cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breath hydrogen response to milk containing lactose in colicky and noncolicky infants

In 122 healthy newborn infants, we studied the relationship between breath hydrogen (H 2 ) production after feedings containing lactose (human milk or commercial formula) in colicky and noncolicky infants at 6 weeks and 3 months. Eighty-three infants (68%) developed colic (mild, moderate, or severe) by 2.6±1.8 weeks of age (mean±SD). Zero time (baseline) breath H 2 values were significantly higher in colicky compared with noncolicky infants at both 6 weeks (40.6±41.4 vs 14.8±32.9 ppm) and 3 months (27.7±38.1 vs 8.5±18.2 ppm). There were significantly more positive breath H 2 tests in colicky compared with noncolicky infants at 6 weeks (78% vs 36%) and 3 months (89% vs 45%). Failure to produce H 2 throughout the breath H 2 test was significantly more frequent in noncolicky compared with colicky infants at 6 weeks (50% vs 18%) and 3 months (43% vs 4%). These findings remained significant even when infants with mild colic (at 6 weeks and 3 months) were included in the noncolicky group. We conclude that colicky infants produce more breath H 2 in the fasting state and in response to feedings containing lactose than noncolicky infants produce. This may represent increased lactose malabsorption, differences in colonic bacterial fermentation conditions, or differences in the handling of colonic gas produced.
Radar terrain clutter model with consideration of propagation effects

This paper presents a method to characterize terrain visibility and clutter as seen by a shipboard radar in a coastal environment. The method takes into account the location of the ship, the particular terrain topography, the radar parameters, and the propagation effect. The method incorporates an optical ray-trace program, an electromagnetic parabolic equation model, and a data base of terrain elevations. The approach can account for the effects of refraction, multipath, and diffraction with arbitrary propagation. The calculated clutter received by the radar is strongly affected by the propagation factor, and varies significantly with terrain roughness and radar frequency. The statistical distribution of reflectivity obtained with our method compares favorably with experimental data obtained under conditions similar to those modeled.
The Role of Cultural Values in Plagiarism in Higher Education

Student plagiarism is a rampant practice and major concern in higher education. How students perceive the overarching American cultural values and their impact on the practice will inform educators and help them to better combat the practice. It is also valuable for educators to know whether the students perceive the practice to be part of the dominant culture, currently, on college campuses. This study reports perceptions of plagiarism by students in an introductory sociology course. Open-ended questions explored perceptions of extent, justifications, and American values affecting plagiarism. Participants were clear on definitions and seriousness, but most were able to justify the behavior and identify American values contributing to or deterring the practice. Findings were consistent across gender, course grade, class standing, and college major. The authors discuss the cultural values students use as justifications for plagiarizing and the larger implications for higher education.
Ethnic disparities in long-term functional outcomes after traumatic brain injury.

Objectives:Ethnic disparities in access to acute rehabilitation and in long-term global neurologic outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been previously documented. The current study was undertaken to determine whether there are specific types of functional deficits that disproportionatel
Somatic cell content variation in fraction-collected milk.

Abstract Total milk somatic cell content of various fractions of milk collected during milking were estimated by reflectance Feulgen-DNA, to determine which portion provided the best estimate of the number of somatic cells in primary milk, and to attempt to better understand the cellular variation in various fractions of milk. The first five fractions did not differ significantly (P>0.05) from primary milk, but strippings and complementary milk each contained significantly (P Direct microscopic counts of fraction-collected milk indicated that granulocytes constituted 66.4, 68.5, 66.8, and 69.2% (P>0.05) and mammary epithelial cells 27.6, 24.9, 24.3, and 21.1% (P
Ontogeny of telomerase in chicken: Impact of downregulation on pre‐ and postnatal telomere length in vivo

Telomeres are the termini of linear chromosomes composed of tandem repeats of a conserved DNA sequence. Telomerase provides a mechanism for proliferating cells to offset telomeric sequence erosion by synthesizing new repeats onto the end of each parental DNA strand. Reduced or absent telomerase activity can lead to telomere shortening and genome instability. Telomeres and telomerase have not previously been characterized during ontogeny of any avian species. In the present study, telomerase activity in the chicken model was examined from early differentiation embryos through to adulthood. Telomerase activity was detected in all early embryos (preblastula through neurula) and in tissues throughout organogenesis. Subsequently, telomerase was downregulated in the majority of somatic tissues, either pre- or postnatally. A subset of tissues, such as intestine, immune and reproductive organs, exhibited constitutive activity. The impact of telomerase downregulation on telomere length was investigated and a telomere reduction of 3.2 kb in somatic tissues compared with germ line was observed in 5-year-old adults. The present results suggest that the telomere clock function is a conserved feature of avians as well as mammals. Knowledge regarding the relationships among telomerase regulation, proliferation/senescence profiles and differentiation status will be useful for numerous applications of chicken cells.
Initial plasticity onset in Zr- and Hf-rich bulk metallic glasses during instrumented indentation

Sudden jumps in nanoindentation load-displacement curves of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) signify the onset of plastic deformation. These events are investigated on varying compositions of Zr- and Hf-rich BMGs. Load-versus-displacement graphs for spherical indentations are analyzed to determine displacement, load, intensity of deformation, energy per volume, energy loss, and pressure corresponding to these key locations. Attention is focused on pressure, energy loss, and energy per volume at initial plasticity in response to varying strain rates, indenter tip radii, preload, and material composition. Energy loss was found to correlate with preload. The Zr-rich metallic glass was found to plastically deform in response to smaller loads than Hf-rich specimens.
Heterogeneity of Lyme disease spirochaetes within individual vector ticks

To determine whether Lyme disease spirochaetes (Borrelia burgdorferi) within vector ticks (lxodes dammini) sampled from enzootic sites comprise single or mixed populations, we compared their reactivity to a polyclonal rabbit immune serum with that to a battery of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against OspA, OspB and flagellin. More spirochaetes were recognized by the polyclonal antibody than with the mAbs. Spirochaetes from field-sampled ticks reacted poorly to mAbs against OspB. No such differences in reactivity to polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies were observed for the N40 strain of B. burgdorferi from BSK cultures and infected laboratory-reared vector ticks. We conclude that in nature each tick may be infected by an antigenically heterogeneous mixture of spirochaetes.
Effects of conductivity, groove shape, and physical phenomena on the design of diffraction gratings

Numerical solution of integral equations is used to explore the effects of material parameters and groove geometry on diffraction-grating performance. The material parameters are studied by first developing and verifying a surface-impedance model. The parameter values characteristic of good metals in the infrared regions indicate that the conductivity effects are of little significance. Small changes of groove shape produce relatively large changes of the grating response, implying that construction tolerances are quite important. Specific data on Brewster-angle effects and resonant anomalies are presented and suggestions are made for both the use and control of these physical effects.
A search algorithm for the traveling salesman problem

Abstract A search algorithm, based on the concepts of lexicographic search and sequential decision processes, is proposed for the solution of the traveling salesman problem. Starting with an initial trial solution, the search algorithm sequentially generates better tours until an optimal (least cost) tour is identified. The logical structure of the search algorithm is such that the computational effort required to solve a problem by the proposed approach is less than that by the branch and bound procedures.
Engineered recombinant messenger RNA can be replicated and expressed inside bacterial cells by an RNA bacteriophage replicase.

Abstract In this paper we describe how an RNA replicase can be “tricked” into recognizing, binding to, and replicating host-cell message RNAs. In our system, the gene encoding Qβ replicase is constitutively expressed from a plasmid vector present in an Escherichia coli host, while a second plasmid directs the transcription of a replication-competent, phage-like template RNA. This 680 nucleotide transcript (N-RNA) contains specific sequences required for Qβ replicase function. Included within this template RNA is a 360-nucleotide sequence that is complementary to the messenger RNA for DNA bacteriophage lambda N protein. The active messenger RNA for lambda N protein is expressed only upon replication of N-RNA by Qβ replicase. By employing an E. coli host strain that requires lambda N protein for growth under specific selective conditions, we were able to select only those cells in which RNA-directed RNA replication occurred. This system provides a potential for in vivo amplification of other heterologous messenger RNAs and their protein products via RNA replication and will enable one to study the evolution of messenger RNA in the live cell under a large variety of physiological pressures.
Effects of Adrenal Steroids and Thyroid Hormone on Creatine and Kidney Trans amidinase in the Rat

The role of the adrenal steroid hormones and the thyroid hormones in the regulation of rat kidney transamidinase has been investigated. Adrenalectomy or thyroidectomy had no apparent effect on the enzyme. Kidneys from rats that had received excessive doses of thyroid or adrenal steroid hormones had low kidney transamidinase activities. There was a good correlation between the low transamidinase activities and the high levels of creatine in the blood and kidneys of the cortisol and triiodothyronine injected rats. It is suggested that increased creatine levels may be responsible for the low transamidinase activities found in rats given large doses of adrenal steroid or thyroid hormones. (Endocrinology 79: 1143, 1966)
Lipocalin 2: A “Sexy” Adipokine that Regulates 17β-Estradiol and Obesity

Female mice, like premenopausal women, are generally protected from the insulin resistance and inflammation associated with obesity. With aging and menopause, levels of estrogens fall and women tend to gain body fat and become as susceptible as men to obesity-related metabolic diseases. In male mice, high-saturated-fat diets cause obesity, systemic insulin resistance, and adipose tissue inflammation, especially in gonadal fat depots where adipocyte death is associated with macrophage infiltration and activation. Female mice also gain body fat on high-fat diets, although they exhibit much lower levels of adipose inflammation and insulin resistance (1, 2). This sex difference is not likely entirely attributable to estrogens because high-fat feeding of ovariectomized female mice does not increase adipose death to levels seen in high-fat-fed males (1). Over and above female sex, a lower-body or gynoid fat distribution further protects women from metabolic disease (3). Thus, mechanisms linking the biology of specific fat depots to sex differences in metabolic risk are of great interest for translational research.
Effect of acute changes in plasma calcium on adrenocortical secretory rates

Increases in plasma calcium levels caused by the infusion of calcium gluconate resulted in enhanced adrenocortical secretory rates in anesthetized dogs. Hypocalcemia resulting from the infusion of EDTA had no discernible effect on adrenocortical secretory rates, and hypophysectomy abolished the rise in secretory rates noted in the hypercalcemic intact animals. The mechanisms by which calcium may effect adrenocortical secretion are discussed with respect to its effect at various sites in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenocortical system.
The Comptoir Sidérurgique de France, 1930–1939

The French inter-war steel cartels were characterized by contemporaries as powerful trusts, restricting output and raising steel prices. The cartels were cited as a cause for the length of the French depression, the low productivity of the 1930s, and the rapid rise in steel prices after 1936. This paper shows that the formation and development of the French steel cartels was problematic and argues that the French industry was not structurally conducive to widespread collusion and was further harmed by governmental policies. Steel cartels were unable to police their arrangements effectively among members and were unable to stop outsiders from undercutting prices. It is not at all clear that firms in the cartel achieved higher profits. The increase in prices that did occur after 1936 was not due to firms colluding and profiting from the increased demand for steel due to the anticipation of Nazi aggression; rather, these price increases occurred because of input price increases caused by government action that raised the costs of production.
Efficacy of prazosin in the management of chronic congestive heart failure: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Abstract The beneficial effects of acute prazosin therapy in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) have been well documented; however, its chronic efficacy over several months has not previously been evaluated in a placebo-controlled manner. Therefore, an assessment was made by radionuclide ventriculography of the effect of prazosin, 20 mg/day, on left ventricular ejection fraction and end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes at rest and on peak upright bicycle exercise, as well as its effect on right ventricular ejection fraction at rest, exercise time and work load, and standard clinical variables in 23 patients with stable class III symptoms of CHF. The study consisted of a 6-month randomized, doubleblind, controlled evaluation of prazosin versus placebo in patients receiving a stable dose of digitalis and diuretics for at least 1 month. At entry, the prazosin and placebo groups did not differ in any respect. Prazosin caused no demonstrable effect on clinical variables such as status of symptoms, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and cardiothoracic ratio when compared with placebo. Prazosin also caused no demonstrable effect compared with placebo on absolute or percent changes in radionuclide variables at rest or on peak exercise, or on exercise time or exercise work load. In addition, prazosin had no consistent effect compared with placebo on plasma renin activity or plasma catecholamine levels. However, there was a slight but significant increase in weight (p
Effects of adult aging on utilization of temporal and semantic associations during free and serial recall.

Older adults show poorer performance than young adults at word list recall, especially for order information. In contrast with this temporal association deficit, older adults are generally adept at using preexisting semantic associations, when present, to aid recall. We compared the use of temporal and semantic associations in young and older adults’ word list recall following both free recall and serial recall instructions. Decomposition of serial position curves confirmed that older adults showed weakened use of temporal context in recall in relation to young adults, a difference that was amplified in serial recall. Older adults’ temporal associations were also less effective than young adults’ when correlated with serial recall performance. The differential age decrement for serial versus free recall was accompanied by a persistent influence of latent semantic associations in the older adults, even when maladaptive for serial recall.
Monolayer properties of fatty acids. I. Thermodynamics of spreading

Abstract The equilibrium spreading pressure, π e , for selected fatty acid monolayers spread on an aqueous surface was measured as a function of temperature below and above the melting point in order to estimate the thermodynamic parameters for spreading. The validity of this experimental approach was confirmed by the agreement of heats of fusion estimated from spreading experiments with those measured calorimetrically. By comparing fatty acids differing in chain length, degree of unsaturation, position of double and triple bonds, cis or trans configurations, and position of a hydroxy group, it was possible to relate chain structure to an equivalent saturated fatty acid chain length.
Molecular genetics of human prostate cancer

Multiple factors contribute to the high incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer including race, ethnicity, diet, environment, widespread awareness through prostate-specific antigen screening and genetics. Linkage analysis has identified several candidate sites for hereditary prostate cancer gene loci. Molecular studies have also identified genes that are frequently altered in sporadic prostate cancer. It appears that due to the heterogeneity of prostate cancer, multiple genes may be involved in the neoplastic process.
A creative yet simple approach to improve hand hygiene compliance in the pediatric intensive care unit

ISSUE: Hand hygiene (HH) is the single most effective means of preventing healthcare-associated infections. Studies show the average hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers (HCWs) is 40%. An infection control professional (ICP) conducted 4 months of HH observations without staff awareness in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). In this period, the HH compliance in the unit was 44.7% (73 out of 163 observations). PROJECT: The effects of prior HH campaigns in the PICU were limited and short lived. Our goal was to develop an approach to HH that was both effective and longer lasting. HH education was performed by an ICP. A bulletin board reemphasizing the importance of hand hygiene and its impact on reducing the transmission of microorganisms was displayed in the PICU for 2 weeks. Posters were designed with the slogan: “Coming in. Going out. Please WASH your Hands to keep the GERMS OUT.” These included child-friendly pictures and then color enhanced by our pediatric patients. They were permanently placed outside every patient's room. Ongoing HH surveillance is being conducted using the same criteria used in the pre-intervention period. RESULTS: Four months after this initiative, our HH compliance rate increased to 71.8% (116 out of 160 observations). The improved compliance was supported by a 12% increase in the usage of the alcohol-based hand hygiene product. LESSONS LEARNED: Multiple factors facilitated the overall improvement in HH compliance. However, we feel the single most influential one was the design of our posters. The creative yet simplistic “added touch” given to them by our pediatric patients allows their uniqueness to stand out. They provide our staff constant reminders of the importance of hand hygiene. We plan to extend this initiative to include our other three pediatric units.
Enzyme‐gold affinity labelling of cellulose

The enzyme-linked colloidal gold affinity labelling technique was tested as a method to localize cellulose on thin sections of plant cell walls and slime mold spores. Commercially available cellulase from cultures of Trichoderma reesei, the main components being cellobiohydrolase I and II (CBH I, CBH II) and endoglucanase (EG), was linked to colloidal gold by using standard techniques and applied as a dilute, buffered suspension to thin sections. After brief exposure, e.g., 15–30 minutes, cellulose exposed on the surface of sections was labelled with the enzyme-gold complex. Poststaining did not appear to have a deleterious effect on the labelled sections. The specificity of labelling was demonstrated by its complete inhibition when carboxymethylcellulose was incorporated in the labelling mixture, by lack of labelling of 1,4-β-mannans or 1,3-β-xylans in noncellulosic walls of marine algae, by lack of labelling of 1,4-β-glucans in chitin, by much lower labelling density when done at 4°C, and by lack of labelling when sections were predigested with cellulase. Labelling with the crude commercial cellulase was compared to labelling with purified CBH I-, CBH II-, and EG-linked colloidal gold, and the labelling pattern was similar. This method was found useful on conventionally fixed material and required no special preparation other than the use of inert (Ni or Au) grids and 0.5% gelatin to reduce nonspecific binding of the gold complex. Labelling was similar in the several embedding resins tested: LR White, Lowicryl K4M, Epon 812, and Spurr's. The cellulase-gold probe remained active for at least 4 weeks at 4°C and much longer when frozen at −80°C in 20% glycerol. This technique should prove useful in studies of cellulose degradation and cellulose deposition and of the interaction of cellulose with other wall components.
Morphometric analyses of the microvasculature of tumors during growth and after x‐irradiation

Morphometric methods were used to investigate changes in the microvasculature of C3H/Bi mammary carcinomas during tumor growth and following single-dose x-irradiation of 8 mm average diameter tumors. Estimates included per cent vascular volume, average vessel diameter, and mean vessel length and surface area per unit volume of viable tumor tissue. Necrotic tissue volume was quantitated also. Changes in vascular parameter estimates, particularly a decrease in vascular surface area, indicated that the microvasculature may become less capable of handling the exchange of essential nutrients at an early stage in tumor growth. Following irradiation, there was a transient improvement in colloidal-carbon-filling of tumor microvasculature, and a change in morphological character of vessels toward that seen in smaller tumors, which may improve capability for exchange of essential nutrients. The results support the conclusion that these quantitative methods are of value in studying time and dose relationships in radiotherapy or chemotherapy, particularly in conjunction with other radiobiological methods. (auth) The interaction between the genetically deficient hematopoietic stem cells of W/W/sup v/ mice and the stimulation produced by bacterial endotoxin in irradiated and nonirradiated mice was studied. Effects of 25 mu g S. typhosa endotoxin injected l day before irradiation proved to be similar tomore » effects in +/+ normal mice in several respects. After 300 rads survival was increased from 23% to 77%, recovery of hemoglobin concentration began on day 13 rather than day 17 and granulocyte concentrations were maintained at approximately l500 per mm/sup 3/ compared to a drop to 350 per mm/sup 3/ on day 17 in those given no endotoxin. Erythrocytic spleen colonies were negligible whether or not endotoxin was given. Endotoxin induced granulocytic colonies in significant numbers as early as 5 days after 300 rads, but their peak number (on day 7) was comparable to that seen 4 days after 700 rads in endotoxin treated +/+ mice. Spleen and femur cells of nonirradiated W/W/sup v/ mice given nine daily endotoxin injections produced very few erythrocytic colonies on transplantation into normal irradiated recipients, but a fairly substantial number of granulocytic colonies. This number was, nevertheless, far below that for spleen or femur cells of +/+ mice. When W/W/sup v/ mice were used as recipients instead of irradiated +/+ mice cells from both normal and W/W/sup v/ failed to produce granulocytic colonies. Endotoxin acts as a stem cell and granulopoietic stimulus In W/W/sup v/ mice as it does in +/+ mice, the cellular response to this stimulus being sluggish and subnormal as it is with other stimuli in W/W/sup v/ mice. (auth)« less
On extreme values in stationary sequences

In this paper, extreme value theory is considered for stationary sequences ζn satisfying dependence restrictions significantly weaker than strong mixing. The aims of the paper are: (i) To prove the basic theorem of Gnedenko concerning the existence of three possible non-degenerate asymptotic forms for the distribution of the maximum Mn = max(ξ1...ξn), for such sequences. (ii) To obtain limiting laws of the form $$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } \Pr \{ M_n^{(r)} \underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle-}$}}{ \leqslant } u\} = e^{ - \tau } \sum\limits_{s = 0}^{r - 1} {\tau ^s /S!} $$ where Mn(r)is the r-th largest of ξ1...ξn, and Prξ1>un∼Τ/n. Poisson properties (akin to those known for the upcrossings of a high level by a stationary normal process) are developed and used to obtain these results. (iii) As a consequence of (ii), to show that the asymptotic distribution of Mn(r)(normalized) is the same as if the {ξn} were i.i.d. (iv) To show that the assumptions used are satisfied, in particular by stationary normal sequences, under mild covariance conditions.
Re-examining Electron-Fermi Relaxation in Gold Films With a Nonlinear Thermoreflectance Model

In this work, we examine Fermi relaxation in 20 nm Au films with pump-probe themoreflectance using a thin film, intraband thermoreflectance model. Our results indicate that the Fermi relaxation of a perturbed electron system occurs approximately 1.10±0.05 ps after absorption of a 785 nm, 785 fs laser pulse. This is in agreement with reported values from electron emission experiments but is higher than the Fermi relaxation time determined from previous thermorefiectance measurements. This discrepancy arises due to thermore flectance modeling and elucidates the importance of the use of a proper the rmore flectance model for thermophysical property determination in pump-probe experiments.
Observational evidence of the influence of Pacific SSTs on winter precipitation and spring stream discharge in Idaho

Abstract Forty years of winter precipitation (23 stations) and spring stream flow discharge records (five stations) from across Idaho are analyzed to reveal regional patterns of association with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Pacific Ocean. Results indicate that winter precipitation in the northern Idaho mountains, between 45° and 48°N, is negatively correlated with fall SSTs in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (El Nino and La Nina). Winter precipitation north of 45°N, is negatively correlated with winter SSTs in the northern Pacific (Pacific Decadal Oscillation, PDO). Spring stream discharge in Idaho is also negatively correlated with SSTs in the eastern tropical and northern regions of the Pacific Ocean. The association is asymmetric with stronger responses during negative SSTs for both regions in the Pacific Ocean. Wet and dry conditions are most likely associated with the combination of La Nina–negative PDO and El Nino–positive PDO, respectively. The greatest anomalies occur during the optimal combination of La Nina with negative PDO conditions. The revealed connections are valuable for climatic predictions based on the previous season's SST conditions in the eastern tropical Pacific and slowly evolving SSTs in the northern Pacific Ocean.
Analysis Of Discrete Vibratory Systems With Parameter Uncertainties, Part II: Impulse Response

Abstract This paper is a continuation of its companion (Part I) in which a new analytical method was proposed to estimate the first and second moments of eigenvalues for a linear time-invariant, proportionally damped, discrete vibratory system with uncertain parameters. In this part, the force amplitude is also considered as a random variable, but its time history is assumed to be deterministic. Based on certain simplifying assumptions and given probabilistic eigenvalue solutions, the first two moments of response in both modal and physical domains are estimated. First, an impulse excitation is considered and single- and two-degree-of-freedom system examples are used to illustrate the proposed method. Unlike the commonly used first order perturbation technique, our method does not include any secular terms. It is verified by comparing predictions with the benchmark Monte Carlo simulation. Second, a convolution integral formulation is developed for harmonic and other excitations. One example case is considered to illustrate and validate the proposed approach. Overall, our method overcomes the deficiencies of first order perturbation technique and is reasonably accurate and computationally inexpensive.
Functionalised nanoparticles complexed with antibiotic efficiently kill MRSA and other bacteria

Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are a vexing global health problem and have rendered ineffective many previously-used antibiotics. Here we demonstrate that antibiotic-linkage to surface-functionalized silica nanoparticles (sNP) significantly enhances their effectiveness against Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, and even methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains that are resistant to most antibiotics. The commonly-used antibiotic penicillin-G (PenG) was complexed to dye-labeled sNPs (15 nm diameter) containing carboxyl groups located as either surface-functional groups, or on polymer-chains extending from surfaces. Both sNPs configurations efficiently killed bacteria, including MRSA strains. This suggests that activities of currently-ineffective antibiotics can be restored by nanoparticle-complexation and used to avert certain forms of antibiotic-resistance.
Preservation of effect and the regulatory approval of new treatments on the basis of non‐inferiority trials

The criteria for approval of an experimental treatment on the basis of active-controlled non-inferiority trials often include demonstration of 'preservation of effect' relative to the active control. While this appears on its surface to be a reasonable criterion, on closer inspection it can be shown to lead to serious logical inconsistencies. In particular, an experimental treatment may have clinical trial results that are superior to those for the standard treatment and yet fail to meet this criterion for approval. In this paper we propose a set of principles that will help avoid these logical inconsistencies, and we argue that the qualities of an experimental treatment that are required for approval should be consistent regardless of the presence or absence of existing treatments and the type of study design used to evaluate the treatment.
Large corrections to high-pT hadron-hadron scattering in QCD☆

Abstract We have computed the first non-trivial QCD corrections to the quark-quark scattering process which contributes to the production of hadrons at large p T in hadron-hadron collisions. Using quark distribution functions defined in deep inelastic scattering and fragmentation functions defined in one particle inclusive e + e − annihilation, we find that the corrections are large. This implies that QCD perturbation theory may not be reliable for large- p T haron physics.
Brefeldin A Is a Potent Inducer of Apoptosis in Human Cancer Cells Independently of p53

Brefeldin A (BFA) is a natural product that affects the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus and is in development for cancer chemotherapy. We observed that a wide range of cancer cells could undergo DNA fragmentation associated with apoptosis after BFA treatment. This DNA fragmentation was induced within 15 h in HL60 leukemia cells and after 48 h in K562 leukemia and HT-29 colon carcinoma cells with BFA concentrations as low as 0.1 μM.The DNA fragmentation had the typical internucleosomal pattern in HL60 and HT-29 cells. Apoptotic cells were also detected by microscopy. BFA-induced apoptosis is p53-independent as HL60 and K562 cells are p53 null and HT-29 are p53 mutant cells. BFA could potentiate UCN-01 and staurosporine-induced DNA fragmentation in HL60 cells. Cyclin B1/Cdc2 kinase activity decreased after BFA treatment in HL60 cells, indicating that BFA-induced DNA fragmentation was independent of a cyclin B1/Cdc2 kinase upregulation pathway. Cycloheximide could not prevent BFA-induced DNA fragmentation in HL60 cells, suggesting that protein synthesis is not needed for HL60 cells to undergo apoptosis. On the contrary, cycloheximide blocked BFA-induced DNA fragmentation in HT-29 cells, indicating that apoptosis in HT-29 cells requires macromolecular synthesis. Cell-free system experiments suggested that cytosolic proteins play an important role in triggering DNA fragmentation during apoptosis induced by BFA. Our results show that transduction signaling pathways play central roles in apoptotic regulation.
PhPMe2 ligand substitution in the tetracobalt cluster Co4(CO)10(μ4-PPh)2: X-ray diffraction structure of Co4(CO)8(PPhMe2)2(μ4-PPh)2

The thermal substitution chemistry of the tetracobalt cluster Co4(CO)10(μ4-PPh)2 with the phosphine ligand PhPMe2 (2.5 equiv) has been explored and found to afford the bis(phosphine)-substituted cluster Co4(CO)8(PPhMe2)2(μ4-PPh)2 as the major reaction product. The regiochemistry and stereoselectivity exhibited by the two phosphine ligands in Co4(CO)8(PPhMe2)2(μ4-PPh)2 have been unambiguously established by X-diffraction analysis as having a 1,3-cis orientation. Co4(CO)8(PPhMe2)2(μ4-PPh)2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n,a=10.314(1) A,b=18.051(3) A,c=21.313(2) A, β=90.10(1)°,V=3968.0(8) A3,Z=4,dcalc=1.590 g cm−3;R=0.051,Rw=0.042 for 4987 observed reflections withI>3σ(I). Generalizations concerning the stereochemical disposition of two P-ligands about the Co4(CO)8P2(μ4-PPh)2 (where P=phosphine or phosphite) polyhedron are discussed with respect to the cone angle of the P-ligand and its steric interactions with the capping phenylphosphinidene group.
Biological control of Aleurocanthus woglumi (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in El Salvador

The citrus blackfly,Aleurocanthus woglumi Ash., was first observed in El Salvador in 1965. Its dispersal was followed during a three-year period (1969–1972) in which it infested most citrus orchards in the country. Indigenous natural enemies as the predatorsDelphastus sp. andChrysopa sp., and the pathogenic fungusAschersonia aleyrodis Web. are unable to exert any economic control of the pest. The introduction of the parasiteProspaltella opulenta Silvestri from Mexico brought about the successful biological control of the pest. Life table studies carried out before and after introduction of the parasite helped to assess the value ofP. opulenta as an effective natural enemy of the citrus blackfly.
Queens College and the souring of ethnic studies

I dentity politics makes for strange bedfellows, and this is particularly true in the testy, often embat t led world of ethnic studies. Can academic standards and the special interests of identity politics coexist? Not, apparently, without difficulty--and certainly not at Queens College, where the selection of a non-Jew to head the school's Jewish studies program quickly escalated f rom a nasty local skirmish to a heated national debate. At stake are a n u m b e r o f cherished assumptions that have been on a collision course since the late 1960s, when s tudent unrest brought most "studies programs" into existence. On one side of the cultural divide are those who insist that only scholarly and pedagogic competence matters. Anything else is strictly irrelevant. For such people, the possibilities (at least theoretically) are endless: a white man heading a black studies program, a black man at the helm of women 's studies, a straight person directing gay studies, and, yes, a non-Jew coordinat ing the Jewish studies effort at Queens. In most cases, of course, the theoretical remains precisely that: theoretical. But when Allen Sessoms, president of Queens, terminated Professor Joseph Sungolowsky as head of the Jewish studies program and replaced him with Thomas Bird, a Roman Catholic, those who see identity studies quite differently erupted. "He's not Jewish, he does not have a Ph.D. in Jewish studies, and he doesn ' t speak or unders tand Hebrew," Professor Samuel Heilman, an Or thodox Jew, angrily pointed out. Although many were quick to call Heilman's attack by the name it deserves--religious b igo t ry -he had his defenders. The local Jewish press wondered why Queens College couldn ' t f ind "a nice Jewish scholar" to head its program, while other communi ty leaders made it clear that they hadn ' t been consul ted about the Bird appoin tment . So far as these people were concerned,Jewish studies is less an intellectual endeavor than an effort in communi ty outreach. More important , however, are the implications that the squabble at Queens laid bare. Taken together, ethnic studies often try to serve too many interests, too many masters, and as a result such programs are neither one thing nor
Drug discovery in pulmonary arterial hypertension: attacking the enigmatic root of a deadly weed.

As Spring flowers fade and Summer sets in, weed season begins. Tempting it is to simply mow over them or even pull up the leaves and stems without a tool. But those weeds will grow back and multiply –sometimes, it seems, even more vigorously than before. If you really want to remove a weed, you must use a tool and extract the root. The same may be true for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Seismic Analysis Issues in Design Certification Applications for New Reactors

The licensing framework established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 52, “Licenses, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants,” provides requirements for standard design certifications (DCs) and combined license (COL) applications. The intent of this process is the early resolution of safety issues at the DC application stage. Subsequent COL applications may incorporate a DC by reference. Thus, the COL review will not reconsider safety issues resolved during the DC process. However, a COL application that incorporates a DC by reference must demonstrate that relevant site-specific design parameters are within the bounds postulated by the DC, and any departures from the DC need to be justified. This paper provides an overview of several seismic analysis issues encountered during a review of recent DC applications under the 10 CFR Part 52 process, in which the authors have participated as part of the safety review effort.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Depth of Rock Damage from Strong Seismic Ground Motions near the 2004 Parkfield Mainshock

Changes in the S - P delay of repeating earthquakes near Parkfield, California, after strong shaking in the 2004 mainshock, occur at surface stations but not at borehole stations. This result indicates that rock damage occurs mainly in the upper few tens of meters in fractured rock with a low seismic velocity. In addition, changes in coda-primary delay are comparable to changes in S - P delay. This observation along with the lack of S - P delay changes at borehole stations yields a simple model for the coda. Direct waves pass through the shallow damaged layer once. Coda waves scatter or refract in the deep undamaged subsurface and hence also pass through the subsurface just once. The coda, however, contains some brief reverberations within the shallow subsurface where the additional path length scales to the thickness of the shallow layer. The coda-primary delay measured by correlation includes both the zero delay change of direct coda and the increased delay of reverberating coda. Published changes in Rayleigh-wave group velocity before and after the Parkfield mainshock are compatible with their main cause being from the shallow velocity changes inferred from repeating earthquakes but have little spatial resolution. Stacking of earthquake seismograms resolved surface reflections at one shallow (63 m deep) borehole station GHIB. A change in P -wave travel-time body of ∼8 msec was marginally resolved and is compatible with the repeating earthquake S - P delay changes. Autocorrelation passive seismology resolved ∼32 msec P -wave reverberation delay change above the 251 m deep borehole station CCRB.
Sustained expression of lipocalin-2 during polymicrobial sepsis.

Sepsis is a major healthcare problem and a leading cause of death worldwide. There is no dependable diagnosis, and treatment for this condition remains mainly supportive. The etiology of sepsis is related to an overwhelming inflammatory response. In this regard, the antimicrobial protein lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) has been associated with several inflammatory conditions, but its contribution to polymicrobial sepsis is unclear. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and Lcn2 mRNA levels and protein expression were measured in liver and lung tissues. We observed that Lcn2 expression was robustly induced in liver and lung of C57BL/6 J (B6) mice, and remained elevated during the stage of innate immune dysfunction observed in sepsis. This response was different in A/J mice, suggesting a contribution of the genetic background, probably due to differences in IL-10 expression between these two mouse strains. Indeed, IL-10 was found to regulate Lcn2 expression in both primary and J774A.1 ma...
Cognitive Functioning in Affected Sibling Pairs with ADHD: Familial Clustering and Dopamine Genes.

Background: This paper examines familiality and candidate gene associations of cognitive measures as potential endophenotypes in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The sample consists of 540 participants, aged 6 to 18, who were diagnosed with ADHD from 251 families recruited for a larger genetic study of ADHD. All members of the family underwent psychiatric interviews and children were administered a large battery of cognitive tasks. Subjects were genotyped for several dopaminergic candidate genes (DAT1, DRD4, and DRD5). Results: Performance on measures of intelligence, working memory, and set-shifting had the highest sibling correlations and exhibited significant familial clustering. The 7-repeat allele of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene was associated with poor performance on measures of intelligence, color naming, interference control, and working memory. There were no significant associations with DAT1 and DRD5. Conclusions: Sibling correlations, familial clustering and candidate gene associations provide strong support for verbal working memory as a candidate endophenotype for ADHD. More complex models of, and larger sample sizes for, genetic association with cognitive functions are encouraged for future study. Keywords: Endophenotype, working memory, DRD4, genetics, executive function, neuropsychology, parent psychopathology. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; American Psychiatric Association (APA), 1994) is a prevalent childhood psychiatric disorder that often continues into adulthood. The etiology is unknown; however, a large body of literature strongly supports the influence of genes in conferring risk for the disorder. Family and twin studies have demonstrated that ADHD is a highly heritable disorder, with 76%
Rama midwifery in eastern Nicaragua

Rama midwives in eastern Nicaragua use a wide array of plants in providing health care to women and infants. In this study, I document the use of medicinal plants by Rama midwives on the island of Rama Cay in eastern Nicaragua. Field investigations included semi-structured interviews and field trips with eight midwives to collect voucher specimens. A total of 162 plant species, in 125 genera and 62 families were documented as useful in midwifery, over 5 years of fieldwork. Most (59%) medicinals are obtained from second-growth forest, and are used to treat more than 35 human ailments. Over 90% have some bioactive principle, most are trees (40%) or herbs (31%), and leaves are the most frequently used plant part. Most herbal remedies are prepared as decoctions and are administered orally. Most midwifery species are wild, but many important species are introduced domesticates native to the NW and OW tropics. This study is important because it is the first systematic study of midwifery in eastern Nicaragua and particularly of Rama midwifery. Eastern Nicaragua is a region undergoing tremendous changes, and the Rama are a people highly acculturated, but with very little documentation of their ethnobotanical heritage. Based on the results of this study I believe that for the near future, the Rama will continue to rely on midwifery as a primary source of health care.
Influence of Extracellular K+ Concentration on Cable Properties and Excitability of Sheep Cardiac Purkinje Fibers

Conduction velocity was increased from 3.5 m/sec to 4.1 m/sec in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibers when the superfusing Tyrode solution was changed from 2.7 mM K+ to 4.0 mM K+. Further increase to 7.0 mM K+ resulted in a fall in conduction velocity to 3.3 m/sec. To understand the nature of the cellular change responsible for this effect, cable analyses were made. With increases in extracellular K+ concentration membrane resistance decreased and membrane capacitance did not change. Resistance of the myoplasm tended to fall in 7.0 mM [K]o. Since these effects did not explain the change in conduction velocity, excitability was studied by strength-duration curves using intracellular micropipettes for current passage and recording. Increase in K+ from 2.7 to 4.0 mM resulted in a shift of the entire curve to the left, with a fall in rheobasic current from 121 to 104 nanoamperes and a fall in the time constant from 2.79 to 2.4 msec. Normalized plotting of stimulating current over rheobasic current (I/IRh) against du...
New Source Review: Should it Survive?

This article, written in 2004, reviews the Clean Air Act's new source review program and concludes that as applied to existing major emission sources it is uncertain, vague, complex and often ignored. It concludes that it should be replaced with a cap-and-trade program imposed on all industries on either a regional or national basis.
High energy collision‐induced dissociation of alkali‐metal ion adducts of crown ehters and acyclic analogs

High energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) techniques were applied for structural elucidiation of alkli-metal ion adducts of crown ethers. The CID of alkali-metal adducts of tetraglyme and hexaethylene glycol were also evaluated to contrast the fragmentation pathways of the cyclic ethers with those of acylic analogs. A common fragmentation channel for alkali-metal ion adducts of all the ethers, which results in distonic radical cations, is the homolytic cleavage of carbon—carbon bonds. Additionally, dissociation by carbob—oxygen bond cleavage occurs, and these processes are analogous to the fragmentation pathways observed for simple protonated ethers. The proposed fragmentation pathways for alkali-metal ion adducts of crown ethers result mostly in odd-electron, acyclic product ions. Dissociation of the alkali-metal ion adducts of the acyclic ethers is dominated by losses of various neutral species after an initial hydride or proton transfer. The CID processes for all ethers are independent of alkali-metal ion sizes; however, the extent of dissociation of the complexes to bare alkali-metal ion increases with the size of the metal.