cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of wages on smoking decisions of current and past smokers

Abstract Purpose We used longitudinal data and instrumental variables (IVs) in a prospective design to test for the causal effects of wages on smoking prevalence among current and past smokers. Methods Nationally representative U.S. data were drawn from the 1999–2009 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Our overall sample was restricted to full time employed persons, aged 21–65 years. We excluded part time workers and youths because smoking and wage correlations would be complicated by labor supply decisions. We excluded adult never smokers because people rarely begin smoking after the age of 20 years. IVs were created with state-level minimum wages and unionization rates. We analyzed subsamples of men, women, the less educated, the more educated, quitters, and backsliders. Validity and strength of instruments within the IV analysis were conducted with the Sargan-Hansen J statistic and F tests. Results We found some evidence that low wages lead to more smoking in the overall sample and substantial evidence for men, persons with high school educations or less ( Conclusions Increases in an individual's wages, independent of other income, decreased the prevalence of smoking among current and past smokers.
Effect of gamma radiation on total tocopherols in fresh chicken breast muscle.

Chicken breasts were irradiated in air with a (137)Cs source at 0.0., 1.0, 3.0, 5.6 and 10.0 kGy at 0-2°C. The fresh muscle tissue was saponified and the total tocopherols were isolated and quantitated using normal phase high performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. Gamma irradiation of the chicken resulted in a decrease in alpha tocopherol with increasing dose. At 3 kGy and 2°C, the radiation level approved by the FDA to process poultry, there was a 6% reduction in the alpha tocopherol level. No significant changes were observed for gamma tocopherol.
Identifying the regional thermal-IR radiative signature of mineral dust with MODIS

[1] We use MODIS Terra Level 1B data containing calibrated and geolocated radiances to investigate a regional signature of wind-blown mineral dust in the thermal-IR. MODIS data over oceans for the 2000–2004 time period were examined for the presence of dust plumes that originate from the main dust sources located in East and South Asia, Middle East, Northern Africa, and Australia. A number of representative cases for different source regions were selected and analyzed in terms of brightness temperatures at three IR channels centered at 8.55, 11.03, and 12.02 μm. The distinct differences in the thermal-IR signature of atmospheric dust for the considered regions were found. Our analysis indicates that these differences are likely due to different mineralogical composition, although other factors (e.g., multilayered vertical distribution) may be also involved. Implications of our findings to the detection of dust based on the techniques using brightness temperature differences are discussed.
Electrochemical immunosensors for interleukin-6. Comparison of carbon nanotube forest and gold nanoparticle platforms

Electrochemical immunosensors based on single wall nanotube (SWNT) forests and 5 nm glutathione-protected gold nanoparticles (GSH-AuNP) were developed and compared for the measurement of human cancer biomarker interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum. Detection was based on sandwich immunoassays using multiple (14-16) horseradish peroxidase labels conjugated to a secondary antibody. Performance was optimized by effective blocking of non-specific binding (NSB) of the labels using bovine serum albumin. The GSH-AuNP immunosensor gave a detection limit (DL) of 10 pg mL(-1) IL-6 (500 amol mL(-1)) in 10 muL calf serum, which was 3-fold better than 30 pg mL(-1) found for the SWNT forest immunosensor for the same assay protocol. The GSH-AuNPs platform also gave a much larger linear dynamic range (20-4000 pg mL(-1)) than the SWNT system (40-150 pg mL(-1)), but the SWNTs had 2-fold better sensitivity in the low pg mL(-1) range.
Effects of anterior pituitary hormones on hepatic corticosterone metabolism in rats.

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of anterior pituitary hormones on hepatic corticosterone metabolism in rats. Hypophysectomy lowered A-ring reduction but did not affect sidechain metabolism. Administration of prolactin, FSH, LH or FSH + LH to hypophysectomized rats affected neither process. Similarly, ACTH or growth hormone, when given alone, did not affect corticosterone metabolism. However, combined treatment with ACTH and growth hormone significantly reduced the rate of ring A metabolism, suggesting that hormonal interactions may be important in the control of hepatic steroid metabolism.
Does an optimal firm size exist for publicly traded US hotels

This study examines whether or not there is an optimal firm size for publicly traded US hotels. More specifically, the study tests a threestage relationship based on economies and diseconomies of scale: the first stage, in which firm value increases as firm size increases; the second stage, in which firm value remains constant as firm size increases beyond the first stage; and the third stage, in which firm value decreases as firm size transcends the second stage. The study uses the Newey�West heteroskedasticity and the autocorrelation consistent (HAC) standard errors estimation in pooled regression analysis. Findings partially support the proposed relationship.
Economic Consequences of Marital Dissolution for Hispanics

Abstract This study is concerned with the economic well-being of Hispanic divorced men and women. A cross-sectional data set of GSS Hispanic respondents for 1972-'94 is used. Family incomes of divorced women and men are compared with their married counterparts for five SES categories. For females, incomes of divorced persons were lower than incomes of married persons; for males no significant difference appeared. Family incomes were regressed against a set of four control variables and a marital status variable. The marital status variable was statistically significant for three of the five SES categories for females. This was not true for males. Policy and clinical implications are considered.
Why development fails: The evaluation gap in Nepal's subsistence agriculture☆

Abstract The rationality of farmer decision-making within traditional environments is widely accepted. This paper introduces a conceptual model for delineating interactions among income, employment and nutrition that explain in large part the living standards in a developing agricultural economy. Given farmer rationality, any development effort requires intervention to remove barriers among these components of the standard of living. A case study of Nepal shows that promotion of horticultural crops and government investment in infrastructure and education could dramatically improve living standards even under traditional agricultural production technology. However, the government did not correctly identify barriers to the long-run realization of these goals until recently. The study concludes that the rationality of government programmes themselves must be subjected to additional scrutiny.
Interfacial Reactions of Ozone with Surfactant Protein B in a Model Lung Surfactant System

Oxidative stresses from irritants such as hydrogen peroxide and ozone (O_3) can cause dysfunction of the pulmonary surfactant (PS) layer in the human lung, resulting in chronic diseases of the respiratory tract. For identification of structural changes of pulmonary surfactant protein B (SP-B) due to the heterogeneous reaction with O_3, field-induced droplet ionization (FIDI) mass spectrometry has been utilized. FIDI is a soft ionization method in which ions are extracted from the surface of microliter-volume droplets. We report structurally specific oxidative changes of SP-B_(1−25) (a shortened version of human SP-B) at the air−liquid interface. We also present studies of the interfacial oxidation of SP-B_(1−25) in a nonionizable 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (POG) surfactant layer as a model PS system, where competitive oxidation of the two components is observed. Our results indicate that the heterogeneous reaction of SP-B_(1−25) at the interface is quite different from that in the solution phase. In comparison with the nearly complete homogeneous oxidation of SP-B_(1−25), only a subset of the amino acids known to react with ozone are oxidized by direct ozonolysis in the hydrophobic interfacial environment, both with and without the lipid surfactant layer. Combining these experimental observations with the results of molecular dynamics simulations provides an improved understanding of the interfacial structure and chemistry of a model lung surfactant system subjected to oxidative stress.
Characterization of Extruded Plant Protein and Petroleum-Based Packaging Sheets

ABSTRACT Extruded packaging sheets (EPS) were manufactured from wheat gluten (WG) or sorghum flour (SF) in combination with (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) low density polyethylene (LDPE) or metallocene-catalyzed ethylene-butene copolymer (MCEBC), and plasticized successfully with sorbitol at a weight ratio of 1:1. Physical analyses were used to characterize the extruded packaging materials. Tensile strengths and elongations of the sheets significantly decreased as the WG or SF increased. Sheets formulated with ≈1:1:2 wheat gluten, sorbitol, and MCEBC exhibited similar elastic properties compared with a 100% MCEBC sheet. Young's modulus and percent elongation at break values decreased as WG-sorbitol or SF-sorbitol level increased in the EPS.
Combined expression trait correlations and expression quantitative trait locus mapping.

Coordinated regulation of gene expression levels across a series of experimental conditions provides valuable information about the functions of correlated transcripts. The consideration of gene expression correlation over a time or tissue dimension has proved valuable in predicting gene function. Here, we consider correlations over a genetic dimension. In addition to identifying coregulated genes, the genetic dimension also supplies us with information about the genomic locations of putative regulatory loci. We calculated correlations among approximately 45,000 expression traits derived from 60 individuals in an F2 sample segregating for obesity and diabetes. By combining the correlation results with linkage mapping information, we were able to identify regulatory networks, make functional predictions for uncharacterized genes, and characterize novel members of known pathways. We found evidence of coordinate regulation of 174 G protein–coupled receptor protein signaling pathway expression traits. Of the 174 traits, 50 had their major LOD peak within 10 cM of a locus on Chromosome 2, and 81 others had a secondary peak in this region. We also characterized a Riken cDNA clone that showed strong correlation with stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 expression. Experimental validation confirmed that this clone is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism. We conclude that trait correlation combined with linkage mapping can reveal regulatory networks that would otherwise be missed if we studied only mRNA traits with statistically significant linkages in this small cross. The combined analysis is more sensitive compared with linkage mapping alone.
Closed-loop snowplow applicator control using road condition measurements

Closed-loop control of a snowplow applicator, based on direct measurement of the road surface condition, is a valuable technology for the optimisation of winter road maintenance costs and for the protection of the environment from the negative impacts of excessive usage of de-icing chemicals. To this end, a novel friction measurement wheel is designed to provide a continuous measurement of road friction coefficient, which is, in turn, utilised to control the applicator automatically on a snowplow. It is desired that the automated snowplow applicator deploy de-icing materials right from the beginning of any slippery surface detected by the friction wheel, meaning that no portion of the slippery road surface should be left untreated behind, as the snowplow travels over it at a reasonably high speed. This paper describes the developed wheel-based measurement system, the friction estimation algorithm and the expected performance of the closed-loop applicator system. Conventional and zero velocity applicators ...
Dual regulation of atrial natriuretic factor-dependent guanylate cyclase activity by ATP.

Abstract The ‘second messenger’ of certain atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) signals is cyclic GMP. One type of ANF receptor linked to the synthesis of cyclic GMP is a transmembrane protein which contains both the ANF-binding and guanylate cyclase activities. The consensus is that the maximal activity or this guanylate cyclase is observed in the presence of ATP. We now show that depending upon the cofactors Mg 2+ or Mn 2+ , ATP stimulates or inhibits the ANF-dependent guanylate cyclase activity in the testicular plasma membranes; stimulation in the presence of Mg 2+ and inhibition in the presence of Mn 2+ . With Mg 2+ as cofactor neither ATP nor ANF stimulate the cyclase activity — it is only when the two are together that the enzyme is activated. Furthermore, this investigation for the first time demonstrates binding of ATP to the ANF receptor guanylate cyclase, suggesting that ATP-mediated responses could occur by direct ATP binding to the cyclase.
Generation of variable and fixed length siRNA from a novel siRNA expression vector

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression vectors using a Pol III promoter fall into two categories, vectors with a single Pol III promoter that express small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and vectors with two head-to-head (convergent) Pol III promoters that express siRNA. There are technical difficulties in preparing convergent siRNA vectors from cDNA. Here, we report construction of a novel convergent siRNA expression vector, pTHUB. Two XcmI sites were inserted between opposing Pol III promoters. After linearization with XcmI, pTHUB has a single 3' A overhang at each end that allows direct cloning of partially DNase I digested cDNA fragments (20-30 bp) tailed with ddT. A derivative method for generating 19 bp siRNA in pTHUB is also described. The suppression efficiency of the pTHUB vector is comparable to those of conventional shRNA vectors. We have made a siRNA library from a single cDNA. The same approach can be used to construct whole-genome siRNA libraries from cellular cDNA.
Performing the Galileo mission using the S-band low-gain antenna

Following the failure of Galileo's X-band high-gain antenna to deploy in April 1991, an alternate approach which utilizes the spacecraft's S-band low-gain antenna has been conceived and is in development. This approach will enable the accomplishment of at least 70 percent of Galileo's original scientific objectives. Implementation is to be accomplished in two steps, called Phase 1 and Phase 2, each of which requires changes to both the Galileo spacecraft software and to the supporting ground systems. This paper presents an overview of the Galileo mission and describes in some detail the changes required to implement both phases and which are under development by the worldwide Galileo team. >
Using participatory methods to enhance patient‐centred mental health care in a federally qualified community health center serving a Mexican American farmworker community

Background Mexican American farmworkers experience high rates of mental health conditions; however, it is difficult for them to access care. Patient-centred care is a systems-wide approach to improving the delivery of services for diverse populations in the primary care setting. Aim We describe the application of community-based participatory research methods to assess and address gaps in perceptions of mental health care between providers and migrant workers living in a US–Mexico Border community. Setting A federally qualified health centre (FQHC) serving a community of approximately 60 000 agricultural workers who live in Yuma County and harvest vegetables during the winter season. Design We conducted patient focus groups (n = 64) and FQHC staff interviews (n = 16) to explore attributes and dimensions of patient-centred mental health care. Results Patients and staff both prioritized increased access to mental health care and patient-centred care, while patients were more concerned with interpersonal care and providers with coordination of care. All participants stressed the relationship between life events and mental health and the centrality of family in care. Patients also emphasized the importance of a good attitude, the ability to solve problems, positive family relationships and reliance on faith. Patients suggested that the FQHC inform patients about mental health resources, provide community informational talks to address stigma, and offer support groups. Discussion The participatory approach of this qualitative study resulted in a wealth of data regarding patient preferences that will enable the FQHC to develop protocols and training to provide patient-centred mental health-care services for their community.
The Effect of Computer-Mediated Collaborative Learning on Solving Ill-Defined Problems.

The positive effects of collaborative learning in a face-to-face environment are well known. However, little empirical research exists to determine if such effects transfer to a computer-mediated environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of computer-mediated collaboration on solving ill-defined problems. Participants first worked through a Web-based instructional program that taught them a four-step problem-solving process. Then they worked in computer-mediated dyads or alone to apply the steps to solve a realistic problem scenario. Results indicated that participants who worked in computer-mediated collaborative dyads performed significantly better than did participants who worked alone. The results also indicated that dyads spent significantly more time than participants in the individual treatment. Both treatment groups had positive attitudes toward working collaboratively, Internet-based instruction, and transfer of problem-solving skills. Implications for the implementation of computer-mediated collaboration in distance learning are discussed.
Logic modeling: a tool for management science

Abstract Developments in logic and in information technology (especially the advent of logic programming) have converged to the point at which logic is, for a broad variety of problems, a useful tool to employ for modeling in areas of interest to management scientists. This paper presents the concept of logic modeling (model building with symbolic logic) and reviews several lines of research having in common a logic modeling approach to problems of interest in management scientist.
Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations During Late Rehabilitation in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Borsheim E, Bui Q-UT, Wolfe RR. Plasma amino acid concentrations during late rehabilitation in patients with traumatic brain injury. Objectives To investigate whether the basal plasma amino acid concentrations in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have returned to levels found in healthy controls at about 17 months postinjury and to determine the effect of intake of a mixture of essential amino acids (EAA) on plasma amino acid concentrations in TBI versus healthy controls. Design Peripheral venous amino acid concentrations in subjects with TBI were compared with concentrations in healthy controls both at rest and for 1 hour after intake of 7g of EAA. Setting Postacute brain injury rehabilitation center. Participants Six men with TBI (age ± standard deviation, 27±6y; months postinjury, 17±4) and 6 healthy men (age, 43±7y). Intervention Intake of a drink consisting of 7g of EAA. Main Outcome Measures Individual and total plasma amino acid concentrations. Results Total amino acid concentration was about 12% lower in TBI versus controls ( P =.022). Valine was reduced by 33% in the TBI group versus controls ( P =.003), whereas the other EAA did not differ between groups. After intake of the EAA drink, plasma non-EAA increased to a significantly higher level in controls versus TBI subjects ( P =.017). Conclusions Plasma total amino acid concentration is still reduced 17 months postinjury in patients with TBI versus healthy controls, mainly because of a lower valine level. This may be of importance for both brain and muscle metabolic functions, and warrant further study. Further, ingested EAA are apparently not as readily converted to non-EAA in TBI patients as in healthy controls, suggesting that in recovery from TBI, certain non-EAA may become provisionally essential.
Multiscale methods for mechanical science of complex materials: Bridging from quantum to stochastic multiresolution continuum

Recent development in the multiscale method based on the bridging scale concept is presented with an emphasis on complex material systems. The bridging scale method (BSM) was originally proposed by Wagner and Liu (J. Comput. Phys. 2003; 190:249–274) as an effective way of treating the interface in coupled atomistic/continuum simulation. Since its publication, the BSM has become a very useful paradigm that has been applied to solve a host of problems in mechanical sciences of complex material systems. In this paper, we present a review on the recent developments. We first describe the application of BSM to the coupled atomistic/continuum simulation of dynamic fracture. The important extensions within the framework of space–time method and multiscale non-equilibrium molecular dynamics are then presented. We then focus on the multiresolution continuum theory that inherits the BSM concept in the analysis of heterogeneous material structures. Recent work of incorporating statistical factors into this model based on the concurrent nested homogenization of randomness of the material structures is highlighted. Finally, we present the use of the bridging scale concept in resolving the electron-mechanical coupling mechanism. The robustness of the BSM is demonstrated through many benchmark problems and application examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collaboration tools for multi-user CAD

Multi-user CAD systems developed at Brigham Young University allow simultaneous access and editing of CAD models by multiple users, bringing a “Google Docs”-type collaborative experience to CAD. This has shown great potential to increase collaboration in CAD workflows, including remote collaboration. While rudimentary tools for remote login and sharing screen views are available, their lack of CAD integration, excessive network bandwidth requirement and poor quality limit their adoption. This paper presents a CAD-integrated system that enables users to share individual CAD view and perspectives amongst the work group, offering superior collaborative user experience and reducing bandwidth usage by orders of magnitude compared to existing technology, which could dramatically increase the efficiency and quality of the design experience.
Inhibition of ascorbate autoxidation by the dialyzed soluble fraction of mammalian nervous tissues

Abstract The effect of the soluble fraction of mammalian nervous tissue was tested on the autoxidation of ascorbic acid in a physiological salt solution. Ascorbic acid was determined spectrophotometrically at 265 nm. Tissues tested were from humans and guinea pigs (ascorbate-dependent species); cats, rats and mice (ascorbate-synthesizing species). Samples representing the major anatomical areas of the CNS and adrenal glands were homogenized in phosphate buffer (10% w/v), centrifuged at 100, 100 g for 60 min and the supernatant was dialyzed in 25,000 mol.wt. cut-off tubing. The preparations produced basically uniform inhibitory activity: extracts at 10 4 -fold dilution reduced the rate of autoxidation by appropriately 90%. The effect was marginal at 5 × 10 4 -fold dilution. Serum samples displayed similar activity. The results indicate that mammalian nervous tissue and serum contain a substance of relatively large molecular weigt that stabilizes reduced ascorbic acid against oxidative breakdown.
Androgen receptor functional analyses by high throughput imaging: determination of ligand, cell cycle, and mutation-specific effects.

Background: Understanding how androgen receptor (AR) function is modulated by exposure to steroids, growth factors or small molecules can have important mechanistic implications for AR-related disease therapies (e.g., prostate cancer, androgen insensitivity syndrome, AIS), and in the analysis of environmental endocrine disruptors. Methodology/Principal Findings: We report the development of a high throughput (HT) image-based assay that quantifies AR subcellular and subnuclear distribution, and transcriptional reporter gene activity on a cell-by-cell basis. Furthermore, simultaneous analysis of DNA content allowed determination of cell cycle position and permitted the analysis of cell cycle dependent changes in AR function in unsynchronized cell populations. Assay quality for EC50 coefficients of variation were 5–24%, with Z’ values reaching 0.91. This was achieved by the selective analysis of cells expressing physiological levels of AR, important because minor over-expression resulted in elevated nuclear speckling and decreased transcriptional reporter gene activity. A small screen of AR-binding ligands, including known agonists, antagonists, and endocrine disruptors, demonstrated that nuclear translocation and nuclear ‘‘speckling’’ were linked with transcriptional output, and specific ligands were noted to differentially affect measurements for wild type versus mutant AR, suggesting differing mechanisms of action. HT imaging of patient-derived AIS mutations demonstrated a proof-of-principle personalized medicine approach to rapidly identify ligands capable of restoring multiple AR functions. Conclusions/Significance: HT imaging-based multiplex screening will provide a rapid, systems-level analysis of compounds/ RNAi that may differentially affect wild type AR or clinically relevant AR mutations.
Therapy for secondary mitral regurgitation: time to ‘cut the chord’?

Secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in patients with dilated or ischaemic cardiomyopathy and conveys an adverse prognosis associated with the degree of MR.1 The principal mechanism underlying the development of secondary MR is related to altered mitral valve geometry resulting from LV remodelling and distortion.1–3 LV dilation causes papillary muscle displacement, which in turn results in leaflet tethering, restricted closure and MR (figure 1).3 Although secondary MR is a common valvular problem, therapy remains problematic. Mitral ring annuloplasty most often performed at the time of coronary artery bypass surgery is the standard surgical therapy. However, the beneficial effects on overall survival of ring annuloplasty for secondary MR are unclear with a relatively high recurrence rate of moderate or greater secondary MR of approximately 30%. There is a need to explore alternate surgical approaches for secondary MR. Figure 1 Mechanism of secondary mitral regurgitation. Spatial relationship between mitral valve apparatus and LV in normal condition (left panel) and pathological condition (ie, secondary mitral regurgitation; right panel). Ao, aorta; LA, left atrium; MR, mitral regurgitation. Adapted from Hung,3 with permission from Elsevier. Tethering of the mitral leaflets, the fundamental mechanism in secondary MR, is effected through the basal chordae that attach to the basal and mid body of the anterior leaflet, often resulting in a bend of the anterior mitral valve leaflet, a sign coined by Alain Carpentier as the ‘seagull wing’.2 This bend in the anterior leaflet represents abnormal tethering by the basal chordae. Limited experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated efficacy in …
Modified Contactor for Experimental Studies of Mass Transfer and Chemical Reaction across a Liquid−Liquid Interface

A modified stirred-cell type contactor has been designed and tested for its use in experimental investigations of mass transfer and chemical reaction in liquid−liquid systems. Its design overcomes the shortcomings of previously proposed contactors. It is easy to operate and has the ability to investigate the effect of a wide range of operating conditions. The mixing performance of the contactor was tested using a dye injection and a tracer technique. Experiments to evaluate mass-transfer coefficients across a liquid−liquid interface have been conducted to determine its effectiveness. The results verified that the contactor could be successfully employed as a useful experimental research apparatus.
Dimensions of Opinion About Teacher-Pupil Relations.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure of an inventory designed to sample preservice teachers’ opinions about children’s nature and needs, classroom discipline, subject matter, and appropriate teacher behavior. Image component analysis yielded three interpretable factors. The first two factors, accounting for most of the variance, tend to confirm earlier findings that “progressivism” and “traditionalism” are independent attitudinal dimensions, rather than opposite poles of a single continuum.
Amino acids in pecan weevil, southwestern corn borer and tarnished plant bug, and at their feeding sites

Abstract 1. 1. Larvae of the pecan weevil, Curculio caryae (Horn) and the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella (Dyar), and nymphs of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot deBeauvois), were analyzed for essential and total amino acids. 2. 2. Kernels of pecan, Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, inner whorl of corn, Zea mays L., and pods of green bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., the feeding sites of these insects, were also analyzed for essential and total amino acids. 3. 3. Essential amino acids (tryptophan not measured) comprised 30–46% of the total amino acids. 4. 4. The relative abundance of each individual essential amino acid (percentage of total essential amino acids) in each insect was comparable to that in each host.
On the mechanism by which caffeine abolishes the fast rhythms induced by cardiotonic steroids

The abolition by caffeine of the arrhythmias induced by cardiotonic steroids was studied in canine Purkinje and ventricular muscle fibers and in guinea pig ventricular muscle perfused in vitro. Both the electrical and mechanical activity were recorded. The following results were obtained: (1) Caffeine (9 mM) quickly abolished the arrhythmias induced by strophanthidin (10(-6)M) in Purkinje fibers by inducing quiescence at a depolarized level; (2) A lower concentration of caffeine (3 mM) hastened the appearance of the arrhythmias by favoring the onset of spontaneous activity at a depolarized level but abolished the oscillatory potential at lower strophanthidin concentrations (2-5 X 10(-7)M); (3) Caffeine (9-10 mM) abolished the oscillatory potentials and after-contractions induced by cardiotonic steroids in ventricular muscle fibers; (4) Caffeine prevented the induction of oscillatory potentials and of arrhythmias by cardiotonic steroids; (5) In the presence of cardiotonic steroids and norepinephrine, the oscillatory potentials can induce fast discharge in myocardial fibers which is eliminated by caffeine; (6) High calcium and norepinephrine (singly or together) induce oscillatory potentials and after-contractions which are abolished by caffeine; (7) The elimination of the oscillatory potentials by caffeine in myocardial fibers is associated with the development of contracture. It is concluded that caffeine eliminates cardiac steroid-induced arrhythmias by quickly depolarizing Purkinje fibers and by eliminating the oscillatory potentials in myocardial fibers and (at suitable concentrations) also in Purkinje fibers.
Decoupled bands in odd-mass mercury isotopes

Abstract The schemes of the low-lying high-spin states in mercury isotopes with A = 195, 197, and 199 have been studied by γ-ray spectroscopy following ( α , x n) reactions on separated platinum targets. Two bands have been excited in each Hg nucleus, one with positive parity based on the isomeric i 13 2 . state and one, probably with negative parity, starting at spin case21 2 . The positive-parity states are interpreted with the rotation-aligned coupling scheme as decoupled bands; this implies oblate deformation in these three Hg isotopes. The negative-parity states are discussed as a decoupled i 13 2 neutron state coupled to the 5 − , 7 − , 9 − ,…states, recently discovered in doubly even mercury isotopes.
Effect of salmeterol on mucociliary and cough clearance in chronic bronchitis

The effect of long acting beta(2)-adrenergic bronchodilators on impaired mucociliary clearance in chronic bronchitis is unknown. Using a radiolabeled aerosol (technetium-99m-labeled sulfur colloid) and gamma camera analysis, we measured the acute effect of salmeterol vs. placebo on mucociliary and cough clearance in mild-moderate chronic bronchitics (n = 14) over a 2h period. During the 1-1(1/2) h period of observation patients performed 60 controlled coughs on each study day. Average whole lung clearance through 1 and 2h after administration of salmeterol (42 microg) or placebo via metered dose inhaler (double-blinded, crossover design study) showed no significant difference between treatments. Similarly, for the specific period when cough was added to mucociliary clearance, there was no difference on whole lung clearance between treatments. However, when clearance from the peripheral region of the lung was assessed over the entire 2h period of observation, salmeterol provided a 30% enhancement of airway clearance compared to placebo, average peripheral 2h clearance (%) = 22 +/- 9 vs. 17 +/- 10 for salmeterol vs. placebo (P = 0.05 by paired analysis). Thus, in addition to its bronchodilating effects, salmeterol acutely enhances peripheral airway clearance of secretions in mild-moderate chronic bronchitis.
USFKAD: An Expert System For Partial Differential Equations

The computation of the solution, by the separation of variables process, of the Poisson, diffusion, and wave equations in rectangular, cylindrical, or spherical coordinate systems, with Dirichlet, Neumann, or Robin boundary conditions, can be carried out in the time, Laplace, or frequency domains by a decision-tree process, using a library of eigenfunctions. We describe an expert system, USFKAD, that has been constructed for this purpose.
The use of prophylactic antibiotics in plastic surgery: update in 2010.

BACKGROUND The indications for prophylactic antibiotics in plastic surgery remain controversial. No recent survey has been reported on the use of prophylactic antibiotics by plastic surgeons in clinical practice. This survey was designed to assess the current use of prophylactic antibiotics by plastic surgeons and to compare trends with previous studies. METHODS All members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons with an e-mail address on the Society's website were contacted via an e-mail and sent a link to a SurveyMonkey questionnaire. To survey only in those subspecialty areas that they practice in, surgeons were queried only on the procedures that they perform. Within each section, a list of common representative procedures was included, with questions about the use of antibiotic prophylaxis. RESULTS A total of 3824 American Society of Plastic Surgeons members were contacted. Of the 3613, 910 with working e-mail addresses responded to the survey for a response rate of 25%. And 833 or 91.5% completed the survey. Survey data cover the percentage of surgeons reporting their use of antibiotics in procedures that they currently perform. The percentage of plastic surgeons who use prophylactic antibiotics in almost all procedures studied has increased significantly when compared with earlier studies. CONCLUSIONS The use of prophylactic antibiotics by plastic surgeons has increased considerably since the prior studies by Krizek et al (Plast Reconstr Surg. 1975;55:21-32 and 1985;76:953-963). Some of these uses are appropriate because of the use in procedures involving implants and longer operations. The elevated rates for clean procedures are not part of the evidence-based practice.
THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS IN MEN ON ANDROGEN DEPRIVATION THERAPY FOR ADVANCED CARCINOMA OF THE PROSTATE

ABSTRACTPurpose: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for advanced prostate cancer increases the risk of osteoporosis. Thus, the practicing urologist should be aware of the appropriate assessment and management. In this article we review the tests designed to diagnose osteoporosis as well as treatment options. We also review methods to monitor the response to therapy and make recommendations for management.Materials and Methods: We performed a MEDLINE (1966 to 2004) search for the terms male, osteoporosis, bone mineral density, prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy, bisphosphonates, estrogen and the combinations thereof. We then constructed a management algorithm based on the best evidence available.Results: Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of the hip is the gold standard test for osteoporosis. Biochemical markers of bone turnover are not suitable for diagnosis but they have been shown to be useful for monitoring the response to treatment. Smoking cessation, weight bearing exercise, and vitamin D an...
The coulometric determination of sulfur in silicon-iron

Abstract A coulometric method for the determination of sulfur in metallurgical products has been developed which meets the needs of production control of low sultur contents. The method is rapid and more precise than the conventional combustion technique.
Effects of Acute and Chronic Murine Norovirus Infections on Immune Responses and Recovery from Friend Retrovirus Infection

Murine norovirus (MNV) is a highly infectious but generally nonpathogenic agent that is commonly found in research mouse colonies in both North America and Europe. In the present study, the effects of acute and chronic infections with MNV on immune responses and recovery from concurrent Friend virus (FV) infections were investigated. No significant differences in T-cell or NK-cell responses, FV-neutralizing antibody responses, or long-term recovery from FV infection were observed. We conclude that concurrent MNV infections had no major impacts on FV infections.
Testosterone changes during the period of adolescence in male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Testosterone levels of 59 male rhesus monkeys were monitored over a period of 5 years. Longitudinal comparisons revealed consistent rises in mid-morning levels of circulating hormone in successive years from age 2.5 to 6.5 years of age, whereas cross-sectional comparisons failed to detect significant differences among the older subjects. The first mid-morning hormonal elevation could be detected in some males as young as 2.5 years of age, whereas other males showed no detectable rises until age 5.5 years. Males showing first rises at later ages did not show hormonal levels consistently below age peers who had shown earlier rises. Extreme month-to-month variability and a failure to manifest the seasonal normal curve of fully adult males was characteristic of younger males, but some of these males, nonetheless, proved capable of fertilizing females. Although hormonal and agonistic dominance measures failed to show consistent correlations, the alpha male in an age cohort significantly more often had the highest testosterone levels. These data are used to argue that adolescence is a process that takes place over several years and that classification of adolescent animals as adults, based on a single criterion like fertility, has confounded many prior studies involving cross taxa comparisons as well as developmental variables.
Sodium responsiveness of central alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The responsiveness of central nervous system alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the neural control of renal function was compared in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) on normal or high sodium intake (3-4 weeks of 1% NaCl for drinking). The responsiveness of central alpha 2-adrenergic receptors was determined by comparing among groups the dose-response curves for the effects of cumulative intracerebroventricular injections of guanabenz (5, 25, and 125 micrograms) on changes in mean arterial pressure, renal sympathetic nerve activity, and urinary sodium excretion. Guanabenz altered mean arterial pressure similarly in SHR on normal or high sodium intake and in WKY on normal or high sodium intake. High sodium intake shifted the guanabenz-renal sympathetic nerve activity and guanabenz-urinary sodium excretion dose-response curves to the left in SHR and to the right in WKY. The dose-response curves between SHR and WKY on normal sodium intake were similar. Surgical renal denervation or pretreatment with an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist (rauwolscine, 30 micrograms i.c.v.) attenuated the ability of guanabenz to inhibit renal sympathetic nerve activity or increase urinary sodium excretion in SHR and WKY on either normal or high sodium intake. We conclude that the responsiveness of central nervous system alpha 2-adrenergic receptors regarding the neural control of renal function is increased by high sodium intake in conscious SHR, but not in conscious normotensive WKY.
Effect of P and Mn on growth response and uptake of Fe, Mn and P by sorghum

The effects of P and Mn on growth response and uptake of Fe, Mn and P by grain sorghum were investigated using nutrient culture. High P and Mn concentrations in solution (greater than 40 and 1 mg/l for P and Mn, respectively) markedly reduced plant height and shoot and root dry weight of 4-week-old sorghum plants. High Mn concentrations in solution increased the concentrations of Mn and P in shoot tissue and uptake of Mn, but depressed the uptake of P. High levels of P enhanced Mn uptake by sorghum and accentuated Mn toxicity at low Mn levels. The tissue Fe and total uptake of Fe were both reduced markedly by the high levels of P and Mn concentrations in solution. The increases of P, Mn and Fe concentrations in root tissue with a concomitant decrease of Fe in shoots suggested that the translocation of Fe from roots to shoots was hindered under high P and Mn conditions. Since coating occurred on root surfaces and intensified with increasing Mn concentrations in the substrate, part of the reduction of Fe in shoots could be attributed to the formation of high valent manganese oxides on the root surfaces which may retain Fe and reduce its absorption by sorghum.
Evaluating a campaign to detect early stage breast tumors in the United States.

Growing concern over failure to detect early stage breast cancer has led communities across the United States to participate in the Breast Cancer Awareness Month program. This program mobilizes local public and private institutions, particularly the media, to reach a large audience each October with information on salutary behaviors, including screening, and on resources that can assist newly motivated audiences to adopt the behaviors. Although the scholarly literature includes no assessments of the effect of the program on the actual detection of early stage breast tumors, similar programs targeting other illnesses (e.g., AIDS) are quickly emerging. We attempt such an assessment by applying time-series designs to 92 quarters (beginning January, 1975) of data obtained from cancer registries in the Atlanta and Detroit metropolitan areas as well as in the San Francisco Bay Area. We find that the detection of in situ and local breast tumors increased in all three communities during the quarters that included Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We conclude that community mobilization may have its intended benefit but suggest that community organizers not ignore unintended costs including the emotional and physical sequelae of false positives.
An example of non-uniqueness in the theory of quasi-linear elliptic equations of second order

However, little if anything is known about the uniqueness of these solutions, except when the equation is independent of u. I t has not even been known if an equation of the form (t) can ever have two solutions with the same boundary values. In this paper I give examples in all dimensions of equations with nonunique solutions. 1 The equations are uniformly 'elliptic and analytic, the coefficients depend only on x and u, and the solutions are analytic functions in the closed domain under consideration. GILBARG ~ SERRIN [11 first introduced and used the equation
Subjective assessments of personal mobility: What makes the difference between a little and a lot?

Using survey data collected from 1358 commuting workers in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1998, this paper empirically explores the determinants of individuals' subjective assessments of their mobility (measured on a five-point ordinal scale, for 10 different categories of travel). Linear regression was used to identify the relative importance of reported mobility in explaining the variance of the dependent variables. A variety of personal factors were also found to significantly influence such assessments: personality traits, travel-related attitudes, lifestyle characteristics, and affinity for travel. The study provides insight into the way individuals mentally process the amount of travel they do, which will increase our understanding of travel behavior and its motivations.
Corporate governance and firm cash holdings in the US

Using governance metrics based on antitakeover provisions and inside ownership, we find that firms with weaker corporate governance structures actually have smaller cash reserves. When distributing cash to shareholders, firms with weaker governance structures choose to repurchase instead of increasing dividends, avoiding future payout commitments. The combination of excess cash and weak shareholder rights leads to increases in capital expenditures and acquisitions. Firms with low shareholder rights and excess cash have lower profitability and valuations. However, there is only limited evidence that the presence of excess cash alters the overall relation between governance and profitability. In the U.S., weakly controlled managers choose to spend cash quickly on acquisitions and capital expenditures, rather than hoard it.
Responses to Scenarios That May Provoke Acts of Conflict and Aggression Among the General Public: An Exploratory Study

The purpose of this article is to use empirical research and theory to investigate the context that may provoke individuals to engage in acts of conflict and aggression. A random sample of the general public from a midsouthern state was surveyed to explore this inquiry. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of reaction to a number of situations that often lead people to engage in conflict and/or aggression with other people. Several sociodemographic factors served as control variables in the study. The findings of the Pearson product-moment correlations suggest that respondents were more likely to report that they would respond more aggressively as the situations presented to them were perceived as being more physically threatening to them and/or their loved ones. Also, gender and age were the most significant predictors of engagement in acts of conflict and aggression in the multiple ordinal least squares regression analyses. Strengths and drawbacks of the study and direction of future research are also discussed.