cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exemptions for Hookah Bars in Clean Indoor Air Legislation: A Public Health Concern

Popularity of waterpipe smoking or hookah smoking in the United States has been growing for some time now among youth and young adults. Currently, many cities and states have exemptions that allow hookah bars to remain in operation despite the passage of clean indoor air legislation. From a public health perspective this is concerning for many reasons. One public health concern with the increase in popularity of this type of tobacco use is the associated health effects. Another concern is that hookah smoke produces a sweet smelling aroma making it less obvious that patrons and employees of hookah bars are inhaling noxious fumes from mainstream smoke, as well as the toxins from the charcoal that is used to heat the tobacco. The purpose of this paper is to discuss smoke-free air legislation in relation to hookah use, the public health implications of exempting hookah bars from current smoke-free legislation, and implications for the public health nurse in protecting the public from the dangers of second-hand smoke, and limiting this new form of tobacco use.
Influence of vocal fold stiffness and acoustic loading on flow-induced vibration of a single-layer vocal fold model

The flow-induced vibrations of a single-layer vocal fold model were investigated as a function of vocal fold stiffness, and subglottal and supraglottal acoustic loading. Previously, it was reported that the single-layer vocal fold model failed to vibrate when short, clinically-relevant tracheal tubes were used. Moreover, it was reported that the model had a propensity to be acoustically driven, and aerodynamically driven vibration was observed only when a vertical restraint was applied superiorly to the vocal folds. However, in this study involving a wider range of source/tract conditions, the previous conclusions were shown to apply only for the special case of a stiff vocal fold model, for which self-oscillation occurred only when the vocal fold vibration synchronized to either a subglottal or supraglottal resonance. For a more general case, when vocal fold stiffness was decreased, the model did exhibit self-oscillation at short tracheal tubes, and no vertical restraint was needed to induce aerodynamically driven phonation. Nevertheless, the vocal fold vibration transitioned from aerodynamically-driven to acoustically-driven vibration when one of the subglottal resonance frequencies approximated one of the natural frequencies of the vocal folds. In this region, strong superior-inferior vibrations were observed, the phonation threshold pressure was significantly reduced, and the phonation onset frequency was heavily influenced by the dominant acoustic resonance. For acoustically-driven phonation, a compliant subglottal system always lowered phonation threshold. However, an inertive vocal tract could either increase or decrease phonation threshold pressure, depending on the phonation frequency.
Theoretical modeling of plasmon resonances: effect of aspect ratio in spheroidal nanoshells

Plasmon resonances are computed for prolate spheroidal nanoshells. Both longitudinal and transverse resonances are investigated as a function of aspect ratio. Formulas for the surface charge density on the outside and inside shell surfaces are derived.
Lipopolysaccharide stimulates p62-dependent autophagy-like aggregate clearance in hepatocytes.

Impairment of autophagy has been associated with liver injury. TLR4-stimulation by LPS upregulates autophagy in hepatocytes, although the signaling pathways involved remain elusive. The objective of this study was to determine the signaling pathway leading to LPS-stimulated autophagy in hepatocytes. Cell lysates from livers of wild type (WT; C57BL/6) mice given LPS (5 mg/kg-IP) and hepatocytes from WT, TLR4ko, and MyD88ko mice treated with LPS (100 ng/mL) up to 24 h were collected. LC3II, p62/SQSTM1, Nrf2, and beclin1 levels were determined by immunoblot, immunofluorescence, and qPCR. Autophagy-like activation was measured by GFP-LC3-puncta formation and LC3II-expression. Beclin1, Nrf2, p62, MyD88, and TIRAP were knocked-down using siRNA. LC3II-expression increased in both liver and hepatocytes after LPS and was dependent on TLR4. Beclin1 expression did not increase after LPS in hepatocytes and beclin1-knockdown did not affect LC3II levels. In hepatocytes given LPS, expression of p62 increased and p62 colocalized with LC3. p62-knockdown prevented LC3II puncta formation. LPS-induced LC3II/p62-puncta also required MyD88/TIRAP signaling and localization of both Nrf2 and NFκB transcription factors to the nucleus to upregulate p62-expression. Therefore, TLR4-activation by LPS in hepatocytes induces a p62-mediated, not beclin1-mediated, autophagy-like clearance pathway that is hepatoprotective by clearing aggregate-prone or misfolded proteins from the cytosol and preserving energy homeostasis under stress.
Regression-based variable clustering for data reduction.

In many studies it is of interest to cluster states, counties or other small regions in order to obtain improved estimates of disease rates or other summary measures, and a more parsimonious representation of the country as a whole. This may be the case if there are too many to summarize concisely, and/or many regions with a small number of cases. By merging the regions into larger geographic areas, we obtain more cases within each area (and hence lower standard errors for parameter estimates), as well as fewer areas to summarize in terms of disease rates. The resulting clusters should be such that regions within the same cluster are similar in terms of their disease rates. In this paper we present a clustering algorithm which uses data at the subject-specific level in order to cluster the original regions into a reduced set of larger areas. The proposed clustering algorithm expresses the clustering goals in terms of a regression framework. This formulation of the problem allows the regions to be clustered in terms of their association with the response, and confounding variables measured at the subject-specific level may be easily incorporated during the clustering process. Additionally, this framework allows estimation and testing of the association between the areas and the response. The statistical properties and performance of the algorithm were evaluated via simulation studies, and the results are promising. Additional simulations illustrate the importance of controlling for confounding variables during the clustering process, rather than after the clusters are determined. The algorithm is illustrated with data from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Although developed with a specific application in mind, the method is applicable to a wide range of problems.
Urokinase is required for T lymphocyte proliferation and activation in vitro

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that urokinase-deficient (uPA–/–) mice do not increase lung T lymphocyte number and fail to mount protective immune responses during pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans infection. These observations suggest a previously unconsidered role for urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in T lymphocyte–mediated immune responses. Accordingly, we sought to determine whether uPA is required for T cell receptor–mediated (TCR-mediated) lymphocyte proliferation and activation. Splenocytes from uPA–/– and uPA+/+ mice were stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A). The uPA–/– mice had diminished T cell proliferation as compared with uPA+/+ mice. Coculturing uPA–/– T cells with uPA+/+ accessory cells led to the restoration of proliferation. Similarly, T cell proliferation induced by CD3 cross-linking was diminished in uPA–/– mice as compared with uPA+/+ mice. T lymphocyte activation, defined as the induced expression of antigens and the elaboration of cytokines, was determined. The expression of CD69 and that of CD49d were diminished in response to Con A stimulation in uPA–/– mice as compared with uPA+/+ mice. The elaboration of cytokines in response to Con A was also altered in the uPA–/– mice. The production of the Th1 cytokines interferon-γ and interleukin-12 was diminished in uPA–/– mice as compared with uPA+/+ mice. The uPA–/– mice produced increased amounts of interleukin-10, a Th2 cytokine. We conclude that the lack of uPA results in impaired T cell activation and proliferation in response to TCR-mediated signaling and the expression of a less Th1-polarized profile of cytokines. These findings suggest that the inability of uPA–/– mice to combat Cryptococcus neoformans infection may be caused by the impairment of T lymphocyte immune responses in the absence of uPA. (J Lab Clin Med 1999;133:274-88)
Clostridium difficile infection and proton pump inhibitors.

Purpose of reviewClostridium difficile is an intestinal infection associated with antibiotic use, commonly seen in patients with chronic medical issues. The purpose of this review is to discuss the association of C. difficile-associated diarrhea with use of proton pump inhibitors.Recent findingsMult
Building the Cancer Family: Family Planning in the Context of Inherited Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk

Deleterious BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene alterations significantly elevate a woman’s risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. A simple blood test can identify the presence of a BRCA gene alteration in a patient’s DNA. Increasingly, individuals pursuing genetic testing to identify these alterations are also involved in family planning and parenting young children. However, the challenges unique to BRCA gene alteration carriers of reproductive age are just beginning to be studied. This investigation identifies the influences of family medical histories and genetic testing on reproductive choices and examines the meanings of family planning and parenting in the context of genetic medicine.23 female BRCA gene alteration carriers of reproductive age were recruited from an urban hospital and an Internet-based support community. Each participant completed an open-ended interview and constructed a medically focused family genogram. Interviews addressed family experiences with cancer, perceptions of cancer...
Up, Up, and Away: The Reinvigoration of Meteorology in the United States: 1958 to 1962.

Meteorology (later broadened to the term atmospheric sciences) received a much-needed boost in the United States during the period 1956 to 1962. It was primarily due to the efforts of concerned members of the National Academy of Sciences, several American meteorologists, and support from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The story of NSF involvement with members of the atmospheric sciences community provides a miniature historical study of the development of the discipline, as well as an example of the functions of the science agency in accepting responsibility for promoting the creation of scientific knowledge and development of scientific talent.
Pharmacological treatment of depression in children and adolescents

Major depression is a common disorder during childhood and adolescence. Over the past decade, many new antidepressants have been marketed in the US. In adults, these newer agents have been shown to be as effective as the prototypic tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Further, when compared with the TCAs these medications are better tolerated and are safer in overdose. Although TCAs are effective in the treatment of depressed adults, controlled clinical trials have not demonstrated their efficacy in either children or adolescents. In addition, concerns about the safety of TCAs and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors has left disappointingly few pharmacological treatment options available for depressed children and adolescents. For this reason, clinicians have begun to prescribe the newer agents for this population, despite the fact that relatively little is known about their disposition, safety or effectiveness in the young. Investigators have begun to examine whether the use of newer antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, and venlafaxine is truly indicated for children and adolescents with major depression. Pharmacokinetic studies of sertraline, paroxetine and nefazodone have been performed in depressed youths. The results of these studies have provided data for rational administration strategies for these agents. They have also provided evidence that these agents may be well tolerated in children and adolescents. Further evidence that these agents are often well tolerated when prescribed to depressed youths has been obtained from both open-label and double-blind studies. Published studies have generally shown that open-label treatment with these newer agents often leads to symptom amelioration in paediatric patients with major depression. Since high rates of placebo response are often seen in depressed children and adolescents, results from these studies cannot be interpreted to suggest that these medications have true antidepressant efficacy in this population. At present, the results of only two such studies have been published. The results of one of these trials are difficult to interpret because of methodological considerations. The other study reported that treatment with fluoxetine was superior to placebo. This paper critically reviews what has been published about the pharmacological treatment of depressed paediatric patients and provides some guidance to the use of antidepressants in this patient population, paying particular attention to what is known about the newer antidepressants as well as considering directions for future research.
A monolithic polyimide micro cryogenic cooler

In this paper, we present the fabrication and testing of a monolithic polymer Joule-Thomson (J-T) micro cryogenic cooler (MCC) cold stage. The MCC cold stages are fabricated monolithically on a wafer all of polyimide. The fabrication is based on surface micro-machining technology using electroplated copper as the sacrificial layers and polyimide as the structural material. One of the techniques enabling this novel approach is the development of the wafer-level 3-D interconnect for making high pressure, e.g. 10 atm polymer fluid micro channels. To evaluate the performance of the MCC, a five-component fluid mixture designed for cooling from 300 K to 200 K was used as a refrigerant. The cold tip was able to reach to about 190 K under a refrigerant pressure ratio of only 5.5:1.1 bar. The heat-lift at 200 K was measured to be 5.2 mW.
The role of a hospital-based psychosocial unit in terminal cancer illness and bereavement.

THE MANAGEMENT of patients with fatal illness, especially in the late stages of their lives, has become the subject of much concern in the past decade. Multiple articles have appeared in health related, as well as in general publications, concerned with different facets of the dying experience. Descriptive words such as loneliness, isolation, and despair are now in common parlance, as are such psychological terms as denial, bargaining, and acceptance. Institutional medicine’s concerns have grown as more people die in hospitals and nursing homes. For people with long term chronic and fatal illness, the hospital is not just the place where they die, but is the major support system during the last months to years of life. The after effects of a death on survivors have also been receiving considerable attention. Death may come suddenly and unexpectedly, or after a prolonged and chronic illness, resulting in different bereavement patterns in survivors. Such patterns are influenced by age, direct kinship relationship, personality characteristics of survivors, and other psychologic and socioeconomic factors. In a broad sense, a death and consequent bereavement exposes survivors to potential deterioration of mental, social and physical health [l-3]. Increased mortality due to heart disease, suicide, and other disorders have been noted, as have serious depressive states and psychosis, and such derangements as alcoholism, extensive drug use, and inappropriate behaviors [4-61. Work and school problems as well as increase in anti-social actions, have been recorded [7, 81. Visible grieving is scarcely acceptable today as a social requisite, and an exhibition of grieving beyond the initial days after a death is given little tolerance by middle class American society. Most bereaved, after an intense week or so of open community and family support, are usually left on their own, with proscriptions against ‘carrying on too long’. The intra-psychic and interpersonal problems in bereavement behavior are poorly understood by most health professionals, although some excellent reviews of grief and bereavement exist in medical literature [9, lo]. In general, medical support systems for the bereaved do not exist in our communities. The clinical course for many cancer patients, and for their families, is marked by
Evidence for control of mast cell granule protease in situ by low pH

Abstract The second order rate constant, k 2 , for the inhibition of mast cell protease I by phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) is lower for intact mast cells and isolated granules with intact membranes than for granules stripped of their membranes and suspended in medium at pH 7.1. In order to test the hypothesis that the decreased activity of the protease in intact granles is attributable to low pH, two agents capable of lowering pH in intracellular compartments similar to mast cell granules were tested. Ammonium chloride increased k 2 of the protease in isolated granules with intact membranes and mast cells and wash out of the salt partially reversed this effect. Treatment of cells with nigericin also substantially increased the rate of protease inactivation by PMSF. These results are consistent with the proposal that the observed k 2 is determined in whole or part by a low pH of the granule in situ or isolated with intact membranes. If the low k 2 in situ is solely dependent on low pH, then the rate of protease inhibition can be utilized as an endogenous probe of granule pH. On this basis we have estimated the pH of the intracellular granule as 5.2 and that of the isolated granule with its membrane intact as 6.0. The value for the pH of granules in situ is lower than that previously estimated, and we have considered possible bases for this discrepancy.
Genetic kidney diseases

Summary Knowledge of the primary cause of a disease is essential for elucidation of its mechanisms, and for adequate classification, prognosis, and treatment. Recently, the causes of many kidney diseases have been shown to be single-gene defects—eg, steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, which is caused by podocin mutations in about 25% of children and nearly 15% of adults with the disease. Knowledge of a disease-causing mutation in a single-gene disorder represents one of the most robust diagnostic examples of personalised medicine because the mutation conveys an almost 100% risk of developing the disease by a defined age. Whereas single-gene diseases are rare disorders, polygenic risk alleles arise in common adult-onset diseases. In this Review, I will discuss prominent renal single-gene kidney disorders, and polygenic risk alleles of common disorders. I delineate how emerging techniques of total exome capture and large-scale sequencing will assist molecular genetic diagnosis, prognosis, and specific treatment, and lead to an improved elucidation of disease mechanisms, thus enabling development of new targeted drugs.
Aromatic polyether, ‐ketone, ‐sulfones as laminating resins. XI. Polymers derived from 2,2′‐diiododiphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid

Aromatic polyether-keto-sulfone polymers and related model compounds have been synthesized from 2,2′-diiododiphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid and a variety of intermediates. It was hoped to convert them to 2,2′-diphenylethynyl derivatives which could be cured by rearrangement to give dibenzanthracene units in the chain. Low solubilities and high melting points of the products prevented their use in the desired manner.
New gel polyelectrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries

New polyelectrolytes were synthesized by grafting the allyl group containing lithium salt, lithium bis(allylmalonato)borate (LiBAMB), onto poly[pentaethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate-co-allyoxyethyl acrylate] through hydrosilylation chemistry. Gel polyelectrolytes were obtained by adding 50 wt.% of different 1/1 (wt/wt) mixtures of propylene carbonate (PC), ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and tetraethyleneglycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME). The highest ambient conductivity was 2.7×10−8 S cm−1 for the dry single ion conductors and 7.9×10−6 S cm−1 for the gel single ion conductor containing 50 wt.% of EC/DMC (1/1, wt/wt), and both are obtained for the sample with an EO/Li ratio of 40/1. The conductivity order of gel electrolytes containing the same amount of different mixed solvents suggests that the conductivity of the gel is more determined by the dielectric constant rather than by the viscosity of the solvent. The preliminary Li/Li cycling profile of a dry single ion conductor is encouraging, as almost no concentration polarization and relaxation was observed. However, some fluctuation of potential occurred, which might be due to the reactions of the electrolyte on the surface of lithium metal.
Cross coursing in mathematics: physical modelling in differential equations crossing to discrete dynamical systems

We give an example of cross coursing in which a subject or approach in one course in undergraduate mathematics is used in a completely different course. This situation crosses falling body modelling in an upper level differential equations course into a modest discrete dynamical systems unit of a first-year mathematics course.
Cell biology: survival in three dimensions.

Whether a cell lives or dies depends on various local cues. New work reveals that those cues include a cell's spatial relationship with its neighbours and polarized interactions with the adjacent extracellular matrix.
Family-centered care in pediatric critical care transport.

Abstract Objective Family-centered care (FCC) in medicine highlights mutually beneficial partnerships among providers, patients, and families. In the field of specialty pediatric critical care transport (SPCCT), FCC includes family presence during transport. We sought to describe family presence and family/staff perspectives of FCC in transport. Methods This institutional review board–approved study established family presence rates among 5 SPCCT teams. At the top-performing family presence team, parents of transported children were interviewed. A staff survey measured perspectives on FCC using SurveyMonkey (Palo Alto, CA). Statistical tests including chi-square and Fisher exact tests for comparative data were applied using SPSSv17.0 software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Results The cohort-wide range of family presence was 23% to 66%. Parents were 4 times more likely to accompany their child if transported by ground versus air (ground: 26 [59%] vs. air: 6 [26%]). Sex, race, travel distance from referral hospital, and child's age did not influence the rate of family accompaniment. Most staff (76%) received education on FCC. Conclusions This study informs how transport factors and parent/staff perceptions influence parental presence on transport at a single center. Opportunities to optimize transport FCC include defining protocols for ground and air transport, establishing a more welcoming attitude toward parents, and designing an FCC educational module specific for transport staff.
Helix formation between polyribonucleotides and purines, purine nucleosides and nucleotides. II.

A number of monomeric nucleic acid components react with polynucleotides to form well-defined complexes having helical structures similar to those formed between corresponding pairs of high polymers. The monomer can be a purine or a purine nucleoside or nucleotide, but no pyrimidine derivative has yet been found to form such complexes. The phenomenon has been investigated by infrared spectroscopy and optical rotation and by use of an enzyme of known sensitivity to secondary structure. Base-pairing specificity of interaction is observed, and the components react in definite stoichiometric ratios. The dependence of the stabilities of some of the complexes upon concentration of reactants, concentration of salt, and upon temperature has been determined.
The solubility parameter of polypropylene

Solubility parameter values for polypropylene as reported in the literature cover a rather broad span, ranging from 7.9 to 9.4 (cal./cm.3)1/2. This communication suggests the approximate value 8.2. This value is based on the swelling and dissolution characteristics of polypropylene films in various organic liquids. A calculated value of 8.1, obtained by Small's method, compares well with the experimentally determined value.
Rising Incidence of Intestinal Infections in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nationwide Analysis.

Background Intestinal infections are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may mimic IBD flares. In this study, we estimate the changing incidence of intestinal infections among IBD hospitalizations and assess the impact of intestinal infections on key hospitalization metrics. Methods The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was analyzed for hospitalizations from IBD between 1998 and 2014. Intestinal infections were identified using ICD-9-CM codes, and incidence for each infection was calculated for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effects of intestinal infections on hospitalization duration, charges, and mortality. Results There were 4,030,620 hospitalizations for IBD between 1998 and 2014. The annual incidence of intestinal infections rose from 26.2 to 70.6 infections per 1000 IBD hospitalizations (Ptrend < 0.01). A main driver of this rising incidence was Clostridium difficile infections, which increased from 7.8 to 32.1 per 1000 CD hospitalizations and from 23.0 to 84.7 per 1000 UC hospitalizations (Ptrend < 0.01). The incidence of other intestinal infections increased from 10.2 to 15.3 per 1000 CD hospitalizations and 16.5 to 25.3 per 1000 UC hospitalizations. Intestinal infections and particularly C. difficile infections were associated with longer hospitalizations, greater hospital charges, and greater all-cause mortality. Conclusions The incidence of intestinal infections among hospitalized IBD patients has increased over the past 15 years, primarily driven by C. difficile infections. Intestinal infections are associated with length of stay, hospital charges, and all-cause mortality. More aggressive measures for prevention of C. difficile infections are needed. 10.1093/ibd/izy086_video1izy086.video15779257979001.
Linearly exact transverse displacement variation

Linearly exact displacement and strain variations in transverse coordinate within shell structure
The human type I interferon gene cluster

Abstract The human type I interferon genes are clustered on the short arm of chromosome 9, at band 9p21. The structure of this gene cluster has been recently determined, and is described. The organization of the genes, and their divergence in sequence give clues about the possible mechanisms that were involved in the evolution of the type I interferons. The IFNA genes and IFNW pseudogenes can be separated in two groups: a distal group of 10 genes and pseudogenes, that has a more recent origin, and a proximal group of 13 genes and pseudogenes, which expanded earlier in the evolution of the cluster.
Short-Term Rescue of Neonatal Lethality in a Mouse Model of Propionic Acidemia by Gene Therapy

Abstract Propionic acidemia (PA) is a metabolic disorder that causes mental retardation and that can be fatal if untreated. PA is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion involving mutations in PCCA or PCCB encoding the α and β subunits of propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC). Current treatment is based on dietary restriction of substrate amino acids, which attenuates symptoms. However, patients still experience episodes of hyperammonemia that can cause progressive neurologic damage. In this paper, we have tested gene therapy approaches to PA in a stringent mouse model of PCCA deficiency, in which homozygous knockout mice are born but die within 36 hr. In this work, we have delivered first-generation and helper-dependent adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors expressing the human PCCA cDNA by intraperitoneal injection into newborn mice. Unmodified Ad5 vectors mediated extensive transduction of the peritoneum with weak liver transduction as determined by luciferase imaging and dsRed expression. In contrast, mod...
Weighted least squares estimates in partly linear regression models

Abstract This paper constructs root- n consistent weighted least squares estimates with random weights of the finite-dimensional parameter in the partly linear regression model with heteroscedastic errors. These new estimates have smaller asymptotic dispersion than the least squares type estimates previously constructed in these models.
Deamination of β-phenylethylamine by monoamine oxidase—Inhibition by imipramine

Abstract The oxidative deamination of tyramine (Tyr), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and β-phenylethylamine (PEA) by mitochondrial preparations of rabbit lung and brain was inhibited by imipramine. This tricyclic iminodibenzyl antidepressant drug was most effective in decreasing the deamination of PEA: at 1 × 10 −4 M imipramine, deamination of PEA, Tyr and 5-HT was inhibited by approximately 70, 45 and 45 per cent, respectively, when either lung or brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) preparations were used. Imipramine-induced inhibition of MAO was shown to be of a mixed type based on Lineweaver-Burk plots, but was found to be completely reversible. The desmcthyl and didesmethyl derivatives of imipramine were equally as effective as the parent drug in inhibiting the deamination of PEA, whereas the N -oxide analog of imipramine was less effective as an inhibitor of this reaction. These results support the premise that the action of imipramine as a clinically effective antidepressive agent may be related to its inhibitory effect on the specific form of MAO which deaminates PEA.
N-methyl threonine analogues of deglycobleomycin A2: synthesis and evaluation.

Abstract The synthesis of 5 and its D- allo -threonine epimer 6 and the comparison of their DNA cleavage efficiency and selectivity with that of deglycobleomycin A 2 ( 3 ) are detailed. The studies illustrate that N -methylation of the l -threonine subunit within deglycobleomycin A 2 dramatically reduces the DNA cleavage efficiency (10–15-fold), weakens and nearly abolishes the inherent DNA cleavage selectivity, but has little effect on the inherent oxidation capabilities of the activated Fe(III) complexes. The results are consistent with a previously unrecognized prominent role for the threonine NH and the potential importance of a hydrogen bond to the Fe(III) hydroperoxide complex of bleomycin or a subsequent activated complex implicated in recent structural models.
Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia; treatment with prednisone, 6-mercaptopurine, vincristine, and fresh plasma transfusions.

Three children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia received prednisone, 6-mercaptopurine, vincristine, and, on separate occasions, transfusions of fresh plasma in an attempt to elevate the level of circulating platelets. Toxicity of vincristine is a serious limiting factor, and it was relatively ineffective in increasing the platelet counts. 6-Mercaptopurine was also ineffective. Fresh plasma transfusions produced no permanent platelet response.
Redefining the metabolic continuity of chloroplasts and ER

As a hub for plant metabolism, plastids extensively exchange metabolites with the extraplastid environment. For polar metabolites, membrane transporters mediate this exchange, but for many plastid-synthesized nonpolar compounds, such transporters remain elusive. Here, we discuss recent data from transorganellar complementation studies that demonstrate that enzymes in one organelle can directly access nonpolar metabolites from a companion organelle. We propose that a mechanism, based on hemifused-membranes at plastid–endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites, facilitates interorganellar interactions and allows enzymes direct, transporter-independent access to a range of nonpolar compounds in both organelle membranes. In a wider context, interorganellar metabolism at hemifusion interfaces would allow evolution of membrane-spanning pathways for the many thousands of nonpolar metabolites in the plant kingdom to be uncoupled from coevolution with nonpolar metabolite transporters.
UCLA Community College Review: Why Practitioners and Researchers Ignore Each Other (Even When They Are The Same Person):

Differences between researchers and practitioners can be found in four areas: the distance from the object of study; the ideological perspective; the purposes of the research; and the political agenda behind the research. Each of these principles dominates the perceptions of the people involved and thus contributes to the phenomenon of mutual indifference. This divide between research and practice can be bridged through providing community college leadership for research on instruction, fostering cooperation between university-based researchers and community college practitioners, and merging university and community college research methods (such as qualitative research and action research). Researchers and practitioners can speak to one another, but only if they employ a common language.
The family check-up with high-risk young adolescents: Preventing early-onset substance use by parent monitoring

The Family Check-Up (FCU) is a brief, family-centered intervention focused on family-management practices. Within the context of a randomly assigned, multilevel family intervention, high-risk youth and families (n = 71) were selected for video-taped home observation that includes an interaction task assessing parent monitoring. Parents in the intervention group were offered annual feedback on the yearly assessment, including their home observation. Using an intention-to-treat design, analyses revealed intervention effects on early-adolescent substance use and observed parent monitoring by the first year of high school (Year 4 of follow-up). As in previous research, parents of high-risk adolescents were observed to decrease monitoring from grades 7 to 9. However, families randomly assigned to the family intervention maintained their monitoring practices. Regression analyses revealed the prevention effect of the FCU on substance use was mediated by changes in parental monitoring. Findings suggest the promise of linking developmental theory with innovation in cognitive behavioral intervention and prevention.
Effect of Overseeding Forages into Alfalfa on Alfalfa Weevil, Forage Yield and Quality

Many alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) fields are sprayed each year with insecticides to control Egyptian alfalfa weevil (Hypera brunneipennis) and the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica). Overseeding various species of legumes and grasses into established alfalfa has been proposed as a method to mitigate weevil damage without insecticides. Established fields of alfalfa were overseeded with legumes and grasses in randomized complete block designs in three years of study in a Mediterranean climate in the Sacramento Valley of California, USA. Several overseeding practices maintained or increased yields compared with the insecticide-sprayed treatment. Overseeding increased or maintained forage yield, eliminating the need for insecticides. However, overseeding did not prevent weevil damage to alfalfa. Overseeding is best used to extend the life of alfalfa stands in the final year of production, since overseeding can thin alfalfa stands. Market acceptance for mixed-species hay and harvest management of overseeded forages are the most important limitations to overseeding practices. Einflus einer Einsaat von Futterpflanzen in Luzerne auf den Luzerneblattnager, Futterertrag und -qualitat Zahlreichen Luzernebestande (Medicago sativa L.) werden jahrlich mit Insektiziden bespruht gegen agyptischen Luzerneblattnager (Hyperabrunneipennis) und Luzerneblattnager (Hypera postica). Die Einsaat verschiedener Arten von Leguminosen und Grasern in Luzernebestande wurde als eine Methode vorgeschlagen, um Schaden durch Luzerneblattnager ohne Anwendung von Isektiziden zu mildern. In Luzernebestande wurden Einsaaten mit Leguminosen und Grasern vorgenommen und ein randomisierter, kompletter Blockversuch in einem Dreijahresversuch in dem mediterranen Klima des Sacramento Valley in Kalifornien, USA, angelegt. Mehrere Einsaatverfahren hielten oder steigerten den Ertrag im Vergleich zur Anwendung von Insektiziden. Allerdings verhinderten die Einsaaten nicht Schaden durch Blattnager an der Luzerne. Einsaaten sind geeignet, um die Nutzungsdauer im letzten Jahr des Anbaues eines Luzernbestandes zu verlangern, da mit der Einsaat der Bestand ausgedunnt wird. Die Akzeptanz des Marktes fur Mischarten im Heu und Ernteverfahren sind die wichtigsten Begrenzungen der Einsaatverfahren.
A comparison of the Box-Cox maximum likelihood estimator and the non-linear two-stage least squares estimator

Abstract This paper investigates the limiting behaviour of the ‘maximum likelihood estimator’(MLE) based on normality, as well as the nonlinear two-stage least squares estimator (NL2S), for the i.i.d. and regression models in which the Box-Cox transformation is applied to the dependent variable. Since the transformed variable cannot in general be normally distributed, the untransformed variable is assumed to have a two-parameter gamma distribution. Tables of probability limits and asymptotic variance demonstrate that, in this case, the inconsistency of the ‘normal MLE’ is often quite pronounced, while the NL2S is consistent and typically well behaved.
Open questions and a proposal: a critical review of the evidence on infant numerical abilities.

Considerable research has investigated infants’ numerical capacities. Studies in this domain have used procedures of habituation, head turn, violation of expectation, reaching, and crawling to ask what quantities infants discriminate and represent visually, auditorily as well as intermodally. The concensus view from these studies is that infants possess a numerical system that is amodal and applicable to the quantification of any kind of entity and that this system is fundamentally separate from other systems that represent continuous magnitude. Although there is much evidence consistent with this view, there are also inconsistencies in the data. This paper provides a broad review of what we know, including the evidence suggesting systematic early knowledge as well as the peculiarities and gaps in the empirical findings with respect to the concensus view. We argue, from these inconsistencies, that the concensus view cannot be entirely correct. In light of the evidence, we propose a new hypothesis, the Signal Clarity hypothesis, that posits a developmental role for dimensions of continuous quantity within the discrete quantity system and calls for a broader research agenda that considers the covariation of discrete and continuous quantities not simply as a problem for experimental control but as information that developing infants may use to build more precise and robust representations of number.
A Review of the Literature on Masculinity and Partner Violence

There has been increasing interest in examining aspects of masculinity as potential predictors of partner violence. This review critically examined the literature on the relationship between masculinity and partner violence. Four distinct approaches to operationalizing masculinity were identified: trait approach, normative approach, gender role conflict approach, and indirect approach. Results generally supported a relationship between each domain of masculinity and partner violence, with the exception of the trait approach. Implications for future research include the importance of examining socialization processes in the development of masculinity and partner violence, being sensitive to methods for operationalizing masculinity, using a greater proportion of clinical samples of violent men, and testing masculine-related components of interventions to reduce partner violence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Lack of Cyp1b1 promotes the proliferative and migratory phenotype of perivascular supporting cells

Perivascular supporting cells, including pericytes and smooth muscle cells (PC/SMC), have an integral role during angiogenesis and control vascular remodeling, maturation, and stabilization of neoteric vessels. We recently showed that a Cyp1B1 deficiency in mice results in the attenuation of angiogenesis in vivo and the pro-angiogenic activity of endothelial cells in vitro. However, the contribution of PC/SMC, and more specifically the cell autonomous effects of Cyp1B1 in these processes, needs further investigation. Here we demonstrate that PC constitutively expressed Cyp1B1, and that a deficiency in Cyp1B1 was associated with enhanced proliferation, and decreased apoptosis. Mechanistically, the lack of Cyp1B1 was associated with increased oxidative stress and sustained NF-κB activation, which was reversed by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. These changes were also concomitant with alterations in PC migration, adhesion, and expression of various extracellular matrix proteins, including thrombospondin-2. Cyp1B1-deficient PC also expressed decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor. Together, our results suggest an important role for Cyp1B1 expression in the regulation of PC proliferation, migration, and survival through modulation of the intracellular oxidative state and NF-κB expression and/or activity. Thus, a lack of Cyp1B1 in PC may have a significant role in vascular dysfunction and integrity, contributing to the attenuation of angiogenesis.
The Anthropology of Genetically Modified Crops

By late in the twentieth century, scientists had succeeded in manipulating organisms at the genetic level, mainly by gene transfer. The major impact of this technology has been seen in the spread of genetically modified (GM) crops, which has occurred with little controversy in some areas and with fierce controversy elsewhere. GM crops raise a very wide range of questions, and I address three areas of particular interest for anthropology and its allied fields. First are the political-economic aspects of GM, which include patenting of life forms and new relationships among agriculture, industry, and the academy. Second is the wide diversity in response and resistance to the technology. Third is the much-debated question of GM crops for the developing world. This analysis is approached first by determining what controls research agendas and then by evaluating actual impacts of crops to date.
Synthesis of Radiolabeled Juvenile Hormone Analogs and Chiral Homologs

Radiolabeled juvenile hormone (JHs) and labeled JH derivatives are required for the study of JH metabolism and JH-protein interactions as well as JH radioimmunoassay in insects. The progress in the synthesis of these labeled compounds for the last five years is reviewed, including the preparation of photoaffinity labels, enantiomerically enriched JH I and JH II with 3H labels, and radioiodinated analogs of JH I, methoprene and phenoxyphenyl ether insect growth regulators (IGRs). Experimental details are given for the efficient synthesis of two 3H-labeled photoactivatable JH analogs, EFDA and EFTP, their photolysis in methanol, and their competitive binding assays performed on the Manduca sexta JH binding proteins (JHBP).
Differential effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on constitutive and inducible prostaglandin G/H synthase in cultured bone cells

The production of prostaglandins by osteoblasts is an important mechanisms for the regulation of bone turnover. Bone cells contain both inducible and constitutive prostaglandin G/H synthase (PGHS-2 and PGHS-1) and these are differentially regulated. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which selectively inhibit one of these enzymes, would be useful in assessing their relative roles in bone metabolism. By Northern analysis, only PGHS-2 is expressed by the immortalized rat osteoblastic cell line, Py1a, while only PGHS-1 is expressed by the rat osteosarcoma cell line, ROS 17/2.8. We tested the relative inhibitory potency (IC50) of seven different NSAIDs on these two cell lines. A recently described selective inhibitor of PGHS-2, NS-398, was approximately 30 times more potent in inhibiting PGHS-2 than PGHS-1, and diclofenac was approximately 10 times more potent. Both had IC50's of approximately 3 nM for PGHS-2 in Py1a cells. Indomethacin, flurbiprofen, naproxen, and piroxicam were relatively nonselective with IC50's ranging from 30 nM to 1 microM, while 6-methoxy-2 naphthyl acetic acid, the active metabolite of nabumetone, was inhibitory only at concentrations greater than 1 microM. These results indicate that the presently available NSAIDs are unlikely to distinguish completely between effects mediated by PGHS-2 or PGHS-1. However, the cell systems employed could provide a model for the analysis of new compounds with greater selective activity.
Homovanillic acid in caudate and pre-frontal cortex following neuroleptics

Homovanillic acid (HVA) was measured in rat caudate and pre-frontal cortex 3 h following a single dose of a variety of neuroleptics. Thioridazine, haloperidol, fluphenazine, and metoclopramide increased HVA levels in caudate more than in pre-frontal cortex; whereas sulpiride and clozapine produced greater increases in HVA in pre-frontal cortex. These results are consistent with the proposal that rat pre-frontal cortex is relatively deficient in dopamine autoreceptors.
Anatomical measurements of the gastric cardia in obese patients.

Background Currently, surgeons implant a variety of laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands. However, there is little data to guide the selection process. This study aims to determine the relationship between a patient’s body mass index (BMI), height, and weight and the anatomical measurements of the gastric cardia in morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) surgery.
Micro-patterning of nanocomposites of polymer and carbon nanotubes

This paper reports on the development of processes to form micro-scale dimension structures of nanocomposite material of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA). The nanocomposite structures were formed in free-standing form and as patterns on a flexible substrate. MWCNT-PVA nanocomposite films and patterns were characterized for their electrical and mechanical properties. Patterned nanocomposite layers exhibited a significant contrast in electrical conductivity between the areas with nanocomposite patterns and those with no patterns. The conductivity and tensile strength of nanocomposite film could be conveniently controlled by adjusting the MWCNT and PVA weight ratios. The fabrication processes reported here can be conceivably used in thin film devices and flexible microsystems.
Adolescent Secretive Behavior: African American and Hmong Adolescents' Strategies and Justifications for Managing Parents' Knowledge About Peers

Drawing upon the expectancy violation-realignment theory of autonomy development, this qualitative study examined African American and Hmong adolescent autonomy-seeking behaviors and parent–child communication about activities and relationships with peers. Twenty-two African American and 11 Hmong adolescents in grades 6–12 and 14 African American and 8 Hmong primary caregivers were interviewed. Participants discussed their perspectives on adolescent information management regarding activities with friends. Four categories of information management strategies and four primary types of adolescent justifications were identified. Adolescents were pragmatic in their decisions about secretive behaviors but also considered the impact of their behaviors on their relationships with parents. Adolescent strategies were consistent across ethnic groups, whereas justifications for secretive behaviors were embedded within cultural and family experiences.