cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continued improvement in survival in multiple myeloma: changes in early mortality and outcomes in older patients

Therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) has markedly changed in the past decade with the introduction of new drugs, but it is not clear whether the improvements have been sustained. We studied 1038 patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2010, grouping patients into two 5-year periods by diagnosis, 2001-2005 and 2006-2010. The median estimated follow-up for the cohort was 5.9 years with 47% alive at the last follow-up. The median overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 5.2 years: 4.6 years for patients in the 2001-2005 group compared with 6.1 years for the 2006-2010 cohort (P=0.002). The improvement was primarily seen among patients over 65 years, the 6-year OS improving from 31 to 56%, P<0.001. Only 10% of patients died during the first year in the latter group, compared with 16% in the earlier cohort (P<0.01), suggesting improvement in early mortality. The improved outcomes were linked closely to the use of one or more new agents in initial therapy. The current results confirm continued survival improvement in MM and highlight the impact of initial therapy with novel agents. Most importantly, we demonstrate that the improved survival is benefitting older patients and that early mortality in this disease has reduced considerably.
Comparison of the College Alumnus Questionnaire Physical Activity Index with Objective Monitoring

Abstract Purpose Two methods of measuring physical activity (PA) were compared over a consecutive 7-day period among 25 adults (12 men and 13 women). Methods Each day estimates of energy expended in light, moderate, vigorous, and total PA were derived from the simultaneous heart-rate motion sensor (HR+M) technique. At the end of the 7-day period participants completed the College Alumnus Questionnaire Physical Activity Index (CAQ-PAI) and results were compared with HR+M technique estimates. Results Correlations between the two methods in the four activity categories ranged from r = 0.20 to r = 0.47, with vigorous and total PA showing higher associations than light and moderate PA. Mean levels of PA (MET-min·wk −1 ) obtained using the two methods were similar in the moderate and vigorous categories, but individual differences were large. Energy expended in light PA was significantly underestimated on the CAQ-PAI, resulting in lower total activity scores on this questionnaire as compared with the HR+M. Conclusions The CAQ-PAI accurately reflected mean moderate and vigorous activity in comparison with the HR+M technique. The results are consistent with other studies which have shown that physical activity questionnaires are better at assessing vigorous PA than ubiquitous light-moderate activities.
Sensitivity of early mouse embryos to methylmercury toxicity.

Abstract The sensitivity of early mouse embryos to mercury toxicity was studied in vitro by treating them with methylmercuric chloride (MMC) and examining their developmental potential. It was found that MMC exerted acute effects at high concentrations (1 to 2 μ m ) by arresting preimplantation development or by collapsing blastocoels. At a lower concentration (0.5 μ m ), MMC did not affect preimplantation development but interfered with development of the inner cell mass (ICM). The acute effect of MMC was most severe on blastocysts and least severe on morulae. When blastocysts were treated for 24 hr, 95 and 100% of them collapsed during treatment with MMC at 1 and 2 μ m , respectively. Most of the collapsed blastocysts did not develop any further. By contrast, 32% (not significantly different from control) and 50% of morulae failed to develop into blastocysts during treatment with 1 and 2 μ m MMC, respectively. The sensitivity of two-cell and four- to eight-cell embryos to the acute effect of MMC fell between that of morulae and blastocysts: When they were treated with 2 μ m MMC, none of the embryos developed into blastocysts, but at an MMC concentration of 1 μ m , 64% of two-cell embryos and 73% of four- to eight-cell embryos failed to form blastocysts. Delayed effects of MMC on trophoblast outgrowth and ICM development were also least severe after treatment of morulae but similar after treatment at all other stages. When two-cell embryos were exposed to MMC for 3 days or when late blastocysts were exposed for 5 days, 0.25 or 0.125 μ m , respectively, was sufficient to interfere with development of the ICM. These results indicated that early mouse embryos are highly sensitive to mercury toxicity and that the sensitivity changes as they develop.
Family Presence in the Adult Burn Intensive Care Unit During Dressing Changes

Objectives To improve communication, discharge readiness, and satisfaction of burn patients and their families. Methods In March 2009, the burn intensive care unit at University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, incorporated family presence during dressing changes. Adverse family events during observation, measures of patient- and family-centered care according to a standardized patient satisfaction survey, infection rates, and staff members' response to the intervention were tracked. Results Through December 2011, no adverse family events occurred, patients' satisfaction scores increased, and infection rates did not increase. Staff members responded positively to the project. Conclusions Allowing family presence during dressing changes provides an opportunity to educate and include patients' family members in care delivery.
EFFECT OF MAGNETIC FIELD ON THE STRUCTURE OF HIGH-SPEED FLOWS

The eight-wave ideal magnetohydrodynamics(MHD) equationsare extended to two dimensions and applied to a blunt two-dimensional body at hypersonic speeds. Several developments are reported on. 1) The two-dimensional governing equations of ideal MHD equations are derived in the generalized coordinate system. 2) A set of eigenvectors associated with the system of equations is developed for the implementation of the numerical scheme. 3) A solution is obtained for a blunt two-dimensionalbody at hypersonic speed. 4) The effect of themagnetic  eld on the  ow eld structure is investigated.When the external magnetic  eld is activated, the solution indicates an increase in shock standoff distance and a corresponding decrease in total pressure. Furthermore, a contact discontinuity around the nose region is generated, and the  ow loses symmetricity along the body axis. The numerical scheme used is themodi ed Runge–Kutta scheme with the total variationdiminishingmodel augmented as a postprocessor approach at each time level.
Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in estrogen receptor α-positive breast cancer cells in vitro induces an in vivo molecular phenotype of estrogen receptor α-negative human breast tumors

Breast cancer presents as either estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) positive or negative, with ERalpha+ tumors responding to antiestrogen therapy and having a better prognosis. By themselves, mRNA expression signatures of estrogen regulation in ERalpha+ breast cancer cells do not account for the vast molecular differences observed between ERalpha+ and ERalpha- cancers. In ERalpha- tumors, overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or c-erbB-2, leading to increased growth factor signaling, is observed such that mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (MAPK) is significantly hyperactivated compared with ERalpha+ breast cancer. In ERalpha+/progesterone receptor-positive, estrogen-dependent MCF-7 breast cancer cells, we stably overexpressed EGFR or constitutively active erbB-2, Raf, or MAP/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase, resulting in cell lines exhibiting hyperactivation of MAPK, estrogen-independent growth, and the reversible down-regulation of ERalpha expression. By global mRNA profiling, we found a "MAPK signature" of approximately 400 genes consistently up-regulated or down-regulated in each of the MAPK+ cell lines. In several independent profile data sets of human breast tumors, the in vitro MAPK signature was able to accurately distinguish ER+ from ER- tumors. In addition, our in vitro mRNA profile data revealed distinct mRNA signatures specific to either erbB-2 or EGFR activation. A subset of breast tumor profiles was found to share extensive similarities with either the erbB-2-specific or the EGFR-specific signatures. Our results confirm that increased MAPK activation causes loss of ERalpha expression and suggest that hyperactivation of MAPK plays a role in the generation of the ERalpha- phenotype in breast cancer. These MAPK+ cell lines are excellent models for investigating the underlying mechanisms behind the ERalpha- phenotype.
Energy and exergy analysis of an efficient organic Rankine cycle for low temperature power generation

SYNOPSIS This paper presents and discusses the performance of an advanced Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) using a heated chemical instead of steam as found in the typical Rankine Cycle. Chemicals used are the new quaternary refrigerant mixtures that are environmentally-friendly and have efficient thermodynamic properties at low and medium waste heat temperatures compared to other organic and non-organic fluids. This mixture boils at extremely low temperatures and is capable of capturing waste heat at temperatures less than 150°F (65°C). The quaternary mixture is formulated from R-125/R-123/R-124/R-134a and its composition can be varied to best recover heat at temperatures from less than 150°F (65°C) to 900°F (482°C). In this paper energy and exergy analysis have been presented for the behaviour of the quaternary refrigerant mixture in ORC and compared to other fluids. Results showed that at this temperature range waste heat is recovered and power is produced at efficiencies significantly higher than other flu...
Latent constructs in psychosocial factors associated with cardiovascular disease: An examination by race and sex

Introduction: This study examines race and sex differences in the latent structure of a wide range of psychosocial measures and whether the identified factors are related to self-reported history of coronary heart disease (CHD). Materials and Methods : The sample included 4,128 participants of the Chicago Health and Aging Project. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with oblique geomin rotation was used to identify latent factors among 10 psychosocial measures. Multi-group comparisons of the EFA model were conducted using exploratory structural equation modeling. Measurement invariance was defined by a difference in the CFI of less than 0.01. For invariant factor(s), a factor-based scale score was created. Differences in mean scale scores across race-sex subgroups were tested with analysis of variance and Sheffe’s test. Logistic regression was used to test the relationship between the factor score(s) and CHD adjusting for relevant confounders. Effect modification of the relationship by race-sex subgroup was tested. Results : A two-factor model fit the data well (CFI=0.986; TLI=0.969; RMSEA=0.039). Factor I was comprised of depressive symptoms, neuroticism, perceived stress, and low life satisfaction. Factor II was comprised of social engagement, spirituality, social networks, and extraversion. Only Factor I, renamed Distress, showed measurement invariance across subgroups, although the level of Distress varied by race and sex. Distress was significantly related to report of CHD (odds ratio: 1.37; p-value < 0.0001). This effect did not differ by race or sex (interaction p-value=0.43). Conclusions: This study found two underlying latent constructs among a large range of psychosocial variables, but only one, Distress, was validly measured across race-sex subgroups. This construct was also robustly related to prevalent CHD, highlighting the potential importance of latent constructs as predictors of cardiovascular disease.
Monte Carlo simulation of Markov unreliability models

Abstract A Monte Carlo method is formulated for the evaluation of the unrealibility of complex systems with known component failure and repair rates. The formulation is in terms of a Markov process allowing dependencies between components to be modeled and computational efficiencies to be achieved in the Monte Carlo simulation. Two variance reduction techniques, forced transition and failure biasing, are employed to increase computational efficiency of the random walk procedure. For an example problem these result in improved computational efficiency by more than three orders of magnitudes over analog Monte Carlo. The method is generalized to treat problems with distributed failure and repair rate data, and a batching technique is introduced and shown to result in substantial increases in computational efficiency for an example problem. A method for separating the variance due to the data uncertainty from that due to the finite number of random walks is presented.
Resolving uncertainty in automotive feature interactions

The modern automobile is a complex electronic system with a number of features providing functionalities for driver and passenger convenience, control of the vehicle, and safety of the occupants. As new features are developed and introduced into the automobile, they interact with already existing features, sometimes resulting in undesirable behaviours. These undesirable interactions are often detected very late in the development cycle, or sometimes even in the field. This introduces uncertainty in the system development process as changes to address these interactions often result in a cascading series of changes whose scope is difficult to predict. This paper presents a method and algorithms for identifying and resolving feature interactions early in the development life-cycle by addressing the problem at the level of requirements specifications. We have applied this method successfully in the automotive domain and present a case study of detecting and resolving feature interactions.
Noninvasive cerebral oxygenation may predict outcome in patients undergoing aortic arch surgery

Objectives Surgical repair of the aortic arch remains technically challenging and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Cerebral oximetry is a noninvasive technology that can monitor the regional oxygen saturation of the frontal cortex. We hypothesized that magnitude and duration of decreased intraoperative regional oxygen saturation was associated with postoperative organ dysfunction. Additionally, we sought to identify regional oxygen saturation threshold values that are predictive of organ dysfunction. Methods The intraoperative regional oxygen saturation values of 30 patients undergoing aortic arch surgery were recorded and analyzed. Postoperative complications were categorized as “major” and “minor.” Severe adverse outcome, extubation time, intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital length of stay data were collected and compared with the integrals of regional oxygen saturation and time (area under the threshold) spent beneath predetermined absolute threshold limits. Results Twenty subjects underwent hemiarch replacement, and 10 subjects received total aortic arch replacements. There were 30 major and 29 minor complications identified. Sixteen (53.3%) patients had at least 1 major complication. Logistic regression showed statistically significant associations between area under the threshold and severe adverse outcome incidence for regional oxygen saturation thresholds of 60% ( P = .038) and 65% ( P = .025). Patients who spent more than 30 minutes under the absolute threshold of 60% had an extended hospital stay of 4 days leading to an additional cost of $8300.00. Conclusions Our findings lend evidence to support the association of decreased perioperative cerebral oxygenation values with poor outcomes after aortic arch surgery.
Null Lagrangians, admissible tractions, and finite element methods

Abstract The principle of virtual work in elastostatics is shown to imply the principle of minimum potential energy whenever the applied tractions obtain as natural Neumann data associated with a null Lagrangian. Tractions of this kind are referred to as variationally admissible, and are those for which finite element methods may be applied directly. The most general null Lagrangian for elastostatic problems is shown to be generated by 15 functions of the independent variables and the displacements (current configuration variables), and this representation remains valid both for linear and nonlinear elasticity. Explicit representations are given for all null Lagrangians and all variationally admissible tractions, the general form of a null Lagrangian being a third-degree polynomial in the configuration gradients. Explicit application to finite element formulations of elastostatic problems is given. A model problem of a Sturm-Liouville system with nonlinear Neumann data at one end is given in the appendix as an assist to the reader.
Surface Mass Spectrometry at the Submicrometer Scale

We report here a first application of elemental mass analysis on surface nanostructures by coincidence ion mass spectrometry (CIMS). The nanostructures under investigation are silver particles on aluminum silicate substrates. This system is used as a catalyst and is made by depositing silver metal and promoters, including cesium promoter, on the surface of preformed aluminum silicate pellets. In this study our goal is to determine the relative concentration of cesium on the surface of the silver particles. We compared results obtained from samples of a freshly prepared and of a used catalyst. The selective characterization of the particles via CIMS is compared with conventional secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Three mass spectra were obtained on both types of samples: a normal one and spectra of secondary ions coemitted with silver ion and cesium ion, respectively. We show that the concentration of cesium in the surface layer of the silver particles is the same for the freshly prepared and for the...
Molecular characterization of Sarcocystis neurona strains from opossums (Didelphis virginiana) and intermediate hosts from Central California

Sarcocystis neurona is a significant cause of neurological disease in horses and other animals, including the threatened Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). Opossums (Didelphis virginiana), the only known definitive hosts for S. neurona in North America, are an introduced species in California. S. neurona DNA isolated from sporocysts and/or infected tissues of 10 opossums, 6 horses, 1 cat, 23 Southern sea otters, and 1 harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) with natural infections was analyzed based on 15 genetic markers, including the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) region; the 25/396 marker; S. neurona surface antigen genes (snSAGs) 2, 3, and 4; and 10 different microsatellites. Based on phylogenetic analysis, most of the S. neurona strains segregated into three genetically distinct groups. Additionally, fifteen S. neurona samples from opossums and several intermediate hosts, including sea otters and horses, were found to be genetically identical across all 15 genetic markers, indicating that fatal encephalitis in Southern sea otters and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses is strongly linked to S. neurona sporocysts shed by opossums.
Mouse RC/BTB2, a member of the RCC1 superfamily, localizes to spermatid acrosomal vesicles.

Mouse RC/BTB2 is an unstudied protein of the RCC1 (Regulator of Chromosome Condensation) superfamily. Because of the significant remodeling of chromatin that occurs during spermiogenesis, we characterized the expression and localization of mouse RC/BTB2 in the testis and male germ cells. The Rc/btb2 gene yields two major transcripts: 2.3 kb Rc/btb2-s, present in most somatic tissues examined; and 2.5 kb Rc/btb2-t, which contains a unique non-translated exon in its 5′-UTR that is only detected in the testis. During the first wave of spermatogenesis, Rc/btb2-t mRNA is expressed from day 8 after birth, reaching highest levels of expression at day 30 after birth. The full-length protein contains three RCC1 domains in the N-terminus, and a BTB domain in the C-terminus. In the testis, the protein is detectable from day 12, but is progressively up-regulated to day 30 and day 42 after birth. In spermatids, some of the protein co-localizes with acrosomal markers sp56 and peanut lectin, indicating that it is an acrosomal protein. A GFP-tagged RCC1 domain is present throughout the cytoplasm of transfected CHO cells. However, both GFP-tagged, full-length RC/BTB2 and a GFP-tagged BTB domain localize to vesicles in close proximity to the nuclear membrane, suggesting that the BTB domain might play a role in mediating full-length RC/BTB2 localization. Since RCC1 domains associate with Ran, a small GTPase that regulates molecular trafficking, it is possible that RC/BTB2 plays a role in transporting proteins during acrosome formation.
The Colorimetric Assay of Digitoxin by the Modified Raymond Method

Abstract Digitoxin, when treated in dilute solution with m ‐dinitrobenzene and sodium hydroxide, produces a blue color which can be estimated accurately in a photoelectric colorimeter. The method is particularly useful in the assay of tablets and ampuls of digitoxin. Necessary equipment employed in the test is described. A comparison of the results by this method and those by the U. S. P. cat method is made. The color developed is not specific, but it serves as a quantitative measure if admixture with other cardiac glycosides is not anticipated.
Demand for Fresh Vegetables in the United States: 1970–2010

This paper analyzes a demand system for eight major fresh vegetables in the USA using the most recently available dataset (1970–2010). A first-differenced Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System (LA-AIDS) is applied to estimate price and expenditure elasticity of demand, imposing homogeneity and symmetry restrictions. We find that not only are consumers responsive to changes in own-prices but they also respond significantly to changes in prices of other fresh vegetables that are consumed together. Conditional budget share allocation to lettuce, cabbage, and celery has declined, while the share of the consumer dollar going to tomatoes, peppers, and onions has increased over the period. Except for cabbage, all own-price elasticity estimates are negative, less than unity in absolute value, and statistically significant. About half of the 56 cross-price elasticities are negative and significant, indicating high, albeit asymmetric, complementarities among these fresh vegetables. Expenditure elasticities are positive and significant for all but one of these eight vegetables. Over the period under consideration, demand and expenditure elasticities remained fairly stable.
Orientation Relaxation in Sheared Polystyrene Melts Measured by 13C SMAS-DECODER NMR

The slow magic angle spinning DECODER NMR technique is used to study the evolution of the orientation distribution function of phenyl rings in polystyrene during stress relaxation following cessation of steady shear flow. Natural abundance 13 C is detected in commercial samples of polystyrene sheared at Weissenberg numbers of 33 and 3.3. Moments up to eighth order in a spherical harmonic expansion are used to characterize the steady-state distributions, and the orientational order is observed to decrease as the relaxation proceeds. Contour plots of the orientation distribution function as a function of time are reconstructed from the experimentally determined moments of the distribution. The results emphasize the resolution required to characterize fully the orientation distribution function in deformed polymers.
Direct measurement of carbon monoxide bound to different subunits of hemoglobin A in solution and in red cells by infrared spectroscopy.

Abstract Infrared spectra for carbon monoxide bound to α and β subunits of human hemoglobin A have subunit differences near 1950 cm −1 and indicate that 92% of the α subunits exist in one conformer and 5% in a second conformer under conditions where 99% of the β subunit is in only one conformation. The sum of the separated subunit spectra is equivalent to the α 2 β 2 tetramer spectrum. CO infrared spectra indicate that CO displaces O 2 from HbO 2 in red cells or in solution preferentially at the β subunits. The measurement of C-O stretch bands provides a direct method for characterization of ligand binding sites within intact cells.
Simultaneous binding of coenzyme-competitive inhibitors of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase

Abstract Multiple inhibition studies of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (alcohol:NAD oxidoreductase, E.C. I.I.I.I) were carried out using as inhibitor pairs various combinations of n -alkylammonium chlorides with adenylic acid and adenosine diphosphoribose, and N 1 -alkylnicotinamide chlorides with adenylic acid and adenosine diphosphoribose. Inhibitors interacting with the enzyme at the “pyridinium ring” region of the NAD binding site were demonstrated to be bound to the enzyme simultaneously with adenine derivatives. A pronounced positive interaction was observed in the simultaneous binding of adenine and nicotinamide derivatives, suggesting a possible ring-ring interaction in the positioning of these inhibitors on the enzyme. N 1 -Alkyl-nicotinamide chlorides are bound simultaneously with NADH to yeast alcohol dehydrogenase and do not effectively inhibit the enzyme-catalyzed reduction of acetaldehyde. The studies presented suggest a different mode of binding to yeast alcohol dehydrogenase for the oxidized and reduced pyridine moieties of the coenzymes, NAD and NADH.
Histologically Measured Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Correlates with Body Height as Strongly as with Body Mass Index

Cardiac myocytes are presumed to enlarge with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This study correlates histologically measured myocytes with lean and fat body mass. Cases of LVH without coronary heart disease and normal controls came from forensic autopsies. The cross-sectional widths of myocytes in H&E-stained paraffin sections followed log normal distributions almost to perfection in all 104 specimens, with constant coefficient of variation across the full range of ventricular weight, as expected if myocytes of all sizes contribute proportionately to hypertrophy. Myocyte sizes increased with height. By regression analysis, height2.7 as a proxy for lean body mass and body mass index (BMI) as a proxy for fat body mass, exerted equal effects in the multiple correlation with myocyte volume, and the equation rejected race and sex. In summary, myocyte sizes, as indexes of LVH, suggest that lean and fat body mass may contribute equally.
Strategic defense initiatives at Los Alamos National Laboratory

This presentation reviews the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) programs at Los Alamos National Laboratory, noting especially the needs for and applications of optics and optical technologies. Table I lists the various activities at Los Alamos contributing to SDI programs. The principal, nonnuclear SDI programs are: 1) the free-electron laser, and 2) neutral particle beams. Both should be considered as potential long-range-kill systems, but still in the futuristic category.
Understanding Nurse Perceptions of a Newly Implemented Electronic Medical Record System

Nurses are the frontline of healthcare; however, there has been little theoretically-driven research on their acceptance of information technology use in care delivery. This research utilized the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model to understand how hospital nurses perceived the implementation of a new electronic medical record (EMR) system. This study used mix methods. The survey responses indicated that social influence and performance expectancy were significant factors in system adoption. Effort expectancy did not have a significant influence on the intention to use the EMR. The interviews were utilized to better understand these results. The UTAUT model highlighted factors that are important to nurses during an EMR deployment and can help in future implementations of technology in healthcare.
Acid soluble nuclear proteins of rat liver: differential absorbance of bound dyes and changes in neoplasia.

Summary Evidence was obtained for the presence in several hepatomas of a minor histone previously reported to be absent in tumors. The concentration of this protein was inversely related to hepatoma growth rate. Comparison of light absorbance by bound dyes showed that the protein appeared to be a minor component of acid soluble nuclear proteins when stained with Amido Black or Fast Green but a major component when stained with Coomassie blue.
Alcohol use disorders identification test: factor structure in an adolescent emergency department sample.

Background: This study examined whether the factor structure of a modified version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) represented the three intended conceptual domains of consumption, dependence symptoms, and alcohol-related consequences in an adolescent sample. Additionally, the utility of factor-specific cut scores in identifying patients with DSM-IV alcohol diagnoses was investigated. Methods: Adolescents treated for an injury in an emergency department and who reported alcohol use in the last year (n= 173; 57% male, 72% white) constituted the study sample. A modified version of the AUDIT and the alcohol section of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children were administered. The AUDIT's factor structure was determined by confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory principal components analysis. Factor-specific cut scores that identified adolescents with a DSM-IV alcohol diagnosis were determined by using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: A two-factor model representing consumption and dependence/consequences provided the best fit to the data. A cut score of 3 on the consumption factor and a cut score of 1 on the dependence/consequences factor demonstrated optimal performance in identifying patients with alcohol diagnoses. The consumption factor had better overall performance compared with the dependence/consequences factor, and it had similar overall performance compared with the AUDIT total score. Conclusions: The AUDIT comprised two correlated factors: consumption and dependence/consequences. The better performance of the consumption factor in detecting adolescents with DSM-IV alcohol diagnoses suggests the utility of including consumption items in brief alcohol screens used with adolescents. Results also indicate the need to identify developmentally appropriate alcohol-related problems to enhance screening performance among adolescents.
Unusual redox stability of neptunium in the ionic liquid [Hbet][Tf2N]

The behavior of neptunium in the ionic liquid betaine bistriflimide, [Hbet][Tf2N], has been studied spectroscopically at room temperature and 60 °C for the first time. An unprecedented complex redox chemistry is observed, with up to three oxidation states (IV, V and VI) and up to six Np species existing simultaneously. Both redox reactions and coordination of betaine are observed for Np(IV), (V) and (VI). Elevating the temperature accelerates the coordination of Np(V) with betaine and reduction reactions slow down.
CONTINGENT VALUATION OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ROCKY INTERTIDAL ECOSYSTEMS

Designation as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can protect coastal ecosystems, but apparently has not effectively protected the rocky intertidal zone in urban Southern California. Here, illegal collecting and habitat dis- turbance harm coastal marine life. We surveyed day visitors to sandy beaches or adjacent rocky habitats in Orange County. Using the close-ended, double-bounded contingent valuation method, we estimate the benefit of more effective enforcement and management of MPAs designed to avoid coastal ecosys- tem decay. We solve the problem of sample selection bias, introduced by the likelihood that the sample disproportion- ately includes respondents who visit more frequently and who may have a higher willingness to pay (WTP). We estimate the WTP for enacting policies to reduce illegal collecting and on- site habitat disturbance to average $6 per family-visit. Our estimate is consistent with other studies that estimate con- sumer surplus at $15 per person-trip for nearby, lower quality beaches, and extrapolates from other studies to $3.6 $4.8 mil- lion per mile of coastline.
Prevalence and trends of insulin resistance, impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes.

Abstract Objective Our aim was to measure the prevalence and time trends of diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and insulin resistance in the United States during the periods 1988–1994 and 1999–2002. Materials and methods Data were derived from two nationally representative samples of the adult U.S. population collected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys of 1988–1994 (n=18,800) and 1999–2002 (n=10,283). We compared these two samples with respect to the following outcomes: previously diagnosed diabetes defined by self-report; undiagnosed diabetes defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dl; impaired fasting glucose defined as fasting plasma glucose 100–125 mg/dl; and insulin resistance calculated using the homeostasis model assessment as {[fasting serum insulin (μU/ml)]×[fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L)]/22.5}. Results The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased from 5.5% in 1988–1994 to 6.8% in 1999–2002 (change 1.3%, 95% confidence interval 0.5–2.1). Little change occurred in the adjusted prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes (from 3.0 to 3.0%) and impaired fasting glucose (from 26.2 to 26.9%). Mean insulin resistance and the proportion with high insulin resistance increased significantly both among normoglycemic persons (mean: from 2.0 to 2.2; proportion >2.35: from 26.2 to 32.2%) and among persons with undiagnosed diabetes or impaired fasting glucose (mean: from 4.0 to 4.5; proportion >4.4: from 24.8 to 31.1%). In 1999 to 2002, diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes were most common in non-Hispanic blacks, whereas impaired fasting glucose was most common in Mexican Americans. Conclusions Diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and insulin resistance are common in the United States and their prevalence continues to increase.
Importance of vasomotor tone to myocardial function and regional metabolism during constant flow ischaemia in swine

Study objective – The aim was to test the hypothesis that the release of vascular tone with adenosine during constant flow ischaemia alters both transmural function and regional metabolism in a detrimental way. Design – In one group of anaesthetised swine, the effects of graded reductions of flow on segmental left ventricular function, myocardial oxygen consumption (MVo2), and lactate production in the distribution of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) were determined. In a second group, a model of constant flow ischaemia was induced to test how altering vascular tone with adenosine changed the relationship of flow, function, and metabolism. Experimental material – The experiments were performed in 20 open chest, anaesthetised swine. Protocol A consisted of 11 animals and protocol B of nine animals. Measurements and main results – In protocol A, during graded ischaemia, reductions in flow, % systolic wall thickening (WTh), normalised MVo2 and % lactate extraction (%LE) correlated well with reductions in coronary perfusion pressure when fitted with 3rd order polynominal curves (r = 0.78, 0.87, 0.85 and 0.81 respectively; p<0.0000l). In protocol B, during constant flow ischaemia, at control, % WTh was 33 (SD 11)%, mean coronary artery pressure was 72(10) mm Hg, mean LAD transmural flow was 0.99(0.43) ml·min−1·g−1, and % LE was +14(9)%. With inflation of a hydraulic occluder on the LAD, perfusion pressure was lowered to 38(5) mm Hg and transmural flow dropped to 0.76(0.31) ml·min−1·g−1 (intact vasomotion). During an infusion of intracoronary adenosine with flow held constant (absent vasomotion), %WTh was further reduced from 27(9) to 13(10) (p<0.00l), and %LE from −18(42) to −70(61) (p<0.05). MVo2 with and without vasomotion did not differ significantly at 3.14(0.75) and 3.18(0.86) ml·min−1·g−1 respectively . Conclusion – In swine coronary circulation, reductions in regional function, MVo2 and lactate production correlate well with reductions in flow and perfusion pressure during ischaemia with vasomotor tone intact. The effect of adenosine on vascular tone during constant flow ischaemia caused dramatic reductions in function and lactate extraction without altering MVo2. This emphasises the important role of vascular tone in protecting both transmural function and regional metabolism during moderate ischaemia.
Seven transmembrane receptors: something old, something new

Receptors for hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs, sensory stimuli and many other agents represent the gateway to cellular metabolism and activity. They regulate virtually all physiological processes in mammals. Yet as recently as 40 years ago their very existence was still in question. One class of receptors, those coupled to G proteins (also known as GPCRs or seven transmembrane receptors) comprise by far the largest group (approx. 1000), and are the most important target of clinically used drugs. Here I provide a very personal retrospective of research over the past 35 years which ultimately led to the identification, purification, reconstitution and cloning of the adrenergic receptors; the discovery of their homology with the seven transmembrane spanning visual light receptor rhodopsin and the realization that there was a large gene family of G protein coupled receptors; the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of receptor desensitization and signalling through G protein-coupled receptor kinases and beta-arrestins; and the appreciation that the structure, signalling, and regulatory mechanisms of the receptors are all highly conserved across the large receptor superfamily.
Metropolitan Wordsworth: Allegory as Affirmation and Critique in The Prelude

In this essay, I contest the view of recent historicist and New Historicist critics that the London books of The Prelude feature a “conservative view” of the city and capitalism. I argue that Wordsworth does not flee the social variety and perceived chaos of London in preference for his bourgeois domestic retreat in Grasmere. However, nor do I suggest that Wordsworth offers a “proto-Marxist” critique of capitalism. Instead, I show that the use of allegory in The Prelude enables Wordsworth not only to convey the alienating character of the city (and the law of the market dominating it), but also to explore London’s affective and imaginative potential. I argue that Wordsworth affirms the city and nature, and that his critique of certain aspects of London cannot be reduced to any ideological position – Burkean or Painite, for example.Drawing on Adorno’s claim that the successful work of art “transcends false consciousness”, I submit that Wordsworth’s commitment to the autonomy of the aesthetic reflects a distinctly undogmatic politics (“Lyric” 214). Embodied solely as art, Wordsworth’s critique balks at any instrumental realisation. Opposing the anti-aesthetic bent of some historicist writers, I argue that Wordsworth’s art is permanently adversarial and does not harden into either a political manifesto or false consciousness. Simultaneously affirmatory and critical, The Prelude is relatively free of ideological prejudice in its exploration of the full diversity of feeling.
Revelation of p53-independent function of MTA1 in DNA damage response via modulation of the p21 WAF1-proliferating cell nuclear antigen pathway.

Although metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1), a component of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex, is a DNA-damage response protein and regulates p53-dependent DNA repair, it remains unknown whether MTA1 also participates in p53-independent DNA damage response. Here, we provide evidence that MTA1 is a p53-independent transcriptional corepressor of p21WAF1, and the underlying mechanism involves recruitment of MTA1-histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) complexes onto two selective regions of the p21WAF1 promoter. Accordingly, MTA1 depletion, despite its effect on p53 down-regulation, superinduces p21WAF1, increases p21WAF1 binding to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and decreases the nuclear accumulation of PCNA in response to ionizing radiation. In support of a p53-independent role of MTA1 in DNA damage response, we further demonstrate that induced expression of MTA1 in p53-null cells inhibits p21WAF1 promoter activity and p21WAF1 binding to PCNA. Consequently, MTA1 expression in p53-null cells results in increased induction of γH2AX foci and DNA double strand break repair, and decreased DNA damage sensitivity following ionizing radiation treatment. These findings uncover a new target of MTA1 and the existence of an additional p53-independent role of MTA1 in DNA damage response, at least in part, by modulating the p21WAF1-PCNA pathway, and thus, linking two previously unconnected NuRD complex and DNA-damage response pathways.
Electron kinetics and non-Joule heating in near-collisionless inductively coupled plasmas

Electron kinetics in an inductively coupled plasma sustained by a coaxial solenoidal coil is studied for the near-collisionless regime when the electron mean free path is large compared to the tube radius. Emphasis is placed on the influence of the oscillatory magnetic field induced by the coil current and the finite dimension of the plasma on electron heating and formation of the electron distribution function (EDF). A nonlocal approach to the solution of the Boltzmann equation is developed for the near-collisionless regime when the traditional two-term Legendre expansion for the EDF is not applicable. Dynamic Monte Carlo (DMC) simulations are performed to calculate the EDF and electron heating rate in argon in the pressure range 0.3--10 mTorr and driving frequency range 2--40 MHz, for given distributions of electromagnetic fields. The wall potential ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathrm{w}}$ in DMC simulations is found self-consistently with the EDF. Simulation results indicate that the EDF of trapped electrons with total energy \ensuremath{\varepsilon}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathrm{w}}$ is almost isotropic and is a function solely of \ensuremath{\varepsilon}, while the EDF of untrapped electrons with \ensuremath{\varepsilon}ge${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathrm{w}}$ is notably anisotropic and depends on the radial position. These results are in agreement with theoretical analysis.
FanLens: A Visual Toolkit for Dynamically Exploring the Distribution of Hierarchical Attributes

Radial, space-filling visualization is very useful for representing the distribution of attributes in hierarchical data; however it also suffers from its drawbacks in terms of view transition, context preservation, thin slices, flexibility and large sized data support. To address these problems, we propose FanLens, an enhancement upon existing approaches with new features like incremental layout and fisheye distortion based selecting. This visual toolkit also features dynamic hierarchy specification, dynamic visual property mapping, smooth animation, etc. We illustrate the effectiveness of our technique with two examples of case study and results from informal user experiments.
Behavioral treatment of obesity: a two-year follow-up

Abstract D ata obtained from a two-year follow-up of 10 obese women treated via behavioral methods is presented. Failure to obtain lasting results was noted, and reasons for this failure suggested. Implications of these data for investigators in the area of obesity were discussed. A review of the recent literature indicates a number of studies with encouraging results obtained via the behavioral treatment of obesity (Hall and Hall, unpublished). However, long-term follow-up data are generally lacking. This lack of long-term data is especially troublesome in the area of obesity. With regard to traditional treatment methods, such as drugs, psychotherapy, and nutritional counseling, it has generally been noted that those overweight individuals who complete a course of treatment, and who lose weight, regain the weight lost (Stunkard and McClaren-Hume, 1958) Within the literature on the behavioral treatment of obesity, only one study (Stuart, 1967) has provided weight data for as long as 1 year after initiation of treatment Stuart's data indicated a gradual loss of weight over the year. However, these data did not reflect S 's ability to control weight following termination of treatment, for during the year, follow-up sessions were scheduled monthly, and thus, therapist contact was available. The present paper, in an attempt to fill the need for long-term follow-up data, presents data obtained 2 years after the termination of a behavioral treatment program. None of the S s had been in contact with the therapist since the termination of the study 2 years earlier.
Nests in Banach space

Let X be a complex Banach space, and L(X) the algebra of all bounded linear operators on X. A nest is a totally ordered lattice of subspaces of X. A nest is complete if it contains (0) and X and is closed under the formation of arbitrary closed linear spans and intersections. We will say a nest is a nest of complemented subspaces if it is complete and its members are the ranges of a uniformly bounded and commutative set of projections in L(X). The set of operators in L(X) which leave invariant each of the subspaces in a nest ,M” is called a nest algebra and denoted Alg AN. It might be expected that many of the properties of nest algebras in Hilbert space which make sense in Banach space carry over to the Banach space case. The main purpose of this article is to show that this is not so and to raise some questions which may warrant further study. Terms and notation not defined here are taken from [S]. I express my gratitude to Dr. John Erdos who introduced me to nest algebras and suggested the problems examined here, and to Professor David Larson for his helpful comments after reading the first draft of this manuscript.
An analysis of landscape penetration by road infrastructure and traffic noise

Abstract The rapidly expanding road infrastructure and vehicular traffic worldwide has been increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the global biodiversity crisis. An important question for mitigating this effect concerns the quantification of the rate and extent of road-induced penetration of the landscape. However, such an assessment has been largely lacking, especially at the landscape level. The article introduces a GIS-based metric to measure the amount of space un-penetrated by roads and vehicular traffic at the landscape level: Effective Roadless Volume (ERV). ERV is based on measuring the shortest distance between any location and the nearest road and on quantifying the propagation of traffic noise over the landscape. ERV is illustrated by analyzing the rate and extent of human penetration on the landscape in Dakota County, one of the seven counties that make up the greater Twin Cities Metropolitan Region of Minnesota. The results indicate that by as early as 1937 the county had already consumed as much as 65% of its roadless space. Between 1937 and 2007, roadless space declined further by approximately 39% and 26% with and without traffic noise, respectively. The reduction in roadless space showed strong regional differences, with the highest reduction occurring in places where the rate of urban growth and vehicular traffic noise was the highest. The sensitivity of the approach to the size, shape, and spatial configuration of roads as well as to traffic noise suggests that the approach can serve as an important planning tool for reconciling conservation and development in a wide range of contexts.