cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parent opinion of sexuality education in a state with mandated abstinence education: does policy match parental preference?

Purpose: Despite public debate about the content of sexuality education in schools, state and federal policy has increasingly financed and legislated abstinence-only education over the past decade. Although public schools strive to meet the needs of parents who, as taxpayers, fund the educational system, little is known about parental desires regarding sexuality education in states with mandated abstinence education. The objective of this study was to assess parental opinion about sexuality education in public schools in North Carolina, a state with mandated abstinence education. Methods: Computer-assisted, anonymous, cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted among 1306 parents of North Carolina public school students in grades K-12. Parental support for sexuality education in public schools and 20 sexuality education topics was measured. We defined comprehensive sexuality educa- tion as education that includes a discussion of how to use and talk about contraception with partners. Results: Parents in North Carolina overwhelmingly support sexuality education in public schools (91%). Of these respondents, the majority (89%) support comprehensive sexuality education. Less than a quarter of parents oppose teaching any specific topic, including those typically viewed as more controversial, such as discussions about sexual orientation, oral sex, and anal sex. Parents' level of education was inversely related to support for specific sexuality education topics and comprehensive education, although these differences were small in magnitude. More than 90% of respondents felt that parents and public health professionals should determine sexuality education content and opposed the involvement of politicians. Conclusions: Current state-mandated abstinence sexuality education does not match parental preference for comprehensive sexuality education in North Carolina public schools. © 2006 Society for Adolescent Medicine. All rights reserved.
Involvement of protein kinase C activation in α2-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions of rabbit saphenous vein

The role of protein kinase C alpha 2-adrenoceptor-induced contractions of rabbit saphenous vein was investigated. Contractions induced by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor-selective agonist 5-bromo-6-[2-imidazolin-2-ylamino]-quinoline (UK14304) were inhibited by prior treatment with pertussis toxin and by Ca2+ removal, confirming a Gi/Go-dependent coupling pathway which was highly dependent upon Ca2+ influx. Protein kinase C inhibitors calphostin-C and staurosporine each caused a non-competitive inhibition of UK14304 response. Down-regulation of protein kinase C by pretreatment with tetradecanoylphorbol acetate reduced UK14304 response by almost 90% with no effect on contractions induced by elevated KCl. The ineffectiveness of L-type Ca2+ channel blockers and the absence of stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake or efflux by UK14304 indicated that phospholipid-derived products were most likely responsible for protein kinase C activation. alpha 2-Adrenoceptor stimulation failed to increase [3H]myoinositol phosphate formation, but caused a significant increase in the formation of both [32P]phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol, indicating the possible activation of phospholipase D activity. These results suggest that protein kinase C is important for the vasoconstriction induced by alpha 2-adrenoceptors and that diacylglycerol derived from receptor-initiated phospholipase D activity may provide protein kinase C stimulation.
Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer: morbidity and mortality of three distinct multimodality regimens.

Background Although concurrent chemoradiation therapy can cure stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), studies have demonstrated that anatomic resection following high-dose or standard-dose chemoradiation may benefit selected patients. We examined morbidity and mortality associated with 3 multimodality treatment regimens for stage IIIA disease. Methods Institutional databases identified patients with stage IIIA (N2) NSCLC who underwent concurrent platinum-based chemoradiotherapy with or without pulmonary resection between 1998 and 2011. Exclusion criteria included palliative regimens, sequential chemoradiotherapy, radiation-surgery interval greater than 12 weeks, superior sulcus tumors, or radiotherapy other than standard external beam radiation. Treatment-related morbidity and mortality were examined for the following treatment regimens: neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with 45 Gy followed by surgery (trimodality-45); neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with 60 Gy or more followed by surgery (trimodality-60); and definitive chemoradiotherapy with 60 Gy or more without surgery (D-CRT). Results During the study period, 144 patients met eligibility criteria including 27 trimodality-45, 29 trimodality-60, and 88 D-CRT patients. Treatment-related morbidity and mortality rates for D-CRT were 74% [65 of 88] and 2.3% [2 of 88], respectively. Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates for patients who proceeded to surgery were 48% [27 of 56] and 1.8% [1 of 56], respectively, and did not differ based on dose of neoadjuvant radiation. Despite varied anatomic resections and methods of bronchial closure and coverage, no bronchopleural fistulae were observed. Conclusions Chemoradiotherapy carries a significant morbidity profile. However, high-dose neoadjuvant radiation is not associated with increased postoperative morbidity or mortality relative to standard-dose radiation in patients selected for anatomic resection.
Explanation in the biological sciences

The changes in biology and in other sciences since the eighteenth century have made biology an increasingly typical science. If the historians of science can forgive a caricature, I would say that biology was once a mixture of magic and mechanism, in which the latter element gradually gained the upper hand; that it came to be dominated by a relatively novel mode of explanation which served as a paradigm for the burgeoning social sciences; and that finally it was invaded by the reductionist forces of molecular biology as were classical thermodynamics and behaviorist psychology among the other "pure" macro-subjects. Today it contains, and for obvious reasons will always retain, substantial commitments to both the ecological-evolutionary domain and the molecular-chemical domain; in the jargon-an idiographic-historical aspect, as well as a nomothetic-dynamic one. The peculiar problems of uniqueness and predictability arise most clearly in connection with the former aspect and hence it is to this that my remarks are most immediately applicable. But this does not imply that I think it is more important than the other; no such comparative evaluation seems useful. Nor do I think the methodological phenomena to which I attend are only to be found in evolutionary biology; they most certainly occur in molecular biology, as indeed in classical astrophysics. But they are most clearly seen in the historical side of biology or its short-term sidekick, ecology, precisely duplicating-it appears to me-the situation in geology, geography, government, and psychiatry, in all of which there is currently sharp professional competition between the historical-idiographic enthusiasts and the nomothetic-dynamic. I shall treat briefly several issues that bear on the methodology of these double-aspect subjects, beginning with a discussion of the nature of philosophy of science and proceeding to a general sketch of what one might call macro-philosophy of science.
The Swimming of Unicellular Flagellate Organisms.

SUMMARY. 1 The primary function of the flagellum in a monoflagellate organism is to produce both rotation and gyration of the organism about a certain axis which constitutes the main direction in which the organism is swimming. 2 The mechanical principle by which the organism is propelled is simply that of the inclined plane which is caused to rotate. In other words it is that of the screw or propeller. 3 Since the disturbances or waves pass down the flagellum in the form of a spiral they produce two distinct components. It is the resultant of these two components which causes the tip of the organism both to rotate and gyrate. 4 So long as this rotation and gyration is maintained it will supply the necessary force for the propulsion of the organism. 5 The flagellum itself may or may not produce a forward component. If it is more or less swung out at right angles, as in Menoidium, it will produce no forward component but if it is swung back, as in Euglena, it will do so. 6 A large amount of gyration would be normally a disadvantage to the propulsion of the organism. One way of reducing gyration would be to increase the number of flagella. 7 There is no evidence that the waves or impulses ever start at the tip of the flagellum and thus constitute a tractellum.
External Validity of a Geriatric Food Behavior Instrument

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To demonstrate the external validity of a self-administered food behavior instrument for older persons The Geriatric Food Behavior Instrument (GFBI) has been demonstrated to measure eight valid and reliable constructs of food behavior that reflect nutritional risk for an older population. Construct validity was determined using principal components analysis with reliability coefficients (Cronbach's Alpha) of seven extracted components exceeding .72. In this stage of the research, the practical relevance of the food behavior constructs were examined in relation to parallel risk indicators to provide evidence of the instrument's external validity. A variety of demographic and nutrition-risk variables were documented for 577 older subjects. These included age, gender, marital status, education, medical or therapeutic diets followed, and dentition. A smaller sub-sample completed a food frequency interview (n = 60). Significant differences (p≤0.05) in selected food behavior scores were detected related to gender, advanced chronological age, and marital status. Of 169 different foods, sixteen were significantly correlated with the GFBI construct Healthy Food Practices , including a positive association with fiber and vitamin A and C rich foods. Fat and sodium intake were negatively correlated. Use of canned foods and foods high in fat and salt were significantly associated with scores on the domain Easy Alternatives to Cooking . Subjects with a higher mean score on Cooking Involvement and Interest were more frequent users of vitamin A and C and fiber rich foods. Higher scores on Controlled Eating were negatively correlated with BMI (p≤0.01). The results of this phase of testing for the Geriatric Food Behavior Instrument provide substantial evidence that GFBI constructs are logically associated with several indicators commonly described as nutrition-risk indicators for older persons
Limnological studies and remote sensing of the Upper Truckee River sediment plume in Lake Tahoe, California-Nevada

Abstract Five studies of the Upper Truckee River sediment plume in Lake Tahoe were conducted in California-Nevada using aerial photography and simultaneous measurements in the lake. The aerial and “water truth” studies covered a range of river discharge conditions during the snowmelt-runoff period in the spring of 1971. Color and multispectral aerial photography allowed delineation of the extent and relative density of four to five units within each plume. Simple correlation coefficients are high between these units and measures of suspended sediment, dissolved inorganic carbon, and light penetration, as well as measures of primary productivity and heterotrophic activity. Correlations are inconsistent between the above variables and nutrients (N-NO 3 , P-PO 4 , and Fe) apparently due to biological utilization of the latter in Tahoe's nutrient-poor environment. Two studies were conducted in the morning and afternoon of a single day; the plume's eastward shift during the day was recorded photographically and with limnological measurements. High correlations between sediment plumes and biological productivity coupled with evidence that silt particles and associated nutrients stimulate bacterial growth indicate that sediment plumes are accelerating the eutrophication of Lake Tahoe.
TEMPORAL PATTERNING OF GROOMING IN THREE LINES OF MICE: SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING CONTROL LEVELS OF A COMPLEX BEHAVIOUR

Temporal patterning of limb movements during grooming in mice was studied for the purpose of analyzing mechanisms of control of behaviour. Patterns of limb movement were determined from frame-by-frame analysis of grooming film taken at 32 or 64 frames per second under several different test situations. Grooming was filmed while mice were isolated in a 5 X 5 X 18 cm. chamber. The mice were (1) placed directly into the chamber from the home cage, or (2) put into the chamber after a one-minute forced swim, or (3) observed in the chamber after unilateral attachment of a weight to the right forelimb under light ether anaesthesia. Grooming was also filmed while mice were exploring a double T-maze. The cerebellar mutant mouse nr (nervous), and control littermates from three lines (inbred BALB, F2 (BALB X DBA)-hybrid, and the backcross of the F2-hybrid to BALB) were used as subjects. The effect of presence of the nr gene, strain differences, and test situation on grooming patterns was evaluated from film analysis. Parameters studied were: (1) trajectories of individual face-grooming limb movements, (2) sequential linkage of individual grooming movements, as measured by information analysis, (3) relative integrity and (4) patterns of connection of "unit patterns" consisting of observer-defined temporal clusters of individual face-grooming movements, and (5) the relative connectivity of face-grooming to body-grooming. Parameter (1) was evaluated only for the effect of the nr gene. Test situation had important effects on all other levels of control of face-grooming. Strain differences were most evident in parameter (5): hybrid mice linked face- and body-grooming together more often than did BALB mice. The nr gene had significant effects on individual stroke trajectories, and on the stability of unit patterns during grooming with a weighted limb. Stroke trajectories were more irregular, and pattern stability was weakened, in nr mice. The results of film study preclude analysis of control of face-grooming temporal patterns in terms of a first-order Markovian model. Also, neither a simple "reflex" peripheral control model nor a pure "central motor program" model are satisfactory explanations for control of temporal patterns of grooming. Peripheral feedback interacts in some unknown fashion with levels of organization, such as unit patterns, that are determined without direct reference to movement-to-movement linkages.
Multiple environments of fluorinated anesthetics in intact tissues observed with 19F NMR spectroscopy

The incorporation of two fluorine-containing general anesthetic agents, halothane and methoxyflurane, into erythrocytes (from three different species), rabbit muscle and rabbit nerve, was followed with 19F NMR spectroscopy. Two major findings emerged from these studies: (1) multiple environments indicative of domain structure in the membrane can be observed depending on the anesthetic and the tissue type; and (2) the 19F chemical shifts of a given anesthetic were characteristic for the tissue examined. Halothane showed a single resonance in erythrocytes and multiple resonances in muscle and nerve, while methoxyflurane showed multiple resonances in both muscle and erythrocytes. The range of the 19F chemical shifts for the multiple peaks was as great as 6 ppm.
Shape instabilities of plate-like structures—II. Analysis

Abstract In this paper, a companion to the previous one, a susceptibility analysis which delineates the primary instability mode of a terminated plate as it depends on plate width to thickness (aspect) ratio and the energy of internal boundaries of plates is presented. The analysis is based on a simple averaging of Fick's first law, and thus is based on geometrical, yet physically plausible, approximations. The analysis is carried out for both volume diffusion and surface diffusion control of the instability process. Direct cylinderization of plates is favored when the plate aspect ratio is small and the energy of internal boundaries that may be present is low. Boundary induced splitting of plates is favored when the boundary energy is high, whereas edge spheroidization is the dominant instability mode for plates with large aspect ratios containing low energy internal boundaries. The results of the analysis can be succintly represented in terms of plate instability diagrams which define the dominant instability mode in terms of plate aspect ratio and internal boundary energy. Lines of constant instability times can be superimposed on the diagrams, thereby increasing their utility.
Elementary Students' Construction and Coordination of Units in an Area Setting.

Much of students' numeric mathematical activity can be interpreted as the construction and coordination of units. This article reports evidence of construction and coordination of units in a measurement setting, using data gathered from 4 students during individual problem-solving sessions near the end of their fourth-grade year and augmented through knowledge gained with these students in the previous 2 years. Three students each developed different ways of solving the measurement task that reflected the construction and coordination of abstract units, whereas a fourth student did not. On the basis of this evidence we propose that the task of measuring 2-dimensional regions becomes possible when a student is able to construct iterable 2-dimensional units and coordinate those units.
Cost-effectiveness of newer treatment strategies for influenza

Abstract Purpose Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of influenza, such as rapid testing and neuraminidase inhibitor therapy, are available, but their place in clinical practice and their cost-effectiveness have not been determined. Materials and methods To estimate the cost-effectiveness of these newer interventions, we used a decision model that compared several influenza management strategies: no testing or treatment, amantadine or rimantadine treatment without testing, testing then amantadine or rimantadine treatment, neuraminidase inhibitor treatment without testing, or testing then neuraminidase inhibitor treatment. Antiviral therapy began within 48 hours in febrile patients with characteristic symptoms of influenza. We assumed that antiviral treatment did not change rates of influenza complication or mortality, and chose parameter values in the baseline analysis to bias slightly against antiviral treatment and toward testing strategies. Results In the baseline analysis, testing strategies are more expensive and less effective than treatment strategies. Amantadine costs $9.06 per illness day avoided or $11.60 per quality-adjusted day gained. Compared with amantadine, zanamivir costs $198 per illness day avoided or $185 per quality-adjusted day gained, whereas oseltamivir costs $252 per illness day avoided or $235 per quality-adjusted day gained. In elderly patients who require reduced dosage, rimantadine costs $128 per quality-adjusted day gained compared with amantadine. In younger patients, amantadine is favored if the likelihood of influenza A is >67%; otherwise, neuraminidase inhibitors are favored. Testing strategies are more costly and less effective when the influenza probability is >30%. No testing or treatment is favored if the influenza probability is 0.77. In elderly patients, amantadine is favored over rimantadine if the utility of medication side effects is >0.94. Conclusion Antiviral treatment of influenza without rapid testing is reasonable economically in febrile patients with typical symptoms during influenza season. The choice of antiviral agent depends on age, the likelihood of influenza A, and the willingness to pay per quality-adjusted day gained.
INTRAVENOUS IMMUNE SERUM GLOBULIN FOR HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA: A COMPARISON OF OPSONIZING CAPACITY IN RECIPIENT SERA

Twelve severely hypogammaglobulinemic patients received infusions of alkylated immune globulin and two other non-alkylated products. Administration was separated by an interval of 3 weeks. Serum was obtained prior to and at 24 hours and 3 weeks after each infusion for measurement of total IgG, specific and opsonizing antibodies. The latter was accomplished against S. pneumoniae types 5, 12F and 14 and zymosan using chemiluminescence methodology.
Calcification by proteolipid from atherosclerotic aorta

Abstract Calcified atherosclerotic aorta was examined for proteolipid capable of nucleating apatite, the crystal species of aortic calcification. Appropriate tissue pieces were decalcified with dilute formic acid and extracted with chloroform—methanol. Lipid fractionation yielded proteolipid which, upon incubation in metastable calcium phosphate solution, induced apatite crystallization. The proteolipid was partially characterized as a hydrophobic protein, acidic phospholipid complex. It resembles the nucleator previously demonstrated for bone matrix calcification.
The synthesis of [1-14C]15-hexadecenoic acid and its metabolism in the rat

Abstract 1. 1. 15-Hexadecenoic acid has been synthesized from commercially available 15-bromo,9-hexadecenoic acid by pyrolysis of methyl-15-acetoxypalmitate. Labeling of the acid in the carboxyl group with 14 C was achieved by decarboxylation and reaction with 14 C-labeled potassium cyanide. 2. 2. The [1- 14 C]15-hexadecenoic acid was fed to adult rats. Isolation and characterization of the fatty acids from the organs revealed oxidative degradation to be the predominant metabolic fate of the fed material. 3. 3. There was no evidence for further desaturation or chain extension of the acid, but biohydrogenation of the terminal double bond could not be ruled out.
Results of a protocol of transfusion threshold and surgical technique on transfusion requirements in burn patients

Abstract Introduction: Blood loss and high rates of transfusion in burn centers remains an area of ongoing concern. Blood use brings the risk of infection, adverse reaction, and immunosuppression. Methods: A protocol to reduce blood loss and blood use was implemented. Analysis included 3-year periods before and after institution of the protocol. All patients were transfused for a hemoglobin below 8.0 gm/dL. Results: Operations per admission did not change during the two time periods (0.78 in each). Overall units transfused per operation decreased from 1.56 ± 0.06 to 1.25 ± 0.14 units after instituting the protocol ( p p Conclusions: This study suggests that a defined protocol of hemostasis, technique, and transfusion trigger should be implemented in the process of burn excision and grafting. This will help especially those patients with the smallest burns, essentially eliminating transfusion need in that group.
Burn-up of fusion-produced tritons and 3He ions in PLT and PDX

The d(d,p)t and d(d,n) 3He fusion reactions produce 1 MeV tritons and 0.8 MeV 3He ions which can subsequently undergo d(t, n) α and d(3He,p) α fusion reactions. The magnitude of this triton and 3He ion 'burn-up' was measured on the PLT and PDX tokamaks by detection of the 14 MeV neutron and 15 MeV proton emission. In discharges with B > 2 T, the measured 3He and triton burn-up is consistent (within a factor of three) with predictions based on classical theories of ion confinement and slowing down. In discharges with weaker toroidal fields but constant plasma current, the burn-up of both ions fell by more than a factor of ten so that the observed burn-up was significantly less than expected classically.
The force constants of S6

Abstract A normal coordinate treatment of S 6 using a valence force field and a modified Urey-Bradley field is reported. The valence bond force constants obtained from the VFF are in good agreement with those calculated from the MUBF. Most of the force constants obtained for S 6 are similar in magnitude to those previously reported for S 8 . The torsional constant for S 6 , however, is about 14 percent larger than that for S 8 .
Autoimmune response in MRL+/+ mice following treatment with dichloroacetyl chloride or dichloroacetic anhydride

Dichloroacetyl chloride (DCAC) is formed from trichloroethene (TCE), which is implicated in inducing/accelerating autoimmune response. Due to its potent acylating activity, DCAC may convert proteins to neo-antigens and thus could induce autoimmune responses. Dichloroacetic anhydride (DCAA), which is a similar acylating agent, might also induce autoimmune responses. To evaluate if chloroacylation plays a role in the induction of autoimmunity, we have measured the autoimmune responses following treatment with DCAC or DCAA in autoimmune-prone MRL+/+ mice. Five-week-old female mice were injected intraperitoneally (twice weekly) with 0.2 mmol/kg of DCAC or DCAA in corn oil for 6 weeks. Total serum IgG, IgG1, and IgE levels were significantly increased in DCAC-treated mice as compared to controls. These increases corresponded with increases in DCAC-specific IgG and IgG1 levels. Total serum IgM was decreased in both DCAC- and DCAA-treated mice. Antinuclear antibodies, measured as an indication of systemic autoimmune responses, were increased in both DCAC- and DCAA-treated mice. Of eight Th1/Th2 cytokines measured in the serum, only IL-5 was significantly decreased in both treatment groups. The cytokine secretion patterns of splenic lymphocytes after stimulation with antibodies against CD3 (T cell receptor-mediated signal) and CD28 (costimulatory signal) differed between treatment and control groups. Levels of IL-1, IL-3, IL-6, IFN-gamma, G-CSF, and KC were higher in cultures of stimulated splenocytes from either DCAC- or DCAA-treated mice than from controls. The level of IL-17 was only increased in cultures from DCAC-treated mice. Increased lymphocytic populations were found in the red pulp of spleens following treatment with either DCAC or DCAA. In addition, thickening of the alveolar septa in the lungs of DCAC- or DCAA-treated mice was observed. The lung histopathology in exposed mice was consistent with the symptomology observed in welders exposed to DCAC/phosgene. Thickening was more pronounced in DCAC-treated mice. Our data suggest that DCAC and DCAA elicit autoimmune responses in MRL+/+ mice that might be reflective of their chloroacylation potential in vivo.
Environmental factors affecting the distribution of aquatic invertebrates in temporary ponds in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA

Despite a recent surge of interest in temporary lentic systems, a strong theory linking the biota to its environment has not emerged. Using data from 10 temporary ponds at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA, we investigated how invertebrate communities were structured along environmental gradients, both between and within ponds. Samples were collected with a benthic corer in winter and spring, and a sweep net in spring. Six between-pond and two within-pond datasets were created. Between-pond analyses yielded significant CCA’s with only one of the six data sets. The ranges of environmental variables (EV’s) within ponds were often similar to the ranges of EV’s when averaged and compared between ponds. Some taxa were aggregated in a single pond, and richness increased with pond area. The theory that richness increases with hydroperiod did not apply to these systems. Within-pond analyses yielded more consistent relationships, with both CCA’s being significant. Sample depth was the best predictor of invertebrate richness and abundance, with most taxa preferring shallow habitats. Richness and abundance were higher in both shallow ponds and shallow areas of deep ponds than in deep areas of deep ponds. Standardizing sample depth may be an effective way to remove this gradient as a confounding variable in future research. The presence of within-pond gradients, possibly coupled with the limited dispersal and random colonization of tolerant taxa, makes between-pond comparisons difficult.
Prediction of Grade Point Average from Estimated Study Behaviors.

In an assessment of the relations between test anxiety, study behavior, and academic performance Allen, Lerner, and Hinrichsen (1972) found that self-reported study behaviors added significantly to personality measures and high school rank as predictors of grade point average (GPA). Ss in this investigation recorded study-relevant behaviors (e.g., number of uninterrupted minutes spent studying per week) for one semester, and it was noted that such data are susceptible to distortion for various reasons. Thus, a crossvalidation study using Ss' estimates of study-relevant behaviors was done which constituted a partial replication of the Allen, et al. (1972) work. This was done in order to determine whether Ss' estimates of these variables predict GPA as well as supposed records of the same events. During the eighth week of the semester 81 female and 63 male undergraduates enrolled in an introductory psychology course recorded their estimates of the following five variables: average amount of time spent studying per day, average number of interruptions during a study session, average number of days per week on which study occurred, average amount of time spent studying each time S sat down to study, and average length of each interruption. Ss also completed three measures of test anxiety: the Anxiety Differential (Husek & Alexander, 1963), Achievement Anxiety Test (Alpert & Haber, 1960), and the Test Anxiety Scale (Sarason, 1957). The Alpert scale is a composite one designed to measure the facilitating (AAT+) and debilitating (AAT-) effects of test anxiety. A stepwise multiple regression indicated the best predictor of GPA was Verbal SAT scores (R = 215). Variables which significantly increased R (McNemar, 1969, p. 321) were Effective Study Time Per Week (R = .65; F = 7.18, df = 2/135, p < .001) and AAT+ (R = .73; F = 2.61, df = 3/135, fi < .05). These results indicate that estimated self-reported study behaviors may be as useful predictors of GPA as supposedly ongoing records of same. The results further suggest the validity of using study-relevant variables and measures of test anxiety as predictors of academic performance.
Cholinergic and dopaminergic involvement in phenobarbital-induced locomotor activity in mice.

Abstract Subhypnotic doses of phenobarbital produced dose-related (20–80 mg/kg i.p.) increases in locomotor activity in mice. The phenobarbital-induced locomotor activity was additive with the locomotor activity induced by the anticholinergic agent scopolamine. Haloperidol (0.25 mg/kg) and α-methyl- p -tyrosine (250 mg/kg) completely blocked the phenobarbital-induced increase in locomotor activity. It would appear that phenobarbital-induced locomotor activity may result from activation of central dopaminergic pathways secondary to depression of central cholinergic pathways.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Single Lead Sulfide Quantum Dots

We report the observation of fluorescence from single PbS quantum dots (QDs) using confocal microscopy in an inert atmosphere. Single PbS QDs exhibit a narrowing of the fluorescence line width (relative to the ensemble) and fluorescence intermittency ("blinking"), consistent with the properties of other single QDs. However, single-particle line widths averaged 100 meV, indicating a significant homogeneous component to the ensemble line width. In addition, the duration of an on/off blinking event has a probability density that decays according to an inverse power law, indicating a broad distribution of kinetic rates to multiple on/off states.
Endothelial PAS Domain Protein 1 Activates the Inflammatory Response in the Intestinal Epithelium to Promote Colitis in Mice

Background & Aims Hypoxic inflammation (decreased oxygen tension at sites of inflammation) is a feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The hypoxia response is mediated by the transcription factors hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1 or HIF2α), which are induced in intestinal tissues of patients with IBD. HIF1α limits intestinal barrier dysfunction, but the role of EPAS1 has not been assessed under conditions of hypoxic inflammation or in models of IBD. Methods Acute colitis was induced by administration of Citrobacter rodentium or dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to transgenic hypoxia reporter mice (oxygen-dependent degradation−luciferase), mice with conditional overexpression of Epas1 ( Epas1 LSL/LSL ), mice with intestinal epithelium-specific deletion of Epas1 ( Epas1 ΔIE ), or wild-type littermates (controls). Colon tissues from these mice and from patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease were assessed by histologic and immunoblot analyses, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Levels of hypoxia and EPAS1 were increased in colon tissues of mice after induction of colitis and patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease compared with controls. Epas1 ΔIE mice had attenuated colonic inflammation and were protected from DSS-induced colitis. Intestine-specific overexpression of EPAS1, but not HIF-1α, led to spontaneous colitis, increased susceptibility to induction of colitis by C rodentium or DSS, and reduced survival times compared with controls. Disruption of intestinal epithelial EPAS1 attenuated the inflammatory response after administration of DSS or C rodentium , and intestine-specific overexpression of EPAS1 increased this response. We found EPAS1 to be a positive regulator of tumor necrosis factor−α production by the intestinal epithelium. Blocking tumor necrosis factor−α completely reduced hypoxia-induced intestinal inflammation. Conclusions EPAS1 is a transcription factor that activates mediators of inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor−α, in the intestinal epithelium and promotes development of colitis in mice.
Welding Occupations and Mortality from Parkinson's Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases Among United States Men, 1985–1999

Metal welding produces gaseous fumes that contain manganese, resulting in potential occupational exposure to welders. It has been hypothesized that occupational exposure among welders could increase risk of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. The present study examines welding occupation and mortality from neurodegenerative diseases among men in the United States using the National Cause of Death databases 1985 to 1999. Information was abstracted from death certificates for states that collected data on occupation. Of 4,252,490 men who died during the study period, 107,773 had welding-related occupations. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate mortality odds ratios (MOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for odds of dying from Parkinson's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases among men who were welders as compared with men of other occupations, adjusting for attained age, race, region of residence, and year of death. During the study period, 49,174 deat...
Parametric dependence in model epidemics. II: Non-contact rate-related parameters.

In a previous paper, we discussed the bifurcation structure of SEIR equations subject to seasonality. There, the focus was on parameters that affect transmission: the mean contact rate, β0, and the magnitude of seasonality, ϵ B . Using numerical continuation and brute force simulation, we characterized a global pattern of parametric dependence in terms of subharmonic resonances and period-doublings of the annual cycle. In the present paper, we extend this analysis and consider the effects of varying non-contact-related parameters: periods of latency, infection and immunity, and rates of mortality and reproduction, which, following the usual practice, are assumed to be equal. The emergence of several new forms of dynamical complexity notwithstanding, the pattern previously reported is preserved. More precisely, the principal effect of varying non-contact related parameters is to displace bifurcation curves in the β0−ϵ B parameter plane and to expand or contract the regions of resonance and period-doubling ...
Meniscal allograft transplantation. Part 2: systematic review of transplant timing, outcomes, return to competition, associated procedures, and prevention of osteoarthritis

To provide a systematic review of the literature regarding five topics in meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT): optimal timing for transplantation, outcomes, return to competition, associated procedures, and prevention of osteoarthritis. A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect, and EBSCO-CINAHL databases. Articles were classified only in one topic, but information contained could be reported into other topics. Information was classified according to type of study (animal, in vitro human, and in vivo human) and level of evidence (for in vivo human studies). Specific inclusion criteria were determined for the outcomes and prevention of osteoarthritis topics. Twenty-four studies were finally included: two optimal timing, seven outcomes, three return to competitive sport, 16 MAT and associated procedures, and 5 MAT and prevention of osteoarthritis (some studies were categorized in more than one topic). These studies corresponded to 2 animal studies and 31 in vivo human studies (1 level II, 1 level III, and 29 level IV). The principal conclusions were as follows: (a) there is no evidence to support that MAT has to be performed at the same time or immediately after meniscectomy to prevent development of postmeniscectomy syndrome; (b) MAT successfully improves symptoms, function, and quality of life at 7-to-14 years of follow-up (level IV evidence); (c) the overall failure rate (need for knee arthroplasty) is 10–29 % at long-term follow-up; (d) MAT allows return to same level of competition in 75–85 % of patients at short- to mid-term follow-up (only three studies level IV evidence with small sample size); (e) associated cartilage procedures or anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to MAT does not worsen the results; (f) MAT may prevent progression of cartilage damaged at long-term follow-up, but may not prevent degeneration in previously healthy cartilage. Systematic review of level II–IV studies, Level IV.
Right Ventricle–dominant Cardiac Sarcoidosis With Sparing of the Left Ventricle

Cardiac sarcoidosis is a common and often fatal complication of systemic sarcoidosis. When present, cardiac sarcoid is generally a diffuse and patchy process involving predominantly the left ventricle. We report the case of a patient with known cardiac sarcoidosis who underwent cardiac transplantation for poorly controlled ventricular tachycardia and heart failure. His explanted heart had a previously undescribed distribution of sarcoidosis. This patient had complete, circumferential involvement of the right ventricle with near-total loss of right ventricular wall myocardium, and secondary marked dilation. The interventricular septum was predominantly involved along the right ventricle. The cardiac conducting system was also extensively involved, showing granulomatous disease. The left ventricular free wall was spared of any gross evidence of sarcoidosis. We present the unusual pathologic findings of the explanted heart and correlate the results with the patient's clinical data.
The Transition to Free Markets: Where to Begin Privatization

Abstract This essay models the sequencing of privatization within an industry and across industries. When a primary advantage of private over public ownership is more responsiveness to information about consumer demand and input costs, then privatization should begin where uncertainty or ignorance is greatest and in areas that transmit information to other agents. Privatizing middlemen has particular value when neighboring sectors are also private. If the retail sector is private, then privatization downstream usually dominates privatization upstream. Industries facing elastic demand should be privatized first when there is uncertainty about costs.
Estimation of left ventricular volumes in man from biplane cineangiograms filmed in oblique projections

Abstract In patients with coronary artery disease, right and left anterior oblique views of the left ventricle are considered optimal for assessment of regional wall motion, but the accuracy of ventricular volumes determined from these projections has not been validated. Eleven postmortem left ventricular casts were filmed with the 35 mm cine technique in the 30 ° right anterior oblique and 60 ° left anterior oblique positions, and volumes were calculated using the area-length method. True volume, assessed from volume displacement, ranged from 15 to 185 cc. Calculated volume (V oblique ) slightly but consistently overestimated true volume (V T ), with close correlation and a small standard error of the estimate (SEE):V T = 0.989 V oblique − 8.1 cc, r = 0.99, SEE = 8 cc. With use of this regression equation, values for left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction were calculated from biplane oblique (30 ° right anterior oblique/60 ° left anterior oblique) cineanglograms In 17 normal adults. Values for end-diastolic volume index (72 ± 15 cc/m 2 [mean ± standard deviation]), end-systolic volume index (20 ± 8 cc/m 2 ), stroke volume Index (51 ± 10 cc/m 2 ) and ejection fraction (0.72 ± 0.08) were similar to those reported by others. Examination of the effects of variable obliquity suggests that strict standardization of the degree of obliquity is necessary to offset variation In the long axis in the left anterior oblique projection caused by foreshortening.
Identity theft, spyware and the law

Identity theft has become a huge problem in today's society. With the advent of the computer age, came the need for information on demand. This information on demand not only made it easier for authorized users to get information, but also for unauthorized users. One-way identity thieves gain access to personal information is through the use of spyware programs. According to M. Rasch [9], spyware is "a 'deceptive' practice of the unauthorized installation of programs that monitor a consumer's activities without their consent." The government, at both the state and federal levels, has started to pass legislation regarding the use of spyware. The federal government has yet to pass a bill, but there are many different anti-spyware bills being debated in both the House and the Senate. There are seven states that have passed anti-spyware laws, and there are currently seven other states that are working toward passing anti-spyware laws of their own. The Federal Trade Commission is constantly educating the general public about the threats associated with spyware, and how to combat it. The government is currently headed in the right direction, but there is still a lot that needs to be done to help combat the problem of identity theft and spyware.
Pulse oximeter accuracy and precision affected by sensor location in cyanotic children.

Objective Children's digits are often too small for proper attachment of oximeter sensors, necessitating sensor placement on the sole of the foot or palm of the hand. No study has determined what effect these sensor locations have on the accuracy and precision of this technology. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of sensor location on pulse oximeter accuracy (i.e., bias) and precision in critically ill children. Design Prospective, observational study with consecutive sampling. Setting Tertiary care, pediatric intensive care unit. Patients Fifty critically ill children, newborn to 2 yrs of age, with an indwelling arterial catheter. Forty-seven of 50 (94%) patients were postcardiac surgery. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Co-oximeter-measured arterial oxygen saturation (Sao2) was compared with simultaneously obtained pulse oximetry saturations (Spo2). A total of 98 measurements were obtained, 48 measurements in the upper extremities (finger and palm) and 50 measurements in the lower extremities (toe and sole). The median Sao2 was 92% (66% to 100%). There was a significant difference in bias (i.e., average Spo2 - Sao2) and precision (+/-1 sd) when the sole and toe were compared (sole, 2.9 +/- 3.9 vs. toe, 1.6 +/- 2.2, p = .02) but no significant difference in bias and precision between the palm and the finger (palm, 1.4 +/- 3.2 vs. finger, 1.2 +/- 2.3, p = .99). There was a significant difference in bias +/- precision when the Sao2 was or=90% in the sole (6.0 +/- 5.7 vs. 1.8 +/- 2.1, p = .002) and palm (4.5 +/- 4.5 vs. 0.7 +/- 2.4, p = .006) but no significant difference in the finger (1.8 +/- 3.8 vs. 1.1 +/- 1.8, p = .95) or toe (1.9 +/- 2.9 vs. 1.6 +/- 1.9, p = .65). Conclusions The Philips M1020A pulse oximeter and Nellcor MAX-N sensors were less accurate and precise when used on the sole of the foot or palm of the hand of a child with an Sao2
Boussard's ‘Effectiveness of Inflation Accounting Adjustments’: A Comment

Boussard's (1984) notion that Current Cost/Constant Dollar Accounting does not provide ‘meaningful rates of return’ when inflationary conditions are compared with non-inflationary conditions is based on a misleading example.
Interaction of gentamycin and atracurium in anaesthetised horses

Evoked hind limb digital extensor tension (hoof twitch) was maintained at 40% of baseline for 1 h by atracurium infusion in 7 horses anaesthetised with halothane. After 1 h, atracurium was discontinued and hoof twitch allowed to recover to 75%. Atracurium was again given by infusion to maintain 40% twitch for a second hour, then 2 mg gentamycin/kg bwt were given i.v. Atracurium infusion was continued for a third hour, and then hoof twitch was again allowed to recover spontaneously to 75%. Gentamycin reduced twitch strength from 40 +/- 1% (mean +/- sem) to 29 +/- 4% within 7.0 +/- 1.5 min (P = 0.02). Twitch gradually returned to pre-gentamycin strength over the course of the next hour. Recovery of hoof twitch from 50% to 75% took 7.7 +/- 0.7 min for atracurium alone and 11.5 +/- 2.7 min for atracurium plus gentamycin (P = 0.03). Recovery from 50% twitch to 75% fade recovery took 13.8 +/- 0.8 min for atracurium alone and 13.7 +/- 1.2 min for atracurium plus gentamycin. At 75% recovery of fade, hoof twitch was 87 +/- 3% for atracurium alone and 82 +/- 4% for atracurium plus gentamycin. Reversal of the block with edrophonium and subsequent recovery of the horses from anaesthesia were uneventful. It was concluded that, although gentamycin did augment the neuromuscular blockade of atracurium, the effect was minimal.
Cyclophilin 40 alters UVA-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial ROS generation in keratinocytes

Abstract The CyP40 protein encoded by PPID gene is a member of the peptidyl-prolyl cis–trans isomerase (PPIase) family. PPIases catalyze the cis–trans isomerization of proline imidic peptide bonds in oligopeptides and accelerate the folding of proteins. The CyP40 protein has been shown to possess PPIase activity and, similar to other family members, can bind to the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin A (CsA). In this study, we created keratinocyte cell lines with CyP40 being stably knocked down using viral particles containing shRNA for CyP40 which knocked down the expression level of CyP40 transcripts by 90–99%. The proliferation rates of the cell lines with silenced CyP40 were decreased compared to the control cells. After UVA irradiation, the rate of apoptosis was found to be significantly lower in CyP40 silenced cell lines than it was in control cells. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was found to be less dissipated and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) less active in cells with knocked down CyP40 than in control cells after UVA irradiation. Also, less mitochondrial superoxide was detected in the cells with silenced CyP40 compared to control cells after UVA exposure. Moreover, silencing of CyP40 partially modulates expression of key genes involved in mitochondrial pore formation including CyPD, ANTs and VDAC family members. The ability of CyP40 to regulate UV induced apoptosis implicates this protein as a potential target for therapy in cancer cells.