plus Radiation.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) To compare long-term outcomes of high grade primary soft tissue sarcoma (STS), using ifosfamide-doxorubicin vs local therapy alone, in histology-specific sarcomas. MATERIALS/METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed on 127 patients from 2005 to 2018, who had high grade STS of extremity or trunk, > 5cm, that were either Synovial Cell, Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma (DDL), Myxofibrosarcoma, Round Cell Liposarcoma (RCLS), Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma (UPS), or Undifferentiated Sarcoma not otherwise specified (NOS), with central pathology review. Ifosfamide-doxorubicin was given over 4-5 cycles, with chemotherapy given in 38 patients, while 89 received local therapy alone. Pre-operative radiation was given in 93 (73.2%), postoperative in 31 (24.4%), and amputation in 3 (2.4%). Multi-variable analysis of prognostic factors was performed, and local-recurrence-free-survival (LRFS), distant-metastases-free-survival (DMFS), disease-specific-survival (DSS), and overall-survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS Median follow-up was 4.5 years. Younger age (P 10cm and trunk location were poor prognostic features on multivariable analysis (MVA) affecting DMFS, DSS, and OS, while DDL had more favorable survival; although size, trunk location, and DDL histology were not significantly different between treatment groups. Sequence of radiation did not significantly affect any of the survival outcomes. Ifosfamide-doxorubicin vs local therapy alone improved 5-year DMFS at 70.2% vs 49.5%, P = 0.02, DSS 83.5% vs 57.9%, P = 0.009, and OS 80.6% vs 53.8%, P = 0.002. Sub-analysis of non-synovial histology still showed a significant improvement in favor of chemotherapy in DMFS, (P = 0.04), DSS (P = 0.02), and OS (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION Ifosfamide-doxorubicin benefits younger patients with > 5cm, high grade, STS of the trunk or extremity in Synovial Cell, DDL, Myxofibrosarcoma, RCLS, UPS, and Undifferentiated Sarcoma NOS.
State–Level Sexism and Gender Disparities in Health Care Access and Quality in the United States:

In this investigation, we examined the associations between state-level structural sexism-a multidimensional index of gender inequities across economic, political, and cultural domains of the gender system-and health care access and quality among women and men in the United States. We linked administrative data gauging state-level gender gaps in pay, employment, poverty, political representation, and policy protections to individual-level data on health care availability, affordability, and quality from the national Consumer Survey of Health Care Access (2014-2019; N = 24,250). Results show that higher state-level sexism is associated with greater inability to access needed health care and more barriers to affording care for women but not for men. Furthermore, contrary to our hypothesis, women residing in states with higher state-level sexism report better quality of care than women in states with lower levels of sexism. These findings implicate state-level sexism in perpetuating gender disparities in health care.
SU-E-T-657: Quantitative Assessment of Plan Robustness for Helical Tomotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy

Introduction: Geometric uncertainties in daily patient setup can lead to variations in the planned dose, especially when using highly conformal techniques such as helical Tomotherapy. To account for the potential effect of geometric uncertainty, our clinical practice is to expand critical structures by 3mm expansion into planning risk volumes (PRV). The PRV concept assumes the spatial dose cloud is insensitive to patient positioning. However, no tools currently exist to determine if a Tomotherapy plan is robust to the effects of daily setup variation. We objectively quantified the impact of geometric uncertainties on the 3D doses to critical normal tissues during helical Tomotherapy. Methods: Using a Matlab-based program created and validated by Accuray (Madison, WI), the planned Tomotherapy delivery sinogram recalculated dose on shifted CT datasets. Ten head and neck patients were selected for analysis. To simulate setup uncertainty, the patient anatomy was shifted ±3mm in the longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes. For each potential shift, the recalculated doses to various critical normal tissues were compared to the doses delivered to the PRV in the original plan Results: 18 shifted scenarios created from Tomotherapy plans for three patients with head and neck cancers were analyzed. For all simulated setup errors, the maximum doses to the brainstem, spinal cord, parotids and cochlea were no greater than 0.6Gy of the respective original PRV maximum. Despite 3mm setup shifts, the minimum dose delivered to 95% of the CTVs and PTVs were always within 0.4Gy of the original plan. Conclusions: For head and neck sites treated with Tomotherapy, the use of a 3mm PRV expansion provide a reasonable estimate of the dosimetric effects of 3mm setup uncertainties. Similarly, target coverage appears minimally effected by a 3mm setup uncertainty. Data from a larger number of patients will be presented. Future work will include other anatomical sites.
RECURSIVE SANDBOXES: EXTENDING SYSTRACE TO EMPOWER APPLICATIONS

The systrace system-call interposition mechanism has become a popular method for containing untrusted code through program-specific policies enforced by user-level daemons. We describe our extensions to systrace that allow sand-boxed processes to further limit their children processes by issuing dynamically constructed policies. We discuss our extensions to the systrace daemon and the OpenBSD kernel, as well as a simple API for constructing simple policies. We present two separate implementations of our scheme, and compare their perfor mance with the base systrace system. We show how our extensions can be used by processes such asftpd, sendmail, and sshd.
Properties of an Extracellular β-Galactosidase Secreted by Neurospora crassa

An extracellular β-galactosidase with an activity optimum at about pH 4 was found to occur in the filtrates of Neurospora crassa strain 74A when this mold was grown on certain sugars. This activity accounted for a substantial portion of the β-galactosidase activity in the culture. The β-galactosidase in the medium appeared to be a secreted, extracellular enzyme, not a product of cell lysis. The extracellular activity was found to have physical and kinetic properties similar to those of an intracellular β-galactosidase previously found in Neurospora. Some conditions for the production and concentration of the enzyme are described.
Catalyst Selection for Lean Combustion Engines

A modeling procedure for selecting exhaust gas oxidation catalysts was applied to a lean air/fuel, high compression engine. The procedure was used to select the lowest cost catalyst that could meet given CVS C/H emission targets. The procedure consisted of 1) aging a variety of oxidation catalysts using an engine dynamometer, 2) measuring the conversion efficiencies of the aged catalysts during increasing and steady temperature conditions, 3) determining relevant properties of the exhaust gas at the catalyst inlet, 4) determining the activity parameters for oxidizing hydrocarbons, HC, and carbon monoxide, CO, on the aged catalysts, 5) predicting vehicle CVS HC and CO emissions as a function of catalyst volume, and 6) determining the most cost effective catalyst to meet a given CVS emission level as a function of the precious metal used, its concentration, the catalyst volume, and their incremental costs. The results of this procedure are valid only for the vehicle, catalysts and catalyst aging procedure used.
An evaluation of the radical hysterectomy in the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix.

Abstract Surgery was the only available treatment for cancer of the cervix before 1912. The most popular and successful surgical procedure at that time consisted of the removal of all the upper genital structures, the pelvic lymphatic system, and the upper portion of the vagina and was known as the Wertheim operation or radical hysterectomy. With the advent of irradiation treatment, the therapeutic pendulum swung to nonoperative treatment and remained there until recent years. There were three main reasons for this change: (1) 50 per cent of the patients were inoperable; (2) the primary operative mortality varied from 20 to 27 per cent; (3) irradiation therapy offered a much lower primary mortality rate, a universal application, and a satisfactory salvage rate. As late as 1938, one of the leading gynceologists 1 in the United States considered the Wertheim procedure obsolete. During the past ten years, there has been an increasing interest in the surgical treatment of cancer of the cervix, either alone or in combination with irradiation. The results published to date indicate that surgery has a promising role in the treatment of cervical cancer. The purpose of this paper is to discuss our experience with the Wertheim operation in an effort to improve the present rate of salvage from this disease.
Exogenous estrogen and endometrial carcinoma: Case-control and incidence study☆☆☆

Abstract Recent independent case-control studies have indicated that treatment with exogenous estrogen is associated with an increase in the risk of endometrial cancer. This question was studied in Olmsted County, Minnesota, by identifying all cases of endometrial cancer among residents over a 30 year period (1945 through 1974) and by matching four controls to each of the 145 patients. The rate of past exposure to any exogenous estrogen for any duration was about the same for patients as for controls. However, the estimated relative risk of endometrial cancer associated with conjugated estrogen treatment of 6 months or longer was 4.9 (P
Toward Jazz’s “Ofﬁcial” History: The Debates and Discourses of Jazz History Textbooks

he emergence of the “new jazz studies” over the last decade has seen an increasingly pointed critique of the historiography of the music, and of the construction of a canonical history of jazz in particular. While the “new jazz studies” does not have a definitive starting point, many attribute it to the emergence of Krin Gabbard’s 1995 Jazz Among the Discourses, which in the words of one reviewer, represented a “compelling critique of the modernist [jazz] canon.”1 Indeed, Gabbard himself lays out such a critique early in his introduction to the volume, arguing that the blame for the “jazz canon” lies with a desire to legitimize jazz by classicizing it:
Evolutionary history of a complex adaptation: Tetrodotoxin resistance in salamanders

Understanding the processes that generate novel adaptive phenotypes is central to evolutionary biology. We used comparative analyses to reveal the history of tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance in TTX-bearing salamanders. Resistance to TTX is a critical component of the ability to use TTX defensively but the origin of the TTX-bearing phenotype is unclear. Skeletal muscle of TTX-bearing salamanders (modern newts, family: Salamandridae) is unaffected by TTX at doses far in excess of those that block action potentials in muscle and nerve of other vertebrates. Skeletal muscle of non-TTX-bearing salamandrids is also resistant to TTX but at lower levels. Skeletal muscle TTX resistance in the Salamandridae results from the expression of TTX-resistant variants of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV 1.4 (SCN4a). We identified four substitutions in the coding region of salSCN4a that are likely responsible for the TTX resistance measured in TTX-bearing salamanders and variation at one of these sites likely explains variation in TTX resistance among other lineages. Our results suggest that exaptation has played a role in the evolution of the TTX-bearing phenotype and provide empirical evidence that complex physiological adaptations can arise through the accumulation of beneficial mutations in the coding region of conserved proteins.
To Study or to Sleep? The Academic Costs of Extra Studying at the Expense of Sleep

This longitudinal study examined how nightly variations in adolescents’ study and sleep time are associated with academic problems on the following day. Participants (N = 535, 9th grade Mage = 14.88) completed daily diaries every day for 14 days in 9th, 10th, and 12th grades. Results suggest that regardless of how much a student generally studies each day, if that student sacrifices sleep time to study more than usual, he or she will have more trouble understanding material taught in class and be more likely to struggle on an assignment or test the following day. Because students are increasingly likely to sacrifice sleep time for studying in the latter years of high school, this negative dynamic becomes increasingly prevalent over time.
Antifungal proteins from plants. Purification, molecular cloning, and antifungal properties of chitinases from maize seed.

Abstract We have purified two 28-kDa chitinases, designated Chitinase A (Chit A) and Chitinase B (Chit B), from maize seeds to homogeneity and isolated cDNA clones encoding these two enzymes using an oligonucleotide probe based on an amino acid sequence of a peptide derived from Chit A. Although these two enzymes share 87% homology in their amino acid sequences, which were deduced from the nucleotide sequences of the isolated cDNA clones, they are significantly different in their biochemical and in vitro antifungal activities. When tested in vitro for antifungal activity against the growth of Trichoderma reesei, Alternaria solani, and Fusarium oxysporum, Chit A showed greater antifungal activity than Chit B. The specific activity of Chit A was determined to be 3-fold higher than that of Chit B. Chit A also had a 10-fold lower binding constant (Kd) against the substrate analogue N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetyl chitotetrose than Chit B, indicating that the two enzyme may differ in their affinities for binding to the substrate chitin. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of maize seed chitinases with those of previously published chitinases from monocot and dicot plants indicates that maize seed chitinases have diverged significantly from other chitinases.
How early Judaism read Daniel 9:24-27

The prophecy of the seventy sevens in Dan 9:24-27 has produced a variety of interpretations throughout the history of Christian interpretation. This article examines early Jewish readings of Daniel in order to determine if Jewish interpretation of the seventy sevens was more uniform or just as diverse. After considering the Septuagint, 1 and 2 Maccabees, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Josephus, 1 Enoch, and Jubilees, the article concludes that a typological hermeneutic enabled Jews to apply Daniel's prophecy in fresh ways to new situations. The theme of jubilee with the accompanying hope of inheritance especially caused Jews to read this passage creatively during times of loss and stress.
Separation of Powder Mixtures during Electrostatic and Nonelectrostatic Coating

Powder separation causes uneven flavor and color on coated food products. Understanding the basis behind separation is needed to decrease separation. NaCl, starch, protein, sugar and mixtures of pairs of those powders were coated nonelectrostatically and electrostatically. Separation occurred in most mixtures. Individual targeting loss and adhesion loss caused separation while interactions between powders decreased both of these losses and separation during mixture coating. The difference in individual targeting loss was the greatest cause of separation. During nonelectrostatic coating, when NaCl was one of the powders in the mixture, there were a greater number of locations both where separation actually occurred and where it was predicted to occur. During electrostatic coating, the individual targeting loss of all powders during electrostatic coating was lower than in nonelectrostatic coating and the difference in individual targeting loss was also lower. Electrostatic coating generally decreased separation in the mixtures without NaCl. Practical Applications Using mixtures with similar size powders has been shown to reduce separation during powder coating. However, even if the powders are the same size, separation still occurs because different powders have different properties. Increasing the amount of salt in a mixture may decrease separation because salt has greater targeting loss than other powders. Minimizing differences in individual targeting loss decreases separation, as does mixing powders together. Electrostatic coating can be used to decrease losses and separation in mixtures without salt.
On the Disassembly Line: Linguistic Anthropology in 2014

Recent developments in linguistic anthropology have been animated by twin processes of dis- and reassembly. We increasingly view languages and the people who speak them as fragmented and partible, and processes of migration, circulation, and translocation demand more of our attention. The subfield has also been engaging in some reflexive dis- and reassembly by reflecting on the position of language and linguistics in anthropology and on our relationship to other disciplines and subdisciplines. In this essay, I review the year 2014 in linguistic anthropology by examining these trends across four main clusters of research: (1) fractured multilingualism, (2) peregrinations of persons and texts, (3) distributed and recombinant selves in interaction, and (4) publics and participation.
Low power integrated path differential absorption lidar detection of CO 2 , CH 4 and H 2 O over a 5.5 km path using a waveform driven EO sideband spectrometer

A rapid-scan remote-sensing spectrometer based on an arbitrary waveform driven electro-optic phase modulator for spectral scans over 37 GHz and a telescope/photon counting system for detection was used to measure long term ambient level concentrations of greenhouse gases from natural targets.
Commentary: Prevention of violence against children: A framework for progress in low- and middle-income countries

Violence against children has been the least reported, studied, and understood area of child injuries. Initial awareness emerged from international conferences and resolutions, followed by national policies and statements. More effective responses around the world will require action. Although previous calls for action have pointed to important activities (gathering of baseline data, passing of legal reforms, and providing services to those who experience violence), the agenda is limited. Data collection needs to be continuous, systematic, and sustainable, and should enable ongoing evaluation of intervention programs. An inter-sectoral approach to violence against children incorporating public health, criminal justice, social services, education, non-governmental organizations, media, and businesses is imperative if the growing burden is to be mitigated. Thus we offer a framework, building on earlier recommendations, to focus on four domains: national surveillance, intervention research, legislation and policy, and partnerships and collaboration.
Phylogeny, biogeography, and species boundaries within the Alexandrium minutum group.

The geographic range and bloom frequency of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum and other members of the A. minutum group have been increasing over the past few decades. Some of these species are responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) outbreaks throughout the world. The origins of new toxic populations found in previously unaffected areas are typically not known due to a lack of reliable plankton records with sound species identifications and to the lack of a global genetic database. This paper provides the first comprehensive study of minutum-group morphology and phylogeny on a global scale, including 45 isolates from northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Neither the morphospecies Alexandrium lusitanicum nor A. angustitabulatum was recoverable morphologically, due to large variation within and among all minutum-group clonal strains in characters previously used to distinguish these species: the length:width of the anterior sulcal plate, shape of the 1 0 plate, connection between the 1 0 plate and the apical pore complex, and the presence of a ventral pore. DNA sequence data from the D1 to D2 region of the LSU rDNA also fail to recognize these species. Therefore, we recommend that all isolates previously designated as A. lusitanicum or A. angustitabulatum be redesignated as A. minutum. A. tamutum, A. insuetum, and A. andersonii are clearly different from A. minutum on the basis of both genetic and morphological data. A. minutum strains from Europe and Australia are closely related to one another, which may indicate an introduction from Europe to Australia given the long history of PSP inEurope and its recent occurrence in Australia. A minutumfrom New Zealand and Taiwan form a separate phylogenetic group. Most strains of A. minutum fit into one of these two groups, although there are a few outlying strains that merit further study and may represent new species. The results of this paper have greatly improved our ability to track the spread of A. minutumspecies and to understand the evolutionary relationships within the A. minutumgroup by correcting inaccurate taxonomy and providing a global genetic database. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
An exploration of PRA methodology used in spacecraft design

In order to achieve an optimal design of a complex space system that meets all constraints, the requirements placed upon the performance, mass, cost, and risk of the system must be considered, understood and traded against each other during the conceptual design of the system to avoid costly redesigns or project cancellation later in the development process. A design process that follows this tenet of risk-informed design will need detailed insight into the relative risks facing the system, as well as quantitative estimates that can be produced through probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), in order to evaluate design decisions based upon the impact to all requirements on a co-equal basis. In this study, four types of methodologies used to produce risk estimates for spacecraft and satellites are examined. These include two traditional PRA methodologies, an innovative approach, and a top-down approach, all of which are explored by using the propulsion subsystem of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) as a comparative basis for the methodologies considered. Similarities, differences, benefits, and drawbacks of various bottom-up, component-based PRA approaches and the top-down approach are elucidated in terms of the process of modeling a system, the actionable information produced for the design team, and the overall quantitative risk evaluation of the system as compared to similar heritage space systems. Results of the various PRA methodologies are examined at the level of component failure rates, single-component failure probabilities, single-function failure probabilities where redundancy exists in the design, as well as the subsystem failure probability for the nominal LRO mission. Ultimately, all of the bottom-up, component-based PRA methods capture only the risk of a mature system and miss the risk contribution of design defects, which have been shown to be key drivers of reliability in single-use developmental systems. Therefore, further steps must be taken to incorporate this contribution in future PRA methodologies.
Oxidant effects on epithelial Na,K-ATPase gene expression and promoter function.

The lung epithelium resorbs alveolar fluid through combined action of sodium channels and the sodium pump, Na,K-ATPase. The lung often is exposed to hyperoxia in disease states and hyperoxia genera...
Dispersion and isolation of beating cells from adult rat heart.

Abstract The cells of adult rat heart ventricles were dispersed using crude bacterial collagenase. An investigation into the effect of shaking speed, stroke length, concentration of enzyme, ionic composition, and pH of the dispersing medium permitted the development of optimal conditions for obtaining beating myocytes. Approximately one-quarter of the initial protein content of ventricular chunks could be routinely recovered as single cells after such dispersion. Centrifugation through solutions of Ficoll in phosphate buffer selectively concentrated the beating myocytes and removed contaminating cells and tissue debris.
Coping with stress in sibling relationships: A comparison of children with disabled and nondisabled siblings

Abstract The central premise of this work was that the psychological well-being and sibling relationship evaluations of children with disabled and nondisabled siblings may be a function of a process involving (a) children's experiences of daily stressful events involving their siblings, (b) their affective responses to the events, and (c) their strategies for coping with those stressors. Participating in this research were 62 children between 7 and 14 years of age, half with a younger, mentally disabled sibling and half with a nondisabled sibling. Analyses revealed that the two groups were basically similar in their ratings of the frequency and affect intensity of stressors involving their siblings, and differences between boys and girls were more common than such group differences. There was a trend for the groups to differ on their use of coping strategies, with siblings of nondisabled siblings (and girls) tending to use strategies involving thoughts about the other (e.g., “I thought that my brother was a creep”) more often. Comparing children's ratings of their own well-being and their attitudes and behavior toward their siblings revealed that children with disabled brothers and sisters scored more poorly on some adjustment measures but rated their behavior toward their sibling more positively. Correlational analyses revealed a tendency for coping strategies involving self-directed thoughts to be positively related to the well-being and sibling relationship measures, whereas coping strategies involving other- directed thoughts were negatively related to these measures. Multiple-regression analyses revealed a tendency for coping strategies involving self-directed thoughts to be positively related to the well-being and sibling relationship measures, whereas coping strategies involving other-directed thoughts were negatively related to these measures. Multiple-regression analyses revealed that group membership was the only factor that consistently accounted for a significant portion of the variance in the adjustment measures. For the sibling relationship measures, both stressor frequency and the use of cognitive coping strategies accounted for significant portions of the variance. The discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for research on stress and coping in children.
Immunoreactive glucagons purified from dog pancreas, stomach and ileum.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that pig intestine contains a 69 amino acid glucagon (glicentin) as well as a 37 amino acid glucagon (oxyntomodulin). In pig pancreas the 29 amino acid glucagon predominates. Since glucagon is thought to be expressed from a single gene in mammals, these differences in molecular forms indicate differential posttranslational processing of the glucagon precursor by different tissues. In the current study glucagon immunoreactivity (IR) was separately purified from dog pancreas, stomach mucosa and ileum mucosa. Purification and sequence analysis of the different tissue glucagons show that dog pancreas and stomach mucosa contain glucagon-29 while ileum mucosa contains glucagon-37 and glucagon-69. The latter is the major form present with glucagon-37 accounting for only 10–20% of the total ileum glucagon content. The N-terminal 32 amino acid portion of dog glucagon-69 differs at 6 sites from pig glucagon-69: RSLQ D TEEKSRSF S APQTEPL N D L DQM N EDKR… The C-terminal glucagon-37 is identical to pig oxyntomodulin.
The effect of cocoa procyanidins on the transcription and secretion of interleukin 1β in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Recent data has demonstrated that cacao liquor polyphenols (procyanidins) have antioxidant activity, inhibit mRNA expression of interleukin-2 and are potent inhibitors of acute inflammation. Given the widespread ingestion of cocoa in many cultures, we investigated whether cocoa, in its isolated procyanidin fractions (monomer through decamer), would modulate synthesis of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 beta. Both resting and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were investigated at the levels of transcription and protein secretion. Individual cocoa fractions were shown to augment constitutive IL-1 beta gene expression, although values varied between subjects. Interestingly, the smaller fractions of cocoa (monomer-tetramer) consistently reduced IL-1 beta expression of PHA-stimulated cells by 1-15%, while the larger oligomers (pentamer-decamer) increased expression by 4-52%. These data, observed at the transcription level, were reflected in protein levels in PHA-induced PBMC. The presence or absence of PHA did not alter the effects of the cocoa procyanidins with the exception of the pentamer. This study offers additional data for the consideration of the health-benefits of dietary polyphenols from a wide variety of foods, including those benefits associated specifically with cocoa and chocolate consumption.
SEARCH FOR A CHARMONIUM ASSIGNMENT FOR THE X(3872)

We report recent results on the properties of the X(3872) produced via the B+→K+ X(3872) decay process in the Belle detector. We compare these properties with expectations for possible charmonium-state assignments.
Mixed effects of 2,6-dithiopurine against cyclophosphamide mediated bladder and lung toxicity in mice

Abstract 2,6-Dithiopurine (DTP) has been proposed as a possible chemopreventive agent because of its ability to react with electrophiles. Acrolein, an electrophilic metabolite of cyclophosphamide (CP) involved in the toxicities of this anticancer drug, can be scavenged by DTP. The present study examined the effect of DTP treatment on CP-mediated bladder and lung toxicity in male ICR mice. Mice fed a diet containing 4% DTP that were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 350 mg/kg CP showed no significant bladder damage (measured as bladder blood content at 48 h) with respect to the group fed a control diet. DTP (50 and 100 mg/kg), given i.p. 0.5 and 7 h after the initial injection of CP, also prevented the bladder damage when compared with the group receiving CP alone. Surprisingly, although neither parenteral CP nor DTP alone caused any mortality at these doses, the combined treatment resulted in 67% mortality within 3 days. At 24 h after CP+DTP, blood urea nitrogen was elevated 6-fold and urine volumes decreased by 70%. Histopathological analyses revealed a diffuse myocardial degeneration and necrosis, severe granular degeneration in the liver, abundant cellularity and infiltrates in interalveolar spaces in the lung and swollen nephron epithelial cells with some necrosis. All mice survived treatment when the dose of CP was lowered to 250 and 25–75 mg/kg DTP was given i.p. 0.5 and 7 h after CP. These DTP regimens reduced the degree of CP-induced lung toxicity, measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation into lung DNA 7 days after CP, in a dose-dependent manner. DTP (75 mg/kg) also reduced CP-induced lung fibrosis estimated by lung hydroxyproline content 28 days after CP. Analyses of urine from mice given CP+DTP revealed large amounts of the metabolic product dithiouric acid, smaller amounts of the parent DTP and several smaller peaks. The major unique metabolite peak was collected and analyzed by mass spectrometry, but did not correspond to either acrolein-DTP or acrolein-dithiouric acid. Thus, either very small amounts of an acrolein adduct are generated, the adduct is broken down to an unidentified product, or the ability of DTP to prevent CP-induced lung and bladder damage is related to some other mechanism. The possibility that mercapturic acid metabolites of acrolein released the parent electrophile in the urine was not supported by the finding that probenecid did not prevent CP-induced bladder toxicity.
A response to “what happened to patrol operations in Kansas City?”

Abstract Larson's review raises several points concerning the Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment. The authors of the evaluation of that experiment respond to each of Larson's criticisms. With reference to Larson's two major points, this response demonstrates that (1) neither Larson's models nor his data are adequate to make statements about “typical patrol intensities” in major American cities and (2) patrol visibility in the reactive areas was markedly decreased over the one-year period of the experiment. The authors agree with Larson and have consistently urged that great caution should be used in generalizing the results of the experiment. The Technical Report itself presents results cautiously and conservatively. Also, large amounts of data comparing Kansas City with other cities are presented in the Report to enable readers to place the kansas City experience in perspective. The authors also agree with Larson that the results of the experiment indicate that police administrators can be more flexible in the allocation of officers than they have been previously. That Larson reaches this conclusion indicates that, despite his minor criticisms of the study which are responded to herein, he basically accepts the results of the experiment.
Nafion®/polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-b-polystyrene composite membranes with electric field-aligned domains for improved direct methanol fuel cell performance

Abstract Composite membranes were fabricated consisting of aligned domains of Nafion® 1100 surrounded by a supporting matrix of polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS). The structure of the composite was controlled via the application of an electric field during solvent casting. Nafion® domains were aligned across the membrane thickness to provide paths for proton conduction. The surrounding SEBS domain limits methanol permeability. Compared to randomly structured Nafion®/SEBS composites, the membranes with field-aligned domains display significantly enhanced performance in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The membranes with field-aligned domains display DMFC performance better than commercial Nafion® 117 membranes under high methanol fuel concentration.
Satiation of thirst and termination of drinking: roles of plasma osmolality and absorption.

Abstract Experiment I determined the relationship between time spent drinking and decline in rate of intake of thirsty rats, in order to establish an objective criterion for satiation. The satiety criterion derived from the data was: a rat was considered to be satiated if its intake rate declined to 0.2 ml/min or less for 3 consecutive min. In Experiment II, measurements were made of plasma osmotic pressure, plasma volume and postingestional absorption in rats drinking to this criterion. These measurements were made at various stages of adaptation to 23.5 hr water deprivation. Animals with different amounts of adaptation experience drank different amounts, but stopped drinking in roughly equivalent times. They also stopped drinking after similar osmotic pressure decreases, similar postingestional absorption, and without significant vascular volume shifts. The results of Experment III showed that cessation of drinking was coincident with a return of plasma osmolality to approximately ad lib levels. These results strongly support a cellular rehydration interpretation of the termination of drinking.
Lecithin depletion in liver mitochondria of rats fed a choline-deficient diet. Effect on β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase

Abstract Liver Mitochondria of fasted rats refed a choline-deficient diet have a significantly lower content of lecithins than mitochondria of rats refed a choline supplemented diet. Along with the depletion of lecithins there is a 50% decrease in the activity of β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial enzyme which has a specific functional requirement for lecithins. The activity of the enzyme is partially restored by preincubation of the depleted mitochondria with microdispersion of lecithins.