cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Additive drug-specific and sex-specific risks associated with co-use of marijuana and tobacco during pregnancy: Evidence from 3 recent developmental cohorts (2003–2015)

Abstract Background Methodologic challenges related to the concomitant use (co-use) of substances and changes in policy and potency of marijuana contribute to ongoing uncertainty about risks to fetal neurodevelopment associated with prenatal marijuana use. In this study, we examined two biomarkers of fetal neurodevelopmental risk—birth weight and length of gestation—associated with prenatal marijuana use, independent of tobacco (TOB), alcohol (ALC), other drug use (OTH), and socioeconomic risk (SES), in a pooled sample (N = 1191) derived from 3 recent developmental cohorts (2003–2015) with state-of-the-art substance use measures. We examined differential associations by infant sex, and multiplicative effects associated with co-use of MJ and TOB. Methods Participants were mother-infant dyads with complete data on all study variables derived from Growing Up Healthy (n = 251), Behavior and Mood in Babies and Mothers (Cohorts 1 and 2; n = 315), and the Early Growth and Development Study (N = 625). We estimated direct effects on birth weight and length of gestation associated with MJ, TOB, and co-use (MJ x TOB), using linear regression analysis in the full sample, and in male (n = 654) and female (n = 537) infants, separately. Results Mean birth weight and length of gestation were 3277 g (SD = 543) and 37.8 weeks (SD = 2.0), respectively. Rates of prenatal use were as follows: any use, n = 748 (62.8%); MJ use, n = 273 (22.9%); TOB use, n = 608 (51.0%); co-use of MJ and TOB, n = 230 (19.3%); ALC use, n = 464 (39.0%); and OTH use n = 115 (9.7%.) For all infants, unique effects on birth weight were observed for any MJ use [B(SE) = −84.367(38.271), 95% C.I. −159.453 to −9.281, p = .028], any TOB use [B(SE) = −0.99.416(34.418), 95% C.I. −166.942 to −31.889, p = .004], and each cigarette/day in mean TOB use [B(SE) = −12.233(3.427), 95% C.I. −18.995 to −5.510, p Conclusions In this sample, intrauterine co-exposure to MJ and TOB was associated with an estimated 18% reduction in birth weight not attributable to earlier delivery, exposure to ALC or OTH drugs, nor to maternal SES. We found evidence for greater susceptibility of male fetuses to any prenatal MJ exposure. Examination of dose-dependence in relationships found in this study, using continuous measures of exposure, is an important next step. Finally, we underscore the need to consider (a) the potential moderating influence of fetal sex on exposure-related neurodevelopmental risks; and (b) the importance of quantifying expressions of risk through subtle alterations, rather than dichotomous outcomes.
Regarding the ‘Joint statement from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) regarding the clinical use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA)’

Trauma remains a leading cause of mortality in the USA.1 In 2016, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma were major stakeholders in the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine report that suggested there are up to 30 000 preventable deaths from trauma annually in the USA, many from uncontrolled hemorrhage.2 As the front-line provider, the emergency physician (EP) must receive extensive training in the care of traumatically injured patients. Several procedural interventions, including the performance of an emergency department resuscitative thoracotomy (EDRT), ultrasound, and arterial catheter insertion, are therefore included as part of the model of clinical practice for emergency medicine (EM).3 Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA)4 has emerged as a potential technique for controlling previously lethal truncal hemorrhage in the extremis trauma patient. Advances in ultrasound and catheter technology have simplified placement, decreasing the need for postplacement vascular access site repair. Programs to educate providers in the use of REBOA have emerged, but have been designed exclusively for surgeons with limited ability for EP participation. We strongly think that with appropriate training, EPs can develop the …
Environmental Toxicants, Epigenetics, and Cancer

Tumorigenesis, a complex and multifactorial progressive process of transformation of normal cells into malignant cells, is characterized by the accumulation of multiple cancer-specific heritable phenotypes triggered by the mutational and/or non-mutational (i.e., epigenetic) events. Accumulating evidence suggests that environmental and occupational exposures to natural substances, as well as man-made chemical and physical agents, play a causative role in human cancer. In a broad sense, carcinogenesis may be induced through either genotoxic or non-genotoxic mechanisms; however, both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens also cause prominent epigenetic changes. This review presents current evidence of the epigenetic alterations induced by various chemical carcinogens, including arsenic, 1,3-butadine, and pharmaceutical and biological agents, and highlights the potential for epigenetic changes to serve as markers for carcinogen exposure and cancer risk assessment.
Initial evaluation of the applicability of PET response criteria in solid tumors (PERCIST 1.0)

593 Objectives To compare the stability of normal background FDG uptake in the liver in the “test-retest” setting and to determine the applicability of the proposed minimum threshold for metabolically measurable tumor uptake according to PERCIST (Wahl et al. J Nucl Med 2009). Methods 33 patients (pts) had FDG PET/CT scans pre- and post radioimmunotherapy (RIT) for lymphoma. SUVlean (SUL) mean and standard deviation (SD) were determined in a ~3 cm spherical volume of interest in the right hepatic lobe pre- and post-RIT. Percent and absolute differences in liver SUL were calculated and correlated with differences in uptake time and lean body mass (LBM). SULpeak (maximal 1.2 cm diameter volume ROI) of the most metabolically active tumor was determined and compared to the minimum threshold for measurable tumor metabolic uptake (1.5*liver SUL + 2SD). Statistical analyses were performed with t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results The average absolute difference in liver SULmean between scans was 0.19±0.18 and the average percent difference was 14±15%. In 4/33 pts, absolute difference in liver SUL was >0.3 SUL units and percent difference was >20%. In 3 pts, percent differences in liver SUL were >20%, but absolute differences were 0.3 SUL or less. Percent and absolute differences in liver SUL were not correlated with absolute differences in uptake time or LBM between scans. The mean minimum threshold for measurable tumor metabolic activity at baseline was 2.60 ± 0.43 (n=33). Tumor SULpeak was less than the minimal threshold in 5 pts (average tumor SULpeak - 2.21 ± 0.38). Conclusions Liver SUL was stable in 79% of patients undergoing RIT using both the absolute and percent difference thresholds according to PERCIST and increased to 88% using the absolute difference threshold (
Prone Position and SUDEP (P03.133)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of prone body position in cases of SUDEP. BACKGROUND: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the primary cause of mortality among people with epilepsy. While the prone body position has been mentioned as a potential risk factor for SUDEP, the frequency of this position among SUDEP patients has not been analyzed on a large scale. We present the first meta-analysis to specifically evaluate the frequency of prone body position among a large number of SUDEP cases whose body position was known at the time of death. DESIGN/METHODS: The study was conducted as a meta-analysis, based on a Pub-Med search performed on 9/11/12, using keywords 9SUDEP9 OR 9Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy9 OR 9Sudden unexplained death syndrome in epilepsy9. This search resulted in 517 publications meeting this criterion, of which 201 cases from 28 publications described at least one SUDEP case in which the body position was known at the time of death. Four other well-known video-EEG recorded SUDEP cases not appearing in the search were added to the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Of the 205 SUDEP cases, 143 (69.8%) were found in the prone position, 17 (8.29%) were in the supine position, 23 (11.2%) were found in another position (defined as sitting or lateral), and 22 (10.7%) were in a position other than prone at the time of death. 82 of 205 deaths were reported as either witnessed or unwitnessed. Only 6 (7.32%) deaths were witnessed, compared to 76 (92.7%) unwitnessed cases. The scene of death was known in 98 cases. Of these, 69 (70.4%) were in bed; the remaining 29 cases were elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between the prone body position and SUDEP. This finding indicates that the prone body position is an important risk factor for SUDEP. Disclosure: Dr. Liebenthal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tao has nothing to disclose.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Prospective Employment Decisions: Exploring Social Change through College Students.

AbstractThe present study has two goals. First, this study examines whether students value working for a socially responsible employer, and second, it explores how social justice experiences in col...
Session Key Derivation for Low Power IoT Devices

The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing at a rapid pace. With everyday applications and services becoming wirelessly networked, security still is a major concern. Many of these sensors and devices have limited resources, such as low power consumption, reduced memory storage, and reduced fixed point processing capabilities. Therefore, it is imperative that high performance security primitives are used to maximize the lifetime of these devices while minimally impacting memory storage and timing requirements. This paper presents a candidate key derivation function for low power IoT device keys, enabling the generation of a stream of session keys from a larger base key. These session keys allow for a reasonably robust private key cryptographic infrastructure suitable to low power reduced precision systems. Two methods are examined to ensure that the output for the key derivation function is reasonably indistinguishable from a uniform distribution and produces "good" keys. Simulations show that all methods show favorable outcomes and allow the derivation of variable length keys suitable for many different encryption schemes. Implementation resulted in very favorable energy consumption values for low power performance, ideal for IoT devices.
A Desquamating Skin Rash in a Pediatric Patient

Prompt identification and treatment of true dermatologic emergencies is essential in emergency medicine, especially in vulnerable populations such as pediatric patients. This is a case of a three-year-old female who presented with significant dehydration in the setting of a desquamating skin rash diagnosed in our emergency department as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.
A CRITIQUE OF POSTRACIALISM: Conserving Race and Complicating Blackness Beyond the Black-white Binary1

This article offers a critique of the very claim that we live in postracial times, and examines the residue of old systems of racism intermeshed with new forms of racism that perpetuate systematic institutional racism. I argue that to combat institutional racism we need post-racism rather than postracialism. Additionally, I reject the Black-white Binary as the singular or even primary paradigm for understanding racism in order to challenge narrow conceptualizations of racism. Finally, I argue for a more nuanced and complex analysis of Blackness.
Impact of Bridge to Transplantation With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices on Posttransplantation Mortality

Background: Bridge to transplantation (BTT) with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is a mainstay of therapy for heart failure in patients awaiting heart transplantation (HT). Criteria for HT ...
Extracellular adenosine signaling reverses the age-driven decline in the ability of neutrophils to kill S. pneumoniae

The elderly are susceptible to serious infections by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), which calls for a better understanding of the pathways driving the decline in host defense in aging. We previously found that extracellular adenosine (EAD) shaped polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) responses, which are crucial for controlling infection. EAD is produced by CD39 and CD73, and signals via A1, A2A, A2B and A3 receptors. The objective of this study was to explore the age-driven changes in the EAD pathway and its impact on PMN function. We found in comparison to young mice, PMNs from old mice expressed significantly less CD73, but similar levels of CD39 and adenosine receptors. PMNs from old mice failed to efficiently kill pneumococci ex vivo; however, supplementation with adenosine rescued this defect. Importantly, transfer of PMNs expressing CD73 from young mice reversed the susceptibility of old mice to pneumococcal infection. To identify which adenosine receptor(s) is involved, we used specific agonists and inhibitors. We found that A1 receptor signaling was crucial for PMN function as inhibition or genetic ablation of A1 impaired the ability of PMNs from young mice to kill pneumococci. Importantly, activation of A1 receptors rescued the age-associated defect in PMN function. In exploring mechanisms, we found that PMNs from old mice failed to efficiently kill engulfed pneumococci and that A1 receptor controlled intracellular killing. In summary, targeting the EAD pathway reverses the age-driven decline in PMN antimicrobial function, which has serious implications in combating infections.
Upper Triassic (Carnian) sponge reef mounds from South Canyon, central Nevada

An important interval for reef evolution occurs in the Triassic Period. However, Late Triassic reefs along the edge of the Panthalassa Ocean receive much less attention than their Tethys region counterpart. To improve our understanding of reef evolution along the Panthalassa, we present a quantitative microfacies analysis to characterize reef facies types from a central Nevada locality. We point counted thin sections to quantitatively assess the relative abundance of reef and interstitial components from six Carnian reef mounds. Reef mound formation occurs at three different stratigraphic intervals. Each interval records a different reef mound size and shape. The oldest stratigraphic interval consists of four separate reef mounds; each mound is approximately 3–12 m wide and 2–4 m high. The second youngest stratigraphic interval consists of one large ~ 10-m wide and 15.5-m high domal reef mound. The third, and youngest, reef mound is smaller in comparison (i.e., 1-m wide and 1.5-m high). We recognize two reef facies types within these reef mounds. Different calcareous sponges, bound together by microproblematica and clotted micrite, form the overall reef framework. We suspect that changes in relative sea level affect the initial colonization, different growth capacities, and overall preservation of the South Canyon reef mounds. When South Canyon reefs are compared to other Panthalassa reefs, it seems that “Wetterstein-type” reef–sponge bindstone facies containing biogenic crusts dominate and corals are less abundant and persist generally in both shallow and deeper water environments. However, significant differences in primary and secondary framebuilder abundances exist due to differences in where the reefs grew in relation to fair-weather wave base (FWWB). Thus, changes in relative sea level may affect the initial colonization, different growth capacities, and overall preservation of reef but water depth may also control the primary and secondary reef builders. Consequently, quantitative assessment of reef ecosystems within a sequence stratigraphic framework undoubtedly facilitates fewer problematic comparisons between reefs but it also enhances our understanding of reef development.
FGF20-FGFR1 signaling through MAPK and PI3K controls sensory progenitor differentiation in the organ of Corti.

Background Fibroblast Growth Factor 20 (FGF20)-FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) signaling is essential for cochlear hair cell (HC) and supporting cell (SC) differentiation. In other organ systems, FGFR1 signals through several intracellular pathways including MAPK (ERK), PI3K, phospholipase C ɣ (PLCɣ), and p38. Previous studies implicated MAPK and PI3K pathways in HC and SC development. We hypothesized that one or both would be important downstream mediators of FGF20-FGFR1 signaling for HC differentiation. Results By inhibiting pathways downstream of FGFR1 in cochlea explant cultures, we established that both MAPK and PI3K pathways are required for HC differentiation while PLCɣ and p38 pathways are not. Examining the canonical PI3K pathway, we found that while AKT is necessary for HC differentiation, it is not sufficient to rescue the Fgf20-/- phenotype. To determine whether PI3K functions downstream of FGF20, we inhibited Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) in Fgf20-/- explants. Overactivation of PI3K resulted in a partial rescue of the Fgf20-/- phenotype, demonstrating a requirement for PI3K downstream of FGF20. Consistent with a requirement for the MAPK pathway for FGF20-regulated HC differentiation, we show that treating Fgf20-/- explants with FGF9 increased levels of dpERK. Conclusions Together, these data provide evidence that both MAPK and PI3K are important downstream mediators of FGF20-FGFR1 signaling during HC and SC differentiation.
Indirect detection of the partial p wave via the s wave in the annihilation cross section of dark matter

For many dark matter models, the annihilation cross section to two-body final states is difficult to probe with current experiments because the dominant annihilation channel is velocity or helicity suppressed. The inclusion of gauge boson radiation for three-body final states can lift the helicity suppression, allowing a velocity-independent cross section to dominate the annihilation process, and providing an avenue to constrain these models. Here we examine experimental constraints on dark matter that annihilates to two leptons plus a bremsstrahlung boson, $\overline{\ensuremath{\ell}}+\ensuremath{\ell}+\ensuremath{\gamma}/W/Z$. We consider experimental constraints on photon final states from Fermi-LAT using both diffuse photon data and data from dwarf spheroidal galaxies, and compare to the implied constraints from 21 cm measurements. Diffuse photon line searches are generally the strongest over the entire mass regime. We in particular highlight the model in which dark matter annihilates to two neutrinos and a photon, and show that these models are more strongly constrained through photon measurements than through existing neutrino bounds.
The Benefits of Free Trade: Addressing Key Myths

Restrictions on foreign trade all too often harm the very people they aim to protect: American consumers and producers. Trade restrictions limit the choices of what Americans can buy; they also drive up the prices of everything from clothing and groceries to the materials manufacturers use to make everyday products. Moreover, lower-income Americans generally bear a disproportionate share of these costs. Trade treaties increase freedom to trade and do not result in loss of sovereignty; they are part and parcel of wider international relations and they are not new.
158 Inhibition of PI3Kδ improves tumor specific T cell immunity and metabolic fitness

Background Durable responses have been observed with adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) in some patients. However, current protocols used to expand T cells often exhibit suboptimal tumor control. Failure in these therapies has been attributed to premature differentiation and impaired metabolism of the infused T cells. Previous work done in our lab showed that reduced PI3Kδ signaling improved ACT. Because PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ have critical regulatory roles in T cell differentiation and function, we tested whether inhibiting PI3Kγ could recapitulate or synergize PI3Kδ blockade. Methods To test this, we primed melanoma specific CD8+ pmel-1 T cells, which are specific to the glycoprotein 100 epitope, in the presence of PI3Kγ (IPI-459), PI3Kδ (CAL101 or TGR-1202) or PI3Kγ/δ (IPI-145) inhibitors following antigen stimulation with hgp100, and then infused them into 5Gy total body irradiated B16F10 tumor bearing mice. We characterized the phenotype of the transferred product by flow cytometry and then assessed their tumor control by measuring the tumor area every other day with clippers. For metabolic assays we utilized the 2-NBDG glucose uptake dye and the real time energy flux analysis by seahorse. Results Sole inhibition of PI3Kδ or PI3Kγ in vitro promoted greater tumor immunity and survival compared to dual inhibition. To understand how PI3Kδ or PI3Kγ blockade improved T cell therapy, we assessed their phenotype. CAL101 treatment produced more CD62LhiCD44lo T cells compared to IPI-459, while TGR-1202 enriched mostly CD62LhiCD44hi T cells. Because decreased T cell differentiation is associated with mitochondrial metabolism, we focused on CAL101 treated T cells to study their metabolism. We found that CAL101 decreased glucose uptake and increased mitochondrial respiration in vitro, indicating augmented mitochondrial function. Conclusions These findings indicate that blocking PI3Kδ is sufficient to mediate lasting tumor immunity of adoptively transferred T cells by preventing premature differentiation and improving mitochondrial fitness. Our data suggest that addition of CAL101 to ACT expansion protocols could greatly improve T cell therapies for solid tumors by preventing T cell differentiation and improving mitochondrial function.
Three-dimensional modeled environments versus 360 degree panoramas for mobile virtual reality training

Virtual field trip is a way of providing users with some knowledge and exposure of a facility without requiring them to physically visit the location. Due to the high computational costs that are necessary to produce virtual environments (VEs), the potential for photorealism is sacrificed. Often these three-dimensional (3D) modeled applications use an unrealistic VE and, therefore, do not provide a full depiction of real-world environments. Panoramas can be used to showcase complex scenarios that are difficult to model and are computationally expensive to view in virtual reality (VR). Utilizing 360° panoramas can provide a low-cost and quick-to-capture alternative with photorealistic representations of the actual environment. The advantages of photorealism over 3D models for training and education are not clearly defined. This paper initially summarizes the development of a VR training application and initial pilot study. Quantitative and qualitative study then was conducted to compare the effectiveness of a 360° panorama VR training application and a 3D modeled one. Switching to a mobile VR headset saves money, increases mobility, decreases set-up and breakdown time, and has less spatial requirements. Testing results of the 3D modeled VE group had an average normalized gain of 0.03 and the 360° panorama group, 0.43. Although the 3D modeled group had slightly higher realism according to the presence questionnaire and had slightly higher averages in the comparative analysis questionnaire, the 360° panorama application has shown to be the most effective for training and the quickest to develop.
HOME IS WHERE THE HURT IS: MEDIA DEPICTIONS OF WIVES AND MOTHERS. By Sara Hosey. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2019. 224 pp. $55.00 paper.

Home Is Where the Hurt Is: Media Depictions of Wives and Mothers is the first of two new books by Sara Hosey, associate professor of English and women and gender studies at Nassau Community College...
An agent-based model for simulating urban crime with improved daily routines

Abstract We propose a scalable agent-based crime simulation model based on the routine activity theory. It uses census data and time geography to create a synthetic population with residences and job locations, commuting schedules, and daily routines constrained by disposable time that are more representative than existing models. The time and location of crime incidents in this model are determined by random encounters between vulnerable targets and motivated offenders when they travel or carry out scheduled activities on a road network. This model is applied to simulate robberies in January 2011 for Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Three scenarios are simulated to demonstrate its value for crime theory development and shed light on modeling issues in need of improvement before it can reliably assist policymaking or inform the public. Major findings from this study include the model's ability to replicate prominent robbery hotspots in the study area with various degrees of success and the consistent effects of target definition and offender strategy on model performance. The study also suggests missing model components to effectively constrain the displacement of crime opportunities under hotspot policing, which can be the key to resolving contradiction between our simulation results and other empirical researches and crime simulations.
Abstract P152: Low Memory Recall And High Common Carotid Artery Flow Pulsatility In Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

A significant proportion of patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) present with mild-to-moderate deficits in the cognitive domains of executive function and episodic memory. Excess...
Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating on Proto-MPEX

The source technology for the Plasma Materials Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) is currently being developed on the Proto-MPEX device at Oak Ridge National Laboratory1 to study fusion relevant plasma material interactions on a linear plasma machine. Radio frequency (RF) technology is used for the source and heating of the plasma on Proto-MPEX. A helicon plasma source, powered with> 100 kW of RF power at 13.56 MHz, produces a steady state plasma with peak electron density of> 6e19 m-3, Additional RF heating sources include Electron Bernstein Waves to heat the electrons to temperatures > 15 e V, as well as ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) to heat ions to temperatures> 20 eV.
A modified Bodian Protargol stain for identification of striated muscle elements.

A modified version of the Bodian Protargol stain which makes use of either "stale" Protargol or hydroquinone-reduced Protargol prior to staining is described. This method facilitates the identification of myocytes, myoblasts, and degenerating muscle cells, but does not stain nerves or connective tissue. The method may be of considerable value for the identification of thymic myoid cells and tumor cells in rhabdomyosarcomas, and may be useful in other instances in which rapid identification of isolated myocytes is desirable.
Acceptor reactions and mechanism of Leuconostoc mesenteroides B-512FM dextransucrase

14 INTRODUCTION 16 MATERIALS AND METHODS 19 Carbohydrates and reagents 19 Enzyme 19 Enzyme digest conditions 20 Digest conditions to obtain Hanes-Woolf plots 20 Digest conditions to obtain Michaelis plots 20 Determination of the amount of dextran synthesized 21 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 22 REFERENCES 3 0 iii PAPER II INTERPRETATION OF DEXTRANSUCRASE INHIBITION AT HIGH SUCROSE CONCENTRATIONS 3 9 ABSTRACT 4 0 INTRODUCTION 41 EXPERIMENTAL 44 Chromatography 44 Enzyme 4 4 Enzyme digest conditions 4 5 RESULTS 4 7 DISCUSSION 49 REFERENCES 54
Physiology and biochemistry of bacterial phospholipid metabolism.

Publisher Summary The chapter presents the physiology and biochemistry of bacterial phospholipid metabolism. The major phospholipids characterized from a variety of microorganisms are given. The lipids of bacteria are predominately comprised of phospholipids, which are localized almost exclusively in the cell membranes. Biosynthesis of phospholipids is catalyzed by integral membrane proteins. The distribution of the membrane-associated proteins catalyzing biosynthesis of bacterial phospholipids remains less well resolved. The random distribution of phospholipid biosynthetic enzymes throughout the membrane offers as feasible an alternative as multiple sites of synthesis localized in specific regions of the membrane. The biological membrane is composed basically of phospholipids organized into a lipid bilayer with interdispersed proteins. Chemical labeling of membrane-localized, phospholipids can be accomplished with such membrane penetrating probes as 1-fluoro- 2,4-dinitrobenzene and acetic anhydride, which react with aminophospholipids. Biosynthesis of microbial phospholipids is discussed. Because the lipid components of most membranes appear in a metabolically dynamic state, catabolism must be considered an important aspect of lipid metabolism.
Neuro-endocrine pattern of secretion during the sleep-wake cycle of man.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes two separate studies dealing with the problem of stability and environmental influence on the 24-hr pattern of the episodic secretion of cortisol in normal subjects. The first study is a comparison of the 24-hr cortisol and growth hormone (GH) secretory patterns during ambulatory functional activity and minimal activity at bed rest. In a second study, a group of 7 healthy male subjects were studied in regard to sleep stages and, 24-hr plasma cortisol and GH patterns during the 4 seasons of the year in an arctic environment. Recent studies have demonstrated that the 24-hr pattern of ACTH (corticotropin)—cortisol secretion consists of a sequence of temporally ordered episodic secretory patterns throughout the entire 24-hr period and that the “circadian” cycle results from the temporal clustering of episodic secretion. To evaluate some of these factors, a study to determine differences in the 24-hr cortisol secretory pattern between a condition of normal ambulatory “activity” and one of minimal activity, “basal” is recently performed.
New-Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy: the Strengthening Etiologic Link between Two Emerging Diseases

This chapter updates an article written in June 1997 and is based on the accumulating data available in late November 1997. There is an increasing evidence for an etiologic link between the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epizootic in the United Kingdom and the emergence of a new variant form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (nvCJD). Both CJD in humans and BSE in cattle are invariably fatal, subacute, degenerative diseases of the brain that are classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The source of the BSE epizootic is uncertain. The leading hypothesis is that it resulted from feeding cattle rendered protein, such as meat-and-bone meal, produced from the carcasses of scrapie-infected sheep in the early 1980s, after most rendering plants abandoned the use of organic solvents in the preparation of this feed. This hypothesis best explains the occurrence of the epizootic predominantly in the United Kingdom, where the ratio of the numbers of sheep to cattle and the rate of endemic scrapie are both high. The currently available pathological, clinical, and epidemiologic information on the newly described variant of CJD provides convincing evidence that it is, in fact, a novel variant. The accumulating experimental and epidemiologic data provide increasingly strong support for a causal link between BSE and nvCJD.
Prescription Privileges Debate

Since the mid 1980s, clinical psychology has been debating whether to expand its scope of practice to include the functions of independently prescribing physicians throughout the United States and of advanced nurse practitioners in 14 states. The debate has focused primarily on what constitutes adequate medical training for licensed psychologists given their undergraduate and doctoral training lack courses in premedical sciences and medicine. The American Psychological Association proposes less than two years of postdoctoral training for prescription privileges, also referred to as prescriptive authority and RxP. In contrast, psychiatrists complete 10 years and psychiatric advanced nurse practitioners 6 years of premedical and medical training. There has been little progress in the pursuit of RxP. From 1995 to May 2014, over 173 bills have been submitted to legislatures and only three were signed into law (Territory of Guam, New Mexico, and Louisiana). The effects of these laws upon consumer safety are unknown. Keywords: ethics in psychology; practice in clinical psychology; prescription privileges; prescriptive authority; RxP; drugs
Lipid peroxidation and superoxide production in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaves infected with tobacco ringspot virus or southern bean mosaic virus

Abstract The role of lipid peroxidation during virus-induced necrotic hypersensitive reaction and nonnecrotic infection was studied in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaves infected, respectively, with tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) and southern bean mosaic virus-cowpea strain (SBMV). In TRSV-infected tissue, increased lipid peroxidation was detected 12 h prior to any significant potassium efflux and 9 h before local lesion appearance. Lipid peroxidation increased during lesion development, declining at 72 h after infection, the time of tissue collapse. Elevated superoxide production and superoxide dismutase activity paralleled the increase in lipid peroxidation. Lesion production was inhibited by pretreatment with superoxide dismutase or the free radical scavengers AET (2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide hydrobromide) and Tiron (4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulphonic acid). In nonnecrotic SBMV infection, levels of lipid peroxidation were lower than those in the TRSV-infected plants, but above those of the control tissue. Lipoxygenase and catalase activities were not different from the control in either the necrotic or the nonnecrotic infections. While lipid peroxidation in virus-induced hypersensitive reaction appears to be a critical component of symptom development, it may result from the virus-induced accelerated senescence during nonnecrotic infection.
Water/Magma Interaction: Physical considerations for the deep submarine environment

One might conclude that in deep submarine environments, where hydrostatic pressure is in excess of water's critical pressure, water/magma interaction does not produce expanding vapor and explosive behavior cannot occur. This conclusion is supported by the apparent paucity of hydroclastic material in samples recovered from deep submarine environments. Analog molten fuel-coolant interaction (MFCI) experiments, however, demonstrate explosive dynamics for conditions where water is pressurized above its critical pressure before interaction; MFCI theory further indicates this explosive potential. Thermodynamic predictions show that the conversion of thermal to mechanical energy is only high enough to support explosive behavior for a narrow range of water/magma mass ratios. In submarine environments, apparent mass ratios are too high for explosive behavior, but effective mass ratios (those determined from the water and magma directly involved during interaction) depend upon characteristic times, determined by the sound speed of the water and interface geometry. At high pressure, a supercritical fluid film grows at the water/magma contact surface and can become unstable. With instability the film oscillates, rapidly expanding and collapsing, with a periodicity of milliseconds or less. Each film collapse imparts kinetic energy into the magma, causing magma fragmentation, especially where quench contraction has weakened the magma. With fragmentation more magma surface area is exposed to water, and the film growth/collapse process escalates. When perturbed by some external pressure wave, the unstable film is prone to a detonation-like phenomenon that causes rapid, localized vapor expansion even at high ambient pressure.
Phase Diagram of Anisotropic Two-Dimensional Quarter-Filled Band of Interacting Electrons

Since its discovery(1), the magnetic field induced spin density wave (FISDW) transition observed in superconducting TMTSF salts has continued to attract considerable interest. This phenomenon has been studied most widely in the ambient pressure superconductor (TMTSF)2ClO4, where for moderate magnetic fields H > Hf(∼5 Tesla) a cascade of transitions to semimetallic SDW phases was observed(2). Until very recently, it was generally accepted that the theoretical explanation for the FISDW lay in the gradual one dimensionalization of the Fermi surface in the presence of the magnetic field and the accompanying nesting instability(3–7). These theories do not account for the more recently discovered very high field transition (VFHT) for H > Hv. In contrast to the predictions of the above theories the SDW transition temperature TSDW actually decreases for H > 17T and then goes to zero at H = 25–30T(8, 9). At present, there exists only one theoretical attempt to explain the VFHT(10). Within this model(10) the material is at the one dimensional limit for very high fields, and the competition between the equally strong Peierls and Cooper channels in this limit destroys the FISDW. The system is then an ordinary metal for H > Hv.
Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Arrays Fabricated by Anodizing Processes Electrochemical Properties

Extended and oriented nanostructures are desirable for many applications, but direct fabrication of complex nanostructures with well-aligned morphology, orientation, and surface architectures remains a significant challenge. Here, we study a simple electrochemical anodizing process to fabricate arrays of titanium (Ti) nanotubes without the use of a template. The nanotubes are formed perpendicular to the metal substrate as an open-ended array in a continuous, well-aligned conformation. The hole size and separation have been found to be dependent on the anodizing voltage and on anodizing time. It was found that the nanotube deposition process had a low faradaic efficiency, and a large fraction of the Ti was transformed into soluble species in the anodizing bath. The TiO 2 nanotubes have uniform diameters that make them suitable for electrochemical intercalation hosts for Li + ions and other applications.
Using Instructor-Generated Video Lectures in Online Mathematics Courses Improves Student Learning.

Low retention rates in online freshman-level mathematics courses are a concern, especially at postsecondary institutions that serve academically unprepared students. The purpose of this study was to determine if student performance in an online College Algebra course that relies heavily on text-based multimedia tools can be improved by replacing publisher-generated educational resources with instructor-generated video lectures. The original online College Algebra course placed the publisher-generated educational resources in the role of content provider by enabling all publisher-generated learning aids within the online homework system and treating instructor-generated educational materials as supplemental resources. In contrast, the redesigned online College Algebra course enhanced the course instructor’s teaching presence by requiring students to complete instructor-generated guided note-taking sheets while watching instructor-generated video lectures, treating publisher-generated learning aids as supplemental resources by removing them from within the online homework system. Results indicate students who enrolled in a redesigned online College Algebra course that strategically placed the instructor in the role of content provider performed significantly better on both online and handwritten assessments than did students who enrolled in an online College Algebra course that placed the publisher-generated educational resources in that role.
A Double-Blind Study of Citalopram Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Compulsive Sexual Behaviors in Gay and Bisexual Men

Objective: Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a condition characterized by loss of control over sexual behavior and repeated negative consequences, including unsafe sex. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been found to reduce CSB symptomatology in open-label trials. The objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of citalopram in the treatment of CSB. Method: Twenty-eight men who have sex with men who met the threshold for CSB on the basis of existing validated measures participated in a 12-week, double-blind trial of citalopram 20 to 60 mg/day to evaluate its effects on CSB symptoms. The primary efficacy measure was the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale-Compulsive Sexual Behavior. The study was conducted from June 2002 to April 2004. Results: Significant treatment effects were obtained for sexual desire/drive (p <.05) and frequency of masturbation (p <.01) and pornography use (p <.05). Both groups reduced sexual risk, but did not differ significantly. Conclusions: This study provides partial support for the effectiveness of citalopram for reducing symptoms of CSB in this population. Larger-scale trials are recommended to determine the public health benefits of this treatment.
A practical guide to merging behavior and conservation

Like Emperor Nero fiddling while Rome burns, behavioral ecologists have been accused of focusing predominantly on theoretical concerns without contributing substantially to scientific endeavors addressing the current biodiversity crisis [1]. Conservation behavior, the application of behavioral knowledge to conservation and management, seeks to bridge the gap between the basic and applied scientific communities. Over the past decade, however, the number of research studies focusing on conservation behavior has increased at a disappointingly slow rate [2].
The Major Anthocyanin Pigments of Vitis Vinifera Varieties Flame Tokay, Emperor, and Red Malaga

SUMMARY The table-grape variety Flame Tokay contains cyanidin-3-monoglucoside as the principal skin pigment, 82% of the total pigment, with no evidence for the presence of malvidin-3-monoglucoside. Skin pigment compositions for the Red Malaga and Emperor varieties were also determined.
A calcium- and perforin-independent pathway of killing mediated by murine cytolytic lymphocytes.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes have been thought to lyse cellular targets in the past by a calcium-dependent pathway. This notion was recently supported by the identification and purification of a pore-forming protein (perforin) from the granules of these cell types. Here, we show that perforin is absent from a number of cell lines that nevertheless display vigorous cytolytic activity toward target cells. The cytotoxic activity of eight murine CTL lines is completely or partially retained in the absence of calcium. The calcium-independent lytic activity is associated with two subcellular fraction peaks isolated by Percoll gradient centrifugation, e.g., a heavy density band migrating with granule markers and a lighter band corresponding to free cytosolic material. These results suggest a complex picture of lymphocyte-mediated killing involving probably multiple mechanisms and mediators that may operate in concert or independently in the delivery of the lethal hit.
Convergence and recovery analysis of the secure distributed control methodology for D-NCS

Distributed control algorithms (e.g., consensus algorithms) are vulnerable to the misbehaving agent compromised by cyber attacks in the Distributed Networked Control Systems (D-NCS). In this paper we continue our work on a proposed secure distributed control methodology that is capable of performing a secure consensus computation in D-NCS in the presence of misbehaving agents. The methodology is introduced first and proven to be effective through convergence analysis. Then, we extend our secure distributed control methodology to the leaderless consensus network by introducing and adding two recovery schemes into the current secure distributed control framework to guarantee accurate convergence in the presence of misbehaving agents. All phases of our method are distributed. That is, at each step of the detection, mitigation, identification, update, and recovery, each agent only uses local and one-hop neighbors' information. The simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
General theory of the transverse dielectric constant of III-V semiconducting compounds

A general model of the transverse dielectric constant of III-V compounds is developed using a hybrid method which combines the kp method with a nonlocal pseudopotential calculation. In this method the Brillouin zone is partitioned into three regions by expanding the energy bands and matrix elements about the F, X, and L symmetry points. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant are calculated as a sum of the individual contributions of each region. By using this partition method, it is possible to get good insight into the dependence of the dielectric constant on the shape of the band structure.
Transposition of elements of the 412, copia and 297 dispersed repeated gene families in drosophila

Summary The stability of elements of three different dispersed repeated gene families in the genome of Drosophila tissue culture cells has been examined. Different amounts of sequences homologous to elements of 412, copia and 297 dispersed repeated gene families are found in the genomes of D. melanogaster embryonic and tissue culture cells. In general the amount of these sequences is increased in the cell lines. The additional sequences homologous to 412, copia and 297 occur as intact elements and are dispersed to new sites in the cell culture genome. It appears that these elements can insert at many alternative sites. We also describe a DNA sequence arrangement found in the D. melanogaster embryo genome which appears to result from a transposition of an element of the copia dispersed repeated gene family into a new chromosomal site. The mechanism of insertion of this copia element is precise to within 90 bp and may involve a region of weak sequence homology between the site of insertion and the direct terminal repeats of the copia element.
Dance Class Structure Affects Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: A Study of Seven Dance Types

Purpose: The study aims were to determine: (a) how class structure varies by dance type, (b) how moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior vary by dance class segments, and (c) how class structure relates to total MVPA in dance classes. Method: Participants were 291 boys and girls ages 5 to 18 years old enrolled in 58 dance classes at 21 dance studios in Southern California. MVPA and sedentary behavior were assessed with accelerometry, with data aggregated to 15-s epochs. Percent and minutes of MVPA and sedentary behavior during dance class segments and percent of class time and minutes spent in each segment were calculated using Freedson age-specific cut points. Differences in MVPA (Freedson 3 Metabolic Equivalents of Tasks age-specific cut points) and sedentary behavior ( < 100 counts/min) were examined using mixed-effects linear regression. Results: The length of each class segment was fairly consistent across dance types, with the exception that in ballet, more time was spen...
What Peeping Tom Did Wrong

Voyeurism seems creepy. This paper considers whether these feelings are well-founded. It identifies a variety of ethically troubling features, including harmful consequences, deceit, and the violation of various religious, legal, and conventional norms. Voyeurism is something of a moral misdemeanor that seems worrisome when associated with these other failings. However, because voyeurism remains troubling even in the absence of harm or deceit, we must pay special attention to the ways complex social conventions can be used to show disrespect for others. The discussion centers on the famous case of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom, but much of the analysis applies to voyeurism more generally.