cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of decent work across time: Testing propositions from Psychology of Working Theory

Abstract The goal of the current study was to examine longitudinal relations among predictors of decent work within Psychology of Working Theory (PWT). Data were collected from a large group of employed adults (N = 1540) at three-time points over six months. Multilevel modeling was used to test for the between and within-person effects of four predictor variables (economic constraints, marginalization experiences, work volition, career adaptability) on decent work. Significant between and within-person effects on decent work existed for all four predictor variables. However, within-person effects of economic constraints and marginalization on work volition and career adaptability were nonsignificant. These findings indicate that when considering sample level averages (between-person effects), theory consistent effects were found in connecting these variables across time. Work volition, in particular, was the most robust predictor of decent work and was the most robust mediator connecting economic constraints and marginalization experiences to decent work. When considering individual participant variability across time (within-person effects), it appears that changes from mean scores in structural and psychological factors both predict fluctuations in decent work. However, psychological factors do not mediate the effects of structural factors. Implications for research, practice, and theory are discussed. Public significance statement This is the first known study to examine how specific variables may relate to the securement of decent work over time. Findings suggest that feeling a sense of choice in one's career is most predictive of viewing one's job as decent. However, changes in an individual's perception of economic constraints and marginalization may also affect perceptions of decent work.
Awake Self-Prone Positioning: Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Prone positioning is a well-known beneficial intervention for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, hospitals rapidly adapted prone positioning for acutely ill patients into a new process: awake self-prone positioning. Could a large health care system safely and rapidly implement awake self-prone positioning in COVID-19 units to prevent respiratory failure from progressing among a surge of inpatients? REVIEW OF EVIDENCE: The team extensively reviewed the literature. Using evidence from 22 case reports, peer-reviewed standards, and studies, they developed an awake self-prone positioning guideline. IMPLEMENTATION: The guideline was implemented in April 2020 in critical care and COVID-19 units. Multimodal education included a concise guideline and real-time support from intensive care unit nurses, clinical nurse specialists, and nursing professional development specialists. EVALUATION: Awake self-prone positioning was a new procedure, and relevant data were obtained from the electronic medical record. From March 18 to August 5, 2020, 1000 COVID-19-related admissions occurred; 272 patients had a high-flow nasal cannula, 111 (41%) of whom had documentation of awake self-prone positioning. SUSTAINABILITY: This guideline is now an established part of COVID-19 care and has been integrated into practice in units caring for patients with the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses adapted quickly to using awake self-prone positioning as a plan of care for hypoxic patients. This practice may help hospitals adjust care delivery for these patients and effectively maintain patients in non-intensive care units. (Critical Care Nurse. Published online April 13, 2021).
A Case of Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1b in Pregnancy

Introduction: Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) type 1b is characterized by target organ resistance to PTH leading to hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia in the setting of elevated PTH due to abnormal imprinting that affects the regulatory elements of GNAS1. It poses challenges in management during pregnancy and lactation. We report the case of a patient who was diagnosed with PHP type 1b while pregnant. Case Presentation: A 30 year old woman, 16 weeks pregnant was referred for the evaluation of hypocalcemia. She had a history of traumatic fracture of her lower extremity and hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine. She was noted to have hypocalcemia 1 year prior during routine labs. Family history was significant for hypothyroidism in her sister. On physical examination, she did not have phenotypic features of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy except for short stature. Before pregnancy her labs were significant for Ca 8.1 mg/dL(8.6–10.2), iCa 4.2 mg/dL(4.8–5.6), iPTH 289 pg/mL (14–64), creatinine 0.6 mg/dL(0.8–1.2), 25 vitamin D 22 ng/mL and 24 hr urine Ca 80 mg/24 hr (65-250mg). She was started on a combination of calcium citrate and carbonate 600 mg daily and vitamin D 1000 units daily. Labs while pregnant showed Ca 8.1 mg/dL, iCa 4.1 mg/dL, iPTH 184 pg/mL, PO4 4.9 mg/dL(2.5–3.5), 1,25 Vitamin D 53 pg/mL(18–72) and 25 Vitamin D 38 ng/mL. She had mild paresthesia and muscle cramps. Calcium supplements were increased to 1800 mg daily. While the urine Ca increased to 315 mg/24 hr, other biochemical parameters did not improve. Given her low Ca, high iPTH, high PO4, normal GFR and 25 vitamin D, PHP was suspected. Genetic testing showed loss of methylation at GNAS locus down to 5% (NL >43%) Diagnosis of PHP type 1b was made. Her Ca decreased the next months to a nadir of 7.9 mg/dL despite increased doses of calcium up to 1200 mg BID. Calcitriol 0.25 mcg BID was added. The rest of her pregnancy the serum Ca stayed between 8.1–8.6 mg/dL. She delivered a boy. At birth his Ca was 8.0 mg/ dL and PTH 81pg/mL. Genetic testing showed 41% methylation of GNAS. While breast feeding her Ca was 9.4 mg/dL, her calcitriol and calcium supplements were decreased. She continues to do well on calcium 630 mg daily and calcitriol 0.25 mcg daily with serum Ca between 8.5–8.8 mg/dL. Conclusion: The literature on PHP in pregnancy is scarce due to its rarity and the management is challenging due to altered calcium and vitamin D metabolism during pregnancy and lactation. The fetus draws calcium from maternal circulation and predisposes mother to hypocalcemia. Some patients may become normocalcemic during pregnancy due to placental secretion of 1,25 Vitamin D and PTHrp. There is also increased demand for calcium with lactation. There are genetic implications on the baby as it is inherited in an autosomal dominant mode. It is important to monitor calcium levels closely as there are multiple factors that could influence calcium metabolism in pregnancy.
Preferences for COVID-19 vaccine distribution strategies in the US: A discrete choice survey.

Background The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the US has been immensely successful in vaccinating those who are receptive, further increases in vaccination rates however will require more innovative approaches to reach those who remain hesitant. Developing vaccination strategies that are modelled on what people want could further increase uptake. Methods and findings To inform COVID-19 vaccine distribution strategies that are aligned with public preferences we conducted a discrete choice experiment among the US public (N = 2,895) between March 15 to March 22, 2021. We applied sampling weights, evaluated mean preferences using mixed logit models, and identified latent class preference subgroups. On average, the public prioritized ease, preferring single to two dose vaccinations (mean preference: -0.29; 95%CI: -0.37 to -0.20), vaccinating once rather than annually (mean preference: -0.79; 95%CI: -0.89 to -0.70) and reducing waiting times at vaccination sites. Vaccine enforcement reduced overall vaccine acceptance (mean preference -0.20; 95%CI: -0.30 to -0.10), with a trend of increasing resistance to enforcement with increasing vaccine hesitancy. Latent class analysis identified four distinct preference phenotypes: the first prioritized inherent "vaccine features" (46.1%), the second were concerned about vaccine "service delivery" (8.8%), a third group desired "social proof" of vaccine safety and were susceptible to enforcement (13.2%), and the fourth group were "indifferent" to vaccine and service delivery features and resisted enforcement (31.9%). Conclusions This study identifies several critical insights for the COVID-19 public health response. First, identifying preference segments is essential to ensure that vaccination services meet the needs of diverse population subgroups. Second, making vaccination easy and promoting autonomy by simplifying services and offering the public choices (where feasible) may increase uptake in those who remain deliberative. And, third vaccine mandates have the potential to increase vaccination rates in susceptible groups but may simultaneously promote control aversion and resistance in those who are most hesitant.
Deposition and Characterization of Diamond-Like Materials

Providing a low-friction, wear-resistant coating on silicon is a potential scheme for increasing the performance and life of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS). In theory, there is no set of guidelines for selection of specific coatings (or coating properties) for these systems, however, larger scale systems have benefited in many industrial applications through the incorporation of very hard deposited surface layer(s), minimizing contact deformation and/or adhesion and its associated sliding system damage and energy dissipation. This talk will discuss work in progress at The Materials Research Laboratory, Penn State University, on the deposition and characterization of three hard coatings of potential interest for MEMS: nano-crystalline diamond, SiC, and the cubic phase of boron nitride (c-BN).
Officials Coaches are on the Same team

(1963). Officials Coaches are on the Same team. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 34, No. 9, pp. 40-42.
Matching on‐the‐fly: Sequential allocation with higher power and efficiency

We propose a dynamic allocation procedure that increases power and efficiency when measuring an average treatment effect in fixed sample randomized trials with sequential allocation. Subjects arrive iteratively and are either randomized or paired via a matching criterion to a previously randomized subject and administered the alternate treatment. We develop estimators for the average treatment effect that combine information from both the matched pairs and unmatched subjects as well as an exact test. Simulations illustrate the method's higher efficiency and power over several competing allocation procedures in both simulations and in data from a clinical trial.
IFN-gamma inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-1 beta in primary murine macrophages via a Stat1-dependent pathway.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays an important role in host defenses against microbial pathogens. Excessive production of this cytokine, however, may be responsible in part for the lethality observed during sepsis. Our studies show that interferon-γ (IFN-γ) downregulates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin-1β (IL-1β) transcription in primary macrophages. This phenomenon does not occur in splenocytes or bone marrow-derived macrophages from signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat1)-deficient mice, suggesting that Stat1, a transcription factor involved in IFN signaling, plays a critical role in this process. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO) was also involved in the downregulation of LPS-induced IL-1 by IFN, as addition of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (NIL) negated the effect. Kinetic analysis of IL-1 and IFN levels in LPS-treated mice in vivo suggests that IFN-mediated inhibition of IL-1 might be an important negative feedback mechanism for limiti...
Improving the scalability of a symmetric iterative eigensolver for multi-core platforms

We describe an efficient and scalable symmetric iterative eigensolver developed for distributed memory multi-core platforms. We achieve over 80% parallel efficiency by major reductions in communication overheads for the sparse matrix-vector multiplication and basis orthogonalization tasks. We show that the scalability of the solver is significantly improved compared to an earlier version, after we carefully reorganize the computational tasks and map them to processing units in a way that exploits the network topology. We discuss the advantage of using a hybrid OpenMP/MPI programming model to implement such a solver. We also present strategies for hiding communication on a multi-core platform. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques by reporting the performance improvements achieved when we apply our solver to large-scale eigenvalue problems arising in nuclear structure calculations. Because sparse matrix-vector multiplication and inner product computation constitute the main kernels in most iterative methods, our ideas are applicable in general to the solution of problems involving large-scale symmetric sparse matrices with irregular sparsity patterns. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thrombin stimulates the activities of multiple previously unidentified protein kinases in platelets.

Abstract We have used a renaturation method to search for previously unidentified protein kinases in human platelets. The method involves subjecting lysates to denaturing gel electrophoresis, transferring the proteins to blotting membranes, and treating the blotted proteins with guanidine. The guanidine is then removed to allow the proteins to renature, and the blots are overlaid with [gamma-32P]ATP. We have identified 14 electrophoretically distinct, serine/threonine-specific protein kinases. Eleven of the kinases clearly differ in molecular weight from all previously described platelet serine/threonine kinases. Ten of these novel kinases (PK220, PK200, PK170, PK150, PK64, PK60, PK56, PK52, PK48, and PK40) were found to possess markedly increased in vitro activity when isolated from thrombin-stimulated platelets, presumably as a result of thrombin-stimulated covalent modification. Treatment of intact platelets with the calcium ionophore ionomycin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also increased the in vitro activity of these kinases. The agonist-stimulated kinases could be divided into three classes: 1) one kinase whose activity was increased by in vivo phorbol ester treatment but not by ionomycin (PK150); 2) two kinases whose activity was increased by ionomycin but not phorbol ester (PK48 and PK40); 3) seven kinases whose activity was markedly increased by combinations of phorbol ester and ionomycin, but not by either agent alone (PK220, PK200, PK170, PK64, PK60, PK56, and PK52). This third mode of regulation is what would be expected of enzymes that mediate the biological effects of inositide-mobilizing stimuli.
Baptists? The Political Economy of Political Environmental Interest Groups

It has been argued that environmental regulation can be best understood as the product of an unlikely alliance of "Baptists and Bootleggers" - public-interested environmental activist groups and private-interested firms and industries seeking to use regulation for competitive advantage. It is now well-understood how special-interests can manipulate regulation for competitive advantage. Moreover, economics has provided models of the results of private self-interest in markets and in politics. But, until now, economists have not provided a workable model of private self-interest by environmental non-profit organizations, nor have there been efforts to test a private interest model versus the predictions of public interest models of environmental activists. Some have gone so far as to suggest that environmental activists are motivated by a spirit of "civic republicanism" that causes them to subordinate their self-interest to the pursuit of the public good. This article provides a first effort at testing the implications of public interest versus private interest models of environmental interest groups. In particular, it specifies three testable implications of a public interest model of the activities of environmental interest groups: (1) a desire to base policy on the best-available science; (2) a willingness to engage in deliberation and compromise to balance environmental protection against other compelling social and economic interests; and, (3) a willingness to consider alternative regulatory strategies that can deliver environmental protection at lower-cost than traditional command-and-control regulation. On all three counts, it is found that the public-interest or "civic republican" explanation for the activities of environmental interest groups fails to convincingly describe their behavior. On the other hand, the evidence on each of these three tests is consistent with a self-interested model of the behavior of environmental interest-groups. Their activities can be understood as being identical to those of any other interest group - namely, the desire to use the coercive power of government to subsidize their personal desires for greater environmental protection and to redistribute wealth and power to themselves.
Electron Scattering from Tensor-Polarized Deuterons in the VEPP-3 Electron Storage Ring

In the plane wave impulse approximation, the differential cross section for unpolarized elastic electron-deuteron scattering may be written in the familiar Rosenbluth form: $$ \frac{{d\sigma }}{{d\Omega }} = {\sigma _m}\left[ {A\left( {{Q^2}} \right) + B\left( {{Q^2}} \right){{\tan }^2}\left( {{\raise0.7ex\hbox{$\theta $} \!\mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {\theta 2}}\right.\kern-\nulldelimiterspace} \!\lower0.7ex\hbox{$2$}}} \right)} \right] \equiv {\sigma _0} $$ (1) where σ m is the Mott cross section, and A and B are given in terms of the deuteron charge (G c ), quadrupole (G q ) and magnetic (G m ) form factors: $$ A\left( {{Q^2}} \right) = G_c^2 + \left( {8{\tau ^2}/9} \right)G_q^2 + \left( {2\tau /3} \right)G_m^2{\text{ }}B\left( {{Q^2}} \right) = 4\tau \left( {1 + \tau } \right)G_m^2/3 $$ (2) with Q 2 the square of the 4-momentum transfer and τ = Q 2/4m d 2 . Thus, a Rosenbluth separation may be used to extract A and B (and hence G m ) from scattering data, but G c and G q are not separated. To isolate these form factors requires the use of polarization techniques. Following the Madison convention1, the scattering of unpolarized electrons from a tensor polarized deuteron is described by the cross section:2 $$ \frac{{d\sigma }}{{d\Omega }} = {\sigma _0}\left[ {1 + {T_{20}}{t_{20}} + 2{T_{21}}\operatorname{Re} \left( {{t_{21}}} \right) + 2{T_{22}}\operatorname{Re} \left( {{t_{22}}} \right)} \right] $$ (3) in which T 2i and t 2i are, respectively, the components of the analyzing power and polarization tensors in a spherical basis. For moderate momentum transfers and suitably chosen polarization directions, the terms involving T 21 and T 22 are small, and may be ignored for the moment. The tensor analyzing power, T 20, is given by: $$ {T_{20}} = - \sqrt 2 \left[ {X\left( {X + 2} \right) + {Y \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {Y 2}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 2}} \right]/\left[ {2\left( {{X^2} + 1} \right) + 1} \right]{\text{ }}X = \frac{2}{3}\tau \left( {\frac{{{G_q}}}{{{G_c}}}} \right){\text{ }}Y = \frac{1}{3}\tau {\left( {\frac{{{G_m}}}{{{G_c}}}} \right)^2}\left[ {1 + 2\left( {1 + \tau } \right){{\tan }^2}\left( {{\raise0.7ex\hbox{$\theta $} \!\mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {\theta 2}}\right.\kern-\nulldelimiterspace} \!\lower0.7ex\hbox{$2$}}} \right)} \right] $$ (4) while the tensor polarization, t 20, is: $$ {t_{20}} = {p_{zz}}{P_2}\left( {\hat n \cdot \hat q} \right)/\sqrt 2 $$ (5) in which P 2 is the second Legendre polynomial, \( \hat n \) is the polarization direction, \( \hat n \) is the momentum transfer direction, and p zz , the polarization in a cartesian basis, is 1 — 3 n 0, with n 0 being the fraction of deuterons with zero spin projection.
A CLUSTER OF CUTICLE PROTEIN GENES OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER AT 65A: SEQUENCE, STRUCTURE AND EVOLUTION

A 36-kb genomic DNA segment of the Drosophila melanogaster genome containing 12 clustered cuticle genes has been mapped and partially sequenced. The cluster maps at 65A 5-6 on the left arm of the third chromosome, in agreement with the previously determined location of a putative cluster encompassing the genes for the third instar larval cuticle proteins LCP5, LCP6 and LCP8. This cluster is the largest cuticle gene cluster discovered to date and shows a number of surprising features that explain in part the genetic complexity of the LCP5, LCP6 and LCP8 loci. The genes encoding LCP5 and LCP8 are multiple copy genes and the presence of extensive similarity in their coding regions gives the first evidence for gene conversion in cuticle genes. In addition, five genes in the cluster are intronless. Four of these five have arisen by retroposition. The other genes in the cluster have a single intron located at an unusual location for insect cuticle genes.
Slum Prevalence and Health in Developing Countries: Sustainable Development Challenges in the Urban Context

Building on prior research, this study investigates the effects of urban slum prevalence or proportion of the total population living in urban slum conditions on multiple macro-level health outcomes in developing nations. Results of two-way fixed effects panel analyses of 43 countries for the 1990–2007 period indicate that infant and under-five mortality rates are positively associated with urban slum prevalence, while average life expectancy for both women and men exhibits a negative association. These findings are statistically significant, net of various other factors including overall urbanization, economic development, fertility rates and HIV prevalence. Overall, the results highlight the importance of examining the ‘upstream’ effects of the built urban environment on human health in the developing countries and the challenges confronting the sustainable development of human societies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
An analytical study of residual displacements in RC bridge columns subjected to near-fault earthquakes

One of the important measures of post-earthquake functionality in bridges is residual displacement. This study focused on the analyses of six reinforced concrete bridge columns subjected to near fault ground motion using fiber elements to estimate the residual displacement. Another part of the study was aimed at determining the residual drift ratio limit beyond which bridge columns would be unsafe. The ability of models to estimate residual displacement was assessed by comparison of the results of the analyses to experimental data. It was determined that fiber element models were generally successful in estimating residual displacements. To determine residual displacement limits, a large number of reinforced concrete bridge columns with different geometries and steel ratios were analyzed subjected to truck loading. The residual moment capacity of the column and the moment due to the trucks and the P-Delta effects were used in the study. The residual drift ratio limit was found to be 1.2% or more for typical bridge columns.
A study of several metrics for programming effort

As the cost of programming becomes a major component of the cost of computer systems, it becomes imperative that program development and maintenance be better managed. One measurement a manager could use is programming complexity. Such a measure can be very useful if the manager is confident that the higher the complexity measure is for a programming project, the more effort it takes to complete the project and perhaps to maintain it. Until recently most measures of complexity were based only on intuition and experience. In the past 3 years two objective metrics have been introduced, McCabe's cyclomatic number v(G) and Halstead's effort measure E. This paper reports an empirical study designed to compare these two metrics with a classic size measure, lines of code. A fourth metric based on a model of programming is introduced and shown to be better than the previously known metrics for some experimental data.
SECURE SEMANTIC COMPUTING

This paper explores the integration of semantic computing technologies with security technologies. Past and current research on the application of semantic web technologies for policy management and inference control, the application of data mining technologies for intrusion and malware detection, and programming language-based approaches to mobile code certification and data confidentiality enforcement are discussed.
Some Cyclic Ketals and Acetals of Digitoxin, Digoxin, and Ouabain

A new and milder method has been utilized to re-investigate the preparation, properties, and biological activities of the mono-o-isopropylidene (acetonides) derivatives of digitoxin, digoxin, and ouabain. The preparation, properties, and biological activities of the mono-o-ethylidene derivatives of digitoxin and digoxin also are described. The latter derivatives show greater activity than the former.
Tumor and histocompatibility antigen interaction: direct visualization by a double-label bridging technique for immuno-electron microscopy.

Abstract The nature of the interaction between the I b tumor-associated surface antigen (I b -TASA) and the D k and K k (D k /K k ) regions of the major histocompatibility complex on the surface of line I b lymphocytes was evaluated by immuno-electron microscopy using a double-label bridging technique. Quantitation of antigenic sites by direct counts showed 44% of the I b -TASA sites coincident with D k /K k antigens. This is greater than the predicted random interaction of two independent cell surface determinants suggesting an associative interaction, i.e. ‘altered-self' antigen. The remaining 56% of the I b -TASA sites were in a non-associative mode. On the basis of data presented here, we postulate that the interaction between ‘self’- and ‘non-self’ antigens is not an ‘all or none’ phenomenon.
Fatigue Assessment of Subsea Tree Connectors and Wellheads

Drilling and workover operations offshore impose fatigue loads on the subsea tree and wellhead due to the riser dynamics. In particular, the connector between the tree composite valve block and the wellhead components may be subjected to fatigue damage. This is primarily due to specific mechanical connector designs, girth welds and thickness or section transitions commonly used in trees and wellheads. The fatigue assessment methodology of subsea tree connectors and wellheads requires a holistic approach involving sequential analyses of the floating vessel, riser, subsea well stack-up, and the wellhead and downhole casing assemblies including cement and soils. In this paper, a methodology for the analysis of each of those assemblies and their interactions is discussed. The methodology reflects ExxonMobil’s experience and offers a balance among analysis efficiency compatible with project and operational constraints, availability and uncertainty of the inputs, and accuracy of the outputs. In general, the methodology is based on dynamic analysis of models to obtain global response loads of the floating unit, riser, and wellhead. Finite element analyses are then used to translate global responses to local stresses and to define SCFs for structural details of interest. The conventional cumulative damage approach is adopted, which provides fatigue lives based on local stresses and fatigue resistance defined by S-N curves. The fatigue resistance of machined components is based on a strain-life model that provides material specific S-N curves.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
FINITE DIFFERENCE METHODS OF SOLUTION OF THE BOUNDARY-LAYER EQUATIONS

multi component diffusion coefficient, ft/sec binary diffusion coefficient, ft/sec thermal diffusion coefficient, Ib sec/ft enthalpy, z^ h^Ci, ft/sec i enthalpy of species i, ft/sec thermal conductivity of mixture, lb/(sec° R) density-viscosity product, piJL/(pn)r multi component Lewis-Semenov number, Cpp binary Lewis-Semenov number Cpp^a/k thermal Lewis-Semenov number, cpDi/k molecular weight of the mixture, 1 / ( Z-j Ci/
ACUTE CYTOTOXICITY TESTING WITH CULTURED HUMAN LUNG AND DERMAL CELLS

An extensive in vitro study with cultured cells was conducted to test the basal cytotoxicity theory. This theory suggests that most chemical injury, at least in vitro, is a manifestation of one or more insults to the basic cellular structures and functions common to mammalian cells. This accounts for the similarity of results in multilaboratory studies. Human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL1), and human skin fibroblasts (WS1, Detroit551) were studied in culture to evaluate their potential to screen for cytotoxicity. Confluent monolayers were incubated in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of test chemicals for 24 h, and the MTT assay was used to assess toxicity. Inhibitory concentrations were extrapolated from concentration-effect curves after linear regression analysis. Twenty-nine chemicals were tested with each cell line and the cytotoxicity data compared to rodent and human lethal concentrations. The data suggest that the experimental IC50 values are as accurate predictors of human toxicity as equivalent toxic blood concentrations derived from rodent LD50s. In addition, lung and skin fibroblasts revealed no significant differences among the three cell lines. The results support the conclusion that finite cell lines of human origin have the potential for screening chemicals for human toxicity. In combination with previously published reports, the data suggest that a basal cytotoxic phenomenon may explain the similarity of results among different human cell lines.
Changes in Systolic Blood Pressure Associated With Lead in Blood and Bone

Background:Several studies have examined longitudinal associations of blood pressure change or hypertension incidence with lead concentration in blood or bone. It is not clear whether the observed associations reflect an immediate response to lead as a consequence of recent dose or rather are a pers
Different shake flask closures alter gas phase composition and ajmalicine production in Catharanthus roseus cell suspensions

The type of closure chosen for plant cell cultures can significantly alter the headspace gas composition of a culture, leading to major differences in the production of secondary metabolites. In cell suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus, ethylene accumulated in cultures with limited gas exchange and appeared to inhibit the production of ajmalicine. The variability in product yields between replicates can also be attributed to gas composition differences.
High-field magnetization of (Cd,Mn)Te.

The magnetization of the diluted antiferromagnetic system ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te with 0.1\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.5 is examined up to fields of 40 T at liquid-helium temperature. The measured magnetization can be separated into the sum of two components: a paramagnetic Brillouin-type part that saturates by B=15 T, and a part linear in B. This separation only becomes evident at fields above 20 T. For increasing x, the ratio of the linear part to the saturating part increases. These characteristics appear to be universal for similar dilute systems, and are a consequence of the spin-spin coupling in small isolated clusters and the random network.
An aircraft instrument design for in situ tropospheric OH measurements by laser induced fluorescence at low pressures

The hydroxyl radical (OH) is important for many processes involved in tropospheric chemistry. For instance, it initiates the photochemical degradation of gases that cause global climate change, such as methane and the chlorofluorocarbon substitutes (HCFCs). Because of its reactivity, its abundances are less than 0.1 pptv. Thus, OH has been very difficult to measure accurately, despite its importance. Techniques have evolved, however, so that good measurements of tropospheric OH abundances are now possible. One of these techniques that is adaptable to aircraft measurements is the laser induced fluorescence detection of the OH radical in a detection chamber at low pressures. The current ground-based instrument, which can be readily adapted to aircraft, can detect OH abundances of 1.4 x 10 exp 5 OH molecules/cu cm with S/N = 2 in 30 sec, and 5 x 10 exp 4/cu cm in 5 min.
Perinatal Loss in Low‐Income African American Parents

Objective To examine the experience of low-income, African American parents surrounding perinatal loss and to describe how other life stressors influenced the parents' responses and caring needs. Design Descriptive, using a phenomenologic approach. Setting All data were collected in person. Interviews were held in parents' homes or, at the request of three parents, in an office in the university between 5 and 21 weeks after the loss. Participants A total of 23 parents (17 mothers and 6 of their partners) were interviewed after a perinatal loss (16 weeks gestation or later) or a neonatal death (first 28 days of life). Follow-up interviews were held with 21 of these parents. Results Four themes were revealed: (a) recognizing problems and responding to the loss, (b) dealing with stressful life events, (c) creating and cherishing memories of the baby, and (d) living with the loss. Conclusions The results of this study reveal experiences not previously reported and provide initial insight on the loss experience in this group of parents. Health care professionals should be aware of the presence of additional stressful events that parents may be experiencing and intervene appropriately to provide culturally competent care in a sensitive manner.
Biology and Relationship of the Leafhopper Aceratagallia calcaris to Yellow Vein Disease of Sugarbeets

Aceratagallia calcaris Oman was found to be a vector of the sugarbeet yellow vein pathogen, presumably a virus. Vector efficiency was low, and transmission was erratic and unpredictable. Vector efficiency was not increased by using 5 sugarbeet hybrids and 2 inbreds as test plants. Nymphs were capable of acquiring virus. The minimum acquisition-latent period of the virus in the vector was 27-29 days. Sugarbeets showed initial symptoms in an average of 33 days. A. calcaris developed in an average of 34.9 days with 1203 degree-days (base = 45°F). The average preoviposition and oviposition periods were 4 and 55 days, respectively. The average number of eggs per female was 101. Ordinarily A. calcaris did not occur in large numbers in Nebraska sugarbeet fields, and this sparse occurrence coupled with low Vector efficiency produced merely trace amounts of the disease. During the 5-year period (1964-68), yellow vein was economically important only in 1964 when heavy infestations of A. calcaris occurred in central Nebraska.
Comment in Reply

(1977). Comment in Reply. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 180-183.
Tissue factor-like activity of the human monocytic tumor cell line U937

Undisrupted cells of the human monocytic tumor cell line U937 have procoagulant activity that is Ca2+ dependent and is not demonstrable in Factor VII or Factor X deficient plasma. Furthermore, U937 cells when incubated with purified human Factor VII in the presence of Ca2+ and then repeatedly washed promoted coagulation of Factor VII deficient plasma in the absence of added tissue factor. Culture with endotoxin increased the procoagulant activity of U937 cells approximately 5-fold. In separate experiments, exposure to lymphokines obtained from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes enhanced the procoagulant activity of U937 cells 4 to 110-fold. Other cell lines (of myeloid and lymphoid origin) tested lacked the procoagulant activity found in U937 cells. These results indicate that the constitutive tissue factor-like activity of U937 cells resembles that of normal activated human monocytes.
Anion Gap in Turpentine-Induced Pleural Effusions: Correlation With pH and Protein Level

Since the pleural fluid proteins and lactate are unmeasured anions, the pleural fluid anion gap (Na+K-Cl-total CO 2 ) should vary with the protein level and should be high in acidic effusions (which have high lactate levels). The anion gap is also convenient and inexpensive to measure, and less subject to artifact than the pH measurement. To test the hypothesis that the anion gap correlates with the pH, protein level, and other traditional pleural fluid measurements, we used a well-described model of turpentine-induced effusions in nine New Zealand white rabbits. Nonacidic exudative effusions were induced by an intrapleural injection of turpentine; acidic exudative effusions were induced by a second injection. Pleural fluid and blood were obtained just before (0 h) and 9, 24, 48, and 72 h after the second injection. We found the anion gap correlated with pH, the glucose, protein, and lactate dehydrogenase levels, pleural-fluid/plasma protein and lactate dehydrogenase ratios, and WBC count (all p 2 level on pH was not significant after taking into account the influence of the anion gap. These results suggest the anion gap may be useful in the clinical evaluation of pleural effusions and could potentially replace the pH measurement.
Anti-interleukin-5 antibody therapy in asthma and allerges

Purpose of reviewInterleukin 5 (IL-5) has been shown to play an instrumental role in eosinophilic inflammation in allergic diseases. The purpose of this review is to explore clinical trials of anti-IL-5 antibody therapy that have been conducted in patients with asthma, hypereosinophilic syndromes, e
Aging and mitochondrial activity in BHE and Wistar strains of rats.

Abstract Mitochondria from young and mature BHE and Wistar rats were studied. Strain differences in oxygen consumption with succinate, α-ketoglutarate, and pyruvate plus malate as substrates were observed in both young and old rats. Age related decreases in oxygen consumption were also observed. Strain differences in α-glycerophosphate shuttles persisted with the mitochondria from the BHE strain of rats less active than mitochondria from the Wistar rats. State IV malate-aspartate shuttle activity was less active in young BHE rats compared to the Wistar rats. Age-related decreases in shuttle activities were also apparent. These results suggest that, in part, the accelerated aging and consequent shortened lifespan may be related to the functionality of the mitochondrial membrane and perhaps other membranes as well.
Enema Infusion Technique Inappropriate for Evaluating Viral Competence of Ticks

To determine whether anal infusion of virus simulates the natural route of infection rather than intracoelomic injection, we compared the course of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus infection in Amblyomma cajennense (F.) ticks that had been exposed to virus by enema infusion with that in ticks fed on a viremic host or exposed by intracoelomic inoculation. Although virus was detected in virtually all ticks 14 d after exposure, orally exposed ticks contained significantly less virus (10(1.9) plaque-forming units [PFU] per tick) than did ticks infected by enema (10(4.1) PFU per tick) or intracoelomically (10(4.2) PFU per tick). At 42 d after virus exposure, only 1% of 512 orally exposed ticks contained virus, but most enema (77%, n = 43) or intracoelomically (79%, n = 29) exposed ticks were infected. Replication of VEE virus in A. cajennense ticks exposed to virus by enema infusion, therefore, appeared more similar to that of ticks inoculated intracoelomically than to those exposed orally. Thus, because enema infusion may bypass potential midgut infection and escape barriers, this procedure may not be appropriate for determining vector competence in ixodid ticks.
The roles of disuse and loss of neurotrophic function in denervation atrophy of skeletal muscle

Abstract Denervated muscle fibers are characterized by a lowered resting membrane potential (RMP), increased extrajunctional acetylcholine (ACh) sensitivity, and decreased junctional acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Whether these changes in denervated muscle result from cessation of contractile activity, from interruption of axonal transport, or from both is not known. Experiments were therefore designed to analyze whether or not the denervation changes could be ascribed solely to the loss of contractile activity. In one experiment, the hemidiaphragm of the rat was rendered quiescent for 1 to 3 weeks either by spinal hemisection at C2 (disuse) or by unilateral phrenicotomy (denervation). After denervation there was a spread of ACh sensitivity to extrajunctional regions, a decline in RMP, and a reduction in 16 S AChE (a measure of junctional AChE activity). Comparable changes did not occur after spinal hemisection, and we therefore conclude that inactivity alone does not induce these changes in denervated muscle. In another experiment, rats were chronically paralyzed by repeated administration of d-tubocurarine. During this time the extensor digitorum longus muscle of one hind limb was denervated. After 6 h of immobilization by d-tubocurarine, the RMP of denervated muscle fibers was significantly reduced whereas that of the contralateral innervated muscle fibers was unchanged. This result supports the previous interpretation, viz., that the change in RMP of denervated muscle fibers cannot be attributed solely to muscle inactivity. Experiments by others have shown that chronic disuse causes changes that are qualitatively but not quantitatively equivalent to those of denervation. Those observations, together with the present results, enable us to conclude that inactivity does not initiate the changes in extrajunctional ACh sensitivity, RMP, and junctional AChE activity seen in denervated muscle and that these properties of muscle are normally regulated by axonally transported neurotrophic influences.
A computer decision aid for the cotton yield monitor investment decision

This article introduces the Cotton Yield Monitor Investment Decision Aid (CYMIDA), a stand alone, interactive, and user-friendly computerized decision aid for analyzing the cotton yield monitor information system investment choice. Because electronic cotton yield monitors are a relatively new technology, the decision aid was developed to meet the need for better educational information about annual ownership costs and required returns for the cotton yield monitoring information investment decision. The partial budgeting and breakeven analysis methods and data used in CYMIDA are documented. In addition, the use of the decision aid is explained and three example investment analyses using the decision aid are described.
Childhood sexual abuse in males and subsequent risky sexual behavior: A potential alcohol-use pathway

OBJECTIVE: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among boys has been associated with a variety of subsequent maladaptive behaviors. This study explored a potential connection between CSA and an increased likelihood of risky sexual behavior in adulthood. Further, the study examined whether or not alcohol use may contribute to this relationship. METHOD: As part of a study on alcohol and sexual decision-making, 280 heterosexual men completed multiple background questionnaires pertaining to past and current sexual experiences and patterns of alcohol use. CSA history was obtained and severity ratings were made based on type of contact reported. RESULTS: CSA was reported by 56 men (20%). Structural equation modeling revealed that CSA positively predicted number of sexual partners directly as well as indirectly, through its effect on alcohol use. Specifically, greater CSA severity predicted significantly lower age of first intoxication, which in turn predicted greater current alcohol consumption, followed by greater use of alcohol before sexual intercourse, leading to an increased number of reported sexual partners. The reported frequency of condom use was not predicted by CSA severity or the alcohol-use pathway. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that CSA influences risky sexual behavior via multiple pathways and that more severe CSA may lead to elevated sexual risk indices. Moreover, these results suggest that men may elevate their risk of sexually transmitted infections via high numbers of sexual partners versus irregular condom use. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: These results highlight the need for adequate assessment and early interventions in order to mitigate the effects CSA may have on subsequent alcohol use and risky sexual behavior. Secondly, ensuring that male CSA victims understand the inherent risks of high numbers of sexual partners may be an effective strategy to interrupt the path toward risk-taking. Language: en
Motion of a sphere near planar confining boundaries in a Brinkman medium

A general numerical method using the boundary integral equation technique of Pozrikidis (1994) for Stokes flow in an axisymmetric domain is used to obtain the first solutions to the Brinkman equation for the motion of a particle in the presence of planar confining boundaries. The method is first applied to study the perpendicular and parallel motion of a sphere in a fibre-filled medium bounded by either a solid wall or a planar free surface which remains undeformed. By accurately evaluating the singular integrals arising from the discretization of the resulting integral equation, one can efficiently and accurately treat flow problems with high α defined by rs/K1/2p in which rs is the radius of the sphere and Kp is the Darcy permeability. Convergence and accuracy of the new technique are tested by comparing results for the drag with the solutions of Kim & Russell (1985a) for the motion of two spheres perpendicular to their line of centres in a Brinkman medium. Numerical results for the drag and torque exerted on the particle moving either perpendicular or parallel to a confining planar boundary are presented for e[ges ]0.1, in which ers is the gap between the particle and the boundary. When the gap width is much smaller than rs, a local analysis using stretched variables for motion of a sphere indicates that the leading singular term for both drag and torque is independent of α provided that α = O(1). These results are of interest in modelling the penetration of the endothelial surface glycocalyx by microvilli on rolling neutrophils and the motion of colloidal gold and latex particles when they are attached to membrane receptors and observed in nanovid (video enhanced) microscopy. The method is then applied to investigate the motion of a sphere translating in a channel. The drag and torque exerted on the sphere are obtained for various values of α, the channel height H and particle position b. These numerical results are used to describe the diffusion of a spherical solute molecule in a parallel walled channel filled with a periodic array of cylindrical fibres and to assess the accuracy of a simple multiplicative formula proposed in Weinbaum et al. (1992) for diffusion of a solute in the interendothelial cleft.
Dental Data Mining: Potential Pitfalls and Practical Issues:

Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD) have become popular buzzwords. But what exactly is data mining? What are its strengths and limitations? Classic regression, artificial neural network (ANN), and classification and regression tree (CART) models are common KDD tools. Some recent reports (e.g., Kattan et al., 1998) show that ANN and CART models can perform better than classic regression models: CART models excel at covariate interactions, while ANN models excel at nonlinear covariates. Model prediction performance is examined with the use of validation procedures and evaluating concordance, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio. To aid interpretation, various plots of predicted probabilities are utilized, such as lift charts, receiver operating characteristic curves, and cumulative captured-response plots. A dental caries study is used as an illustrative example. This paper compares the performance of logistic regression with KDD methods of CART and ANN in analyzing data from the Rochester caries study. With careful analysis, such as validation with sufficient sample size and the use of proper competitors, problems of naive KDD analyses (Schwarzer et al., 2000) can be carefully avoided.