cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Human IRE1 Inhibitor Blocks the Unfolded Protein Response in the Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and Suggests Noncanonical Functions within the Pathway.

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a signaling network that maintains homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, the UPR is initiated by activation of an endoribonuclease (RNase) domain in the ER transmembrane stress sensor IreA, which splices the downstream mRNA hacAu into its active form, hacAi, encoding the master transcriptional regulator of the pathway. Small-molecule inhibitors against IRE1, the human ortholog of IreA, have been developed for anticancer therapy, but their effects on the fungal UPR are unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that the IRE1 RNase inhibitor 4μ8C prevented A. fumigatus from increasing the levels of hacAi mRNA, thereby blocking induction of downstream UPR target gene expression. Treatment with 4μ8C had minimal effects on growth in minimal medium but severely impaired growth on a collagen substrate that requires high levels of hydrolytic enzyme secretion, mirroring the phenotype of other fungal UPR mutants. 4μ8C also increased sensitivity to carvacrol, a natural compound that disrupts ER integrity in fungi, and hygromycin B, which correlated with reduced expression of glycosylation-related genes. Interestingly, treatment with 4μ8C was unable to induce all of the phenotypes attributed to the loss of the canonical UPR in a ΔhacA mutant but showed remarkable similarity to the phenotype of an RNase-deficient IreA mutant that is also unable to generate the hacAi mRNA. These results establish proof of principle that pharmacological inhibition of the canonical UPR pathway is feasible in A. fumigatus and support a noncanonical role for the hacAu mRNA in ER stress response.IMPORTANCE The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a signaling pathway that maintains endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, with functions that overlap virulence mechanisms in the human-pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus The canonical pathway centers on HacA, its master transcriptional regulator. Translation of this protein requires the removal of an unconventional intron from the cytoplasmic mRNA of the hacA gene, which is achieved by an RNase domain located in the ER-transmembrane stress sensor IreA. Here, we show that targeting this RNase activity with a small-molecule inhibitor effectively blocked UPR activation, resulting in effects that mirror the consequences of genetic deletion of the RNase domain. However, these phenotypes were surprisingly narrow in scope relative to those associated with a complete deletion of the hacA gene. These findings expand the understanding of UPR signaling in this species by supporting the existence of noncanonical functions for the unspliced hacA mRNA in ER stress response.
Host specificity and non-target longevity of Calophya lutea and Calophya terebinthifolii, two potential biological control agents of Brazilian peppertree in Florida, USA

Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, Anacardiaceae) is an aggressive invasive species that occurs in peninsular Florida, USA. Current management techniques are expensive, require repeated application, and cause non-target damage in ecologically sensitive habitats. Calophya lutea Burckhardt and Calophya terebinthifolii Burckhardt & Basset (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) were found damaging Brazilian peppertree in Brazil. To determine if C. lutea and C. terebinthifolii are suitable biological control agents of Brazilian peppertree, host specificity testing was conducted in a quarantine laboratory. In total, 97 plant species were tested, and oviposition and gall initiation were evaluated under no-choice conditions. Calophya lutea and C. terebinthifolii oviposited on nine and five of the 97 plant species tested, respectively. The majority of the eggs were laid on Brazilian peppertree and complete immature development with adult emergence occurred only on Brazilian peppertree. Adult longevity and behavior were determined in a separated experiment on all non-target species on which Calophya oviposited during the host specificity experiment. Adult longevity was four to five times longer on Brazilian peppertree when compared to non-target species. Based on our results, we conclude that both C. lutea and C. terebinthifolii are host-specific and form galls and complete development only on Brazilian peppertree. Therefore, these agents are considered safe to release in Florida and should be incorporated into the ongoing biological control program.
Why Do Lobbying, Protest, and Other Forms of Advocacy Often Fail to Affect Policy? Some Possible Explanations

Researchers asking whether policy is affected by social movement organizations, interest groups, and other types of advocacy organizations usually expect the answer to be yes. More often than not, their expectations are disappointed. This paper considers why, considering whether the impact of advocacy is affected by which issues and polities are studied, how advocacy and policy are measured, the amount of advocacy, status quo bias, and the connection between advocacy and public opinion. Through a research synthesis of work on advocacy and policy, the paper finds that estimates of impact are probably affected by measurement, the paucity of advocacy on many issues, and whether public opinion is considered together with advocacy; but probably not by the selection of issues and polities or status quo bias. The findings lead to suggestions for improvements in research design that would enhance our understanding of the links between advocacy and policy.
Multipurpose Zwitterionic Polymer-Coated Glass Fiber Filter for Effective Separation of Oil–Water Mixtures and Emulsions and Removal of Heavy Metals

Oil–water separation is crucial to treat industrial oily wastewater and manage oil spill pollution. Because of complex environments in real applications, it is challenging to develop multifunctiona...
Efficient Simulation of Stochastic Differential Equations Based on Markov Chain Approximations With Applications

We propose a novel Monte Carlo simulation method for two-dimensional stochastic differential equation (SDE) systems based on approximation through continuous-time Markov chains (CTMCs). Specifically, we propose an efficient simulation framework for asset prices under general stochastic local volatility (SLV) models arising in finance, which includes the Heston and the stochastic alpha beta rho (SABR) models as special cases. Our simulation algorithm is constructed based on approximating the latent stochastic variance process by a CTMC. Compared with time-discretization schemes, our method exhibits several advantages, including flexible boundary condition treatment, weak continuity conditions imposed on coefficients, and a second order convergence rate in the spatial grids of the approximating CTMC under suitable regularity conditions. Replacing the stochastic variance process with a discrete-state approximation greatly simplifies the direct sampling of the integrated variance, thus enabling a highly efficient simulation scheme. Extensive numerical examples illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of our estimator, which outperforms \textit{both biased and unbiased} simulation estimators in the literature in terms of root mean squared error (RMSE) and computational time. This paper is focused primarily on the simulation of SDEs which arise in finance, but this new simulation approach has potential for applications in other contextual areas in operations research, such as queuing theory. Note: this is an earlier version of the work "Efficient Simulation of Generalized SABR and Stochastic Local Volatility Models based on Markov Chain Approximations".
Fast, efficient, and accurate dielectric screening using a local real-space approach

Various many-body perturbation theory techniques for calculating electron behavior rely on $W$, the screened Coulomb interaction. Computing $W$ requires complete knowledge of the dielectric response of the electronic system, and the fidelity of the calculated dielectric response limits the reliability of predicted electronic and structural properties. As a simplification, calculations often begin with the random-phase approximation (RPA). However, even RPA calculations are costly and scale poorly, typically as ${N}^{4}$ ($N$ representing the system size). A local approach has been shown to be efficient while maintaining accuracy for screening core-level excitations [Ultramicroscopy 106, 986 (2006)]. We extend this method to valence-level excitations. We present improvements to the accuracy and execution of this scheme, including reconstruction of the all-electron character of the pseudopotential-based wave functions, improved ${N}^{2}logN$ scaling, and a parallelized implementation. We discuss applications to Bethe-Salpeter equation calculations of core and valence spectroscopies.
Eccentric exercise in the prevention of patellofemoral pain in high-volume runners: A rationale for integration

Abstract Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common overuse condition seen in high-volume runners, such as military recruits. Exercise is commonly prescribed, with benefit, for the rehabilitation of individuals with PFP. However, a substantial number of individuals with the condition do not achieve an optimal outcome, suggesting the condition can be difficult and complex. Given the challenging nature of the condition, and the risk of developing PFP in high-volume runners, it seems logical to investigate options for injury prevention. Eccentric exercise has been useful in the prevention of some pathologies so its utility in preventing PFP should be explored. Current evidence regarding prevention programs for PFP are limited. Preventative exercise programs for PFP have not been well described or reported, and questions remain regarding their effectiveness. Based on available evidence or lack thereof, and known physiological and clinical effects of eccentric exercise, suggestions for integration of eccentric exercise into PFP prevention programs are offered. Eccentric exercise may be useful for PFP prevention from a theoretical framework however additional longitudinal cohort studies would be useful in determining its utility.
Safe Crossings: How Laboratory Staff Circulates Knowledge Amid Scientific Secrecy

In regional economies that revolve around advanced technologies, organizations often pool their resources into shared-instrumentation facilities that make crucial instrumentation available to all (...
Do patients with chronic rhinosinusitis exhibit elevated rates of Covid-19 infection?

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) may have concerns regarding their potential for an increased likelihood of contracting Covid-19, given baseline inflammatory disease and utilization of topical or oral immunosuppressive therapies for disease treatment. In the present study, we utilize matched cohort sampling of over 12,000 CRS patients and 12,000 controls seen between June of 2020 and January of 2021, examining rates of Covid-19 testing and positivity during that time period. We found no difference in Covid-19 contraction between CRS patients and matched non-CRS patients, despite an almost two-fold significant increase in testing among those with CRS. This suggests that CRS patients are likely not inherently more vulnerable to Covid-19 infection at a rate above that of the general population. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PI3K and PKC contribute to membrane depolarization mediated by α2-adrenoceptors in the canine isolated mesenteric vein

Norepinephrine (NE), a classic neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system, induces vasoconstriction of canine isolated mesenteric vein that is accompanied by a sustained membrane depolarization. The mechanisms underlying the NE-elicited membrane depolarization remain undefined. In the present study we hypothesized that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase C (PKC) are involved in the electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced slow membrane depolarization (SMD) in canine isolated mesenteric vein. EFS (0.1–2 Hz, 0.1 ms, 15V, 10 s)-induced changes in the membrane potential were recorded with a conventional intracellular microelectrode technique and evaluated in the absence and presence of inhibitors of neuronal activity, α-adrenoceptors, membrane ion channels, PI3K, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (InsP3) receptors, and PKC. Activation of PI3Kγ and PKCζ in response to exogenous NE and clonidine in the absence and presence of receptor and kinase inhibitors were also determined. Contractile responses to NE and clonidine (0.05 – 10 μM) were significantly diminished in the presence of yohimbine (0.1 μM). Exogenous NE (0.1 μM) and clonidine (1 μM) elicited SMD. The resting membrane potential of canine mesenteric vein smooth muscle cells was -68.8 ± 0.8 mV. EFS elicited a biphasic depolarization comprised of excitatory junction potentials and SMD that are purinergic and adrenergic in nature, respectively. The magnitude of the SMD in response to EFS at 0.5 Hz was 9.4 ± 0.7 mV. This response was reduced by 65–98% by the fast Na+ channel inhibitor tetrodotoxin (1 μM), by the inhibitor of N-type Ca2+ channels ω-conotoxin GVIA (5 nM), the non-selective α-adrenoceptor blocker phentolamine (1 μM), the selective α2-adrenoceptor blocker yohimbine (0.1 μM), the ion channel inhibitors niflumic acid (NFA, 100 μM), 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB, 30 μM), 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS, 200 μM), and Gd3+ (30 μM), and the PI3K inhibitors wortmannin (100 nM) and LY-294002 (10 μM). The SMD remained unchanged in the presence of the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nicardipine (1 μM) and the InsP3 receptor blockers 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (2APB, 50 μM) and xestospongin C (3 μM). The inhibitor of PKC chelerythrine (1 μM), but not calphostin C (10 μM), diminished the SMD. Exogenous NE and clonidine (1 μM each) activated both PI3Kγ and PKCζ, and the activation of these kinases was abolished by preincubation of tissue with the α2-adrenoceptor blocker yohimbine. Neuronally-released NE stimulates smooth muscle α2-adrenoceptors and activates PI3K and atypical PKC in the canine mesenteric vein. Events downstream of PKC lead to SMD and vasoconstriction. This represents a novel pathway for NE-induced membrane depolarization in a vascular smooth muscle preparation.
Spike membrane potential in a liquid membrane system induced by pH-jump: Part II. A theory for relaxation of the peak potential

Abstract In the accompanying paper, we showed that a spike potential, similar to the membrane action potential, is generated in a liquid membrane when the system shifts between two steady states. The spike potential was generated by changing the composition of one side of the membrane. We assume that membrane potentials are composed of the diffusion potential within the membrane and the phase-boundary potentials at the interfaces and that the phaseboundary potentials are approximately independent of time during relaxation of peak potential. Here, we present a theory for the transient change in the membrane potential and its relaxation to a new steady state. The theory describes the effect of perturbation of chemical potential on generation of a spike membrane potential. Starting from a set of continuity equations, we derived the expression of the membrane potentials, using the Laplace transform method, as a function of ion concentration and time. Some numerical calculations are given and the effect of pH on the height of peak potential and the relaxation process were discussed.
Toward a Political Economy of Cost-Benefit Analysis

This is a substantially revised, refocused, and updated version of an earlier draft paper, exploring the significant role Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) plays in facilitating or impeding legislative and regulatory policy decisions. The paper centers around three case studies of CBAs EPA prepared for: (1) Clinton Administration changes to Clean Air Act air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter; (2) President Obama's recent decision to suspend EPA's reconsideration of the Bush Administration's air quality standard for ozone; and (3) the George W. Bush Administration's "Clear Skies" legislative initiative. The first two case studies demonstrate, between them, how well-constructed CBAs can facilitate social welfare-enhancing and impede welfare-reducing rules, even in cases where explicit consideration of costs is legally prohibited. The third case study tells a more complex story of how CBAs can be manipulated either to promote welfare-reducing regulations or impede welfare-enhancing regulations. When that happens, however, the virtuous transparency of CBAs renders those efforts liable to discovery and disclosure, as in the case of the Bush Administration's failed "Clear Skies" initiative. The paper concludes with an assessment of implications of the case studies for our understanding of the role of CBA in political (both legislative and regulatory) processes, and with a call for more qualitative and quantitative empirical research on the use and abuse of CBA as a political tool.
Snake River Bank Stabilization

The Snake River in Idaho and Wyoming has annual floods that approximate 20,000 cfs. Stream beds have steep gradients, are composed of clean, sandy gravels and there is heavy bedload movement during floods. Channels are braided, subject to extensive changes during floods, and threaten adjacent farmland with erosion and evulsion. Experience with Corps of Engineers levees and bank protection along approximately 37 miles of the stream during the last 20 yr shows that failures of levees and riprap are generally caused by undermining, but such failures can be avoided by extending riprap below the active depth of bedload movement and scour. Stone size of riprap, as specified in engineering manuals, is sufficiently large but small stone and dirt that prevent interlock must be avoided. Riprap slopes should not be steeper than 1 on 2. Riprap can be overtopped several feet without damage, provided levee slopes are relatively flat and are protected with coarse gravel.
Measurement of benzo(a)pyrene-DNA adducts by enzyme immunoassays and radioimmunoassay

Ultrasensitive enzymatic radioimmunoassay (USERIA) was compared to radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in determining the amount of benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] metabolite covalently bound to guanine in DNA. In the USERIA approach, DNA either with or without B(a)P metabolite modification was adsorbed on the wells of microtiter plates, and rabbit antiserum to B(a)P metabolite-modified DNA [B(a)P-DNA] was then added. Antibodies reacted specifically with the B(a)P-DNA attached to the surface of the plate. After reaction between goat anti-rabbit IgG conjugated to alkaline phosphatase and rabbit IgG bound to the solid phase, this specific antigen-antibody reaction was enzymatically amplified by alkaline phosphatase conversion of [3H]adenosine 5'-monophosphate to [3H]adenosine. Following chromatographic separation from [3H]adenosine5'-monophosphate, [3H]adenosine was measured by liquid scintillation counting. The amount of [3H]-adenosine formed was linearly related to the amount of B(a)P-DNA in 10 ng DNA attached to the solid phase. As little as 3 fmol of bound B(a)P metabolite can be detected by noncompetitive USERIA, while 10 fmol of the adducts in 25 microgram DNA [1 B(a)P-DNA adduct per 7 X 10(6) nucleotides] can be measured by the competitive USERIA approach. Under our standard competitive procedure with 1 microgram DNA in the antigen-antibody reaction mixture, USERIA is approximately 500-fold more sensitive than radioimmunoassay and 5-fold more sensitive than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of B(a)P-DNA adducts. These highly sensitive assays should be extremely useful for studies in DNA damage and repair by B(a)P metabolites as well as in studies on environmental exposure to this ubiquitous carcinogen.
The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib synergizes with gemcitabine to block the growth of human 253JB-V bladder tumors in vivo

Bortezomib (PS-341, Velcade) is a dipeptidyl boronic acid inhibitor of the 20S proteasome that was developed as a therapeutic agent for cancer. Here, we investigated the effects of bortezomib on the growth of human 253JB-V bladder cancer cells. Although the drug did not stimulate significant increases in levels of apoptosis, it inhibited cell growth in a concentration-dependent fashion and augmented the growth inhibitory effects of gemcitabine in vitro. These effects were associated with accumulation of p53 and p21 and suppression of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity. Bortezomib also inhibited secretion of the proangiogenic factors matrix metalloproteinase-9, interleukin-8 (IL-8), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In vivo studies with 253JB-V tumors growing in nude mice demonstrated that bortezomib (1 mg/kg) did not inhibit tumor growth when it was delivered as a single agent, although it reduced tumor microvessel density and inhibited expression of VEGF and IL-8. However, combination therapy with bortezomib plus gemcitabine produced synergistic tumor growth inhibition associated with strong suppression of tumor cell proliferation. Together, our results demonstrate that bortezomib has significant antiproliferative activity in aggressive bladder cancer cells, which is best exploited within the context of combination chemotherapy.
Clinical implications of the nelfinavir-proton pump inhibitor drug interaction in patients with human immunodeficiency virus.

Study Objective To determine if the concomitant use of nelfinavir (NFV) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) among HIV-positive individuals results in the loss of virologic control.
Experiences building the open OODB query optimizer

This paper reports our experiences building the query optimizer for TI's Open OODB system. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first working object query optimizer to be based on a complete extensible optimization framework including logical algebra, execution algorithms, property enforcers, logical transformation rules, implementation rules, and selectivity and cost estimation. Our algebra incorporates a new materialize operator with its corresponding logical transformation and implementation rules that enable the optimization of path expressions. Initial experiments on queries obtained from the object query optimization literature demonstrate that our optimizer is able to derive plans that are as efficient as, and often substantially more efficient than, the plans generated by other query optimization strategies. These experiments demonstrate that our initial choices for populating each part of our optimization framework are reasonable. Our experience also shows that having a complete optimization framework is crucial for two reasons. First, it allows the optimizer to discover plans that cannot be revealed by exploring only the alternatives provided by the logical algebra and its transformations. Second, it helps and forces the database system designer to consider all parts of the framework and to maintain a good balance of choices when incorporating a new logical operator, execution algorithm, transformation rule, or implementation rule. The Open OODB query optimizer was constructed using the Volcano Optimizer Generator, demonstrating that this second-generation optimizer generator enables rapid development of efficient and effective query optimizers for non-standard data models and systems.
Sorption and transport of organic vapors in poly[1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne]

Abstract Sorption kinetics and apparent equilibrium isotherms were determined gravimetrically at 35°C for organic vapors in glassy poly[1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne] (PMSP). The sorption kinetics are characterized by diffusion coefficients on the order of 10 −8 cm 2 /sec for the normal hydrocarbons (C 3 -C 9 ). These diffusivities are more than one million times larger than corresponding diffusivities characterizing the transport of corresponding penetrants in conventional glassy polymers such as polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride), and poly(methyl methacrylate). The sorption capacity of this polymer is also quite high compared with values observed for more conventional polymeric glasses. The sorption isotherms of the organic vapors in PMSP follow a generalized dual mode behavior which is often observed for vapors in polymeric glasses. Specifically, at low activities the isotherms are concave toward the activity axis, then become convex to the activity axis at higher activities. The transition separating these two portions of the isotherms does not become evident until the sorption level in PMSP reached more than 30 weight percent, compared with less than 10 weight percent for other glassy polymers. These unusual properties can be related to the low packing density of PMSP. However, the results also reveal that although the quantitative values of diffusivities and solubilities are extraordinary, the qualitative behavior regarding sorption and diffusion is consistent with comparable observations on conventional glassy polymers.
Neural network analysis of the P300 event-related potential in multiple sclerosis

Neural network analysis is sensitive to subtle changes in patterns of data. We hypothesized that a disease process which can cause impairment of cortical function such as multiple sclerosis (MS) would affect the P300 cognitive evoked potential (P300) in a manner detectable by a feedforward backpropagation neural network. Such a network was trained using a learning data set consisting of 101 P300 wave forms (from 26 MS patients and 26 normal controls). The network was then used to classify a randomly selected test data set of 20 studies (2 studies each of 5 MS patients and 5 controls) to which it had not been previously exposed, with an average accuracy (MS = abnormal, control = normal) of 81% for a single midline electrode, increasing to 90% using 3 midline electrodes in a jury system. Neural network analysis can be of help in distinguishing normal (control) P300 from abnormal (MS) P300.
A cost-performance model for ground-based optical communications receiving telescopes

An analytical cost-performance model for a ground-based optical communications receiving telescope is presented. The model considers costs of existing telescopes as a function of diameter and field of view. This, coupled with communication performance as a function of receiver diameter and field of view, yields the appropriate telescope cost versus communication performance curve.
Involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases and NFκB in LPS-induced CD40 expression on human monocytic cells

CD40 is a costimulatory molecule linking innate and adaptive immune responses to bacterial stimuli, as well as a critical regulator of functions of other costimulatory molecules. The mechanisms regulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced CD40 expression have not been adequately characterized in human monocytic cells. In this study we used a human monocytic cell line, THP-1, to investigate the possible mechanisms of CD40 expression following LPS exposure. Exposure to LPS resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in CD40 expression. Further studies using immunoblotting and pharmacological inhibitors revealed that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and NFκB were activated by LPS exposure and involved in LPS-induced CD40 expression. Activation of MAPKs was not responsible for LPS-induced NFκB activation. TLR4 was expressed on THP-1 cells and pretreatment of cells with a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) neutralizing antibody (HTA125) significantly blunted LPS-induced MAPK and NFκB activation and ensuing CD40 expression. Additional studies with murine macrophages expressing wild type and mutated TLR4 showed that TLR4 was implicated in LPS-induced ERK and NFκB activation, and CD40 expression. Moreover, blockage of MAPK and NFκB activation inhibited LPS-induced TLR4 expression. In summary, LPS-induced CD40 expression in monocytic cells involves MAPKs and NFκB.
Comparison of parameters to determine the cause of urinary disturbance in men with prostate volume less than 20 milliliters

Background : A pressure-flow study, although a slightly invasive procedure, can evaluate bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor contractility. This study was conducted in men with a non-enlarged prostate to determine the cause of urinary disturbance by less invasive examinations that might even- tually replace pressure-flow study. Methods : Thirty-six men with lower urinary tract symptoms were enrolled. Their prostate volume, estimated by transrectal ultrasonography, was less than 20 mL. All patients were examined using pressure-flow study, free-flowmetry, transrectal ultrasonography, prostate specific antigen and an interview using the International Prostate Symptom Score and Quality of Life Index. With determi- nation of the cause for urinary disturbance, parameters that correlated with outflow obstruction or impaired detrusor contractility were sought. Results : Twenty-one (60%) of the 36 men were judged as having outflow obstruction, and 16 of these 21 men had normal detrusor function. Impaired detrusor contractility was observed in 17 men. Only three of these 17 men had no outflow obstruction. Four patients had an unstable bladder. All these four had normal detrusor contractility, but had outflow obstruction. Among the parameters examined, only the maximum flow rate in a flow metrogram (Q max ) correlated significantly with the degree of outflow obstruction ( P = 0.04). The positive predictive value of Q max for outflow obstruction was 65% at a flow rate of less than 10 mL/s, and 100% at that of less than 5 mL/s. No parameter correlated with detrusor contractility. Conclusion : The only parameter that was a clear indicator of outflow obstruction was Q max . Other indicators of detrusor contractility should be sought.
Laser magnetic resonance in supersonic plasmas: The rotational spectrum of SH+

The rotational spectrum of v = 0 and v = 1X3Sigma(-)SH(+) was measured by laser magnetic resonance. Rotationally cold (Tr = 30 K), vibrationally excited (Tv = 3000 K) ions were generated in a corona excited supersonic expansion. The use of this source to identify ion signals is described. Improved molecular parameters were obtained; term values are presented from which astrophysically important transitions may be calculated. Accurate hyperfine parameters for both vibrational levels were determined and the vibrational dependence of the Fermi contact interaction was resolved. The hyperfine parameters agree well with recent many-body perturbation theory calculations.
Can clopidogrel and aspirin lower mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine (2006) 3: 182–183 [doi: 10.1038/ncpcardio0508] In the April 2006 issue, the second sentence of the Results section was published as “The COMMIT investigators found that the group who received aspirin plus clopidogrel had significantly fewer reinfarctions, strokes and deaths than the group given aspirin and clopidogrel”.
Empirical Derivation of the CIE Luminosity Curve from Color Mixture Data

The present investigation tested the scalar additivity of luminance by generating a luminosity curve from radiances weighted by the appropriate luminosity coefficients. A Cohen multichromatic colorimeter was utilized because it presents near monochromatic spectral components of high radiance. The standard wavelengths were selected at 10-mμ intervals from 400 to 700 mμ and were specified by primaries at 470, 550, and 630 mμ. The radiance of each of these four components was then measured with a thermopile and galvanometer. These radiances were transformed to an equal energy spectrum and reduced to luminance. The luminances were then summed to test the Law of Additivity of Luminance. If the law is valid the resulting curve should be a good approximation to the CIE luminosity curve. It was found the derived curve was not a good approximation because it was displaced toward the blue portion of the spectrum. New luminosity coefficients were derived in order to produce a better fit, and the implications of these new coefficients are briefly discussed.
Two bis(ammonium) 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate salts.

The title compounds, bis(ammonium) naphthalene-1,5-disulfonate, 2NH(4)(+).C(10)H(6)O(6)S(2)(2-), and bis[1-(hydroxymethyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniatricyclo[3.3.1.1(3,7)]decane] 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate, 2C(7)H(15)N(4)O(+).C(10)H(6)O(6)S(2)(2-), were prepared from the acid-promoted reaction of hexamethylenetetramine. In both structures, the disulfonate anion is positioned on an inversion center, with each sulfonate group contributing to the supramolecular assemblies via hydrogen bonds. The ammonium cations are linked to sulfonate groups by four distinct N(+)-H.(-)O-S contacts [N.O = 2.846 (2)-2.898 (2) A and N-H.O = 160 (2)-175 (2) degrees ], whereas the 1-(hydroxymethyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniatricyclo[3.3.1.1(3,7)]decane cations form one O-H.(-)O-S [O.O = 2.628 (2) A and O-H.O = 176 degrees ] and three C-H.(-)O-S [C.O = 3.359 (2)-3.380 (2) A and C-H.O = 148-155 degrees ] interactions to neighboring sulfonate groups.
Determination of Hg 202 and Other Mercury Isotopes in Samples of Mercury Vapor by Mercury Resonance Radiation Absorbiometry

A method is described for the determination of the percentage of Hg-202 present in small samples of mercury. An electrodeless discharge tube containing Hg-202 is used as a source of the Hg-202 hyperfine component of the 2537-A resonance line of mercury. By determining the absorbance of this component by mercury vapor, the quantity of the isotope present in the vapor can be determined. The analyses of samples of mercury containing various percentages of Hg-202 agree with values obtained by mass spectrometric methods to within two percent. The method has the advantage over the mass spectrometer of requiring very much smaller samples. Furthermore, contamination from “hangup” of previous samples is avoided. Through the use of other isotopic sources it is shown that the method could be extended to the analysis of the remaining isotopes of mercury.
Gender Disparities in Enforcing the Honor Concept at the U.S. Naval Academy

Women's ongoing presence as a minority population at the U.S. Naval Academy continues to raise important questions about the extent to which they have been integrated. This study examines the enforcement of the Naval Academy's Honor Concept as an indicator of gender integration. Data from three sources are analyzed: official statistics on honor violations, a U.S. General Accounting Office Survey of midshipmen, and semistructured interviews with Naval and Marine Corps officers who attended the Academy. Official statistics reveal that women are overrepresented as alleged honor violators despite the perception among midshipmen that all social groups, including women, are treated equally. The interview data suggest that women are indirectly targeted because of three factors related to their status as a token population: high visibility, the greater likelihood of being perceived as subperformers, and the lower likelihood of being protected by norms concerning peer loyalty because of exclusion from male friends...
Relative property A and relative amenability for countable groups

Abstract We define a relative property A for a countable group with respect to a finite family of subgroups. Many characterizations for relative property A are given. In particular a relative bounded cohomological characterization shows that if G has property A relative to a family of subgroups H and if each H ∈ H has property A, then G has property A. This result leads to new classes of groups that have property A. In particular, groups are of property A if they act cocompactly on locally finite property A spaces of bounded geometry with any stabilizer of property A. Specializing the definition of relative property A, an analogue definition of relative amenability for discrete groups is introduced and similar results are obtained.
Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, is responsible for more than 57 000 deaths annually. More than 150 000 new cases are reported each year. While environmental risk factors remain under investigation as potential triggers of DNA injury that underlies carcinogenesis, the nature of the DNA lesions has been a focus of molecular medicine. The uncontrolled cell growth that leads to the development of colon cancer is now believed to result from a series of inherited or acquired mutations in DNA repair genes, oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes. Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, the most common form of inherited colon cancer, has been linked to a defective DNA repair gene that has been localized to the short arm of chromosome 2. 1,2 The defective gene appears to be carried by one in every 200 persons and may be responsible for as much as 15%
Fluorescent labeling of carbohydrates and analysis by liquid chromatography. Comparison of derivatives using mannosidosis oligosaccharides

To enhance resolution and detectability of carbohydrates by liquid chromatography, two fluorescent labels, introduced into oligosaccharides by reductive amination, were compared by use of standard sugars and a complex, biological sample of D-mannose oligomers obtained from the urine of a mannosidosis patient. Both labels, 2-aminopyridine and 7-amino-1-naphthol, improved the chromatographic efficiency and detection sensitivity. However, reductive amination with the pyridinylamine derivative was incomplete. The Schiff-base intermediates left in the mixtures were only partially resolved by chromatography and complicate the patterns. In contrast, the naphtholamine derivatives were completely reduced and, in addition, possess enhanced fluorescence.
Satellite spectra for high-lying resonance states of heliumlike chromium and nickel

We report on the wavelengths and satellite intensity factors of heliumlike nickel and chromium ions undergoing dielectronic recombinations via several high-lying resonance states. We have considered the process 1{ital s}{sup 2}+{epsilon}{ital l}{r arrow}(1{ital s}2{ital lnl}{prime}){sup *}{r arrow}1{ital s}{sup 2}{ital ml}{prime}{prime}+{gamma} for {ital n}=5, 6, 7, and 8 with all possible values of {ital l} and {ital l}{prime}, where {ital n} is the principal quantum number of the outermost electron of the doubly excited intermediate resonance state. The calculations have been performed in the intermediate-coupling scheme using the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock model.
Knee Valgus During Drop Jumps in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Female Athletes The Effect of a Medial Post

BackgroundFemale athletes land from a jump with greater knee valgus and ankle pronation/eversion. Excessive valgus and pronation have been linked to risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury. A medially posted orthosis decreases component motions of knee valgus such as foot pronation/eversion and tibial internal rotation.HypothesisWe hypothesized a medial post would decrease knee valgus and ankle pronation/eversion during drop-jump landings in NCAA-I female athletes.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsKnee and ankle 3-dimensional kinematics were measured using high-speed motion capture in 10 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female athletes during a drop-jump landing with and without a medial post. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in posting condition, t tests were used to determine dominant-nondominant differences, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine relationships between variables.ResultsSignificant differences were found for a...
Iambic IBM AI: the palindrome discovery AI project

In this paper, I describe an AI laboratory assignment in which students implement standard search techniques and explore heuristic measures of their own design for a palindrome discovery system. The system successfully derives palindromic sequences of words, many of which are meaningful, and achieves what is to the author's knowledge the first automatic generation of palindromes. Code is made available to students which implements the state space for palindrome search. This makes a large-scale problem accessible to introductory AI students by harnessing their knowledge of natural language. Students were motivated by the intrigue of discovering new palindromes.
Coulomb gauge model of mesons

A model of mesons which is based on the QCD Hamiltonian in Coulomb gauge is presented. The model relies on a novel quasiparticle basis to improve the reliability of the Fock space expansion. It is also relativistic, yields chiral pions, and is tightly constrained by QCD (quark masses are the only parameters). Applications to hidden flavor mesons yield results comparable to phenomenological constituent quark models while revealing the limitations of such models.
Comparative mutagenicity of halomethanes and halonitromethanes in Salmonella TA100: structure-activity analysis and mutation spectra.

Abstract Halonitromethanes (HNMs) are a recently identified class of disinfection by-products (DPBs) in drinking water that are mutagenic in Salmonella and potent inducers of DNA strand breaks in mammalian cells. Here we compared the mutagenic potencies of the HNMs to those of their halomethane (HM) homologues by testing all nine HNMs and seven of the nine HMs (minus bromomethane and chloromethane) under the same conditions (the pre-incubation assay) in Salmonella TA100 ± S9. We also determined the mutation spectra for several DBPs. In the presence of S9, all nine HNMs, but only three HMs, dibromomethane (DBM), dichloromethane (DCM), and bromochloromethane (BCM), were mutagenic. Only two DBPs of each class were mutagenic in the absence of S9. The HNMs were generally more potent mutagens than their HM homologues, and the brominated forms of both classes of DBPs were more mutagenic and cytotoxic than their chlorinated homologues. The HNMs were at least 10 times more cytotoxic than the HMs, and the cytotoxicity rankings in the presence of S9 were similar for the HNMs and the HMs. The addition of a nitro-group to BCM did not change the mutation spectra significantly, with both homologues inducing primarily (55–58%) GC → AT transitions. The greater cytotoxic and mutagenic activities of the HNMs relative to the HMs are likely due to the greater intrinsic reactivity conferred by the nitro-group. Energy calculations predicted increased reactivity with increasing bromination and greater reactivity of the HNMs versus the HMs ( E lumo values were ∼20 kcal/mol lower for the HNMs compared to their HM homologues). Given that the HNMs also are potent genotoxins in mammalian cells [Environ. Sci. Technol. 38 (2004) 62] and are more mutagenic and 10× more cytotoxic in Salmonella than the HMs, whose levels are regulated in drinking water, further study of their occurrence and potential health effects is warranted.
What attributes guide the deployment of visual attention and how do they do it

As you drive into the centre of town, cars and trucks approach from several directions, and pedestrians swarm into the intersection. The wind blows a newspaper into the gutter and a pigeon does something unexpected on your windshield. This would be a demanding and stressful situation, but you would probably make it to the other side of town without mishap. Why is this situation taxing, and how do you cope?
“Shaping Communities” as a Christian Practice and Popular Religion: Their Implications for Latina/o Religious Education in the United States

Abstract This article sets Dorothy Bass' Christian practices movement in critical dialogue with U.S. Latina/o popular religion in order to explore ways that these distinctive sets of practices could enrich one another. Then, it focuses on shaping communities as a Christian practice and correlates it with the U.S. Latina/o popular religious practices enacted by a predominantly Mexican-American congregation in East Los Angeles, California. It concludes by examining the implications for U.S. Latina/o religious education in light of Jose Irizarry-Mercado's concepts of bilingual aesthetic and inter-cultural experience.
Hepatotoxicity is not increased in alcoholics with positive urinary cocaine metabolites

Cocaine hepatotoxicity in mice has been reported by numerous investigators. Such hepatotoxicity in other animal models has been more difficult to produce. We prospectively assessed 1212 alcoholics admitted for detoxification for historical, clinical and laboratory evidence of concomitant cocaine/crack use and evidence of liver disease. The 470 cocaine positive subjects had both longer durations and higher average daily costs of cocaine/crack use than the 742 cocaine negative subjects, but had a shorter duration of alcohol use. Serum transaminases were higher in the cocaine negative group. There were no clinically severe cases of liver disease or rhabdomyolysis in either group. Serum hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis A antibody were more frequent in the cocaine positive subjects. In conclusion, in this large sample of alcoholics abusing cocaine, severe hepatotoxicity was not at all evident. The previous reports of hepatotoxicity may represent co-morbidity. Some possibilities include infection with a hepatitis or other virus, the presence of an adulterant, an idiosyncratic reaction or an enzymatic abnormality.
Sample size requirements for estimating pearson, kendall and spearman correlations

Interval estimates of the Pearson, Kendall tau-a and Spearman correlations are reviewed and an improved standard error for the Spearman correlation is proposed. The sample size required to yield a confidence interval having the desired width is examined. A two-stage approximation to the sample size requirement is shown to give accurate results.
Influence of degassing on oxidation states of basaltic magmas

Intrinsic oxygen fugacity measurements on minerals from mafic rocks that cool at pressures greater than one atmosphere indicate that the Earth's interior is in a more reduced state than are the erupting tholeiitic magmas. This review suggests that specific oxidation–reduction equilibria within magmas and between magma and vapour can account for the characteristic oxygen fugacities of most lavas. A model is presented to illustrate how an initially highly reduced mafic magma may oxidize by degassing of C-species in the conditions of the shallow crust.
Sexual risk avoidance and sexual risk reduction interventions for middle school youth: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of two, theory-based, multimedia, middle school sexual education programs in delaying sexual initiation. Methods Three-armed, randomized controlled trial comprising 15 urban middle schools; 1,258 predominantly African American and Hispanic seventh grade students followed into ninth grade. Both programs included group and individualized, computer-based activities addressing psychosocial variables. The risk avoidance (RA) program met federal abstinence education guidelines; the risk reduction (RR) program emphasized abstinence and included computer-based condom skills-training. The primary outcome assessed program impact on delayed sexual initiation; secondary outcomes assessed other sexual behaviors and psychosocial outcomes. Results Participants were 59.8% females (mean age: 12.6 years). Relative to controls, the RR program delayed any type of sexual initiation (oral, vaginal, or anal sex) in the overall sample (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: .65, 95% CI: .54–.77), among females (AOR: .43, 95% CI: .31–.60), and among African Americans (AOR: .38, 95% CI: .18–.79). RR students also reduced unprotected sex at last intercourse (AOR: .67, 95% CI: .47–.96), frequency of anal sex in the past 3 months (AOR: .53, 95% CI: .33–.84), and unprotected vaginal sex (AOR: .59, 95% CI: .36–.95). The RA program delayed any sexual initiation among Hispanics (AOR: .40, 95% CI: .19–.86), reduced unprotected sex at last intercourse (AOR: .70, 95% CI: .52–.93), but increased the number of recent vaginal sex partners (AOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.01–2.82). Both programs positively affected psychosocial outcomes. Conclusions The RR program positively affected sexually inexperienced and experienced youth, whereas the RA program delayed initiation among Hispanics and had mixed effects among sexually experienced youth.