cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
31. Contraception Consistency in Postpartum Adolescents versus Adults and Associated Impact on Short Interval Pregnancy Rate

Background An unintended pregnancy for an adolescent may cause complex, lasting challenges for the patient and their community. Once in the peripartum period, there are numerous opportunities to empower a patient to make reproductive choices compatible with their family planning goals regardless of age. In spite of improved counseling, prior studies have revealed that adolescents are less likely to opt for long acting reversible contraception (LARC) than non-adolescents. The objective of this study is to evaluate contraceptive choices between postpartum adolescents and adults, consistency in contraception plans across various peripartum time points, and associated rate of short interval pregnancy (SIP). Methods This retrospective, observational study was performed at an urban, tertiary hospital in Chicago, Illinois. The participants were defined as adolescent patients ( Results A total of 207 adolescents and 1077 adults with complete data were included in the study. Prior to delivery, adolescents were significantly more likely to choose LARCs as their contraceptive plan as compared to adults (P= Conclusions Inconsistency of contraception plan was found to confer a greater risk of SIP in the adolescent group than even lack of participation in a postpartum visit or the choice of utilizing a LARC vs. non-LARC as the final form of contraception. Therefore, continuous counseling of adolescents about their choice of contraception and developing a consistent plan in the peripartum period is crucial to reducing the incidence of unintended and short interval pregnancy.
Construction of two-dimensional topological field theories with non-invertible symmetries

We construct the defining data of two-dimensional topological field theories (TFTs) enriched by non-invertible symmetries/topological defect lines. Simple formulae for the three-point functions and the lasso two-point functions are derived, and crossing symmetry is proven. The key ingredients are open-to-closed maps and a boundary crossing relation, by which we show that a diagonal basis exists in the defect Hilbert spaces. We then introduce regular TFTs, provide their explicit constructions for the Fibonacci, Ising and Haagerup $\mathcal{H}_3$ fusion categories, and match our formulae with previous bootstrap results. We end by explaining how non-regular TFTs are obtained from regular TFTs via generalized gauging.
Ionic Liquid-Derived Carbonaceous Adsorbents for CO2 Capture

Removal of CO2 from major emission sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities for environmental remediation has attracted significant interest. Among currently accessible CO2 capture technologies, the use of porous solids is considered to be one of the most promising approaches. The use of ionic liquids (ILs) composed of an organic cation and an inorganic anion as precursors for the synthesis of carbonaceous materials has been an emerging field. Porous carbons with a high specific surface area can be facilely made by directly annealing ILs or using appropriate porous templates. By choosing different ILs, materials with various heteroatoms doping and good pore properties can be produced. The attractive features of IL-derived materials such as facile synthesis, high specific surface area, and nitrogen content make them promising candidates for CO2 capture. In this chapter, we review the recent research progress on IL-derived carbonaceous materials and their potential CO2 separation application.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections

Conventional transmural drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) has been increasingly performed in tertiary care centers. The development of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has expanded the safety and efficacy of endoscopic drainage of PFCs. The concept includes EUS-guided access into a PFC via creation of a transgastric or transduodenal fistula, followed by the deployment of a stent and/or placement of a nasocystic drain to decompress the fluid collection.
A Conditioned Opponent Theory of Pavlovian Conditioning and Habituation1

Publisher Summary This chapter examines that Pavlovian conditioning occurs when hedonic stimuli disrupt affective equilibrium, and that an important function of the learning occurs on such occasions to reduce the disruptiveness of subsequent exposures to the same hedonic stimulus. First, the opponent-process theories, and opponent-process phenomena, are introduced to support the notion that conditioned compensatory reactions, which plays a role in behavior, physiology, and experience. Then, the conditioned opponent theory is stated in the form of two postulates, which extend Solomon's and Corbit's theory from the domain of affective regulation to that of Rescorla's and Wagner's theory of Pavlovian conditioning. The chapter reveals the experimental implications of these two postulates and argues that the theory makes sense in the context of instrumental learning and natural selection and considers the prospects for extending the theory. The chapter also suggests that animals should react with maximum vigor and rapid learning to aversive stimuli, which are novel to the particular situations in which they occur. Conditioned opponents may serve to reduce stress in such situations without precluding the possibility that the animal could learn to improve its objective situation.
Properties of the liquid state

On the basis of a generalized model for the liquid state which has previously been proposed, a new and improved rationalization is presented by which can be derived an accurate equation to represent the variation of liquid viscosities with temperature changes. The same model has been used to deduce a function which correctly represents the variation of liquid densities with temperature, and a reciprocal relationship between the latter two expressions leads to an equation between visocsity and density which is independent of temperature. The density and viscosity functions are tested with data for fifteen substances including associated and non-associated liquids, and molten salts. Considerations regarding the possible generality of the proposed functions are briefly examined.
The Establishment Clause and the Making of a New Secularism: A Review Essay on Church, State and the Crisis in American Secularism by Bruce Ledewitz

Reading a book with which one agrees on the basic assumptions and goals can be a reaffirming and educational experience. However, reading a book with which one disagrees about some of its basic assumptions and goals can be a stimulating and even enlightening experience, particularly if the book presents a logical argument, a compelling and laudable vision, and an openness to opposing views. For this reviewer, Professor Bruce Ledewitz has written just such a book.
A nonmonotone learning rate strategy for SGD training of deep neural networks

The algorithm of choice for cross-entropy training of deep neural network (DNN) acoustic models is mini-batch stochastic gradient descent (SGD). One of the important decisions for this algorithm is the learning rate strategy (also called stepsize selection). We investigate several existing schemes and propose a new learning rate strategy which is inspired by nonmonotone linesearch techniques in nonlinear optimization and the NewBob algorithm. This strategy was found to be relatively insensitive to poorly tuned parameters and resulted in lower word error rates compared to Newbob on two different LVCSR tasks (English broadcast news transcription 50 hours and Switchboard telephone conversations 300 hours). Further, we discuss some justifications for the method by briefly linking it to results in optimization theory.
High speed, low power, optoelectronic InP-based HBT integrated circuits

The next generation of fiber optic communication systems will require circuits operating at 50 GHz clock rates. InP-based Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) are ideally suited for the relatively low integration levels but high speed and low power required in optoelectronic transceivers. We review material, device and circuit issues related to InP HBT and the significant challenge that exists because communication system requirements are approaching the performance limits of high speed technologies.
Ceramide generation in response to photodynamic treatment of L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells.

Abstract Photodynamic therapy, a novel cancer treatment using a photosensitive dye and visible light, produces an oxidative stress in cells, often leading to apoptotic cell death. Because ceramide is a second messenger that has been associated with stress-induced apoptosis, we investigated a possible link between photodynamic treatment (PDT), ceramide, and apoptosis in L5178Y-R (LY-R) cells. The cells undergo rapid apoptosis, initiating within 30 min of PDT. After a dose of PDT producing a 99.9% loss of clonogenicity, LY-R cells responded by an increased production of ceramide, which reached a maximum level in 60 min. For a constant light fluence and varying concentrations of the phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4 [HOSiPcOSi(CH3)2(CH2)3N(CH3)2], the ED50 for ceramide generation (46 nm) was similar to the LD50 for clonogenic cell death (40 nm). We suggest that the PDT-stimulated increase in synthesis of ceramide in LY-R cells may be coupled to PDT-induced apoptosis. When the cells were exposed to exogenous N-acetyl-sphingosine (10 µm), apoptotic changes were observed only after 12–24 h. The delayed apoptotic response to the synthetic ceramide may be due to an induction of apoptosis by a different route than the one used by PDT.
Chapter 40 Common knowledge

Publisher Summary This chapter presents some of the implications for economic behavior of the hypotheses that events, actions, optimization, and rationality are common knowledge. The main conclusion is that an apparently innocuous assumption of common knowledge rules out speculation, betting, and agreeing to disagree. Knowledge and interactive knowledge are central elements in economic theory. Common knowledge is the limit of a potentially infinite chain of reasoning about knowledge. Public events are the most obvious candidates for common knowledge. But events that the agents create themselves, such as the rules of a game or contract, can also plausibly be seen as common knowledge. Certain beliefs about human nature might also be taken to be common knowledge. Economists are especially interested, for example, in the consequences of the hypothesis that it is common knowledge that all agents are optimizers. It often occurs that after lengthy conversations or observations, what people are going to do is common knowledge, although the reasons for their actions may be difficult to disentangle.
The consultant's credentials.

Book reviewed in this article: Ethics Consultation: A Practical Guide. By John LaPuma and David Schiedermayer. The Health Care Ethics Consultant. Edited by Francoise E. Baylis.
Immigration and koineisation: the formation of early modern Dutch urban vernaculars: IMMIGRATION AND KOINEISATION

The rapid growth of the urban centers of Holland in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries was entirely attributable to immigration. This paper argues that this rapid urbanization brought speakers of a welter of dialects into extended contact, which in turn resulted in a koineization process similar to that described in modern English “new towns” by Kerswill and Williams (2000). Contemporary letters of the mother and sisters of Constantijn Huygens provide the data for the discussion of phonological and morphological outcomes of this process. The colloquial style of the Huygens sisters Gertruyd and Constantia reflect the importance of the second generation of immigrants to the development of new urban koines.
Punctuated Equilibrium in Limbo: The Tobacco Lobby and U.S. State Policymaking from 1990 to 2003

Since the mid-1980s, U.S. tobacco policy has been an intense and acrimonious issue between antitobacco advocates and the tobacco industry. In the United States, the tobacco industry has responded to heightened state antitobacco litigation, adverse public opinion, and public health advocacy by aggressively mobilizing against tobacco taxes and regulations. This article examines whether these tobacco policy trends can be generalized to punctuated equilibrium theory ideas that policy monopolies are stable over long periods and usually change because of sharp and short-term exogenous shocks to the policy system. From 1990 to 2003, there was a sharp mobilization by health advocates in all states and a significant rise in new legislation to control tobacco use. The tobacco industry, nevertheless, was able to generally keep state tobacco taxes low and counter significant regulatory threats to tobacco sales. From this, I conclude that the policy monopoly favoring the tobacco industry did not significantly change, despite the symbolic appearance of punctuation in the policy system.
Apolipoprotein E deficiency abrogates insulin resistance in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aims/hypothesis Although it is known that lipid metabolism plays a role in insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and in obesity, the mechanism is still largely unknown. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) regulates plasma lipid levels and also plays a role in the uptake of lipids into various tissues. To investigate whether the suppression of whole-particle lipoprotein uptake into tissues affects insulin responsiveness and the diabetic condition, we examined the effect of an ApoE (also known as Apoe) gene deletion in MKR mice, a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.
Hicksian Welfare Measures within a Regret Theory Framework

For many years the neoclassical economic paradigm for consumer theory has been based on axioms of rational behavior equivalent to utility maximization for decisions under complete certainty and another set of axioms equivalent to expected utility (EU) maximization for decisions under risk (von Neumann and Morgenstern). Recently, however, this theory has come under fire both from within the economics profession and from outside due to a growing body of evidence suggesting that actual choices display consistent and predictable violations of the behavioral implications of these axioms, particularly within the context of risk and uncertainty. At least since the 1950s, with Simon's work on bounded rationality, alternative models of behavior have been proposed. In the past few years this area has received increasing emphasis. Notable contributions include the work of Akerlof and Dickens on cognitive dissonance, Kahneman and Tversky on prospect theory, Heiner on reliability theory, Bell and Loomes and Sugden on regret theory, and Machina on local approximations to EU functions. To date, work on these alternative theories has focused on empirical testing of their predictions and their abilities to explain the observed violations of expected utility theory. No attempt has yet been made to study formally the implications of these alternatives for welfare analysis and the definition and measurement of the costs or benefits resulting from projects or events. Yet, since the estimates of such costs or benefits often play an important role in public decisions, it is important to know whether the standard welfare results based on the EU model continue to hold under what appear to be more realistic theories of choice under uncertainty. This paper explores this question in the context of one particular theory, namely regret theory. This does not imply that the various paradigms are necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, regret may be an important factor in decision making, and at the same time individuals may display bias concerning small probability events as discussed by Kahneman and Tversky. However, this paper will focus only on regret to simplify the analysis. Regret theory was chosen from among the different alternative theories because it has intuitive appeal, it contains EU theory as a special case, and it is capable of explaining some observed forms of behavior that are inconsistent with EU theory but that are observed consistently in various empirical contexts. In addition, decisions under regret theory can be formulated within a mathematical optimization framework similar to that used for EU
Further comments on analysis of covariance in insect dietary studies

Raubenheimer & Simpson (1992) recently discussed the advantages of using analysis of covariance in insect dietary studies as an alternative to the more conventional ratio-based nutritional indices. We expand on some interpretations of Raubenheimer & Simpson and illustrate our points with examples from published and unpublished data sets. Specifically, we show that an ANCOVA on biomass gain incorporating initial biomass as a covariate provides information not immediately available using the analysis suggested by Raubenheimer & Simpson (ANCOVA on final biomass incorporating initial biomass as a covariate). Second, we show that dietary studies in which the covariate (food consumption) is affected by diet can provide information about the relative importance of preingestive effects (e.g., deterrence) and postingestive effects (e.g., antibiosis) on performance. Cautions about this latter use of ANCOVA are discussed.
Response of alfalfa seedling plants to high levels of chloride‐salts

Abstract This paper discusses the response of seedling plants of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to various salts, and the damage caused by high application rates of the chloride‐salts under greenhouse conditions. KC1 was used in most experiments. Chloride damage increased as rate of C1‐ applied was increased, and as temperature or soil moisture were increased. Light intensity had little influence. Plants exposed first to non‐lethal levels of Cl‐ developed tolerance to higher rates applied later. Such information is needed in order to establish a screening procedure to identify salt‐tolerant genotypes of alfalfa. These points are elaborated further in the conclusions section of this paper.
A platinum-cobalt-loaded NaY zeolite membrane for nonoxidative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen

Platinum–Cobalt-loaded NaY zeolite (Pt–Co/NaY) membranes were synthesized for continuous, single-step nonoxidative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons (C2+) and hydrogen. During isothermal operation at 300 °C, CH4 flowed on the feed side of the membrane whilst H2 flowed through the sweep side of the membrane. The C2+ products formed continuously on the H2 sweep side. The results indicate that the Pt–Co/NaY catalytic membrane can overcome the two-step limitation for nonoxidative CH4 conversion.
In vitro reduction of hexavalent chromium by a cell-free extract of Bacillus sp. ES 29 stimulated by Cu2+

Chromium-resistant bacteria (CRB) isolated from soils can be used to reduce toxic Cr(VI) from contaminated environments. This study assessed in vitro reduction of hexavalent Cr using a cell-free extract (CFE) of CRB isolated from soil contaminated with dichromate. One isolate, ES 29, that substantially reduced Cr(VI) was identified as a Bacillus species by 16S rRNA gene-sequence homology. The isolate reduced Cr(VI) under aerobic conditions, using NADH as an electron donor and produced a soluble Cr(VI)-reducing enzyme stimulated by copper (Cu2+). The CFE of the bacterial isolate reduced 50% of Cr(VI) in 6 h. The Cr(VI)-reduction activity of the CFE had a K m of 7.09 μM and a V max of 0.171 μmol min−1 mg−1 protein. Mercury inhibited the enzyme, but not competitively, with a V max of 0.143 μmol min−1 mg−1 protein, a K m of 7.07 μM and a K i of 1.58 μM. This study characterizes the enzymatic reduction of Cr(VI) by Bacillus sp. ES 29 which can be used for the bioremediation of chromate.
Computers and American History: The Impact of the “New” Generation

'Jerome M. Clubb and Howard W. Allen, "Computers and Historical Studies," Journal of American History, LIV (Dec. 1967), 599-607. For other reports on the early phase see Samuel P. Hays, "Computers and Historical Research," and Stephan Thernstrom, "The Historian and the Computer," Edmund A. Bowles, ed., Computers in Humanistic Research, Readings and Perspectives (Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1967), 62-81; Vern L. Bullough, "The Computer and the Historian-Some Tentative Beginnings," Computers and the Humanities, 1 (Jan. 1967), 61-64; George G. S. Murphy, "Historical Investigation and Automatic Data Processing Equipment," ibid., 3 (Sept. 1968), 1-13; and Thomas J. Condon, "Goals for Humanistic Research with Computers," ACLS Newsletter, 18 (April 1967), 1-7. 'Developments in these significant years are discussed in Charles M. Dollar, "Innovation in Historical Research: A Computer Approach," Computers and the Humanities, .3 (Jan. 1969), 139-51; Robert P. Swierenga, "Clio and Computers: A Survey of Computerized Research in History," ibid., 5 (Sept. 1970), 1-21; and the best recent survey, Joel H. Silbey, "Clio and Computers: Moving into Phase II, 1970-1972," ibid., 7 (Nov. 1972), 67-79. Another useful survey is Jonathan Levine, "Recent Trends in Quantitative Historical Methodology and Computer-Assisted Analysis in the United States," paper presented to the Uppsala Conference on Quantitative History, Uppsala, Sweden, June 1973. Textbooks, guides, and aids now available include: Charles M. Dollar and Richard J. Jensen, Historian's Guide to Statistics: Quantitative Analysis and Historical Research (New York, 1971); Roderick Floud, An Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Historians (Princeton,
Maintenance of Effects of the Catch Physical Education Program: Results from the Catch-on Study

Long-term maintenance effects of physical education (PE) curriculum and staff development programs have not been studied. The authors assessed the sustainability of the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH) PE intervention using direct observations of 1,904 PE lessons in former intervention and control schools in four U.S. states 5-years postintervention. Student physical activity levels, lesson contexts, and level of CATCH PE training of teachers were analyzed. Student energy expenditure levels and proportion of PE time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in intervention schools were maintained 5 years later, but vigorous activity declined sharply. Meanwhile, postintervention gains in former control schools, influenced by delayed program implementation and secular trends, resulted in a convergence of activity levels in intervention and control schools. Use of CATCH PE curricula was associated with increased levels of teacher training and school support for PE in both former intervention and control schools.
Does Leptin Mediate the Effect of Photoperiod on Immune Function in Mice

Seasonal fluctuations in immune status have been documented for avian and mammalian populations. During the late summer and early fall, immune function is bolstered to help animals cope with the more physiologically demanding winter. The environmental cue for these seasonal changes is apparently decreasing photoperiod. In the present study, we determined the potential role of leptin in mediating the effect of photoperiod on cell-mediated immune responses in male mice. Leptin-deficient (ob/ob) and littermate control mice were housed for 10 wk in either a short (8L:16D) or a long (16L:8D) photoperiod beginning at 6 wk of age. After the mice were killed, immune and reproductive organs were weighed and splenocytes isolated. The proliferative and cytokine responses (interleukin [IL]-2 and IL-4) of splenocytes to the T-cell mitogen, concanavalin A (Con A; 0-40 microg/ml), were determined. Body weights were elevated and both testes and seminal vesicle weights subnormal in ob/ob mice (by ANOVA, main effect of leptin deficiency), but thymuses and spleens were of normal size. Serum leptin levels were at minimum detection limits in ob/ob mice, but leptin levels in control mice housed at 8L:16D were higher than in control mice housed at 16L:8D. The proliferative response of splenocytes from ob/ob mice to Con A was subnormal (by ANOVA, main effect of leptin deficiency), but photoperiod had no effect on this response. Production of IL-2 in splenocytes of ob/ob mice was subnormal (by ANOVA, main effect of leptin deficiency) irrespective of photoperiod, but cells from mice housed at 8L:16D (by ANOVA, main effect of photoperiod) produced more IL-2 than cells from animals housed at 16L:8D. In contrast, a leptin deficiency did not alter IL-4 production, but cells from animals (ob/ob and controls) housed at 16L:8D produced less IL-4 than cells from animals housed at 8L:16D (by ANOVA, main effect of photoperiod). The present study suggests that both photoperiod and leptin have mutually independent effects on the proliferation of lymphocytes and cytokine production profiles. The data do not provide definitive support for the hypothesis that photoperiod-induced changes in leptin secretion mediate the effects of season on immune status.
The Reagan Deficit

This paper analyzes the U.S. federal budget deficit during the Reagan administration and its short- and longer-term consequences for the aggregate economy. While budget policies of the Reagan administration do not account for all of the increases in annual deficits or in outstanding federal debt during the Reagan era, an analysis indicates that the administration's program of tax reduction and defense spending build-up were the major sources of deficit growth after the recovery from the recession of 1981-82. For the near-term future, the legacy of the Reagan deficits includes (1) the failure of domestically owned capital formation to expand at rates comparable to our major trading partners, (2) the necessity of diverting U.S. products and income to servicing foreign creditors, and (3) the need for rates of interest and profits to be high enough to induce foreigners to retain their holdings of U.S. assets lest divestiture cause a virtual collapse in the exchange rate. The final evaluation of the impact of the Reagan deficit hinges on whether the Reagan era of high consumption prosperity proves a good trade-off with the consequences of attenuated macropolicy responses to recession, lower levels of U.S. owned capital stock, and remittances to foreign creditors.
Nasal dimple as part of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

The phenotype of the 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome is quite variable. We describe 2 patients with a 22q11.2 deletion and a dimpled nasal tip, which, we suggest can be the extreme of the broad or bulbous nose commonly found in the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and should not be confused with the more severe nasal abnormalities seen in frontonasal dysplasia.
Vitamin D deficiency in breastfed infants in Iowa.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to assess the vitamin D status of breastfed infants living in Iowa (latitude: 41°N). METHODS. Blood samples and dietary records from 84 breastfed infants participating in another study were used for a survey of vitamin D status at 280 days of age. The vitamin D status of those (35 infants) who did not receive preformed vitamin D at 280 days of age (unsupplemented infants) was assessed longitudinally between 112 days and 15 months of age. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and, in most cases, parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase were determined. RESULTS. At 280 days of age, 10% of breastfed infants were vitamin D deficient (25-hydroxyvitamin D CONCLUSIONS.Vitamin D deficiency, including severe deficiency, was common among breastfed infants in Iowa who did not receive preformed vitamin D. Deficiency occurred mostly during winter but was not completely absent during summer. It affected infants with light as well as dark skin pigmentation. Consumption of preformed vitamin D from vitamin supplements or formula is effective in preventing vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplementation should be provided to all breastfed infants.
Assay of short-chain acyl coenzyme a intermediates in tissue extracts by high-pressure liquid chromatography☆

Abstract A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the measurement of short- and medium-chain-length acyl-CoA compounds is described. Compounds are separated on a reverse-phase μBondapak C 18 column with the order of elution based on differences in lipophilicity. The mobile phase consisted of variable mixtures of methanol and 50 m m KH 2 PO 4 , pH 5.3. Conditions are described that allow isocratic separation of groups of compounds of similar lipophilicity. With increasing methanol concentration, the more lipophilic compounds are eluted earlier. This has the effect of sharpening the peaks and improving quantitation. Detection of acyl-CoA intermediates is achieved using a uv detector and is based on the high absorbance of CoA-containing compounds at 254 nm. Neutralized perchloric acid extracts of tissues can thus be analyzed directly without further purification or derivatization. A mobile phase consisting of a 9:1 phosphate buffer-to-methanol mixture is used to separate CoASH, methylmalonyl-CoA, succinyl-CoA, β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA and acetyl-CoA. Increasing the methanol concentration to a 4:1 mixture allows separation of acetyl-CoA, propionyl-CoA, and isobutyryl-CoA, while with a 7:3 mixture of phosphate buffer to methanol, β-methylcrotonyl-CoA and isovaleryl-CoA are readily separated. Examples of results obtained using extracts from isolated hepatocytes, rat liver mitochondria, and perfused rat hearts incubated with α-ketoisocaproate, α-ketoisovalerate, or propionate are presented. In addition, methods and optimal conditions are presented for the analysis of malonyl-CoA, glutathione-CoA, dephospho-CoA, and oxidized CoA in tissue extracts.
Aging and eliciting agents: Effect on murine peritoneal macrophage monokine bioactivity

Decreased responsiveness of the aged to infection may be associated with a decline in monokine production. Prior studies in macrophages have used different eliciting agents, and results have varied. We assessed the effect of age on interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in unelicited, thioglycollate (TG)-elicited, and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-elicited peritoneal macrophages. Resident macrophages or CFA-elicited macrophages from middle aged or aged mice produced significantly less monokine bioactivity than resident or CFA-elicited macrophages from young mice. Monokine bioactivity from TG-elicited macrophages from aged and middle aged mice was significantly increased when compared with macrophages of young mice. Eliciting agents may alter macrophage populations and interactions with other cells leading to changes in monokine bioactivity with aging.
A prediction model for prehospital triage of patients with suspected cardiac ischemia.

The American College of Cardiology recommends that patients with high risk acute myocardial infarction (AMI) be triaged to hospitals with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty capability. However, there are no prehospital triage criteria to select candidates for bypassing community hospitals and being taken directly to “cardiac centers.” This article assesses which independent variables predict death within 7 days in patients with suspected AMI transported by EMS. This is a retrospective study of 291 AMI patients transported by ambulance to 3 hospitals during 1996–1997. Included were patients who were (n=244)≥18 years of age, had a ED chief complaint of chest pain or dyspnea for whom we had mortality data. Mortality at 7 days, our primary outcome measure, was obtained by using a metropolitan Detroit tricounty death index records. Differences between the survivors and nonsurvivors were assessed using the Student's t-test and chi-square tests. Multiple triage criteria were assessed for optimal identification of high risk patients by constructing a logistic multivariate model. Among the study population, 15% died within 7 days (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.3–19.2), and this group represented 63.2% of all deaths over a 2 year surveillance period. Survivors, compared to nonsurvivors, were 14.1 years younger (P≤.001) and more often men (P<-0.001). The dispatch time to ED arrival was less among survivors than nonsurvivors (42.8 vs. 50.6 min, P<0.1). EMS vital signs differed by survivor status. Among survivors, HR was lower (−11.9 bpm; P<0.01), RR was lower (−6.7 rpm; P≤.001), SBP was higher (+14.5 mmHg; P≤0.05) and DBP was higher (+13.2 mm Hg; P≤.01). A Multivariate model identified the following as independent predictors of early mortality: female gender (OR=2.3; P≤.05), age ≥65 (OR=5.9; P≤.01), RR≥20 (OR=4.6; P≤.001), SBP<120 (OR=2.4; P≤.05). The overall model was 86% sensitive and 53% specific with an area under the receiving operating characteristic curve of 0.8 (P≤.001). A triage rule based on a multivariate model can identify the group at high risk of early cardiac death. This decision rule needs to be prospectively validated.
Blink activity in a discrimination task as a function of stimulus modality and schedule of presentation

Eyeblink performance parameters were investigated in subjects engaged in a series of duration discrimination tasks differing in modality (visual vs. auditory) and presentation schedule (fixed vs. variable). Visual tasks were associated with slower blink rates and shorter blink durations than auditory tasks. Sensitivity measures suggested that this difference might be due, in part, to the greater difficulty of the visual tasks. Blink latency declined within and across tasks and was longer for target stimuli which were followed by responses. Since the target stimuli were the short duration stimuli, the latter effect could be a compound of two opposing effects. The first is related to the response, which tends to delay the blink on target trials, while the second, related to decision processes, would tend to increase latencies on nontarget trials. Schedule of stimulus presentation did not affect dependent measures as predicted. RT was unaffected by either of the experimental variables.
Preferred orientation of quartz produced by slip during plane strain

Abstract The c axis preferred orientations developed in the original grains of quartzites experimentally and naturally deformed in plane strain have been measured, in order to extend previous results from axial compression experiments and to furnish comparisons with theoretical predictions. The preferred orientations developed in pure shear are similar to those found previously for axial compression: at lower temperatures or faster strain rates where basal and rhombohedral slip predominate, there is a maximum of c axes parallel to the compression direction, and at somewhat higher temperatures or slower strain rates where basal and prismatic slip predominate there is a small circle girdle of c axes about the shortening direction. However, the patterns developed in plane strain all exhibit, in addition, a connecting girdle through the intermediate principal strain axis. These preferred orientations represent one type of crossed girdle pattern, and are consistent with theoretical predictions made by Lister (1974) of preferred orientations resulting from slip. Quartzites experimentally deformed in a geometry close to simple shear develop preferred orientations indistinguishable from those due to axial compression, although Lister's (1974) calculated preferred orientations show some asymmetry. Several naturally deformed quartzites having the same microstructures as the experimental samples and exhibiting plane strain show the same patterns of preferred orientation as found in the pure shear experiments.
Nuclear spin state conservation in photodissociation of formaldehyde

Abstract Excitation of formaldehyde to the 2141 band of the S1 state leads to photodissociation with nuclear spin state conservation of the hydrogen. Dissociation of ortho-formaldehyde gives ortho-hydrogen as a product. Interconversion between ortho- and para-formaldehyde at 1 Torr occurs with a rate constant greater than 0.1 min−1.
The Role of Illness Factors and Patient Satisfaction in Using Online Health Support Groups

Drawing on the behavioral model of health services use and the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, this research explores various correlates of participation in online health support groups based on the 2007 Health Information National Trend Survey data. Results show that controlling for demographics, emotional health and family cancer history were significant correlates, whereas perceived general health status approached statistical significance, and personal cancer history and cancer worry were not significant. Moreover, patient–provider communication satisfaction approached statistical significance, and patient satisfaction with received health care was not statistically significant. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Calorific values of benthic marine algae and their postulated relation to invertebrate food preference

Data are given on the kcal/g dry weight, percent ash, and kcal/ash-free g of dry weight for 1 marine diatom species, 70 macroscopic benthic algae, and 1 marine tracheophyte species. For 41 of these, the data have also been converted to kcal/g wet weight. Calorific values, though relatively homogeneous within genera, appear to be influenced by phyletic affinity, water purity, or depth of immersion, and such ecological properties as growth form, generation time, and relative susceptibility to herbivory. Seasonal factors, portion of the plant combusted and growth rate appear to have little effect. The food preferences of various invertebrate herbivores seem to have evolved more in response to an availability factor than to absolute food value.
Coincidental Finding of Cor Triatriatum by Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in a Patient with Severe Mitral Regurgitation from Myxomatous Degeneration

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly consisting of a left atrial membrane dividing the atrium into proximal and distal chambers. The anomaly usually presents in childhood, but can present later in life, in which case it is often associated with mitral regurgitation. We report a patient in whom cor triatriatum was found coincidentally by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography before surgery for severe mitral regurgitation. An interesting finding was preservation of antegrade systolic pulmonary vein flow by Doppler possibly due to shielding of the pulmonary veins from the regurgitant jet by the left atrial membrane.
Stochastic electron detrapping in FELs caused by sidebands

Abstract The growth of sidebands in an FEL above a certain threshold will result in stochastic electron motion. This may lead to significant electron detrapping and loss of amplification for the radiation field. The threshold in the sideband amplitude for the stochastic transition is computed. The rate trapped electrons leak outside the separatrix is measured by the diffusion coefficient in action space. This approach is general and covers both tapered and untapered wigglers. Three general types of spectra are examined: a narrow, a broad discrete and a broad continuous. Each type is associated with a particular scaling of the diffusion coefficient on the FEL parameters. Numerical results, obtained for constant radiation amplitudes, show good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The diffusion rate is always proportional to the total sideband-to-carrier power ratio, with different coefficients of proportionality for each spectral type. The narrow type of spectrum causes the highest diffusion rates and the broad continuous spectrum causes the lowest diffusion rates under constant total sideband power. The diffusion length, measured in wiggler periods, is independent of the beam energy γ. Serious deterioration in the FEL efficiency will result when the diffusion length becomes shorter than the wiggler length.
Detection of lateral asymmetry in the C-bands of mouse-embryo chromosomes exposed in utero to mitomycin C.

Chromosomes from 10-day mouse embryos were C-banded and examined for aymmetric bands between sister chromatids. No occurrences of lateral asymmetry (LA) were observed in this series. However, when 10-day embryos were exposed in utero to a single maternal injection of 10 mg/kg mitomycin C 4–5 h prior to metaphase arrest with colcemid, a significant level of asymmetric C-banding was demonstrated in their chromosomes. As many as 4 LAs per cell were seen in 2 of the 50 metaphase spreads examined.
Isolation of Brucella from Lymph Nodes.

infusion blood agar, or North's gelatine blood agar, slants or plates. One culture is incubated in an atmosphere of 10% carbon dioxide. If slants are used, the upper portion of the tube is heated in the flame to expel the air, which is then replaced by blowing the breath into the tube through a sterile plugged pipette, and inserting immediately a sterile rubber stopper. By this procedure a concentration of approximately 10% carbon dioxide is obtained.
Using direct and indirect input devices: Attention demands and age-related differences

Researchers have suggested that attention is a key moderating variable predicting performance with an input device [Greenstein and Arnaut 1988], although the attention demands of devices have not been directly investigated. We hypothesized that the attentional demands of input devices are intricately linked to whether the device matches the input requirements of the on-screen task. Further, matching task and device should be more important for attentionally reduced groups, such as older adults. Younger and older adults used either a direct (touch screen) or indirect (rotary encoder) input device to perform matched or mismatched input tasks under a spectrum of attention allocation conditions. Input devices required attention—more so for older adults, especially in a mismatch situation. In addition, task performance was influenced by the match between task demands and input device characteristics. Though both groups benefited from a match between input device and task input requirements, older adults benefited more, and this benefit increased as less attention was available. We offer an a priori method to choose an input device for a task by considering the overlap between device attributes and input requirements. This data should affect design decisions concerning input device selection across age groups and task contexts.
An interactive system for VLSI chip physical design

The Federal Systems Division has developed a structured design methodology and a companion chip physical design system that has been used to build seven large VLSI chips (ranging in size from 7K to 36K logic primitives). Using the MVISA system, a logic designer has complete control and responsibility for the total chip design. Our experience has been that when this highly interactive software and methodology is used, chip physical design requires less than two weeks. This is a significant savings in design time; but more importantly the designer can allocate more schedule for logic design and simulation. This paper describes how FSD's unique interactive physical design system has improved productivity of VLSI design.
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance derived model for dynamics in the polypeptide backbone of the gramicidin a channel

Abstract The dynamics of the backbone of the gramicidin A transmembrane cation channel in dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers have been investigated using solid state 15 N nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) spectroscopy. With the temperature-dependent fluidity of the bilayer, the rates of motions in the helical gramicidin channel can be modulated. It is shown that in the gel phase, all substantial motions of the channel are slow on the timescale of the n.m.r. experiment (3.5 kHz). The use of oriented samples in which the axis of global channel rotation is aligned parallel to the magnetic field enables separation of global and local dynamics. Spectra obtained from oriented bilayer samples containing single-site 15 N-labeled gramicidin at 8 °C are analyzed to yield a spatial model for local backbone motion. This model includes the axis of motion, the mean orientation, and the maximum amplitude of displacement for individual peptide planes. Specific sites in the first turn of the amino terminus were investigated, with emphasis on the Ala3 and Leu4 linkages, for which the orientation of the 15 N chemical shift tensor with respect to the molecular frame has been determined. The effect of two well-characterized bilayer defect structures, parabolic focal conics and oily streaks, is included in the spectral simulations. It is found that only relatively small amplitude motions are possible at the two sites, with amplitudes of not more than ±8 ° and ±15 ° for the Ala3 and Leu4 sites, respectively. Detailed characterization of the bilayer surface geometry in the oriented samples is presently the major limiting factor in the use of this technique for probing the spatial extent of local motions in integral membrane proteins.
Thirteen ways of looking at a bisexual

How is bisexuality defined? There is considerable disagreement among bisexuals and bisexual theorists themselves. I present 13 definitions of bisexuality and inquire into their overlaps, differences, implications and consequences. This unresolved definitional uncertainty points to a larger uncertainty about what sexuality is and how it should be understood. Bisexual theory therefore has the potential to remind us of aporias in the contemporary conception of sexuality.
Identification of glutathione S-transferase as a substrate and glutathione as an inhibitor of in vitro calmodulin-stimulated protein methylation in rat liver cytosol.

Summary This report describes the isolation of the major calmodulin-stimulated methyl acceptor protein of adult rat liver cytosol. This Mr 29,000 methyl acceptor protein (MeAP29) has been purified to apparent homogeneity using ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, phosphocellulose, hydroxylapatite and Sephadex G-75. Affinity chromatography on glutathione-Sepharose and assays of enzyme activity indicate that MeAP29 is a member of the glutathione S-transferase family. We further show that glutathione can act as an inhibitor of calmodulin-stimulated in vitro methylation of MeAP29 and that MeAP29 methylation is enhanced in non-dialyzed liver cytosol from rats with lowered glutathione levels.
Estradiol binding by intact-cells isolated from DMBA-induced mammary-tumors of the rat

Study of hormone binding in intact cells enables one to examine binding under conditions which elicit a biological response. Cells from 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors of the rat were enzymatically dispersed. More than 80% of these cells excluded trypan blue and were used to study binding of [3H]-estradiol-17β. Specific binding was determined by subtracting the amount of [3H]estradiol bound in the absence and presence of 200-fold excess unlabeled estradiol. Specific binding at 37° was maximal after 15 min. Steroid competition studies indicated that [3H]estradiol binding sites were relatively specific for estrogens, although there was a 9–18% inhibition of binding by androgens and progestins when present at 150-fold molar excess. Scatchard analyses of [3H]estradiol (0.15–5.0 nM) binding by whole cells suggest a single, high-affinity binding site (Kd = 7.5 × 10−10M) of low capacity (6.1 fmol/106 cells). More [3H]estradiol was translocated to the nucleus after 1 hr at 37° than at 0°. Preliminary studies indicated that incubations at 37° result in appreciable metabolism of [3H]estradiol to other steroids and/or conjugates when examined by silica gel thin layer chromotography.
Mach's principle in spatially homogeneous spacetimes

Abstract On the basis of Mach's Principle we should like to conclude that the only singularity-free solution to the empty space Einstein equations is flat space. It is shown that the only singularity-free solution to the empty space Einstein equations which is spatially homogeneous and globally hyperbolic is in fact suitably identified Minkowski space.