cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Oral and Vaginal Hormonal Contraceptives on Inflammatory Blood Biomarkers

The use of combined hormonal contraceptives has been reported to increase the level of C-reactive protein (CRP). We assessed the effect of hormonal contraceptive use on inflammatory cytokines including CRP, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, soluble tumor necrosis factor (sTNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble CD40 ligand. We used 79 female subjects (19 to 30 years old) who were combined oral contraceptives users (n = 29), combined vaginal contraceptive users (n = 20), and nonusers (n = 30) with CRP values of ≤1 (n = 46) or ≥3 (n = 33). Information on medical history, physical activities, and dietary and sleeping habits were collected. Both oral and vaginal contraceptive users had higher levels of CRP (P < 0.0001), compared to nonusers. Only oral contraceptive users exhibited elevated sCD40L (P < 0.01). When comparing the groups with CRP ≤ 1 and CRP ≥ 3, levels of IL-6 and sTNF-RI were positively correlated with CRP among oral contraceptive users. We did not observe the same elevation for other inflammatory biomarkers for the CRP ≥ 3 group among vaginal contraceptive users. The clear cause of elevation in CRP level due to the use of different hormonal contraceptive formulations and methods is not well understood. Longitudinal studies with larger sample size are required to better assess the true cause of CRP elevation among hormonal contraceptive users.
Significant effect of environmental lighting on caries incidence in the cotton rat.

SummaryThe effect of differences in environmental lighting on dental caries in the cotton rat was studied. The animals were exposed to either incandescent, cool-white fluorescent, or artificial sunlight environments over an 18-day period while ingesting a diet containing approximately 6% sucrose. Both the incidence and extent of caries were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in animals housed under cool-white fluorescent lighting than for either of the other two groups.
EFFECTS OF 6-METHYL-17-ACETOXY-PROGESTERONE ON PITUITARY-ADRENAL FUNCTION.

Abstract Plasma corticosterone levels were lower, both before and after noxious stimuli, in female rats treated with 6-methyl-17-acetoxy-progesterone (MAP) than in nontreated control animals. Adrenals from MAP-treated animals produced less corticoid per unit weight of adrenal tissue in vitro , and the adrenals were much smaller than those from control animals, indicating a sizable diminution in total adrenal capacity. This is felt to be due to a curtailed ACTH stimulation in vivo rather than a direct effect of MAP on the adrenal cortex because incubated adrenals from MAP-treated rats responded as vigorously to ACTH as did those from untreated rats. The administration of MAP to intact rats did not significantly alter the rate of hepatic reduction ofthe A-ring of cortisone.
A View From Out There

WHAT is it like to begin the practice of medicine in a small city after a professional lifetime as an academician? The short answer, with some important disclaimers, is that it is fun. This realization comes as a surprise after years, now, of constant pounding by medical editorialists who bemoan the takeover of the profession by commercial and political interests, by harsh critics who range from the lunatic fringe that sees us as demonic tormentors of helpless animals or as sleazy conspirators who withhold cancer cures to social planners whose proposals imply that we are nothing more than greedy manipulators of regulations put in place to constrain that very greed. While I have been a part of the medical community in the city of Boise, Idaho, for the past 6 years, I have engaged in solo practice only for the past 2 years, not enough time, perhaps, to identify the
Women and Lung Cancer: What is New?

In the last 20 years, there has been an increased focus on gender differences in health and disease. The earliest studies of lung cancer enrolled mainly men, as the incidence of lung cancer among women was exceedingly low. As social patterns changed around World War II and women began to smoke more, the epidemiology of lung cancer has changed. The higher percentage of lung cancer in nonsmoking women as compared with nonsmoking men suggests that lung cancer behaves differently in women. Studies of lung cancer in women indicate that there are differences in risk factors, histology, pathophysiology, treatment outcomes, and prognosis as compared with men. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise summary of the literature on lung cancer as it pertains to women, with an emphasis on new areas of research and treatment options.
Modeling gallium-arsenide-based and indium-phosphide-based distributed feedback quantum-well lasers

This work shows the modeling process of computing coupling coefficients of first-order distributed feedback (DFB) metal-semiconductor quantum-well lasers. InGaAsP/InP/metal lasers with wavelength 1300 nm and GaAs/AlGaAs/metal lasers with wavelength 850 nm are discussed and compared. The optical waveguide structure for such a laser has semiconductor layers and a built-in metal grating layer. The interface between the metal layer and its neighboring semiconductor layer has sinusoidal corrugation geometry. To compute the coupling coefficient of the metalgrating waveguide, a model is constructed by Floquet-Bloch formalism (FB). Ray optics technique (RO) is also used to calculate the coupling coefficients. These two methods have close results.
Performance Profiles: The Influence of Patient Satisfaction Data on Physicians’ Practice

Objective. Health maintenance organizations and other payers increasingly use patient satisfaction data to profile physician performance. Little is known about physicians' use of patient satisfaction information or how profiles affect individual physician behaviors. The objective of this study was to examine primary care physicians' perceptions of performance profiles based on patient satisfaction data, whether physicians use profiles to change practice behaviors, and which profile components physicians think are important for assessing quality of care. Methods. A written survey was conducted in 1998 in Massachusetts with 810 primary care physicians (304 pediatricians, 201 family practitioners, 305 internists) who had at least 100 patients in a large managed care plan and had received 1 or more profiles based on patient satisfaction data. Physicians in training were excluded. Physicians' perceptions of profiles and their reported use to change practice behaviors were measured. Results. The response rate was 68%. Twenty-three percent reported that profiles were very or extremely useful for improving care. Only 7% reported using profiles often or always to change care. Although specific profile components related to interpersonal aspects of care were rated more useful, <11% reported using profiles often or always to make changes on any individual component. A majority, 67% to 89%, reported making no or minor changes on profile components. Responses did not vary by specialty, demographics, or practice characteristics. Physicians rated interpersonal factors (eg, ability to communicate with patients, ability to show caring and empathy) as the most important indicators of quality of care; they report having the most control over these factors. Office factors (eg, staying on schedule, ease of scheduling appointments) were ranked as least important for assessing quality of care. Conclusion. Although health maintenance organizations and other payers increasingly use patient satisfaction reports to profile individual physicians and guide physician compensation and health plan participation, <25% of primary care physicians find profiles useful for improving patient care and even fewer report using profiles to change practice. Profiles likely have limited influence on behavior changes. Payers who invest in profiles may find it advantageous to focus on health plans and practice facilities rather than on individual physicians. Pediatrics 2002;109:752-757; performance profiles, patient satisfaction, physician report cards.
Carotid artery reconstruction following neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract Although reconstruction of the right common carotid artery (RCCA) in neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients is intuitively attractive, there is little known about prolonged arterial cannulation and how it may affect subsequent vascular repair. A histological study of RCCA segments from neonatal ECMO patients was performed, so that cannulation technique and catheter design could be optimized before proceeding with arterial reconstruction. Circumferential transmural necrosis (CTN) was found in 25 of 31 (80%) arteriotomy specimens in comparison with 2 of 9 (20%) more proximal carotid specimens; the remaining specimens in each group demonstrated either focal subintimal or focal transmural necrosis. CTN was more common in patients with longer ECMO runs (96 ± 5.9 versus 75 ± 5.6 hours, P = .009; arteriotomy site), but was independent of cannula size, birthweight, and gestational age. Eleven patients have undergone RCCA reconstruction. Doppler flow studies at 4 to 7 months of follow-up in five patients demonstrated slightly higher right-sided versus left-sided peak systolic, end-diastolic, and mean flow velocities. No neurological or developmental problems could be attributed to vascular reconstruction. In conclusion, RCCA reconstruction is technically feasible, but due to the high prevalence of CTN at the arteriotomy site, excision of this segment is recommended at the time of arterial repair.
Analysis of phospholipids in human amniotic fluid by 31P NMR.

A recently described solvent-reagent system for obtaining narrow linewidths in 31P NMR spectra of phospholipid extracts was applied to human amniotic fluid. Resolution of the major components was achieved by manipulating the solvent composition, and assignments were made by spiking samples with standard compounds. Spin-lattice relaxation times were determined and used to optimize data acquisition. NMR estimates of the phosphatidylcholine to sphingomyelin ratio for 33 patients were compared to those obtained by TLC densitometry, a common clinical assay for fetal pulmonary maturity. Estimates of the levels of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol could also be obtained from 31P NMR. High-resolution 31P NMR in this solvent-reagent system provides a relatively straightforward and reliable alternative method for assessing fetal pulmonary status by phospholipid quantitation in human amniotic fluid. The 31P NMR method has the advantage that it is sensitive to total, and not just unsaturated, phosphatidylcholine. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Our children and the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disturbances that result in an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults. Despite the lack of a uniform definition of the syndrome for children, several studies have reported an overall prevalence of 3 to 4% among children. Among obese adolescents, the prevalence can be as high as 30 to 50%. Besides insulin resistance and obesity, the intrauterine environment and genetic factors also seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome in children. In view of the current obesity epidemic and since an increasing amount of evidence shows that obesity during adolescence is significantly associated with insulin resistance, abnormal serum lipid levels, and elevated blood pressure during adulthood, there is a great need for a clear definition, for the development of screening guidelines, and for appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for the metabolic syndrome in the pediatric population.
Measuring and Predicting the Dynamics of Linear Monodisperse Entangled Polymers in Rapid Flow through an Abrupt Contraction. A Small Angle Neutron Scattering Study

Small-angle neutron scattering measurements on a series of monodisperse linear entangled polystyrene melts in nonlinear flow through an abrupt 4:1 contraction have been made. Clear signatures of melt deformation and subsequent relaxation can be observed in the scattering patterns, which were taken along the centerline. These data are compared with the predictions of a recently derived molecular theory. Two levels of molecular theory are used: a detailed equation describing the evolution of molecular structure over all length scales relevant to the scattering data and a simplified version of the model, which is suitable for finite element computations. The velocity field for the complex melt flow is computed using the simplified model and scattering predictions are made by feeding these flow histories into the detailed model. The modeling quantitatively captures the full scattering intensity patterns over a broad range of data with independent variation of position within the contraction geometry, bulk flow rate and melt molecular weight. The study provides a strong, quantitative validation of current theoretical ideas concerning the microscopic dynamics of entangled polymers which builds upon existing comparisons with nonlinear mechanical stress data. Furthermore, we are able to confirm the appreciable length scale dependence of relaxation in polymer melts and highlight some wider implications of this phenomenon.
Analysis of skin mucus of plaice Pleuronectes platessa L.

Abstract Skin mucus was collected from fourteen plaice ( Pleuronectes platessa L.) and biochemical estimations of N -acetyl neuraminic acid, fucose and sulphate were made on aliquots of the same samples as were used for measurement of apparent viscosity. Quantitative histochemical analysis of the glycoproteins present in mucous cells of the epidermis was also carried out. Histochemical and biochemical studies showed that the epithelial glyco-protein produced by plaice skin is entirely sulphated. Comparison with other epithelial secretions showed that the highly sulphated mucus from plaice skin is less viscous than normal human bronchial mucus or non-infected sputum from patients with chronic bronchitis and only slightly more viscous than human saliva.
COVER STORYChanging energy use through design

Editors' Note: We are delighted to present Eli Blevis' Sustainably Ours forum as the cover story for this issue
Paradoxical endogenous synthesis of a coronary dilating substance from arachidonate

Isolated bovine, canine, and human coronary arteries exhibited dose dependent contractions to prostaglandin (PG) E2 and F2alpha (50 ng/ml to 10mug/ml). The ED50 value for both PGE2 and PGF2alpha was 500 ng/ml in the bovine and human coronary arteries. Paradoxically, although PGE2 and gf2alpha are vasoconstrictors, administration of their precursor, arachidonate (100 ng/ml to 10 mug/ml) caused relaxation of the bovine, canine and human coronary arteries. This observation suggests that arachidonate is not being converted by the coronary PG synthetase to PGE2 or PGF2alpha. However, the arachidonate induced coronary relaxation was inhibited by pretreatment with PG synthetase inhibitors, indomethacin, meclofenemate and aspirin. Indomethacin addition to the strips previously relaxed by arachidonate caused contraction. In contrast to other PGs (E2 and F2alpha), PGE1 (10 ng/ml to 10 mug/ml) caused dose dependent relaxation of the bovine coronary arteries (ED50 = 100 ng/ml). Indomethacin induced further relaxation of the blood vessels previously relaxed by PGE1. Since PGE1 cannot arise from arachidonate, the arachidonate coronary dilation and reversal by indomethacin must be independent of PGE1 formation. Linolenate (100 ng/ml to 10 mug/ml) and oleate (100 ng/ml to 10 mug/ml) also caused relaxation of the bovine coronary blood vessels both before and after indomethacin, thereby eliminating a direct non-specific fatty acid effect as the cause of the arachidonate relaxation. These results suggest that in isolated coronaries, arachidonate undergoes a novel conversion, possibly by PG synthetase, to a dilating substance which exerts different contractile effects than exogenously administered PGE2, PGF2alpha and PGE1.
Determination of cyanide ion by homogeneous catalysis and gas chromatography

Abstract A simple procedure for the determination of trace levels of cyanide ions is described and evaluated. The procedure is based on the cyanide-catalyzed cleavage of benzil in the presence of methanol to produce benzaldehyde and methyl benzoate. The concentrations of these products are determined by gas chromatography. Linearity between gas chromatographic response and cyanide concentration is observed from 0.05 to 3 ppm cyanide; a detection limit of 1 ppb is calculated. A series of anions is shown not to interfere.
Development of arcjet and ion propulsion for spacecraft stationkeeping

Near term flight applications of arcjet and ion thruster satellite station-keeping systems as well as development activities in Europe, Japan, and the United States are reviewed. At least two arcjet and three ion propulsion flights are scheduled during the 1992 - 1995 period. Ground demonstration technology programs are focusing on the development of kW-class hydrazine and ammonia arcjets and xenon ion thrusters. Recent work at NASA Lewis Research Center on electric thruster and system integration technologies relating to satellite stationkeeping and repositioning will also be summarized.
Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay for the determination of lisinopril and enalaprilat in human serum.

Abstract A solid-phase immunoassay with detection based on time-resolved fluorescence (TR-FIA) has been developed for the determination of lisinopril and enalaprilat in human serum. The immunogen was prepared by coupling lisinopril to bovine serum albumin through a two-step reaction with difluorodinitrobenzene. An antiserum specific to both lisinopril and enalaprilat was used. The assay is based on the competitive immunoassay principle in which the drug competes with biotin-labeled drug for a limited quantity of primary antibody bound via sheep anti-rabbit globulin to the wells of microtitration strips. At the end of the first incubation, the unbound biotin-labeled drug is washed away. In the second step, europium-labeled streptavidin (specific to biotin) reacts with the biotin already bound to the solid-phase antibody. After a washing step, the addition of an enhancement solution dissociates the europium ions from the labeled streptavidin into solution. The fluorescence from each sample is inversely proportional to the concentration of the drug in the sample. The assay demonstrates good accuracy, reproducibility and specificity at serum concentrations down to 0.5 ng ml −1 . However, the useful concentration range of TR-FIA is much narrower than that obtained by double antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA).
Tooth intrusion in implant-assisted prostheses.

Abstract Statement of problem. Numerous reports and surveys have been published on natural tooth abutment intrusion with implant-connected fixed partial dentures. The consensus of these publications was that the cause of intrusion was multifactorial, with causative factors such as disuse atrophy, debris impaction, impaired rebound memory, and mechanical binding. It was also believed that the process was irreversible. Purpose. In this article, the limitations with these theories are discussed, and two patient reports of tooth intrusion reversal are reviewed. A review of the current literature is discussed, as well as the current theory of tooth movement in response to dynamic mechanical stimulus, a brief discussion of current experimental procedures and results, and the current recommendations for reversal of intrusion. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:39-45.)
Improving Low-Frequency Characteristics of Recycling/Rescaling Inflow Turbulence Generation

For the study of turbulent flows with low-frequency dynamics (e.g. shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions), it is desirable that the inflow turbulence does not contaminate the solution with spurious spatiotemporal correlations introduced by the mechanism of inflow turbulence generation. To investigate the creation and mitigation of these adverse low-frequency effects, large-eddy simulation of a Mach 2.28 boundary layer over an adiabatic flat plate is carried out using a typical recycling/rescating procedure. Spurious temporal autocorrelations and energy spectral peaks are observed associated with the recycling frequency and its harmonics. Comparisons are made with common "synthetic" turbulence-generation techniques, and improvements to the standard recycling/rescaling procedure are suggested to substantially reduce or eliminate the inherent low-frequency contamination. It is found that by applying a nonconstant reflection or translation operation to the recycled turbulence plane at randomly-distributed time intervals, one is able to maintain realistic turbulence without low-frequency contamination.
Using prior measurements to improve probabilistic-based indoor localization methods

In this paper, we enhance a probabilistic method for determining the position of an unknown node in an indoor environment. Previous work shows that using a small subset of sensors with a probabilistic localization technique reduces the error in comparison to a large set of sensors. Because probability based models rely on a prior distribution for the unknown node, we propose that reference measurements performed at the time of deployment are used to improve the distribution model. We show this new method reduces the estimated location error and increases the likelihood of selecting the correct room.
Synthesis of geiparvarin: a novel antitumor agent possessing a 3(2H)-furanone ring

Abstract The first synthesis of geiparvarin as well as assignment of configuration of the previously undefined trisubstituted olefinic bond has been achieved.
Differential Carbonylation of Proteins as a Function of in vivo Oxidative Stress

This study reports for the first time qualitative and quantitative differences in carbonylated proteins shed into blood as a function of increasing levels of OS. Carbonylated proteins in freshly dr...
White light processing technique for archival storage of color films

The method of archival storage of color films utilizing a spatial color encoding process and a white light color image retrieval technique is described. This archival technique offers several advantages as compared with all the other existing archival techniques: It employs a white light source for the encoding and decoding processes, so that the coherent artifact noise can be avoided. Since the technique does not utilize a slit aperture and a narrow spatial filter, the reproduced color image causes no marginal loss in resolution. The storage volume by this technique is also reduced to one-third of that needed with the traditional technique. This technique offers the advantage of direct viewing, which may be important for library applications. We also stress that this archival storage technique is simple and economical to implement. A simple experimental demonstration is also presented.
Self-seeding winter cereal cover crops in soybean

Soil protection and nutrient scavenging benefits of cover crops have been widely reported. Nevertheless, adoption of cover crops in agronomic farming systems is low. Cover crop systems that do not require annual planting may increase adoption. The objectives of this study were to compare self-seeding and competitiveness of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack), and rye (Secale cereale L.) using different planting configurations and management options while growing concurrently with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Cover crops were planted with two or four 19-cm rows between each 76-cm soybean row. A no-cover crop check treatment was also included for comparison. Cover crop species and species x management system interactions were not significant for seed production or soybean seed yield. Averaged across management system, cereals produced 10 656 and 4051 seeds m -2 in 2004 and 2005. The two-row band, no-chop treatment (2RBNC) produced the most seed (20 347 and 14 511 seeds m -2 ) in 2004 and 2005, but also lowered soybean yield the greatest (45 and 40%). The four-row treatment with a late glyphosate band (4RLB) was the least competitive and yielded 3114 and 3717 kg ha -1 compared to 4019 and 4391 kg ha -1 in the check. Wheat had the greatest self-seeding, averaging about 31% of the original plant density. The four-row treatment without a glyphosate band (4RNB) could be used in organic production systems, although additional research is needed to develop less competitive self-seeding systems for conventional production systems.
Some Determinants of Social Change

(1951). Some Determinants of Social Change. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 33-49.
Modeling Water Table Mounding to Design Cluster and High-Density Wastewater Soil Absorption Systems

Water table mounding warrants consideration in the design of cluster and high-density wastewater soil absorption systems (WSAS). Use of iterative analytical solutions with the design approach presented here provides a useful initial assessment of the potential for mounding beneath a WSAS, but cannot account for anisotropy, heterogeneity, regional flow, and local hydraulic boundaries. The relative influence of these factors may not be intuitive, but can be evaluated with site-specific numerical models in cases where the failure of these systems may have severe consequences. There is a greater difference of calculated mound height for isotropic analytical solutions and anisotropic numerical solutions in low hydraulic conductivity materials and thicker aquifers. In all cases, increased vertical anisotropy increases mounding, but not nearly as much as would be calculated by using the vertical hydraulic conductivity value for hydraulic conductivity in the analytical solution. Increased gradient has less influe...
Antifungal Agents. Part I. Amphotericin B Preparations and Flucytosine

Traditionally, amphotericin B has been the cornerstone of antifungal treatment. Toxicity, however, is a major dose-limiting factor of amphotericin B deoxycholate. Nevertheless, it continues to have a major role in the treatment of deep-seated mycotic infections. Recently, less nephrotic lipid formulations, including amphotericin B lipid complex, amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate, and liposomal amphotericin B, have been introduced. The pharmacologic properties, main indications, recommended dosages, related costs, and adverse effects of these various preparations are summarized in this review. Orally administered flucytosine is useful in certain infections, particularly cryptococcal meningitis, but it should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency.
Oscillator strengths of CH2 and CH3 in the vacuum ultraviolet

Flash photolysis produced methyl and methylene radical transitions maximum extinction coefficients and oscillator strength in vacuum UV
Arrhenius constants for the reactions of ozone with ethylene and acetylene

The kinetics of ozonation of C2H4 and C2H2 have been studied in the gas phase from −40 to −95°C (C2H4) and +10 to −30°C (C2H2). The O3 concentrations were near 10−4 M, and the hydrocarbons were present in 2- to 25-fold excess. A few experiments with propylene were also carried out. The reactions were followed by observing the rate of decay of O3 absorption at 2537 A. Reaction stoichiometries and effects of added O2 were investigated. The second-order rate constant for C2H4 was log k(M−1 sec−1) = (6.3 ± 0.2) – (4.7 ± 0.2)/θ (θ = 2.3RT). The rate was independent of the presence of excess O2. Rate measurements for C3H6 were less accurate because of aerosol interference. Combined with room temperature measurements of other workers, the C3H6 rate constant was log k(M−1 sec−1) = (6.0 ± 0.4) – (3.2 ± 0.6)/θ. The C2H2 rate constant was log k(M−1 sec−1) = (9.5 ± 0.4) – (10.8 ± 0.4)/θ. In the case of C3H6 the major product was propylene ozonide. Ethylene did not yield the ozonide, and the products of the O3–C2H4 and O3–C2H2 reactions were not identified. Pre-exponential factors for the olefin reactions are consistent with a five-membered ring transition state formed by 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition of O3. For C2H2, however, the much higher observed A factor suggests a different mechanism. Possible transition states for the O3–C2H2 reaction are discussed.
Stereoselective Pinacol Coupling of (Propargyl aldehyde)Co2(CO)6 Complexes

Propargyl aldehyde complexes, (RC⋮CCHO)Co2(CO)6 (1a−c; R = Ph, Me, H), undergo pinacol coupling with a variety of reductants, exclusively giving syn (dl)-diacetylenic diol complexes 2a−c. The X-ray structures of 2a and 2c have been determined. The free diol syn-PhC⋮C−CH(OH)CH(OH)−C⋮CPh (4a) is obtained efficiently from its cobalt complex 2a upon treatment with (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6.
FADD-deficient T cells exhibit a disaccord in regulation of the cell cycle machinery.

FADD is an adapter protein that was originally isolated as a transducer of apoptotic signals for death domain-containing receptors. However, FADD-deficient mice are embryonic lethal and FADD −/− T cells developed from FADD −/− embryonic stem cells in theRAG-1 −/− hosts lack the full potential to proliferate when stimulated through their T-cell receptor complex, suggesting that FADD protein might play a dualistic role in mediating not only cell death signaling but other non-apoptotic cellular pathways as well. Here we show that a substantial number of freshly isolatedFADD −/− peripheral T cells are cycling but are defective in their co-stimulatory response when stimulated. Analysis of several cell cycle proteins shows normal down-regulation of p27 inhibitor but increased levels of p21, decreased levels of cyclin D2, and constitutive activation of several cyclin-dependent kinases in activated T cells. These data suggest that FADD is involved in the regulation of cell cycle machinery in T lymphocytes.
Tolerance and cross-tolerance to the effects of amphetamine, methamphetamine and fenfluramine on milk consumption in the rat.

Abstract It has been reported that rats develop tolerance to the milk intake suppressant effects of d-amphetamine, d-amphetamine, and d, l-fenfluramine. However, it has been hypothesized that the mechanism of action of fenfluramine is different from that of the other two drugs. In the present experiment, rats were given one of these 3 phenylethylamine derivatives each day until tolerance developed to the suppression of milk intake. A second of these drugs was then substituted and milk intake measured. There was cross-tolerance to the drug-induced suppression between d-amphetamine and d-methamphetamine, but not between d-amphetamine and d,l-fenfluramine. The lack of cross tolerance suggests a different mechanism of action for these drugs.
Outcomes of simultaneous liver transplantation and elective cardiac surgical procedures

Background Many centers are reticent to list patients for liver transplantation until coexistent cardiac disease is surgically corrected. Previous studies have documented considerable morbidity and mortality in liver failure patients undergoing cardiac operations. This study examined whether elective cardiac operations at the time of hepatic transplantation would yield enhanced outcomes. Methods Between July 1999 and June 2010, 10 patients underwent simultaneous liver transplantation and elective cardiac operations at a single institution. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed using a prospectively maintained database. Results The 10 patients were men (mean age, 59.8 ± 8.3 years): 7 were in Child-Pugh class B and 3 were in class C. Mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 17.0 ± 5.8. Cardiac operations included coronary artery bypass grafting in 1, aortic valve replacement in 4, coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement in 3, coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve repair in 1, and tricuspid valve repair in 1. In-hospital mortality was 20%. Mean postoperative length of stay was 23 ± 8 days. Actuarial survival at 3 years was 70%. Conclusions Survival was modestly improved relative to that observed in previous studies of advanced liver failure patients undergoing heart operations without concomitant hepatic replacement. Moreover, the medium-term survival outcomes approach those documented with liver transplant alone. Further studies are warranted with this combined surgical strategy to determine if such an approach would be routinely preferable to staged repair of cardiac pathology and liver transplant.
The New Poor Law and the Breadwinner Wage: Contrasting Assumptions

It has often been assumed that the nineteenth-century English New Poor Law enshrined women's dependence on men and upheld the breadwinner wage. However, three very distinct understandings of the breadwinner wage shaped poor law policy from 1834--1908, each with different implications for women's work. First, inspired by Malthus, the promulgators of the 1834 New Poor Law believed that if a man could not support his family, he should not marry, and if a woman could not find a husband who earned enough, she must support herself and her children by earning wages. Second, by the 1870s, poor law officials and social reformers understood the breadwinner wage as a reward ordinary working men should be able to earn by proving their respectability. Charities aided respectable wives of ill breadwinners so they would not have to go out to work, but they still expected "unrespectable" wives, and all single women and widows, to work to support themselves. The notion that working men had a right to earn a breadwinner wage and to keep their wives at home only became enshrined in the welfare system by 1908, and derived not from poor law traditions, but from trade union agitation, Liberal policies, and eugenic concerns.
A single immunization with a rhabdovirus-based vector expressing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) S protein results in the production of high levels of SARS-CoV-neutralizing antibodies

Foreign viral proteins expressed by rabies virus (RV) have been shown to induce potent humoral and cellular immune responses in immunized animals. In addition, highly attenuated and, therefore, very safe RV-based vectors have been constructed. Here, an RV-based vaccine vehicle was utilized as a novel vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). For this approach, the SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein (N) or envelope spike protein (S) genes were cloned between the RV glycoprotein G and polymerase L genes. Recombinant vectors expressing SARS-CoV N or S protein were recovered and their immunogenicity was studied in mice. A single inoculation with the RV-based vaccine expressing SARS-CoV S protein induced a strong SARS-CoV-neutralizing antibody response. The ability of the RV-SARS-CoV S vector to confer immunity after a single inoculation makes this live vaccine a promising candidate for eradication of SARS-CoV in animal reservoirs, thereby reducing the risk of transmitting the infection to humans.
p73 isoforms can induce T-cell factor-dependent transcription in gastrointestinal cells.

A new p53 family member, p73, and its isoform ΔNp73 are increasingly recognized in cancer research as important players in tumorigenesis, as well as in chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. Despite substantial structural similarities to p53, accumulating evidence suggests that p53 and p73 may play different roles in human tumorigenesis. In this study, we have investigated the role of p73 and ΔNp73 in upper gastrointestinal tumorigenesis. Our results indicate that p73 and ΔNp73 are frequently overexpressed in >60% of primary adenocarcinomas of the stomach and esophagus. We have demonstrated that this overexpression can lead to the suppression of p73 transcriptional and apoptotic activity in gastrointestinal cells. Moreover, it induces β-catenin up-regulation and T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancement factor–dependent transcription. Wild-type p53, but not mutant p53, can inhibit this effect. Our results demonstrate a novel mechanism for activation of β-catenin in gastrointestinal tumors and support the concept that overexpression of p73 isoforms can play an important role in tumorigenesis.
Physiologic role of cholecystokinin in the intestinal phase of pancreatic polypeptide release

Release of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) after a meal is biphasic, with an early transient peak believed to be under cholinergic control, and a secondary, prolonged intestinal phase thought to be mediated by hormones. Endogenous release of PP was stimulated by intraduodenal oleate (6.8 mmol/hr) or by intravenous administration of pure cholecystokinin-33 (CCK-33, 0.1 micrograms/kg/hr) in five dogs. Radioimmunoassay measurements of plasma concentrations of PP and CCK-33 were compared by linear regression analysis before and after vagotomy. Correlations between plasma concentrations of PP and CCK-33 before vagotomy (r = 0.83 [oleate], r = 0.97 [IV-CCK-33]) and after vagotomy (r = 0.92 [oleate], r = 0.92 [IV-CCK-33]) were highly significant. Changes in plasma concentrations of PP relative to a particular increment in plasma CCK-33 (before vagotomy) were similar, whether stimulated by oleate or by exogenous CCK-33. After vagotomy, less PP was released relative to a change in plasma CCK-33 (stimulated by oleate or by exogenous CCK-33), but the PP response relative to a change in plasma CCK-33 induced by the two stimuli remained remarkably similar. These results provide evidence that the intestinal phase of physiologic release of PP is mediated to a large extent through release of CCK.
Persistent Low Overcast Events in the U.S. Upper Midwest: A Climatological and Case Study Analysis

Persistent low overcast conditions, defined as continuous overcast conditions (100% cloud cover) with ceiling heights at or below 2 km for a minimum of 5 days, are found to occur in the cold season in the U.S. upper Midwest on average slightly more often than once every two years. These occurrences are associated with two primary large-scale circulation patterns. Most commonly, the midlatitude westerlies are split across North America, with downstream confluence of the northwesterly polar and the southwesterly subtropical jet streams. A second, less frequent, pattern features an amplified westerly jet across North America, with a correspondingly rapid progression of weakly developed cyclones through the region. In the case of the split flow pattern, composite surface high pressure is established, occasionally disrupted by the emergence from either stream of relatively weak cyclones. These systems act to moisten the affected region at low levels through horizontal transport of moisture and, to a lesser extent, moisture convergence. Subsidence inversions established following the passage of these systems act to slowly erode the depth of the surface-based moist layer but are insufficient in combination with the weak solar radiative input to dissipate the cloud. The properties of the event structure, from the large scale down to that of the cloud layer itself, are stable. Under such conditions, the mechanism that finally removes the cloud is the passage of a relatively well-developed baroclinic wave and its associated forcing (subsidence, dry air advection, moisture divergence). Correspondingly, the difficult act of forecasting the end of such periods requires an accurate assessment of the sufficiency of that forcing to remove the low-level cloud. It is suggested that a relatively simple one-dimensional boundary layer model employed for the time to be critically tested in conjunction with the standard forecast model guidance (forecast vertical motion, profiles of temperature and moisture, Model Output Statistics cloud cover and ceiling) would provide additional information regarding forecast uncertainty.
Specific dynamic action and postprandial thermophily in juvenile northern water snakes, Nerodia sipedon

Abstract 1. We measured oxygen consumption of seven juvenile Northern water snakes, Nerodia sipedon , at 3, 19, 41, and 89 h after feeding. 2. Oxygen consumption 19 h after eating was significantly higher than at 3, 41, and 89 h after feeding and the values at 3 h post-feeding were significantly higher than those at 41 and 89 h. 3. We monitored substrate temperature preference in nine juvenile N. sipedon at 2000, 0000, 0800, 1200, and 1600 h for 3 days. 4. After feeding and at night snakes selected warmer substrate temperatures.
Positive Psychology and Quality Physical Education

(2009). Positive Psychology and Quality Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 80, No. 7, pp. 42-51.
A methodology for using crowdsourced data to measure uncertainty in natural speech

People sometimes express uncertainty unconsciously in order to add layers of meaning on top of their speech, conveying doubts about the accuracy of the information they are trying to communicate. In this paper, we propose a methodology for annotating uncertainty, which is usually a subjective and expensive process, by using crowdsourcing. In our experiment, we used an online database which consists of colors that more than 200,000 users have named. Based on the amount of unique names that users have given each color, an entropy value was calculated to represent the uncertainty level of the color. A model, which performed better than chance, was created to predict whether or not the color that the participant was describing was ambiguous or borderline, given certain prosodic cues of their speech when asked to name the color verbally. Using crowdsourced data can greatly streamline the process of annotating uncertainty, but our methods have yet to be tested in other domains besides color. By using methods such as ours to measure prosodic attributes of uncertainty, it should be possible to increase the accuracy of voice search.
Molecular transmittance band model for ammonia.

A validated band model for atmospheric ammonia in the spectral region from 600 to 1960 cm−1 (5.10–16.67 μm) is presented. An exponential transmission function parameter is provided at 5-cm−1 intervals for 20-cm−1 spectral resolution transmittance calculations. A vertical profile of the ammonia volume mixing ratio is also proposed for use with the 33-layer standard atmospheres.
Ion energies from a permanent-magnet helicon thruster

A small helicon discharge1 5 cm in diam and 5 cm high with a DC magnetic field from a neodymium (NdFeB) magnet has been studied for use as an ion thruster. The antenna is a single loop of 1/8-inch copper tubing. Normal operating conditions are with 400W of 27.12 MHz RF power and 15 mTorr of argon, but powers of up to 1.8 kW and pressures down to 0.5 mTorr have been tested. The discharge ejects plasma downwards into a large chamber, and the retarding-field ion energy distribution function RFID is measured at various distances downstream. As expected, the RFID peaks at the normal sheath drop of ∼5KTe, or about 10V, increasing slightly with power. No double-layer is seen because the RFID sensor is a large disk that interferes with it. Applying a positive bias to the discharge increases the ion energy, especially at low pressure, when it reaches 25V. A commercially available magnet 2 × 4 × 0.5 inches can be used in a compact configuration.
Concurrent Medical Conditions and Health Care Use and Needs Among Children With Learning and Behavioral Developmental Disabilities, National Health Interview Survey, 2006-2010

Studies document various associated health risks for children with developmental disabilities (DDs). Further study is needed by disability type. Using the 2006-2010 National Health Interview Surveys, we assessed the prevalence of numerous medical conditions (e.g. asthma, frequent diarrhea/colitis, seizures), health care use measures (e.g. seeing a medical specialist and >9 office visits in past year), health impact measures (e.g. needing help with personal care), and selected indicators of unmet health needs (e.g. unable to afford needed prescription medications) among a nationally representative sample of children ages 3-17 years, with and without DDs. Children in four mutually exclusive developmental disability groups: autism (N = 375), intellectual disability (ID) without autism (N = 238); attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without autism or ID (N = 2901); and learning disability (LD) or other developmental delay without ADHD, autism, or ID (N = 1955); were compared to children without DDs (N = 35,775) on each condition or health care measure of interest. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated from weighted logistic regression models that accounted for the complex sample design. Prevalence estimates for most medical conditions examined were moderately to markedly higher for children in all four DD groups than children without DDs. Most differences were statistically significant after adjustment for child sex, age, race/ethnicity, and maternal education. Children in all DD groups also had significantly higher estimates for health care use, impact, and unmet needs measures than children without DDs. This study provides empirical evidence that children with DDs require increased pediatric and specialist services, both for their core functional deficits and concurrent medical conditions.
The submillimeter: A spectroscopist’s view

Abstract The submillimeter spectral region has undergone an explosive growth in the last decade, not only in its impact on the larger scientific and technological world, but also in the high resolution laboratory spectroscopy that makes much of this success possible. Major astronomical and atmospheric instruments are the most visible evidence, but the impact is much broader. This breadth lays the foundation for the impact of submillimeter spectroscopy to extend beyond the scientific community. In this paper we consider the scientific and technical foundations of submillimeter spectroscopy and show how the underlying physics has made possible current successes and shows the path forward to even greater opportunities.
The Investment-Financing-Growth Nexus: The Case of Liberia

Liberia is facing large infrastructure gaps and developmental needs that constrain the country’s growth potential. The government has set an ambitious agenda to transform the economy and to reach middle-income country status by 2030 by scaling up investment in infrastructure and human capital. Fiscal space remains constrained by rigidities in current spending and the government will need to resort to borrowing to close some of the gaps. This paper presents an estimate of the nexus between public investment, financing, and growth in Liberia using an inter-temporal macroeconomic model. The model has been calibrated as much as possible to Liberian economic data and assumes that public investment has a high economic and social rate of return and is highly complementary toward private sector investment. The objective of the paper is to contribute to the debate on how fast public investment should be scaled up to address the country’s developmental needs. The paper also highlights the trade-offs and potential risks associated with different financing options and the required changes in fiscal policy to ensure macroeconomic stability.
An Economic Simulation Game with Fast Feedback for a Lay Audience: An Example of Seasonal Cash Marketing Strategies

This paper highlights the use and implementation of a simulation game that can be presented at producer extension meetings or in the classroom with minimal time investment to participants and game coordinators. Immediate feedback and participant involvement are key factors that may make this type of simulation more interesting than conventional methods of conveying economic information to lay audiences.