cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smoking attitudes, intentions, and behavior among college student smokers: Positivity outweighs negativity

Smokers’ attitudes toward smoking tend to be characterized by ambivalent feelings of positivity and negativity, thereby raising the question of whether the effect of smoking attitudes on smoking behavior is mediated by the absence of negativity and/or by the presence of positivity. In two studies, undergraduate smokers rated how positive and negative they felt about smoking and reported how much they had smoked the previous month. Study 2's participants also reported how much they intended to smoke over the next month and, at 1-month follow-up, how much they actually had smoked during the previous month. Positivity, but not negativity, toward smoking predicted past smoking behavior, concurrent intentions to smoke, and future smoking behavior. Results suggest that weakening positive reactions toward smoking may deter smoking more than strengthening negative reactions does. Potential mechanisms are discussed, as well as the prospect of increasing negativity's deterrent effect.
The effect of experimental muscle pain on the background electrical brain activity.

Abstract The purpose of this project was to investigate whether specific effects in the background activity of the brain associated with the experience of pain can be depicted by means of quantitative electroencephalography (EEG). Lasting pain was induced by intramuscular infusion of hypertonic saline. The infusion was titrated to maintain pain for a sufficient time to obtain enough data for meaningful analysis. In a first study on 12 subjects, using a single, blind, repeated measures design with randomization of the administration of isotonic (0.9%) and hypertonic (5%) saline, and with subjects unaware of the fact that one substance was isotonic saline, a statistically significant pain response could be attributed to the administration of hypertonic saline. In a second study on 19 subjects, again using a randomized repeated measures design, topographic EEG measures were examined with respect to experimentally induced pain and pain from memory. Prior to each of these experimental stages, baseline recordings were obtained to satisfy the requirement of the crossover design. In addition to the common frequency bands used in EEG, we also obtained data in the frequency range of 35–100 Hz. The short-term variability of the selected EEG measures and their suitability as a sample estimate were assessed by computing the coefficient of variation from all selected epochs of a given subject at baseline. When compared to baseline, spectral analyzed EEG measures during experimental pain demonstrated statistically significant increases in the beta and 35–100 Hz frequency ranges, most notably at the temporal recording sites. There was no statistically significant difference between the EEG measures for (1) experimental pain vs. pain from memory, and (2) the 2 baseline recordings. The great variability in the topographical aspect of the between-subject response was interpreted as being strongly suggestive of the contamination of EEG measures by phenomena attributed to the jaw, facial and scalp musculature. In fact, Pearson correlation coefficients, as high as 0.92, were found between measures in the frequency band of 35–100 Hz and the beta frequency range. The unexplained variance in the heightened beta cortical power density can be attributed to the vigilance scanning of pain processes. Due to the fact that the statistically significant effect of pain on the topographic EEG measures were not different from imagined pain, we concluded that these effects are non-specific for pain.
Matrix-based fertilizers reduce nutrient leaching while maintaining Kentucky bluegrass growth.

We tested the efficacy of matrix-based fertilizers (MBFs) to improve Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) growth while reducing NH, NO3, dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), and total phosphorus (TP) compared to commercial slow-release fertilizer (SRF) Polyon®, ESN®, and Avail® in greenhouse column studies. The MBFs covered a range of inorganic N and P in compounds that are relatively loosely bound (MBF6) and more tightly bound compounds (MBF7) with Al(SO4)318H2O and/or Fe2(SO4)33H2O and with high ionic exchange compounds starch, cellulose, and lignin. The total amount of NO3 and NH4 leached was greater from columns receiving Polyon® and ESN® fertilizers than all other treatments. The MBF6+Avail® or MBF7+Avail® fertilizers leached 64–68% less NO3 than Polyon® (43-0-0) and ESN® (46-0-0), and 73–76% less TDP and TP than Avail® (10-34-0). A greater amount of NO3 was leached from the MBF6+Avail® and the MBF7+Avail® treatments than the other MBF fertilizer treatments. Shoot and root biomass were greater when plants received the Avail®, MBF6+Avail®, and MBF7+Avail® fertilizer treatments than the other fertilizer treatments. When combined with small quantities of commercial SRFs, these new MBFs were able to maintain plant growth while reducing N and P leaching. These new MBF formulations do not depend on organic or inorganic coatings to reduce N and P leaching and with further testing and development could be effective commercial fertilizers.
Furosemide Dose Reduction in Patients with Stable Systolic Heart Failure and Renal Insufficiency Improves Renal Function without Compromising Clinical Status

Introduction: Furosemide and other loop diuretics are mainstays in the medical management of heart failure (HF). While essential in achieving euvolemia in the HF patient, increasing data suggests that excessive furosemide may impair renal blood flow and renal function, which are significantly negative prognostic markers in HF. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of reducing furosemide doses on renal function in stable HF patients with and without renal insufficiency. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that furosemide reduction would be both safe and result in improved renal function among stable HF patients with baseline renal insufficiency. Methods: Inclusion criteria were stable NYHA Class 2/3 stable systolic (EF!40%) HF subjects with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 60 ml/min/ 1.72m2 (normal renal function; n513). Participants must have been on stable doses of furosemide for 3 months prior to study initiation. Baseline iothalamate GFR, PAH determination of effective renal plasma flow (RPF), Minnesota Living with HF Quality (MLHFQ) Score, and 6-minute walk were assessed. Participants then decreased their furosemide dose by 50% for 3 weeks and titrated furosemide dose as needed based on a pre formulated algorithm. Following three weeks of reduced furosemide, subjects underwent repeat assessment of GFR, RPF, MLHFQ Score, and 6 minute walk. At the conclusion of the study, furosemide dose was returned to the pre-study dose. Results: Baseline GFR was 42613 ml/min/1.72 m2 and 78611 ml/min/1.72 m2 and the mean daily furosemide was 38618 and 36618 mg in the reduced and normal renal function cohorts respectively. During the 3 weeks of reduced furosemide dosing the mean daily dose was 21611 and 20613 mg in the reduced and normal renal function cohorts respectively. No adverse effects were noted. Following three weeks of reduced furosemide, GFR increased to 50616 ml/min/1.72 m2 (p!0.01 vs baseline) in the reduced renal function cohort with a trend for RPF to increase. GFR was not significantly changed in the normal renal function cohort. Reduction in furosemide did not adversely impact 6 minute walk distance or the MLHF Q Score in either cohort. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that among NYHA class 2/3 stable HF subjects with impaired renal function, a reduction in daily furosemide is safe and associated with improved renal function. Lowered furosemide dosing in the setting of normal renal function had no significant impact on GFR. Further studies are warranted to determine if these physiological findings would translate into improved clinical outcomes.
Surface-mediated electroclinic effect in a chiral nematic liquid crystal

Optical phase-shift measurements are reported for a homeotropically aligned chiral nematic liquid crystal subject to an applied ac electric field E. A change in phase shift linear in E was observed, with a characteristic relaxation time τ≃0.01 s. The effect vanished for the nonchiral (racemic) version of the material. The data, taken together with the symmetry, are consistent with an electroclinic effect at the surface, such that the induced molecular tilt propagates elastically into the bulk
Primary CNS anaplastic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma mimicking undifferentiated metastatic tumors: a case report

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare intracranial tumor, with an annual incidence of six per million population. Anaplastic variant of primary CNS diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is less common; to our knowledge, there is only one other case report in the world literature. We describe a 71 year old immunocompetent female without significant past medical history who presented with confusion and a homogeneously enhancing midline mass. The patient underwent craniotomy for tumor biopsy, followed by high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy despite a remarkably low performance status. Histologically, this tumor was composed of undifferentiated polymorphic tumor cells, multi-nucleated giant cells, extensive necrosis, and conspicuous mitotic activity, mimicking undifferentiated metastatic tumors. Immunohistochemical stains demonstrated immunopositivity of tumor cells for CD20, MUM-1, and BCL-6, and negative staining for CD3, CD10, and CD30. The clinical course, diagnostic workup, pathologic correlates, and treatment outcomes are described.
Minimally invasive surgery is underutilized for colon cancer

The Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Therapy Group (COST) trial published in 2004 demonstrated that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for colorectal cancer provided equivalent oncologic results and better short-term outcomes when compared to open surgery. Before this, MIS comprised approximately 3% of colorectal cancer cases. We hypothesized that there would be a dramatic increase in the use of MIS for colon cancer after this publication. The National Inpatient Sample database was used to retrospectively review MIS and open colon resections from 2005 through 2007. ICD-9-specific procedure codes were used to identify open and MIS colon cancer resections. Statistical analyses performed included Pearson χ2 tests and dependent t tests, and Cramer’s V was used to measure the strength of association. A total of 240,446 colon resections were performed between 2005 and 2007. The percentage of resections performed laparoscopically increased from 4.7% in 2005 to 6.7% in 2007 for colon cancer and remained relatively unchanged for benign disease (25.2% in 2005 vs. 27.4% in 2007, P < 0.007). Patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy were younger, had lower comorbidity scores, had lower rates of complications (20.1 vs. 25.1%, P < 0.001), had shorter lengths of stay (7.2 vs. 9.6 days, P < 0.001), and had lower mortality (1.5 vs. 3.0%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, when evaluating adoption trends, urban teaching hospitals adopted laparoscopy more rapidly than rural nonteaching centers. Adoption of MIS for the treatment of colorectal cancer has been slow. Additional studies to evaluate barriers in the adoption of MIS for colon cancer resection are warranted.
Structural properties of the glial fibrillary acidic evidence for intermolecular disulfide bonds

Abstract Glial fibrillary acidic protein was purified from 4 M urea extracts of bovine brain by DEAE Bio-Gel A chromatography, 30% ammonium sulfate precipitation and hydroxylapatite chromatography. Subunits of about 54 000 daltons are present in solution as polydisperse distributions of polymers largely constrained by the presence of interchain disulfide linkages. Circular dichroism measurements indicate a native conformation containing some α-helical structure. The relevance of these findings to the cytoskeletal function of intermediate (80–100 A) filaments is discussed.
Regulation of the Fanconi anemia pathway by a CUE ubiquitin-binding domain in the FANCD2 protein.

The Fanconi anemia (FA)–BRCA pathway is critical for the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) and the maintenance of chromosome stability. A key step in FA-BRCA pathway activation is the covalent attachment of monoubiquitin to FANCD2 and FANCI. Monoubiquitinated FANCD2 and FANCI localize in chromatin-associated nuclear foci where they interact with several well-characterized DNA repair proteins. Importantly, very little is known about the structure, function, and regulation of FANCD2. Herein, we describe the identification and characterization of a CUE (coupling of ubiquitin conjugation to endoplasmic reticulum degradation) ubiquitin-binding domain (UBD) in FANCD2, and demonstrate that the CUE domain mediates noncovalent binding to ubiquitin in vitro. We show that although mutation of the CUE domain destabilizes FANCD2, the protein remains competent for DNA damage-inducible monoubiquitination and phosphorylation. Importantly, we demonstrate that the CUE domain is required for interaction with FANCI, retention of monoubiquitinated FANCD2, and FANCI in chromatin, and for efficient ICL repair. Our results suggest a model by which heterodimerization of monoubiquitinated FANCD2 and FANCI in chromatin is mediated in part through a noncovalent interaction between the FANCD2 CUE domain and monoubiquitin covalently attached to FANCI, and that this interaction shields monoubiquitinated FANCD2 from polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation.
Protein kinase PKR catalytic activity is required for the PKR-dependent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and amplification of interferon beta induction following virus infection.

The protein kinase regulated by RNA (PKR) enhances both activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and the induction of interferon beta (IFN-β) by measles virus defective in C-protein expression (Cko). Here we used complementation of human cell lines stably deficient in PKR (PKRkd) to probe the basis of these PKR-mediated responses. We found that PKRkd HeLa and amnion U cell lines were defective for virus-mediated activation of IFN induction signaling components compared to PKR-sufficient control cells. Complementation of PKRkd cells with wildtype PKR, but not with PKR mutants defective in either catalytic activity or dsRNA-binding activity, restored JNK, p38 and ATF-2 phosphorylation and enhanced IFN-β induction following infection. By contrast to mammalian PKR, the Z-DNA binding domain-containing fish homologue of PKR, PKZ, lacked the capacity to enhance Cko virus-mediated IFN-β induction. Furthermore, inhibition of virus growth was observed with Cko-infected PKRkd cells complemented with PKR but not with PKZ.
Structure and dynamics of alkali-metal clusters and fission of highly charged clusters

A dynamical optimization of the minimum energy cluster structures of Na, K, Rb, and Cs clusters was performed using a many-body potential based on local density calculations. The energetics and vibrational analysis of the neutral clusters in the size range $8lNl310$ were calculated, including the free energy as a function of the cluster size and the melting temperature. The fission process due to Coulomb forces of 2+, 3+, and 4+ charged alkali-metal clusters was studied extensively using molecular dynamics. We show that the cluster size at which multiply charged clusters undergo fission depends strongly on the cluster temperature. Three phases in the temperature-size-phase plane are identified corresponding to unstable, metastable, and stable clusters. These regions are bound by the spontaneous size at zero temperature and the critical size at the critical temperature. The cluster critical size exhibits a power law dependence on the total charge, which is in excellent agreement with experiments. The energy barriers that the clusters need to undergo fission are reported as a function of cluster size. The limitations of the liquid drop model are indicated in light of the dynamical findings.
Viewing the Impact of Adoption Camp through a Lens of Collective Identity and Marginality Theories

This study examines the influence of a week-long adoption camp for Chinese adopted teens on how they experience collective identity, marginality, and belonging. Descriptive data from pre- and post-camp surveys, along with post-camp qualitative interviews, highlight the sense of connection and relationship to other adoptees that is gained from camp attendance and the important role this plays in their day-to-day lives as Chinese American adopted teens. Additional data and themes related to the role adoption plays in these youths' sense of belonging and identity are also highlighted.
Satellite observations of plasma physics near the magnetic field reconnection X line

[1] Satellite observations near the X line are required to understand electromagnetic energy conversion and particle acceleration resulting from magnetic field reconnection. More than 900 orbits of Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft across the low-latitude dayside magnetopause, involving more than 4000 magnetopause crossings and 5000 h of data, were searched for examples of magnetic field reconnection within a few electron skin depths of the X line. Evidence that the X line was crossed in the best of these events comes from observations of DC electric and magnetic fields, electrostatic and electromagnetic lower hybrid waves, magnetosheath electrons flowing along the separatricies, and a super-Alfvenic electron jet flowing perpendicular to the magnetic field. A dispersion analysis identifies properties of the wave that are in agreement with the experiment. Neither these waves nor the DC electric field were sufficient to account for acceleration of the electron jet. The anomalous drag was not an important source of the observed DC electric field. The observed pressure gradient is a possible candidate for maintaining the electric field.
Endothelial COX-2 induction by hypoxia liberates 6-keto-PGF1α, a potent epithelial Secretagogue

Mucosal epithelial cells provide a barrier that separates lumenal and vascular compartments. This monolayer of cells provides barrier function and serves as a conduit for vectorial ion movement, the transport event underlying mucosal hydration1. By secreting solutes and transporting fluid, epithelial cells are able to coordinate compositional changes of the luminal compartment. A number of stimuli, including hormones, neurotransmitters and cytokines have been shown to directly regulate epithelial function1-3
The Effects of Alcohols, Procaine and Hyperthermia on the Protein Content of Nuclei and Chromatin

SummarySince previous studies suggest that heat-induced nuclear changes correlate with cell killing we have extended these observations by measuring nuclear and chromatin protein content in HeLa cells heat sensitized by agents which are believed to cause membrane damage. Specifically, we have investigated the effects of alcohol (C2–C5) and procaine. Exposure of HeLa cells to alcohol concentrations greater than 1 M ethanol or 0·2 M butanol for 30 min causes a measurable increase in the protein content of both nuclei and chromatin. When cells were heated (45°C) in the presence of alcohol, the increase in nuclear and chromatin protein content was significantly greater than that for heat alone at concentrations above 0·25 M ethanol and 0·07 M butanol. In addition, the presence of 0·41 M ethanol causes a two-fold increase, over heat alone, in the amount of protein absorbed to chromatin when cells are heated at 45°C from 0 to 60 min. Similar effects were observed with procaine. Thus, alcohol or procaine alone c...
Guaranteed cost control and guaranteed error estimation of stochastic systems with uncertain parameters

The idea of guaranteed cost control can be easily extended to stochastic systems with uncertain parameters in plant dynamics. By a slight modification, the guaranteed error estimation can be formulated as a problem of guaranteed cost control. The system considered in this paper is described by a stochastic differential equation with an additive random input and a noisy measurement. The noise processes are assumed to be Gaussian, zero mean, independent with know variances. Furthermore the controlled plant has large parameter uncertainties known to be in some bounded sets. It is shown that with reasonable bounds on uncertain terms, the overall performance bounds are asymptotically tight in the sense that the solutions reduce to the optimal ones when uncertainties vanish.
Structural and electronic properties of the Bi/GaP(110) interface.

A systematic investigation of Bi on n-type GaP(110) with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS), and ballistic-electron-emission microscopy (BEEM) is presented. The first 3 \AA{} of Bi grows in a quasiordered monolayer, forming alternating chain and vacancy segments along the Ga-P zigzag chains with a periodicity of about 23 \AA{}, which is consistent with the observed 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) pattern. Additional Bi atoms aggregate to form \ensuremath{\simeq}10-\AA{}-high clusters, which suggests a Stranski-Krastanov growth mode. The STS results show that the Bi monolayer is semiconductorlike with a band gap of about 0.55 eV; in contrast, the clusters exhibit metallic character. A 50-\AA{} Bi film exhibited monocrystalline and atomically flat regions \ensuremath{\simeq}1000 \AA{} in extent, which are delineated from similar adjacent regions by height differences equal to a biatomic step. LEED shows an ordered, two-domain hexagonal surface structure that consists of a close-packed-hexagonal arrangement of Bi atoms, as observed by STM. BEEM reveals a uniform Schottky-barrier height of 1.11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 eV at all measured positions across the sample surface.
Effects of Dietary Protein and Feeding Rate on Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Production, Composition of Gain, Processing Yield, and Water Quality

A 2 ± 4 factorial experiment was conducted to examine effects of dietary protein level (28, 32, 36, and 40%) and feeding rate (satiation or ± 90 kg/ha per d) on production characteristics, processing yield, body composition, and water quality for pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Fingerling channel catfish with a mean weight of 64 g/fish were stocked into 40 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 17,290 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation or at a rate of ± 90 kg/ha per d for 134 d during the growing season. Dietary protein concentration had no effect on feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion, survival, aeration time, or on fillet moisture, protein, and fat levels. Fish fed to satiation consumed more feed, gained more weight, had a higher feed conversion, and required more aeration time than fish fed a restricted ration. Visceral fat decreased, and fillet yield increased as dietary protein concentration increased to 36%. Carcass yield was lower for fish fed a diet containing 28% protein. Increasing feeding rate increased visceral fat but had no major effect on carcass, fillet, and nugget yields. Fish fed to satiation contained less moisture and more fat in the fillets that those fed a restricted ration. Nitrogenous waste compounds were generally higher where the fish were fed the higher protein diets. Although there was a significant interaction in pond water chemical oxygen demand between dietary protein and feeding rate, generally ponds in the satiation feeding group had higher chemical oxygen demand than ponds in the restricted feeding group. There was a trend that pond water total phosphorus levels were slightly elevated in the satiation feeding group compared to the restricted feeding group. However, pond water soluble reactive phosphorus and chlorophyll-a were not affected by either diet or feeding rate. Results from the present study indicate that a 28% protein diet provides the same level of channel catfish production as a 40% protein diet even when diet is restricted to 90 kg/ha per d. Although there was an increase in nitrogenous wastes in ponds where fish were fed high protein diets, there was little effect on fish production. The long term effects of using high protein diets on water quality are still unclear. Feeding to less than satiety may be beneficial in improving feed efficiency and water quality.
The international politics of field projects

Abstract Ways in which research on ungulates and other wildlife species can further conservation needs in foreign countries are discussed. Special attention is given to interfacing with organizations and individuals in the host country. Examples illustrate some of the pitfalls to be guarded against as well as some of the strengths that can be built into a foreign project. A selection of governmental agencies and non-governmental groups involved with supporting or otherwise facilitating projects by United States researchers in other countries is listed.
Dynamically reconfigurable hybrid cache: an energy-efficient last-level cache design

The recent development of non-volatile memory (NVM), such as spin-torque transfer magnetoresistive RAM (STT-RAM) and phase-change RAM (PRAM), with the advantage of low leakage and high density, provides an energy-efficient alternative to traditional SRAM in cache systems. We propose a novel reconfigurable hybrid cache architecture (RHC), in which NVM is incorporated in the last-level cache together with SRAM. RHC can be reconfigured by powering on/off SRAM/NVM arrays in a way-based manner. In this work, we discuss both the architecture and circuit design issues for RHC. Furthermore, we provide hardware-based mechanisms to dynamically reconfigure RHC on-the-fly based on the cache demand. Experimental results on a wide range of benchmarks show that the proposed RHC achieves an average 63%, 48% and 25% energy saving over non-reconfigurable SRAM-based cache, non-reconfigurable hybrid cache, and reconfigurable SRAM-based cache, while maintaining the system performance (at most 4% performance overhead).
Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes with unprecedented properties and how they came about

This highlight concerns the birth, development, and present status of unique polyurethanes consisting of polyisobutylene soft segments and conventional hard segments (PIB-based PUs) exhibiting unprecedented combinations of mechanical properties and oxidative/hydrolytic/biological stability. Impetus for developments was to improve the rather poor chemical resistance of conventional polyurethanes by replacing their soft segments with polyisobutylene segments. Research started in the 1980s with the synthesis of α,ω-polyisobutylene diols (HO-PIB-OH) by the inifer technique and preparation of PIB-based PUs, which indeed exhibited outstanding stabilities, however, had poor mechanical properties. Because of cumbersome early techniques and expensive reagents, worldwide research and industrial interest waned and developments went into hibernation. Recent discoveries, including living isobutylene polymerization, improved end-functionalizations, inexpensive ingredients, and new insight into PU morphology, lead to simple and less expensive synthesis strategies and, consequently, to resumption of fundamental and applied research. Presently, we can produce kilogram quantities of polyurethanes and polyureas with unprecedented combinations of excellent physical–mechanical–environmental–biological and processing properties. This highlight focuses on facts and insights, which occurred since the discovery and shaped developments. These events are worth reviewing and analyzing because they illustrate how contemporary academic research is driven by curiosity (fun) and economic considerations (money). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
The impact of podcasting on the learning and satisfaction of undergraduate nursing students.

Summary Nursing education has evolved from traditional pedagogical models to current methods using technology for knowledge acquisition. Podcasting is one example of teaching methodology used in higher education. Studies demonstrate positive student satisfaction with podcasting, but there is limited data related to knowledge acquisition. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of podcasting on nursing student learning and satisfaction. Two classes of junior baccalaureate nursing students had scores on selected exam questions compared. The 2007 class ( n =63) had select content presented in traditional lecture format where the 2008 class ( n =57) had the same content presented via podcast. Both methods used the same faculty and exam questions. The 2008 class completed a satisfaction survey. Results indicated no significant difference in correct responses on exam questions. Exam scores were better with the first podcast, equal for the second, and worse with the third podcast. Students were overall satisfied with the podcasting experience and commented positively on its portability and flexibility. This study contributes to the knowledge base of podcasting effectiveness and raises the question of evaluation of new teaching methodologies. Must an increase in learning occur for new methods to be considered effective, or is positive student satisfaction adequate to encourage the adoption of new technology methods?
A lesson learnt: the rise and fall of Lariam and Halfan:

Lariam (pharmacological name mefloquine) is an antimalaria drug discovered by the US Army shortly after the Vietnam War, and subsequently marketed worldwide by F. Hoffmann-La Roche. The first reported trials of mefloquine were in prisoners, and were performed at the Joliet Correctional Center, Illinois, in 1975, and at the Maryland House of Correction in 1976.1,2 Halfan (pharmacological name halofantrine) is an antimalaria drug chemically related to mefloquine and quinine. Like Lariam, Halfan emerged from the US Army's huge post-Vietnam antimalaria drug discovery programme.3 Halfan was first described in the literature in November 1982.4 During the 1980s and 1990s, Halfan was marketed by Smith Kline Beecham. There is no question that safe and effective antimalaria drugs were needed in the second half of the twentieth century, once it became apparent that the Plasmodium had developed resistance to the mainstay of antimalaria therapy, namely chloroquine. Chloroquine resistance was observed first in Thailand in 1957, then on the Colombian-Venezuelan border in 1959, and in Kenya and Tanzania in 1978.5 Within a decade of Lariam and Halfan being marketed, however, the safety of both these novel agents was in doubt. This essay looks at the unusual developmental history of Lariam and Halfan, explains the circumstances under which both drugs rose in esteem with policy makers and prescribers and then fell into disfavour with consumers, and summarizes the lessons learnt in the process. These lessons need to be recorded and acted upon, to prevent a repetition of the same mistakes with the next generation of antimalaria compounds.
Discrete Optimal Design Formulations With Application to Gear Train Design

The use of discrete variables in optimal design models offers the opportunity to deal rigorously with an expanded variety of design situations, as opposed to using only continuous variables. However, complexity and solution difficulty increase dramatically and model formulation becomes very important. A particular problem arising from the design of a gear train employing four spur gear pairs is introduced and formulated in several different ways. An interesting aspect of the problem is its exhibition of three different types of discreteness. The problem could serve as a test for a variety of optimization or artificial intelligence techniques. The best known solution is included in this article, while its derivation is given in a sequel article.
Acute management of glycogen storage disease type Ia

Rapid metabolic deterioration may occur in patients with some glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) regardless of presenting complaint. Hepatic, renal, and hemostatic abnormalities may also complicate diagnosis and treatment of trauma victims. We report the case of a man presenting with an epidural hematoma and a history of GSD type Ia.
Christianity and Sexuality in the Early Modern World: Regulating Desire, Reforming Practice

Christianity and Sexuality in the Early Modern World is the first global survey of such for the early modern period. Merry Wiesner-Hanks assesses the role of personal faith and the church itself in the control and expression of all aspects of sexuality. The book ranges over developments within Europe and beyond to the European colonies including Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Goa, which were establishing themselves around the world. Christian missionaries and rituals and structures accompanied all of the imperial powers and the control of the sexuality of both indigenous peoples and colonists was an essential part of policy. The book is introduced with a clear, original and engaging account of the central concepts in the study of sexuality in Christianity, such as shame, sin, the body, marriage and gender. Drawing on diverse evidence including literary, medical and historical the following sections chart changes in Western Christianity in the Late Middle Ages, Protestantism and Catholicism in Europe, Orthodoxy in Eastern Europe and Russia, and finally the Spanish, Portuguese, English and Dutch Colonies. Merry Wiesner-Hanks exciting book covers both the ideas and effects in each period. Christianity and Sexuality in the early Modern World includes discursive bibliographies which discuss major books and articles at the end of each chapter.
Demonstration of a 140-GHz 1-kW Confocal Gyro-Traveling-Wave Amplifier

The theory, design, and experimental results of a wideband 140-GHz 1-kW pulsed gyro-traveling-wave amplifier (gyro-TWA) are presented. The gyro-TWA operates in the HE 06 mode of an overmoded quasi-optical waveguide using a gyrating electron beam. The electromagnetic theory, interaction theory, design processes, and experimental procedures are described in detail. At 37.7 kV and a 2.7-A beam current, the experiment has produced over 820 W of peak power with a -3-dB bandwidth of 0.8 GHz and a linear gain of 34 dB at 34.7 kV. In addition, the amplifier produced a -3-dB bandwidth of over 1.5 GHz (1.1%) with a peak power of 570 W from a 38.5-kV 2.5-A electron beam. The electron beam is estimated to have a pitch factor of 0.55-0.6, a radius of 1.9 mm, and a calculated perpendicular momentum spread of approximately 9%. The gyro-amplifier was nominally operated at a pulselength of 2 mus but was tested to amplify pulses as short as 4 ns with no noticeable pulse broadening. Internal reflections in the amplifier were identified using these short pulses by time-domain reflectometry. The demonstrated performance of this amplifier shows that it can be applied to dynamic nuclear polarization and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Gamma-ray bursts: LIGO/VIRGO sources of gravitational radiation

Abstract The status and prospects are reviewed for the presently most favored model for the inner engine of cosmological gamma-ray bursts (GRBs): the black hole–torus model. Support for this model is derived from recent GRB-phenomenology: a cosmological origin, a bi-modal distribution in their durations, and potentially a GRB/X-ray transient connection. The black hole–torus model operates by the rotation of the central Kerr black hole, which introduces two new mechanisms: in-situ pair-creation on open field-lines along the axis of rotation and a powerful magnetic black hole-to-torus coupling. The leptonic winds serve as input to the GRB-afterglow emissions. Long/short GRBs are identified with suspended/hyper-accretion onto rapidly/slowly rotating black holes. The suspended accretion state is expected to be accompanied by baryonic winds blown off the torus; if formed in stellar collapse, these winds may account for recently detected iron line-emissions and may have contributed to the chemical abundances in X-ray transients. This implies that HETE-II will detect afterglows from all bursts, but iron-line emission only from long bursts. In long bursts, the torus is expected to radiate most of the black hole luminosity in gravitational waves. This predicts that long GRBs are potentially the most powerful burst-sources of gravitational waves in the Universe. Their emissions trace a horizontal branch in the f (f) -diagram, which can be tested by LIGO/VIRGO.
An “Events” Approach to the Problem of Cabinet Stability:

This article seeks to develop the argument that existing theoretical work investigating cabinet stability in parliamentary democracies is in need of reorientation. In the first part, we offer an extended critique of historical and contemporary literature, focusing heavily on contributions from coalition theory and recent empirical research on situational determinants of cabinet longevity. Arguing that the various models associated with both these research traditions are likely to be misspecified, in the second section we offer the sketch of a preliminary model of cabinet stability based upon “events” arising in the political environment of cabinet actors and capable of bringing on the termination of their governments. Unlike earlier theoretical treatments, our “events” focus suggests that a major component of a successful model of cabinet stability should be stochastic. In the final section, we seek to demonstrate the versatility and efficacy of an “events” approach to cabinet stability by providing a res...
Representativeness and Elections: A Policy Analysis*

This paper looks at representativeness in terms of policy dimensions. As previous studies also have demonstrated, the analysis provides evidence that the level of policy agreement varies across policy domains. The policy linkage is weak on questions of taxation and government administration. Only on contemporary liberalism does the level of policy agreement begin to meet the standards of representational theory. The occurrence of elections is found to be a particularly important determinant of legislative voting vis-a-vis constituency preferences. California senators, elected for four-year terms, are undeniably unrepresentative to direct opinion during the first three years of their terms; representativeness increases dramatically during the final year. Senators facing the possibility of having their reelection fortunes adversely affected by a presidential campaign are particularly attuned to district opinion during the final year of their terms. Assemblymen, who are elected for two-year terms, are attuned to the wishes of their constituencies throughout their terms. As the Founding Fathers believed, the frequency of elections conditions representatives' loyalty to the preferences of the represented.
Using classroom discourse to understand a prospective mathematics teacher's developing practice

This is an interpretive study of a prospective mathematics teacher’s emerging practice during the professional semester. A Vygotskian (Mind in Society, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 1978 (Cole et al., Trans.; original work published 1934); Thought and Language, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 1986 (Kozulin, Trans.; original work published 1934)) perspective was used to examine the nature of classroom discourse and its role in Mary Ann’s (pseudonym) development while student teaching. Results indicate that early classroom discourse mediated Mary Ann’s teaching toward a traditional paradigm of giving information. Moreover, her subsequent e!orts to cultivate dialogic discourse generated con#ict that positioned students as mediators of her practice. Ultimately, experiencing the power and diversity of students’ ideas contributed to shifts in Mary Ann’s early forms of practice. ( 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Light speed reduction to 17 metres per second in an ultracold atomic gas

Techniques that use quantum interference effects are being actively investigated to manipulate the optical properties of quantum systems1. One such example is electromagnetically induced transparency, a quantum effect that permits the propagation of light pulses through an otherwise opaque medium2,3,4,5. Here we report an experimental demonstration of electromagnetically induced transparency in an ultracold gas of sodium atoms, in which the optical pulses propagate at twenty million times slower than the speed of light in a vacuum. The gas is cooled to nanokelvin temperatures by laser and evaporative cooling6,7,8,9,10. The quantum interference controlling the optical properties of the medium is set up by a ‘coupling’ laser beam propagating at a right angle to the pulsed ‘probe’ beam. At nanokelvin temperatures, the variation of refractive index with probe frequency can be made very steep. In conjunction with the high atomic density, this results in the exceptionally low light speeds observed. By cooling the cloud below the transition temperature for Bose–Einstein condensation11,12,13 (causing a macroscopic population of alkali atoms in the quantum ground state of the confining potential), we observe even lower pulse propagation velocities (17?m?s−1) owing to the increased atom density. We report an inferred nonlinear refractive index of 0.18?cm2?W−1 and find that the system shows exceptionally large optical nonlinearities, which are of potential fundamental and technological interest for quantum optics.
Comparison of methods for estimating glomerular filtration rate in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury

Background. In critically ill patients with acute kidney injury, estimates of kidney function are used to modify drug dosing, adjust nutritional therapy and provide dialytic support. However, estimating glomerular filtration rate is challenging due to fluctuations in kidney function, creatinine production and fluid balance. We hypothesized that commonly used glomerular filtration rate prediction equations overestimate kidney function in patients with acute kidney injury and that improved estimates could be obtained by methods incorporating changes in creatinine generation and fluid balance. Methods. We analysed data from a multicentre observational study of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. We identified 12 non-dialysed, non-oliguric patients with consecutive increases in creatinine for at least 3 and up to 7 days who had measurements of urinary creatinine clearance. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated by Cockcroft–Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, Jelliffe equation and Jelliffe equation with creatinine adjusted for fluid balance (Modified Jelliffe) and compared to measured urinary creatinine clearance. Results. Glomerular filtration rate estimated by Jelliffe and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation correlated best with urinary creatinine clearances. Estimated glomerular filtration rate by Cockcroft–Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Jelliffe overestimated urinary creatinine clearance was 80%, 33%, 10%, respectively, and Modified Jelliffe underestimated GFR by 2%. Conclusion. In patients with acute kidney injury, glomerular filtration rate estimating equations can be improved by incorporating data on creatinine generation and fluid balance. A better assessment of glomerular filtration rate in acute kidney injury could improve evaluation and management and guide interventions.
Coordinating mathematical content and presentation markup in interactive mathematical documents

The IBM MathML Expression Editor is a two-dimensional mathematical editor for expressions encoded using MathML content and presentation elements. It allows a user to interact with the visual presentation of an expression, while simultaneously creating the underlying content structure of the expression. This paper describes the internal expression framework used by the editor to represent the content and presentation structures, the layout mechanisms used to transform content into presentation, the structural navigation conventions used to select subexpressions, the editing templates used to support visual input of MathML content expressions, and the customization framework that allows for a fully extensible set of content operators, including complete support for MathML 2.0 content elements as well as user-defined function symbols and operators.
“Saving Amina”: Global Justice for Women and Intercultural Dialogue

Western moral and political theorists have recently devoted considerable attention to the perceived victimization of women by Non-western cultures. In this paper, I argue that conceiving injustice to poor women in poor countries primarily as a matter of their oppression by illiberal cultures presents an understanding of their situation that is crucially incomplete. This incomplete understanding distorts Western theorists comprehension of our moral relationship to women elsewhere in the world and so of our theoretical task. It also impoverishes our assumptions about the intercultural dialogue necessary to promote global justice for women.
Detection of differentially expressed genes in mouse lung adenocarcinomas

Increasing evidence suggests that altered gene expression is associated with the induction and maintenance of malignancy in various organs including mouse lung adenocarcinomas. A competitive cDNA library screening (CCLS) was used to examine gene expression in 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone-induced lung adenocarcinomas from (C3H/HeJ x A/J])F1 mice. Comparisons of RNA expression in lung adenocarcinomas to those of normal surrounding lung tissue revealed altered expression in 220 clones from more than 50,000 clones screened. Fifty clones were selected for quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to verify altered expression. PCR primers were designed based on partial sequence analysis of the clones. Twenty-two clones were found to be differentially expressed in lung adenocarcinomas compared with normal lungs. GenBank database analysis showed that 14 of the 22 clones were homologous with known genes, whereas 8 clones contained novel sequences. Thirteen clones were down regulated in tumors compared to normal lung tissues, and 9 were overexpressed. The clones underexpressed or absent include adipocyte p27, carbonic anhydrase III, carbonyl reductase, cytochrome CYP2E1, skelemin, myosin, major urinary protein, and contrapsin. Overexpressed clones include Bruton's tyrosine kinase, cyclin D3, poly(A)-binding protein, alpha-fetoprotein, transferrin, and mouse B2 family repetitive sequence. Further examination of biologic implications of the differentially expressed genes in lung adenocarcinomas is necessary to understand their role(s) in mouse lung carcinogenesis.
Three-dimensional spatiokinetic distributions of sputtered and scattered products of Ar/sup +/ and Cu/sup +/ impacts onto the Cu surface: molecular dynamics simulations

Energy and angular distributions of reflections and sputtered atoms are essential inputs for feature profile evolution simulations. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to compute the three-dimensional energy and angular distributions for reflected and sputtered products when both Ar/sup +/ and Cu/sup +/ ions bombard a copper surface. We term these "spatiokinetic" distribution functions (SKDF's). We show by example that SKDF's for reflected Ar/sup +/ ions focus as the incident angle /spl theta//sub i/ (normal=0/spl deg/) is increased from 60-75/spl deg/ and broaden as the incident energy E/sub i/ is increased from 55-175 eV. We show that the SKDF's for glancing-angle reflected Cu/sup +/ ions focus when E/sub i/ is increased from 55-175 eV. We show that the SKDF's for copper atoms sputtered by 175 eV Ar/sup +/ are insensitive to /spl theta//sub i/;. We report total sputter yields for Ar/sup +/ and Cu/sup +/ ions at 55 and 175 eV for incident angles between 0/spl deg/ and 85/spl deg/, and sticking probabilities for Cu/sup +/ ions for these energies and angles. Comparison to representative experimental results (Doughty et al., 1997) is given.