cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of dose-effect relationships of carcinogens following low-dose chronic exposure and high-dose single injection: an analysis by the median-effect principle

Experimental dose-effect relationships of carcinogens following either acute (single dose) or chronic (time to tumor) exposure appears to conform with the median-effect principle (Chou, J. Theor. Biol. 59, 253-276, 1976) of the mass-action law: f(a)/ (1 - f(a)) = (D/D(m))m, where D is dose or cumulative dose, D(m) is the D required for the median-effect, m is the Hill-type coefficient, and f(a) is the fraction that is affected by D. The parameters m and D(m) are the basic characteristics for each carcinogen at specified experimental conditions. A plot of y = log [(f(a))-(-1)-1]-1 vs x =(D) gives the slope, m, and the intercept, log D(m), at y = 0. Using previously reported data, it is shown that dose-effect relationships of carcinogens obtained from various experimental designs (e.g., mode of exposure, route of administration, age at beginning of exposure to carcinogen, type of tumor produced, and strain and sex of animal used) can be normalized and compared directly on the same gauge and thus their consistency with the mass-law principle can be clearly demonstrated. The analysis suggests that chemical carcinogens, like non-carcinogenic chemicals, exert their effects according to the principle of the mass-action law. It also suggests that the interaction of the ultimate carcinogens and the probable targets is a multi-event or a slow-transition process (i.e., m > 1). The analytical procedure described by f(a) = [1 + (D(m)/D)(m)]-1 provides a simplified general method for assessment of low-dose risk of carcinogens.
Evaluating changes in matrix based, recovery-adjusted concentrations in paired data for pesticides in groundwater

Pesticide concentration data for waters from selected carbonate-rock aquifers in agricultural areas of Pennsylvania were collected in 1993-2009 for occurrence and distribution assessments. A set of 30 wells was visited once in 1993-1995 and again in 2008-2009 to assess concentration changes. The data include censored matched pairs (nondetections of a compound in one or both samples of a pair). A potentially improved approach for assessing concentration changes is presented where (i) concentrations are adjusted with models of matrix-spike recovery and (ii) area-wide temporal change is tested by use of the paired Prentice-Wilcoxon (PPW) statistical test. The PPW results for atrazine, simazine, metolachlor, prometon, and an atrazine degradate, deethylatrazine (DEA), are compared using recovery-adjusted and unadjusted concentrations. Results for adjusted compared with unadjusted concentrations in 2008-2009 compared with 1993-1995 were similar for atrazine and simazine (significant decrease; 95% confidence level) and metolachlor (no change) but differed for DEA (adjusted, decrease; unadjusted, increase) and prometon (adjusted, decrease; unadjusted, no change). The PPW results were different on recovery-adjusted compared with unadjusted concentrations. Not accounting for variability in recovery can mask a true change, misidentify a change when no true change exists, or assign a direction opposite of the true change in concentration that resulted from matrix influences on extraction and laboratory method performance. However, matrix-based models of recovery derived from a laboratory performance dataset from multiple studies for national assessment, as used herein, rather than time- and study-specific recoveries may introduce uncertainty in recovery adjustments for individual samples that should be considered in assessing change.
High frequency acoustic measurements in liquid 3 He near the transition temperature

We have made accurate measurements of the phase velocity in liquid3He at 0.6 bar near Tc using a path length modulation technique. The frequency used in this measurement (113 MHz) is much higher than any of the collective mode frequencies and well above the threshold for pair-breaking, ω≫Δ and ω > 2Δ0. We have observed a sharp but small linear increase in the phase velocity below Tc and a small decrease from the expected behavior in the normal fluid region very close to the transition temperature.
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes for stray light suppression in space flight instruments

Observations of the Earth are extremely challenging; its large angular extent floods scientific instruments with high flux within and adjacent to the desired field of view. This bright light diffracts from instrument structures, rattles around and invariably contaminates measurements. Astrophysical observations also are impacted by stray light that obscures very dim objects and degrades signal to noise in spectroscopic measurements. Stray light is controlled by utilizing low reflectance structural surface treatments and by using baffles and stops to limit this background noise. In 2007 GSFC researchers discovered that Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) are exceptionally good absorbers, with potential to provide order-of-magnitude improvement over current surface treatments and a resulting factor of 10,000 reduction in stray light when applied to an entire optical train. Development of this technology will provide numerous benefits including: a.) simplification of instrument stray light controls to achieve equivalent performance, b.) increasing observational efficiencies by recovering currently unusable scenes in high contrast regions, and c.) enabling low-noise observations that are beyond current capabilities. Our objective was to develop and apply MWCNTs to instrument components to realize these benefits. We have addressed the technical challenges to advance the technology by tuning the MWCNT geometry using a variety of methods to provide a factor of 10 improvement over current surface treatments used in space flight hardware. Techniques are being developed to apply the optimized geometry to typical instrument components such as spiders, baffles and tubes. Application of the nanostructures to alternate materials (or by contact transfer) is also being investigated. In addition, candidate geometries have been tested and optimized for robustness to survive integration, testing, launch and operations associated with space flight hardware. The benefits of this technology extend to space science where observations of extremely dim objects require suppression of stray light.
Trout production dynamics and water quality in Minnesota streams

Abstract We sampled fish assemblages and quantified production dynamics of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, brown trout Salmo trutta, and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in 13 southeastern Minnesota streams during 1988–1990 to examine the influence of water quality on fish populations in fertile trout streams. Fish assemblages in 15 stream reaches were abundant, but low in diversity; 13 species were collected. Parameter means (ranges) over the reaches were species richness, 4.1 (1–8); density, 29,490 (1,247–110,602) fish/ha; and biomass, 253.5 (49.6–568.6) kg/ha. Means (ranges) for salmonids were annual mean density, 2,279 (343–8,096) fish/ha; annual mean biomass, 162.0 (32.5–355.5) kg/ha; and annual production, 155.6 (36.7–279.6) kg/ha. Salmonid production and mean biomass were greater during the spring-fall interval than during fall-spring; young cohorts (ages 0–1) contributed the greatest proportion to population biomass and production. Salmonid annual production-to-mean-biomass ratio (P/B) average...
THE STRUCTURE OF THE FIHRIST : IBN AL-NADIM AS HISTORIAN OF ISLAMIC LEGAL AND THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS

Compiled in 987–88, Ibn al-Nadim's work al-Fihrist (The Catalogue) needs little introduction to scholars of Middle Eastern and Islamic history. Countless specialized studies have used the Fihrist as a source of data. Because it includes the titles of a large number of works that are no longer extant, as well as biographical information on little-known early authors, it throws light on otherwise obscure facets of medieval Islamic intellectual history in many fields. Choice anecdotes, such as the account of al-Maءmun's (r. 813–33) conversation with Aristotle in a dream, considered to have triggered the translation movement, have been quoted in numerous studies. Little attention has been paid, however, to Ibn al-Nadim as a thinker, despite the fact that the Fihrist, like Dewey's decimal system, is as much an exercise in mapping out the organization of human knowledge as a simple inventory of book titles. The following remarks focus first on the methods Ibn al-Nadim adopted in compiling the Fihrist and second on the arguments he makes about the history of Islamic sciences, in many cases not explicitly but through order, presentation, and the calculus of inclusion and exclusion, emphasis and de-emphasis. Particular attention will be paid to the Islamic legal madhhabs and theological schools. Determining Ibn al-Nadim's views on these topics, as an Imami Shiʿi and Muʿtazili theologian, promises to provide a better understanding of his conception of the Islamic sciences, the overall message of his work, and Islamic intellectual history itself.
Expressing the Nature and Meaning of DNA: Six Books for Teachers and Students

DNA is an important agent not only in chemistry and biology but also in technology and modern culture. A number of books approach the double helix from different angles. These perspectives include (1) the science of DNA and genetics; (2) genetic engineering; (3) the ethics of manipulating genetic material; and (4) DNA in culture and religion. Various views of DNA provide insights into human nature beyond its molecular composition.
Slo1 Channel Desensitization to Ethanol is Coupled to Calcium-Sensing Structures in the Channel Cytosolic Domain

Data from native BK (Dopico et al., 1996; Pietrzykowski et al., 2004) and recombinant slo1 channels (Dopico et al., 1998; Yuan et al., 2008) consistently show that ethanol-induced increase in channel steady-state activity (NPo) disappears within several minutes of continuous alcohol exposure. Ionotropic receptor desensitization is usually a monotonic function of activating ligand (Dopico & Lovinger, 2009), and slo1 channels enter a low activity mode in presence of high levels of activating ligand (i.e., Ca2+i) (Rothberg et al., 1996). Moreover, Ca2+i is required for ethanol to activate slo1 channels (Liu et al., 2008). In this work, we began to examine the Ca2+i-dependence and structural bases of slo1 channel desensitization to protracted ethanol exposure. Following BK channel-forming protein expression in membrane patches from Xenopus laevis oocytes, exposure to 50 mM ethanol increased NPo×1.5-2 fold within 1-2 min of drug application, a response that totally disappeared within 5 min of alcohol exposure (n=7). Experimental conditions rule out a major role of genetic adaptation, change in channel protein composition, channel internalization, cytosolic signaling and ethanol metabolism in slo1 channel desensitization to alcohol. Rather, the phenomenon must be attributed to ligand interaction(s) with the slo1 subunit and/or its immediate lipid environment. Desensitization to ethanol was observed whether the slo1 channel was studied at 0.3, 1 or 10 μM Ca2+i, indicating that slo1 channel desensitization to ethanol is not significantly modified within Ca2+i levels that correspond to the physiological range. However, two constructs containing amino acid substitutions in the channel cytosolic domain that alter Ca2+i-sensing by slo1 (5D5N in calcium bowl; D362A/D367A in RCK1) displayed a significant delay in channel desensitization to ethanol. Thus, Ca2+i-sensing structures in the slo1 cytosolic domain are functionally coupled to ethanol-desensitization processes.Support: R37-AA011560 (AMD).
A Chaos-Based High Quality PN Sequence Generator

Chaos theory has been widely used in PN sequence generator in recent years and the chaos sequence quantification scheme has great influence on the performance of a generator. In this paper, an improved stochastic multi-bits quantification scheme based on Chebyshev map is proposed to extend the period and improve the performance of chaotic binary sequence under precision restricted condition. The balance and correlation property of the generated sequence are analyzed. The sequence is proved to be a binary Bernoulli sequence and the distribution of the differences between the amounts of 0 and 1 is analyzed. The side lobes of auto and cross correlation are proved to obey normal distribution (0, 1/N). The simulation results indicate that the algorithm has excellent balance and correlation property.
Archaeal community structure in leachate and solid waste is correlated to methane generation and volume reduction during biodegradation of municipal solid waste

Duplicate carefully-characterized municipal solid waste (MSW) specimens were reconstituted with waste constituents obtained from a MSW landfill and biodegraded in large-scale landfill simulators for about a year. Repeatability and relationships between changes in physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics taking place during the biodegradation process were evaluated. Parameters such as rate of change of soluble chemical oxygen demand in the leachate (rsCOD), rate of methane generation (rCH4), rate of specimen volume reduction (rVt), DNA concentration in the leachate, and archaeal community structures in the leachate and solid waste were monitored during operation. The DNA concentration in the leachate was correlated to rCH4 and rVt. The rCH4 was related to rsCOD and rVt when waste biodegradation was intensive. The structures of archaeal communities in the leachate and solid waste of both simulators were very similar and Methanobacteriaceae were the dominant archaeal family throughout the testing period. Monitoring the chemical and microbial characteristics of the leachate was informative of the biodegradation process and volume reduction in the simulators, suggesting that leachate monitoring could be informative of the extent of biodegradation in a full-scale landfill.
Imaging of catecholamine-secretion tumours: uses of MIBG in diagnosis and treatment

MIBG radiolabelled with 131I or 123I is a radiopharmaceutical which is concentrated in neuroendocrine tumours, particularly phaeochromocytomas and neuroblastomas. This permits non-invasive whole-body scintigraphic screening for benign and malignant, familial and sporadic, intra-adrenal and extra-adrenal phaeochromocytomas and primary and metastatic neuroblastomas, with high sensitivity (85-90%) and specificity (> 95%). MIBG is also concentrated in presynaptic terminals of adrenergic, autonomically innervated organs such as the heart, and may be used as a non-invasive in vivo probe to study this system. Large doses of 131I-MIBG and 125I-MIBG have been used experimentally to selectively deliver therapeutic doses of radiotherapy to malignant phaeochromocytomas and refractory advanced neuroblastomas.
Midazolam inhibits long-term potentiation through modulation of GABAA receptors

Benzodiazepine drugs (BZ) are used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They worsen memory, especially in large doses, but the mechanism of this action is uncertain. In micromolar concentrations, benzodiazepines have been shown to reduce long-term potentiation (LTP), which could be a cellular basis for their amnesic action. We have found that the LTP-inhibiting effects of BZ occur in the nanomolar concentrations attained in humans, and that this effect occurs through modulation of GABAA receptor function. We recorded extracellular synaptic input/output (I/O) curves for population spikes (PS) and EPSPs in rat hippocampal slices before and after induction of LTP. LTP increased maximal PS and EPSPs and shifted I/O curves for PS and EPSPs to the left, reflecting increased synaptic responsiveness after LTP. Curves relating EPSPs to PS were also shifted, so that after LTP larger PS were elicited for the same size EPSP (E-S potentiation). Midazolam (0.5 microM) markedly inhibited the left-shift in PS I/O curves due to E-S potentiation but did not significantly affect other parameters. 8-Phenyltheophylline (10 microM), an adenosine receptor antagonist, did not prevent midazolam inhibition of LTP. Bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, caused a dose-dependent antagonism of midazolam's LTP inhibition. Our results suggest that benzodiazepines reduce LTP primarily through reduction of E-S potentiation, and that this effect occurs through modulation of GABAA receptor function. This could in part account for the ability of benzodiazepines to disturb new memory formation.
Supporting Later-in-Life Intimate Relationships The Role of the Couples’ Counselor

This literature-based article offers information regarding the prevalence of three later-in-life couple constellations: “empty-nesters,” cohabiting, and remarried couples. These demographic figures support the importance of the identification of common issues facing couples in each constellation, leading to implications for clinical services.
A rapid tube ELISA for human IgG in body fluids using Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract An ELISA was designed for measurement of human IgG in urine and CSF using protein A containing Staphylococcus aureus as sorbent. This assay was performed in test tubes. An OD difference of approximately 1.0 was developed between non-specific binding and 10 μg/ml IgG solution. The method has a sensitivity of 70 ng IgG/ml. The test is simple and rapid and does not require concentration of samples. Once prepared S. aureus reagent is stable for at least one year. The merits of this method in comparison to radial immunodiffusion (RID) are discussed.
Synthesis of (R)‐5‐(2′‐pentyl)barbituric acid derivatives of high optical purity

Natural (R)-(+)-pulegone (1) was converted to 3-methylhexanoic acid (4) by a sequence which precluded racemization. Conversion of this to malonic esters8, 5, and 11 permitted the synthesis of pentobarbital (6) secobarbital (12), thiopental (9),thiamylal(10), and 5-(2′-pentyl)barbituric acid (7), all having the (R)-configuration in the side chain.
Block Scheduling Strategies and Perceptions

This action research examines block scheduling at the high school level. Participants from a suburban high school in Pennsylvania answered questions about successful and unsuccessful strategies and their perceptions of block scheduling. Many high schools across the country have implemented a block schedule format, but questions remain about its benefits and drawbacks. The results received from fourteen teacher participants and two administrators point to an overall positive attitude toward block scheduling.In their responses, participants identify benefits, drawbacks, successful and unsuccessful strategies used in a block schedule.
Easy as pie

Forget fad diets, it is tiny tweaks that make the biggest changes to your eating habits, says psychologist Brian Wansink
Pre- and postoperative urodynamic findings in patients after a bulbourethral composite suspension with intraoperative urodynamically controlled sling tension adjustment for postprostatectomy incontinence.

Objectives To compare pre- and postoperative urodynamic findings in patients with a bulbourethral composite suspension and intraoperative urodynamically controlled sling tension adjustment. Methods and Patients All data were prospectively collected from 10 patients (mean age 66 years) who successfully underwent bulbourethral composite suspension for moderate to severe postprostatectomy incontinence. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 3–6 months postoperatively by urodynamic measurements, including urethra pressure profiles (UPPs) and pressure flow studies (PFSs). Clinical outcome was evaluated by patient-reported pad use and questionnaires (ICIQ-UI SF and I-QOL). Intraoperatively sling tension was adjusted under repeated urodynamic measurements of abdominal leak point pressure. Data were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis Wilcoxon test. Results Sling implantation was successful in all patients. Pre- to postoperative pad use decreased significantly ( P P 2 O vs post-op 58 cm H 2 O) and functional length (pre-op 31 mm vs post-op 40 mm; P P = .4). PFSs revealed an unobstructed voiding in all patients. Conclusions According to the present evaluation, a bulbourethral composite suspension with intraoperative urodynamically controlled sling tension adjustment improves continence without causing prolonged clinically or urodynamically significant voiding obstruction.
Interactions among coexisting larval Odonata: an in situ experiment using small enclosures

Field experiments using small replicated enclosures focused on interactions between larval populations of Epitheca cynosura and Ladona deplanata (Odonata: Anisoptera) — two species that emerge in early spring. The presence of Epitheca reduced the total biomass of Ladona, but Ladona had no significant effect on Epitheca. These early-emerging species reduced the biomass of small instars of late-emerging Anisoptera which colonized enclosures during the experiments; and the late-emerging Anisoptera seem to have inhibited colonization by Zygoptera larvae. Results are consistent with the importance of predatory (cannibalism or mutual predation) interactions in this community.
Abstract 4554: Regulation of intracrine androgen synthesis by NF-kappaB2/p52

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia and the initial stages of prostate cancer (CaP) exhibit androgen dependence, but androgen ablation results only in temporary regression of CaP, with progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Androgen receptor (AR) signaling remains active in CRPC due to aberrant activation of the AR. Synthesis of intracrine androgens has emerged as one of the mechanisms by which AR is activated in CRPC after androgen ablation. Even though levels of androgen biosynthetic enzymes have been shown to be elevated in CRPC, their regulation is not completely understood. In this study, we examined the role of NF-kappaB2/p52 in intracrine androgen synthesis and castration-resistant progression of CaP. Methods: Expression levels of androgen biosynthetic enzymes were measured in CaP cells with or without expression of NF-kappaB2/p52 using real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. Regulation by NF-kappaB2/p52 was examined using luciferase reporter assays and plasmids containing regulatory elements of androgen biosynthetic enzymes. Intracrine levels of androgens were measured using EIA in tumors obtained from castrated mice. Results: Expression levels of androgen biosynthetic enzymes including AKR1C3, CYP17A1, HSD3B2, and SRD5A1 were found to be elevated in CaP cells expressing NF-kappaB2/p52. Luciferase assays showed that NF-kappaB2/p52 regulates their expression directly by binding to their promoters and inducing transcription. The levels of total testosterone in CaP cells expressing NF-kappaB2/p52 were approximately 3-fold higher than control cells as measured using EIA. Intraprostatic androgen levels were found to be at 1002 ± 232 pg/g tissue, compared to 377.8 ± 105 pg/g tissue in control tumors obtained by orthotopic implantation of CaP cells expressing NF-kappaB2/p52. These data suggest that CaP cells synthesize detectable levels of testosterone in the absence of exogenous steroid precursors and overexpression of NF-kappaB2/p52 can increase this process, possibly by enhancing the expression of genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes. Conclusions: Intraprostatic androgen synthesis in recurrent prostate tumors contributes significantly to resistance to androgen ablation and development of CRPC. NF-kappaB2/p52 regulates the expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes and thereby enhances synthesis of intracrine androgens and aberrant activation of the AR. Coupled with our previous studies, these data suggest that antagonizing NF-kappaB2/p52 signaling may prove beneficial in CRPC therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4554. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4554
Truncus arteriosus with total anomalous pulmonary venous return and interrupted arch

An infant with truncus arteriosus, total anomalous pulmonary venous return of the supracardiac type and interrupted aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery is presented. One-stage repair was performed in the newborn period using a 12-mm aortic homograft. Recovery was complicated by congenital stenosis of the left main bronchus. The cardiovascular status remains stable 2 years after repair.
Interrelations between Legal and Economic Processes

The purpose of this essay is to extend the analysis of the interrelations between legal and economic processes through an identification of certain basic legal-economic interrelationships hitherto given inadequate expression and attention. Such an identification should correct or preclude the attachment of simplistic nuances to the analysis of legal-economic processes, in part by establishing the greater complexity and intricacy of both the policies and policy-making processes involved.
Effects of chenodeoxycholate and a bile acid sequestrant, colesevelam, on intestinal transit and bowel function.

Background & Aims Di-α hydroxy bile salt, sodium chenodeoxycholate (CDC), and bile acid binding have unclear effects on colonic transit in health and disease. Methods We performed 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In healthy volunteers (20 per group), we evaluated the effects of oral placebo, 500 mg, or 1000 mg of CDC (delayed-release, each given for 4 days) on gastrointestinal and colonic transit. A second trial compared the effects of colesevelam (1.875 g, twice daily) versus placebo in 24 patients (12 per group) with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) on transit, daily bowel frequency and consistency, and colonic mucosal permeability. Serum fasting 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (7αC4) was measured to screen for bile acid malabsorption. Effects of treatments on transit were compared using analysis of covariance with body mass index and 7αC4 as covariates. Results In healthy volunteers, CDC significantly accelerated colonic transit (at 24 and 48 hours, P = .01 and P Conclusions Sodium chenodeoxycholate in health and colesevelam in IBS-D patients have opposite effects on colonic transit and fecal parameters.
Characterization of Open Tubular Capillary Electrochromatography Columns for the Analysis of Synthetic Peptides Using Isocratic Conditions

In this paper, we report on investigations related to the performance characteristics of two different types of etched chemically (n-octadecyl- and cholesterol-) modified capillaries in the open tubular format of capillary electrochromatography (CEC) for the analysis of synthetic peptides. The results confirm that the nature of the surface chemistry used to modify the capillary wall and type of chemically bonded group employed can affect the selectivity as well as the resolution of peptide samples. The results are consistent with the participation of selective peptide interactions with the bonded phase, although other factors, such as the morphology of the capillary wall surfaces, appear to be also involved. Moreover, several surprising observations related to peptide-specific multi-zoning effects have been observed. Additional experimental variables that can also be utilized to affect the retention of peptides in this approach to OTCEC include the type and percentage of organic solvent modifier employed in the eluent and the pH of the buffer system. To evaluate the reproducibility of different batches of the n-octadecyl- and cholesterol-modified capillaries and the stability of the chemically modified surface, the OTCEC selectivity and peak shape behavior of two small basic molecules (serotonin and tryptamine) and two proteins (turkey and chicken lysozyme) were also investigated. Finally, the use of the "bubble" cell technology for creating the detector window has been shown to provide significantly higher detection sensitivity with peptides, as compared with the conventional capillary format.
Elevated plasma β-thromboglobulin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus

g-thromboglobulin (B-TG) is a specific constituent of plateleta-granules which is released upon stimulation of platelets with agents such as ADP, thrombin, or collagen (l-3). Its presence in carefully prepared plasma samples is felt to reflect the in vivo release of platelet granule constituents -subsequent to platelet activation or aggregation (4,5). Elevated plasma levels have been reported in a number of conditions associated with intravascular coagulation or microvascular injury, including thrombophlebitis (6,7), acute myocardial infarction (8), preeclampsia (9), and diabetes mellitus (10, 12). However, to our knowledge, no determination of plasma @-TG in conditions associated with inflammatory vasculitis is available. We report here the results of plasma 8-TG measurements in 29 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease characterized by widespread inflammatory changes in small blood vessels.
Autonomy in Extremis: An Intelligent Waiver of Appeals on Death Row

This article provides an in-depth account of the experiences of one condemned prisoner, Joseph Mitchel Parsons, who made the profound decision to waive his appeals and expedite his execution after serving eleven years under sentence of death in the State of Utah. Parsons determined that, at best, he faced years of appeals culminating in a long or life sentence that would likely end in a slow death in prison by unknown causes. Dropping his appeals, in contrast, offered a quick death in the execution chamber on a timetable under his control. The court granted Parsons the right to drop his appeals and expedite his execution. We provide evidence from this case study that the court allowed Parsons to make an autonomous decision to die on his own terms. As this research illustrates, an evaluation of the voluntariness of decisions to waive appeals in capital cases must be nested in an understanding of the death row experience of the individual under study. Case studies of the death row experience of those who waive their appeals, such as the research reported here, are integral to understanding these momentous decisions.
PSF suppresses tau exon 10 inclusion by interacting with a stem-loop structure downstream of exon 10

Microtubule binding protein Tau has been implicated in a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders collectively classified as tauopathies. Exon 10 of the human tau gene, which codes for a microtubule binding repeat region, is alternatively spliced to form Tau protein isoforms containing either four or three microtubule binding repeats, Tau4R and Tau3R, respectively. The levels of different Tau splicing isoforms are fine-tuned by alternative splicing with the ratio of Tau4R/Tau3R maintained approximately at one in adult neurons. Mutations that disrupt tau exon 10 splicing regulation cause an imbalance of different tau splicing isoforms and have been associated with tauopathy. To search for factors interacting with tau pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) and regulating tau exon 10 alternative splicing, we performed a yeast RNA–protein interaction screen and identified polypyrimidine tract binding protein associated splicing factor (PSF) as a candidate tau exon 10 splicing regulator. UV crosslinking experiments show that PSF binds to the stem-loop structure at the 5′ splice site downstream of tau exon 10. This PSF-interacting RNA element is distinct from known PSF binding sites previously identified in other genes. Overexpression of PSF promotes tau exon 10 exclusion, whereas down-regulation of the endogenous PSF facilitates exon 10 inclusion. Immunostaining shows that PSF is expressed in the human brain regions affected by tauopathy. Our data reveal a new player in tau exon 10 alternative splicing regulation and uncover a previously unknown mechanism of PSF in regulating tau pre-mRNA splicing.
Modelling insurgent and terrorist networks as self-organised complex adaptive systems

This paper introduces a multi-agent-based simulation toolkit (called SOTCAC) that uses autonomous, intelligent agents to represent the components of coevolving terrorist network (TNet) and counterterrorist network (CTNet). The model (currently in development) is predicated on the proposition that adaptive agents can be used to describe the self-organised, emergent behaviour of TNets – conceived as complex adaptive systems – on three interrelated dynamical levels: (1) dynamics on networks, in which notional terrorist agents process and interpret information, search and acquire resources and adapt to other agents' actions; (2) dynamics of networks, in which the TNet itself is a fully dynamic, adaptive entity and whose agents build, maintain and modify the network's local (and therefore, collectively, its global) topology and (3) dynamics between networks, in which the TNet and CTNet mutually coevolve. The TNet's ‘goal’ is to achieve the critical infrastructure (of manpower, weapons, financial resources and ...
A Neutron-Capture Theory of the Formation and Relative Abundance of the Elements

There exists an inverse relationship between the relative abundance of nuclear species in the universe and the neutron-capture cross sections of these nuclei. Abundant nuclei have small capture cross sections, and vice versa. On the basis of this correlation, a non-equilibrium theory of the formation of the elements is developed in which the elements are built up by a process of successive neutron captures. The coefficients in the equations of this theory involve the neutron-capture cross sections of the elements, and for this reason relationships between capture cross sections, atomic weights, and neutron energies are obtained from available data.According to this theory, the primordial material was a gas of neutrons only. As the universe expanded, neutrons decayed to protons and electrons; the capture of neutrons by protons then led to deuterons. These nuclei in turn captured neutrons, and progressively heavier nuclei were formed. The neutron content in these nuclei was controlled by beta-decay between successive neutron captures.The physical conditions which are indicated for the period of element formation are inconsistent with a cosmological model of the early stages of the universe based on matter only. It appears that the early stage was probably a universe of radiation with a trace of matter present. According to this picture, the element-building process began some 200 to 300 seconds after the start of the expansion, at which time the temperature was of the order of ${10}^{9}$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and the density of matter was of the order of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. Because of the expansion of the universe, and because of the decay of neutrons, the production of elements must have been essentially complete in a time of the order of magnitude of the neutron decay lifetime. Preliminary calculations based on this theory successfully predict the observed relative abundance data.
Motor vehicle crash characteristics and medical outcomes among older drivers in Utah, 1992-1995

Abstract Study Objective: We sought to compare the characteristics and medical outcomes of motor vehicle crashes for drivers 70 years and older with those of drivers between the ages of 30 and 39 years. Methods: We probabilistically linked statewide motor vehicle crash and hospital discharge data between the years of 1992 and 1995 for the state of Utah. We calculated the odds of older drivers exhibiting certain motor vehicle crash characteristics compared with younger drivers. Adjusting for nighttime crash, high-speed crash, and seatbelt use, we calculated the odds of an older driver being killed or hospitalized compared with those of a younger driver. Results: During the study years, there were 14,466 drivers older than 69 years and 68,706 drivers between the ages of 30 and 39 years involved in motor vehicle crashes in Utah. Older drivers were less likely to have crashes involving drug or alcohol use (odds ratio [OR] 0.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1 to 0.2) and less likely to have crashes at high speed (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.6 to 0.7). Although older drivers were no more likely to have a crash involving a right-hand turn (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.9 to 1.1) than younger drivers, they were over twice as likely to have a crash involving a left-hand turn (OR 2.3; 95% CI 2.2 to 2.5). Also, older drivers were more likely to be killed or hospitalized than younger drivers (OR, 3.5; P Conclusion: Older drivers do have distinctive motor vehicle crash patterns. Interventions must be taken to reduce the number of left-hand turn crashes involving older drivers. In addition, further research is needed to design, implement, and evaluate countermeasures that may enable older drivers to continue driving while keeping public safety in the forefront. [Cook LJ, Knight S, Olson LM, Nechodom PJ, Dean JM. Motor vehicle crash characteristics and medical outcomes among older drivers in Utah, 1992-1995. Ann Emerg Med . June 2000;35:585-591.]
Evaluation of Blood Transfusion Therapy

The advantage of a “dynamic” rather than retrospective investigation of blood transfusion therapy is illustrated in this study. Positive criteria for the administration of whole blood are discussed in relation to the transfusion practices on the surgical, medical and obstetric-gynecologic services of a large general hospital. Approximately 25 per cent ol the multiple and 60 per cent of the single unit transfusion were not indicated. The differences between the services regarding administration and indication for blood and the incidence of transfusion reactions are described. This study points out the need for periodic checking and education of persons responsible for blood transfusion therapy.
Seafood Processing Capacity in Commercial Fisheries Management: Discussion

Fred Prochaska's paper is thorough and well organized. He correctly stresses that (a) capacity and the utilization rate are partially price determined, (b) species substitution in harvesting and processing is frequently encountered and necessary to incorporate formally into capacity analysis and (c) conceptualization, estimation techniques, and data requirements are all worthy of more research. My time and space allocation will be devoted to discussing the requirements for processing capacity estimates for management decisions. Most of the points I will make appear to be consistent with Prochaska's views on processing capacity and capacity utilization. On the theoretical level, once a given scale of plant is defined there is, in general, a unique level of output which is capacity; it is that level where short-run average cost is tangent to long-run average cost. A different level of output, one which is expected by managers to be maintained, would induce an increase or decrease in scale and thereby cause capacity to change. In the meantime, however, the actual level of output might be much different than the capacity output as just defined. For this reason, the theoretical definition is not very helpful as an operational guide for short-run capacity estimation, especially when one considers the very real possibility of input indivisibility and high output variability (due to input variation or demand constraints). Both of these factors could lead management to accept output levels over a wide range without considering investment to change capacity. In the enacted version of the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, 1976 (FCMA), estimates of processing capacity were not explicitly required. Two situations have made domestic processing capacity relevant, however. First, in a fishery where joint ventures between domestic harvesters and foreign processors are not allowed, or where o applicants for joint ventures have appeared, domestic processing capacity may be an important constraint on the full utilization of domestic harvesting capacity and therefore on the domestic allocation. The second situation exists when domestic and foreign markets for a species interact or compete in some significant way. A large foreign allocation may lead to adverse price effects in markets supplied in part by U.S. processors; price reduction might, in turn, induce significant underutilization of domestic harvesting capacity. In short, an "economic factor" for determining optimum yield may be perceived to exist and processing capacity esimates may then become useful in establishing this case, particularly when processing capacity is perceived as being the limiting sector of the vertical chain.
Noninvasive Tests for the Diagnostic Evaluation of Dyspnea Among Outpatients: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Lung Study

Abstract Background Dyspnea on exertion is a common and debilitating symptom, yet evidence for the relative value of cardiac and pulmonary tests for the evaluation of chronic dyspnea among adults without known cardiac or pulmonary disease is limited. Methods The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) enrolled participants aged 45 to 84 years who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease from 6 communities; participants with clinical pulmonary disease were excluded from this report. Dyspnea on exertion was assessed via structured interview. Tests included electrocardiograms, cardiac computed tomography (CT) for coronary artery calcium, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, spirometry, percent emphysema (percent of lung regions Results Among 1969 participants without known cardiopulmonary disease, 9% had dyspnea. The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) ( P P = .004), and percent emphysema on CT ( P = .004) provided independent information on the probability of self-reported dyspnea. Associations with the FEV 1 were stronger among smokers and participants with other recent respiratory symptoms or seasonal allergies; associations with NT-proBNP were present only among participants with coexisting symptoms of lower-extremity edema. Only the FEV 1 provided a significant improvement in the receiver operating curve. Conclusions Among adults without known cardiac or pulmonary disease reporting dyspnea on exertion, spirometry, NT-proBNP, and CT imaging for pulmonary parenchymal disease were the most informative tests.
Ultrastructure of sensory cells on the mantle tentacles of the gastropod Notoacmea scutum

Abstract Previous studies have indicated that the mantle margin of the gastropod mollusc Notoacmea scutum is sensitive to chemical, photic, and mechanical stimulation. Here, the ultrastructure of sensory cells on the mantle tentacles of N. scutum is examined by transmission electron microscopy to determine if morphological types of sensory cells can be correlated with known sensory capabilities. The sensory cells of the mantle tentacles are found to be ciliated, primary receptors with subepithelial nuclei. The ciliated sensory endings are concentrated at the tip of the tentacles, but also occur in smaller numbers along the shaft. Ultrastructural differences between cilia form the basis of distinguishing two types of sensory ending. Type 1 sensory endings, which are over 90 % of the endings, bear unusual cilia that typically are filled with an electrondense material. Type 2 sensory endings bear cilia that have a 9 + 2 arrangement of longitudinal elements and thus more closely resemble previously reported sensory cilia of molluscs.
Transport of gyration‐dominated space plasmas of thermal origin: 1. Generalized transport equations

Grad's 20-moment set of transport equations has been examined in the limit of strong external magnetic fields. This simplified set of equations describes the transport of mass and parallel momentum as well as the transport of parallel and perpendicular energy and heat flow in the magnetic field direction. The effect of collisions was calculated assuming a modified relaxation model. Wave speeds and normal modes of the simplified set of equations were examined for an ion and electron gas. It was found that four of the ten normal modes are electron thermal-heat waves which approximately decouple from the six ion waves in the system. When low-frequency waves are considered (slow-wave approximation), this allows the electron energy and heat flow equations to be solved separately from the ion equations and in a time-independent fashion. When this was done, it was found that, under certain conditions, these equations predict an infinite electron perpendicular temperature, Te-perpendicular, in the collisionless regime. This occurs whenever Te-perpendicular is greater than the parallel temperature, at any point along collisionless and diverging magnetic field lines. When applied appropriately, the significantly simplified set of equations derived here are well suited for application to a large variety of problems in planetary ionospheres and magnetospheres.
Effects of shadows on vegetation indices

An important methodology in the remote sensing of biophysical variables is the use of Spectral Vegetation Indices (SVI). An SVI is an algebraic combination of reflectance values from different wavelength bands to produce a single value. Two SVI are evaluated for their usefulness in determining the Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR). Evaluating an SVI requires a comparison to a perfect metric for the desired variable. For remote sensing that means the SVI being tested should be sensitive to the variable to be measured, and should provide consistent results for different vegetation types, minimizing the effect of varying canopy characteristics, such as soil background reflectance. The SVI evaluated in this study are the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). Most work on the remote sensing of biophysical variables has been performed on crop and grassland canopies. This study broadens the landscape types to include forest and woodland canopies. Forest canopy spectral reflectance is simulated using the GeoSail model. The GeoSail model combines a geometric model, which calculates the amount of shadows, with the Scattering from Arbitrarily Inclined Leaves (SAIL) model, which calculates the reflectance of the trees. Scene reflectance is modeled by calculating an area weighted average of three landscape components: illuminated canopy, illuminated background, and shadowed background. The reflectance of these components are obtained from the SAIL model.
Doorway states and primary neutron capture gamma-rays☆

The Projection Operator formalism of nuclear reactions utilizing the doorway state assumption is applied to neutron capture reactions in the one-photon approximation. The transition matrix divides into three parts, a direct capture term, a semidirect term proceeding through doorway states and a compound nuclear part. The same doorway states contributing to semidirect capture are involved in the resonance term. The partial radiation width amplitude can be written, Γyij12 = C1SjkΓnio12 +C2jΓio12 + SjkΓyiδDk12 +ΓyiδDk12 +Γyij12(random). Γnio, Sjk2 are the resonance and final state reduced neutron widths. C1 and C2j are transition matrix elements from the initial single-particle state to the lowlying single-particle state k and the final state j, respectively. The two terms have possible enhancement factors. The third and fourth terms are doorway contributions. The giant dipole resonance is included in the theory. Expressions for the correlation coefficients C(Γnio, Γyij), C(Γyij, Γyij′), C(Sjk2, Γyij) are given. An isolated doorway responsible for radiation to several final states and also connecting entrance channel and compound nucleus results in the first two coefficients being unity. The theory is extended to include the two-group model of the compound nucleus. Application of the theory is made specifically to neutron capture experiments in 93Nb, 165Ho, 166Er, 169Tm, and 183W. Capture ψ-ray results to-date can be understood in terms of the theory.