cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydration time influences microcrustacean hatching in intermittent wetlands: in situ and ex situ approaches

Organisms living in intermittent wetlands present adaptations to cope with the inundation-desiccation process. Microcrustaceans are commonly found in intermittent wetlands because they present reproductive strategies able to synchronize with the hydroperiod. To know the dynamic of the microcrustaceans, that inhabit these wetlands of the subtropical coastal plain, which predominate the Pampas biome in Brazil, we analyzed the influence of hydration time and temperature on the hatching of microcrustaceans, comparing in situ and ex situ approaches. We followed hatching 34 days after in situ flooding and tested three temperatures (10, 15, and 20°C) 30 days after laboratory flooding. In both approaches, we classified the hydration time as the beginning, middle, and end of the hydroperiod. We recorded a total of 41 taxa distributed in Cladocera (26 taxa), Ostracoda (8), Copepoda (3), Anostraca (1), and Conchostraca (1). We observed that in situ hydration time was the most important factor for hatching. Ex situ hydration time was also important, but the increase in temperature positively affected the hatching of organisms. We also found that in both approaches, the beginning of hydration time is the most important period for the hatching of microcrustaceans.
The Rule of Judicial Political Affiliation in Criminal Sentencing Outcomes

Legislative efforts to bring consistency to criminal sentencing outcomes has been much discussed in academic literature and Congressional hearings alike. Despite these efforts disparate sentencing outcomes persist. Researchers have studied many variables seeking to understand these disparities but have been unable to form a consensus around the cause. Perhaps because of the lack of a firm understanding of the issue among researchers, legislative intervention at both the state and federal level has largely failed to address the issue of judicial characteristics that may drive sentencing disparities. As a result, absent from the conversation on criminal sentencing reform is empirical and anecdotal evidence about how judges make determinations within the range of outcomes specified by the legislature. New data on federal sentencing outcomes collected by Harvard researchers, however, finds a direct connection between the political party of the President who appointed the federal judge and the length of a defendant’s sentence. As the Harvard study reports, federal judges appointed by Republican presidents sentence defendants on average to three more months in prison than federal judges appointed by Democratic presidents. Republican-appointed judges in the federal system also sentence black defendants more harshly than Democratic-appointed judges. As will be discussed in this Article, the central premise of the Harvard political sentencing study – that judicial political affiliation influences sentencing outcomes, even those that are highly guided by legislative criteria – also holds true on the state level with respect to elected, rather than appointed, judges. As we report, empirical evidence from the state of Ohio demonstrates that elected Republican judges sentence defendants to lengthier terms of incarceration than elected Democratic judges by a statistically significant margin. This evidence suggests that, rather than being entirely guided by specified statutory criteria, judges bring preexisting sentencing ideologies to the bench and make decisions with a range of sentencing outcomes based at least in part on their individual philosophies and beliefs. Based on these findings, we argue that in order to address the issue of sentencing disparities, reform efforts should take action to specifically address the behavior and motivation of individual judges.
Impacts of range-dependent bottom type on mid-frequency propagation

The Target and Reverberation Experiment in 2013 (TREX13) focused on mid-frequency propagation and reverberation in shallow water off the coast of Panama City Beach, FL. The seafloor at the site primarily consisted of long-wavelength (150–200 m), small-amplitude (∼1 m) sand ridges with narrow (20–30 m wide) regions of mud in the swales. Backscatter measurements using a multibeam sonar indicated that roughly 10%–20% of the seafloor was covered in mud. During the experiment, a source transmitting tones from 1.5 to 4.0 kHz was towed past two stationary vertical line arrays to measure the transmission loss (TL) along the track. The measured TL was found to be midway between the predictions for pure sand and puremud sediments, despite the limited amount of mud at the site. Range-dependent propagation models which incorporate this variation in sediment type, indicate that the mud regions act as sinks of acoustic energy producing a significant increase in loss. Also, the spatial distribution is such that the mud regions cannot be discerned in the TL range-dependence. The implications of this range-dependence on both inversion and reverberation will be discussed. [Work supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research.]
Pathologists at the Leading Edge of Optimizing the Tumor Tissue Journey for Diagnostic Accuracy and Molecular Testing.

Objectives Tumor biomarker analyses accompanying immuno-oncology therapies are coupled with a tumor tissue journey aiming to guide tissue procurement and allow for accurate diagnosis and delivery of test results. The engagement of pathologists in the tumor tissue journey is essential because they are able to link the preanalytic requirements of this process with pathologic evaluation and clinical information, ultimately influencing treatment decisions for patients with cancer. The aim of this review is to provide suggestions on how cancer diagnosis and the delivery of molecular test results may be optimized, based on the needs and available resources of institutions, by placing the tumor tissue journey under the leadership of pathologists. Methods Literature searches on PubMed and personal experience provided the necessary material to satisfy the objectives of this review. Results Pathologists are usually involved across many steps of the tumor tissue journey and have the requisite knowledge to ensure its efficiency. Conclusions The expansion of oncology diagnostic testing emphasizes the need for pathologists to acquire a leadership role in the multidisciplinary effort to optimize the accuracy, completeness, and delivery of diagnoses guiding personalized treatments.
Whole-Colony Modeling of Escherichia coli

Abstract Bacterial behavior is the outcome of both molecular mechanisms within each cell and interactions between cells in the context of their environment. Whereas whole-cell models simulate a single cell’s behavior using molecular mechanisms, agent-based models simulate many agents independently acting and interacting to generate complex collective phenomena. To synthesize agent-based and whole-cell modeling, we used a novel model integration software, called Vivarium, to construct an agent-based model of E. coli colonies where each agent is represented by a current source code snapshot from the E. coli Whole-Cell Modeling Project and interacts with other cells in a shared spatial environment. The result is the first “whole-colony” computational model that mechanistically links expression of individual proteins to a population-level phenotype. Simulated colonies exhibit heterogeneous effects on their environments, heterogeneous gene expression, and media-dependent growth. Extending the cellular model with mechanisms of antibiotic susceptibility and resistance, our model also suggested that variation in the expression level of the betalactamase AmpC, and not of the multi-drug efflux pump AcrAB-TolC, was the key mechanistic driver of survival in the presence of nitrocefin. We see this as a significant step forward in the creation of more comprehensive multi-scale models, and it broadens the range of phenomena that can be modeled in mechanistic terms. Author summary This work combines several models of molecular and physical processes that impact the physiology and behavior of the common microbe Escherichia coli into a multiscale model. Colonies comprised of multiple individual cells are simulated as they grow and divide—each with complex internal mechanisms, and with physical interactions and molecular diffusion in their environments. The integrative modeling methodology supports the addition of new submodels. The flexibility of this methodology is demonstrated by adding models of antibiotic resistance and simulating the colony’s response to antibiotic treatment.
Pre-Pandemic Peer Relations Predict Adolescents' Internalizing Response to Covid-19.

The goal of the current longitudinal study was to investigate the role of adolescents’ peer victimization and aggression prior to COVID-19 on the change in their depressive and anxious symptoms from pre- to mid-pandemic. We hypothesized that, although adolescents overall would display an increase in internalizing symptoms from pre- to mid-pandemic, this response would be weakened or perhaps even reversed when adolescents experienced high levels of victimization or aggression prior to the pandemic. Participants included 96 racially/ethnically diverse adolescents (42 males, 53 females; 1 other) with an average age of 16.79 years (SD = 0.60). At Time 1 (T1; June 2019 through February 2020; pre-pandemic), adolescents completed self-report measures of their peer relations (aggression, victimization) and internalizing symptoms (depressive, anxious). At Time 2 (T2; May through July 2020; mid-pandemic), adolescents completed self-report measures of their internalizing symptoms (depressive, anxious). On average, adolescents’ anxious and depressive symptoms increased from T1 to T2, although they exhibited substantial variability, with reports ranging from decreasing symptoms to increasing symptoms. Although on average adolescents reported increases in anxious symptoms from T1 to T2, adolescents with higher T1 peer victimization reported less positive change in anxious symptoms. Similarly, although on average adolescents reported increases in depressive symptoms from T1 to T2, adolescents with higher levels of T1 aggression reported less positive change in depressive symptoms from T1 to T2. Discussion focused on restrictions on in-person peer interactions necessitated by COVID-19 that may reduce adolescents’ distress when their pre-pandemic daily lives were characterized by negative peer relations.
Attacking Judges: The New Politics of State Supreme Court Election Campaigns

Recent trends in judicial elections, including expensive rough-and-tumble campaigns characterized by televised attack advertising and politicized discourse, are causing advocacy groups and legal scholars to condemn the practice of electing judges. This paper addresses an important aspect of this controversy by evaluating whether attack advertising and liberalized speech codes brought about by Republican Party of Minnesota v. White (2002) have had detrimental effects on the electoral performance of incumbents in state supreme courts. In doing so, I assess whether crucial determinants of the incumbency advantage identified in past studies continue to influence supreme court elections in this new era of judicial campaigning. I also draw careful distinctions between partisan and nonpartisan elections. My specific focus is on 73 supreme court justices seeking reelection in nineteen states from 2002 through 2006 and CMAG advertising data on the messages broadcast to electorates. Likewise, I examine official campaign finance reports, to distinguish the effects of campaign spending from television advertising. Overall, I find that attack ads have deleterious effects but only in nonpartisan elections. Further, less restrictive speech codes actually improve incumbents’ vote shares. Finally, factors indicative of discerning voter choices still have predictive power, even after dramatic transformations in the electoral context. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the assertions of judicial reform advocates merit empirical scrutiny and that the sharp attacks on partisan elections should be reassessed. These findings also illustrate the powerful impact of institutional arrangements in structuring political processes and the analytical advantages of studying state supreme courts.
British parties and spatial competition: Dimensions of party evaluation in the 1992 election

Scholars of British politics traditionally characterize the electorate in terms of partisanship and social class. This paper suggests that ideology and issue preferences also enter into voter perceptions of British political parties and leadership. Using data from the 1992 British Election Study, the paper analyzes the factors that contribute to individual voters; perceptions of the Conservative and Labour parties. The 1992 election saw the major parties move toward the ideological center of British voters. Perceptions of political parties are found to be multidimensional and issue-oriented. A spatial model incorporating issue preferences and perceptions of party positions proves both empirically and theoretically richer than simple models of partisanship. The analysis of British voters complements earlier applications of the general spatial model in the context of the United States.
The fish viruses.

Publisher Summary Fish viruses are essentially like the viruses found among the warm-blooded vertebrates. Their morphological, biochemical, and biological properties seem to fit well in the modern schemes of viral classification. There is one important difference: fish viruses evoke replication through a broad temperature range; this property is not known among viruses from Homoiothermic vertebrates. In this respect the fish viruses, together with amphibian and insect viruses, are probably more representative of animal viruses in general. Homoiothermic vertebrates are after all numerically a small proportion of all the animals. A peculiarity among the viruses producing acute disease among salmonids is that, three different agents attack pancreatic tissue and kidneys. Fish virology is comparatively young, and the tissue tropism may be nothing more than coincidence. On the other hand, fish kidneys have hematopoeitic, excretory, osmoregulatory, and endocrine functions. Perhaps this diversity of function and cell type makes them vulnerable to the viruses. It can be seen that most aspects of fish virus characteristics require attention. The nucleic acids of IPN, Egtved, lymphocystis, and Clem's orphan virus are known by indirect means only. This very fundamental determination has yet to be made directly. Similarly, capsomeres number is a virtually unworked field, although there is some evidence that IPN virus has only 12 capsomeres and negative staining has clearly shown the helical configuration of Egtved virus. One of the principal differences between fish viruses and viruses of other vertebrates is the ability to replicate through a wide range of temperatures. Referring again to all animals, it would seem prudent to examine carefully the temperature extremes at which animal viruses replicate. Temperature relations will undoubtedly prove important in further separating major groups of animal viruses.
Food distribution within the family: Evidence and implications for research and programmes

Abstract A framework for analysing intra-family distribution of food as part of the aetiology of protein-energy malnutrition of children and women is proposed in this article. Results of representative sample surveys in developing countries are reviewed; few bear directly on this issue, but it appears that misallocation of food is most likely to be an important cause of malnutrition in South Asia. Suggestions are made for the further development of information by nutritional surveillance systems and secondary analyses of survey data.
Proton Motive Force During Growth of Streptococcus lactis Cells

Experiments with the aerotolerant anaerobe Streptococcus lactis provide the opportunity for determining the proton motive force (Δp) in dividing cells. The two components of Δp, ΔΨ (the transmembrane potential) and ΔpH (the chemical gradient of H+), were determined by the accumulation of radiolabeled tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) and benzoate ions. The ΔΨ was calibrated with the K+ diffusion potential in starved, valinomycin-treated cells. With resting, glycolyzing cells, the Δp was measured also by the accumulation of the non-metabolizable sugar thiomethyl-β-galactoside (TMG). In resting cells the Δp, calculated either by adding ΔΨ and ZΔpH or from the levels of TMG, was relatively constant between pH 5 to 7, decreasing from 160 to 150 mV and decreasing further to 100 mV at pH 8.0. With the TPP+ probe for ΔΨ, we confirmed our previous finding that the K+ ions dissipate ΔΨ and increase ΔpH, whereas Na+ ions have little effect on ΔΨ and no effect on ΔpH. [3H]TPP+ and [14C]benzoate were added during exponential phase to S. lactis cells growing at pH 5 to 7 at 28°C in a defined medium with glucose as energy source. As with resting cells, the ΔpH and ΔΨ were dependent on the pH of the medium. At pH 5.1, the ΔpH was equivalent to 60 mV (alkaline inside) and decreased to 25 mV at pH 6.8. The ΔΨ increased from 83 mV (negative inside) at pH 5.1 to 108 mV at pH 6.8. The Δp, therefore, was fairly constant between pH 5 and 7, decreasing from 143 to 133 mV. The values for Δp in growing cells, just as in resting cells, are consistent with a system in which the net efflux of H+ ions is effected by a membrane-bound adenosine triphosphatase and glycolytically generated adenosine triphosphate. The data suggest that in both growing and resting cells the pH of the medium and its K+ concentration are the two principal factors that determine the relative contribution of ΔpH and ΔΨ to the proton motive force.
Probabilistic Parameter Uncertainty Analysis of Single Input Single Output Control Systems

The current standards for handling uncertainty in control systems use interval bounds for definition of the uncertain parameters. This approach gives no information about the likelihood of system performance, but simply gives the response bounds. When used in design, current methods of m-analysis and can lead to overly conservative controller design. With these methods, worst case conditions are weighted equally with the most likely conditions. This research explores a unique approach for probabilistic analysis of control systems. Current reliability methods are examined showing the strong areas of each in handling probability. A hybrid method is developed using these reliability tools for efficiently propagating probabilistic uncertainty through classical control analysis problems. The method developed is applied to classical response analysis as well as analysis methods that explore the effects of the uncertain parameters on stability and performance metrics. The benefits of using this hybrid approach for calculating the mean and variance of responses cumulative distribution functions are shown. Results of the probabilistic analysis of a missile pitch control system, and a non-collocated mass spring system, show the added information provided by this hybrid analysis.
Experimental paradigm for in-laboratory proxy aquatic studies under conditions of static, non-flow-through chemical exposures.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as 17α-ethynylestradiol, 17β-estradiol, estrone, and para-nonylphenol have been measured in wastewater-treatment plant effluents, surface waters, sediments, and sludge and have been shown to induce liver-specific vitellogenin (vtg) messenger RNA in male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). The purpose of the present study was to establish minimal concentrations of select EDCs necessary to induce transcription of vtg in 48-h static renewal exposures, as measured by quantitative real-time thermal cycle amplification. Adult males were exposed to 17α-ethynylestradiol, 17β-estradiol, estrone, and para-nonylphenol. Dose-dependent increases in vtg expression were significant with all chemicals tested. The lowest concentrations of these chemicals to induce measurable vtg expression, with significant difference from respective controls, were 17α-ethynylestradiol, 2.2 ng L−1; para-nonylphenol, 13.9 μg L−1; 17β-estradiol, 42.7 ng L−1; and estrone, 46.7 ng L−1, measured as 48-h average concentrations. The present experiments were designed to frame a commonly acceptable approach for investigators who conduct static, in-laboratory proxy environmental aquatic exposures. The present study highlights the need for investigators to report in peer-reviewed submissions the observed concentration values for minimal induction levels when measuring molecular responses to chemical exposures by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or other “omic” technologies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2796–2802. Published 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Complementation mapping of skeletal and central nervous system abnormalities in mice of the piebald deletion complex.

The s 15DttMb , s 36Pub , s 1Acrg and s 24Pub piebald deletion alleles belong to a set of overlapping deficiencies on the distal portion of chromosome 14. Molecular analysis was used to define the extent of the deletions. Mice homozygous for the smallest deletion, s 15DttMb , die shortly after delivery and display alterations in the central nervous system, including hydrocephalus and a dorsally restricted malformation of the spinal cord. These mice also display homeotic transformations of vertebrae in the midthoracic and lumbar regions. Homozygous s 27Pub mice contain a point mutation in the piebald gene, survive to weaning, and display no central nervous system or skeletal defects, arguing that the s 15DttMb phenotype results from the loss of genes in addition to piebald. A larger deletion, s 36Pub , exhibits additional cartilage malformations and defects in the anterior axial and cranial skeleton. The skeletal defects in both s 15DttMb and s 36Pub mice resemble transformations associated with the targeted disruption of Hox genes and genes encoding the retinoic acid receptors, which play a role in the specification of segmental identity along the anteroposterior axis. Complementation analysis of the s 15DuMb and s 36Pub phenotypes, using two additional deletions, localized the gene(s) associated with each phenotype to a defined chromosomal region.
Habitat Use of the Watercress Darter (Etheostoma nuchale): An Endangered Fish in an Urban Landscape

Abstract The federally endangered watercress darter (Etheostoma nuchale) is restricted to only five springs within the greater Birmingham (AL) metropolitan area. Restricted range, subpopulation isolation and threats from the urban landscape are the major factors endangering the species. The preferred habitat of E. nuchale has been described as the deeper, slow-moving portions of spring pools with dense aquatic vegetation, but its habitat use patterns have not been carefully studied. Because the long-term survival of E. nuchale will likely depend on the protection and restoration of suitable habitat, more needs to be known about its preferred habitats. We studied habitat use patterns of E. nuchale and the geomorphologic and environmental conditions associated with these habitats in Seven Springs, a population recently discovered in 2003. Geomorphology and vegetation were surveyed throughout the spring pool and the spring run connecting it to the nearest tributary. Fish were surveyed via seining in eight di...
Toward Fully Automated Person-Independent Detection of Mind Wandering

Mind wandering is a ubiquitous phenomenon where attention involuntary shifts from task-related processing to task-unrelated thoughts. Mind wandering has negative effects on performance, hence, intelligent interfaces that detect mind wandering can intervene to restore attention to the current task. We investigated the use of eye gaze and contextual cues to automatically detect mind wandering during reading with a computer interface. Participants were pseudo-randomly probed to report mind wandering instances while an eye tracker recorded their gaze during a computerized reading task. Supervised machine learning techniques detected positive responses to mind wandering probes from gaze and context features in a user-independent fashion. Mind wandering was predicted with an accuracy of 72% (expected accuracy by chance was 62%) when probed at the end of a page and an accuracy of 59% (chance was 50%) when probed in the midst of reading a page. Possible improvements to the detectors and applications are discussed.
Allocation of distinguishable servers

Abstract The model considered is a variation of the Hypercube model in which there are R distinguishable servers and N types of customers. We consider two interesting special cases—light and heavy traffic intensities—and use asymptotic techniques to derive policies for assigning servers to arriving customers which are optimal under these conditions. For light traffic, we show that it is optimal to assign the server with the smallest assignment cost while, for heavy traffic, we derive an efficient algorithm for finding the optimal policy.
Targets of discrimination: Effects of race on responses to weapons holders

Rapid actions to persons holding weapons were simulated using desktop virtual reality. Subjects responded to simulated (a) criminals, by pointing the computer's mouse at them and left-clicking (simulated shooting), (b) fellow police officers, by pressing the spacebar (safety signal), and (c) citizens, by inaction. In one of two tasks Black males holding guns were police officers while White males holding guns were criminals. In the other, Whites with guns were police and Blacks with guns were criminals. In both tasks Blacks or Whites holding harmless objects were citizens. Signal detection analyses revealed two race effects that led to Blacks being incorrectly shot at more than Whites: a perceptual sensitivity effect (when held by Blacks guns were less distinguishable from harmless objects) and a response bias effect (objects held by Blacks were more likely to be treated as guns).
Latino church leaders' perspectives on childhood obesity prevention.

Background The prevalence of obesity among Latino children is an increasing concern. Churches are settings that a majority of Latino families frequent on a regular basis. In addition to religious worship, churches supply social, emotional, and material support. Therefore, churches may be promising venues for obesity-prevention interventions engaging families and communities. Purpose To qualitatively examine Latino church leaders' perspectives on childhood obesity and insights on obesity-prevention programming in faith-based community settings in South Texas. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted between 2009 and 2011 with a purposive sample of 35 Latino church leaders from 18 churches in San Antonio, Texas. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Inductive analysis was performed to identify themes. Results The results revealed that participants were knowledgeable about the severity and health consequences of childhood obesity, and the extent to which it was affecting members of their congregations. Participants discussed the interconnection between one's faith and health (i.e., one's body as "God's Temple"). They suggested that churches could serve as a conduit for obesity-prevention programs that offer faith-oriented health education, cooking classes, and fun physical activity opportunities for both parents and children. Conclusions This study reveals the strong potential of faith-based communities to serve as an intervention setting with the needed infrastructure for implementing effective obesity-prevention strategies.
Field desorption mass spectral measurement of enkephalins in canine brain with 18O peptide internal standards

Abstract Field desorption mass spectrometry is used to measure two pentapeptide enkephalins in canine caudate nucleus tissue. For the first time, two stable isotope-labeled internal standards, 18 O 2 -leucine enkephalin and 18 O 2 -methionine enkephalin were utilized in one experiment to measure methionine enkephalin (985 ng/g tissue) and leucine enkephalin (162 ng/g tissue).
BRET-based method for detection of specific RNA species.

RNA detection and quantitation is a common necessity in modern molecular biology research. Most methods, however, are complex and/or time-intensive. Presented here is a BRET (bioluminescene resonance energy transfer)-based method that can accomplish the task of RNA identification quickly and easily. By conjugating BRET enzymes to two different oligonucleotides that are complementary to the same target sequence, probes were developed that could detect RNA using a solution-based assay. This assay was optimized for spacer length between the binding sites (found to be 10 nucleotides), and sensitivity was determined to be 1 µg for a specific species of RNA within a mixed population. Specificity of the assay was assessed using in vitro transcribed cRNA and found to be statistically siginificant (p = 3.11 × 10−6, ANOVA, multiple range test). This assay represents a possibility for a less technically demanding, streamlined alternative to canonical RNA assays.
Skin, heredity, and cancer.

Hereditary factors in cancer in humans recently have been receiving increasing attention. In spite of significant advances in understanding the genetic factors important in the etiology of many cancers and cancer-predisposing diseases, surprisingly little interest has been given to application of this knowledge to cancer control. Because of ease in observation of lesions and in biopsy confirmation of disease, the cutaneous system lends itself well to investigation and application of genetic information for cancer control. Many hereditary cancers involve the skin either directly, or indirectly, through the presence of distinguishing dermal lesions which may be precursors or concomitant with cancers of other anatomic sites. All presently known dermatologic conditions associated with cancer which have a definite or presumptive hereditary etiology are reviewed and arranged according to specific mode of inheritance. Such information could be beneficial to the physician. All relatives of his patients with a known hereditary cancer or hereditary disorder predisposing to cancer or associated with cancer should be urged to have an early medical examination.
Does the Use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy During Pregnancy Affect Pregnancy Outcomes

Objectives Although nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) may assist with smoking cessation, little is known about the safety of NRT use during pregnancy. Our purpose was two-fold: to determine characteristics of women prescribed or recommended NRT during pregnancy and to investigate whether NRT prescription/recommendation was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes using data from the 2004 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Methods Smoking and NRT referral was self-reported by 5,716 women. Information on pregnancy outcomes was obtained from birth certificates. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Smokers <35 years of age and of Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, and Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity were less likely to be prescribed or recommended NRT during pregnancy. After adjustment for age, marital status, education, and race/ethnicity, women recommended NRT had twice the risk of low birthweight as compared to nonsmokers (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.46) while smokers had 1.31 times the risk of low birthweight (95% CI: 0.92, 1.87). Results for preterm birth were similar after adjustment for the same confounding variables (NRT: OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.63 and smoking: OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.61). Conclusions Risks of low birthweight and preterm birth were highest for women prescribed or recommended NRT. These findings may be related to frequency of maternal smoking. While heavier smokers may be more likely to be recommended NRT, they also may have the most difficulty with cessation. Greater efforts should be made to ensure that these women do successfully cease smoking.
Transcranial histotripsy therapy: a feasibility study

This study investigates the feasibility of performing noninvasive histotripsy therapy through an intact human skull cap. The ablation precision of the therapy using extremely short pulses was also evaluated. A 500-kHz 32-element focused hemispherical array was fabricated in-house; it can generate high instantaneous peak rarefactional pressures (p-) at the focus (theoretically over 100 MPa in free field) with pulses <2 cycles. The skull cap significantly decreased the p- value to approximately 14% of free-field conditions. With timing corrections applied to 32 elements, focal pressure was restored to approximately 28% of free field, allowing consistent cavitation initiation at the focus at an estimated p- of 29 to 30 MPa. Lesions were created in agarose tissue phantoms and ex vivo canine liver using PRFs of 1, 10, and 100 Hz, with a total of 500 histotripsy pulses applied. Main lesions as small as 0.7 x 1.6 mm (±0.1 x 0.1 mm) in the phantoms and 0.5 x 1.2 mm in tissue samples were generated transcranially. Results showed that treatments at lower PRF yielded lesions with more confined ablation and sharper boundaries. The capability of generating small, precise transcranial lesions could be potentially useful for noninvasive brain therapy applications at low frequencies.
Macrophage‐histiocyte lysozyme activity in relation to the clinical presentation of Hodgkin's disease: An immunohistochemical study

The clinical presentation of 71 untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease was studied in relation to immunohistochemically demonstrable lysozyme in the lymph node biopsy material. Sixty-one patients (86%) showed a positive staining reaction of varying degree, while ten (14%) showed no demonstrable lysozyme. The clinical features of lysozyme-positive patients differed markedly from those of lysozyme-negative patients. Stain-positive patients were younger (29 vs. 46), were more often in clinical Stage I or II disease (69% vs. 10%, P less than 0.001), and less frequently had constitutional symptoms (34% vs. 70%, P less than 0.02). Moreover, within the stain-positive group, patients who had the most intense staining reaction (mottling pattern) also had the most favorable clinical and histopathologic features at the time of diagnosis. The observations suggest that in Hodgkin's disease the lysozyme secretory activity of macrophage-histiocytes may be an important element of host resistance to neoplasia and that a depression of this secretory activity corresponds with disseminated disease.
Effect of Protein Content in Soy Protein Resins on Their Interfacial Shear Strength with Ramie Fibers

Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between ramie fiber and soy protein-based resins was investigated using the microbond technique. Three commercially available soy products: soy flour (SF), soy protein concentrate (SPC) and soy protein isolate (SPI) were processed into resins and their IFSS with a single ramie fiber (20–40 μm diameter) was determined. The IFSS increased with the protein content in the resins. The IFSS with SPI which contains 90% protein showed the highest value of 25.7 MPa, while the IFSS with SF which contains 53% protein and 32% carbohydrate showed the lowest value of 9.5 MPa. Effect of sorbitol, used to plasticize the soy resins, on the IFSS was also determined. With increase in sorbitol content, the adhesion strength of ramie fiber to soy protein resins decreased. With 30% sorbitol (on soy protein wt basis), the IFSS with SPI resin decreased by 63% while the IFSS with SPC resin and with SF resin decreased by 56% and 48%, respectively. The results suggest that the low molecular weight ...
Stability and repeatability of capillary columns based on porous monoliths of poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate)

Monolithic poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) capillary columns have been prepared via either thermally or photochemically initiated polymerization of the corresponding monomers and the repeatability of their preparation has been explored. Three separate batches of 5 columns each were prepared using thermal and photochemical initiation for a total of 30 columns. All 30 capillary columns were tested in liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry mode for the separation of a model mixture of three proteins—ribonuclease A, cytochrome c and myoglobin. Excellent repeatability of retention times was observed for the proteins as evidenced by relative standard deviation (RSD) values of less than 1.5%. Somewhat broader variations with RSD values of up to 10% were observed for the pressure drop in the columns. The stability of retention times was also monitored using a single monolithic column and no significant shifts in either retention times or back pressure was observed in a series of almost 2200 consecutive protein separations.
An aromatic hydrocarbon π-system with a 42° dihedral twist: X-ray crystal structure of 1,3-bis(trichloroacetyl)homoazulene

Abstract Red crystals of 1,3-bis(trichloroacetyl)homoazulene (2), prepared by Friedel–Crafts acylation of homoazulene (1), have been examined by X-ray diffraction. The 10 carbon–carbon bonds that make up the perimeter π-system of 2 average 1.402 A in length, with an average deviation (absolute value) from this length of only 0.016 A. Thus, like benzene, this nonbenzenoid π-system exhibits bond length convergence and thereby qualifies as ‘aromatic’ by the geometric criterion. The aromaticity of homoazulene (1) had previously been based on its magnetic, thermodynamic and chemical properties. The crystal structure of 2 also reveals that the 1,5-bridge severely distorts the [10]annulene π-system away from planarity and induces torsional angles as large as 42.2° at a bridgehead position. To the best of our knowledge, dihedral angles this large have never before been observed in any other π-system that is still capable of supporting cyclic delocalization of electrons. The ‘homoconjugation’ gap between the two bridgehead positions was found to be 2.254(5) A.
On the phenomenon of vortex street breakdown

A von Karman vortex street generated in the usual way was subjected to a deceleration, thereby changing the ratio of longitudinal to lateral spacing between the vortices. Distortion of the individual vortices followed which resulted in annihilation of concentrated vortex regions and creation of a stationary wake flow. This wake flow was itself dynamically unstable and developed into a new vortex street of a different frequency from the initial one. The breakdown of the initial vortex street is qualitatively explained by considering the convection of a concentrated vortex region due to the motion imposed by all the other vortices.
Determination of NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine in Human and Dog Serum Using Pre-Column o-Phthaldialdehyde Derivatization and High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMA) is a selective inhibitor of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which converts arginine to nitric oxide and citrulline. NMA may prove useful in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, as well as in preventing the cardiovascular effects associated with endotoxins and cytokines. An automated high performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of NMA in human serum samples was developed using pre-column derivitization with o-phthaldialdehyde and mercaptoethanol. NMA was extracted from serum using 5-sulfosalicylic acid and methanol, then injected into the HPLC system for on-line derivitization. A two mobile phase gradient (A: 70:30 methanol-water containing 0.01M K2HPO4, pH 7.9; B: water containing 0.01M K2HPO4, pH 6.9) was employed with 70:30 (A:B) for 15 min, 10:90 through 21 min, and 70:30 through 25 min. A Beckman ODS 3 μm 75 × 3.6 mm column was used with a Hitachi L-6200A pump set at a flow rate of 1.8 mL/min and fluorescence detect...
Colorectal cancer 2000. Education and screening are essential if outcomes are to improve.

PREVIEWOver the past decade, death rates for many cancers have decreased dramatically. However, the decline in deaths from colorectal cancer has leveled off recently, suggesting a breakdown in preventive strategies. Much can be done to improve this picture. For example, the role of diet and exercise often is not discussed with patients, and regular screening may be postponed or forgotten. In this article, Dr Kuwada discusses what needs to happen in primary care practices if outcomes of colorectal cancer are to continue to improve.
Genome-wide association study of plasma lipoprotein(a) levels identifies multiple genes on chromosome 6q.

Plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) level is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease that is under strong genetic control. We conducted a genome-wide association study of plasma Lp(a) in 386 members of a founder population that adheres to a communal lifestyle, proscribes cigarette smoking, and prepares and eats meals communally. We identified associations with 77 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning 12.5 Mb on chromosome 6q26-q27 that met criteria for genome-wide significance (P ≤ 1.3 × 10−7) and were within or flanking nine genes, including LPA. We show that variation in at least six genes in addition to LPA are significantly associated with Lp(a) levels independent of each other and of the kringle IV repeat polymorphism in the LPA gene. One novel SNP in intron 37 of the LPA gene was also associated with Lp(a) levels and carotid artery disease number in unrelated Caucasians (P = 7.3 × 10−12 and 0.024, respectively), also independent of kringle IV number. This study suggests a complex genetic architecture of Lp(a) levels that may involve multiple loci on chromosome 6q26-q27.
Neuroendocrine involvement in the delayed pupation of space-deprived Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera)

Abstract Pupation of last instar larvae of the greater wax moth will be retarded if their free space has been eliminated, or if the dimensions of their free space are unduly restrictive. The response can be abolished by implanting brains, but not by implanting thoracic ganglia. Brains from space-deprived donors are as effective in this regard as brains from donors not space deprived. When brains are implanted into space-deprived last instar larvae at intervals after ecdysis the larvae do not react uniformly; those less than 3 days old undergo additional larval ecdyses, while those older than this pupate. Controls, receiving thoracic ganglia, rarely undergo supernumerary larval ecdyses, and they pupate later than the experimentals. These data support the hypothesis that the juvenile hormone titre is high in the young last instar larva, but diminishes as it approaches pupation. Because the titre declines even though the larvae are space deprived, the possibility that their metamorphosis is inhibited by prolonged corpora allata activity seems unlikely. Also, removal of the corpora allata and corpora cardiaca fails to alleviate the response of last instar larvae to space deprivation. The data suggest that sensory input, presumably via mechanoreceptors, inhibits prothoracotropic hormone secretion by the brains of space-deprived larvae. The neural pathway, however, is unknown.
Prediction of Growth Parameters of Frost Deposits in Forced Convection

Experimental investigations of frost deposition under forced convection conditions have shown that in most cases heat and mass transfer rates become constant after an initial transient period. It is shown that, in such cases, approximately half of the mass transfer from a humid air stream to a frost layer diffuses inward, condenses and increases the density of the frost. The other half is deposited at the surface and increases the thickness of the layer. Approximate expressions for density and thickness of the frost layer are derived and compared with data from the literature and also with experimental work reported in this paper. The correlations are shown to work well for a broad range of experimental conditions.
Comparison of Auditory Responses in the Medial Geniculate and Pontine Gray of the Big Brown Bat, Eptesicus fuscus

The inferior colliculus has been well studied for its role of transmitting information from the brainstem to the thalamocortical system. However, it is also the source of a major pathway to the cerebellum, via the pontine gray (PG). We compared auditory responses from single neurons in the medial geniculate body (MGB) and PG of the awake big brown bat. MGB neurons were selective for a variety of stimulus types whereas PG neurons only responded to pure tones or simple FM sweeps. Best frequencies (BF) in MGB ranged from 8 kHz to > 80 kHz. BFs of PG neurons were all above 20 kHz with a high proportion above 60 kHz. The mean response latency was 19 ms for MGB neurons and 11 ms for PG neurons. MGB and PG contained neurons with a variety of discharge patterns but the most striking difference was the proportion of neurons with responses that lasted longer than the stimulus duration (MGB 13%, PG 58%). Both nuclei contained duration-sensitive neurons; the majority of those in MGB were band pass whereas in the PG they were long pass. Over half of the neurons in both nuclei were binaural. Differences between these nuclei are consistent with the idea that the thalamocortical pathway performs integration over time for cognitive analysis, thereby increasing selectivity and lengthening latency, while the colliculo-pontine pathway, which is more concerned with sensory-motor control, provides rapid input and a lasting trace of an auditory event.
Are Password Requirements too Difficult

It might be prudent to enhance password mechanisms while training users to take the additional responsibility of managing passwords.
A gender comparison of health status among users of crack cocaine.

Abstract This study examines a population of inner-city crack cocaine users in Miami, Florida. Many study participants were also injection drug users; others were the sexual partners of injection drug users. In general, the self-reported health status of the study population was good, but men perceived their health in a more positive light than did women. HIV-seronegative men were most likely to report excellent or good health, and seropositive women reported the greatest incidence of poor health, regardless of the amount of crack use. Serostatus was statistically significant for women but not for men. Pneumonia was reported more frequently by women, while hepatitis and tuberculosis were reported more frequently by men. There was a significant gender difference in reported endocarditis among light users of crack, with more women that men reporting a history of endocarditis. Among sexually transmitted diseases, men reported more gonorrhea and women reported more syphilis. These gender differences were stat...
Vaginal Prolapse Repair—Native Tissue Repair versus Mesh Augmentation: Newer Isn’t Always Better

The purpose of this article is to update the female urology and urogynecologic community on the controversy regarding approaches to vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. We will review the salient issues in traditional, vaginal native-tissue (NT) repair for pelvic organ prolapse. We intend to provide arguments advocating vaginal NT repair over that of vaginal mesh-augmented (MA) repair, and to show that newer is not always better.
Nicardipine: perioperative applications in children

Summary Nicardipine is the first intravenously administered dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. Its primary physiological actions include vasodilatation with limited effects on the inotropic and dromotropic function of the myocardium. Several reports have documented its use in adult patients for pharmacological control of blood pressure. We present our experience with the perioperative use of nicardipine in children to treat intraoperative hypertension, as an agent for controlled hypotension during spinal fusion and LeFort I maxillary osteotomies and to treat postoperative hypertension. Dosing regimens and possible applications in paediatric anaesthesia are discussed.