cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exercises in Policy Analysis

A series of exercises have been developed for teaching the basic methodologies involved in analyzing and evaluating the effects of alternative public policies and especially in finding an optimum choice, mix, or level for maximizing or achieving given goals. The exercises deal with determining causation in policy analysis, finding an optimum choice without probabilities, finding an optimum with probabilities, finding an optimum mix in allocating scarce resources, and finding an optimum policy level. For each exercise there is a description of the specific purposes, the data to be used, and how the data are to be processed. The data sets and the exercises are available from the author.
Proximal black esophagus: a case report and review of the literature.

A 79-year-old man presented to an outside hospital with retrosternal chest pain associated with lightheadedness, diaphoresis, and dyspnea. He had a medical history of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic renal insufficiency. Home medications included pioglitazone, metoprolol, furosemide, calcitriol, allopurinol, and cetirizine. At presentation, his blood pressure was 81/53 mm Hg (normal 90-119/60-79 mm Hg), with a heart rate in the range of 30 beats/min (60-100 beats/min), and was treated with intravenous fluids and atropine. An electrocardiogram showed changes consistent with an inferior myocardial infarction. He was given aspirin, heparin, metoprolol, and reteplase, and was transferred to our facility. On admission to our hospital, the patient was asymptomatic and hemodynamically stable. Repeat electrocardiogram showed resolving STelevation in the inferior leads and continuous ST depression over the anterior leads. Coronary catheterization revealed an 80% obstructing circumflex lesion and a 100% proximal right coronary occlusion. Coronary angioplasty was performed, and a drug-eluting stent was deployed into the distal circumflex artery. Clopidogrel was then initiated. Several hours later, the patient experienced a single episode of hematemesis. There was no associated melena or abdominal pain. He had no history of alcohol use, liver disease, varices, peptic ulcer disease, abdominal aortic surgery, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, gastroparesis, or previous GI bleeding. Physical examination was unremarkable. Pertinent laboratory studies included a hemoglobin level of 11.3 g/dL (13.5-17.5 g/dL), platelet count of 121 10/L (150-450 10/L), blood urea nitrogen of 44 mg/dL (8-24 mg/dL), and a creatinine level of 5.1 mg/dL (0.8-1.3 mg/dL). An upper endoscopy showed a 5-cm–long circumferential area of black macerated tissue with adherent clot located 22 cm from the central incisors (Fig. 1). The clot was removed, revealing only macerated mucosa underlying it. Biopsy specimens were not taken because the patient was immunocompetent and did not report a history of odynophagia. Review of the patient’s admission medications revealed no medications commonly associated with pill esophagitis. The patient was started on pantoprazole, given twice daily, and continued on aspirin, clopidogrel, metopro-
The effect of diabetes on protein synthesis and the respiratory chain of rat skeletal muscle and kidney mitochondria.

Abstract The effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus upon mitochondria from rat skeletal muscle and kidney were examined. The rate of amino acid incorporation in vitro by isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria from diabetic animals was decreased by 50–60% from control values. Treatment of diabetic animals with insulin lowered blood glucose levels to control values and restored the rate of muscle mitochondrial protein synthesis in vitro to control levels. The rates of skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein synthesis were also decreased 23–27% by a 2-day fast. Comparison of the translation products synthesized by isolated muscle mitochondria from control and diabetic rats by dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis revealed a uniform decrease in the synthesis of all polypeptides. Aurintricarboxylic acid and pactamycin, inhibitors of chain initiation, blocked protein synthesis to a greater extent in muscle mitochondria from control as compared to diabetic animals suggesting that mitochondria from diabetics are unable to initiate protein synthesis at a rate comparable to control. Phenotypic changes observed in diabetic muscle mitochondria included a 36% decrease in the content of cytochromes aa 3 and a 27% decrease in cytochrome b , both established as containing mitochondrial translation products in lower eucaryotes. State 3 respiration with glutamate as substrate decreased by 27% and uncoupler-stimulated respiration decreased by 23% in the diabetic mitochondria. By contrast, the specific activities of NADH and succinate dehydrogenases, established as products of cytoplasmic protein synthesis in lower eucaryotes, were not decreased in skeletal muscle mitochondria from the diabetic animals. These results suggest that the considerable muscular atrophy observed in diabetics may involve decreases in both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial protein synthesis, the latter reflected in profound changes in the respiratory chain. By contrast, comparison of kidney mitochondria from control and diabetic rats revealed no differences in the rates of protein synthesis in vitro , nor in the mitochondrial translation products, which corresponded closely to liver and skeletal muscle translation products. Similarly, the mitochondrial content of cytochromes b , c + c 1 , and aa 3 , the specific activity of succinate dehydrogenase, the rate of state 3 respiration, and the recovery of mitochondria from kidney homogenates did not differ in control and diabetic animals. Kidney mitochondria are thus like liver mitochondria in being relatively unaffected by insulin deprivation.
C/EBPα regulates osteoclast lineage commitment

Despite recent insights gained from the effects of targeted deletion of the Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins osteosarcoma oncogene (c-fos), Spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV) proviral integration 1 (PU.1), microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, NF-κB, and nuclear factor of activated cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) transcription factor genes, the mechanism underlying transcription factors specifying osteoclast (OC) lineage commitment from monocyte/macrophage remains unclear. To characterize the mechanism by which transcription factors regulate OC lineage commitment, we mapped the critical cis-regulatory element in the promoter of cathepsin K (Ctsk), which is expressed specifically in OCs, and found that CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) is the critical cis-regulatory element binding protein. Our results indicate that C/EBPα is highly expressed in pre- OCs and OCs. The combined presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand significantly induces high C/EBPα expression. Furthermore, C/EBPα−/− newborn mice exhibited impaired osteoclastogenesis, and a severe osteopetrotic phenotype, but unaffected monocyte/macrophage development. Impaired osteoclastogenesis of C/EBPα−/− mouse bone marrow cells can be rescued by c-fos overexpression. Ectopic expression of C/EBPα in mouse bone marrow cells and monocyte/macrophage cells, in the absence of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, induces expression of receptor activator of NF-κB, c-fos, Nfatc1, and Ctsk, and it reprograms monocyte/macrophage cells to OC-like cells. Our results demonstrate that C/EBPα directly up-regulates c-fos expression. C/EBPα+/− mice exhibit an increase in bone density compared with C/EBPα+/+ controls. These discoveries establish C/EBPα as the key transcriptional regulator of OC lineage commitment, providing a unique therapeutic target for diseases of excessive bone resorption, such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
Descriptive and mechanistic toxicity of conazole fungicides using the model test alga Dunaliella tertiolecta (chlorophyceae)

Conazole fungicides are commonly used to prevent fungal growth on turf grass and agricultural crops. As many of these sites are adjacent to coastal waterways and estuaries, there exists the potential for nontarget effects of runoff on marine organisms. This study reports 96 h EC50 values for four selected conazole fungicides (triadimefon = 5.98 mg/L; triadimenol = 5.51 mg/L; propiconazole = 2.33 mg/L; hexaconazole = 0.91 mg/L) to the model test alga Dunaliella tertiolecta. We further investigated possible mechanisms of toxicity by examining sublethal effects of exposure on cell morphology, osmoregulatory function, and lipid composition. These mechanistic studies revealed that conazole exposure does not inhibit synthesis of the cell's glycerol osmolyte, but does result in an overall increase in cellular volume and total lipid content. Both fungi and chlorophytes rely on ergosterol to maintain membrane structure and fluidity, and we provide evidence that the sterol-inhibiting conazoles may interfere with ergosterol biosynthesis in the cell membrane of Dunaliella. These findings suggest that green algae may be especially susceptible to nontarget effects of sterol-inhibiting fungicides in marine systems. Published 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 2010
Insertion of N-sulfinylsulfonamides and bis(methylsulfonyl)sulfur diimide into ironcarbon σ bonds

Abstract The N -sulfinylsulfonamides R′S(O) 2 NSO (R′ = CH 3 , p -CH 3 C 6 H 4 ) insert into the FeR bonds of η 5 -C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 R (R = CH 3 , CH 2 C 6 H 5 ) to afford η 5 -C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 N[S(O) 2 R′][S(O)R]. These products undergo oxidation by m -ClC 6 H 4 C(O)-OOH to η 5 -C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 N[S(O) 2 R′][S(O) 2 R] and rearrange on storage to η 5 -C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 S(O)[NS(O) 2 R′]R. Reaction between the η 5 -C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 R and CH 3 S(O) 2 NSNS(O) 2 CH 3 leads to the insertion products η 5 -C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 N-[S(O) 2 CH 3 ][S(R)NS(O) 2 CH 3 ].
Measurements of behavioral quiescence in Caenorhabditis elegans

The nematode Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans, a long time work horse for behavioral genetic studies of locomotion, has recently been studied for quiescent behavior. Methods previously established for the study of C. elegans locomotion are not well-suited for the study of quiescent behavior. We describe in detail two computer vision approaches to distinguish quiescent from movement bouts focusing on the behavioral quiescence that occurs during fourth larval stage lethargus, a transition stage between the larva and the adult. The first is the frame subtraction method, which consists of subtraction of temporally adjacent images as a sensitive way to detect motion. The second, which is more computationally intensive, is the posture analysis method, which consists of analysis of the rate of local angle change of the animal's body. Quiescence measurements should be done continuously while minimizing sensory perturbation of the animal.
Parity, time-reversal and group delay for inhomogeneous dielectric slabs: application to pulse propagation in finite, one-dimensional, photonic bandgap structures

The author considers the symmetries associated with the group-velocity delay of pulse transmission and reflection in a one-dimensionally inhomogeneous planar dielectric structure. From the principles of energy and parity conservation-as well as time-reversal symmetry-he derives the generalised Stokes reciprocity relations for such a slab. From these relations, he obtains very general equations relating the group delays and phases of the transmitted and reflected pulses. These results have important applications to pulse propagation through one-dimensional photonic bandgap structures.
Anion content in charcoal filters and in water samples stored in various containers.

The anion content of natural water is related to the precursors of acid precipitation, mainly sulfur and nitrogen oxides (Tan et al. 1986). While cation contamination of environmental water samples due to supplies used in analytical procedures is well established (Robertson 1972, Hennig and Greenwood 1981), less is known about anion contamination. It was shown that anions (e.g. F-, CI-, Br ~ NO3, SO 4 -, PO 4 -) were introduced by specific filters or leached through membrane-type filters which are extensively used in water analyses (Butler et al. 1978, Jay 1985). Anion contamination of charcoal-filtered distilled-deionized water was evaluated, and anion content was measured following the storage of samples of standard anions.
Psycho-Social Characteristics of Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, Compared to Children with Down Syndrome and Typical Children

The aim of this study was to extend the literature on cognitive and psychosocial adjustment and on facial processing in children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE). Twenty-five children with PAE, 23 neurotypical children, and 13 children with Down syndrome matched on sex and mental age participated. Parents or guardians completed the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale for Parents and the Social Responsiveness Scale; participants completed facial processing tasks. Using MANOVAs, the PAE group had substantially higher standard scores on all CBRS-P and SRS subscales compared with the typical group, and on almost all of them compared with the Down syndrome group. A large portion of individuals in the PAE group had clinically significant scores on the CBRS-P subscales, including ADHD, conduct and oppositional/defiant disorder, autism spectrum disorder, major depression, manic episodes, generalized and separation anxiety and phobias. Using a MANCOVA, no group differences were found in facial processing between the PAE and the neurotypical groups. Many children with PAE had scores that exceeded cut-offs for autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, conduct disorder, oppositional/defiant disorder, major depression, manic episodes, generalized and separation anxiety, and phobias. In addition, academic, language and mathematics problems were noted relative to typical children. Finally, children with PAE performed just as well on the facial processing tasks as a group of younger typical children of equal mental age. That means that facial processing by children with PAE was corresponded with their mental age.
Isolation and characterization of glycolic acid oxidase from human liver.

Abstract Glycolic acid oxidase has been isolated from human liver and purified over 3000-fold to a specific activity of 123 U/mg protein by a 5-step procedure. The preparation gave a single protein band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, required flavin mononucleotide for catalytic activity, had a pH optimum between 8.2–8.8 depending on the substrate, and had a molecular weight of 105 000. The enzyme has a broad specicity towards α-hydroxy acids. Glycolate ( K m = 3.3 · 10 −4 M ) was the most effective substrate. The enzyme was stable for several months when stored as an (NH4)2SO4 precipitate or in 15% glycerol. Since glycolate inhibits the oxidation of glyoxylate to oxalate by glycolic acid oxidase, it is suggested that glycolic acid oxidase contributes to the synthesis of oxalate in vivo when the glyoxylate concentration is high and the glycolate concentration is low.
A prospective study investigating the association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in never smokers.

Purpose We studied a cohort of individuals to assess whether intensity of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure is associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Methods Study subjects were selected from an ongoing population-based cohort of Korea Genome and Epidemiology Study. Participants of the baseline study 10,038 persons within the age range of 40 to 69 years old. Among 4,442 never smokers without prevalent diabetes, 465 type 2 diabetes cases were identified through biennial active follow-ups for a 6-year period. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjustment for covariates. Results The risk of type 2 diabetes was higher in subjects exposed to ETS compared with the nonexposure group (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.1–1.70). Daily exposure to ETS at home increased the risk of type 2 diabetes when compared with the risk level of nonexposure (HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16–1.83). Over 4 hours exposure to ETS at home and in the workplace was associated with increased the risk of type 2 diabetes (HR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.21–3.19). Conclusions Our study suggests that ETS exposure is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes with dose-response relationship.
Characterization of Insecticidal Sugar Esters of Petunia

The recent finding that leaf surface glycolipids of Petunia × hybrida Hort. plants possess insecticidal activity against sweetpotato whiteflies prompted a search for the specific compounds responsible for this biological activity. Successive liquid chromatographic fractionations of an extract of cuticular chemicals of Petunia plants yielded distinct fractions of two glucose esters and four sucrose esters. These different structural types of sugar esters were identified to be 2,3,4-tri-O-acyl-α- + β-d-glucopyranose, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acyl-α- + β-d-glucopyranose, 2,3,4-tri-O-acyl-α-d-glucopyranosyl-β-d-fructofuranoside, 2,3,4-tri-O-acyl-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(6‘-O-acetyl)-β-d-fructofuranoside, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acyl-α-d-glucopyranosyl-β-d-fructofuranoside, and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acyl-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(6‘-O-acetyl)-β-d-fructofuranoside, where the major acyl constituents were 2-methylbutyryl, hexanoyl, 4-methylvaleryl, and heptanoyl groups. Bioassays of the individual sugar esters against adult sweetpotato whiteflies...
Commuters using public transit in New York City: Using area-level data to identify neighbourhoods with vulnerable riders

This study uses routine activity theory and research on victimization and fear of crime to contextualize the importance of examining characteristics related to crime-target vulnerability among public transit commuters. A principal component analysis was conducted using 5-year data from the American Community Survey 2010. New York City (NYC) Police Department Compstat data for 2010 were used to provide a backcloth for understanding the types of crime problems vulnerable transit commuters may confront in their local areas. Findings show that a majority (55.3 per cent ) of the NYC commuters used public transit to travel to work, with more females, youths, ethnic minorities and non-naturalized immigrants commuting by public transit. Two distinct types of transit commuters were found to cluster in different parts of NYC, where the types of local-area crime problems also differed. These findings can help transit operators and policymakers build guardianship and assist place management in areas where potentially vulnerable commuters live.
Adoption of the Q transcriptional regulatory system for zebrafish transgenesis.

The Gal4–UAS regulatory system of yeast is widely used to modulate gene expression in Drosophila; however, there are limitations to its usefulness in transgenic zebrafish, owing to progressive methylation and silencing of the CpG-rich multicopy upstream activation sequence. Although a modified, less repetitive UAS construct may overcome this problem, it is highly desirable to have additional transcriptional regulatory systems that can be applied independently or in combination with the Gal4/UAS system for intersectional gene expression. The Q transcriptional regulatory system of Neurospora crassa functions similarly to Gal4/UAS. QF is a transcriptional activator that binds to the QUAS upstream regulatory sequence to drive reporter gene expression. Unlike Gal4, the QF binding site does not contain essential CpG dinucleotide sequences that are subject to DNA methylation. The QS protein is a repressor of QF mediated transcriptional activation akin to Gal80. The functionality of the Q system has been demonstrated in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans and we now report its successful application to a vertebrate model, the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Several tissue-specific promoters were used to drive QF expression in stable transgenic lines, as assessed by activation of a QUAS:GFP transgene. The QS repressor was found to dramatically reduce QF activity in injected zebrafish embryos; however, a similar repression has not yet been achieved in transgenic animals expressing QS under the control of ubiquitous promoters. A dual reporter construct containing both QUAS and UAS, each upstream of different fluorescent proteins was also generated and tested in transient assays, demonstrating that the two systems can work in parallel within the same cell. The adoption of the Q system should greatly increase the versatility and power of transgenic approaches for regulating gene expression in zebrafish.
Appetite Control: Does leptin lighten the problem of obesity?

Abstract The recent discovery of ‘leptin', the product of the mouse obese gene that appears to be a satiety factor, has electrified the field of obesity research. Elucidating how the protein works could be a formidable challenge.
Moxalactam as a counter-selection antibiotic for Agrobacterium- mediated transformation and its positive effects on Theobroma cacao somatic embryogenesis

Abstract Previous work in a number of laboratories has led to the development of a highly efficient cacao somatic embryogenesis (SE) protocol, establishing the basis for an Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated genetic transformation system. Such a system will be valuable as a basic research tool, and possibly in the future as a means to introduce specific disease resistance or other genes into cacao. However, during our initial attempts at transformation, cacao tissue was frequently destroyed due to Agrobacterium overgrowth following co-cultivation. Furthermore, the addition of the antibiotic cefotaxime, commonly applied to tissue culture media to eliminate Agrobacterium post infection, decreased cacao somatic embryo production by 86%. To define antibiotic conditions sufficient to suppress Agrobacterium while not interfering with cacao SE, we evaluated the efficacy of four antibiotics. Two cephalosporins, cefotaxime and moxalactam; and two penicillins, amoxicillin and carbenicillin. Moxalactam, a β-Lactam antibiotic, was proven to effectively suppress Agrobacterium growth. Furthermore, at certain concentrations, it also significantly enhanced the efficiency of cacao SE. A possible mechanism for this enhancement is proposed.
The Neoliberal American Dream as Daydream Counter-hegemonic Perspectives on Welfare Restructuring in the United States

Despite the efforts of its supporters to cast welfare `reform' in the United States as a successful achievement of neoliberal public policy, we argue that among low-income people who have received ...
SIDS, ALTE, apnea, and the use of home monitors.

1. Paula A. Farrell, MD* 2. Gary M. Weiner, MD* 3. James A. Lemons, MD† 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children 2. †Hugh McK. Landon Professor of Pediatrics; Director, Section of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the effects of the “Back to Sleep” campaigns on the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 2. Delineate modifiable risk factors of SIDS. 3. Explain the relationship of apnea and SIDS. 4. Delineate recommendations for the prevention of SIDS. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been the focus of extensive research over the past several decades. This review examines the epidemiologic aspects of this syndrome, potential prevention strategies, and the use of home monitoring. Also referred to as crib or cot death, SIDS has been defined by the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Infantile Apnea and Home Monitoring as “the sudden death of an infant or young child, which is unexplained by history and in which a thorough postmortem evaluation fails to demonstrate an adequate cause of death.” A thorough postmortem evaluation includes a complete autopsy, review of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. The consensus statement defined an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) as “an episode that is frightening to the observer and is characterized by some combination of apnea, color change, change in muscle tone, choking, or gagging.” It is noted in this statement that terminology used previously, such as “aborted crib death” or “near-miss SIDS,” should be abandoned because it implies a possibly misleadingly close association between this type of spell and SIDS. Apnea of infancy is defined as an unexplained episode of cessation of breathing for 20 seconds or longer or a shorter respiratory pause associated with bradycardia, cyanosis, pallor, or marked hypotonia. This generally is applied to infants who are older than 37 weeks’ gestation. This diagnosis usually is reserved for infants who have ALTE for which a specific cause has not been delineated that is believed to have been related to …
A first digitally-controlled oscillator in a deep-submicron CMOS process for multi-GHz wireless applications

A novel digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO) architecture for multi-GHz RF applications is proposed and demonstrated. It deliberately avoids any use of an analog tuning voltage control line. Fine frequency resolution is achieved through high-speed dithering. This enables use of fully-digital frequency synthesizers in the most advanced deep-submicron digital CMOS processes which allow almost no analog extensions. It promotes cost-effective integration with the digital back-end on to a single silicon die. The demonstrator test chip has been fabricated in a digital 0.13 /spl mu/m CMOS process together with a DSP. The DCO core consumes 2.3 mA from a 1.5 V supply and has a very large tuning range of 500 MHz. The phase noise is -112 dBc/Hz at 500 kHz offset.
Three‐dimensional sensitivity kernels for surface wave observables

SUMMARY We calculate three dimensional (3-D) sensitivity kernels for fundamental-mode surface wave observables based on the single-scattering (Born) approximation. The sensitivity kernels for measured phases, amplitudes and arrival angles are formulated in the framework of surface wave mode summation. We derive kernels for cross-spectral multitaper measurements; as a special case, the results are applicable to single-taper measurements. Cross-branch modecoupling effects are fully accounted for in the kernels; however, these effects can probably be ignored at the present level of spatial resolution in global phase-delay tomography. The narrowly concentrated spectra of the windows and tapers commonly used in global surface wave studies enable the kernels to be computed extremely efficiently.
Vibriocidal Antibody Responses in North American Volunteers Exposed to Wild-Type or Vaccine Vibrio cholerae O139: Specificity and Relevance to Immunity

The emergence of a new agent of cholera, Vibrio cholerae O139, has prompted a reevaluation of the vibriocidal antibody assay. This assay, primarily directed to lipopolysaccharide, is an important correlate of O1 immunity. V. cholerae O139 strains are encapsulated, rendering them relatively resistant to killing by serum. Recent reports suggest that there is strain-to-strain variability in the sensitivity of the vibriocidal assay to fully encapsulated O139 strains. We have assessed a modified vibriocidal assay for fully encapsulated O139 strain AI-1837 and its unencapsulated mutant 2L in sera from 53 volunteers given wild-type AI-1837 or its attenuated derivative CVD 112 and from 48 controls challenged with V. cholerae O1 or strains of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Vibriocidal responses to the AI-1837 and 2L strains were seen in 67 and 89% of volunteers, respectively, following a single exposure to the wild-type strain. However, >50% of all controls had low-level vibriocidal responses to both strains. These nonspecific responses were transient and of the immunoglobulin G isotype. No binding activity against purified O139 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by immunoblotting was seen in control sera. In contrast, vibriocidal assay and strain 2L LPS responses by immunoblotting were detectable in 91% of tested volunteers following a single exposure to O139. The presence of vibriocidal antibody to AI-1837 or 2L was not associated with protection in rechallenge studies with O139 strain AI-1837. The vibriocidal assay with unencapsulated strain 2L may be used to detect exposure to O139 strain AI-1837 in controlled research trials. However, its lack of specificity does not make it useful for determining exposure to V. cholerae O139 in the field.
A logic for hypothetical reasoning

This paper shows that classical logic is inappropriate for hypothetical reasoning and develops an alternative logic for this purpose. The paper focuses on a form of hypothetical reasoning which appears computationally tractable. Specifically, Horn-clause logic is augmented with rules, called embedded implications, which can hypothetically add atomic formulas to a rulebase. By introducing the notion of rulebase independence, it is shown that these rules can express hypothetical queries which classical logic cannot. By adopting methods from modal logic, these rules are then shown to be intuitionistic. In particular, they form a subset of intuitionistic logic having semantic properties similar to those of Horn-clause logic.
The Transfer of Angular Momentum from Vortices to Gravity Swirl Waves.

Gravity swirl waves are three-dimensional internal gravity waves in cylindrical coordinates. A radially propagating gravity swirl wave transports angular momentum from a central source region to distant regions of the atmosphere. Accordingly, atmospheric conditions that support propagating internal waves allow a vortex to decay by radiating away its rotation, while regions of neutral stability around the vortex insulate it from such losses. This may be a factor in determining whether convective storm cells attain strong rotation.
Early Death Perception in Adolescence: Identifying Factors Associated With Change From Pessimism to Optimism About Life Expectancy

US teens overestimate risk for early death. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with an adolescent's change from early death perception to a belief in living into adulthood. Data are from 9140 adolescents participating in waves 1 (1995) and 2 (1996) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Logistic regression models were used to determine contexts of healthy and unhealthy change associated with the likelihood of early death perception change. Youth report of increased caring and connection to other adults and increased self-esteem were associated with greater likelihood of moving from pessimism to optimism about life expectancy (P = .003 and P = .038, respectively). Reductions in self-esteem and poorer perception of health were associated with decreased odds of death perception change (P = .017 and P = .011, respectively). Nurturing positive connections with adults and strategies that improve a youth's self-esteem offer 2 opportunities to facilitate adolescent early death perception change.
Conceptual framework for cutting the pancreatic cancer fuel supply

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (a.k.a. pancreatic cancer) remains one of the most feared and clinically challenging diseases to treat despite continual improvements in therapies. The genetic landscape of pancreatic cancer shows near ubiquitous activating mutations of KRAS, and recurrent inactivating mutations of CDKN2A, SMAD4, and TP53. To date, attempts to develop agents to target KRAS to specifically kill cancer cells have been disappointing. In this regard, an understanding of cellular metabolic derangements in pancreatic cancer could lead to novel therapeutic approaches. Like other cancers, pancreatic cancer cells rely on fuel sources for homeostasis and proliferation; as such, interrupting the use of two major nutrients, glucose and glutamine, may provide new therapeutic avenues. In addition, KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancers have been documented to depend on autophagy, and the inhibition of autophagy in the preclinical setting has shown promise. Herein, the conceptual framework for blocking the pancreatic fuel supply is reviewed.
Staphylococcus Alpha-Toxin Action on the Rabbit Iris: Toxic Effects and Their Inhibition

AbstractPurpose: Staphylococcus aureus infection of the anterior chamber can occur after cataract surgery, causing inflammation and extensive damage to the iris. Alpha-toxin, the most potent S. aureus corneal toxin, was tested as a possible mediator of damage to the iris, and alpha-toxin anti-serum and a chemical toxin inhibitor were tested as potential pathology-reducing agents.Methods: The hemolytic activity of alpha-toxin and its inhibition by a chemical inhibitor or anti-serum were quantified in vitro. Purified alpha-toxin, heat-inactivated toxin, or alpha-toxin plus normal serum, alpha-toxin anti-serum, or the chemical inhibitor, methyl-β-cyclodextrin-cholesterol (CD-cholesterol), was injected into the rabbit anterior chamber. Pathological changes were photographed, quantified by slit-lamp examination (SLE) scoring, and further documented by histopathological analysis.Results: At five hours post-injection, eyes injected with alpha-toxin or heat-inactivated toxin had a mean SLE score of 7.3 ± 0.59 or ...
Mnemonics Usage and Cognitive Decline in Age-Associated Memory Impairment

To determine predictors of cognitive deterioration, the authors performed baseline and 1- to 5-year follow-up (mean +/- SD = 2.5 +/- 1.2 years) neuropsychological assessments on 36 persons (mean age +/- SD = 62.1 +/- 8.0; range = 50 to 81 years) with age-associated memory impairment. Subjects were recruited from a larger group of volunteers, had minimal medical comorbidity, and 25 of them had a family history of Alzheimer's disease. Baseline age and a subjective memory measure indicating reported frequency of mnemonics usage were significant decline predictors. Subjects reporting more frequent mnemonics use at baseline were more likely to show objective cognitive decline at follow-up. Baseline full-scale IQ, educational level, and family history of Alzheimer's disease failed to predict decline. These findings suggest that although age is the strongest decline predictor in some people with age-associated memory impairment, self-perception of memory function may also predict subsequent cognitive loss.
Effect of macronutrient composition on postprandial peptide YY levels.

Background: Peptide YY (PYY) is released from the distal small intestine and colon after meals and reduces appetite by increasing satiety. The amount of PYY released is proportional to calories ingested. Fat ingestion has also been reported to stimulate PYY release. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether macronutrient composition influences postprandial serum PYY levels by comparing 1 wk of a weight-maintenance low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet with a low-fat, high-carbohydrate (LFHC) diet. Methods: In this randomized crossover study, 18 obese subjects (14 females, 4 males, mean body mass index 35.6 ± 2.9 kg/m2) were randomly assigned initially to 1 wk of a weight-maintenance LCHF or LFHC diet, after which a test meal of identical composition was given and serum PYY levels were assessed for 2.5 h postprandially. After a 1-wk washout period, subjects were crossed over and retested. Results: After 1 wk, mean postprandial area under the curve PYY after the LCHF test meal was 1.5-...
Protein and surface effects on monocyte and macrophage adhesion, maturation, and survival

Cell adhesion and maturation can be affected by the protein adsorption profile on the surface of an implanted biomaterial. In this study we have investigated how surface chemistry and adsorbed proteins can modulate monocyte and macrophage adhesion, IL-13-induced foreign-body giant cell formation, and apoptosis in vitro. Compared to a dimethylsilane-modified surface (DM), a surface modified with RGD peptides had no effect on adhesion density, foreign-body giant cell (FBGC) formation, or apoptosis in nondepleted serum conditions. The depletion of specific adhesive proteins affected adhesion, FBGC formation, and apo- ptosis. While the depletion of fibronectin and vitronectin had no overall effect compared to nondepleted serum conditions, the depletion of IgG from serum caused a significant decrease in initial adherent cell density [1000 +/- 200 compared to 2460 +/- 590 (p = 0.02)], a significant decrease in FBGC formation [2% compared to 17% (p = 0.02)], and a significant increase in the level of apoptosis [57% compared to 32% (p = 0.01)] on DM. The lowered initial adherent cell density on DM was not observed on the RGD surface, indicating that the RGD surface promotes increased initial adhesion. However, the RGD surface does not affect FBGC formation (i.e., macrophage fusion) or levels of apoptosis, which remained comparable to those on the DM surfaces at days 7 and 10.
Self-similar fractal sets: theory and procedure

The presented algorithm generates approximations of self-similar fractal sets. The algorithm is based on a pattern rewriting system that draws a geometric pattern repeatedly after suitable mappings. A program developed from the algorithm reproduces Mandelbrot's self-similar fractals. We begin by discussing fractals and dimension theory, then present the algorithm, and conclude by using fractal set theory to calculate the dimensions of self-similar sets from their generators. >
The interface between immiscible polymers studied by low-energy forward recoil spectrometry and neutron reflectivity

Abstract The superb depth resolution of low-energy, forward recoil, spectrometry, (LE-FRES), is demonstrated by measuring the interfacial profile between 1,4-polybutadiene (PB), and deuterated polystyrene (dPS), at 175°C. To enhance depth resolution, the top dPS layer is ‘thinned’ by ion sputtering, prior to LE-FRES analysis, to achieve a resolution of 13 nm at the interface. An interfacial width of 6.0±3.5 nm is measured. To compliment this study, neutron reflectivity (NR) is used to determine the interfacial volume fraction profile between PB and an isotopic mixture of polystyrene (dPS:PS) having a dPS volume fraction of 0.30. After annealing at 175°C, the interface broadens to 3.3 nm. However, no interfacial segregation of dPS or PS is observed suggesting that the difference between the PB–dPS and PB–PS interaction parameters (χ) is insufficient to drive interfacial segregation. Using a self-consistent field model (SCF) and known values of χ, the width is calculated to be 2.2 nm. By adding capillary wave broadening, this width increases to 2.8 nm, in better agreement with the NR value. In agreement with the NR measurement, the SCF model predicts no segregation of dPS or PS.
EMOTION REGULATION: INFLUENCES OF ATTACHMENT RELATIONSHIPS

Emotion regulation and quality of attachment are closely linked. It has been proposed here that one influence on individual differences in emotion regulation may be a child's attachment history. Individuals characterized by the flexible ability to accept and integrate both positive and negative emotions are generally securely attached; on the other hand, individuals characterized by either limited or heightened negative affect are more likely to be insecurely attached. While acknowledging the role of infant temperament, I have focused on the role of social factors in examining the link between emotion regulation and attachment. The approach to emotion regulation taken here--that emotion regulation is adaptive in helping a child attain her goals--is esentially a functionalist approach (Bretherton et al., 1986; Campos et al., 1983), consistent with earlier views of emotions as important regulators of interpersonal relationships (Charlesworth, 1982; Izard, 1977). It has been proposed that patterns of emotion regulation serve an important function for the infant: the function of maintaining the relationship with the attachment figure. Emotion regulation has been described as serving this function in two ways. First, the function of maintaining the relationship is thought to be served when infant emotion regulation contributes to the infant's more generalized regulation of the attachment system in response to experiences with the caregiver. Infants who have experienced rejection (insecure/avoidant infants) are thought to minimize negative affect in order to avoid the risk of further rejection. Infants whose mothers have been relatively unavailable or inconsistently available (insecure/ambivalent infants) are thought to maximize negative affect in order to increase the likelihood of gaining the attention of a frequently unavailable caregiver. Both these patterns of emotion regulation help ensure that the child will remain close to the parent and thereby be protected. Second, the function of maintaining the attachment relationship is thought to be served when the infant signals to the parent that she will cooperate in helping maintain the parent's own state of mind in relation to attachment. The minimizing of negative affect of the avoidant infant signals that the infant will not seek caregiving that would interfere with the parent's dismissal of attachment. The heightened negative emotionality of the ambivalent infant signals to the parent that the infant needs her and thus helps maintain a state of mind in which attachment is emphasized. The approach to emotion regulation presented here is congruent with much work examining the socialization of emotions (Lewis & Saarni, 1985; Thompson, 1990).
Veno-occlusive disease in snow leopards (Panthera uncia) from zoological parks.

Livers from 54 snow leopards, 4 days to 23 years old, that had died in 23 US zoos, were evaluated histopathologically to determine if the hepatic fibrosis, which has been noted to be prevalent in this species, was due to chronic active hepatitis from hepadnaviral infection, Ito cell proliferation, or hemosiderosis. Forty­ two of 54 snow leopards had subintimal vascular fibrosis with partial or total occlusion ofcentral and sublobular veins (veno-occlusive disease) ofunknown origin. All 21 leopards older than 5 years were affected. Four leopards had chronic active hepatitis, and 12 leopards had cholangiohepatitis; but these lesions were not connected anatomically to central and sublobular venous fibrosis. Hepatocellular and Kupffer cell siderosis and Ito cell proliferation were prevalent and often coexisted with perisinusoidal, central, and sublobular venous fibrosis; but fibrosis was present in leopards without siderosis or Ito cell proliferation. The pattern and prevalence of veno-occlusive disease in these leopards was similar to that reported in captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), suggesting that a common extrinsic factor may cause the majority of hepatic disease in these large felid animals in captivity.
Extracellular Vesicles from Bovine Follicular Fluid Support Cumulus Expansion

Expansion of the cumulus complex surrounding the oocyte is critical for ovulation of a fertilizable egg. The ovulation-inducing surge of luteinizing hormone leads to an increased expression of genes such as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2), pentraxin-related protein 3 (Ptx3), and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 6 (Tnfaip6) that support cumulus expansion. Factors released by mural granulosa and cumulus granulosa cells into the follicular fluid induce paracrine signaling within the follicular compartment. The follicular fluid that separates these distinct granulosa cell types is an enriched fluid containing numerous proteins, nucleic acids, and other macromolecules. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are also present; however, no physiologically relevant functions of follicular EVs have yet been demonstrated. In our study, the effect of follicular EVs on cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) expansion and relevant gene expression was assayed. Follicular EVs were isolated using ultracentrifugation from follicular fluid of small (3-5 mm) and large (>9 mm) antral bovine follicles, then characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, electron microscopy, and Western blot analysis. To test for bioactivity, mouse and bovine COCs were cultured with follicular EVs. Cumulus expansion and Ptgs2, Ptx3, and Tnfaip6 gene expression were measured following COC maturation culture. The results demonstrated that follicular EVs can support both measurable cumulus expansion and increased gene expression.
7 – Lesbian Health Research

Health care organizations and providers who attempt to meet the needs of lesbians typically do so without the benefit of formal training and professional experience with lesbian clients. Studying lesbian health should result in knowledge that is useful for improving the health status and health care of lesbians, and knowledge of how the health of lesbians differs from that of other women may provide insights to improve the health of all women. Uncovering the reality, or lack of reality, behind various myths about lesbians and countering misconceptions about their health risks may lead to improved health outcomes for these women. Identification of health risks faced by lesbians and learning how their risks may differ from those of other women will assist lesbians and health providers in their efforts to prevent unwanted conditions and promote healthy lives for this underserved population. As interest in research about lesbian health continues to build, various public and private organizations are beginning to respond. The initiation of new journals dedicated to lesbian health studies or to lesbian health within the broader context of general lesbian studies addresses another critical component of the emerging lesbian health research infrastructure.
Visualized decision making: development and applications of information visualization techniques to improve decision quality of nursing home choice

An individual’s decision to place a close family member in a nursing home is both difficult and crucial. To assist consumers with such a decision, several initiatives have led to the creation of public websites designed to communicate quality indicators for nursing homes. However, a majority of consumers fail to fully utilize this information for various reasons, such as the multidimensionality, complexity, and uncertainty of the information. Some of the difficulties may be alleviated by information visualization (InfoVis) techniques. However, several unsuccessful attempts in applying InfoVis to decision making suggest that a thorough understanding of the user’s perspective is necessary. Accordingly, the author has developed an InfoVis tool for the decision domain of choice of a nursing home. First, a framework of overarching InfoVis and decision theories, called the “visualized decision making (VDM)” framework, has been developed and contextualized within the selection of a nursing home. Second, a decision-support tool using several InfoVis techniques such as the weighting slider bar and the distribution view have been designed for application within the framework, and the designed tool, called “VDM,” was implemented. Third, VDM was empirically tested through a webbased experiment and follow-up interviews. The results of this study showed that individuals faced with the decision of selecting a nursing home could make fairly high quality decisions when they used VDM. Though the effects of proposed InfoVis techniques were not evident, this study provided the theoretical framework and empirical results which may help other designers of InfoVis techniques because this work addresses several issues consumers face when choosing a nursing home that can be generalized to other decision making contexts.