cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Childhood Tuberculosis: A Preventable Disease Not Being Prevented

* Abbreviations: LTBI — : latent tuberculosis infection TB — : tuberculosis TST — : tuberculin skin test WHO — : World Health Organization In March 2012, childhood tuberculosis (TB) was the focus of World TB Day. This neglected disease still accounts for at least 1 million annual cases and 100 000 deaths in children. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 9.7 million children have been orphaned by TB.1 The articles in this edition of Pediatrics by Wu et al2 from China and Winston and Menzies3 from the United States remind us of the ongoing scourge of this ancient disease in both high- and low-prevalence countries and highlight many issues that need to be addressed to control it. The study from the Beijing Children’s Hospital reveals the continued high global morbidity and mortality of childhood TB. This study details many unsolved problems in childhood TB globally: huge burden of disease; high propensity for severe forms of extrapulmonary disease; incomplete protection afforded by BCG vaccines; diagnostic delays; high treatment failure rates; and lost opportunities for prevention.4,5 We wonder how many of these cases could have been prevented with routine use of isoniazid preventive therapy, an effective and cost-effective intervention among child household contacts.6 However, in most high-burden settings, use of isoniazid … Address correspondence to Jeffrey R. Starke, MD, 1102 Bates St, Suite 1150, Houston, TX 77030. E-mail: jstarke{at}bcm.edu
Mechanism of acid-induced decomposition of 2-hydroxyethyl- and 2-alkoxyethyl-cobaloximes

Abstract The decomposition of hydroxyethyl-, ethoxyethyl- and phenoxyethyl(aquo)cobaloximes in sulfuric acid/water mixtures to produce ethylene has been studied spectrophotometrically and manometrically. Definitive kinetic evidence for formation of an intermediate which is common to all three starting complexes and accumulates at acidities greater than 7.3 M H2SO4 has been obtained. A complete rate law which accounts for all of the ionizations of starting materials and intermediate has been derived and fit to the rate data. The rate-determining step for product formation is decomposition of the intermediate at all acidities: the intermediate accumulates in strong acid because of a shift in the equilibrium for its formation due to the reduced activity of water in strongly acidic media. Activation parameters for the decomposition of the intermediate, which may be formulated as an ethylene-cobaloxime(III) π-complex or as a σ-bonded ethyl carbonium ion, have been obtained. 1H and 13C NMR observations of the intermediate and its deuterated analog (from 1,1,2,2-tetradeuterio-2-hydroxyethyl(aquo)cobaloxime) have led to the conclusion that it is probably a σ-bonded ethyl carbonium ion which may be stabilized by σ-π hyperconjugation.
The cytology of the vitellogenic stages of oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. I. General staging characteristics

The cytology of the vitellogenic stages in the development of the oocyte of Drosophila melanogaster has been studied using whole mounts and sections of plastic-embedded ovaries and single egg chambers for light microscopy and cytochemistry. The migrations, changes in morphology, and synthetic products of the follicle cells are described as a function of developmental stage. The follicle cells synthesize the egg coverings, the vitelline and chorionic membranes, and elaborate the micropyle and dorsal chorionic appendages. The changing structure of the nurse cell nucleus and changes in organelle composition of its cytoplasm are described. The nurse cells synthesize ribosomes, lipid droplets, and mitochondria. These components pass through the ring canal system into the oocyte, which increases in volume some 200,000 times during its 78 hours of development.
Comparison of the effects of complete and incomplete spinal cord injury on lower urinary tract function as evaluated in unanesthetized rats

In rats, phasic external urethral sphincter (EUS) activity (bursting) is postulated to be crucial for efficient voiding. This has been reported to be lost after spinal cord transection (txSCI), contributing to impaired function. However, anesthesia may confound evaluating EUS activity. We therefore evaluated urodynamic parameters in unanesthetized, restrained rats and compared the effects of txSCI to that of a clinically relevant, incomplete, contusive injury (iSCI) on lower urinary tract function. Adult female rats were subjected to txSCI or standardized iSCI at the T8 vertebral level. As expected, all injured rats were initially unable to void but developed a reflex bladder with time, with iSCI rats recovering more rapidly than txSCI rats. LUT function was evaluated urodynamically at 2 and 6 weeks after injury. In response to infusion of saline into the bladder, controls consistently exhibited coordinated contraction of the bladder and activation of the EUS in a phasic pattern and had a high voiding efficiency (86.4+/-2.5%). Voiding efficiency of iSCI rats was reduced to approximately 57% and txSCI rats to approximately 32%. However, two different patterns of EUS activity during voiding were present in both txSCI and iSCI groups at both time points: (1) rats with phasic EUS activity, similar to controls and (2) those that only exhibited tonic EUS activity during voiding. The former had more normal voiding efficiencies. Thus, phasic EUS activity and the improved voiding efficiency associated with it can occur and can be detected in unanesthetized rats after both incomplete and complete SCI.
Cold-Trapping Mars' Atmosphere

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has observed large deposits of frozen CO2 at Mars’ southern polar region.
External equity financing in agriculture via profit and loss sharing contracts: A proposed financial innovation

An institutional arrangement and contracting procedure by which external suppliers could potentially satisfy the demand for farm equity in a profit and loss sharing arrangement is outlined. An accounting schedule for calculating the equity division of owner and external equity is developed and presented. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dust storm over the Black Rock Desert: Larger‐scale dynamic signatures

[1] A dust storm that originated over the Black Rock Desert (BRD) of northwestern Nevada is investigated. Our primary goal is to more clearly understand the sequence of dynamical processes that generate surface winds responsible for entraining dust from this desert. In addition to reliance on conventional surface and upper-air observations, we make use of reanalysis data sets (NCAR/NCEP and NARR)—blends of primitive equation model forecasts and observations. From these data sets, we obtain the evolution of vertical motion patterns and ageostrophic motions associated with the event. In contrast to earlier studies that have emphasized the importance of indirect transverse circulations about an upper-level jet streak, our results indicate that in this case the transition from an indirect to a direct circulation pattern across the exit region of upper-level jet streak is central to creation of low-level winds that ablate dust from the desert. It is further argued that the transition of vertical circulation patterns is in response to adjustments to geostrophic imbalance—an adjustment time scale of 6–9 h. Although unproven, we suggest that antecedent rainfall over the alkali desert 2 weeks prior to the event was instrumental in lowering the bulk density of sediments and thereby improved the chances for dust ablation by the atmospheric disturbance. We comprehensively compare/contrast our results with those of earlier investigators, and we present an alternative view of key dynamical signatures in atmospheric flow that portend the likelihood of dust storms over the western United States.
Transfer of reputation: Multinational banks and perceived creditworthiness of transition countries

ABSTRACTHow do international investors evaluate sovereign borrowers whose histories and institutions are too new or weak to send strong signals about their creditworthiness? In this paper, I suggest that the perceived creditworthiness of many transition countries’ governments rests on a ‘transfer’ of good reputation from prestigious multinational banks, as foreign direct investors. The entry of reputable foreign banks into a transition country signals to international financial markets about the financial strength of that host economy. It also involves the transfer of the status of lender of last resort to the foreign parent bank. Foreign bank penetration can thus create optimistic expectations about a host country's capacity to service its sovereign debt. Using panel data for 23 transition economies during the period of 1996–2009, my empirical results provide support for the argument stressing the exogenous role of foreign financiers as enhancers of the credibility of host country governments. The result...
Short Communication: Bilinear optimal control of a Kirchoff plate to a desired profile

We consider the problem of driving a Kirchhoff plate towards a desired state or profile at a final time T while taking into account a quadratic cost of implementing the control. The control enters the equation as a bilinear term in the state equation. Our purpose is to prove that an optimal control of this type exists, may be characterized as a solution to an optimality system and is unique for time T sufficiently small.
Dynamic Polymorphic Reconfiguration for anti-tamper circuits

The susceptibility of digital systems to tampering is of immense concern to military and commercial organizations. Current defenses against such techniques as reverse engineering and side channel analysis are limited and don't address the underlying vulnerable characteristics of digital circuits. In this paper, we propose a generalized defense methodology named Dynamic Polymorphic Reconfiguration that significantly reduces the probability of successful tampering. We achieve protection through targeted component hiding and the introduction of run-time autonomous defense adaptations. As a result, we establish the feasibility of self-protecting circuits.
Plasticity in Brain Development

The final wiring of the brain occurs after birth and is governed by early experience. A protein called MAP2 seems to take part in the molecular events that underlie the brain’s ability to change
Ideology, Progress, and Dialogue: A Comparison of Feminist and Islamist Women’s Approaches to the Issues of Head Covering and Work in Turkey

Using documentary analysis and in-depth interviews, this article compares how prosecular feminist and Islamist women’s groups in Turkey approach the issues of head covering and work. The comparison reveals that Islamist women either selectively appropriate feminist views or contest them by using feminist arguments against feminists. However, this in itself does not expin why feminist and reformist Islamist women who share surprisingly similar complaints and contentions are still unable to develop a meaningful dialogue. Findings reveal that the notion of progress, ideologically directed solutions, competition over public and private spheres, divided social spaces, and most important, the universalization of feminist and Islamist ideologies thwart the development of dialogue between the two groups.
Organization of the serotonergic innervation of spinal neurons in rats--III. Differential serotonergic innervation of somatic and parasympathetic preganglionic motoneurons as determined by patterns of co-existing peptides.

Abstract The spinal cord is innervated by brainstem serotonergic neurons, some of which contain substance P and/or thyrotropin-releasing hormone in addition to serotonin. These neurons project at least three types of axons to the spinal cord: those containing both substance P and thyrotropin-releasing hormone, those containing thyrotropin-releasing hormone but not substance P, and those containing neither substance P nor thyrotropin-releasing hormone. However, the organization of the different types of serotonergic processes is unclear. In the present studies, the types of serotonergic axons projecting to two kinds of spinal neurons were examined. Somatic and parasympathetic preganglionic motoneurons were labeled retrogradely from the pelvic or sciatic nerve, respectively. Sections containing these neurons were stained either for serotonin and substance P, or for serotonin and thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Of a total of 428 profiles examined that were retrogradely labeled from the sciatic nerve, 425 (99%) were apposed by serotonin-immunoreactive varicosities; similarly, of a total of 382 profiles examined that were retrogradely labeled from pelvic nerve, 353 (92%) were apposed by serotonin-immunoreactive varicosities. However, differences appeared to exist between the types of serotonergic varicosities innervating these two groups of neurons. Among the profiles labeled from the sciatic nerve, it was estimated that over 97% were apposed by serotonin-immunoreactive varicosities in which serotonin co-existed with substance P and thyrotropin-releasing hormone. In contrast, among the profiles labeled from pelvic nerve that were apposed by serotonin-immunoreactive varicosities, it was estimated that less than 1% were apposed by serotonin-immunoreactive varicosities containing both thyrotropin-releasing hormone and substance P. We estimate that most of the remainder (about 80%) were apposed by serotonin-immunoreactive varicosities containing thyrotropin-releasing hormone but not substance P. We conclude that both the cell bodies of neurons retrogradely labeled from the pelvic nerve and those labeled from the sciatic nerve were apposed by serotonin varicosities. However, these two systems of neurons appear to be innervated largely by two different populations of serotonergic cells. This suggests that the raphe-spinal serotonergic system may independently modulate the activities of somatic motoneurons and parasympathetic preganglionic motoneurons.
ViSAGE: A Virtual Laboratory for Simulation and Analysis of Social Group Evolution

We present a modeling laboratory, Virtual Laboratory for the Simulation and Analysis of Social Group Evolution (ViSAGE), that views the organization of human communities and the experience of individuals in a community as contingent upon on the dynamic properties, or micro-laws, of social groups. The laboratory facilitates the theorization and validation of these properties through an iterative research processes that involves (1) forward simulation experiments, which are used to formalize dynamic group properties, (2) reverse engineering from real data on how the parameters are distributed among individual actors in the community, and (3) grounded research, such as participant observation, that follows specific activities of real actors in a community and determines if, or how well, the micro-laws describe the way choices are made in real world, local settings. In this article we report on the design of ViSAGE. We first give some background to the model. Next we detail each component. We then describe a set of simulation experiments that we used to further design and clarify ViSAGE as a tool for studying emergent properties/phenomena in social networks.
Who Should Have or Not Have an Axillary Node Dissection with Breast Cancer

There have been dramatic changes in the approach to the axilla in women with breast cancer over the last 100 years, reflecting the evolution in our understanding of the underlying tumor biology, reduced disease burden because of early detection, and advances in all breast cancer treatment modalities. The approach to the axilla needs to be individualized, much like the extent of surgery for the primary tumor. Axillary dissection remains an important intervention for patients with more locally advanced disease. However, in patients with early-stage breast cancer, in whom regional recurrence is extremely low, the added benefit of an ALND has yet to be confirmed.
Ventricular Fusion Beats during Electric Stimulation in Man: Application to Conduction Velocity and Anomalous AV Excitation

Quantitative studies of ventricular fusion beats were made in 40 patients with Stokes- Adams disease after implantation of electric pacemakers in the left ventricle. The two fusing complexes came from an electric pacemaker and either a second electric pacemaker or a conducted sinoatrial beat. The limit of fusion, that is the maximal time between two fusing complexes, gives a measure of the conduction time and velocity between the two points of initial ventricular depolarization. Conduction between two electric pacemakers and in retrograde direction from an electric pacemaker to the point of entry of a conducted beat was by way of ordinary myocardium; its velocity was about 1 meter per second. Conduction in antegrade direction, on the other hand, was by way of specialized Purkinje tissue; and its velocity was 4.5 to 9 times faster. Variations in conduction times with bundle-branch block support this interpretation: retrograde conduction time did not change; antegrade conduction time was prolonged in left but was usually unchanged in right bundle-branch block. The morphologic similarities of fusion beats in our patients to the features of anomalous AV excitation add strong evidence in man to the previous analogous experimental observations that the WPW complex is a fusion beat. Furthermore, quantitative comparison of WPW and our fusion beats supports the theory that the anomalous excitation in the WPW phenomenon, like the peripherally located artificial stimulus, enters the ventricle peripherally, by way of an accessory AV pathway.
AN EXAMINATION OF CULTURAL COMPETITIVENESS AND ORDER FULFILLMENT CYCLE TIME WITHIN SUPPLY CHAINS

Supply chains are increasingly important, yet little is known about the determinants of their success and failure. Drawing on the resource-based view and research on “adhocracy,” in this study we e...
Solubility limits of cholesterol, lanosterol, ergosterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol in electroformed lipid vesicles

Here we use nuclear magnetic resonance to measure the solubility limit of several biologically relevant sterols in electroformed giant unilamellar vesicle membranes containing phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipids in ratios of 1:1:X of DOPC:DPPC:sterol. We find solubility limits of cholesterol, lanosterol, ergosterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol to be 65–70 mol%, ∼35 mol%, 30–35 mol%, 20–25 mol%, and ∼40 mol%, respectively. The low solubilities of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol, which differ from cholesterol only in their alkyl tails, show that subtle differences in tail structure can strongly affect sterol solubility. Below the solubility limits, the fraction of sterol to PC-lipid in electroformed vesicles linearly reflects the fraction in the original stock solutions used in the electroformation process.
The Socioemotional Foundations of Suicide A Microsociological View of Durkheim’s Suicide

Durkheim’s theory of suicide remains one of the quintessential “classic” theories in sociology. Since the 1960s and 1970s, however, it has been challenged on theoretical and empirical grounds. Rather than defend Durkheim’s theory on its own terms, this paper elaborates his typology of suicide by sketching suicide’s socioemotional structure. We integrate social psychological, psychological, and psychiatric advances in emotion research and argue that (1) egoistic, or attachment-based suicides, are driven primarily by sadness/hopelessness; (2) anomic/fatalistic, or regulative suicides, are driven by shame; and (3) mixed-types exist and are useful for developing a more robust and complex multilevel model.
Precise measurements on a quantum phase transition in antiferromagnetic spinor Bose-Einstein condensates

We have experimentally investigated the quench dynamics of antiferromagnetic spinor Bose-Einstein condensates in the vicinity of a zero temperature quantum phase transition at zero quadratic Zeeman shift $q$. The rate of instability shows good agreement with predictions based upon solutions to the Bogoliubov--de Gennes equations. A key feature of this work was removal of magnetic field inhomogeneities, resulting in a steep change in behavior near the transition point. The quadratic Zeeman shift at the transition point was resolved to 250 mHz uncertainty, equivalent to an energy resolution of ${k}_{B}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}$ (12 pK). A small (2--3 $\ensuremath{\sigma}$) shift of the transition point was observed, from $q=0$ to $q=+650$ mHz, whose physical mechanism is currently unknown. In this work, we demonstrate a sub-Hz precision measurement of a phase transition in quantum gases. It paves the way toward observing shifts of the transition point due to finite particle number $N$ that scale as $1/N$, and also to potential Heisenberg limited spectroscopy with antiferromagnetic spinor gases [L.-N. Wu and L. You, Phys. Rev. A 93, 033608 (2016)].
Text Retrieval Computers

The hardware required for efficient text retrieval differs from that required for retrieval of formatted data. Here is an examination of such hardware, particularly term comparators.
Approaching Leadership Education in the New Millennium.

Leadership is cast in many roles and, thus, leadership educators may be found in a variety of venues, including youth club organizers, junior high and high school teachers, college professors, student program directors in higher education, community development professionals, military trainers, religious groups, human resource development specialists, civic organizations, and consultants. Additionally, there are untold numbers of people engaged in leadership education in a wide range of venues in countries throughout the world. In addition to teachers and trainers, there are leadership coaches, mentors, and role models. Some leadership educators are skill builders while others teach from theoretical frameworks and conceptual models; some encourage studying the lives of great leaders while others invoke action and reflection. The focus of each educator’s work draws on his or her personal beliefs and assumptions about leadership, as well as about education.
Colony-stimulating factor-1 expression in the human fetus and newborn.

Colony-stimulating factor-i (CSF-i) is a hematopoietic growth factor that regulates the sur- vival, proliferation, and differentiation of mononu- clear phagocytes. Because this cellular compartment undergoes major changes during fetal and neonatal life, we examined concurrent CSF- i expression dur- big human development. While levels increased dra- matically after full-term birth, CSF- i concentrations steadily declined in the preterm circulation from 2.7 to i .9 times adult values as gestational age increased. CSF-i was already detectable at iO weeks gestation in spleen, intestine, lung, kidney, heart, and liver in order of decreasing concentration, but a positive correlation with gestational age was seen only in lung and intestine. Although a 4.4-kb CSF-i mRNA was detectable in all tissues at all gestational ages, in- creased expression with advancing gestational age was observed in lung and kidney, whereas a rise and fall was observed in spleen. We conclude that CSF-i concentration in the human circulation is develop- mentally regulated and that its expression in fetal tissues is compatible with its role in regulating the development of tissue mononuclear phagocytes. J. Leukoc. Biol. 58: 432-437; i995.
Selenocysteine insertion directed by the 3′-UTR SECIS element in Escherichia coli

Co-translational insertion of selenocysteine (Sec) into proteins in response to UGA codons is directed by selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) elements. In known bacterial selenoprotein genes, SECIS elements are located in the coding regions immediately downstream of UGA codons. Here, we report that a distant SECIS element can also function in Sec insertion in bacteria provided that it is spatially close to the UGA codon. We expressed a mammalian phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase in Escherichia coli from a construct in which a natural E.coli SECIS element was located in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) and adjacent to a sequence complementary to the region downstream of the Sec UGA codon. Although the major readthrough event at the UGA codon was insertion of tryptophan, Sec was also incorporated and its insertion was dependent on the functional SECIS element in the UTR, base-pairing potential of the SECIS flanking region and the Sec UGA codon. These data provide important implications into evolution of SECIS elements and development of a system for heterologous expression of selenoproteins and show that in addition to the primary sequence arrangement between UGA codons and SECIS elements, their proximity within the tertiary structure can support Sec insertion in bacteria.
Adaptive entropy-constrained residual vector quantization

Entropy-constrained residual vector quantization (EC-RVQ) is a relatively new VQ method that was shown to be capable of excellent rate-distortion performance. The paper investigates the incorporation of adaptivity into the EC-RVQ framework for application to image coding. Experimental results show that the dynamic nature of the implementation leads to a noticeable improvement in coding quality as well as improved robustness. >
The Dynamic Strength of a Representative Double Layer Prismatic Core: A Combined Experimental, Numerical, and Analytical Assessment

Dynamic out-of-plane compressive testing was used to characterize the dynamic strength of stainless steel prismatic cores with representative double layer topology to be employed in sandwich panels for blast protection. Laboratory-scaled samples of the representative core unit cell were manufactured (relative density of 5.4%) and tested at constant axial impact velocities (ranging from quasi-static to 140 ms ―1 ). The dynamic strength was evaluated by measuring the stresses transmitted to a direct impact Hopkinson bar. Two-dimensional, plane strain, finite element calculations (with a stationary back face) were used to replicate the experimental results upon incorporating imperfections calibrated using the observed dynamic buckling modes. To infer the response of cores when included in a sandwich plate subject to blast loading, the finite element model was modified to an unsupported (free-standing) back face boundary condition. The transmitted stress is found to be modulated by the momentum acquired by the back face mass and, as the mass becomes larger, the core strength approaches that measured and simulated for stationary conditions. This finding justifies the use of a simple dynamic compression test for calibration of the dynamic strength of the core. An analytical model that accounts for the shock effects in a homogenized core and embodies a simple dual-level dynamic strength is presented and shown to capture the experimental observations and simulated results with acceptable fidelity. This model provides the basis for a constitutive model that can be used to understand the response of sandwich plates subject to impulsive loads.
Theory of Hydrogen Reactions in Silicon

We report first-principles total-energy calculations for H atoms in a Si lattice. Our results for single H atoms are presented in the form of total-energy surfaces, providing immediate insight in stable positions and migration paths. We examine the stability of different charge states (H + , H 0 , H − ) as a function of Fermi-level position, and its impli-cations for H diffusion in p-type vs. n-type material. The results are used to scrutinize and supplement existing understanding of experimental observations. We also study the co-operative interactions of several H atoms, and propose a novel mechanism for H-induced damage.
Designing Housing for the Future: An Interdisciplinary Approach

The project is a cooperative research endeavor involving an interdisciplinary effort to design homes to meet the needs of rural home owners. A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 1,600 Nebraska residents. Results received were analyzed to discover the needs and preferences of these residents with regard to the importance of design characteristics, in August 1986, a daylong workshop was held. The objectives of the workshop included a review of the housing survey results and the development of recommendations for the design of single family housing for the midwest region of the United States. Information gained from the survey and the symposium was then used as the basis of a design program. Teams of students in interior design and architecture used the program to create design solutions which represent housing that is adaptable to a wide variety of typical users.
Female anoles retain responsiveness to testosterone despite the evolution of androgen‐mediated sexual dimorphism

Summary 1. The evolution of sexual dimorphism presents a challenge because males and females must express two phenotypes from the same underlying genome. In vertebrates, one solution to this challenge is to link the expression of shared traits to sex steroids. However, even ‘male-biased’ steroids such as testosterone (T) circulate at biologically significant levels in females, raising the question of whether sexual dimorphism evolves not only through the coupling of trait expression to T in males, but also through the decoupling of trait expression from T in females. 2. We tested these alternatives by asking whether male and female brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) respond to exogenous T in similar fashion with respect to a suite of sexually dimorphic traits: growth, skeletal morphology, resting metabolism, fat storage, dewlap size and dewlap colour. 3. First, we established the ontogeny of sexual dimorphism in a colony raised in a laboratory common garden. Next, we treated juveniles of each sex with either T implants or empty implants at 5–8 months of age, when sexual dimorphism first began to develop for most traits. 4. T stimulated growth in both sexes and largely abolished natural sex differences in growth. This effect was associated with the stimulation of resting metabolism and the diversion of energy from fat and liver stores in both sexes. T also enlarged the dewlap in both sexes, though females never developed dewlaps equal in size to those of males. Finally, T altered the brightness and saturation of the dewlap in both sexes, inducing coloration similar to that of adult males. 5. Female brown anoles retain many of the same tissue-specific responses to T that occur in males, suggesting that the evolution of androgen-mediated sexual dimorphism has been achieved largely through the coupling of trait expression to sex differences in circulating T, without an associated decoupling of trait expression from T in females.
Functional Coupling of the β1 Subunit to the Large Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel in the Absence of Ca2+ Increased Ca2+ Sensitivity from a Ca2+-Independent Mechanism

Coexpression of the β1 subunit with the α subunit (mSlo) of BK channels increases the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of the channel. This study investigates whether the mechanism underlying the increased Ca2+ sensitivity requires Ca2+, by comparing the gating in 0 Ca2+i of BK channels composed of α subunits to those composed of α+β1 subunits. The β1 subunit increased burst duration ∼20-fold and the duration of gaps between bursts ∼3-fold, giving an ∼10-fold increase in open probability (Po) in 0 Ca2+i. The effect of the β1 subunit on increasing burst duration was little changed over a wide range of Po achieved by varying either Ca2+i or depolarization. The effect of the β1 subunit on increasing the durations of the gaps between bursts in 0 Ca2+i was preserved over a range of voltage, but was switched off as Ca2+i was increased into the activation range. The Ca2+-independent, β1 subunit-induced increase in burst duration accounted for 80% of the leftward shift in the Po vs. Ca2+i curve that reflects the increased Ca2+ sensitivity induced by the β1 subunit. The Ca2+-dependent effect of the β1 subunit on the gaps between bursts accounted for the remaining 20% of the leftward shift. Our observation that the major effects of the β1 subunit are independent of Ca2+i suggests that the β1 subunit mainly alters the energy barriers of Ca2+-independent transitions. The changes in gating induced by the β1 subunit differ from those induced by depolarization, as increasing Po by depolarization or by the β1 subunit gave different gating kinetics. The complex gating kinetics for both α and α+β1 channels in 0 Ca2+i arise from transitions among two to three open and three to five closed states and are inconsistent with Monod-Wyman-Changeux type models, which predict gating among only one open and one closed state in 0 Ca2+i.
Mortality after urologic cancer surgery: impact of non-index case volume.

OBJECTIVES To quantify the degree to which overall urologic oncology volume either reduces or enhances the effect of single procedure volume on short-term outcomes after urologic oncology surgery. METHODS Urologic oncology procedures for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer performed between 1988 and 2003 were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Procedure-specific volume and urologic oncology volume (excluding the procedure of interest) were determined for each cancer and each hospital. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to measure the independent effect of urologic oncology volume (non-index procedures) on operative mortality after prostatectomy, cystectomy, and nephrectomy (index procedures) after adjusting for patient and hospital factors. RESULTS Unadjusted operative mortality for prostatectomy, cystectomy, and nephrectomy was 0.2%, 2.8%, and 1.4%, respectively. For prostatectomy and cystectomy, the magnitude of the volume-mortality association was reduced after adjusting for non-index urologic oncology case volume. For example, the relationship between surgical volume and mortality was reduced by 20% for radical prostatectomy and 60% for radical cystectomy. CONCLUSIONS The volume-outcome effect for index urologic oncology procedures is modified by experience with other non-index specialty-related procedures. Efforts to identify transferable, effective processes of care should focus on a subset of high-volume centers.
Cooperation in social dilemmas, trust and reciprocity

Abstract The present study attempts to connect cooperative behavior in the repeated play prisoner's dilemma (RPPD) with “trusting” and “reciprocal” behavior. Our goal is to see if people with different propensities to cooperate exhibit differing degrees of trust and reciprocity. We find the subjects who choose to cooperate in a RPPD game exhibit higher levels of trust. However when it comes to reciprocal behavior, cooperating subjects do not behave differently than subjects who choose to defect.
TORCs: transducers of regulated CREB activity.

Abstract The cAMP responsive factor CREB stimulates gene expression, following its phosphorylation at Ser133, via recruitment of the coactivator CBP. In certain cell types, CREB also functions as a constitutive activator, although the underlying mechanisms are not understood. Here, we characterize a conserved family of coactivators, designated TORCs, for Transducers of Regulated CREB activity, that enhances CRE-dependent transcription via a phosphorylation-independent interaction with the bZIP DNA binding/dimerization domain of CREB. TORC recruitment does not appear to modulate CREB DNA binding activity, but rather enhances the interaction of CREB with the TAF II 130 component of TFIID following its recruitment to the promoter. Remarkably, in certain mucoepidermoid carcinomas, a chromosomal translocation fuses the CREB binding domain of TORC1 to the Notch coactivator Mastermind (MAML2). As expression of the TORC1-MAML2 chimera strongly induced target gene expression via CREB, our results reveal a mechanism by which CREB stimulates transcription in normal and transformed cells.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF CONTROL AND TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR ACID MINE DRAIANGE 1

Acid mine drainage (AMD) occurs when metal sulfides are exposed to oxidizing conditions. Leaching of reaction products into surface waters pollute over 20,000 km of streams in the USA alone. Mining companies must predict the potential of creating AMD by using overburden analyses. Where a potential exists, special handling of overburden materials and quick coverage of acid-producing materials in the backfill should be practiced. The addition of acid-neutralizing materials can reduce or eliminate AMD problems. Placing acid-producing materials under dry barriers can isolate these materials from air and water. Other AMD control technologies being researched include injection of alkaline materials (ashes and limestone) into abandoned underground mines and into buried acid material in mine backfills, remining of abandoned areas, and installation of alkaline recharge trenches. Chemicals used for treating AMD are Ca(OH)2, CaO, NaOH, Na2CO3, and NH3, with each having advantages under certain conditions. Under low-flow situations, all of the chemicals except Ca(OH)2 are cost effective, while at high flow Ca(OH)2 and CaO are clearly the most cost effective. Floc, the metal hydroxide material collected after treatment, is disposed of in abandoned deep mines, refuse piles, or left in collection ponds. Wetlands remove metals from AMD through formation of oxyhydroxides and sulfides, exchange and organic complexation reactions, and direct plant uptake. Aerobic wetlands are used when water contains enough alkalinity to promote metal precipitation and anaerobic wetlands are used when alkalinity must be generated by microbial sulfate reduction and limestone dissolution. Anoxic limestone drains are buried trenches of limestone that intercept AMD underground to generate alkalinity. Under anoxia, limestone should not be coated with Fe +3 hydroxides in the drain, decreasing the likelihood of clogging. Successive alkalinity-producing systems pre-treat oxygenated AMD with organic matter to remove oxygen and Fe +3 , and then the water is introduced into limestone underneath the organic matter. Open limestone channels use limestone in aerobic environments to treat AMD. Coating of limestone occurs and the reduced limestone dissolution is designed into the treatment system. Alkaline leach beds, containing either limestone or slag, are used to add alkalinity to acid water. At present, most passive systems offer short-term treatment, and are more practical for installation on abandoned sites or watershed restoration projects where effluent limits do not apply and where some removal of acid and metals will benefit a stream.
The relationship of intracranial infrared light absorbance to fetal oxygenation: I: Methodology

Abstract Current clinical methods for assessing fetal oxygenation in labor are indirect and remain somewhat imperfect. Since infrared light passes through the cranium and infrared light absorbance by tissues has been shown in adult animals to vary with oxygenation, monitoring of intracranial infrared light absorbance may serve as the basis for a new, more direct technique for the assessment of fetal condition. Described here is the application of infrared reflectance spectrophotometry to a fetal sheep model and the precision of the relationship between fetal arterial or venous PO2 and infrared light absorbance at selected wavelengths. A very strong, linear correlation ( r = 0.915 ) was found between fetal arterial PO2 and intracranial infrared light absorbance according to an algorithm developed for selective monitoring of the state of hemoglobin oxygenation in tissue. With further development, this method holds promise for a more direct, noninvasive assessment of fetal condition in labor than is currently available.
The Role of Progestins and Progesterone in Brain Function and Behavior

The extensive use of synthetic progestins as components of contraceptive preparations has focused interest on the effects of these substances on the central nervous system and on behavior. Recently the effects of progesterone and its metabolites on behavior has been reviewed by Hamburg (1), who emphasized that major clinical problems often occur during the postpartum period, the premenstrual period and menopause. These are periods of not only profomd psychological meaning to the woman but also periods of dramatic changes in the levels of circulating sexual hormones, in general, and progesterone, in particular.
Psychosocial influences on coronary heart disease

A variety of types of scientific evidence supports the hypothesis that stress and related psychosocial processes contribute to the development and course of coronary hean disease (CHD). In animal models, stress can accelerate the development of coronary artery disease and precipitate acute cardiac events. In human epidemiological studies, social isolation and low social support, Type A behaviour, and hostility predict the development of CHD. In clinical studies of patients with CHD, psychological stress is associated with transient myocardial ischemia, suggesting that psychosocial factors can increase vulnerability to acute coronary events. Finally, intervention research suggests that modification of these psychosocial risk factors may prevent recurrence of cardiac events in patients with CHD. This paper reviews each of these topics and discusses the implications for prevention and management of CHD.
Acute Toxicity of Sodium Formaldehyde Sulfoxylate

BACKGROUND AIM:To find the median lethal dose of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate(SFS).MATERIALS AND METHODS:50 NIH male mice were fed normal food and water before test and were randomly dividecl into five groups treated with SFS at different doses by gavage.The indices included toxic syndrome and death rate in each group.RESULTS:The lethal dose of SFS was 8 711 mg/kg.CONCLUSION:SFS actually belonged to the non-toxic grade by national criteria of toxins.
Bringing Climate Change into the Life Science Classroom: Essentials, Impacts on Life, and Addressing Misconceptions.

Most life science educators are unaware of the scientific consensus regarding climate change. This Feature highlights free online resources to teach climate change, including research summaries, ma...
Clinical use of the splenic artery for myocardial revascularization. Technical considerations.

ineberg’s implantation of the internal mammary artery has been shown by objective observations by many investigators to be V capable of producing effective myocardial revascularization in ischemic hearts [2, 3, 5 , 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17-19, 21, 231. Revascularization with a single internal mammary artery implant has frequently been inadequate [l, 10, 23, 311, particularly when the ischemia has been on the inferior surface of the heart or generalized due to extensive coronary atherosclerosis. Various vessels have been suggested for augmentation of coronary flow [l, 8, 12, 14, 17, 201. We have found the splenic artery to be of value in this regard. Its capacity to augment coronary flow has been established in canine hearts, even in the absence of ischemia [6]. Currently, we are studying a series of clinical cases wherein the splenic artery has been used, either alone or as a supplement to internal mammary artery implantation. Long-term evaluation of these cases will be presented at a later date. Meanwhile, we believe that it is of importance to describe the operative technique we have found to be feasible, to warn against certain pitfalls, and to stress certain indications for the use of the splenic artery.
Myiasis: diagnosis, treatment and medical use of maggots.

Two myiasis cases are presented which illustrate aspects of this infestation, and the role of the medical laboratory scientist with regard to the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and interprofessional communication skills. The purpose is to heighten awareness of myiasis, and emphasize the role of the medical laboratory scientist as a member of the healthcare team in confirming diagnosis. ABBREVIATIONS:MLS - Medical Laboratory Scientist, MDT - maggot debridement therapy
Epidemiology of Soft-Tissue and Bone Tumors of the Foot

This article reviews and discusses the epidemiology of soft-tissue and bone tumors of the foot. Specific reference is made to their frequency and location of occurrence as well as the age and gender of patients. Although the relative frequency of soft-tissue and bone tumors of the foot is low, their occurrence is still frequent enough to warrant serious consideration.
Evaluation study of the California Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program: 24-hour food recall data.

Abstract The California Expanded Food and Nutrition Education program (EFNEP) Evaluation Study evaluated the effectiveness of the California program. The eating. habits of 6 3 persons were studied in a group receiving EFNEP instruction (355 participants) and a control group (328 participants) that received no instruction: The 24-hour food recall was used to assess eating habits using the Synectics method. At the beginning of the study, there were no differences in food recall scores between the EFNEP and the control groups. After 6 months of instruction in the EFNEP group, there was a significant increase in food recall score for that group and no change in the control group. The improvements observed in the EFNEP group resulted from increased intakes from the milk, protein, and fruit and vegetable food groups. The program characteristics that led to those changes were determined to be in the length of the EFNEP visit, the number of EFNEP visits, and the EFNEP instruction topics. These results show that the California EFNEP is effective in producing significant changes in the eating habits of the low-income individuals it serves. J Am Diet Assoc 88:185, 1988.
Developmentally appropriate peace education curricula

AbstractPeace education has been offered to children for decades, but those curricula have been only minimally guided by children’s developmental stages and needs. In this article, the authors apply their research on children’s developmental understanding of peace along with peace education principles and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory to present recommendations for educating children about peace at six developmental levels. Two sample lesson outlines dealing with communication skills and personal peace are provided, and implications for future research and practice in different contexts are discussed.
Twitter Diplomacy? A Content Analysis of Eight U.S. Embassies’ Twitter Feeds

In recent years, the Twitter feeds of U.S. Embassies have sparked controversies, angering American political leaders as well as local leaders and citizens. This study explores how U.S. Embassies use Twitter, to try to assess whether Twitter use might be seen as furthering the mission of the U.S. Department of State or as a “barometer” of local tensions. By examining the tweet output from four embassies on the State Department official “watch list” and four not on the list, this study reveals inconsistencies among embassies in Twitter use and between Twitter content and the State Department mission, and suggests the possibility of viewing such Twitter activity as public diplomacy.
Phase II trial of sorafenib in conjunction with chemotherapy and as maintenance therapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Final results.

e17563 Background: Sorafenib (S) is a small molecule multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor of Raf kinase, VEGFR, and PDGFR. Angiogenesis is important for growth and progression of SCLC. This trial was conducted to evaluate whether the combination of cisplatin (P) and etoposide (E) plus concurrent and sequential S could prolong survival at one year in patients (pts) with previously untreated SCLC. Methods: Previously untreated pts with extensive stage SCLC, with ECOG 0-2 and adequate organ function were treated with P 60 mg/m2 day 1, E 120 mg/m2 days 1, 2, 3 x 4 cycles, concurrent with S 200 mg orally bid starting day 1 cycle 1. Pts with no disease progression after 4 cycles continued S 400 mg orally bid as maintenance for maximum of 12 months or until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression or withdrawal from the study. The primary endpoint was one year survival with response rate and safety of the combination as secondary endpoints. Total accrual of 28 pts from 3 centers was planned. Response and progressio...