cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wait and Watch Approach in Managing Acute Otitis Media: Current Awareness, Attitude and their Relationship with the Behaviour among Primary Care Physicians

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of physicians' awareness and attitude with their practice behaviour to use the recommended wait and watch approach in the treatment of selected acute otitis media cases. Methods A cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians was conducted from May to July 2008 in the Houston metropolitan area, Texas, USA. Key findings Approximately 80% of the respondents (total, n = 89) were reportedly familiar with the recommendation to use the wait and watch approach. Most of the physicians agreed (82%) with the guideline, finding the recommendations reasonable and were comfortable (76%) using the approach. In children aged <2 years and ≥2 years, respectively, 41% and 70% of physicians reported using this approach for at least sometimes. Greater awareness was found to be correlated with positive attitude (r = 0.45, P < 0.001) and increased behaviour to use the approach in children aged ≥2 years (r = 0.46, P < 0.001). Statistically significant association of physicians' awareness and attitude with the behaviour to use the approach was found in children aged ≥2 years in multiple linear regression analysis. In general, physicians' attitude showed relatively stronger relationship with the behaviour. Conclusions Awareness and attitude among primary care physicians were positively associated with the behaviour towards the use of the wait and watch approach in the management of selected cases of acute otitis media. Incorporating greater emphasis on improving physicians' attitude in educational efforts to promote use of this non-antibiotic approach should be the direction for future intervention research.
Voluntary disclosure as a response to low accounting quality : evidence from quarterly conference calls

Quarterly conference calls immediately following the release of earnings information have become an important means of voluntary disclosure over the past few years. This paper uses the quarterly conference call as a disclosure metric to examine whether firms respond to low accounting quality by providing more voluntary disclosure. After controlling for other characteristics of a firm's information environment, I find that there is a significant negative relation between measures of the quality of a firm's financial statement information and the likelihood that the firm will use a quarterly conference call. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis in Verrecchia (1990) that the probability of disclosure of management's private information is inversely related to the quality of the prior public information on firm value.
Spontaneous activity in transgenic mouse heart: Comparison of primary atrial tumor with cultured AT-1 atrial myocytes

Spontaneous Activity in Transgenic Mouse Heart and AT-1 Myocytes. Introduction: We have generated transgenic animals that heritably develop atrial tumors composed of difTerentiated proliferating cardiomyocytes. Experiments were initiated to characterize (he electrical properties of these cells. Methods and Results: We show that the primary atrial tumors are composed of discrete foci that exhibit spontaneous automatic activity. A direct correlation was observed between tumor size and firing rate of these foci. In addition to the primary atrial tumors, we examined the propertie.s of cultured cardiomyocytes isolated from a transplantable transgenic tumor lineage (designated AT-1 cells). Cultured AT-1 cells arc al.so spontaneously automatic. The action potential eontiguration from these preparations is similar to that observed in nontransgenic atrial cardiomyocytes, albeit somewbat more depolarized and of longer duration. As would be expected for cardiomyocytes of atrial origin, the transgenic cardiornyocyte preparations hyperpolarize during muscarinic stimulation due to increased K+ conductance mediated by a pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein. Assessment of pbarmacologic blockage of the “if” pacemaker current suggests that the automaticity of both transgenic cardiomyocyte preparations may be of novel origin. In this context, the cultured AT-1 cells sbowed spontaneous bebavior that was clearly of cellular origin; this activity was manifest as transient bursts of electrical activity followed by periods of electrical quiescence. this bursting pattern is unusual for normal adult cardiomyocytes, but has been observed in several other cell types. In the primary tumors, automatic behavior may arise from a similar cellular origin or alternatively from a microreentrant phenomena. Conclusion: Primary tumors and AT-1 cells sbow essential atrial Electrophysiology with important novel features.
Prevention of Rh immunization after transfusion with Rh-positive blood.

Abstract A nulliparous Rh-negative woman received approximately 500 ml. of Rh-positive blood following acute blood loss associated with an incomplete abortion. Twenty vials of Rh-immune globulin were administered to her in divided doses within 72 hours after transfusion. This was followed by the development of a passive anti-Rh titer of 1:16 and the disappearance of the transfused Rh-positive cells from her circulation over a 12 day period. No adverse reaction was experienced by the patient and an eight-month follow-up indicates no evidence of active Rh immunization.
Butyrate inhibits pro-proliferative miR-92a by diminishing c-Myc-induced miR-17-92a cluster transcription in human colon cancer cells

Compromised colonic butyrate production resulting from low dietary fiber or altered gut microbiota may promote colon neoplasia. Previous reports indicate these actions are mediated in part by altered levels of miRNAs, including suppressed expression of the oncogenic miR-17-92a cluster. Here, we sought to identify the mechanisms underlying these effects of butyrate in colon cancer. miR-92a levels were measured in archived human colon cancer and adjacent normal colon specimens by microarray and quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR). The effects of butyrate and other histone deacetylase inhibitors (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and valproic acid) on primary (pri-miR17-92a), precursor and mature miR-92a were analyzed in HCT-116 and HT-29 human colon cancer cells using qPCR. The effects of butyrate, SAHA and valproic acid on protein levels of c-Myc, Drosha and p57 were measured in HCT-116 cells using immunoblotting. Regulation of C13orf25 promoter activity by butyrate was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay using modified pGL3 constructs containing a wild-type or mutated c-Myc binding site. Expression of c-Myc was modulated using siRNA or adenovirus vectors. p57 mRNA and protein were measured before and after transfection with miR-92a-mimic molecules. Following butyrate treatment and miR-92a-mimic transfection, apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining and caspase-3 immunoblotting. Microarray, confirmed by qPCR, revealed a seven-fold increase in miR-92a levels in sporadic human colon cancer tissue compared to adjacent normal colon. Treating human colon cancer cells with butyrate reduced the levels of pri-miR17-92a, precursor and mature miR-92a, as well as c-Myc. SAHA and valproic acid had similar effects. Mutation of the c-Myc binding site diminished butyrate’s inhibitory effects on C13orf25 promoter activity. Silencing c-Myc expression reduced miR-92a levels. c-Myc over-expression neutralized butyrate-induced attenuation of pri-miR17-92a. Exogenous miR-92a inhibited butyrate-induced p57 expression and reversed the beneficial actions of butyrate on colon cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our findings identify a novel cellular mechanism whereby butyrate inhibits miR-92a transcription by reducing c-Myc, thus augmenting p57 levels. These actions diminish colon cancer cell proliferation and stimulate apoptosis. This newly described regulation of oncogenic miRNA biogenesis expands our understanding of colon cancer cell biology and identifies novel therapeutic targets.
Preoccupation and affect as predictors of protective action following natural disaster

The actions taken by individuals after natural disasters to prepare for future disasters were studied to see whether theories of self-protective action are missing important variables. Residents of three communities struck by severe tornadoes who did not experience damage or injury (N = 715) were interviewed shortly after the tornadoes and again 14 months later. Initial responses to the tornadoes and details of the tornado experience were used to predict precautions reported at the initial and follow-up interviews. Preoccupation with tornadoes strongly predicted action independent of affect, perceived risk, and perceived control. Recollections of fear felt during the tornado and negative affect when thinking about tornadoes were also related to action: both negative affect and high fear (if combined with preoccupation) were associated with less action in the initial period following the tornadoes. Our findings suggest that the conceptualization of action as reflecting a decision about the expected costs and benefits of action is inadequate and that theories of self-protective behaviour need to include measures of preoccupation and affect as well.
Phospholipase D2, a distinct phospholipase D isoform with novel regulatory properties that provokes cytoskeletal reorganization

Abstract Background: Activation of phospholipase D (PLD) is an important but poorly understood component of receptor-mediated signal transduction responses and regulated secretion. We recently reported the cloning of the human gene encoding PLD1; this enzyme has low basal activity and is activated by protein kinase C and the small GTP-binding proteins, ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF), Rho, Rac and Cdc42. Biochemical and cell biological studies suggest, however, that additional and distinct PLD activities exist in cells, so a search was carried out for novel mammalian genes related to PLD1 . Results: We have cloned the gene for a second PLD family member and characterized the protein product, which appears to be regulated differently from PLD1: PLD2 is constitutively active and may be modulated in vivo by inhibition. Unexpectedly, PLD2 localizes primarily to the plasma membrane, in contrast to PLD1 which localizes solely to peri-nuclear regions (the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and late endosomes), where PLD activity has been shown to promote ARF-mediated coated-vesicle formation. PLD2 provokes cortical reorganization and undergoes redistribution in serum-stimulated cells, suggesting that it may have a role in signal-induced cytoskeletal regulation and/or endocytosis. Conclusions: PLD2 is a newly identified mammalian PLD isoform with novel regulatory properties. Our findings suggest that regulated secretion and morphological reorganization, the two most frequently proposed biological roles for PLD, are likely to be effected separately by PLD1 and PLD2.
Ambivalent attachment in female adolescents: association with affective instability and eating disorders.

Objective This report reviews narrative data from the ambivalent attachment subgroup of a larger attachment investigation, in order to probe beyond substantive results showing significant differences between secure and ambivalent attachment, with respect to hypothesized personality correlates. Method: Two readers coded common themes in semistructured 2-hr interviews, which focused on attachment to mother and experience of self, using a sample of 28 female college undergraduates classified as secure (n = 10), ambivalent (n = 11), or avoidant (n = 7) in their primary attachments. Results: Coded data revealed two striking correlates of ambivalent attachment not anticipated by the study's hypotheses: (1) reports of affective instability in 9 of 11 ambivalent subjects; (2) histories of anorexia, sometimes followed by bulimia, in 7 of 11 ambivalent subjects. Discussion: A provisional understanding of possible links among ambivalent attachment, affective instability, and anorexia is offered. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 21: 251–259, 1997.
Fleshing Gender, Sexing the Body: Refiguring the Sex/Gender Distinction

Etude de la distinction sexe/genre a la lumiere de la problematique du corps negligee par la theorie feministe et reduite a la theorie du determinisme biologique. Examinant les transformations de la chair a travers la pratique physique et culturelle du body-building, l'A. montre que les philosophies contemporaines du corps vivant et du corps d'inscription (Foucault) doivent s'appuyer sur une nouvelle metaphysique rendant compte des intra-actions materielles et culturelles de l'organisme et de l'environnement
Turbulent properties of a continuum plasma in shear flow.

The detailed turbulence structure of a weakly ionized, continuum plasma is analyzed. This analysis, when extended to high Reynolds number turbulent boundary layers, shows that the ratio of the electron to ion saturation currents decreases by an order of magnitude as compared to the laminar case.
Mathematical modelling of dynamics and control in metabolic networks. II. Simple dimeric enzymes

The dynamics of enzyme cooperativity are examined by studying a homotropic dimeric enzyme with identical reaction sites, both of which follow irreversible Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The problem is approached via scaling and linearization of the governing mass action kinetic equations. Homotropic interaction between the two sites are found to depend on three dimensionless groups, two for the substrate binding step and one for the chemical transformation. The interaction between the two reaction sites is shown capable of producing dynamic behavior qualitatively different from that of a simple Michaelis-Menten system; when the two sites interact to increase enzymatic activity over that of two independent monomeric enzymes (positive cooperativity) damped oscillatory behavior is possible, and for negative cooperativity in the chemical transformation step a multiplicity of steady states can occur, with one state unstable and leading to runaway behavior. Linear analysis gives significant insight into system dyanmics, and their parametric sensitivity, and a way to identify regions of the parameter space where the approximate quasi-stationary and quasi-equilibrium analyses are appropriate.
Decision Rules for the Dynamic Animal Feeding Problem

Under a criterion of maximum expected present value, dynamic programming is used to derive sequential decision rules that give feed rations as a function of animal weight and indicate the critical weight at which to sell a batch of animals. These rules are adaptable to short-term random changes in prices of inputs and outputs, and typically require solution of a single equation at a given weight. A new stochastic model is introduced that encompasses both the infinite sequence and single batch models found in the literature; the infinite chain of batches is randomly terminated after each batch is marketed.
Dispersion of gases in atomic iodine lasers at 1.315 μm

A cw atomic iodine photolytic laser at 1.315 μm was used for the first time to measure the refractivities (polarizabilities or Gladstone-Dale constants) of He, H2O, N2, O2, Ar, CO2, O3, Cl2, SF6, ICl, CF3I, I2, and n-C3F7I. For comparison with previous measurements, the refractivities were also obtained at 4579, 4880, 5145, and 6328 A. Excellent agreement at these wavelengths supports the validity of these newly reported results. The data presented are useful in the development of a near-diffraction-limited laser beam for any atomic iodine laser at 1.315 μm.
FTIR analysis of crosslinked cotton fabric using a ZnSe–universal attenuated total reflectance

Two cotton fabrics were treated with increasing amounts of a textile-finishing agent (1,3-dimethyl-4,5-dihydroxy-2-imidazolidinone) to impart durable press properties. The Universal Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (UATR–FTIR) with a ZnSe–Diamond composite crystal was used to determine the amount of the crosslinking agent effectively linked to the cellulose after the required laundering cycles. Textile performance testing conducted on treated and untreated fabrics demonstrated the effectiveness of the treatment applied. The results obtained showed very good correlation between AATCC grading, automatic image analysis of fabric smoothness, textile performance testing, and the amount of finish as evaluated by the UATR–FTIR. The ZnSe–Diamond composite FTIR accessory was proven to be a fast and precise nondestructive technique to evaluate the amount of the crosslinking agent linked to the cellulose macromolecules. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 392–399, 2005
PECTIC CONTENT OF APPLES IN RELATION TO THIOCYANATE SPRAYS

An earlier report (5) has described the effect of thiocyanate sprays on sugars and certain other constituents in apples. The present paper is a continuation of the general problem with attention directed to the pectic constituents. In previous work it was noted occasionally that apples sprayed with thiocyanates were found to keep better in cold storage at 3? to 5? C. than control samples not sprayed with thiocyanates. Since changes in pectic substances are known to occur in connection with the ripening and softening of fruit, it was considered worth while to examine suitable samples of sprayed and unsprayed material to find out if the improved keeping quality might be related to differences in pectic composition. Titratable acidity was determined on most of the samples. Several investigators (1, 2, 3, 4) have made a study of the pectic changes occurring in apples during ripening. In general, the results show a gradual change from insoluble protopectin to soluble pectin accompanied by a decrease in the thickness of the cell wall. Materials and methods
Test of hypothesis in one-way random effects model with unequal error variances

An approximate test for testing a hypothesis in the one-way random effects model with unequal error variances is proposed. The validity of the procedure is evaluated by a simulation study.
Efficient formulation for optimal modulo schedulers

Modulo scheduling algorithms based on optimal solvers have been proposed to investigate and tune the performance of modulo scheduling heuristics. While recent advances have broadened the scope for which the optimal approach is applicable, this approach increasingly suffers from large execution times. In this paper, we propose a more efficient formulation of the modulo scheduling space that significantly decreases the execution time of solvers based on integer linear programs. For example, the total execution time is reduced by a factor of 8.6 when 782 loops from the Perfect Club, SPEC, and Livermore Fortran Kernels are scheduled for minimum register requirements using the more efficient formulation instead of the traditional formulation. Experimental evidence further indicates that significantly larger loops can be scheduled under realistic machine constraints.
Patency of polytetrafluoroethylene microarterial prostheses improved by ibuprofen

Abstract Because of the increasing need for a reliable prosthetic microvascular graft, we investigated the patency of expanded PTFE with and without platelet inhibitor medication as an arterial prosthesis (1 by 10 mm) placed in the aorta of the rat using standard microsurgical technique. In 10 animals without platelet-inhibitor medication, one graft (10 percent) was patent at 30 days. When the platelet inhibitor ibuprofen was given for the initial 15 days to 10 animals, all 10 grafts (100 percent) remained patent at 30 days without further use of the drug. There was a significant difference between the patency achieved with the drug and that obtained without it (p
Through-wafer interconnects for high degree of freedom MEMS deformable mirrors

The development of an assembly and packaging process for MEMS deformable mirrors (DMs) with through wafer via (TWV) interconnects is presented. The approach consists of attaching a DM die with high-density TWV electrostatic actuator interconnects to an interposer substrate that fans out these connections for interfacing to conventional packaging technology.
Application of an atmospheric simulation model to diagnose air-pollution transport in the Grand Canyon region of Arizona

Visibility in Grand Canyon National Park has shown degradation during the last decade. The Penn State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU/NCAR) regional atmospheric model is ap...
Non-abelian Bloch-Nordsieck mechanism with massless quarks

Abstract We study the infrared behavior of the inclusive process quark+quark→virtual photon+ anything, when one of the quark is massless. We prove that at two loops the contribution to the cross section is finite. This disagrees with a result by Doria, in which a non-leading divergence is left.
Absolute stability analysis of attitude control systems for large boosters

A method for performing absolute stability analyses of attitude control systems for large launch vehicles is presented. Absolute stability of these systems is shown in a finite region of the state space. The regions are computed by using the Lur'e-Postnikov Liapunov function. This function is chosen to provide additional information about the exponential property of absolute stability. Significant advantages of the method proposed in this paper are: it is independent of the order of the system; algebraic operations involved in the computations are relatively simple and convenient for machine implementation; and the obtained results are valid not only for a particular nonlinearity but also for an entire class of nonlinear characteristics that satisfy certain general conditions. A system model representing the Saturn V launch vehicle is used to illustrate the method.
In situ x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy of pressure-induced phase transformation in spinel Zn 2 TiO 4

In situ x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to explore the pressure-induced phase transformation of spinel ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{2}{\mathrm{TiO}}_{4}$ to pressures of 52.4 and 81.1 GPa, respectively. Results indicate that spinel ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{2}{\mathrm{TiO}}_{4}$ initially transforms to the orthorhombic $({\mathrm{CaTi}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4})$ structure at 23.7 GPa, and such a phase transition is complete at 32.4 GPa. This high-pressure phase has a bulk modulus of 205 (6) GPa, higher than that of the cubic spinel phase [162 (11) GPa], and at extrapolated to one atmosphere is 2.1% denser than the spinel phase. Upon phase transformation, we observed two additional Raman modes assigned to the newly formed high-pressure phase, whereas the six proceeding Raman modes of the spinel phase disappeared. Upon release of pressure to ambient conditions, the ${\mathrm{CaTi}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ phase transforms to a tetragonal polymorph, in which the two observed Raman modes differ in pressure shifts from those of the ${\mathrm{CaTi}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ polymorph.
Psychiatry, language and freedom

For political reasons, the social control functions of psychiatry are not openly recognized as such but are disguised as benevolent medical treatment. The roots of this disguise may be traced to the political revolutions in which the rule of man was replaced by the rule of law. This transformation generated a conflict between the desire for freedom under law and the desire for a greater degree of social control than is provided by law. Involuntary mental hospitalization is the neurotic resolution of this conflict by society. The social control functions of psychiatry are disguised and justified by the medical model which describes the moral action of both psychiatrist and patient in the ostensibly value neutral language of science and medicine. The cost of this disguise is great. It negates individuals as moral agents and obscures the moral nature of the problems that psychiatrists seek to understand which, in turn, handicaps them in helping the persons they seek to assist. The task of the philosopher in this situation is honestly and critically to analyze and evaluate psychiatric language, psychiatric practices and the moral issues involved.
Abstract 1343: Non-apoptotic death induced in glioma cells by the indole-based chalcone, MOMIPP, involves disruption of endolysosomal trafficking and ER stress

MOMIPP, 3-(5-methoxy, 2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1-(4-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one, is a novel chalcone-related compound that induces non-apoptotic cell death in various cancer cell lines, including temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma (GBM) cells. The unique mechanism of cell death induced by MOMIPP has been termed “methuosis”. Morphological hallmarks of methuosis include early accumulation of large cytoplasmic vacuoles derived from macropinosomes, followed by detachment of cells from the substratum and necrosis-like rupture of the plasma membrane. Nuclear changes typical of apoptosis are absent. The targets of MOMIPP have not yet been identified and the mechanistic link between MOMIPP-induced vacuolization and cell death is poorly understood. Previous studies have shown that the non-clathrin coated macropinosome-derived vacuoles induced by MOMIPP fail to merge with lysosomes. In the present study we test the hypothesis that the cytotoxic activity of MOMIPP may entail perturbations of additional trafficking pathways that interface with lysosomes. We report that the post-translation proteolytic processing of pro-cathepsin D, which occurs in conjunction with trafficking of the pro-enzyme from late endosomes to lysosomes, is impaired in MOMIPP-treated GBM cells. In parallel, ligand-dependent turnover of the epidermal growth factor receptor is also attenuated. These findings are consistent with a global block in protein trafficking between late endosomes and lysosomes. Examining the lysosome-dependent process of macroautophagy, we found that MOMIPP caused an accumulation of the autophagosome marker, LC3-II, and decline in degradation of the autophagosome cargo, p62, consistent with a block in autophagosome-lysosome flux. Potentially related to the defects in protein degradation, we detected a robust activation of ER stress, as measured by increased expression of CHOP and phosphorylated-PERK in MOMIPP treated cells. In conjunction with the altered trafficking events, we observed swelling of acridine orange-positive acidic vesicles, in addition to the previously reported vacuolization of non-acidic macropinosomes. More precise identification of these compartments is in progress. Taken together, these results suggest that the induction of non-apoptotic cell death by MOMIPP may be related, at least in part, to dysfunctional trafficking at the nexus where macropinosomes, late endosomes and autophagosomes converge on lysosomes. Supported by NIH grant R01 CA115495 and the Harold and Helen McMaster Endowment Citation Format: Nneka E. Mbah, Andrew D. Trunk, Bryan A. Dewitt, Jean H. Overmeyer, William A. Maltese. Non-apoptotic death induced in glioma cells by the indole-based chalcone, MOMIPP, involves disruption of endolysosomal trafficking and ER stress. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1343. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1343
Rethinking the Flight Qualification Processes of Solid-State and Fiber-Based Laser Systems

Flight quality laser systems for next generation remote sensing missions can expect an increase in lifetime requirements of >10X and efficiency goals of 2X. New methods in design, engineering, packaging and testing are being presented.
Israel in the Poconos: simulating the nation in a Zionist summer camp

This article develops a theory of simulation as a nation building mechanism by exploring the production of national belonging in Massad, a Jewish-American summer camp that operated in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, between 1941 and 1981. Trying to inspire campers to Zionism, the camp organizers shaped Massad as a “mini Israel.” This simulation engendered national attachments by lending credence to the belief that others, in Israel, experience more authentic national belonging. Rather than tempting campers to imagine the nation as a “horizontal camaraderie” (Anderson 1991), national simulations allow members to account for their distinct and often ambivalent position from within the nation. From this perspective, nation building is not simply a matter of relativizing internal differences and dramatizing differences between the groups that make up the nation and “outsiders.” Instead, nation building also is centrally a matter of creating institutional routines and practices that allow members to account for their differential position from within the nation.
Amniotic fluid indices of fetal pulmonary maturity with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the performance of the TDx/TDxFLx fetal lung maturity II assay (Abbott Laboratories; Abbott Park, IL) on amniotic fluid (AF) specimens collected vaginally from women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Methods: We reviewed charts of patients with preterm PROM treated at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida from January 1, 1995, to June 30, 1999. Negative predictive values (prediction of the absence of neonatal respiratory distress) of mature (at or above 55 mg/g) and borderline (40–54 mg/g) test results were calculated for 153 women. Results: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurred with frequencies of one in 42 and three in 29 cases with mature and borderline test results, respectively. All cases of RDS were mild, defined as sustained tachypnea with or without need for supplemental oxygen. With an immature (less than 40 mg/g) test result, 20 of 82 infants developed RDS, and half of those cases were severe, defined as needing mechanical ventilation. Negative predictive values of mature and borderline tests were 97.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 92.9, 100) and 89.7% (95% CI, 78.3, 100), respectively. Conclusion: Mature results from fetal lung maturity tests of vaginally collected AF predict the absence of RDS with a high degree of accuracy.
Induction of Circulating Interferon by Synthetic Anionic Polymers of Known Composition

RECENTLY, it has been demonstrated that interferon production can be stimulated by a variety of microorganisms other than virus (richettsia1, trachoma inclusion conjunctivitis agents2, pleuropneumonia-like organism (J. Younger and W. Stinebring, personal communication), bacteria3, protozoa4,5) and various derivatives of living materials including endotoxin6,7, phytohaemagglutinin8, and fungal extracts9,10. Only one is of denned structure—the antibiotic, cyclohexamide11. Unfortunately, the amount of this antibiotic required for interferon production results in irreversible inhibition of protein synthesis leading to death of the animal. Recently, Regelson described antiviral activity appearing in sera of mice injected with synthetic anionic copolymers of defined composition and suggested such activity might be interferon12. This communication confirms his findings, characterizes this antiviral activity, identifies it as interferon, and explores certain of the structural requirements for copolymers to act as interferon inducers. The significance of these compounds is increased by the previous report of their activity as inhibitors of virus induced leukaemia in mice and their present trials in the therapy of human neoplasms12.
Humoral immune response in hereditary and overt diabetes mellitus

The inbred diabetic mutant mouse, C57BL/KsJ db+/db+ (db+/db+), spontaneously develops diabetes mellitus when allowed food ad libitum. However, restriction of food intake prevents the expression of this genetic predisposition for diabetes. This experimental design has been used previously to demonstrate a deficient neutralizing antibody response to coxsackievirus B4 (CB4) in mutants with the genetic predisposition only. These observations demonstrate that in the genetically predisposed diabetic mutant, deficient humoral immunity extends further to a general impairment in both total IgM and IgG production after CB4 infection. Furthermore, these mice are unable to produce a virus-specific IgG response but do show a high level of nonspecific antibody suggesting a polyclonal activation following CB4 challenge. In addition, we observed an increase in the number of spleen IgM antibody-forming cells to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) in the overtly diabetic animal following CB4 infection with little change apparent in the genetically predisposed animal after infection. These results were identical to the changes seen in total spleen cell numbers. Our animal model provides an opportunity to distinguish between the genetic predisposition to diabetes and the overt disease and suggests that some of the immune impairment found prior to diabetes onset may be partially diminished afterwards.
Validity of self reported data on injury prevention behavior: lessons from observational and self reported surveys of safety belt use in the US.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the validity of self reported data on safety belt use and to consider the implications for research on injury prevention behaviors. METHODS: 1992 and 1993 self reported data on safety belt use were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and observational data were obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations for 49 states in 1992 and 50 states in 1993. The ratio of self reported to observed belt use was calculated for each state, and linear regression models were used to examine the association between the two methods. RESULTS: There was variation between states, but the overall median ratio of self reported to observed safety belt use was 1.05 in 1992 (interdecile range 0.87-1.36) and 1.02 in 1993 (interdecile range 0.87-1.31). Self reports were substantially higher in southern states and in states with the lowest levels of observed use. Linear regression models indicated a moderately strong association between state estimates using both methods. For every percentage point increase in self reported data in 1993, observed safety belt use increased by 0.95 percentage point. CONCLUSIONS: In the aggregate, self reported estimates were only 2% to 5% higher than observed estimates. This is a substantial improvement from previous studies. This is probably due to the increased prevalence of safety belt use and the declining effects of social desirability on self reported use. In general, the validity of self reported estimates of socially desirable injury prevention behaviors will be higher when the actual prevalence of the behavior is higher, but lower when this is not true.
Mortality trends in pediatric patients with chronic renal failure

Mortality trends were analyzed in 441 children and adolescents with chronic renal failure (CRF) observed over a 24-year period before and after institution of renal replacement therapy (RRT). A total of 93 patients died. Overall mortality rate (MR) per 100 patient years decreased from 6.6 in 1969–1978 to 2.5 in 1979–1988 and increased slightly to 2.9 in 1989–1992. The fall involved all four modes of treatment: conservative hemodialysis (HD), continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD), and transplantation (TX). From 1979–1988 to 1989–1992 MR on conservative and on dialysis treatment changed only slightly and was similar on HD and CPD. An alarming rise in MR was noted after TX in 1989–1992, mainly due to malignant tumors. In 44 patients who died on conservative treatment, the reasons for non-acceptance for RRT were analyzed: in 22 multi-morbidity was the main reason, usually because of a congenital neurological disorder. Some patients died from advanced uremia or unexpected events after the decision to institute RRT. Our experience demonstrates a persistent mortality in pediatric patients with CRF, which in recent years is primarily ascribed to congenital multi-morbid conditions which make RRT unfeasible, infections on dialysis treatment, and malignancies after TX.
Comparison of a superficial suturing device with a full-thickness suturing device for transoral outlet reduction (with videos).

Background Larger gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomosis aperture is one independent predictor for weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) has proven safe and effective for treatment of weight regain by using a superficial-thickness (ST) suturing device. Full-thickness (FT) suturing devices are now available, potentially providing more effective results. Objective To compare effectiveness of superficial-thickness with full-thickness TORe. Design Matched cohort study: patients were matched sequentially by GJ anastomosis aperture, body mass index, and age. Setting Tertiary-care center. Patients A total of 59 consecutive patients undergoing full-thickness TORe were matched with 59 patients undergoing superficial-thickness TORe. All had GJ anastomosis apertures >20 mm. Intervention Transoral outlet reduction. Main Outcome Measurements Weight loss and rate of adverse events. Results Post-TORe GJ anastomosis apertures were similar between groups (ST 6.9 ± 0.2 mm vs FT 7.1 ± 0.3 mm). Weight loss was greater at 6 months in the FT group (10.6 ± 1.8 kg in FT vs 4.4 ± 0.8 kg in ST; P P P P = .03). Limitations This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study. Conclusion There is level 1b evidence for effectiveness of TORe by using a superficial mucosal suturing device. This matched cohort study compared TORe by using the same ST suturing device with TORe by using a newer, FT suturing device and the same operative methods. FT TORe resulted in significantly more weight loss than ST TORe at 6 months and at 1 year. Full-thickness TORe is a significant improvement over ST TORe for endoscopic therapy of weight regain in patients with dilated GJ anastomosis.
Mechanisms of laser desorption of positive ions and plume formation on ionic crystals

Abstract In the use of high-intensity lasers in chemical analysis and materials processing, the formation of an ablation plume is of high importance. For wide bandgap insulators (e.g., oxides, halides, nitrides, carbides) irradiated with sub-bandgap photon energies, the route to plume formation is not well understood. For example, contrary to metals and semiconductors, inverse bremsstrahlung (IB) is not possible for a wide range of laser intensities on these materials due to insufficient photon and electron densities. We present an alternative path to plume formation on nominally transparent materials. We first examine the interaction of photo- and thermally-emitted particles from exposure to pulsed laser irradiation of surfaces that include photoelectrons, energetic positive ions, and neutral metal atoms and present a model for the energetic ion emission. We establish experimentally that there is overlap in space and time of significant portions of the distributions of these particles in the near surface region. We present a model for the collected motion of these particles, and show that as laser fluence is increased, we achieve sufficient densities, overlap and kinetic energies to result in the onset of plume luminescence and eventually ionization at fluences far below any IB or catastrophic breakdown process.
Volume factor in low and normal renin essential hypertension

The blood pressure response to spironolactone or chlorthalidone was studied in 71 patients with essential hypertension exhibiting either low or normal plasma renin activity. The patients with low renin activity were more responsive to both of these diuretic agents, but neither drug was uniquely or uniformly effective in this group. Blood pressure became normal in only 57 percent of patients with reduced renin activity receiving spironolactone therapy, whereas 24 percent maintained a diastolic pressure greater than 105 mm Hg; 44 percent of them responded to chlorthalidone, but 31 percent did not. In patients with normal renin values the blood pressure was normalized in 36 percent by spironolactone and in 37.5 percent by chlorthalidone. Responses to spironolactone were usually manifested with a dose of 100 mg/day; an increased dose rarely had an additional antihypertensive effect. The similar effectiveness of both drugs in 27 patients treated sequentially with each agent suggests that volume depletion is a common mechanism of action. The sustained induced elevations of plasma renin activity and aldosterone excretion, and the chronic elevations of blood urea nitrogen induced by both agents, indicate that a persistent shift or loss of body sodium or water occurs during therapy. Thus, the antihypertensive action of either diuretic agent appears to result from a reduction of a possibly excessive sodium or volume content relative to capacity of the vascular bed. Patients failing to respond may have had inadequate volume depletion or a hypertensive state that was maintained by a relatively greater vasoconstrictor (renin) response for the degree of volume depletion induced by the drug. Altogether the data suggest that diuretic therapy with either spironolactone or a sulfonamide is primarily indicated in low renin essential hypertension. In patients with normal renin activity diuretic therapy could be reserved for those in whom beta adrenergic blockade proves inadequate. Such sequential single-drug antihypertensive therapy offers the potential for further characterization and understanding of hypertensive disorders while affording a simpler and more specific long-term drug regimen for some patients.
The absorption spectrum of solid α-oxygen☆

Abstract Absorption spectra of solid α-oxygen in the range between 2300 and 8800 A were observed near liquid helium temperature. A new system of broad and diffuse bands was detected between 2400 and 2700 A which is believed to be related to the Herzberg system ( A 3 , Σ u + ↔ X 3 , Σ g − ) of O2 in the gas phase. Also, the bands in the visible region previously described by Prikhotko and coworkers were observed. Electron bombardment of solid α-oxygen changed the absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet region causing strong absorption below 3100 A, presumably caused by O3.
Afterschool Program Participation, Youth Physical Fitness, and Overweight

Background Fighting childhood obesity has become a key policy focus. The role of community-based interventions to promote physical activity is an important part of an overall strategy to increase physical activity for youth. Purpose This study examines whether community-based afterschool physical activity programs lead to improved youth fitness and lower obesity rates. Methods Individually linked, longitudinal administrative data were used from local afterschool programs and two school districts in one California community to follow 1105 students from the 2006–2007 to 2008–2009 school years. Models were estimated in 2009–2010 using linear probability regressions and robust SEs, controlling for individual, family, and school characteristics, including fitness and overweight status prior to program participation. Results One third (36%) of the students participated in fitness-focused afterschool programs. Controlling for baseline fitness status, participating in fitness-focused afterschool programs was associated with a 10% increase in the probability of being physically fit after 2 years. This finding held for nearly all subgroups, including students who were initially unfit. Participation in 2 years of the program was associated with a 14.7% increased likelihood of subsequent fitness compared to 8.8% for 1 year of participation. Participation in other types of afterschool programs was not associated with fitness improvements. There were no effects of participation in either type of program on overweight status. Conclusions These findings point to the promise of relying on existing community resources in the fight against childhood obesity. Fitness-focused afterschool programs will need to ensure that the highest-risk children—including those who are Latino and low-income—are served.
Hemodynamic studies of the portal circulation in myeloid metaplasia

P ORTAL hypertension occasionally has been described in association with several hematologic diseases [P-70]. In some cases an extrahepatic venous obstruction has been demonstrated [7,9], in other instances intrahepatic obstruction of the portal system has been the apparent etiology [ 7,3]. In a few reported cases, despite clear evidence of portal hypertension, no evidence of either intraor extrahepatic anatomic obstruction to portal blood flow was apparent [4-61. Several investigators have directed attention to indications of portal hypertension in patients with myeloid metaplasia. Hunt [IO] studied a patient with this disorder and documented significant portal hypertension, which was corrected by splenectomy. Another such patient with myeloid metaplasia and hemorrhage from bleeding esophageal varices was studied by Shaldon and Sherlock [7], and found to have presinusoidal obstruction of the portal venous system. In a recently reported series of cases, esophageal varices were found in two of eighteen autopsy patients and one of these had no obvious block [5]. In addition, reference has been made to “unexplained” ascites and edema in patients with myeloid metaplasia 161. Among the twentynine patients described by Nakai, Craddock and Figueroa [6], seven had edema and three ascites. Two of the three patients with ascites were studied at autopsy, and no obvious portal block was identified. A patient with myeloid metaplasia, portal hypertension and bleeding esophageal varices was studied in this clinic in 1960 [4]. Neither intrahepatic nor extrahepatic obstruction could be demonstrated. This patient underwent a successful end-to-side portacaval shunt and survived for an additional two years, although her course was complicated by the development of mild recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. These workers postulated that the portal hypertension in this instance was of a hyperdynamic type, caused by augmented blood flow through the massively enlarged spleen and into the portal system. The results of studies of portal and systemic hemodynamics in five patients with myeloid metaplasia, several of whom exhibited esophageal varices, and/or edema and ascites, are reported herein. One case is described in detail, with autopsy findings; the others are presented briefly.
Interbasin Transfer of Aquatic Biota via Anglers' Bait Buckets

Abstract The dispersal and introduction of nonindigenous aquatic species have often been attributed to the release or escape of baitfish and other biota from anglers' bait buckets. Using data obtained through two mail surveys of bait vendors, bait samples from retail locations, vendor interviews, a creel survey, and a literature review, we estimate the potential for anglers in North Dakota and Minnesota to contribute to the dispersal of nonindigenous fish from the Mississippi River basin into the Hudson Bay basin. Specifically, we estimate the probability of a single angler on a single angling day in the Hudson Bay basin releasing live bait from the Mississippi River basin to be 1.2/100. But when the cumulative number of trials—19 million angler days per year—was considered, the estimated probability of bait bucket transfer occurring once, 100, or even 10,000 times in 1 year approaches 1.0. In light of these findings, we conclude that drastic policy measures would have to be undertaken to reduce anglers' ...