cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial relations in the oral cavity and the mechanism of secondary palate closure in the rat.

Abstract Limitation of space for tongue descent is said to induce palatal clefts. Observation showed that in coronal sections: (1) Oral cavity space is an artifact of routine treatment which shrinks tissues 20 per cent. Freeze-drying eliminates the artifact. (2) Space vacated by horizontalizing shelves is filled by tongue and collapsing oral walls. Data suggest that tongue contraction initiates closure by creating a self-depression, simultaneously filled by shelf tissue. Shelf tissue moving dorsally creates room ventrally for the widening tongue. Eventually shelf and tongue tissue interchange. With horizontalization of shelves, oral walls collapse medially carrying the shelves into apposition. The tongue does not descend—it flattens. No space formation whatsoever, nor external muscular activity, seems essential to closure.
Synthesis, formation and characterization of micron-sized glassy carbon spheres of controlled pore structure

Abstract A method of producing uniform-sized solid or hollow glassy carbon spheres with sizes from a few to 200 μm in times from seconds to minutes has been developed. The spheres are obtained by atomizing polymers of furfuryl alcohol containing pore forming agents in the form of either dissolved high boiling organics or dispersed carbon black. These agents were added to control the porosity, the pore size distribution and the surface areas of the chars. Heat treatment and/or partial oxidation in the range of 800 to 1600 K were then used to vary the porosity (6–50%) and surface area (2–800 m2/g), and to produce pore size distributions that include both micro and transitional pores. As the temperature rises, the size and the volume of the micropores increase at the expense of the skeletal volume and then their size distribution becomes more narrow. Partial oxidation at elevated temperatures opens and enlarges existing porosity and catalyzes multiphase graphitization of many of the mixed-polymer chars.
Performance metrics for hybrid multi-tasking systems

Performance evaluation of hybrid (heterogeneous ISA) computing systems faces three major challenges: hybrid execution, multi-tasking, and system-level simulation variation. To evaluate system-level design decisions, a metric must encompass all forms of execution in a system, and incorporate any overheads introduced by hybrid execution. Differences in relative application speedups in a multi-tasking system complicate overall system performance evaluation. In full-system simulation, the relatively limited time-span for feasible tests compounds the evaluation problem. This paper discusses these challenges and presents metrics that address them.
FK-506 and cyclosporine A (CsA) immunomodulation of the human gut mucosal immune system.

FK-506 and cyclosporine A (CsA) are two immunosuppressive drugs used in the treatment of patients after liver and small intestine transplantation. A clinical advantage of FK-506 over CsA has been observed in these patients. Although the immunomodulation of both drugs has been well documented in the circulatory immune system, their effect on the mucosal immune system is not well established. In this study, the effect of FK-506 on the human gut mucosal immune system was compared to CsA. Proliferation of human colonic lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL) was measured by DNA synthesis and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity. Results show that FK-506 and CsA suppress LPL DNA proliferation in a dosedependent manner. FK-506 had a stronger antiproliferative effect compared to CsA. Moreover, the antiproliferative effect of both drugs was not dependent on monocytes or monocyteassociated factors (IL-1β, IL-6). In addition, exogenous addition of IL-2 did not restore the suppressive effect of either drug on LPL DNA synthesis. We conclude that: (1) both drugs have an antiproliferative effect on the human mucosal immune system; and (2) the stronger effect of FK-506 on human LPL compared to CsA may explain its superior clinical response observed in patients after liver/small intestine transplantation.
Understanding the reference effect

Abstract This paper explores how a change in a default—specifically, an exogenously given reference point—affects individual preferences. While reference dependence is extensively studied, very little is known regarding the impact of reference points on individual choice behavior when the reference points themselves are not chosen (Reference Effect). We identify critical properties that differentiate between classes of reference-dependent models and test them. We find that the reference effect exists for asymmetrically dominated reference points, but we do not see any evidence of a reference effect for symmetrically dominated reference points. Some of the existing models are mostly consistent with our data but lack predictive power. None of the models offers the particular predictions that our experiment suggests. Finally, we also tease apart the differences between the reference effect and the asymmetric dominance effect (decoy effect), a well-known phenomenon observed in the literature on context-dependent choice.
Clinical Practice Patterns in Hospitalized Patients at Risk for Invasive Candidiasis: Role of Antifungal Stewardship Programs in an Era of Rapid Diagnostics

Background: Rapid diagnostic tests for Candida are becoming available that may supplement traditional microbiological identification. Objective: Assess clinical practice patterns in patients with or at risk of candidiasis who may benefit from the use of rapid diagnostic tests. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients with candidemia or receiving systemic antifungals conducted at a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. Time to initiation of therapy, Candida species, time to identification, and indications for antifungal use were assessed. Results: A total of 162 patients with candidemia aged 58 ± 17 years were identified. Average time to yeast identification yeast was 2.2 ± 1.3 days and varied by Candida species (range = 0.6-7.9 days). Average time for patient to start antifungal therapy was 3.5 ± 2.1 days. In Monte Carlo simulations, average time to initiation of antifungal therapy was 0.6 ± 0.2 days for T2Candida, 2.6 ± 1.3 days for PNA-FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization usi...
Aerosol Growth and the Condensation Coefficient for Water: A Review

The transfer of gas phase species to aerosols depends critically on the condensation (or sticking) coefficient. Reported values for water on water vary from 0.03 to 1. Theoretical arguments indicate that the condensation coefficient should be near unity for polar species on an aqueous surface. As long as heat transfer is properly accounted for, measurements on bulk water support this conclusion. The theory of aerosol growth is reviewed and a somewhat modified form is presented. Experimental measurements of aerosol growth are consistent with a condensation coefficient of unity but indicate that the thermal accommodation coefficient may be somewhat smaller. Aerosols grown on natural condensation nuclei may have smaller condensation coefficients owing to the presence of organic films. *The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
EGFR Monoclonal Antibodies in the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A View beyond Cetuximab

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is a prevalent disease both in the United States and worldwide with an overall poor prognosis, in part due to limited activity of existing therapy. Primary therapy is largely dictated by the anatomical origin of the cancer and whether distant disease is present. Many patients with localized disease are treated with chemoradiotherapy, either in the definitive or adjuvant setting, and those with metastatic disease are treated with palliative chemotherapy. The chemotherapy used in SCCHN can be toxic, whether given with radiation or alone. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in SCCHN and serves as a logical therapeutic target. EGFR-directed monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) have higher activity in SCCHN than small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Cetuximab, a widely studied EGFR MoAb, is FDA approved in the metastatic setting, as well as with radiation for locally advanced disease. Despite improvements in survival when cetuximab is incorporated with chemotherapy for metastatic disease, the prognosis of patients remains poor. Novel EGFR MoAbs are being developed with the goal of improving efficacy and tolerability. This paper will summarize the use of EGFR-directed MoAbs in treating SCCHN with a focus on novel agents being tested.
Absorption Through Oral Mucous Membranes

Dimethyl sulfoxide was used with dimethylbenzanthracene to dissolve carcinogens through the hamster cheek pouch. This technic may be extended to include absorption of radioactive substances through biological membranes.
Nets of Alternating Matrices and the Linear Syzygy Conjectures

Abstract In this paper we classify the 3-dimensional vector spaces (nets) of 4 × 4 and of 5 × 5 alternating matrices over an algebraically closed field. We apply the second classification to check our "linear syzygy conjectures" for modules over the polynomial ring of dimension 5.
Release into the environment of metals by two vascular salt marsh plants.

Abstract Metals in contaminated salt marshes are mainly locked in the anaerobic layer of sediments, where they are tightly bound as sulfides and organic complexes. Vascular plants survive in saturated soils in part by pumping O2 into their root zones, changing their microenvironment to an oxic one. This, along with chelating exudates, mobilizes metals, allowing uptake by the roots. We compared the common reed Phragmites australis and cordgrass Spartina alterniflora in lab and field studies for ways in which they handle trace metals. Both plants store most of their metal burden in their roots, but some is transported to aboveground tissues. Spartina leaves contain ∼2–3× more Cr, Pb, and Hg than Phragmites leaves, but equivalent Cu and Zn. Furthermore, Spartina leaves have salt glands, so leaf excretion of all metals is twice that of Phragmites. In-depth studies with Hg indicate that Hg excretion correlates with Na release but not with transpiration, which is 2.2× higher in Phragmites; and that more Hg accumulates in early-appearing leaves than in upper (i.e. later) leaves in both species. Spartina thus makes more metals available to salt marsh ecosystems than Phragmites by direct excretion and via dead leaves which will enter the food web as detritus.
Currents of Change: El Niño's Impact on Climate and Society

More than 450 scientific articles have been published over the past 6 years with titles containing at least one of the key words El Nino, La Nina, Southern Oscillation, or ENSO. Almost 15% of these articles studied ecological impacts of El Nino ranging from infectious disease outbreaks, to intertidal community dynamics, to wheat yields. A mere 2% explicitly examined the phenomenon's socio-economic effects on such vital issues as water management or profit-maximizing input levels for crop production. Thus, a large gap exists between the information being generated by the scientific community about El Nino and its actual utilization by society.
Differentiation in relation to neoplasia in old and new organisms

It is a stimulating exercise to look for common processes in the normal and abnormal development of organisms at various levels in phylogeny. Such an exercise is indeed a reaching for some of the principal objectives of comparative embryology and comparative oncology. These two disciplines may be combined if one accepts the premise that the development of cancer is a deviation within the realm
Prophylactic Perioperative Antibiotic Use in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context. Perioperative antibiotics are widely used to improve the outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery.Objective. The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence on the effect of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis on outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery.Data Sources and Review Methods. We searched electronic databases from inception through May 2011 for any relevant clinical trials or observational studies. Two reviewers working independently extracted study characteristics, quality, and the outcomes of interest. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the relative risks (RRs) and the standardized mean differences (SMDs) across trials.Results. We found 4 eligible trials with varying quality, of which 3 were included in the quantitative analysis. Antibiotic prophylaxis was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in the incidence of infections (relative risk, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 1.09), symptoms scores (SMD, −0.04; 95% CI, −0.46 to 0.38), and endoscopic scores (SMD, −0....
Manganese superoxide dismutase: beyond life and death

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a nuclear-encoded antioxidant enzyme that localizes to the mitochondria. Expression of MnSOD is essential for the survival of aerobic life. Transgenic mice expressing a luciferase reporter gene under the control of the human MnSOD promoter demonstrate that the level of MnSOD is reduced prior to the formation of cancer. Overexpression of MnSOD in transgenic mice reduces the incidences and multiplicity of papillomas in a DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis model. However, MnSOD deficiency does not lead to enhanced tumorigenicity of skin tissue similarly treated because MnSOD can modulate both the p53-mediated apoptosis and AP-1-mediated cell proliferation pathways. Apoptosis is associated with an increase in mitochondrial levels of p53 suggesting a link between MnSOD deficiency and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Activation of p53 is preventable by application of a SOD mimetic (MnTE-2-PyP5+). Thus, p53 translocation to mitochondria and subsequent inactivation of MnSOD explain the observed mitochondrial dysfunction that leads to transcription-dependent mechanisms of p53-induced apoptosis. Administration of MnTE-2-PyP5+ following apoptosis but prior to proliferation leads to suppression of protein carbonyls and reduces the activity of AP-1 and the level of the proliferating cellular nuclear antigen, without reducing the activity of p53 or DNA fragmentation following TPA treatment. Remarkably, the incidence and multiplicity of skin tumors are drastically reduced in mice that receive MnTE-2-PyP5+ prior to cell proliferation. The results demonstrate the role of MnSOD beyond its essential role for survival and suggest a novel strategy for an antioxidant approach to cancer intervention.
EFFICACY OF VACCINATION OF FAMILY CONTACTS OF CHOLERA CASES

Abstract 742 family contacts of 149 cholera patients with bacteriologically confirmed Vibrio cholerœ Inaba infection were given either placebo (vaccine diluent) or monovalent Inaba vaccine of proven efficacy within 12 hours of hospital admission of the index case. Rectal swabs and histories of diarrhœa obtained daily for 10 consecutive days revealed no appreciable difference in subsequent rates of infection, date of onset of positive stools, duration of vibrio shedding, or clinical expression of the disease. Although protection did seem to begin by the 9th day of observation, the numbers were too small to be statistically significant. Given the close temporal clustering of secondary infections among family contacts near the onset of the index case (well over 95% had occurred by day 8), tetracycline remains the prophylactic agent of choice.
Studies on Sulfur to Nitrogen Ratios in Feeds For Dairy Cows

Summary Data are presented on the total sulfur content of common feeds used in concentrate mixtures for dairy cows. The samples of hominy feed and corn gluten feed analyzed contained approximately 10 times as much sulfur as earlier values indicate. In a lactation experiment, no advantage was apparent for the addition of sulfate to a concentrate mixture containing urea.
Vitamin A deficiency in an infant with PAGOD syndrome.

PAGOD syndrome is a rare condition characterized by multiple congenital anomalies including pulmonary artery and lung hypoplasia, agonadism, diaphragmatic abnormalities, cardiac defects, omphalocele, and various genital anomalies. The etiology of this condition is unknown but the spectrum of birth defects is similar to the developmental anomalies observed in vitamin A deficiency animal models. We describe an infant with PAGOD syndrome phenotype. The patient had a normal male karyotype and no copy number changes were seen on chromosome genomic hybridization (CGH) microarray. Endocrine evaluation was consistent with primary hypogonadism. The testes and Mullerian structures were absent by imaging studies, raising the possibility of arrest of early gonadogenesis. The plasma free vitamin A was low, consistent with moderate to severe vitamin A deficiency; the maternal plasma vitamin A level was normal. During pregnancy maternal vitamin A is taken up by retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) which is expressed in the embryonic visceral endoderm from pregastrulational stages. This transport is mediated via the specific membrane receptor for RBP, stimulated by retinoic acid 6 (STRA6). STRA6 is widely expressed in human organ systems including the placenta during embryonic development. Mutations in the STRA6 gene result in Matthew-Wood syndrome, which demonstrates significant phenotypic overlap with PAGOD syndrome. Sequencing of STRA6 coding regions in our patient, revealed no mutations. We present a case of PAGOD syndrome with a review of the literature, posing the hypothesis that a vitamin A metabolic defect, other than transport mediated by STRA6 receptor, might have an etiological role in the development of this multiple congenital anomalies syndrome.
Feeding Estrogen (Dianisylhexene) to Laying Hens

Abstract THE physiological role of estrogen (female sex hormone) in promoting the development and the secretion of the various component parts of the egg is gradually being determined. Not only does the secretion of estrogen by the developing ovary stimulate the growth and functional activity of the oviduct but it has been shown to influence the composition of the blood and the metabolism of the egg precursors. Lawrence and Riddle (1916) reported that the lipids of the blood of fowls increase during the period of lay. This observation was confirmed by Lorenz et al., (1938) who then showed that estrogen administration could cause a similar rise in blood lipids in the immature fowl. (Lorenz et al., 1938). Buckner et al., (1930), Macowan (1932), and Charles and Hogben (1933) found the serum calcium level of laying hens markedly above that in non-laying and immature birds. Riddle and Dotti (1936) demonstrated that estrogens . . .
Immunosuppressive CD14+HLA-DRlow/− monocytes in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Immunosuppression is a known risk factor for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), yet mechanisms of tumor-associated immunosuppression remain to be fully characterized. We examined the immunophenotype of 40 NHL patients and 27 age-matched healthy volunteers to better understand systemic immune suppression. NHL peripheral blood mononuclear cells had significantly decreased interferon-γ production and proliferation. This suppression was not the result of regulatory T cells, interleukin-6 or interleukin-10, as these factors were not different between NHL and healthy volunteers (controls). We were able to restore T-cell proliferation by removing NHL monocytes, suggesting that these monocytes are suppressive. This suppression was mediated in part through arginine metabolism as exogenous arginine supplementation partially overcame monocytes' suppression of T-cell proliferation in vitro and NHL patients had elevated arginase I in their plasma. NHL monocytes had impaired STAT1 phosphorylation and interferon-α production to CpG stimulation and a dendritic cell differentiation deficiency. Further studies demonstrated that monocytes from NHL patients had decreased HLA-DR and Tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II (CD120b) expression compared with controls (CD14+HLA-DRlow/−CD120blow). Patients with increased ratios of CD14+HLA-DRlow/− monocytes had more aggressive disease and suppressed immune functions. In summary, we report that CD14+HLA-DRlow/− monocytes are a major and multifactorial contributor to systemic immunosuppression in NHL.
Synthesis of AC 60 -Para-Xylylene Copolymer

The preparation and purification of macroscopic quantities of buckminsterfullerenes [1] or buckyballs has ignited an explosion of research into their physical and chemical properties, and a variety of strategies for preparing new fullerene-based materials. Free radical synthesis is an appealing approach for forming polymeric fullerene materials. We report a polymeric fullerene material prepared by reacting pure C60 with xylylene from the thermolysis of paracyclophane. Addition of xylylene to a purple solution of C60 in toluene solution at -78°C resulted in an olive-green solution from which an insoluble brown powder precipitated upon warming to room temperature. Analyses of the powder by solid state 13C MAS NMR, IR, and thermal gravimetric analysis are consistent with C60-xylylene copolymer.
Variations in methods of calculating reliability of duration data

The traditional percentage and correlational methods of estimating reliability of duration recording were compared to the reliability obtained with an event-by-event examination of observers' records in which the actual percentage of time that the observers were in agreement was calculated. While observing standardized videotapes, eight volunteer undergraduate students recorded “studying” using a specific definition and “not eating” using a nonspecific definition. The order of persentation and level of definition specificity were reversed for eight additional volunteer observers. Recordings were done on an event recorder. It was found that the traditional percentage reliability scores were significantly higher than actual (event-by-event) observer agreement for both behaviors, at both levels of definition specificity. Correlational reliability coefficients were significantly greater than event-by-event scores for specific definitions only. Implications of the findings include the possibility that duration recording, which does not involve a permanent product (e.g., when using a stopwatch), may be periodically checked for reliability with an event recorder, or that interval recording may be used.
Intertrack wagering and the demand for parimutuel horse racing

Abstract Wagering on parimutuel horse racing has been steadily declining for the past several decades. In an effort to retard or reverse this trend, a number of racetracks have attempted to expand their market by implementing an intrastate intertrack wagering (ITW) system. Intrastate ITW is the simultaneous satellite transmission of live racing from a host racetrack within a state to receiving racetrack facilities located in the same state. Patrons at the receiving ITW locations may place parimutuel wagers on the live race product at the host racetrack as it is being conducted. This paper examines the impacts of wagering on races conducted at six racetracks (four thoroughbred and two harness) in a state that has implemented an intrastate ITW system. It is found that intrastate ITW results in a significant increase in handle for these racetracks. The loss in thoroughbred handle due to competition from cross-breed (harness) ITW is minor, but the loss in harness handle from cross-breed (thoroughbred) ITW may be substantial.
SYNCHRONOUS BEHAVIOR OF TEMPERATURE, CALCIUM, AND CHLOROPHYLL IN LAKES OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN

The degree to which a variable's dynamics are synchronized among a set of neighboring lakes indicates the relative influence of regional climate variability. Furthermore, by determining which lakes tend to be most synchronous in their response to climate we can deduce the primary ways that climate influences the dynamics of the variable in question. In this study, we look for evidence of synchrony in the temperature, calcium, and chlorophyll dynamics of seven neighboring northern Wisconsin lakes. Our goals were to assess the influence of climate on dynamics of these variables and the effect of lake basin properties on their response to climate signals. Synchrony was measured as the r2 value from a regression relating observations of a variable in one lake against simultaneous observations of the same variable in another. Temperature was the most synchronous variable, with all pairs displaying significant synchrony. Calcium was also highly synchronous, with 15 of the 21 lake pairs exhibiting significant sy...
Mefloquine selectively increases asynchronous acetylcholine release from motor nerve terminals

Abstract Effectiveness against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodia makes mefloquine a widely used antimalarial drug. However, mefloquine's neurologic effects offset this therapeutic advantage. Cellular actions which might contribute to the neurologic effects of mefloquine are not understood. Structural similarity to tacrine suggested that mefloquine might alter cholinergic synaptic transmission. Therefore, we examined mefloquine's effects at a model cholinergic synapse. Triangularis sterni nerve–muscle preparations were isolated from adult mice and examined with sharp electrode current clamp technique. Within 30 min of exposure to 10 μM mefloquine, miniature endplate potentials (mepps) occurred in summating bursts and their mean frequency increased 10-fold. The threshold concentration for the increase of mean mepp frequency was 0.6 μM mefloquine. Mefloquine continued to increase mean mepp frequency for preparations bathed in extracellular solution lacking Ca2+. In contrast, mefloquine no longer increased mean mepp frequency for preparations pre-treated with the intracellular Ca2+ buffer BAPTA-AM. Although mefloquine disrupts a thapsigargin-sensitive neuronal Ca2+ store, pre-treatment with thapsigargin did not alter the mefloquine-induced alterations of mepps. Since mefloquine, like oligomycin, inhibits mitochondrial FOF1H+ATP synthase we tested the interaction between these two chemicals. Like mefloquine, oligomycin induced bursts and increased mean frequency of mepps. Furthermore, pre-treatment with oligomycin precluded the mefloquine-induced alterations of asynchronous transmsitter release. These data suggest that mefloquine inhibits ATP production which increases the concentration of Ca2+ within the cytosol of nerve terminals. This elevation of Ca2+ concentration selectively increases asynchronous transmitter release since 10 μM mefloquine did not alter stimulus-evoked transmsitter release.
Women's temporal experiences during the delivery process: a phenomenological study

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the meaning of women's temporal experiences during the delivery process. Seven mothers were interviewed on their second day postpartum and asked to describe in depth all their thoughts and feelings related to their lived experiences of time passing during labor and delivery. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was used to analyze the data. The paradoxical and fluctuating nature of women's temporal experiences during the delivery process emerged. Implications for nursing practice are addressed.
Correlation properties of sets of sequences derived from irreducible cyclic codes

We demonstrate that certain sets of binary sequences derived from irreducible cyclic codes have good correlation properties. We give explicit numerical examples, and theoretical bounds. Both even (periodic) and odd (aperiodic) correlation properties are treated.
Novel approaches toward preferential detection of viable cells using nucleic acid amplification techniques

This article elaborates on possible future directions for microbial viability assessment using nucleic acid-modifying compounds in combination with DNA- (and potentially RNA-) amplification technologies. Bacteria were traditionally considered viable when they could be cultured, whereas today's viability concept is based on the presence of some form of metabolic activity, responsiveness, RNA transcripts that tend to degrade rapidly after cell death, or of an intact membrane. The latter criterion was the focus of recent approaches to limit detection to intact cells using ethidium monoazide or propidium monoazide. Membrane integrity must, however, be considered as a very conservative criterion for microbial viability. The new concept presented here aims at limiting nucleic acid-based detection to cells with an active metabolism, which might be a more appropriate viability criterion. To selectively detect only cells with metabolic and respiratory activity (while excluding inactive dead cells from detection), we suggest the use of 'activity-labile compounds'. In addition to their potential usefulness for viability assessment, these new compounds could also be beneficial for selectively amplifying nucleic acids of cells that have metabolic activities of interest. This preferential detection of microorganisms with certain metabolic capabilities is referred to as 'molecular enrichment' in distinction to 'growth enrichment'.
Utility of the AUDIT for identification of hazardous or harmful drinking in drug-dependent patients

Abstract We evaluated the psychometric properties of the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), a ten-item screening test for identification of hazardous drinkers, in a sample of 82 patients with DSM-III-R drug dependence. AUDIT showed good internal consistency ( α = 0.94) and a unitary factor structure. Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed the AUDIT to be comparable to the Michigan alcoholism screening test (MAST) in identifying individuals with a current alcohol use disorder and superior to the MAST for those who are hazardous drinkers. In this patient sample, AUDIT performed well at the recommended cut-off score of ≥ 8. We recommend use of the AUDIT for identification of hazardous and harmful drinking among individuals with a drug use disorder.
Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Feeding and Reproduction as Functions of Cotton Square Availability

Abstract The influence of food item availability on boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, feeding and reproduction was determined by providing different numbers of cotton squares (flower buds) to individual weevils. Squares were replaced daily after a 5-d feeding and mating conditioning period. The number of lifetime punctures produced by boll weevil females and males increased with square availability. The total number of punctures caused by boll weevil females was 2.7-fold higher than that caused by males. Fecundity was significantly higher in the 10:1, 15:1, and 20:1 (squares:female) treatments than in the 1:1 treatment. The relationship between eggs laid per day and the square to female ratio significantly changed over the life of the female, with the largest differences among treatments occurring in the first 3 wk of adulthood. Survival of weevil progeny to adulthood was about two-fold higher in the 10:1, 15:1, and 20:1 treatments than in the 1:1 and 5:1 treatments. When each boll weevil f...
Mechanism of chiral symmetry breakdown in quantum chromodynamics

Abstract A specific dynamical mechanism is proposed of chiral symmetry breakdown in QCD according to which a light pseudoscalar bound state is formed out of every color-neutral quark-antiquark combination of light quarks for which the associated axial current q γ μ γ 5 q is conserved exactly in the limit of vanishing quark masses. The pseudoscalar meson mass is of order m Λ s where Λ s is the QCD mass scale and m the quark mass assumed much smaller than Λs. No light scalar or vector meson is formed by this mechanism.
Trabecular bone is more deteriorated in spinal cord injured versus estrogen-free postmenopausal women

The prevalence of osteoporosis is high among postmenopausal women and individuals sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI). We assessed the effects of estrogen loss and unloading on the trabecular bone of the knee in women. Pre- and postmenopausal ambulatory women (n=17) were compared to pre- and postmenopausal women with SCI (n=20). High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare groups on apparent measures of trabecular bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular spacing, and trabecular thickness in the distal femur and proximal tibia, regions with a high proportion of trabecular bone and the most common fracture site for SCI patients. Trabecular bone was deteriorated in women with SCI compared to ambulatory women. SCI groups had fewer, (−19 and −26% less) and thinner trabeculae (−6%) that were spaced further apart (40% and 62% more space between structures) resulting in less trabecular bone volume (−22% and −33%) compared to the ambulatory groups (tibia and femur, respectively). Postmenopausal women with SCI also had 34% greater trabecular spacing in the tibia compared to the 40-year-old premenopausal women with SCI, showing an interaction between unloading and estrogen loss. Middle-aged postmenopausal, ambulatory women, not taking estrogen or medications that affect bone, did not show the deteriorated trabeculae that were evident in women with SCI, nor did they show differences in distal femur and proximal tibia trabeculae compared to a premenopausal group. We conclude that the effect of unloading on bone architecture is greater than that of estrogen loss in middle-aged women.
Sp1 Is Required for Glucose-Induced Transcriptional Regulation of Mouse Vesicular Glutamate Transporter 2 Gene

Background & Aims: Vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) has been reported to be involved in glucose-induced insulin secretion. It has been shown that glucose stimulates the expression of VGLUT isoform 2 (VGLUT2) in β cells via transcriptional mechanism. In this study, we identified the mouse VGLUT2 (mVGLUT2) promoter and characterized the transcriptional mechanism of glucose-stimulated mVGLUT2 expression in β-cells. Methods: A promoter region of mVGLUT2 was cloned by genomic polymerase chain reaction. The mechanism of Sp1 in glucose-induced transactivation of mVGLUT2 was investigated by luciferase assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and Western blot analysis. Results: A promoter containing 2133 base pairs of upstream sequence of the 5′-flanking region of mVGLUT2 complementary DNA was cloned. Transient transfection of various 5′-end deletion constructs of the mVGLUT2 promoter/luciferase reporter indicated that the region between −96 to +68 base pair contains the basal promoter for mVGLUT2. Mutational analysis and electromobility shift assay showed an important role for the transcription factor Sp1 in both basal and glucose-induced mVGLUT2 transcription. The interaction between Sp1 and mVGLUT2 was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Glucose stimulates the phosphorylation of Sp1 via mitogen-activated protein kinase P38 and P44/42. This leads to increased binding activity of Sp1 to the mVGLUT2 promoter and results in activation of the gene. Conclusions: We cloned the mouse VGLUT2 promoter and showed a novel molecular mechanism of glucose-induced mVGLUT2 transcription.
Developmental expression of the platelet-derived growth factor alpha-receptor gene in mammalian central nervous system.

Abstract We recently reported that the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) A-chain gene is highly expressed in neurons of embryonic and adult mouse central nervous system and suggested that its secretion by neurons may support development and maintenance of glia. We have now analyzed the levels and sites of expression of the cognate PDGF alpha-receptor gene in brain and spinal cord of embryonic and adult mice by in situ hybridization. The predominant cell populations in both gray and white matter expressing transcripts of the PDGF alpha-receptor gene are glial cells or their precursors. Transcripts consistently were not detected in neurons. Expression of the PDGF alpha-receptor gene was first observed at embryonic day 15, increased through postnatal day 14, and fell to lower levels in adults. Expression of the alpha-receptor gene corresponds in temporal sequence to the developmental period of glial migration and proliferation and to the expression of PDGF A by neurons. The results indicate that glia but not neurons have the potential to respond to PDGF A and suggest that neurons influence glial cell development through paracrine regulation.
Creating public value in planning and urban design: The three abiding problems of negotiation, participation and deliberation

Urban designers and planners face three abiding challenges in their everyday work: (1) in a world of complex interdependence, they must learn to negotiate effectively; (2) in a world in which central planning is suspect and the authority of planners contested, they must often learn to facilitate public participation, if not more ambitious consensus-building; and (3) in a world of limited knowledge, extensive uncertainty and ample ambiguity, they must learn to make practically-pitched, well-informed public deliberations work effectively. These problems and strategies of solution are explored by considering closely the reflections of two prominent Israeli design professionals.
Distribution of maize mitochondrial transcripts in polysomal RNA: evidence for non-selectivity in recruitment of mRNAs.

The distribution of maize mitochondrial transcripts in polysomal RNA fractions obtained from root tissue, shoot tissue, or isolated intact mitochondria was analyzed. The distribution of cox3 transcripts that differ in 5′ untranslated RNA sequence was similar in total polysomal and total mitochondrial RNA fractions, suggesting that 5′ heterogeneity does not affect recruitment of transcripts into the polysomal RNA. The distribution of spliced and unspliced cox2 transcripts was also analyzed in polysomes from total tissue or isolated mitochondria, and both precursor and mature mRNAs were present in the high-molecular-weight RNA fraction. These results suggest that ribosomal association with mitochondrial transcripts is not selective.
Spillback Effects of Expansion When Product-Types and Firm-Types Differ

Contrary to perspectives that credit firms with only limited abilities to undertake significant change successfully, recent research has demonstrated that firms often improve their performance after undertaking major expansion to their operations. In this paper, we build on a study by Mitchell and Singh (1993) to test for differences in expansion effects, depending on whether the new goods substitute for old products and whether the firm is a generalist or specialist participant in the industry. The analysis helps us understand when a business can undertake major change successfully. The results have implications for ecological and other definitions of the core of a business and highlight the necessity for firms to undertake changes even at considerable risk to their existing operations.
Pork quality and the role of marketing contracts: a case study of the US pork industry

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an assessment of the growth in marketing contracts in the US pork industry as an efficient means to control pork quality and reduce transaction costs.Design/methodology/approach – Information collected from pork quality and safety summits sponsored by the National Pork Producers Council in cooperation with the National Pork Board, published surveys of large packers related to contract use, and 15 contracts submitted by producers to the Iowa Attorney General's Office from 1996 to 2001 were examined. The theoretical framework used combines branches of the industrial organization literature.Findings – The paper provides information documenting the growing importance of addressing pork quality problems in the 1990s and how marketing contracts between packers and producers can help address these problems. Recognizes their role in reducing transaction costs associated with carcass pricing programs, reducing pork quality measuring costs, providing quality control, and reducin...
Household and Class Relations: Peasants and Landlords in Northern Peru

Household and Class Relations: Peasants and Landlords in Northern Peru. Carmen Diana Deere. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990. 326 pp., tables, maps, appendices, bibliography, index. $42.50 (paper). ISBN 0–520–06675–8.
A positive association between ants and spiders and potential mechanisms driving the pattern

Biotic interactions play a central role in determining species distribution and abundance. Some ants act as keystone species affecting the distribution and abundance of other species, including spiders. In coffee plantations Pocobletus sp. spiders are significantly more abundant in coffee plants patrolled by the aggressive arboreal ants Azteca sericeasur. However, it is unknown if other ant species influence this ant–spider association, how these associates are spatially distributed, and which are the potential drivers of this association. Here we examine the influence of ants, Azteca sericeasur and Pheidole synanthropica, and coffee branch density on Pocobletus abundance in a coffee farm in southern Mexico. We also analyze the spatial distribution and abundance of Pocobletus sp., in relation to the spatial distribution of A. sericeasur and P. synanthropica. Finally, we examine prey availability and enemy-free space as potential mechanisms underlying this ant–spider association. Results show that Pocobletus abundance is positively correlated with coffee branch density and A. sericeasur and P. synanthropica presence. Furthermore, the spatial distribution analysis shows that in 20 × 20 m plots Pocobletus is strongly associated to A. sericeasur, but not to P. synanthropica. Results show that insect abundance in both Pocobletus's webs and sticky traps was significantly higher in the presence of A. sericeasur whereas the abundance of the predators of Pocobletus decreased in A. sericeasur's presence; suggesting positive direct and indirect effects of A. sericeasur on Pocobletus. Overall, this study highlights the strong influence of ants and plant characteristics on the abundance and spatial distribution of spiders as well their indirect effects on other taxa.
SPECTRUM OF DOUBLY IONIZED GADOLINIUM

The spectrum of doubly ionized gadolinium was photographed and measured over the region 1900–12 000 A. The following transitions involving 18 levels and 42 lines were classified: 4f7(8S7/2)6s–6p and 4f7(8S7/2)5d–6p. The Coulombic and spin–orbit matrix elements of the f7(8S7/2)l states were evaluated and the energy levels calculated. Close agreement was obtained between the calculated and experimental values. These calculations indicate that the 4f7(8S7/2)6p states are close to J1j coupling while those of 4f7(8S7/2)5d are close to LS coupling.
Thermodynamics of the quasi-static growth of Griffith cracks

Abstract R estrictions on the quasi-static extension, or healing, of Griffith cracks are developed in the framework of irreversible thermodynamics. It is emphasized that thermodynamics requires that (G − 2γ)ι ⩾ 0, where ι is crack speed, G the Irwin energy release rate, and 2γ the work of reversible separation of the surfaces to be fractured. Implications for ‘lattice trapping’ models of cracks and for thermally-activated crack motion are discussed, as are the effects on crack growth and healing of a surface-reactive environment, in which case γ must be given a definition appropriate to adsorption-altered surface properties.
Design Optimization of Polyurethane Cored Three-Layered Carpeting

Multi-layered noise control systems are widely used in production vehicles to reduce interior noise levels. Traditionally, these systems had fibrous felt cores but increasingly moulded polyurethane...
The perspective from the field on computer literacy training needs

Summary Rapidly evolving computer technology is changing agency life and social work practice and challenging schools of social work to incorporate such information technology into their curriculum in order to prepare students for these changes. This article describes one effort to meet this challenge: a planning and data-gathering approach utilized by the School of Social Work at the University of Washington to integrate classroom and practicum preparation with computer applications in the field. As part of this process, human service agencies that serve as practicum training sites and potential employers for master's level students within the Seattle metropolitan area were surveyed. Based upon findings from this survey, this article presents an agency-based perspective on computer literacy training needs through addressing the questions of who is using what computer tools, toward what service ends, with what expected level of proficiency, and with what future needs and directions in mind. Implications o...
The effect of orientation on quantification of muscle creatine by 1H MR spectroscopy.

Abstract Creatine is a central energy metabolite whose N-CH3 group can be detected with 1H MR spectroscopy (1H MRS) with relatively high sensitivity. Prior studies suggest that muscle fiber orientation can influence the appearance of other resonances attributed to total creatine (CR). Our purpose was to determine whether muscle fiber orientation affects muscle CR concentration quantification by 1H MRS with the commonly used N-CH3 resonance at 3.0 ppm. Skeletal muscle CR was quantified with water-referenced 1H MRS in normal subjects with different forearm muscle orientations relative to the static magnetic field at 1.5T. There were no significant differences in mean total [CR] in two different series of experiments separately including two orthogonal orientations and four orientations (0o, 30o, 60o, 90o) of the forearm relative to the static field using either short (TE = 15 ms) or long (TE = 100 ms) echo times for voxels containing or centered on the same tissues. Subtle differences in CR line-width and T2 correction factors were observed with orientation. These observations are consistent with the primary hypothesis that careful water-referenced [CR] quantification, accounting for T2 effects and using the N-CH3 peak at 3.0ppm, is not affected by muscle orientation.
High resolution wireless body area network with statistically synchronized sensor data for tracking pulse wave velocity

Wireless body area networks (WBANs) will take on more diverse forms in terms of their sensor combinations and communication protocols as their presence is extended to a greater number of monitoring scenarios. This paper presents an application layer protocol that solves issues caused by sensor nodes that must compete for high speed, real-time communication with the receiver. Such applications emphasize the delivery of large amounts of raw data from different sensor nodes in a time-synchronized manner, rather than channels that experience intermittent operation. An example of tracking pulse wave velocity (PWV) is introduced in this paper, where high-precision PWVs are estimated with the help of timeline recovery and feature extraction processes in MATLAB.