cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlates of youth smokeless tobacco use

The objectives of this study are to identify knowledge and attitude variables that correlate with smokeless tobacco use and how youth users and non-users differ in their attitudes and knowledge about smokeless tobacco. A randomized cluster sample of 1834 total fifth, eighth, and 11th grade students in West Virginia public schools during the 1996-1997 school year were surveyed on smokeless tobacco knowledge, attitudes and practices. Data from 648 male non-users and 160 male monthly and daily users of smokeless tobacco were compared using chi 2 and two-tailed t-tests. Logistic regression analysis of survey variables revealed the following correlates of smokeless tobacco use: having a family member not living in the home who uses, having a friend who uses, playing football, having tried cigarettes, and having parents who would permit use at home. Important differences exist in knowledge and attitudes regarding smokeless tobacco between users and non-users in fifth, eighth, and 11th grade West Virginia public schools. Correlates of smokeless tobacco use are identified which can be used to target prevention programs.
DNA Bending by the Mammalian High Mobility Group Protein AT Hook 2

The mammalian high-mobility group protein AT hook 2 (HMGA2) is a DNA binding protein that specifically recognizes the minor groove of AT-rich DNA sequences. Disruption of its expression pattern is directly linked to oncogenesis and obesity. In this paper, we constructed a new plasmid pBendAT to study HMGA2-induced DNA bending. pBendAT carries a 230 bp DNA segment containing five pairs of restriction enzyme sites, which can be used to produce a set of DNA fragments of identical length to study protein-induced DNA bending. The DNA fragments of identical length can also be generated using PCR amplification. Since pBendAT does not contain more than three consecutive AT base pairs, it is suitable for the assessment of DNA bending induced by proteins recognizing AT-rich DNA sequences. Indeed, using pBendAT, we demonstrated that HMGA2 is a DNA bending protein and bends all three tested DNA binding sequences of HMGA2, SELEX1, SELEX2, and PRDII. The DNA bending angles were estimated to be 34.2°, 33.5°, and 35.4°, ...
Boceprevir versus Telaprevir: A New Era of Directly Acting Antiviral Therapy

Boceprevir (BOC or B) and telaprevir (TVR or T), two newly approved NS3/4A protease inhibitors, have revolutionized hepatitis C therapy for genotype 1 since their availability in 2011. The new regimens are highly effective in treatment naive and treatment experienced patients. They are administered three times daily, and have an extensive list of drug-drug interactions that require vigilance with drug co-administration. The phase 3 clinical trials that led to the drugs’ approval are reviewed in detail with regard to the clinical trial design, efficacy and safety data. Both drugs utilize response guided therapy (RGT) based upon rapid virological response (RVR) and extended rapid virological response, (eRVR) and depend upon defined stopping rules to minimize the risk of resistance development and prolonged treatment with unavoidable treatment futility. Although both drugs depend upon a framework of pegylated IFN alfa (PEG) and ribavirin (RBV), with the expected adverse events, telaprevir adds an additional risk of rash, anorectal symptoms and worsened anemia. Boceprevir is associated with worsened anemia and dysgeusia. Although these two medical regimens are compared and contrasted in this paper, it must be recognized that comparisons are limited because there have been no direct, head-to-head comparison studies. The hope that the next generation of direct acting anti-viral agents (DAAs) will afford the development of safe and effective therapy for HCV, including all genotypes, fuels ongoing research development of HCV therapy.
Hybrid 80S monomers formed from subunits of ribosomes from protozoa, fungi, plants, and mammals

Free 80S ribosomes of eukaryotic organisms are dissociated by KCl (0.8–1.0 m) in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol and magnesium ions (10–15mm); the large and small subunits so formed can be recombined to yield 80S monomers. We have now studied the ability of ribosomal subunits from protozoa (Tetrahymena pyriformis), fungi (Allomyces arbuscula, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), plants (pea, wheat), and mammals (rat, mouse, rabbit) to combine to form hybrid ribosomes. In general, both subunits of the species studied participate in the formation of hybrid particles, with the exception of the 60S subunit of Tetrahymena, which does not combine with the small subunit of fungal, plant, or mammalian ribosomes. The interaction of subunits from rat and Tetrahymena ribosomes has been visualized by an electron microscope study of negatively stained preparations. The base sequences of the ribosomal RNAs of these organisms have been compared to those of Saccharomyces by nucleic acid hybridization-competition.
Sculptured nematic thin films with periodically modulated tilt angle as rugate filters

Abstract The reflectances and transmittances of linearly polarized light are calculated using the piecewise homogeneity approximation for a sculptured nematic thin film (SNTF) with a sinusoidally varying (local) columnar tilt angle. Empirical data on TiO 2 , available in the literature, are used to realistically model the variation of the permittivity dyadic with the tilt angle. Wave propagation is taken to occur in the morphologically significant plane of the SNTF. Several Bragg peaks occur, with the fundamental peak making a tilt-modulated SNTF suitable for exploitation similarly to a rugate filter. Additionally, the appearance of a spectral hole in the fundamental Bragg peak is demonstrated with the inclusion of a central defect layer.
Choosing Canada? The 1995 Quebec Sovereignty Referendum

In his recent book on the many puzzles of Canadian nationalism, Richard Gwyn (1995, 9) notes that more Canadians (97%) cite their own country as the best in the world than do citizens of any other country. Notwithstanding this coup and the fact that Canada is one of the world's oldest continuously functioning democracies, in an October 30, 1995 referendum, the citizens of Quebec were again asked (as they had been in May, 1980) to vote oui or non on a proposal that would secure the political independence of Quebec. Although Quebeckers rejected the 1980 sovereignty proposal by a three to two margin, the 1995 sovereignty proposal failed by the proverbial eyelash. Why a country described by British writer Jan Morris as “all in all, on the whole, the most admirable on earth” (cited in Gwyn 1995, 51) should periodically appear on the brink of falling apart is a question that has engaged us because of our longstanding interest in the conditions under which democratic political systems are sustained over time.It can be argued that many of the conditions associated with the emergence and development of a democracy were already obtained in 1867 when the new Dominion of Canada was created by an act of the British parliament. Inter alia, these included a Westminster-model parliamentary government, the rule of law, nascent political parties and free, competitive elections. However, as we have argued elsewhere (Kornberg and Clarke 1992, 12–19), the downside of “Confederation” (as the establishment of the Canadian state is termed) was that it either laid the groundwork for, or exacerbated, many of the national integration problems Canada has experienced.
Embedded micro-channel fabrication using line-scan stereolithography

Purpose – In an effort to directly manufacture devices with embedded complex and three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐channels on the order of microns to millimeters, issues associated with micro‐fabrication using current commercially available line‐scan stereolithography (SL) technology were investigated.Design/methodology/approach – Practical issues associated with the successful fabrication of embedded micro‐channels were divided into software part preparation, part manufacture, and post‐cleaning with emphasis on channel geometry, size, and orientation for successful micro‐fabrication. Accurate representation of intended geometries was investigated during conversion from CAD to STL and STL to machine build file, and fabricated vertical and horizontal micro‐channels were inspected. Additional build issues investigated included accurate spatial registration of the build platform, building without base support, and Z‐stage position accuracy during the build.Findings – For successful fabrication of micro‐channels ...
On the energies of two-electron atoms and ions

Inner truncation of the Coulomb interelectron repulsion leads to a simple analytic expression for two electron atom energies which agrees well with results of Pekeris, Drake and Dalgarno, and others for ground, singly, and doubly excited states for a variety of Z values.
A monazite oxygen isotope thermometer

A quartz-monazite oxygen isotope thermometer was calibrated based on δ 18 O measurements of mineral separates from monazite-bearing rocks and on piston cylinder calcite-monazite oxygen exchange experiments. The oxygen isotope composition of monazite was measured using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and multiple fluorination techniques. The results of these measurements suggest that (1) differences in Th content of monazite can cause the instrumental mass fractionation in an ion microprobe to vary by at least 4%o; (2) the oxygen isotope compositions of chemically distinct zones in the monazite grains analyzed are probably similar; and (3) δ 18 Ο mnz is most accurately determined by extracting oxygen via fluorination in nickel vessels. Comparing the oxygen isotope fractionation between quartz and monazite with independently derived temperature estimates suggests that (1) the coefficient of fractionation between quartz and monazite (a qtz-mnz ) equals 2.2 ± 0.6, and (2) ∼100 μm monazite grains in a multiply metamorphosed, granulite facies orthogneiss from the Wind River Range record the high-temperature history of this rock, whereas other isotopic thermometers suffered retrograde oxygen exchange. This evidence indicates that monazite might be used to constrain peak metamorphic temperatures, which may correlate with the ages recorded by the same mineral.
Studies of light emission, absorption and energy transfer in nerve membranes labelled with fluorescent probes.

Physicochemical properties of fluorescent membrane probes, 2-p-Cl-anilinonaphthalene-6-sulfonate (p-Cl-ANS), 2-p-Br-anilinonaphthalene-6-sulfonate (p-Br-ANS), merocyanine-540, methyl violet, etc., were examined because of the possibility of demonstrating resonance energy-transfer between probes. The emission psectra of p-Cl-ANS and p-Br-ANS and the absorption (or fluorescence excitation) spectra of Eastman Kodak merocyanine-540 (M-540) and other probes were found to be very sensitive to changes in the solvent polarity. The spectra of these probes incorporated in the nerve membrane were determined and compared with the corresponding spectra in various organic solvents and macromolecules. This comparison suggests that the polarity of the binding sites for p-Cl-ANS (and p-Br-ANS) in the membrane is high and that of M-540 is very low. The spectrum of the portion of p-Cl-ANS fluorescence contributing to production of optical responses (i.e., transient changes during action potentials) was determined. Both absorption responses and fluorescence responses were detected from M-540 in the nerve membrane. It was possible to demonstrate resonance transfer of electronic energy from p-Cl-ANS to M-540 incorporated in lysolecithin micelles and in crab nerves. During action potentials, the intensity of M-540 fluorescence excited by energy transfer was found to undergo transient changes. Based on these and other experimental findings, properties of the binding sites for these probes in the nerve membranes are discussed.
US armed forces medical operations other than war

Expertise in combat healthcare planning, operations and technology translates well into domestic and international humanitarian health relief. The US military medical services have extensive daily activities in public health and medicine that are integrated with civilian organisations, and are related to health research, prevention of disease and healthcare rather than to combat operations. These activities are authorised by US law, and they support, rather than supersede, civilian authority. On US soil, the National Guard and Northern Command have specific responsibilities in disaster response. All of the services conduct international activities, including humanitarian medical missions and disaster relief. Besides direct public health and medical services, relief includes support such as airlift and logistics. These activities are effective instruments of diplomacy, creating the hope that military medical operations other than war can be instruments of peace.
THE NATURE OF THE TRANSITION STRUCTURE FOR THE OXIDATION OF ALKANES WITH DIOXIRANES

A high-level ab initio study on the oxidations of alkanes (methane, propane and isobutane) with dioxirane (DO), dimethyldioxirane (DMDO), difluorodioxirane (DFDO) and methyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxira...
Distribution and properties of soft weathered bedrock at ≤ 1 m depth in the contiguous United States

The weathered bedrock zone is increasingly recognized as an important part of ecological and hydrologic systems, but its distribution is poorly known in the contiguous United States. We used spatial and laboratory characterization data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Natural Resources Conservation Service to assess the distribution and soil-like properties of soft weathered bedrock (saprock and saprolite) within the 48 contiguous United States. Because USDA soil inventories generally do not extend below 2 m, and because the upper 1 m is clearly involved in ecosystem function and vadose zone hydrology, we restricted our inquiry to soft weathered bedrock within 1 m of the land surface. Soft weathered bedrock within 1 m of the land surface is widespread throughout the contiguous United States, underlying at least 6% of the land area. In-depth analysis of three states showed that soft weathered bedrock at the ≤ 1-m depth underlies 22% of the total land area in California, 33% in Wyoming, and 18% in North Carolina. Soft weathered bedrock hosts pedogenic activity, as indicated by morphological features such as roots, clay films, and iron (Fe)-/manganese (Mn)-oxide concretions recorded in pedon descriptions in the database. The physical and chemical properties of soft weathered bedrock are often similar to those of the overlying soil, suggesting that in many respects soft weathered bedrock behaves like soil. It supplies water and nutrients to plants whose roots penetrate into it and it modulates throughflow runoff to streams. For a more complete understanding of soft weathered bedrock, systematic data are needed on its thickness across landscapes and a consistent terminology for its various forms needs to be adopted and widely used. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral Lactobacilli and Dental Caries A Model for Niche Adaptation in Humans

Lactobacilli have been associated with dental caries for over a century. Here, we review the pertinent literature along with findings from our own study to formulate a working hypothesis about the natural history and role of lactobacilli. Unlike most indigenous microbes that stably colonize a host, lactobacilli appear to be planktonic, opportunistic settlers that can gather and multiply only in certain restrictive niches of the host, at least within the oral cavity. We postulate that the following essential requirements are necessary for sustained colonization of lactobacilli in humans: 1) a stagnant, retentive niche that is mostly anaerobic; 2) a low pH milieu; and 3) ready access to carbohydrates. Three sites on the human body meet these specifications: caries lesions, the stomach, and the vagina. Only a handful of Lactobacillus species is found in caries lesions, but they are largely absent in caries-free children. Lactobacilli present in caries lesions represent both a major contributor to caries progression and a major reservoir to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We extend the assertion from other investigators that lactobacilli found in the GI tract originate in the oral cavity by proposing that lactobacilli in the oral cavity arise from caries lesions. This, in turn, leads us to reflect on the health implications of the lactobacilli in the mouth and downstream GI and to ponder whether these or any of the Lactobacillus species are truly indigenous to the human GI tract or the oral cavity.
Feedback: “Think or Die!”

Abstract [Green WL. Feedback: "think or die!" Ann Emerg Med. September 2000;36:253-254.]
Effects of reinforcement shifts upon lick rate

Marked increments in lick rate were observed in saccharin drinking following a temporary shift to water in both deprived and nondeprived rats. Similar increases were not observed when sucrose was the reward. Similarities and differences of lick rate data to intake data were discussed.
Asparagine362 is essential for zinc binding and catalysis in the peptidase reaction of Saccharomyces cerevisiae leukotriene A4 hydrolase

Abstract Zinc metallopeptidases are ubiquitous enzymes with diverse cellular functions that can be found in most organisms. Leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H; E.C. 3.3.2.6) is an unusual zinc metallopeptidase of the M1 family that also possesses an epoxide hydrolase activity; however, the role of its peptidase activity remains unknown. To further characterize the peptidase activity of LTA4H and other closely related metallopeptidases, a multiple sequence alignment and predicted structure were used to target three amino acid residues of yeast LTA4H for mutagenesis: Asn362, Trp365, and Asp399. Although mutating Trp365 and Asp399 had little effect on catalysis, altering Asn362 had varying effects on catalysis, depending on the replacement residue. Mutation of Asn362 to glutamine (N362Q) caused minor catalytic defects, while mutation to leucine (N362L) or glutamate (N362E) caused large reductions in activity. Both N362L and N362E also exhibited an altered pH dependence of catalysis, reduced chloride activation, and reduced zinc affinity and content, indicating that Asn362 may interact with the nearby zinc coordinating residue His344, and possibly with Glu363 as well, to polarize and/or orient these residues.
From Fistfights to Firefights: Trait Aggression and Support for State Violence

Aggression is a fundamental component of human behavior, yet is mostly absent from scholarship on mass political behavior. This study proposes and tests a theory of state violence attitudes in which citizens develop preferences from aggressive personality traits. In an original nationally-representative survey, trait aggression strongly predicts support for violent state policies, as does its subcomponent trait anger, rivaling the power of partisanship. More provocatively, the well-documented gender gap in state violence attitudes replicated here is not attributable to sex differences in aggressive personality. This work builds on recent advances in political personality research and highlights the important role of aggression in political behavior.
Multiple Grid and Multiple Time-Scale (MGMT) Simulations in Continuum Mechanics

The work presented in this paper describes a general formulation for implementation of Multiple Grid and Multiple Time-scale (MGMT) simulations in continuum mechanics. Using this method one can solve problems in structural dynamics in which the domain under consideration can be selectively discretized (spatially and temporally) in critical and remote regions, hence allowing the user to obtain a desired level of accuracy and save computational time. The formulation is based upon the fundamental principles of Domain Decomposition Methods (DDM) used to obtain the semi-discrete equation of motion for coupled sub-domains augmented with interface energy. Lagrange Multipliers, based on Schur’s dual formulation, are used to enforce interface conditions since they not only ensure energy balance but also enforce continuity of kinematic quantities across the interface. The Finite Element Tearing and Interconnecting (FETI) based Multi Time-step (MTS) coupling algorithm proposed by Prakash and Hjelmstad [1] is then used to obtain the evolution of unknown quantities in respective sub-domains using different time-steps and/or different variants of the Newmark Implicit Method. Our work is in the direction of coupling this MTS algorithm with multiple grid discretizations in respective subdomains. We propose using coarse grid discretization to define the mortar space between non-conforming sub-domains and show that this particular choice when combined with the implicit integration scheme yields a stable algorithm for MGMT simulations.The formulation is implemented, comprehensively, using Finite Element Methods and programming in FORTRAN 90. Several scenarios with different mesh densities and time-steps are evaluated to analyze the efficiency of MGMT simulations. The purpose of this paper is to study and evaluate its accuracy and stability by looking at evolution and distribution of quantities across the connecting interface. Results show that the interface coupling for non-conforming sub-domains with distinct integration time-steps can be efficiently modeled using this approach.© 2012 ASME
The influence of variations in biophysical conditions on hemolysis near ultrasonically activated gas‐filled micropores

Hemolysis induced by 1.9‐MHz ultrasound in 0.5% suspensions of canine erythrocytes with 3.7‐μm‐diam micropore‐trapped gas bodies was investigated for a variety of biophysical conditions. For isotonic media, hemolysis increased with exposure duration (4–64 min) but did not greatly change with exposure temperature (15, 25, 37, and 48 °C), or prior heat treatment (48 or 50 °C for 30 min). The temperature results were especially interesting because increased temperatures might have been expected to increase the sensitivity of the cells to the ultrasonically activated gas bodies. Variations in osmolarity (180, 290, or 580 mOsm) had little influence on the results. Increasing the viscosity (0.7, 2.2, 2.3, or 4.2 cP) of the medium decreased the effect, and this did not seem to depend on the molecular weight of the dextran additive (9400 or 250 000). A medium with elevated mass density (1.12 g/cm3 ) seemed to increase the effectiveness of the exposures. This condition eliminated the density difference between the...
Compact modeling of STT-MTJ for SPICE simulation

STT-MTJ is a promising device for future high-density and low-power integrated systems. To enable design exploration of STT-MTJ, this paper presents a fully compact model for efficient SPICE simulation. Derived from the fundamental LLG equation, the new model consists of RC elements that are closed-form solutions of device geometry and material properties. They support transient SPICE simulations, providing necessary details beyond the macromodel. The accuracy is validated with numerical results and published data.
Role for Protein Kinase C-α in Keratinocyte Growth Arrest

Multiple protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms have been associated with the epidermal keratinocyte (KC) granular layer differentiation program. Here we show PKCα membrane localization and substrate phosphorylation in the first suprabasal KCs of normal human epidermis, suggesting activation in vivo in the lower spinous layers where terminal differentiation-associated growth arrest occurs. To determine if PKCα is sufficient for KC growth arrest, we expressed a constitutively active PKCα (PKCα Δ22–28) in normal human KCs and observed growth arrest and accumulation of cells in G1. PKCα Δ22–28 inhibited DNA synthesis through the induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. Furthermore, downregulation of PKCα in an in vitro organotypic epidermis resulted in increased basal and suprabasal proliferation marker expression, decreased differentiation, and reduced epidermal stratification. Together these results indicate that PKCα activation is both necessary and sufficient to trigger irreversible growth arrest during human KC differentiation.
Neuroendocrinology and limbic epilepsy: relationships to psychopathology, seizure variables, and neuropsychological function.

Summary: Correlations were sought among neuroendocrine, psychopathologic, neuropsychological, and seizure variables in 16 male patients with limbic epilepsy. Plasma prolactin and luteinizing hormone levels were directly correlated with seizure frequency. Plasma prolactin was inversely correlated with thought disorder. Post hoc findings included a strong direct correlation between total plasma testosterone levels and aggression. These relationships may help to elucidate mechanisms related to interictal symptomatology in patients with limbic epilepsy. RESUMEN Se nan buscado las correlaciones entre variables neuroendocrinologicas, psicopatologicas. neuropsicologicas y ataques en 16 pacientes con epilepsia limbica. Los niveles plasmaticos de prolactina y de hormona luteinizante, se correlacionaron directamente con la frecuencia de los ataques. La prolactina plasmatica se correlaciono inversamente con los trastomos de pensamiento. Los hallazgos posteriores incluyeron una fuerte correlacion directa entre los niveles plasmaticos totales de testosterona y la agresion. Estos datos pueden ayudar a aclarar los mecanismos relacionados con la sintomatologia interictal en enfermos con epilepsia limbica. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Bei 16 mannlichen Patienten mit einer limbischen Epilepsie (LE) wurde nach Korrelationen zwischen Endokrinium, Psychopathologie, neuropsychologischen Veranderungen und unter-schiedlichen Anfallstypen gesucht. Das Plasma-Prolaktin korrelierte umgekehrt mit Denkstorungen. Postiktale Befunde zeigten eine deutliche direkte Korrelation zwischen Gesamt-Plasma-Testosteron und Aggression. Diese Abhangigkeiten konnten Mechanismen aufdecken, die mit den intenktalen Symptomen bei Patienten mit limbischer Epilepsie zusammenhangen.
Arthroscopic Anatomic Humeral Head Reconstruction With Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Large Hill-Sachs Lesions

Anatomic reconstruction of the humeral head with osteochondral allograft has been reported as a solution for large Hill-Sachs lesions with or without glenoid bone loss. However, to date, varying techniques have been used. This technical note describes an arthroscopic reconstruction technique using fresh-frozen, side- and size-matched osteochondral humeral head allograft. Allograft plugs are press fit into the defect without internal fixation and seated flush with the surrounding articular surface. This technique restores the native articular contour of the humeral head without compromising shoulder range of motion. Potential benefits of this all-arthroscopic approach include minimal trauma to the soft tissue and articular surface without the need for hardware or staged reoperation.
HPS Gene Mutations in Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome

To the Editor:We recently reported a series of mutations of the HPS gene in non–Puerto Rican patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (MIM 203300) (Oh et al. 1998xMutation analysis of patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome: a frameshift hot spot in the HPS gene and apparent locus heterogeneity. Oh, J, Ho, L, Ala-Mello, S, Amato, D, Armstrong, L, Bellucci, S, Carakushansky, G et al. Am J Hum Genet. 1998; 62: 593–598Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (108)See all References1998). One of these mutations was designated incorrectly in some places in the article; a frameshift in codon Q397 was incorrectly designated “E397” in the text (this mutation is now designated “c1189delC,” in the new nomenclature; Antonarakis 1998xRecommendations for a nomenclature system for human gene mutations. Nomenclature Working Group. Antonarakis, SE. Hum Mutat. 1998; 11: 1–3Crossref | PubMedSee all References1998). In addition, subsequent to publication we determined that patient 20 is homozygous for a novel frameshift due to a single-base deletion in codon G96, designated “c288delT,” with the first-cousin parents both being heterozygous for this mutation. Thus, HPS gene mutations have now been identified in all patients and families who show apparent linkage to 10q23. With our original description of the gene (Oh et al. 1996xPositional cloning of a gene for Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, a disorder of cytoplasmic organelles. Oh, J, Bailin, T, Fukai, K, Feng, GH, Ho, L, Mao, J-I, Frenk, E et al. Nat Genet. 1996; 14: 300–306Crossref | PubMedSee all References1996) and the recent report of Shotelersuk et al. (1998xThree new mutations in a gene causing Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome: clinical correlations. Shotelersuk, V, Hazelwood, S, Larson, D, Iwata, F, Kaiser-Kupfer, MI, Kuehl, E, Bernardini, I et al. Mol Genet Metab. 1998; 64: 99–107Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (41)See all References1998), this brings the number of reported HPS gene mutations to 11 and further underscores the lack of missense mutations identified in patients with this disorder.
Comparison of the Physical Properties of Polysulfur Nitride, (SN)x, to Related Organic Polymer Systems and (TTF) (TCNQ)

Abstract Much attention is currently being directed toward the experimental and theoretical study of conducting quasi-one-dimensional systems, of which (TTF) (TCNQ) and KPC (K2Pt(CN)4, Br0.3.3.2H2O)1 are the principal prototypes. All of the known materials derived from these prototypes either undergo a metal-insulator transition at some finite temperature, or become several times more resistive at low temperatures than at room temperature; furthermore, all known organic polymer systems are insulators at all temperatures. By contrast, the highly anisotropic conducting polymer polysulfur nitride, (SN)x, not only becomes continuously less resistive with decreasing temperature, but in fact is a superconductor below 0.3°K.2 It is important to understand why quasi-one-dimensional instabilities are suppressed in (SN)x thus allowing superconductivity to occur. Such know-ledge may serve as a guide in synthesizing new organic metals stable to much lower temperatures.
Possible confounding effects of strobe "clicks" on flash evoked potentials in rats.

Abstract Flash evoked potentials (FEPs) undergo within-and between-session changes and are modified by auditory white noise (26). We examined whether an auditory potential produced by the “click” associated with the strobe discharge could be recorded, and if alterations in an auditory response could explain the within- and between-session changes in FEPs. We also examined differences between a frontal cortex or a nasal reference electrode location on FEPs and auditory potentials. An auditory potential associated with the strobe discharge could be clearly recorded. This response was eliminated by the presence of 80 dB SPL masking white noise. However, the within- and between-session changes in FEPs could not be explained by modifications of the auditory potential. Animals whose ear drums were ruptured did not exhibit an auditory response, and their FEPs were similar to those of controls tested in the presence of masking white noise. A nasal reference electrode decreased the impact of auditory potentials on FEPs, but may allow visual potentials (electroretinogram and optic tract activity) to influence FEPs. The data show that auditory potentials associated with the strobe discharge can be recorded from the visual cortex of rats, and that these auditory responses represent a possible confounding factor in the interpretation of toxicological studies employing FEPs.
Assessment of long-term gas sampling design at two commercial manure-belt layer barns.

Abstract Understanding temporal and spatial variations of aerial pollutant concentrations is important for designing air quality monitoring systems. In long-term and continuous air quality monitoring in large livestock and poultry barns, these systems usually use location-shared analyzers and sensors and can only sample air at limited number of locations. To assess the validity of the gas sampling design at a commercial layer farm, a new methodology was developed to map pollutant gas concentrations using portable sensors under steady-state or quasi-steady-state barn conditions. Three assessment tests were conducted from December 2008 to February 2009 in two manure-belt layer barns. Each barn was 140.2 m long and 19.5 m wide and had 250,000 birds. Each test included four measurements of ammonia and carbon dioxide concentrations at 20 locations that covered all operating fans, including six of the fans used in the long-term sampling that represented three zones along the lengths of the barns, to generate da...
Using classical mechanics in a quantum framework. Perspective on “Semiclassical description of scattering”

Ford and Wheeler's paper on elastic scattering was the first to fully analyze the semiclassical limit of quantum mechanics for a collision process and thus reveal the nature of quantum corrections to classical mechanics therein. This “perspective” discusses the historical setting, the content, and present day implications of this work.
Middle cerebral artery occlusion after pterional approach to basilar bifurcation aneurysm: technical case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE : The authors present a case of a subacute middle cerebral artery occlusion that was sustained subsequent to a basilar apex aneurysm clipping via the pterional approach. A middle cerebral artery stroke is a rare complication of basilar bifurcation aneurysm clipping, and, to our knowledge, this complication has not been previously described in otherwise healthy patients with unruptured basilar aneurysms. CLINICAL PRESENTATION : A 36-year-old woman was found to have an unruptured 1.6 x 1.0-cm basilar tip aneurysm, as revealed by computed tomography. She elected to undergo surgical repair. TECHNIQUE : Transsylvian dissection, exposure, and uneventful clipping of the basilar bifurcation aneurysm were performed. CONCLUSIONS : A middle cerebral artery stroke occurring after the repair of an intact basilar aneurysm has several possible causes, including retraction injury and direct surgical injury. Awareness of this complication is important for the early recognition and management of the occlusion before infarction is established.
Effect of steroids on thymus lymphoid development in vitro.

The effect of some steroids on the lymphoid differentiation of embryonic mouse thymus glands was studied. Most of the adrenal cortex hormones tested could inhibit lymphoid differentiation when applied in low concentrations to prelymphoid 13-day glands. The most effective was corticosterone. Careful washing of the affected glands allowed them to develop normally into lymphoid organs. The application of a high dose of corticosterone produced an effect not reversed by thorough washing. Such permanently affected glands were restituted to lymphoid organs by fusion with 13 or 15-day embryonic mouse liver or with 15-day spleen. Lymphoid glands were much less sensitive to low concentrations of corticosterone than the prelymphoid glands. The same concentration of corticosterone was more toxic to more advanced fetal glands. The sex hormones tested were practically ineffective at comparatively high doses; very high concentrations were toxic however. Basophilic cells normally found in 12 and 13-day embryonic thymus glands disappeared after corticosterone treatment even in glands which were still potentially capable of lymphoid differentiation suggesting that these cells are not stem cells.
Identification of functional elements in the murine Gabpα/ATP synthase coupling factor 6 bi-directional promoter

The GA-repeat binding protein (GABP) is a ubiquitous transcription factor involved in transcriptional regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in a variety of cellular processes including adipocyte differentiation, mitochondrial respiration, and neuromuscular signaling. GABP is composed of two subunits; the GABP alpha subunit is a member of the Ets-family of transcription factors, and the unrelated ankyrin repeat containing GABP beta subunit. We previously identified a bidirectional promoter directing the expression of Gabpa (GAA) gene in one direction and ATP Synthase Coupling Factor 6 (Atp5j) (CF6) gene in the other [Chinenov, Y., Coombs, C. and Martin, M. E., 2000a. "Isolation of a bi-directional promoter directing the expression of the mouse GABP alpha and ATP Synthase Coupling Factor 6 genes. Gene 261:311-320.]. In this study we characterize sequence elements and regulatory factors contributing to the promoter activities of the GAA/CF6 bidirectional promoter. The core of the GAA/CF6 bidirectional promoter is retained within a 400 bp sequence and contains four GABP binding sites, a Sp1/3 binding site and an YY1 binding site. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that while no single factor binding site was essential for promoter activity in either direction, the GA1 site located proximal to the previously mapped transcription start sites functioned cooperatively with the other GABP binding sites and with the Sp1/3 and YY1 sites to provide transcriptional activation of the GAA and CF6 promoters. The other GABP sites and the Sp1/3 and YY1 binding sites were functionally redundant for basal promoter activities in both directions. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays identified multiple DNA-protein complexes containing GABP alpha, GABP beta, Sp1, Sp3 or YY1 proteins, including one ternary complex containing GABP alpha, GABP beta and Sp1 proteins. Binding of GABP to the GAA/CF6 bi-directional promoter provides the potential for autoregulation of GABP alpha expression and confirms the importance of GABP in the coordinate expression of respiratory chain components.
Formocresol and calcium hydroxide therapy.

A survey of the dental literature revealed various methods of treating carious exposures of dental pulps and maintaining them in a healthy condition. Many of these studies were empirical, and little histologic evidence was presented in evaluating the results.1-14 In recent years, two clinical techniques have been recommended for the management of carious pulp exposures in primary teeth of children. After coronal pulpotomy, one technique makes use of a formalin-containing compound which apparently devitalizes the pulp and produces a degree of pulp fixation,15-17 whereas the other technique involves the use of a calcium hydroxide pulp dressing which reportedly maintains the vitality of the remaining pulp.18 Presently, there is insufficient evidence from clinical and laboratory research to justify recommending one technique over the other. The major objective of this study was to attempt to duplicate, in monkeys, these two clinical procedures on primary and young permanent teeth and to note the differences, if any, in the reactions of the pulp and periapical tissues of these teeth to formocresol and calcium hydroxide therapy after varying time intervals. The pulp responses to the dressing materials were determined microscopically, using serial sections through the pulps of extracted teeth, as well as through quadrants of jaws sectioned en bloc.
The Cardiovascular Control of Heat Exchange: Consequences of Body Size

For blood flow to be an effective agent for the control of heat exchange, it must occur in a region of the body where conduction resistance in the tissues is relatively high, and in an environment where external resistance to heat exchange is relatively low. If either of these conditions is not met, control of heat exchange by blood flow is not possible. Very small reptiles should not be able to control heat exchange by blood flow in any environment, unless they control blood flow specifically to appendages. Very large reptiles should be able to control heat exchange by blood flow only under certain conditions, such as in water, very high winds, or intense radiative heating. Otherwise, they should have little control. An optimum body size should exist for a reptile's ability to control heat exchange using blood flow. In air, this optimum body size for alligators appears to be about 5 kg. Theoretically, the optimum size should be substantially larger than 5 kg for reptiles heating and cooling in water.
Structure, Band Offsets and Photochemistry at Epitaxial α-Cr2O3/α-Fe2O3 Heterojunctions

Abstract We test the hypothesis that electron–hole pair separation following light absorption enhances photochemistry at oxide/oxide heterojunctions which exhibit a type II or staggered band alignment. We have used hole-mediated photodecomposition of trimethyl acetic acid chemisorbed on surfaces of heterojunctions made from epitaxial α-Cr 2 O 3 on α-Fe 2 O 3 (0001) to monitor the effect of UV light of wavelength 385 nm (3.2 eV) in promoting photodissociation. Absorption of photons of energies between the bandgaps of α-Cr 2 O 3 ( E g = 4.8 eV) and α-Fe 2 O 3 ( E g = 2.1 eV) is expected to be strong only in the α-Fe 2 O 3 layer. The staggered band alignment should then promote the segregation of holes (electrons) to the α-Cr 2 O 3 (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) layer. Surprisingly, we find that the α-Cr 2 O 3 surface alone promotes photodissociation of the molecule at hν = 3.2 eV, and that any effect of the staggered band alignment, if present, is masked. We propose that the inherent photoactivity of the α-Cr 2 O 3 (0001) surface results from the creation of bound excitons in the surface which destabilize the chemisorption bond in the molecule, resulting in photodecomposition.
The Federal Trade Commission, Oligopoly, and Shared Monopoly

This paper, written for a centennial commemoration of the Federal Trade Commission’s creation, reviews the history of two major cases—the tetracycline case of the 1950s and 1960s and the suit against four (eventually three) ready-to-eat breakfast cereal manufacturers in the 1970s. Those actions addressed one of the most difficult problems in U.S. antitrust jurisprudence: how to deal with the behavior of oligopolistic firms sufficiently few in number that they refrain from active price competition even without entering into explicit price-fixing agreements.
Safety and efficacy of two protocols for sedation in pediatric oncology procedures

Invasive procedures, such as the lumbar puncture, can cause anxiety and pain in children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We investigated the safety and efficacy of two different protocols for pain relief in 20 children with ALL undergoing lumbar puncture. Protocol A was composed of an association between propofol and alfentanil. Protocol B consisted in the combination of propofol and ketamine. Vital and behavioural parameters, sedation and pain scores were recorded at different times during and after the procedure. All patients showed a satisfactory sedation and analgesia. We found a statistically significant difference of vital parameters between protocol A and protocol B, while there were no significative differences between sedation scores and the other parameters evaluated. Patients in protocol A showed a higher incidence of major side effects, such as respiratory depression. Our results show that both protocols are effective to obtain a good sedation and analgesia in children with ALL undergoing lumbar puncture, but the association between propofol and ketamine appears more safe due to the lower incidence of side effects.
Abdominoperineal Resection via Total Mesorectal Excision and Autonomic Nerve Preservation for Low Rectal Cancer

p= 0.0003). Poorer survival was statistically related to the presence of positive lymph nodes (p= 0.0009). Overall, local recurrence rates were 5% (8/148) in patients without distant metastases, and 15% to 21% in patients with positive nodes. Positive lymph nodes, N2 disease, lymphatic vascular invasion, and perineural invasion were independent significant risk factors for local recurrence. Sexual function was preserved in approximately 57% of patients undergoing APR versus 85% of patients undergoing sphincter preservation. No significant urinary morbidity was encountered. Low rectal cancer requiring APR seems to be a disease with more locally advanced disease and adverse pathologic features than are seen with mid-rectal cancers treatable by low anterior resection. APR when performed in accordance with the principles of TME and ANP ensures the greatest likelihood of resecting all regional disease while preserving both sexual and urinary functions. Preoperative combined modality treatment may be warranted in all T3 or greater low rectal cancers.
Pointwise versions of the maximum theorem with applications in optimization

Abstract We establish a sequential version of the Maximum Theorem which is suitable for solving general optimization problems by successive approximation, e.g. finite truncation of an ”infinite” optimization problem. This can then be used to obtain convergence of optimal values and (partial) convergence of optimal solutions. In particular, we do this for general problems in infinite horizon optimization and semi-infinite programming.
Community participation in mental health training: Developing self‐reliance to meet the current and future mental health needs in the pacific

In the Pacific, training in mental health counseling skills must be culturally sensitive, adapted to the needs and resources of the specific emerging island countries and involve community participants in all phases of the training. A context is developed for viewing mental health problems and needs in Micronesia and American Samoa. The paper highlights the process the trainer encounters in preparing the community for the training. The concept of community participation is developed and operationalized. A two-phased training model suggests one way to implement WHO's mandate for partnership and participation.
Impact of π-conjugated gradient sequence copolymers on polymer blend morphology

A gradient sequence copolymer containing 3-hexylthiophene (3HT) and 3-(6-bromohexyl)thiophene (3BrHT) with a linear change in comonomer composition was synthesized via a controlled, chain-growth semi-batch method. For comparison, random and block copolymers with the same molecular weight and comonomer ratio (1 : 1) were prepared. All three copolymers exhibited similar molecular weight (Mn ∼ 32 kDa), low dispersity (Đ 99%), suggesting that any differences among the three copolymers can be attributed to the different copolymer sequences. The optical and thermal properties, as well as the thin film morphologies, of the gradient copolymer were compared to the random and block copolymers and the physical blend of the homopolymers. The physical blends showed extensive micron-scale phase separation by AFM and TEM. Adding the gradient copolymer to the blend resulted in a dramatic reduction in the domain size. Moreover, the domain size decreased as the amount of the gradient copolymer increased, suggesting that the copolymer is compatibilizing the polymer blend. By comparison, the random and block copolymers were less effective compatibilizing agents, which indicates that the gradient sequence copolymer is well suited to tailor the morphology of immiscible polymer blends.
Mechanism of antihypertensive effect of thiazide diuretics

Hemodynamic studies were carried out before and during 8 weeks of treatment with hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg. twice daily in 11 hypertensive patients. Forty-eight hours after beginning treatment there was a significant reduction in blood pressure, cardiac output, plasma volume, and extracellular fluid volume (thiocyanate space) while total peripheral resistance increased. After 6 and 8 weeks of treatment, the blood pressure and the plasma and extracellular volumes remained reduced. However, total peripheral resistance fell while cardiac output rose to control levels. These results were consistent with the "reverse autoregulation" theory of the action of the thiazides as proposed by Tobian. The present evidence discussed below makes it appear unlikely that the thiazides have an important direct vasodilator effect.