cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Dyslipidemia in Chongqing, China

The increasing prevalence of dyslipidemia has become a worldwide public health problem, and the prevalence varies widely according to socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic characteristics. Chongqing has experienced rapid economic development and is now the economic center of Southwestern China. There are scant data on serum lipid profile of residents in Chongqing, the largest municipality directly under the Central Government in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of 5375 residents of Chongqing, aged ≥18 years, and estimated the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated risk factors. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, the age-standardized prevalence of dyslipidemia was 35.5% (34.4% among men and 37.6% among women). Among the 2009 patients with dyslipidemia, 44.2% had isolated hypertriglyceridemia, 14.7% had isolated hypercholesterolemia, 13.2% had mixed hyperlipidemia, and 28.0% had isolated low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The peak prevalence of dyslipidemia in men was between 30 and 39 years (48.2%), and then declined gradually; in women, the prevalence of dyslipidemia increased with age, with the peak prevalence occurring after age 60 (46.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that dyslipidemia was associated with age, education level, physical activity, obesity and central obesity for both men and women. In conclusion, the results indicated dyslipidemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, are very common in Chongqing. To prevent dyslipidemia, it is essential to conduct appropriate intervention programs aimed at risk factor reduction and implement routine screening programs for blood lipid levels in Chongqing, China.
External Morphology of Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Larvae

Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the external morphology of first-, second-, and third-instar stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)). In the cephalic region, the antennae, la- bial lobe, and maxillary palpi are morphologically similar among instars. Antennae comprise a prominent anterior dome that is the primary site of olfaction, while the maxillary palpi are innervated with mechano- and chemosensilla and scolopodia. The ventral organ and facial mask, also located in the pseudocepha- lon, are not well-developed in first instars, but become progressively more so in the subsequent instars. When the pseudocephalon is partially retracted, anterior spines cusp around the oral ridges of the facial mask. This indicates the anterior spinose band may be used in conjunction with the facial mask in predi- gestion. Functional anterior spiracles are absent on first instars, but become evident as a pair of palmate spiracular processes with five to seven lobes in second and third instars. A pair of Keilin's organs, func- tioning as hygroreceptors, is located on each thoracic segment. Abdominal segments are marked with ventral creeping welts, the anal pad, anus, papillae, and posterior spiracles. Ventral creeping welts are thought to aid in locomotion, while the anal pad acts as an osmoregulatory structure. Posterior spiracles are modified from round spiracular discs with two straight slits in the first instar to triangular discs with two and three sinuous slits in the second and third instars, respectively.
GASTROINTESTINAL SITES OF ABSORPTION AND ENDOGENOUS SECRETION OF ZINC IN DAIRY CATTLE.

Abstract Two nonabsorbed marker techniques (Ce 144 Cl 3 and Cr 2 O 3 ) were compared for determining sites of gastrointestinal absorption or secretion of radiozinc in dairy cattle. Zinc was absorbed from the abomasum and lower small intestine, whereas absorption or excretion below the cecum was negligible. Secretion of endogenous zinc occurred in the upper part of the small intestine. Net absorption of Zn 65 administered daily averaged 12% in mature cows, 20% in calves ranging from 5 to 12 months, and 55% in week-old calves. Values determined using Ce 144 and Cr 2 O 3 as markers were in good agreement.
The Galactic Evolution of Si, Ti, and O Isotopic Ratios

Most meteoritic presolar grains of SiC and condensed around red giant and asymptotic giant Al 2 O 3 branch (AGB) stars prior to the formation of the solar system. Here we use new and previously published isotopic data of presolar SiC and grains to constrain the Galactic chemical evolution Al 2 O 3 (GCE) of Si, Ti, and O isotopic ratios. The 12C/13C ratios of the SiC grains limit the amount of He-shell material mixed to the surface of the parent AGB stars during third dredge-up to a few percent. Thus, the linear correlations observed between the SiC Si and Ti isotopic ratios probably re—ect the average GCE trends of these elements. Moreover, the close proximity of these trends to the solar isotopic composition indicates that the latter cannot be very unusual for these elements. A s2 —t to the SiC isotopic data has allowed us to accurately estimate the relative GCE paths for the Si and Ti isotopes. The —t estimates the nucleosynthetic components of the grainscompositions, the metallicities of their parent stars, and the mean GCE paths of the isotopes. For most of the isotopes, our results agree remarkably well with the GCE calculations of Timmes, Woosley, & Weaver and Timmes & Clayton after they are corrected to pass through solar. However, the abundances of both 30Si and 47Ti in the —t increase signi—cantly more slowly with metallicity, relative to the other isotopes, than predicted by the corrected GCE model. Con- versely, 49Ti increases more rapidly in the —t than predicted. These discrepancies probably re—ect errors in the supernova models used to calculate the GCE paths. Our —t also suggests that the typical ISM at solar metallicity is enriched in 29Si and 30Si (by D8% and D5%, respectively) relative to solar. The GCE of the O isotopes cannot yet be so well constrained, but the data are most consistent with a Al 2 O 3 GCE path that passes close to solar rather than one that is 18O depleted as suggested by measurements of molecular clouds. The inferred depletion of 29Si and 30Si in the Sun could be explained by the addi- tion or removal of a small amount of supernova material. However, we can probably rule out a super- nova explanation for the apparent enrichment of solar O relative to young stars and the local ISM and 18O relative to molecular clouds. Subject headings: dust, extinctionGalaxy: evolutionISM: abundances ¨ nuclear reactions, nucleosynthesis, abundances ¨ stars: AGB and post-AGB
Cellular Regulation of the Metabolism of Androgens in Rat Oral Mucosa: I. Effect of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) on the Soluble Supernatant (Cytosol) Activating Microsomal Δ4-3-Ketosteroid-5α-Reductase and 17β -Hydroxysteroid Oxidoreductase Enzyme Systems

Soluble supernatant (cytosol) of rat oral mucosa was found to contain a factor accelerating the activity of microsomal Δ4-3-ketosteroid-5α-reductase and 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase enzymes metabolizing testosterone. Systemic administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate further increased this cytosolic activity.
The Impact of Home Ownership On Whites' Racial Attitudes

This article offers an update and extension of Kingston, Thompson, and Eichar's "The Politics of Home Ownership," using more recent data. The result reported by Kingston et al., that home ownership is not strongly related to general conservatism, voting for Republican presidential candidates, or Republican identification, is replicated in this study. However, this study shows that home ownership is significantly related to attitudes toward open housing, and to racial attitudes generally. Thus home ownership may be a more important source of political attitudes than previously thought.
Elevated temperature (hydrothermal) stability of cementitious sealants for a deep geological repository in tuff

Abstract Grout formulations have been investigated in Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigations Project, for possible nuclear waste repository sealing applications focused in the Yucca Mountain Area (in welded tuff). A shrinkage compensated cement was chemically modified with siliceous reactants to enhance the chemical compatibility with a siliceous tuff. Fluids in contact with the grouts were measured at 150 °C and 200 °C, and the solids were characterized. Well-crystallized Al-substituted tobermorite and truscottite were observed, and sometimes xonotlite as dominant cementitious phases. Comparisons of solid phases and solution phases are made with a second grout incorporating siliceous modifiers in a Class H cement. Exposures to 150 °C hydrothermal conditions have not produced significant detrimental mechanical behavior of the seal material. The thermal decomposition of ettringite, an expansive calcium sulfate aluminate hydrate, resulted in a small increase in the porosity of the grout, but on a very small fine scale.
Association-dissociation patterns of United States olympic Marathon trial contestants

The association-dissociation cognitive patterns of United States Olympic Marathon Trial contestants were investigated on the basis of responses to the Running Styles Questionnaire. The night prior to the Olympic Trials, 32 subjects responded to 12 multiple-choice-type questions and 6 open-ended questions that probed the type of cognitions processed by the athletes at different stages of the race. Discriminant function analysis resulted in a significant multivariate solution (p <.01), with 5 of the 12 multiple-choice questions maximizing the separation of athletes into groups of top- and lower-place finishers. The composite of these 5 questions suggested that top finishers employed cognitive strategies that utilized both associative and dissociative techniques. Lower finishers demonstrated a composite that indicated the early adoption and maintenance of a dissociative strategy. On the basis of the multivariate solution, athletes were classified to appropriate group membership with 71.88% overall accuracy. The results tend to support the contention that cognitive strategies employed during marathon racing are related to the participant's performance level.
Evaluation of Chemical Tests on Vouchered Specimens of Cannabis

Capacite des differents tests d'identification du cannabis employes dans les laboratoires de medecine legale, a distinguer entre les differentes especes ou sous-especes de cannabis
Post-Shunt Resource Consumption Favors Small-Diameter Prosthetic H-Graft Portacaval Shunt Over TIPS for Patients With Poor Hepatic Reserve

Objective To define the role of surgical shunting for patients with poor hepatic reserve (Child's class C) in the era of TIPS. Summary Background Data Most physicians prefer TIPS to surgical shunting for patients with poor hepatic reserve because of anticipated poor long-term survival. Methods Sixty-two patients of Child's class C with bleeding varices not amenable to endoscopic sclerotherapy or banding were prospectively randomized to undergo TIPS or 8-mm prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunt (HGPCS) from 1993 to 1999. Resource consumption and survival after shunting were determined. Results Twenty-nine patients underwent TIPS and 33 underwent HGPCS. After HGPCS, survival at 3 years was favorable but not statistically superior. TIPS was more often associated with shunt stenoses/occlusions, recurrent hemorrhage, shunt revisions, and shunt failure. Long-term follow-up documented that after HGPCS, patients required fewer hospital and ICU days and fewer units of RBCs transfused. After HGPCS, cost of care was less, as was the median cost of care per day of survival. Conclusions For Child's class C patients undergoing HGPCS or TIPS, long-term survival is similar, though favoring HGPCS. Similarly, measures of resource consumption and cost of care following hospital discharge favor HGPCS. HGPCS should be preferentially applied for acceptable patients without access to convenient capable post-shunt care or without definitive plans for imminent transplantation.
The Optimal Level of Market Competition: Neoclassical and New Institutional Conclusions Critiqued and Reformulated

This paper examines a fundamental issue in the theory of economic organization: the optimal level of market competition. Answers in neoclassical and new institutional economics are identified and critiqued. The analysis shows that selective assumptions in both fields produce distinctly market-favoring and "more competition is better than less" conclusions. The paper generalizes these assumptions and demonstrates organization-favoring and "less competition is better" positions are equally plausible. The paper also argues that part of the market-favoring bias in these fields stems from failure to distinguish between conditions of market failure and organizational success. Given these problems in extant theory, this paper develops an alternative institutional theory of economic organization, drawing principally on ideas of Walton Hamilton and John Commons. This proposed alternative shows that the optimal level of competition occurs at an intermediate level in the competition/cooperation spectrum (a mixed eco...
Nest building is impaired in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome and rescued by blocking 5HT2a receptors

Down syndrome (DS) has an incidence of about 1/700 births, and is therefore the most common cause of cognitive and behavioral impairments in children. Recent studies on mouse models of DS indicate that a number of pharmacotherapies could be beneficial for restoring cognitive abilities in individuals with DS. Attention deficits that are present in DS account in part for learning and memory deficiencies yet have been scarcely studied in corresponding models. Investigations of this relevant group of behaviors is more difficult in mouse models because of the difficulty in homologizing mouse and human behaviors and because standard laboratory environments do not always elicit behaviors of interest. Here we characterize nest building as a goal-directed behavior that is seriously impaired in young Ts65Dn mice, a genetic model of DS. We believe this impairment may reflect in part attention deficits, and we investigate the physiological, genetic, and pharmacological factors influencing its expression. Nesting behavior in young Ts65Dn mice was severely impaired when the animals were placed in a novel environment. But this context-dependent impairment was transient and reversible. The genetic determinants of this deficiency are restricted to a ∼100 gene segment on the murine chromosome 16. Nest building behavior is a highly integrated phenotypic trait that relies in part on limbic circuitry and on the frontal cortex in relation to cognitive and attention processes. We show that both serotonin content and 5HT2a receptors are increased in the frontal cortex of Ts65Dn mice and that pharmacological blockage of 5HT2a receptors in Ts65Dn mice rescues their context dependent nest building impairment. We propose that the nest-building trait could represent a marker of attention related deficits in DS models and could be of value in designing pharmacotherapies for this specific aspect of DS. 5HT2a modulation may improve goal-directed behavior in DS.
Central retinal vein occlusion in a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe the occurrence of central retinal vein occlusion in a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 52-year-old woman developed central retinal vein occlusion in the acute phase of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, followed by iris neovascularization only 1 month after the onset of central retinal vein occlusion. Color Doppler imaging of the affected eye showed an increased resistive index of the central retinal artery and reduced blood flow velocity of the central retinal vein compared to the fellow eye. CONCLUSION: We describe a rare association between central retinal vein occlusion and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with rapid evolution of iris neovascularization. Our case demonstrates that close ophthalmologic attention is important in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
The elderly type II diabetic: A treatment challenge

Type II or noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus is the predominant type of diabetes in the elderly. Complexities of diabetes management with elderly patients are discussed, including differences in presenting signs and symptoms of the disease, treatment complications that occur with concomitant illnesses or age-related physiological changes, and drug interactions that can lead to either hypo- or hyperglycemia. The goals of treatment are discussed. Standard therapies, including diet, exercise, and medications, are reviewed with the special considerations of the geriatric patient in mind.
Fluorine-containing gaseous dielectrics

The characteristics of gaseous chemical compounds containing fluorine are reviewed. Relative dielectric strengths, toxicities, space charge effects, electrode material, pressure effects, and so forth, are discussed. Several explanations accounting for observed differences in dielectric strength among gases are noted and shown to be inadequate for the complete understanding of all cases. A line of attack for fuller understanding is suggested in the considerations of the molecular energy systems. Some possible potentialities of gaseous fluorine compounds in electric equipment are also reviewed.
Masses of W and Z bosons without spontaneous symmetry breaking

A new dynamical symmetry breaking of SU(2)L × U(1) caused by the combination of the axial-vector component and the fermion mass is found in electroweak theory. The masses of the W and the Z bosons are obtained to be $m^2_W =\frac{1}{2} g^2 m^2_t$ and $m^2_Z =m^2_W /\cos^2 \theta_W$. The Fermi constant is determined to be $G_F =\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2} m^2_t}$.
Zoster in Patients Infected with HIV: A Review

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the human herpesvirus family, causes childhood chickenpox (varicella), becomes latent in sensory ganglia, and reactivates years later in immunocompromised and elderly persons to produce shingles (herpes zoster). Early in the AIDS epidemic, zoster was noted in adults and children infected with HIV. Severe and debilitating zoster-associated dermatological, ophthalmic, and neurological complications may occur in patients infected with HIV. Antiviral therapy can modify the duration of zoster and alleviate its attendant complications. Varicella vaccine may boost the immunity and prevent virus reactivation. VZV immune globulin (VZIG) prevents or modifies clinical illness in persons who have been exposed to varicella or zoster.
Characterization of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity associated with isolated lamellar bodies.

Abstract It has been demonstrated that lamellar bodies isolated from porcine lung have L -α-phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.4) activity which cannot be accounted for by microsomal or mitochondrial contamination. Phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity associated with the lamellar bodies is relatively insensitive to Mg 2+ and more heat labile than the activity associated with whole lung microsomes. The enzyme was found to be the most active phosphohydrolase present in isolated lamellar bodies and is inhibited by 5 mM Be 2+ . Lamellar bodies isolated from human and rat lung tissue were also found to have this acitivity, and the functional role of the enzyme in lamellar bodies is proposed in relation to glycerophospholipid metabolism.
Stimulation of the Streptococcus pneumoniae RecA protein-promoted three-strand exchange reaction by the competence-specific SsbB protein

The effect of the transformational competence-specific Streptococcus pneumoniae single-stranded DNA binding protein, SpSsbB, on the ATP-dependent three-strand exchange activity of the SpRecA protein was investigated. Although SpRecA exhibited only a trace level of strand exchange activity in the absence of SpSsbB, an extensive strand exchange reaction was observed when SpSsbB was added to the reaction solution after SpRecA. A more limited strand exchange reaction was observed, however, when SpSsbB was added to the reaction solution before SpRecA. This dependence on the order of addition, together with additional DNA-dependent ATP hydrolysis experiments, indicated that the mechanism of stimulation may involve the postsynaptic binding of SpSsbB to the displaced linear single-stranded DNA reaction product. When dATP was provided in place of ATP as the nucleotide cofactor (to suppress a potentially inhibitory effect of SpSsbB on the interaction of SpRecA with the circular ssDNA reaction substrate), the stimulatory effect of SpSsbB on the strand exchange reaction was apparent regardless of the order in which it was added to the reaction solution. These findings suggest that SpSsbB may be able to facilitate SpRecA-promoted DNA recombination reactions during natural transformation in S. pneumoniae.
Choline blocks AMPA-induced dark cell degeneration of Purkinje neurons: potential role of the α7 nicotinic receptor

The objective of the present study was to assess the contribution of sodium influx to development of dark cell degeneration (DCD) in Purkinje neurons (PNs) following AMPA (DL-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid) receptor activation. During the course of these experiments, we observed inconsistent protection against DCD by Na(+) ion substitutes leading us to consider other potential mechanisms. A 30 min application of AMPA (30 microM, induction or trigger phase) followed by a 90-120 min AMPA-free expression period produced DCD in the majority of PNs. Substitution of NaCl with choline chloride (120 mM) produced a marked suppression of AMPA-induced toxicity. Suppression of DCD by choline was concentration dependent. Concentrations of choline as low as 10 mM effectively attenuated DCD when substituted on an equimolar basis for NaCl in the artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). Unlike choline, substitution of NMDG for NaCl failed to suppress AMPA-induced DCD. Lidocaine and TTX (tetrodotoxin), two agents that inhibit Na(+) influx failed to significantly alter DCD. Because choline is a prototypical alpha7 nicotinic receptor selective agonist, methyllycaconitine (MLA), an alpha7 receptor antagonist was tested and significantly attenuated the protective effects of choline in a concentration-dependent manner. Nicotine (100 microM) added to normal ACSF was effective in attenuating AMPA-induced toxicity. These findings suggest that DCD is not heavily dependent on Na(+)-mediated phenomena and that nicotinic alpha7 receptor activation may be neuroprotective against some types of excitotoxicity that are mediated by active cellular programs.
Maternal urine β-core hCG fragment level and small for gestational age neonates

Objective: To determine whether second-trimester urine β-core fragments of hCG predict small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. Methods: Spot urine β-core levels were measured in 733 nonhypertensive women with singleton pregnancies who presented for amniocentesis and had karyotypically normal fetuses. The β-core level was standardized to urine creatinine and expressed as multiples of the median. The area under a receiver operating characteristics curve was used to determine the screening efficiency of the urine analyte for prediction of small for gestational age (SGA) births. In a subgroup of cases, serum markers (alpha-fetoprotein [AFP], hCG, and unconjugated estriol) were compared using stepwise regression analysis to urine β-core fragment for SGA prediction. Results: There were 23 (3.0%) SGA neonates. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) gestation at urine collection was 16.4 ± 1.3 weeks and collection to delivery interval was 23.0 ± 2.2 weeks. Mean β-core (± SD) fragment levels were significantly higher in those who later had SGA infants compared with appropriately grown infants (2982.8 ng/mg creatinine versus 1447.4 ng/mg creatinine, P < .001). Stepwise logistic regression found that urine β-core fragment and serum AFP were the only significant predictors of SGA, with statistically significant χ2 values (P < .001 and P = .038, respectively). The urine analyte was significantly superior. Second-trimester urine β-core fragment had a 78.3% sensitivity and 70% specificity for SGA prediction. Exclusion of preeclamptic cases resulted in a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 71.2%. Conclusion: Second-trimester elevated maternal urine β-core fragment of hCG predicted SGA infants, and was superior to other serum analytes in that prediction.
Nanoimprint lithography based fabrication of shape-specific, enzymatically-triggered smart nanoparticles

Our ability to precisely manipulate size, shape and composition of nanoscale carriers is essential for controlling their in-vivo transport, bio-distribution and drug release mechanism. Shape-specific, "smart" nanoparticles that deliver drugs or imaging agents to target tissues primarily in response to disease-specific or physiological signals could significantly improve therapeutic care of complex diseases. Current methods in nanoparticle synthesis do not allow such simultaneous control over particle size, shape and environmentally-triggered drug release, especially at the sub 100 nm range. We report here a high-throughput nanofabrication technique using synthetic and biological macromers (peptides) to produce highly monodisperse, enzymatically-triggered nanoparticles of precise sizes and shapes. Particles as small as 50 nm were fabricated on silicon wafers and harvested directly into aqueous buffers using a biocompatible, one-step release technique. We further demonstrate successful encapsulation and precisely controlled enzyme-triggered release of antibodies and nucleic acids from these nanoparticles, thus providing a potential means for disease-controlled delivery of biomolecules.
Infrared spectroscopy of the products of a corona-excited supersonic expansion

Abstract A novel corona-excited supersonic jet slit discharge is described, and its use as a source of rotationally cold free radicals for infrared direct absorption spectroscopy is discussed. The system was tested by detecting the rovibrational spectrum of CS and by observing the ν 2 band of NH 2 X 2 B 1 . Two different phase sensitive detection schemes were used. Although conventional frequency modulation of the infrared laser was successfully employed, a new population modulation scheme was more effective. Under the conditions described, rotational temperatures of the detected fragments were ≈40 K.
Homodyne light scattering from turbulent fluids.

The homodyne scattering function, F(q,t), for a turbulent fluid is computed using a renormalization-group analysis of the stochastic Navier-Stokes equations subjected to Gaussian forcing with ${k}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}y}$ correlations (k is the wave vector) [D. Ronis, Phys. Rev. A 36, 3322 (1987)]. Scaling forms for F(q,t) in the long- and short-time limits are obtained for large Reynolds number. Corrections to scaling are analyzed in light of the recent experiments of Tong et al. [Phys. Rev. A 37, 2125 (1988)].
The effects of social origins, life events, and institutional sorting on adults’ school transitions

Abstract This study tracks a longitudinal, nationally representative sample of non-baccalaureate, high school graduates or equivalents over the adult life course, examining postsecondary adult school transitions and the types of schools entered. Baccalaureate degrees are the primary means to upward wage mobility in the time period examined. We estimate the relative effects of different domains of influence on the odds of adult school entry and type: social origins, life course roles, institutional tracking across schools, and labor market position. Findings are that advantaged social origins, fewer competing life events and stable employment promote postsecondary school entry, especially for women. Greater school attainment by adulthood promotes adult entry as well. Net of these factors, institutional sorting predicts school entry and especially, the type of school entered. Pre-baccalaureate certificates and degrees are stopping points for women, and reduce the odds of later school entry. For all entrants, a history of no postsecondary schooling or vocational-only schooling reduces the odds of enrolling in four year schools and universities. In short, there is a path dependent process of cumulative educational advantage within cohorts that leads to widening inequalities within and between groups ordered by gender and social class.
A Ras signaling complex controls the RasC-TORC2 pathway and directed cell migration

Ras was found to regulate Dictyostelium chemotaxis, but the mechanisms that spatially and temporally control Ras activity during chemotaxis remain largely unknown. We report the discovery of a Ras signaling complex that includes the Ras guanine exchange factor (RasGEF) Aimless, RasGEFH, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and a scaffold designated Sca1. The Sca1/RasGEF/PP2A complex is recruited to the plasma membrane in a chemoattractant- and F-actin-dependent manner and is enriched at the leading edge of chemotaxing cells where it regulates F-actin dynamics and signal relay by controlling the activation of RasC and the downstream target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2)-Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) pathway. In addition, PKB and PKB-related PKBR1 phosphorylate Sca1 and regulate the membrane localization of the Sca1/RasGEF/PP2A complex, and thereby RasC activity, in a negative feedback fashion. Thus, our study uncovered a molecular mechanism whereby RasC activity and the spatiotemporal activation of TORC2 are tightly controlled at the leading edge of chemotaxing cells.
Men's and women's patterns of substance use around pregnancy.

: Background: Little is known about men’s patterns of substance use around their partner’s pregnancy, despite evidence from studies of pregnant women that men’s substance use may reduce women’s ability to desist from substance use during pregnancy, increase the probability that women will return to use postpartum, and increase the risk of adverse child outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe the association between pregnancy or partner’s pregnancy and month-by-month patterns of binge drinking, daily smoking, and marijuana use among young men and women. Methods: Data were drawn from the Seattle Social Development Project, which included 412 men and 396 women (age 24 yr) from a community sample of individuals who attended elementary school in the northwestern United States. Event history calendars were used to measure month-by-month patterns of binge drinking, daily smoking, marijuana use, and childbirth over a 3-year period from 1996 to 1999. Results: Births during the calendar period were reported by 131 women and 77 men. Hierarchical generalized linear modeling analyses showed that men’s rates of binge drinking and marijuana use were unaffected by their partner’s pregnancy. Pregnancy decreased the probability of substance use among women, but use returned to prepregnancy levels within 2 years postpartum. Conclusions: Men’s substance use was not affected by their partner’s pregnancy. Pregnancy decreased the probability of substance use among women, but substantial proportions of women users of cigarettes and marijuana used these substances during pregnancy. Many of the women who desisted from substance use while pregnant returned to use after their child was born. (BIRTH 35:1 March 2008)
Continuity of care: a basis for professional unity in pharmacy.

Continuity of care in medication management (CCMM) is one of those mercurial goals in pharmacy: we support it, we agree that we have a major responsibility for providing it, but we cannot seem to organize ourselves and our resources to consistently make it happen. Encouragement for addressing the
Anger suppression: its relationship to β-adrenergic receptor sensitivity and stress-induced changes in blood pressure

While studies from diverse fields of research suggest a relationship between problems expressing anger and cardiovascular illness, few studies have provided a potential pathophysiological link of such a relationship. Forty-five males were classified according to one of three anger expression categories: those who did not suppress their anger ( N = 13), those who partially suppressed their anger ( N = 19), and those who definitely suppressed their anger ( N = 13). For each, we determined lymphocyte β-adrenergic receptor function and blood pressure responsiveness to a standardized mathematics stressor. Those subjects who routinely suppressed their expression of anger had increased β-adrenergic receptor sensitivity ( P = 0·01) (isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP production) and a greater systolic blood pressure response to the stressor ( P = 0·001). Anger suppression was unrelated to the subject's age, weight, or socioeconomic status. These findings may be germane to prior clinical and epidemiologic observations relating anger expression and cardiovascular illness.
AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL AGENCY FOR DENTAL SERVICE CORPORATIONS

So that dental service corporations may be coordinated throughout the country, it is imperative that a national agency be formed. Such an agency should be inde­ pendent of the American Dented Associa­ tion and should act as a self-regulatory body, work for cooperation, arrange outof-area and transfer benefits and provide technical assistance. If the consumer is to have more than token voice in the dental service corporation, the public must be represented by at least 40 per cent of the places on the board of directors, locally and nationally.
Effects of water vapor and sulfur dioxide on the performance of Ce-Ag-ZSM-5 for the SCR of NO with CH4

Abstract The activity and stability of Ce–Ag-ZSM-5 catalysts for the selective catalysts reduction (SCR) of NO with CH 4 in the presence of water vapor and SO 2 was studied in this work. Pre-steaming or wet aging of the catalyst in the reaction gas mixture caused a drop in activity. The loss of catalytic activity was partially irreversible and with an increase of water content and/or temperature the irreversible loss became predominant. However, at all tested conditions, including at a temperature of 600°C and in the presence of 8% water, the catalyst was capable of retaining a stable NO conversion to N 2 during a 100 h-long test. In the presence of SO 2 , the activity of Ce–Ag-ZSM-5 decreased significantly at 500°C, but it was recovered by increasing the temperature to above 550°C. NO uptake measurements and characterization of steamed, sulfated and reaction-aged catalyst samples by XRD, HRTEM, STEM/EDS and XPS were carried out to study the deactivation. The NO uptake capacity of pre-steamed samples decreased as steaming temperature was raised from 400°C to 600°C, but that of pre-sulfated catalysts increased with temperature reaching 80% of the fresh material-uptake capacity after the 600°C-sulfation. Water induced sintering of silver. This, in turn, caused the lower NO uptake and the irreversible loss of the SCR activity observed after severe steaming. In the case of SO 2 , inhibition of the SCR reaction at low temperatures is caused by SO 2 adsorption on active sites. However, this is fully reversible with temperature. No permanent loss of activity due to structural modification took place in SO 2 -containing reaction gases.
LASER-IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETRY OF EXPLOSIVES AND CHEMICAL WARFARE SIMULANTS

The objective of the present study was to better understand the photophysics of explosives and chemical warfare simulants in order to develop better performing analytical tools. Photoionization mass spectra were taken using three optical schemes. The first was resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) using few-ns duration 248 or 266 nm laser pulses. The second scheme was non-resonant multiphoton ionization (MPI) using 100 fs duration laser pulses at wavelengths between 325 and 795. The third approach was single photon ionization (SPI) using few-ns duration 118 nm laser pulses. For all the molecules investigated, mass spectra resulting exposure to ns-duration 248 or 266 nm laser pulses consisted of only low molecular weight fragments. Using fs-duration laser pulses produced more complicated, potentially analyzable, fragmentation patterns, usually with some parent peak. Single photon ionization gave the best results, with mass spectra consisting of almost only parent peak, except for the case of TATP.
Dying with End Stage Liver Disease with Cirrhosis: Insights from SUPPORT

OBJECTIVES: To understand patterns of care and end-of-life preferences for patients dying with end stage liver disease with cirrhosis (ESLDC). METHODS: Data were collected during the Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks of Treatment (SUPPORT), a prospective cohort study of seriously ill hospitalized adults at five teaching hospitals in the United States, and included all patients enrolled in SUPPORT with ESLDC. RESULTS: Of 575 patients with ESLDC, 166 died during index hospitalization, and 168 died in the following year. The majority were male (65%) and white (80%); the median age was 52 years. Most rated their quality of life as poor or fair, and multiple comorbidities were common. Most spent their last few days completely disabled. Families often reported loss of most income and the need to leave work or other activities in order to care for patients. Pain was at least moderately severe most of the time in one-third of patients. End-of-life preferences were not associated with survival. Most patients (66. 8%) preferred CPR, but DNR orders and orders against ventilator use increased near death. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with liver disease were young, likely to be male, and often had low incomes. The high burden of pain was comparable to that reported for patients with lung and colon cancer. Persons dying with liver disease may benefit from increased attention to relief of symptoms, improved home care, and advanced care planning. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:S122-S130, 2000.
The Contributions of Social Science to Family Policy

The article examines the legal context of U.S. family policy as well as the political history of U.S. family policy from 1965 to 1996. The contributions that social scientists have to make in policy formulation are noted. This article ends by previewing the accompanying articles which collectively constitute a Journal of Social Issues treatment of family policy. Those articles are grouped into three broad areas of family policy (family structure work and health) representing the range of policies that affect the formation and dissolution of families and the health and economic well-being of family members. (EXCERPT)
The view across: patterns of success in assessing and improving student learning

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to describe how academic institutions that focus improvement of student learning do much better than those that focus on compliance and assessment.Design/methodology/approach – A reflective observation of institutional interaction with the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission, especially the 264 colleges and universities that have participated in the Commission's assessment workshops, provides insight into the characteristics that make the most positive difference.Findings – The paper finds that academic institutions do better when: assessment is best understood as the means and student learning itself as the end; shared responsibility and collective capacity are intentionally developed; internal leaders, of different types, are identified and developed; collaborative processes that actively engage people replace concerns about buy‐in; institutions jump in and learn as they go along; program review becomes an area of shared faculty/administration interest...
Depth, distribution, and density of CO2 deposition on Mars

Observations by the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter have been used to detect subtle changes of the polar surface height during the course of seasonal cycles that correlate with the expected pattern of CO2 deposition and sublimation. Using altimetric crossover residuals from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter, we show that while zonally averaged data capture the global behavior of CO2 exchange, there is a dependence of the pattern on longitude. At the highest latitudes the surface height change is as high as 1.5–2 m peak to peak, and it decreases equatorward. Decomposition of the signal into harmonics in time allows inspection of the spatial pattern and shows that the annual component is strongly correlated with the residual south polar cap deposits and, to a lesser extent, with the north polar cap. In the north, the second harmonic (semiannual) component correlates with the location of the ice deposits. The phases of the annual cycles are in agreement with observations by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer of the timing of the annual disappearance of CO2 frost from the surface at the high latitudes. At lower latitudes, frost sublimation (“Crocus date”) predates the mean depositional minima, as expected. These global-scale, volumetric measurements of the distribution of condensed CO2 can be combined with measurements of the deposited column mass density derived from the Neutron Spectrometer on board Mars Odyssey to yield an estimate of the density of the seasonally exchanging material of 0.5 ± 0.1 g/cm^3. These constraints should be considered in models of the Martian climate system and volatile cycles.
“Dark Cloud Rising from the East”: Indian Sovereignty and the Coming of King William's War in New England

King William's War (1689–97) has long been overshadowed by the wars bracketing it, but it was pivotal to English-Indian relations. As the English violated the treaty promises concluding King Philip...
Commitment to Justice in Conflict between Unequal Status Persons

Possible determinants of a high-status person's conformity to the norm of justice and the consequences of this conformity on conflict resolution were explored. Ninety-six college students were induced to be high-status bargainers. Subjects believed that their partner was committed either to their group's self-interest or to justice in the conflict. Subjects negotiated with an opposing low-status bargainer who made a self-advancement appeal, an appeal based on an equity concept of justice, or an appeal based on a responsiveness to needs concept of justice. As predicted, subjects who believed that their partner was committed to justice as compared to the group's self-interest agreed more often to the low-status person's request for improved outcomes and indicated that they had a higher level of motivation to be just, more seriously considered the low-status person's position and situation, and were more willing to compromise. Contrary to expectations, subjects who were targets of the justice appeals did not agree significantly more often to the low-status person's request nor did targets of the self-advancement appeal. The data suggest that the norm of justice may elicit conformity when invoked by a group member, though it may induce little conformity when invoked by an opposing bargainer. Results were also interpreted as suggesting that seeking to do justice induces compromises toward the other bargainer's position by reducing egocentric biases.
Analysis of Genes Induced by Sendai Virus Infection of Mutant Cell Lines Reveals Essential Roles of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3, NF-κB, and Interferon but Not Toll-Like Receptor 3

Sendai virus (SeV) infection causes the transcriptional induction of many cellular genes that are also induced by interferon (IFN) or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We took advantage of various mutant cell lines to investigate the putative roles of the components of the IFN and dsRNA signaling pathways in the induction of those genes by SeV. Profiling the patterns of gene expression in SeV-infected cells demonstrated that Toll-like receptor 3, although essential for gene induction by dsRNA, was dispensable for gene induction by SeV. In contrast, Jak1, which mediates IFN signaling, was required for the induction of a small subset of genes by SeV. NF-κB and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), the two major transcription factors activated by virus infection, were essential for the induction of two sets of genes by SeV. As expected, some of the IRF-3-dependent genes, such as ISG56, were more strongly induced by SeV in IRF-3-overexpressing cells. Surprisingly, in those cells, a number of NF-κB-dependent genes, such as the A20 gene, were induced poorly. Using a series of cell lines expressing increasing levels of IRF-3, we demonstrated that the degree of induction of A20 mRNA, upon SeV infection, was inversely proportional to the cellular level of IRF-3, whereas that of ISG56 mRNA was directly proportional. Thus, IRF-3 can suppress the expression of NF-κB-dependent genes in SeV-infected cells.
Abstract P6-03-01: Molecular Dissection of Breast Luminal Cell Transcription Factor Networks

During mammary development, cellular differentiation and lineage commitment are driven by distinct growth cycles under the control of local epithelial and mesenchymal paracrine signaling mechanisms. Within the mammary gland are multipotent stem cells, which give rise to luminal and myoepithelial lineages. The mechanisms that govern differentiation into these distinct cell populations are not completely understood, yet critically important for a complete understanding of normal development and breast tumorigenesis. Recent studies have shown that retroviral transduction of mouse and human fibroblasts with four transcription factors can initiate the conversion of a somatic cell into an embryonic stem cell-like state, with capabilities of differentiating into cell types of all three germ layers. The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) illustrates that transformation of a mature cell into a more immature state can erase most epigenetic programming critical for the differentiation of that cell. Our goal is to determine whether mammary specific transcription factors can directly transdifferentiate fibroblasts or human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) into functionally differentiated ER+/luminal cells. To address this goal of creating ER+/luminal cells via an iPS type approach, we have developed a model in which an hTERT –immortalized human mammary epithelial cell line are transduced utilizing a multifunctional lentiviral expression vector system, which allows the simultaneous expression and/or silencing of multiple candidate genes. We are investigating the abilities of various combinations of transcription factors (TFs) to convert somatic cells to fully functional differentiated mammary epithelial cells. Nine candidate TFs (including ER, GATA3, FOXA1, XBP1 and CDKN2C) were chosen based upon their differential expression in genomic transcriptional data set of primary human breast tumors, and in fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) of normal breast cell populations. These TFs are highly expressed in ER+/luminal cells, and some are known to be important lineage-specific factors. Ectopic overexpression of these cDNAs in HMECs indicated that these transcription factors have both unique and overlapping contributions towards inducing the expression of genes responsible for luminal differentiation. Examining the expression patterns of individually transduced cells using a classifier of differentiation status (Differentiation Score, Prat et al. 2010) identified several genes, including ESR1 and GATA3, as causing a transition towards the luminal subtype. These individual gene data will guide the selection of combinations, since we anticipate that, as was seen for iPS cells, multiple genes will be required for transdifferentiation into the luminal cell lineage. Since there are presently no cell lines or mouse models of Luminal A/ER+ breast cancers, the artificial creation of such of a cell line would be of great value. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-03-01.