cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prenatal exposure to pesticide ingredient piperonyl butoxide and childhood cough in an urban cohort.

Abstract Rationale Previously we reported that airborne concentrations of cis-permethrin, but not trans-permethrin, measured during pregnancy in an inner city pediatric cohort was associated with cough by age 5. However, the effect of subsequent exposures to both permethrins during early childhood, and to piperonyl butoxide (PBO, a synergist for residential pyrethroid insecticides) remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that prenatal and age 5–6 year measures of PBO and permethrins would be associated with cough at age 5–6 years in this cohort. Further, we explored the associations between these pesticide measures and wheeze, asthma, seroatopy, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Methods PBO and permethrins were measured in personal air during the third trimester of pregnancy and indoor residential air at age 5–6 years (n = 224). Health outcome questionnaires were administered to the mothers of 5–6 year old children. Indoor allergen specific and total immunoglobulin (Ig) E production was measured from sera collected at age 5, and FeNO was measured at 5–6 years. The hypotheses were tested using regression models adjusting for common confounders. Results Noninfectious cough was reported among 14% of children at age 5–6 years. Measures of prenatal PBO, but not age 5–6 year PBO or permethrins, increased the odds of cough [OR (95% CI): 1.27 (1.09–1.48), p Conclusions Prenatal PBO exposure was associated with childhood cough. It is unclear whether the observed effect is due mainly to PBO itself or residential pyrethroids of which PBO is an indicator.
Field Determination Of Ground Water Contamination Using Laser Fluorescence And Fiber Optics

Experience at over sixteen sites containing over one hundred wells has shown the feasibility of using fiber optic systems for in situ measurement of aromatic ground water contaminants. Aromatic solvents, as well as the benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTEX) fraction of gasoline, have been detected using a prototype field instrument. Well depths have varied from 5 m to 30 m, and limits of detection at 10 m have been in the ppb range. We are routinely using two separate clear tefzel-coated optical fibers bound in a black teflon tubing for in situ sensing of aromatic organic ground water contaminants via laser-induced fluorescence. One fiber, the excitation fiber, carries the 266 nm, 15 nanosecond, laser pulse down to the sensor. The other fiber, used for detection, carries collected fluorescence plus scattered laser light back up to the surface to the detector. Optical crosstalk has been observed to occur along the entire length of the sensor tubing. This may be due to fiber fluorescence. The fiber crosstalk is eliminated by use of a 320 nm cutoff filter in the detector optics. Black tefzel-coated fibers are also commercially available which could eliminate this potential problem. Evaluation of fluorescence emission versus concentration using serial dilution of standards shows that fluorescence lifetimes are important when evaluating different concentrations as well as in evaluation of mixtures. Minimization of signal-to-noise ratios in the detector electronics involves tuning the gate width used in measuring the fluorescent pulse, in order to include the full fluorescent signal returning from the contaminants. Field tests of the modular prototype instrument have been successful in their demonstration of the feasibility of this new technology. Results at a variety of types of sites are presented, showing the flexibility of the modular approach used in the design and operation of this new instrument.
Recent developments in the actinorhizal symbioses

Over 200 species of angiosperms in eight different families are capable of forming root nodule symbioses with the actinomycetal genusFrankia as endosymbiont. Several thorough reviews of the biology of these actinorhizal associations have appeared in recent years (Benson and Silvester, 1993; Schwintzer and Tjepkema, 1990; Tjepkema et al., 1986). The purpose of the present discussion is to provide a summary overview of the actinorhizal symbioses, with an emphasis on recent research activities. A few areas of comparative interest with other symbiotic diazotrophs will be highlighted, especially regarding the question of oxygen protection and nitrogen fixation.
Bias in the Logarithm of Microbial Density Estimates from Serial Dilutions

The bias in the most-probable-number (MPN) estimate of microbial densities derived from serial dilutions might be less important than it has appeared to be. For many purposes, bias in the logarithm of the MPN is more important than bias in the MPN, and the bias in the logarithm is much less. The lesser bias has been reduced by using the theorems of Salama, Koch, and Tolley. Formulas and tables are provided.
The Role of Interferon Regulatory Factor-1 and Interferon Regulatory Factor-2 in IFN-γ Growth Inhibition of Human Breast Carcinoma Cell Lines

Interferon (IFN) regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) and IRF-2 play opposing roles in the regulation of many IFN-gamma-inducible genes. To investigate the signal transduction pathway in response to IFN-gamma in light of differences in growth effects, we selected four human breast carcinoma cell lines based on a spectrum of growth inhibition by IFN-gamma. MDA468 growth was markedly inhibited by IFN-gamma, and it showed substantial induction of IRF-1 mRNA but little IRF-2 induction. SKBR3 showed little growth inhibition and little induction of IRF-1 mRNA but significant induction of IRF-2 mRNA. HS578T and MDA436 growth inhibition and IRF-1/IRF-2 induction were intermediate. All four cell lines showed intact receptor at the cell surface and Stat1 translocation to the nucleus by immunostaining. By EMSA, there were marked differences in the induced ratio of IRF-1 and IRF-2 binding activity between the cell lines that correlated with growth inhibition. Finally, antisense oligonucleotides specific for IRF-1 attenuated IFN-gamma growth inhibition in MDA436 and MDA468, confirming the direct role of IRF-1 in IFN-gamma growth inhibition. Induction of IRF-1 causes growth inhibition in human breast cancer cell lines, and induction of IRF-2 can oppose this. The relative induction of IRF-1 to IRF-2 is a critical control point in IFN-gamma response.
DAY TO DAY VARIABILITY IN 6-HYDROXYMELATONIN SULFATE (SM) EXCRETION IN CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS. 500

Melatonin (MT) secretion is circadian with gradual nocturnal rise to peak(± 0200 h), followed by gradual decline to low daytime levels by morning. Nocturnal SM excretion is a reliable indicator of MT secretion. We examined the SM variability in 3 or 4 overnight collections of 52 subjects (18 prepubertal, 21 pubertal, 13 adult). The start time was ≤ 2315 h and duration ≥ 6h, to ensure inclusion of peak MT. We calculated each subject's coefficient of variation (CV) and determined the group variability (mean CV,%± SEM of the 52 CV's) for each parameter: Table The variability of SM was significantly correlated with that of creatinine, and both were unrelated to the variability of urine collection which was low for both start time and duration. We conclude that the variability in SM excretion is substantial (25%). Therefore, multiple urine collections should be considered in longitudinal studies and therapeutic trials of MT.
Photochemical formation of perchlorate from aqueous oxychlorine anions

Evidence of atmospherically produced perchlorate is being accumulated, yet information regarding its formation process is largely unknown. For the first time, the present study demonstrates that perchlorate can be generated as an end-product of photochemical transformation reactions of chlorine precursors such as aqueous salt solutions of hypochlorite, chlorite, and chlorate upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. For example, under exposure to UV light from photochemical reactor lamps at a peak wavelength of 253.7 nm for 7 days, the observed perchlorate concentrations were 5, 25, and 626 microg/L at initial chlorite concentrations of 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg/L, respectively. In addition, perchlorate was generated within 7 days from aqueous chlorite solutions at mid-latitude (33 degrees 59'N, 101 degrees 89'W) spring and summer solar radiation. Via UV radiation from the artificial lamps and sunlight, chlorite was converted to chloride (68%) and chlorate (32%) as end-products on the basis of molar percentage. However, perchlorate was not detected from aqueous chloride solutions at initial concentrations up to 10,000 mg/L under the experimental conditions. Relevant mechanistic pathways were proposed based on the fact that chlorine dioxide (as a primary intermediate) may play a significant role in phototransformation of the precursors leading to perchlorate.
Situational obstacles to dietary adherence for adults with diabetes

Abstract Objective To develop a taxonomy of everyday situations that create obstacles for adherence to dietary management in patients with diabetes. Subjects Twenty-six adults with diabetes (12 with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and 14 with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) were recruited from an outpatient diabetes clinic. Main outcome measures Subjects were interviewed to identify problem situations that create obstacles for dietary adherence. The resulting 69 situations were judged for the presence of absence of 32 environmental features using a reliable coding system. Statistical analysis A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify homogeneous groups of dietary adherence obstacles. Results Twelve types of problem situations were identified: negative emotions, resisting temptation, eating out, feeling deprived, time pressure, tempted to relapse, planning, competing priorities, social events, family support, food refusal, and friends' support. Conclusions The resulting taxonomy provides an outline for the detailed assessment of obstacles to dietary adherence. An individual's ability to cope with this array of obstacles to dietary adherence should be assessed so treatment can be individualized.
Diagnosis and management of microinvasive (stage IA) carcinoma of the uterine cervix

One hundred and sixty-two cases of Stage IA microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix are presented. These patients represent the combined experience at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, and Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York. The criteria used in both institutions are 1) penetration of invasive carcinoma beneath the basement membrane of less than 1 mm and 2) absence of invasion of blood vessel or lymphatic spaces. All tissue specimens have been measured accurately by use of calibrated optics. The literature has been reviewed for criteria of diagnosis of microinvasive cancer, as well as methods of management. Our method of accurately determining depth of penetration is described and the evolution of microinvasive cancer is presented in a series of photomicrographs in which measurements are accurate to 0.1 mm. In the literature, when depth of penetration of up to 5 mm is used as criterion for microinvasive carcinoma, the incidence of nodal metastasis may be as high as 3.5%. Since, in our combined institutions, the mortality rate with radical hysterectomy is less than 1% and the incidence of ureterovaginal fistulas is 1.2%, we conclude that simple hysterectomy is not adequate therapy for lesions with stromal invasion to a depth of 5 mm.
Racial and Ethnic Socialization in Later Generations of a Mexican American Family

Later-generation Mexican American (third or more) experience diminishing educational gains compared with second-generation Mexican Americans. Positive racial and ethnic socialization (RES) and ethnic identity can facilitate strong academic performance. Using the oral histories of 18 third- and fourth-generation Mexican Americans in the same family, this study describes RES from childhood to young adulthood to understand how RES can be used to improve their academic circumstances. Results indicate that later-generation RES is multidimensional and influenced by varied factors (e.g., historical moment, socioeconomic status). As a result, Mexican Americans develop a dual RES self-schema that lacks academic achievement as a result of both the ethnic and larger community neglecting to positively affect RES and ethnic identity. The author suggests that the ethnic community (families) and larger society need to re-define group membership to incorporate academic achievement.
Significance of microthermal effects derived from low level UHF-microwave irradiation of the head: Indirect caloric vestibular stimulation

Abstract Reports of behavioral and clinical changes following weak microwave irradiation, though not fully documented, are of sufficient moment to require examination of each possible biological consequence of low level exposure, particularly with respect to the central nervous system. In this report the hypothesis that significant cytological microthermal effects are induced by low intensity microwave fields (10 mW/cm 2 incident power density) is examined. An estimate of the upper bound on the thermal effects thus produced is made, showing the thermal variations to be no larger than those endogenous to neural tissue. A similar analysis of microthermal effects within the vestibulo-cochlear apparatus, however, suggests the more limited hypothesis that this structure is responsive to weak, absorbed microwave energy. An estimate of the temperature gradients, hence, local fluid density changes within the labyrinth supports the existence of detectable intralabyrinthine convective forces at incident power densities as low as 15–20 mW/cm 2 . This suggests (i) that microwave induced vestibular effects may provide a cue to alert personnel to significant acute microwave exposure, (ii) that reports of behavioral and/or clinical reactivity to low level microwave exposure may derive from such a benign but potentially useful interaction and (iii) that geometric peculiarities of the vestibulo-cochlear apparatus may result in markedly enhanced microwave-labyrinthine coupling at particular radiation wavelengths.
Measurement tests for evaluation of social indicators

Abstract An evaluation methodology is developed in this paper based upon two criteria: correspondence and correctness. Four qualitative tests—construct-indicator correlation, construct dimensions-referents correlation, comparability of units and levels of analysis, and utilization of explicit weighting variable—apply the correspondence criterion. The correctness criterion is used in one test in order to compare relative errors in indicator and referents with a quantitative analysis of cumulative error.
USE OF ANTERIOR PITUITARY EXTRACTS IN UNCONTROLLED DIABETES MELLITUS WITH GROWTH AND SEXUAL RETARDATION

WORK of Houssay (1) and subsequent investigators has caused much discussion regarding the etiologic role played by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland in diabetes mellitus in man. The injection of extracts of the anterior lobe of the hypophysis has produced diabetes in dogs (2) and has made the diabetes more severe in the cases reported by Lassen and Hansen (3). It has been postulated that the hypophysis secretes an excessive amount of the diabetogenic factor in cases of diabetes mellitus in man. It is for this reason that we are reporting three cases of diabetes mellitus in which we employed extracts of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland containing the alleged growth hormone. The diabetes was improved in one case and was unaltered in the other two.
Effects of material property stratification and residual stresses on single angle flexural ductility

Abstract This paper investigates the influences that non-homogeneous material properties and residual stress distributions have on the structural ductility of single angle beams bent about the minor principal axis. Such non-homogeneity in material response, and initial stress distribution results from manufacturing processes and varies substantially on a case-by-case basis. The investigation reported herein is based on experimentally verified nonlinear finite element modeling techniques. Mild carbon steel single angles with three distinct material property stratification scenarios are studied within the context of minor principal axis flexure. These cases are also examined both with and without the presence of residual stresses. Both plastic hinge rotation capacity and severity of unloading within the moment–rotation response are studied; in this way it is possible to quantify the structural ductility of single angle beams. In addition, differing definitions for plastic section properties are examined to ascertain their impact on the values of the above ductility response measures.
Autoregressive model based feature extraction method for time shifted chromatography data

Abstract This study aims to demonstrate the distinct advantages of a novel feature extraction method based on autoregressive (AR) model for the classification of the chromatography data with time shifts. Two typical classification methods, principal component regression (PCR) and neural networks (NN), were employed to compare the classification effects of three types of feature spaces: the chromatogram AR coefficients obtained through an AR model, the chromatogram wavelet coefficients, and the original chromatography data. The results indicate: (1) for the normal non-time shifted chromatography data, three types of feature spaces show almost equally good classification results; (2) for the time shifted chromatography data, the classification effect based on the AR coefficients is significantly better than those based on the other two feature spaces, especially when an NN model is employed for the nonlinearity in the classification system; and (3) without time alignment, the damage caused by the time shifts to the classification based on the chromatogram wavelet coefficients and the original chromatography data is not easily overcome even by employing an NN model. This study not only demonstrates the distinct ability of this proposed feature extraction method to free us from time alignment for the chromatography data with time shifts, but also illustrates the robustness of this feature extraction method in terms of the AR model order selection. The AR model based feature extraction method provides a novel, fast, and reliable strategy for chromatogram characterization and classification, with a great potential to benefit the development of automated instrumentation systems.
Reaction Probabilities for N2O5 Hydrolysis on Sulfuric Acid and Ammonium Sulfate Aerosols at Room Temperature

The uptake coefficients for N2O5 hydrolysis have been measured at room temperature on micron-sized aerosols composed of both sulfuric acid aqueous solutions and ammonium sulfate solutions. The measurements have been performed in a laminar flow tube which is coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer for monitoring the concentration of N2O5 in the gas phase and an optical particle counter which sizes the aerosols and determines their number density. The aerosols are generated with an ultrasonic nebulizer from aqueous solutions of either sulfuric acid or ammonium sulfate, and their liquid-phase concentration is determined by the relative humidity (RH) set within the flow tube. For both the sulfuric acid and ammonium sulfate aerosols, the reaction probability (γ) is largest for the lowest relative humidities studied: for sulfuric acid aerosols, γ = 0.05−0.06 for RH = 9−20%, γ = 0.02 for RH = 90%; for ammonium sulfate aerosols, γ = 0.04−0.05 for RH = 50−69%, γ = 0.02 for RH = 83−94%. In the case of a...
The ANTI-order for caccc posets—part II

Abstract This paper deals with a generalization of the following simple observation. Suppose there are distinct elements a, b of the chain complete poset (P, ⩽) such that P( a) ⊆ P(> b); if P( a) are both fixed point free (fpf), then P is also fpf (we say P is trivially fpf), otherwise, P has the fixed point property (fpp) if and only if P {a} has this property. We introduce a new quasi-order on a poset (P, ⩽), called the ANTI-order denoted by , where holds if and only if every element strictly comparable with x is also strictly comparable with y. A set X ⊆ P is an ANTI-good subset of P, if X is maximal (with respect to inclusion) and its elements are -maximal and pairwise -incomparable. A poset (P, ⩽) is caccc if it is chain complete and every countably infinite antichain has a supremum (infimum) whenever the antichain is bounded above (below). The caccc property is preserved by retracts and the intersection of a decreasing chain of caccc subposets also has this property. We show that for a caccc poset (P, ⩽) an ANTI-good subset is a retract and it is uniquely determined up to isomorphism. Moreover, if P is not trivially fpf, then P has the fpp if and only if an ANTI-good subset has the fpp. A strictly decreasing sequence, Π = (Pξ : ξ ⩽ λ), of subsets of a caccc poset P is called an ANTI-perfect sequence of P, if P − P0 and, for each ξ ξ-good subset of Pξ, where ξ is the ANTI-order on Pξ, and P ξ = ⋒{P η:η } when ξ is a limit ordinal, and Pλ is a λ-good subset of itself. We call Pλ an ANTI-core of P. Our main result is that an ANTI-core of a caccc poset is a retract. The proof of this will be given separately in the second part of the paper [5]. In this part we establish the existence of ANTI-perfect sequences.
Early Clinical Experience with Homotransplantation of the Aortic Valve

Twenty-five patients with predominant aortic valvular disease have had replacement with a homograft aortic valve inserted after the fashion of Barratt-Boyes. Recently used valves have been stored at -80 C, allowing prolonged storage and rapid reconstitution. There were five early deaths (20%), none of which was directly attributable to the choice of valve. Of three late deaths (12%) in up to 18 months follow-up, two were found to be due to complications of the valve resulting in aortic regurgitation-one secondary to a peripheral leak, the other to a fungal endocarditis. All 17 survivors are greatly improved. All 11 patients who have survived over four months have returned to their former occupations. Five (29%) have no murmurs and 12 (71%) have no diastolic murmur. The five that have diastolic murmurs all show evidence of improvement. Tailoring the recipient annulus to fit the donor valve by means of "V" excision of the noncoronary sinus has been very important in minimizing the problem of valvular insufficiency. Recatheterization at one year has revealed no systolic gradient in four patients. Aortic regurgitation was minimal in one patient. There has been no thromboembolism, although anticoagulants are not used. These promising early results support continued use and evaluation of the homograft aortic valve.
On the size and shape of the process zone

Abstract We discuss a procedure for determining the size and shape of the process zone in an elastoplastic material. The basic features of Rice-Johnson elastoplastic analysis are utilized together with a linear distribution of the process zone forces and the smooth closure condition for the process zone faces. Three different methods are adopted for the calculation: one based on the elimination of the plastic singularity at the crack tip, another on the balance of energy at the onset of crack motion, and the third on an expression for the crack opening angle. Numerical results pertaining to these calculations are listed.
The relationship between belonging and ability in computer science

Retaining students in computer science majors has been a persistent topic among computer science educators for almost two decades. Researchers have examined the relationship between belonging and engagement, self-efficacy, retention and persistence. Our quantitative research suggests that a student's sense of belonging is related to a student's perception of his ability, possibly more so than to actual performance. Our qualitative analysis further suggests that feelings of belonging can influence students' attitudes toward the mutability of ability, based on conversation and support from their academic and non-academic communities. Supporting a student's sense of belonging both to the discipline and their supportive communities can improve the academic resilience of computer science students, thus improving retention.
SEXUAL SELECTION AND BODY SIZE IN MALE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.

In most species of birds adult males are larger than adult females. The two major hypotheses proposed to explain this pattern of sexual size dimorphism are appropriately termed the sexual selection and competition avoidance hypotheses. The sexual selection hypothesis states that large size gives males an advantage in intrasexual competition for females or in epigamic displays, activities not engaged in by females. Males will thus be larger than females, and the difference should be greater among polygynous and promiscuous species where there is greater variability in male reproductive success and thus stronger sexual selection (Darwin, 1871; Huxley, 1938; Fisher, 1958). The sexual selection hypothesis, then, explains the relationship between pronounced sexual dimorphism in size and nonmonogamous mating systems in birds (Darwin, 1871; Selander, 1958, 1972; Amadon, 1959; Orians, 1961), a relationship particularly evident among the Icteridae (Selander, 1958). The competition avoidance hypothesis states that sexual size dimorphism is favored because it reduces competition between males and females of the same species (Selander and Giller, 1963; Selander, 1966, 1972; Johnston and Selander, 1973). If size affects the range of resources used (e.g., larger individuals eat larger food items), then those males differing most in size from females would overlap in resource utilization with the fewest individuals and thus have the most resources available. This hypothesis may be especially applicable to monogamous, ter-
Institutional and ad hoc DSS and their effective use

The term decision support system (DSS) applies to the subset of management information systems that truly support decision-making processes. This term excludes structured decision systems that essentially present the appropriate decisions for management approval, as is the case in many inventory-control or billing systems. This paper differentiates between two classes of decision support systems: institutional DSS, which deal with decisions of a recurring nature, and ad hoc DSS, which deal with specific problems that are usually not anticipated or recurring. An understanding of these two classes of decision support systems facilitates making explicit both their common and different computational needs. This analysis has provided a basis for the development of computational facilities to support effectively their common needs. This paper briefly describes some of those computational facilities and illustrates their use in systems (institutional and ad hoc) which are being effectively used to support regional energy decisions in New England.
Preparation and Characterization of Bifunctional Biopolymers for Receptor‐Based Liposomal Immunosensing

In this study, we prepared bifunctional biopolymers for development of a novel liposomal immunosensing element. These biopolymers were produced such that a rat monoclonal antibody fragment Fab' was linked to a cardiac protein Troponin I (TnI) peptide by a cross-linking reagent, o-phenylenedimaleimide (o-PDM) or N-sucinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (SPDP). The biopolymer formation yields were approximately 10% for Fab-TnIMal and 30% for Fab-TnISPDP. Molar ratios of Fab' to SPDP or o-PDM and conjugated Fab' to TnI peptide and conjugation pH have considerable effects on the biopolymer yield. Purification of these biopolymers was achieved by employing size-exclusion HPLC. These biopolymers can bind to receptor channels on one end, while the peptide end can be recognized by an anti-TnI antibody serving as a protein linker to block the channels in the immunosensing element. Then reactions may be used where free analyte competes for cross-linker binding sites whereby channels are rendered active. Characterization of purified biopolymers was performed using gel electrophoresis, ELISAs, and a BIAcore instrument. Furthermore, results of real-time biospecific interaction experiments with use of the BIAcore show that competition binding reactions of free TnI peptide occurred in this new immunosensing design. The binding activities of these two biopolymers are slightly different.
Pelvic floor symptoms and bone mineral density in women undergoing osteoporosis evaluation

Our aim was to characterize pelvic floor symptoms in postmenopausal women who had undergone osteoporosis evaluation and examine their association with bone mineral density (BMD). Pelvic floor symptom questionnaires were mailed to 4,026 women. Multivariate logistic regression models controlling for age, race, body mass index (BMI), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were performed comparing symptoms in women with osteoporosis (T score ≤ −2.5) and osteopenia (T score > −2.5 to < −1) at any site to women with normal BMD (T score: ≥ −1, referent). There were 1,774/4,026 (44 %) questionnaires returned; 1,655 were included in the analysis (362 osteoporosis, 870 osteopenia, 423 normal BMD). Overall prevalence of any urinary incontinence (UI) was 1,226/1,640 (75 %), with UI ≥2–3 times/week in 699/1,197 (58 %), fecal incontinence over the past month in 247/1,549 (16 %), and prolapse in 162/1,582 (10 %). Multivariate analyses revealed that women with osteopenia had increased risk of incontinence of solid stool [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.7, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.1–2.4). Risk of UI ≥2–3 times/week was not increased in women with osteoporosis (aOR 0.9, CI 0.6–1.3) and was lower in women with osteopenia (aOR 0.7, CI 0.5–0.9). In women with osteoporosis, the odds of moderate- to large-volume urine loss versus small/none was higher for those in the lower T-score quartile (lower BMD; aOR 1.43, CI 1.1–1.9). In women undergoing osteoporosis evaluation, those with osteopenia were at increased risk of fecal incontinence but not UI compared with normal women. Osteoporotic women with the lowest T scores had higher risk of moderate- to large-volume UI. It is unclear whether there is a pathophysiologic link between BMD loss and development of pelvic floor symptoms.
Methamphetamine-Induced Occludin Endocytosis is Mediated by the Arp2/3 Complex-Regulated Actin Rearrangement

Methamphetamine (METH) is a drug of abuse with neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects, which include disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and alterations of tight junction protein expression. This study focused on the actin cytoskeletal rearrangement as a modulator of METH-induced redistribution of tight junction protein occludin in brain endothelial cells. Exposure to METH resulted in a shift of occludin localization from plasma membranes to endosomes. These changes were accompanied by activation of the actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex, which stimulates actin polymerization by promoting actin nucleation. In addition, METH-induced coronin-1b phosphorylation diminishes the inhibitory effect of nonphosphorylated coronin-1b on actin nucleation. Blocking actin nucleation with CK-666, a specific inhibitor of the Arp2/3 complex, protected against METH-induced occludin internalization and increased transendothelial monocyte migration. Importantly, treatment with CK-666 attenuated a decrease in occludin levels in brain microvessels and BBB permeability of METH-injected mice. These findings indicate that actin cytoskeletal dynamics is detrimental to METH-induced BBB dysfunction by increasing internalization of occludin.
Rhyme's Challenge: Hip Hop, Poetry, and Contemporary Rhyming Culture

David Caplan's Rhyme's Challenge: Hip Hop, Poetry, and Contemporary Rhyming Culture is a much needed book because it examines the significance of rhymes in American hip hop across races and culture...
Induction of the unfolded protein response drives enhanced metabolism and chemoresistance in glioma cells

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-based cytoprotective mechanism acting to prevent pathologies accompanying protein aggregation. It is frequently active in tumors, but relatively unstudied in gliomas. We hypothesized that UPR stress effects on glioma cells might protect tumors from additional exogenous stress (ie, chemotherapeutics), postulating that protection was concurrent with altered tumor cell metabolism. Using human brain tumor cell lines, xenograft tumors, human samples and gene expression databases, we determined molecular features of glioma cell UPR induction/activation, and here report a detailed analysis of UPR transcriptional/translational/metabolic responses. Immunohistochemistry, Western and Northern blots identified elevated levels of UPR transcription factors and downstream ER chaperone targets in gliomas. Microarray profiling revealed distinct regulation of stress responses between xenograft tumors and parent cell lines, with gene ontology and network analyses linking gene expression to cell survival and metabolic processes. Human glioma samples were examined for levels of the ER chaperone GRP94 by immunohistochemistry and for other UPR components by Western blotting. Gene and protein expression data from patient gliomas correlated poor patient prognoses with increased expression of ER chaperones, UPR target genes, and metabolic enzymes (glycolysis and lipogenesis). NMR-based metabolomic studies revealed increased metabolic outputs in glucose uptake with elevated glycolytic activity as well as increased phospholipid turnover. Elevated levels of amino acids, antioxidants, and cholesterol were also evident upon UPR stress; in particular, recurrent tumors had overall higher lipid outputs and elevated specific UPR arms. Clonogenicity studies following temozolomide treatment of stressed or unstressed cells demonstrated UPR-induced chemoresistance. Our data characterize the UPR in glioma cells and human tumors, and link the UPR to chemoresistance possibly via enhanced metabolism. Given the role of the UPR in the balance between cell survival and apoptosis, targeting the UPR and/or controlling metabolic activity may prove beneficial for malignant glioma therapeutics.
"Peace with my maker": Voices of seriously ill African American elders regarding advance care planning

African Americans participate in advance care planning (ACP) less often and are more likely to opt for life sustaining treatment than non-Hispanic whites. Although prior quantitative and qualitativ...
Entropy and Cross-Relaxation in Spin Systems

Several examples of cross-relaxation and harmonic cross-relaxation between magnetic resonance transitions, both nuclear and electronic, have recently been reported. In these experiments, the appropriate cross-relaxation rate equations have generally been invoked to predict the results observed. It is pointed out that if the phenomena can be described in thermodynamic terms using the spin temperatures, then the results can be predicted in a simple fashion by maximizing the spin entropy. A simple approximation for the entropy of a multilevel spin system in terms of the population differences $\ensuremath{\Delta}{n}_{\mathrm{ij}}$ is derived and applied to a typical cross-relaxation problem.
Preoperative prediction of small volume cancer (less than 0.5 ml) in radical prostatectomy specimens.

ABSTRACTPurpose: The detection of low volume and early stage prostate cancer has increased with the widespread use of prostate specific antigen screening for prostatic adenocarcinoma. This increased detection has led to efforts to stratify patient risk and the potential benefits of various treatments based on preoperative clinical and biopsy data. We examined various clinical parameters and prostate biopsy features to determine which variables are most predictive of small volume (less than 0.5 ml) cancer at prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: We studied 336 patients who underwent prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Radical prostatectomy specimens were completely embedded and whole mounted. Final tumor volume in the radical prostatectomy specimens was determined by the grid method. Clinical data were gathered by a review of patient charts. Various preoperative clinical and biopsy findings were analyzed to determine factors predictive of small volume cancer at prostatectomy.Results: A total of 55 patients (...
Environmental effects on the torsion and flexure fatigue properties of graphite-epoxy composites

Effects of torsional and flexural fatigue on the long-time integrity of advanced graphite-epoxy structural composites have been investigated. Reversed (R = - 1) and unidirectional (R = 0) torsional fatigue tests were made on unidirectional, cross-plied and woven graphite fiber materials in air and water at room temperature and at 74 C. Flexural fatigue tests (4-point bending) with R = - 1 were run in air and water at room temperature, and at R = 0 in air. Results show that in torsional cycling, both water environment and higher test temperature contribute to significant degradation of torsional stiffness. The degradation of stiffness from torsional stress cycling was observed to be much greater with R = - 1 than with simple R = 0 cycling. The effect of environment is also greater in the fully reversed cycling.
Hypothermia slows sequential and parallel steps initiated during caerulein pancreatitis

Abstract Background and objectives Multiple deleterious signaling cascades are simultaneously activated in acute pancreatitis (AP), which may limit the success of pharmacologic approaches targeting a single step. We explored whether cooling acinar cells slows distinct steps initiated from a stimulus causing pancreatitis simultaneously, and the temperature range over which inhibition of such deleterious signaling occurs. Methods Caerulein (100 nM) induced trypsinogen activation (TGA), CXCL1, CXCL2 mRNA levels, cell injury were studied at 37 °C, 34 °C, 31 °C, 29 °C and 25 °C in acinar cells. Trypsin, cathepsin B activities and cathepsin B mediated TGA were studied at 37 °C, 23 °C and 4 °C. Results There was >80% reduction in TGA, CXCL1 and CXCL2 mRNA levels at 29 °C, and in cell injury at 34 °C, compared to those at 37 °C. Trypsin activity, cathepsin B activity and cathepsin B mediated TGA at 23 °C were respectively, 53%, 64% and 26% of that at 37 °C. Acinar cooling to 31 °C reduced LDH leakage even when cooling was initiated an hour after caerulein stimulation at 37 °C. Conclusions Hypothermia synergistically and simultaneously slows parallel and distinct signaling steps initiated by caerulein, thereby reducing TGA, upregulation of inflammatory mediators and acinar injury.
Role of nitric oxide in inflammation and tissue injury during endotoxemia and hemorrhagic shock.

Since the discovery that nitric oxide (.NO) accounts for the biologic activity of endothelial-derived relaxing factor, a torrent of research over the last decade has focused on its role, protective...
Electrically modifiable nonvolatile synapses for neural networks

The realization of an electronic element to simulate the synaptic interconnect in an electronic neural system is addressed. The basic interconnect or weight is an electrically reprogrammable, nonvolatile, analog conductance for the adaptive (modifiable) synapse. This weight is formed with a multidielectric, SONOS memory transistor which may be programmed at 5-V levels compatible with CMOS VLSI technology. The attractive features of this synaptic weight are its low power dissipation, small size, low voltage programmability, wide dynamic range, and ability to mimic biological synapses with respect to memory retention. Also addressed is the incorporation of the basic electronic synapse into a Widrow-Hoff delta-rule algorithm to study the electrical characteristics of this synthetic element in a single-level adaptive linear neuron. The combination of synaptic weights and a control algorithm provides a means to examine a basic functional neural building block for neural networks. >
Efficient implementation of RNA interference in the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans

An improved method has been developed for RNA interference in Cryptococcus neoformans, using opposing promoters to facilitate cloning and RNA interference targeting URA5 to allow selection of cells in which silencing is most effective. These advances significantly reduce the variability of silencing and the effort required for interference plasmid construction.
Synthesis and New Directions

Spatial decision support systems (SDSS) are (1) customized software applications that (2) apply analytical constructs to (3) spatial data layers, (4) for the purpose of informing specific decisions and decisions makers. What is special about them is how they enable transparent decision-making processes, effectiveness monitoring, adaptive management, and making better future decisions. Custom SDSS applications can be thought of as snapshots of the logic used to make a decision. As such, they are invaluable to grounding management and its edification through learning. An SDSS clearly reveals the logic and data that decision makers use to derive their best decision to solve a specific set of problems. But at best, it represents the hypothesis—‘this is how we thought to solve these problems, given available information’. Subsequent decisions can be informed by the portions of a decision that worked/did not work, with little effort to reconstruct the evaluation, only to adapt it. EMDS is a SDSS development tool. It was conceived for application to the decision-making process of ecosystem management because these decisions are typically complex, multi-layered, and difficult to track, once made. EMDS uses spatial data layers, and there is no real limit to the number of dimensions it can consider in decision making. Here, we summarize how EMDS has been used to date and discuss new directions for expanding its utility. We also discuss how users and applications have influenced, and continue to influence, EMDS development, and new versions will no doubt reflect the evolution of decision making and technology.
Hematopoietic lineage commitment: Role of transcription factors

This review focuses on the roles of transcription factors in hematopoietic lineage commitment. A brief introduction to lineage commitment and asymmetric cell division is followed by a discussion of several methods used to identify transcription factors important in specifying hematopoietic cell types. Next is presented a discussion of the use of embryonic stem cells in the analysis of hematopoietic gene expression and the use of targeted gene disruption to analyze the role of transcription factors in hematopoiesis. Finally, the status of our current knowledge concerning the roles of transcription factors in the commitment to erythroid, myeloid and lymphoid cell types is summarized.
An “energy efficient” vircator-based HPM system

A common figure of merit utilized for HPM sources is the instantaneous power efficiency at the time of peak output power. This conversion efficiency from the electron beam power to radiated microwave power disregards the overall energy efficiency of the system, which is vitally important in systems intended for practical application. Optimizing the overall system energy efficiency allows a reduction in volume, weight, and prime power requirements that makes for a much more practical and fieldable system. Texas Tech University has developed a vircator-based laboratory HPM system that has a high end-to-end energy efficiency relative to other HPM systems. The system utilizes a sealed-tube vircator source that requires no external vacuum pumping subsystem. For rep-rate use, the tube contains an integrated low-power sputter ion pump. The lack of need for an externally applied magnetic field saves complexity, weight, and potentially power. The vircator tube is simple and robust. The source is driven by a Marx generator utilizing pulse forming networks (PFNs) instead of lumped capacitors. Utilizing PFNs allows the driver to apply a more ideal pulse shape to the source than a traditional Marx, enhancing the performance of the source and reducing the amount of energy wasted in the rise and fall of the pulse. The system has demonstrated greater than 1% energy efficiency from the energy stored in the Marx to the radiated HPM, with potential for improvement. The peak total radiated output power of the system is between 50 and 100 MW.
Pathological and protective roles of glia in chronic pain

Glia have emerged as key contributors to pathological and chronic pain mechanisms. On activation, both astrocytes and microglia respond to and release a number of signalling molecules, which have protective and/or pathological functions. Here we review the current understanding of the contribution of glia to pathological pain and neuroprotection, and how the protective, anti-inflammatory actions of glia are being harnessed to develop new drug targets for neuropathic pain control. Given the prevalence of chronic pain and the partial efficacy of current drugs, which exclusively target neuronal mechanisms, new strategies to manipulate neuron–glia interactions in pain processing hold considerable promise.
Standard deviation as an alternative to fuzziness in fault tree models

Construction of fault-tree models almost always involves some engineering judgment or estimation when it comes to assignment of probabilities for the primary events in the fault tree. The top event probability in a fault tree is, of course, a function of the probabilities of occurrence of the primary events. A clearly desirable goal is to characterize fluctuations in the top-event probability that might be caused by variations or uncertainty in the probabilities of the primary events. This paper shows that useful probabilistic information can be obtained by bounding the standard deviation of the top-event probability. This approach provides probabilistic information not inherent in fuzzy methods. A corresponding caveat, of course, is that this approach requires specific knowledge of the standard deviation of the probabilities of occurrence of the primary events, and this knowledge is not assumed in the fuzzy approaches which instead assume known possibility functions for the primary events. Even if precise probability distributions for all primary events are known, computational difficulties thwart any effort to determine the exact probability distribution of the top event. Feasible extensions of existing algorithms can be used to bound the standard deviation, with little increase in computational complexity. >
MEMS based Sun sensor

Sun sensors have been widely used as a part of spacecraft attitude determination subsystems to provide a measurement of the Sun vector in spacecraft coordinates. An experimental MEMS based Sun sensor is presented. This prototype sun sensor is comprised of a silicon wafer mask with several hundred small apertures placed on top of a CCD focal plane array at a distance of 750 /spl mu/m. An image of the apertures is formed on the focal plane when the sun illuminates this setup. Sun angles can be derived by analyzing the image. The experimental data presented indicates that this sun sensor can achieve accuracies on the order of a few arcminutes or better. It is projected that this type of sun sensor, utilizing an active pixel sensor focal plane array, will be the size of three dimes stacked on top of each other. It will have a mass of less than 30 g and consume less than 20 mW. This will make this type of sun sensor ideal for micro/nano spacecraft and small rovers.