cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Tempest in a Teacup? Analyzing Firestorms on Twitter

‘Firestorms,’ sudden bursts of negative attention in cases of controversy and outrage, are seemingly widespread on Twitter and are an increasing source of fascination and anxiety in the corporate, governmental, and public spheres. Using media mentions, we collect 80 candidate events from January 2011 to September 2014 that we would term ‘firestorms.’ Using data from the Twitter decahose (or gardenhose), a 10% random sample of all tweets, we describe the size and longevity of these firestorms. We take two firestorm exemplars, #myNYPD and #CancelColbert, as case studies to describe more fully. Then, taking the 20 firestorms with the most tweets, we look at the change in mention networks of participants over the course of the firestorm as one method of testing for possible impacts of firestorms. We find that the mention networks before and after the firestorms are more similar to each other than to those of the firestorms, suggesting that firestorms neither emerge from existing networks, nor do they result in lasting changes to social structure. To verify this, we randomly sample users and generate mention networks for baseline comparison, and find that the firestorms are not associated with a greater than random amount of change in mention networks.
News and Democracy: Shifting Functions over Time

Este articulo se concentra en la relacion que existe entre el periodismo y la democracia, examinando las funciones que el ejercicio periodistico ha tenido a lo largo del tiempo para aquel sistema politico y como estas han visto alteradas segun las tendencias presentes en el contexto social y cultural. El autor identifica seis funciones centrales que analiza separadamente, explorando como aquellas han contribuido de manera diferente segun los cambios experimentados por los medios y como posiblemente podrian transformarse nuevamente en el futuro cercano. Palabras clave: periodismo; democracia; historia de los medios. This article focuses on the relationship between journalism and democracy by examining the primary democratic functions that the journalistic trade has provided over time and the ways in which they have changed in accordance with the trends of the broader social and cultural contexts. The author identifies six core functions, which he analyzes separately and explores the different contributions the media have made in accordance with the changes experienced by the media and the possible directions for further change in the near future. Keywords: journalism; democracy; media history.
Regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise in ageing humans

The regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen delivery to contracting skeletal muscle is complex and involves the mechanical effects of muscle contraction; local metabolic, red blood cell and endothelium-derived substances; and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). With advancing age in humans, skeletal muscle blood flow is typically reduced during dynamic exercise and this is due to a lower vascular conductance, which could ultimately contribute to age-associated reductions in aerobic exercise capacity, a primary predictor of mortality in both healthy and diseased ageing populations. Recent findings have highlighted the contribution of endothelium-derived substances to blood flow control in contracting muscle of older adults. With advancing age, impaired nitric oxide availability due to scavenging by reactive oxygen species, in conjunction with elevated vasoconstrictor signalling via endothelin-1, reduces the local vasodilatory response to muscle contraction. Additionally, ageing impairs the ability of contracting skeletal muscle to blunt sympathetic vasoconstriction (i.e. 'functional sympatholysis'), which is critical for the proper regulation of tissue blood flow distribution and oxygen delivery, and could further reduce skeletal muscle perfusion during high intensity and/or large muscle mass exercise in older adults. We propose that initiation of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization is the underlying signalling event necessary to properly modulate sympathetic vasoconstriction in contracting muscle, and that age-associated impairments in red blood cell adenosine triphosphate release and stimulation of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation may explain impairments in both local vasodilatation and functional sympatholysis with advancing age in humans.
Sensitivity of simulated dew duration to meteorological variations in different climatic regions of California

A previously verified and validated model was used in combination with hourly weather data to simulate the frequency and duration of dew occurrence over one growing season (April–October) at four sites under coastal fogbelt, coastal valley, and interior valley climates in California. Simulation results indicated similar values of dew occurrence (78–93% of the days) and mean dew duration (8.7–9.3 h day−1 or 9.7–11.2 h per dew event) at the coastal stations, despite high day-to-day variability and steep climatic gradients between these sites. Dew periods at the interior valley site, where occurrence of dew was predicted on only 23% of the days, were much shorter (mean 0.9 h day−1 or 3.7 h per dew event). The data displayed moderate seasonal trends, with the longest dew periods occurring in fall at the coastal stations and in spring at the interior valley station. Simulated dew durations showed favorable agreement with measured dew durations in an independent validation study. Based on real-system weather data and simulated dew data, sensitivity analyses were performed to compare the effects of temperature, atmospheric humidity (vapor pressure), cloud cover, and wind speed on dew duration at the four test sites. The results showed simulated dew durations most sensitive to changes in humidity and cloud cover at the coastal sites and to humidity and wind speed at the interior valley site. Relative sensitivity values were generally highest during the summer months (June–August). Spatial variations (i.e. differences between locations) and seasonal variations (i.e. differences between different seasons at the same site) of relative sensitivity values had approximately the same magnitude.
Activation of β-catenin signalling by TFF1 loss promotes cell proliferation and gastric tumorigenesis

Objective In this study, we investigated the role of Trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) in regulating cell proliferation and tumour development through β-catenin signalling using in vivo and in vitro models of gastric tumorigenesis. Design Tff1 -knockout ( Tff1 -KO) mice, immunohistochemistry, luciferase reporter, qRT-PCR, immunoblot, and phosphatase assays were used to examine the role of TFF1 on β-catenin signalling pathway. Results Nuclear localisation of β-catenin with transcriptional upregulation of its target genes, c-Myc and Ccnd1 , was detected in hyperplastic tissue at an early age of 4–6 weeks and maintained during all stages of gastric tumorigenesis in the Tff1 -KO mice. The reconstitution of TFF1 or TFF1 conditioned media significantly inhibited the β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) transcription activity in MKN28 gastric cancer cells. In agreement with these results, we detected a reduction in the levels of nuclear β-catenin with downregulation of c-MYC and CCND1 mRNA. Analysis of signalling molecules upstream of β-catenin revealed a decrease in phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-GSK3β) (Ser9) and p-AKT (Ser473) protein levels following the reconstitution of TFF1 expression; this was consistent with the increase of p-β-catenin (Ser33/37/Thr41) and decrease of p-β-catenin (Ser552). This TFF1-induced reduction in phosphorylation of GSK3β, and AKT was dependent on protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity. The treatment with okadaic acid or knockdown of PP2A abrogated these effects. Consistent with the mouse data, we observed loss of TFF1 and an increase in nuclear localisation of β-catenin in stages of human gastric tumorigenesis. Conclusions Our data indicate that loss of TFF1 promotes β-catenin activation and gastric tumorigenesis through regulation of PP2A, a major regulator of AKT-GSK3β signalling.
Results Differ by Applying Distinctive Multiple Imputation Approaches on the Longitudinal Cardiovascular Health Study Data

Background/Study Context: The objective of this study was to examine sequential and simultaneous approaches to multiple imputation of missing data in a longitudinal data set where losses due to death were common. Methods: Comparison of results from analyses and simulations of time to incident difficulty of activities of daily living (ADL) in the Cardiovascular Health Study when missing data were imputed simultaneously or sequentially. Results: Results differed with imputation methods. The largest proportional differences in 12 risk factor parameter estimates were heart failure by 106%, social support by 33%, and arthritis by 27%. Conclusion: Decedents’ final characteristics were influential on future imputations of those with missing values.
Childhood Play and Environmental Interests: Panacea or Snake Oil?

Both wildland recreationists and conservationists report that wildland childhood play is an important socialization experience. However, researchers know little about the details of play experiences during the formative childhood years. In this article, the authors describe the content and physical and social components of childhood play as recalled by 51 young adults involved in serious leisure and environmental professions related to natural history and a contrast group of 10 adults not participating in natural history activities. On the basis of their interviews, the authors identified stationary and exploratory play, social facilitation of play, play away from the home restricted only by distance, fantasy play, creative play, gaming play, searching and trapping play, and play interspersed with outdoor chores. The authors distinguish between playing with nature and playing with friends within nature and discuss the implications for further research and environmental education programming.
[Comment on “Accurate clock for remote areas” by J. Bonanomi] For clock watchers

Your news item in Eos (63(4), January 26, 1982, p. 129) refers to an accurate clock for remote areas that utilizes Omega signals to synchronize clocks to 0.01 s. A system utilizing GPS satellite signals is also currently available for synchronizing remote clocks to an accuracy of better than 100 ns! GPS is presently in its validation phase and can now provide worldwide time transfer capability. The very stable satellite atomic clocks are routinely monitored and correction parameters are broadcast as part of the GPS message.
Costs of short-term credit for small and large firms

Abstract Changes in costs of credit for small and large firms respond differently to economic conditions and the markets are segmented. Costs for small firms are less responsive to changing economic conditions. Small firms borrow via credit card loans and from banks. Dynamic models prove the costs of funds are negative functions of quantities borrowed and positive functions of the Fed funds rate. During recessions, the decline in funds’ prices to large firms is greater than the reductions to small firms. Large firms benefit to a greater extent than small firms when prices of credit are changing.
Identification by machine vision of the rate of motor activity decline as a lifespan predictor in C. elegans

One challenge in aging research concerns identifying physiological parameters or biomarkers that can reflect the physical health of an animal and predict its lifespan. In C. elegans, a model organism widely used in aging research, motor deficits develop in old worms. Here we employed machine vision to quantify worm locomotion behavior throughout lifespan. We confirm that aging worms undergo a progressive decline in motor activity, beginning in early life. Importantly, the rate of motor activity decline rather than the absolute motor activity in the early-to-mid life of individual worms in an isogenic population inversely correlates with their lifespan, and thus may serve as a lifespan predictor. Long-lived mutant strains with deficits in insulin/IGF-1 signaling or food intake display a reduction in the rate of motor activity decline, suggesting that this parameter might also be used for across-strain comparison of healthspan. Our work identifies an endogenous physiological parameter for lifespan prediction and healthspan comparison.
Response to the presidential address--the systematic defunding of psychiatric care: a crisis at our doorstep.

Y ou have heard from Dr. Harding about Philadelphia’s role as the birthplace of American psychiatry. Today, however, the principle that inspired the founders of the Pennsylvania Hospital, the Friends Asylum, and the American Psychiatric Association—that a civilized society is obligated to care for those of its members who suffer from the consequences of mental illness—seems everywhere to be honored in the breach. The moral obligation of a just society to provide for the needs of the less fortunate, as we would want our needs met were we in their places, teeters on a precipice. Wishing that mental illness would not exist has led our policy makers to shape a health care system as if it did not exist. The result can only be described as an in
Income, public works, and mortality in early twentieth-century American cities.

Mortality differentials for 122 cities in the United States in 1910 are examined with specific attention given to the influence of public works projects. Sewage systems are found to have significantly reduced mortality while water filtration systems had no impact. This runs counter to the theories and beliefs of many public health officials and sanitary engineers of the era. Other factors including the racial and immigrant composition of the population urban density number of physicians and the standard of living are also examined. (EXCERPT)
Energy policy: how failure was snatched from the jaws of success

By the end of 1980, the US had in place an energy policy with the potential for meeting the nation's energy needs and providing stable energy management over the long-term. That accomplishment came out of a torturous seven-year struggle involving extensive Presidential-Congressional interaction and broad participation by a range of public and private parties-at-interest. The very significant results of that struggle, largely ignored in our conventional wisdom about the failure of energy policymaking to date, have been substantially reversed by the radical policies of the Reagan administration. As a consequence, the nation can look forward to an unstable, conflict-ridden, high-risk energy future. These conclusions are based on findings with regard to four questions: what was the cause of the 1973 energy crisis. How did the US respond to that crisis between 1973 and 1980. Why and how did the Reagan administration reverse what had gone before. What must we do, given the present situation. 17 references.
Responses of globus pallidus neurons to cortical stimulation: intracellular study in the rat.

The responses of globus pallidus (GP) neurons to stimulation of the sensorimotor cortex, the neostriatum, and the subthalamic nucleus were intracellularly recorded in anesthetized rats. Stimulation of the cortex evoked a sequence of postsynaptic responses including an initial short EPSP, a short IPSP, and a late EPSP with multiple spikes in most of the repetitively firing GP neurons. The response pattern was very similar to those evoked by striatal stimulation, except that the latencies were longer. An acute knife cut placed immediately caudal to the substantia nigra caused no significant change in the responses to cortical and striatal stimulation. Stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus evoked a short latency EPSP overlapped with an IPSP. The polarity of all the IPSPs was reversed by a Cl− injection. A systemic injection of picrotoxin abolished all the IPSPs and unmasked large depolarizations with multiple spikes. An ibotenic acid lesion of the subthalamic nucleus eliminated both the initial short latency and late EPSPs to cortical and striatal stimulation and disclosed a prominent IPSP. Stimulation of the lesioned subthalamic nucleus also evoked large, short latency IPSPs without noticeable EPSPs. These results indicate that (i) the IPSPs evoked by cortical, striatal, and subthalamic stimulation were mediated by a GABAΛ receptor, (ii) both the initial and late EPSPs to cortical and striatal stimulation involved activation of the subthalamic nucleus but not brainstem nuclei, and (iii) cortically derived signals mediated through the neostriatum (i.e. long latency IPSPs) and the subthalamic nucleus (i.e. short latency EPSPs) converged on most GP neurons.
Non-parametric estimation of state occupation, entry and exit times with multistate current status data

As a type of multivariate survival data, multistate models have a wide range of applications, notably in cancer and infectious disease progression studies. In this article, we revisit the problem of estimation of state occupation, entry and exit times in a multistate model where various estimators have been proposed in the past under a variety of parametric and non-parametric assumptions. We focus on two non-parametric approaches, one using a product limit formula as recently proposed in Datta and Sundaram(1) and a novel approach using a fractional risk set calculation followed by a subtraction formula to calculate the state occupation probability of a transient state. A numerical comparison between the two methods is presented using detailed simulation studies. We show that the new estimators have lower statistical errors of estimation of state occupation probabilities for the distant states. We illustrate the two methods using a pubertal development data set obtained from the NHANES III.(2).
Nonmonetary Variables in Benefit-Cost Evaluation:

Nonmonetary benefits in benefit-cost evaluation can be dealt with by converting the choices into questions regarding whether a given nonmonetary return is worth more or less than a given dollar cost. Answering such questions enables one to pick the alternative that is best on benefits minus costs, even though the benefits and costs cannot be measured in the same units.
The miR-143-adducin3 pathway is essential for cardiac chamber morphogenesis

Discovering the genetic and cellular mechanisms that drive cardiac morphogenesis remains a fundamental goal, as three-dimensional architecture greatly impacts functional capacity. During development, accurately contoured chambers balloon from a primitive tube in a process characterized by regional changes in myocardial cell size and shape. How these localized changes are achieved remains elusive. Here, we show in zebrafish that microRNA-143 (miR-143) is required for chamber morphogenesis through direct repression of adducin3 (add3), which encodes an F-actin capping protein. Knockdown of miR-143 or disruption of the miR-143-add3 interaction inhibits ventricular cardiomyocyte F-actin remodeling, which blocks their normal growth and elongation and leads to ventricular collapse and decreased contractility. Using mosaic analyses, we find that miR-143 and add3 act cell-autonomously to control F-actin dynamics and cell morphology. As proper chamber emergence relies on precise control of cytoskeletal polymerization, Add3 represents an attractive target to be fine-tuned by both uniform signals, such as miR-143, and undiscovered localized signals. Together, our data uncover the miR-143-add3 genetic pathway as essential for cardiac chamber formation and function through active adjustment of myocardial cell morphology.
On Demand Thermal Protection (ODTP): A New Approach for Designing Garments Exposed to Flash Flame Incidents

Soldiers, first responders and other high risk occupations such as power line technicians are routinely exposed to dangerous situations where severe burn injuries are possible. Standard flame resistant (FR) fabrics provide minimal burn protection when exposed to a flash flame incident. As a result, improvement in thermal protection is desperately needed and remains an ongoing subject of research and development. A simplified one dimensional physical model composed of a muscle layer, skin/fat layer, air gap(s) and fabric layer(s) is used to model heat transfer entering the body covered by a garment that is exposed to a flash flame. Heat transfer within the skin and muscle layers is modeled by combined conduction, metabolic heat generation and blood perfusion by a recently developed modification to the heat equation termed the bio-heat equation. Boundary conditions include a fixed temperature (core body temperature) at the inside of the muscle layer and combined convection and radiation from the flame on the outside of the fabric. The heat equation is solved by discretizing the domain in one dimension and using a finite volume approach to derive the finite difference equations. This model is an initial step to be used to provide an assessment of common FR garments with respect to both comfort in ambient conditions and protection during a flash flame. It also provides for parametric analysis to determine ideal thermo-physical properties, fabric thicknesses and layering for better protection during flash flame incidents. Estimates for time to burn injury from the numerical model is presented with experimental results using live mannequin flame tests (ASTMF-1930), standard vertical flame tests (ISO-17492) and a non-standard flame test with combined convection and radiation heat fluxes up to 85 kW/m2.The main effort of this study revolves around an initial working design for a dynamic garment termed On Demand Thermal Protection (ODTP). The primary focus of the design is the development of a thermistor circuit embedded in a protective garment to act as an electric sensor for rapidly deploying the necessary thermal protection that is needed as predicted by the numerical model instantaneously in the event of a flash flame incident. An initial prototype is being developed with a focus on designing the thermistor circuit to mechanically actuate protective components in a flash-flame environment. Concepts include rapidly releasing a pressurized flame retardant fluid through vinyl tubing sewn into a garment and deploying a protective barrier around the face and neck when the thermistor circuit detects a sudden change in heat transfer. A summary of the prototype along with experimental testing to date compared to the theoretical predictions from the model described above is presented.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Agmatine enhances cannabinoid action in the hot-plate assay of thermal nociception

Agmatine-cannabinoid interactions are supported by the close association between cannabinoid CB(1) receptors and agmatine immunoreactive neurons and evidence that shared brain mechanisms underlie the pharmacological effects of agmatine and cannabinoid agonists. In the present study, we used the hot-plate assay of thermal nociception to determine if agmatine alters cannabinoid action through activation of imidazoline sites and/or alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. WIN 55212-2 (1, 2 or 3 mg/kg, i.p.) or CP55,940 (1, 2 or 3 mg/kg, i.p.) administration increased hot-plate response latency. Agmatine (50 or 100 mg/kg, i.p.) was ineffective. Administration of agmatine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) with WIN 55212-2 (1, 2 or 3 mg/kg, i.p.) or CP55,940 (1, 2 or 3 mg/kg, i.p.) produced response-latency enhancement. Regression analysis indicated that agmatine increased the potency of WIN 55212-2 and CP55,940 by 3- and 4.4-fold, respectively, indicating synergy for both drug interactions. Idazoxan, a mixed imidazoline site/alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, but not yohimbine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective alphia(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, blocked response-latency enhancement produced by a combination of WIN 55212-2 (2 mg/kg) and agmatine. Response-latency enhancement produced by WIN 55212-2 (2 mg/kg) was blocked by SR 141716A (5 mg/kg, i.p.), a cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist; attenuated by idazoxan (2 and 5 mg/kg); and not affected by yohimbine (5 mg/kg). These results demonstrate a synergistic interaction between agmatine and cannabinoid agonists and suggest that agmatine administration enhances cannabinoid action in vivo.
Target classification using wavelet decomposition features

Applications of wavelet decomposition techniques in target signature analysis are reviewed. A radar target classification system based on features derived from the wavelet transform of the target impulse response is considered. The performance of the proposed target recognition technique is evaluated assuming different measurement scenarios including azimuth ambiguity. The merits and limitations of the proposed scheme are presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Global Design Optimization for Aerodynamics and Rocket Propulsion Components

Modern computational and experimental tools for aerodynamics and propulsion applications have matured to a stage where they can provide substantial insight into engineering processes involving fluid flows, and can be fruitfully utilized to help improve the design of practical devices. In particular, rapid and continuous development in aerospace engineering demands that new design concepts be regularly proposed to meet goals for increased performance, robustness and safety while concurrently decreasing cost. To date, the majority of the effort in design optimization of fluid dynamics has relied on gradient-based search algorithms. Global optimization methods can utilize the information collected from various sources and by different tools. These methods offer multi-criterion optimization, handle the existence of multiple design points and trade-offs via insight into the entire design space, can easily perform tasks in parallel, and are often effective in filtering the noise intrinsic to numerical and experimental data. However, a successful application of the global optimization method needs to address issues related to data requirements with an increase in the number of design variables, and methods for predicting the model performance. In this article, we review recent progress made in establishing suitable global optimization techniques employing neural network and polynomial-based response surface methodologies. Issues addressed include techniques for construction of the response surface, design of experiment techniques for supplying information in an economical manner, optimization procedures and multi-level techniques, and assessment of relative performance between polynomials and neural networks. Examples drawn from wing aerodynamics, turbulent diffuser flows, gas-gas injectors, and supersonic turbines are employed to help demonstrate the issues involved in an engineering design context. Both the usefulness of the existing knowledge to aid current design practices and the need for future research are identified.
New amino-functionalized 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene bis- and mono-(benzo-crown-6 ethers) for pH-switched cesium nitrate extraction

Four calix[4]arene benzo-crown-6 ethers functionalized with primary amine groups in various positions have been synthesized. The cesium extraction behavior under alkaline and acidic conditions has been measured for these compounds and compared with that of non-amine containing analogs. Extraction strength when the amine group is neutral is not affected by the amino substituent, but protonation causes a marked decrease in extraction strength, permitting pH-switched back-extraction.
Onμ-recurrent nonsingular endomorphisms

We show that the Maharam skew product ofμ-recurrent nonsingular endomorphisms is conservative and give some applications. Among them is the construction of a conservative ergodic invertible natural extension forμ-recurrent ergodic nonsingular endomorphisms.
Ovulation Induction in the Nonestrogenized Patient

Women with nonestrogenized amenorrhea comprise a wide array of clinical problems. Identification and correction of the underlying pathologic process is the most appropriate approach to ovulation induction. Patients with central nervous system (CNS) or hypothalamic amenorrhea are treated with pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) when it is not possible to correct the underlying causes of these disorders. Gonadotropin therapy is needed for pituitary-related amenorrhea after conservative therapy is unsuccessful. However, ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancies are risks of gonadotropin therapy. The outcome is poor for ovarian failure or gonadotropin-resistant ovaries. An occasional pregnancy is established, but oocyte donation or adoption should be an early consideration. Women with nonestrogenized amenorrhea and a low or normal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level can expect high ovulation and pregnancy rates with gonadotropin therapy when more conservative means are unsuccessful: Treatment is not likely to benefit those with elevated FSH levels.
The boys town residential treatment center: Treatment implementation and preliminary outcomes

A well specified residential treatment model is described, and preliminary outcome data are presented. The Boys Town Psycho-Educational Model (PEM) empowers direct care staff to be important treatment agents by training them to use systematic teaching techniques. Data obtained on youth served at the center since its inception in December 1995 indicate that the youth have had multiple prior placements and serious psychiatric disorders. The model sustains an active and positive treatment environment as documented by high levels of focused treatment occurring during the youth’s stays. To date, 94% of the youth have departed to placements that were equal to, or less restrictive than, their placements at admission to the program. Of those who had Children’s Global Assessment Scale ratings both at admission and at discharge, 84% (n=21) of the youth had better functioning at discharge.
Growth and quality of the cost-utility literature, 1976-2001

Abstract Purpose Cost-utility analyses (CUAs) have become increasingly popular, although questions persist about their comparability and credibility. Our objectives were to: 1) describe the growth and characteristics of CUAs published in the peer-reviewed literature through 2001; 2) investigate whether CUA quality has improved over time; 3) examine whether quality varies by the experience of journals in publishing CUAs, or the source of external funding for study investigators; and 4) examine changes in practices in US-based studies following recommendations of the US Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine (USPCEHM). This study updates and expands our previous work, which examined CUAs through 1997. Methods We conducted a systematic search of the English-language medical literature for original CUAs published from 1976 through 2001, using Medline and other databases. Each study was audited independently by two trained readers, who recorded the methodological and reporting practices used. Results Our review identified 533 original CUAs. Comparing articles published in 1998 to 2001 (n = 305) with those published in 1976 to 1997 (n = 228), studies improved in almost all categories, including: clearly presenting the study perspective (73% vs. 52%, P P = 0.0115); and reporting incremental cost-utility ratios (69% vs. 46%, P P = 0.939). Adherence to recommended practices was greater in more experienced journals, and roughly equal in industry versus non-industry-funded analyses. The data suggest an impact in methodological practices used in US-based CUAs in accordance with recommendations of the USPCEHM. Conclusions Adherence to methodological and reporting practices in published CUAs is improving, although many studies still omit basic elements. Medical journals, particularly those with little experience publishing cost-effectiveness analyses, should adopt and enforce standard protocols for conducting and reporting CUAs.
Genetic Elimination of Behavioral Sensitization in Mice Lacking Calmodulin-Stimulated Adenylyl Cyclases

Adenylyl cyclase types 1 (AC1) and 8 (AC8), the two major calmodulin-stimulated adenylyl cyclases in the brain, couple NMDA receptor activation to cAMP signaling pathways. Cyclic AMP signaling pathways are important for many brain functions, such as learning and memory, drug addiction, and development. Here we show that wild-type, AC1, AC8, or AC1&8 double knockout (DKO) mice were indistinguishable in tests of acute pain, whereas behavioral responses to peripheral injection of two inflammatory stimuli, formalin and complete Freund's adjuvant, were reduced or abolished in AC1&8 DKO mice. AC1 and AC8 are highly expressed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and contribute to inflammation-induced activation of CREB. Intra-ACC administration of forskolin rescued behavioral allodynia defective in the AC1&8 DKO mice. Our studies suggest that AC1 and AC8 in the ACC selectively contribute to behavioral allodynia.
The total synthesis of ganglioside GM3.

Abstract Previous syntheses of ganglioside GM3 (NeuAcα3Galβ4Glcβ1Cer) are reviewed, and both chemoenzymatic and chemical total synthetic approaches were investigated. In a chemoenzymatic approach, (2 S ,3 R ,4 E )-5‴-acetyl-α-neuraminyl-(2‴→3″)-β-galactopyranosyl-(1″→4′)-β-glucopyranosyl-(1′↔1)-2-azido-4-octadecene-1,3-diol (azidoGM3) was readily prepared utilizing recombinant β-Gal-(1″→3′/4′)-GlcNAc α-(2‴→3″)-sialyltransferase enzyme, and was evaluated as a synthetic intermediate to ganglioside GM3. The chemical total synthesis of ganglioside GM3 was performed on one of the largest scales yet reported. The highlights of this synthesis include minimizing the steps necessary to prepare the lactosyl acceptor as a useful anomeric mixture, which was present in excess for the highly regioselective and fairly stereoselective sialylation with a known neuraminyl donor to give the protected GM3 trisaccharide. The synthetic methodology maximized convergence by a subsequent glycosidic coupling of the well-characterized GM3 trisaccharide trichloroacetimidate derivative with protected ceramide. The ganglioside GM3 was nearly homogeneous as the two glycosidic couplings utilized preparative HLPC purifications, and variations in the sphingosine base and fatty acyl group were under 0.1 and 0.2%, respectively.
Adiponectin Protects Against Angiotensin II or Tumor Necrosis Factor α–Induced Endothelial Cell Monolayer Hyperpermeability Role of cAMP/PKA Signaling

Objective— Angiotensin II (Ang II) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels increase endothelial permeability, and we hypothesized that adiponectin suppressed these responses in a cAMP-dependent manner. Methods and Results— The effect of adiponectin on transendothelial electric resistance (TEER) and diffusion of albumin through human umbilical vein and bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayers induced by Ang II (100 nmol/L) or TNF-α (5 ng/mL) was measured. Treatment with the globular domain of adiponectin (3 μg/mL) for 16 hours abrogated the adverse TEER effect of TNF-α (−35 versus −12 Ω/cm 2 at 45 minutes, P 2 at 45 minutes, P P P Conclusions— Adiponectin protects the endothelial monolayer from Ang II or TNF-α-induced hyperpermeability by modulating microtubule and cytoskeleton stability via a cAMP/ PKA signaling cascade.
Analysis of construction injury burden by type of work.

BACKGROUND: To lay groundwork for identifying patterns of injury etiology, we sought to describe injury experience associated with types of work performed at construction sites by examining workers' compensation (WC) claims for the 32,081 construction workers who built Denver International Airport (DIA). METHODS: Injury rates and WC payment rates were calculated for 25 types of work based on claims and payroll data reported to DIA's owner-controlled insurance program according to National Council on Compensation Insurance job classifications. By linking DIA claims with corresponding lost-work-time (LWT) claims filed with Colorado's Workers' Compensation Division, we were also able to obtain and examine both total and median lost days for each type of work. RESULTS: Injury experience varied widely among the types of construction work. Workers building elevators and conduits and installing glass, metal, or steel were at particularly high risk of both LWT and non-LWT injury. Median days lost by injured workers was highest (202 days) for driving/trucking. Median days lost for most types of work was much greater than previously reported for construction: 40 days or more for 18 of the 25 types of work analyzed. WC payment rates reflect both number and severity of injuries and were generally not significantly different from expected losses. They were, however, significantly higher than expected for driving/trucking, metal/steel installation, inspection/analysis, and elevator construction. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of injury data by type of work allows targeting of safety resources to high risk construction work and would be useful in prospective surveillance at large construction sites with centrally administered workers' compensation plans. Language: en
Interplanetary magnetic field conditions associated with synchronous orbit observations of Pc 3 magnetic pulsations

For 253 of the 420 ATS 6 Pc 3 events discussed in a previous paper, simultaneous IMF data from Imp J are available. By combining these two data sets an examination of the relationships between pulsation and IMF parameters is done for the first time using pulsation observations by a spacecraft in the magnetosphere. The results of this study indicate that within statistical errors, Pc 3 occur with approximately equal probability for normal IMF conditions. There is an indication of a preference for the toward spiral angle. No relationship between the pulsation frequency and the IMF magnitude was seen, but there is a clear, although weak, relationship between the angle of the IMF from the sun-earth line and the amplitude of the pulsations. Comparison of these results to those obtained by other researchers indicates that the different methods of analysis used are not yet sophisticated enough to deal with the obviously complex phenomenon involved.
Improved Surface Wettability of Polyurethane Films by Ultraviolet Ozone Treatment

The wettability of polyurethane (PU) was altered using ultraviolet ozone (UVO) treatment. The effect of UVO treatment on PU surface chemistry was investigated with various experiments. The direct measurement of sessile drops was employed to quantify the static contact angle of different wetting liquids on homogeneous PU films with various UVO treatment times. The contact angle of DI water droplets was decreased to 17.2{sup o} from 70.04{sup o} after 5 min UVO treatment. The surface free energy of PU films was 51.46 mN m{sup -1} before treatment and was increased to 71.5 mN m{sup -1} after being fully treated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows a significant amount of polar functional species (C-O and C-O bonding) were formed on the PU surface by UVO treatment. atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization shows the PU surface morphology was different before and after UVO treatment. The effect of water washing on UVO treated surface was also investigated. An aging effect study indicates the UVO modification can sustain the improved wettability with limited hydrophobic recovery, where the DI water contact angle remains constant at around 22{sup o} after the UVO treatment.
The Effect of Stretching on the Rate of Conduction in the Neuro-Muscular Network in Cassiopea.

It was observed by Carlson (Amer. J. Physiol., 27, 1911, 323) that stretching the nerve of the slug has no effect on the rate of the nerve impulse. This does not support Bethe's hypothesis that the impulse passes over solid neuro-fibrillae which are zig-zagged in the relaxed nerve and straightened out in the stretched nerve. Conditions are not so simple in the nervous network of the sub-umbrella of Cassiopea, but the rate may be more accurately determined. The stretching may increase the original length 84c%. A ring or belt of umbrella tissue was placed in a frame by means of which the circumference could be stretched and at the same time its length measured. The apparatus was immersed in sea-water kept at 30?. A neuro-muscular wave was started in the ring in such a manner that it traveled continuously around the ring and its speed measured by noting the time at which the muscular contraction wave passed a certain point. The time required for the wave to pass 100 times around the ring was recorded with a stop-watch. An example of one of the experiments is as follows:
Individual Differences in Memory for Dreams: The Role of Cognitive Skills:

Ontogenetic findings have suggested a relationship between selected cognitive variables, especially Block Design ability, and REM dream-recall rates. This study investigated the extent to which such cognitive variables could account for individual differences in the REM recall of home-dream “nonreporters,” defined as self-described infrequent recallers who also recorded few dreams in a dream diary. Adult male nonreporters were assigned either to a high Block Design or low Block Design group (n = 6 each). Other cognitive (e.g., memory and visuospatial) abilities were measured to determine relationships to REM recall rates and ratings of dream “salience.” On laboratory REM awakenings, subjects high on Block Design reported significantly more dreams than subjects who were low. However, within the latter group recall rates varied considerably (from 0% recall to 100% recall). This variability is accounted for in terms of an interaction of a dream-generation factor (salience) and a mnemonic factor (interference).
Precursors to Endohedral Metal Fullerene Complexes: Synthesis and X-ray Structure of a Flexible Acetylenic Cyclophane C60H18

The rational synthesis of stable endohedral metal fullerene complexes poses a major challenge to current synthetic methodologies. We are particularly interested in C{sub 60} endohedral complexes because C{sub 60} itself has delivered the most interesting physical properties among the empty fullerenes. We are reporting the synthesis, X-ray structure, and preliminary mass spectroscopic study of cyclophane 7 in our first approach to the rational synthesis of fullerenes. An important question to answer is whether the cyclophane 7 can be induced to rearrange to C{sub 60} in the gas phase. MALDI-FTMS and APCI negative ion mass spectrometric studies on 7 have revealed a cluster of peaks around the molecular ion C{sub 60}H{sub 18} at m/z 738. The most abundant ion corresponds to the parent ion 7, with the higher m/z peaks in the approximate relative abundance expected for natural {sub 13}C incorporation in C{sub 60}H{sub 18} and subsequent dehydrogenated species. The lower mass peaks from m/z 734 to 737 indicate that 7 undergoes dehydrogenation at least down to C{sub 60}H{sub 14}; however, no peak for C{sub 60} was detected in the experimental conditions examined so far. 19 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
New Phase-Shift Parametrization Based on a Phase-Shift Dispersion Relation

The dispersion relation for the phase shift used by Ball and Frazer is generalized to include the effects of zeros and poles in the $S$ matrix. For complex $S$-matrix zeros near the physical cut, one obtains a new parametrization for a resonant state. For $l=0$, the usual Breit-Wigner phase shift is found. The method is easily extended to resonances in higher partial waves (in terms of two parameters for the case of pure elastic unitarity). The results are used to describe three partial waves in $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ scattering: ${P}_{33}$, ${D}_{13}$, and ${P}_{11}$. Excellent agreement with the published ${P}_{33}$ phase shifts is obtained by using our resonant form plus the integral over the inelastic cut. The inelastic contribution to the phase shift is small at low energies but becomes important for ${E}_{L}g300$ MeV (${E}_{L}$ is the incident-pion kinetic energy). Inelastic effects in the ${D}_{13}$ partial wave can account for almost all of the phase shift up to ${E}_{L}=500$ MeV. A narrow resonance plus inelasticity gives a good fit to the phase shifts up to ${E}_{L}=900$ MeV. Our fit to the ${P}_{11}$ phase shift depends on the nucleon pole, the Roper resonance, a zero in the $S$ matrix below the elastic threshold, and inelastic effects. A good fit to the low-energy phase shifts can be obtained only if one assumes large inelasticity above 1 BeV; however, the model does account for the qualitative behavior of the ${P}_{11}$ phase shift.
Inducer-dependent conditional-lethal mutant animal viruses.

Abstract Regulatory elements of the Escherichia coli lac operon were used to construct an inducer-dependent conditional-lethal mutant animal virus. The gene encoding the repressor protein of the lac operon was integrated into the vaccinia virus genome so that it was expressed constitutively, and the lac operator was inserted next to the promoter of a gene that encodes an 11-kDa virion-associated protein of unknown function. The addition of inducer to the cell culture medium provided permissive conditions for isolation of a conditional-lethal mutant virus. Under nonpermissive conditions, the isolated virus did not form plaques, and the yield was decreased by at least 1000-fold under one-step growth conditions. Transcription of the operator-controlled gene was inducer-dependent and necessary for synthesis of the 11-kDa protein. Application of this mutagenesis strategy to other viruses is discussed.
Ames mutagenicity tests of products from a heated potato-starch system.

Abstract A charred sample was prepared from potato starch heated with ammonium carbonate at 600°C in a flask under a nitrogen stream. The water produced was collected and extracted with methylene chloride. The basic fraction obtained from the extract exhibited strong mutagenicity in Ames assays using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 or TA100 with metabolic activation (rat-liver S-9 mix). The basic fraction was further fractionated by silica gel column chromatography and subsequently by Scphadex column chromatography. Some of the resulting fractions exhibited strong mutagenic activities in S. typhimurium strain TA98 with S-9 mix.
Is the Greening of Firms Helping Consumers to Go Green

Although research supports the notion that consumers look favorably upon firms that implement popular social behaviors like “going green,” little is known about how such practices impact the consumer’s own social attitudes and behaviors. In two experiments, the authors explore this underresearched area in social marketing by examining how a firm’s stated motive for its environmentally friendly behaviors as well as brand loyalty influence consumer attitudes toward, and intentions for, similar behaviors. Implications for social marketers are provided regarding the development of effective social marketing programs. These results suggest that society may best be served when marketers integrate more honesty and transparency into socially responsible claims since consumers are more likely to model their behavior under these circumstances.
Observation of the dynamic germination of single bacterial spores using rapid Raman imaging.

The dynamics of bacterial spore germination were successfully observed using a fast Raman imaging system, in combination with real-time phase contrast microscopy. By using a multifocus scan scheme, the spontaneous Raman-scattering imaging acquisition speed was increased to ∼30 s per frame while maintaining diffraction-limited resolution, which allowed monitoring of the dynamics of spore germination on a time scale of tens of seconds to a few minutes. This allowed simultaneous gathering of rich spatial distribution information on different cellular components including time-lapse molecular images of Ca-dipicolinic acid, protein, and nucleic acid during germination of single bacterial spores for the periods of 30 to 60 min.