cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HIV Prevention among Asian-American College Students: Does the Health Belief Model Work?

This study examined the predictive utility of the health belief model (HBM) in relation to prevention of HIV infection among Asian-American college students. Four research hypotheses were proposed. Three of these hypotheses proposed a positive relationship between perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits, and HIV-preventive behavior. The fourth research hypothesis postulated a negative relationship between perceived barriers to prevention and actual HIV-preventive behaviors. Results indicated that severity and barriers are significant predictors of the adoption of HIV-preventive behaviors among Asian-American students. Severity was a significant predictor of becoming more careful about the selection of intimate partners, reducing the number of sexual partners, and generally positive changes toward safer sexual behavior, whereas barrier was a significant predictor of becoming more careful about the selection of intimate partners, reducing the number of sexual partners, and ensuring that sexual partners are not HIV infected. It also appeared that cultural factors, such as beliefs about HIV, illness, prevention, sexuality, and homosexuality, need to be incorporated into tests of the model to enhance its predictive power. Implications of the results and suggestions for further research are discussed.
The Experimental Induction of “Functionally” Oriented Fibers Attached to Cementum

Decalcified autogenous bone induced the least amount of new bone yet observed. It also apparently helped to induce the formation of functionally oriented connective tissue fibers attached to cementum. Clinical trials are indicated.
Image-potential states and surface plasmons: Temperature dependence.

The intimate connection between image-potential-induced states and surface plasmons is exploited to derive an expression for the temperature dependence of the eigenfrequencies of surface plasmons. This expression may apply to complex transition metals as well as to free-electron-like metals.
Modeling the signatures of hydrides in metalloenzymes: ENDOR analysis of a Di-iron Fe(μ-NH)(μ-H)Fe core.

The application of 35 GHz pulsed EPR and ENDOR spectroscopies has established that the biomimetic model complex L3Fe(μ-NH)(μ-H)FeL3 (L3 = [PhB(CH2PPh2)3]−) complex, 3, is a novel S = 1/2 type-III mixed-valence di-iron II/III species, in which the unpaired electron is shared equally between the two iron centers. 1,2H and 14,15N ENDOR measurements of the bridging imide are consistent with an allyl radical molecular orbital model for the two bridging ligands. Both the (μ-H) and the proton of the (μ-NH) of the crystallographically characterized 3 show the proposed signature of a ‘bridging’ hydride that is essentially equidistant between two ‘anchor’ metal ions: a rhombic dipolar interaction tensor, T ≈ [T, –T, 0]. The point-dipole model for describing the anisotropic interaction of a bridging H as the sum of the point-dipole couplings to the ‘anchor’ metal ions reproduces this signature with high accuracy, as well as the axial tensor of a terminal hydride, T ≈ [−T, –T, 2T], thus validating both the model and ...
Comparing two techniques for fitting sample data to a cumulative average learning curve

Abstract To fit data to a cumulative learning curve, two techniques can be used: (1) the elementary technique (ET), and (2) the CALOT technique. Empirical as well as theoretical evidence is given that the CALOT technique generally fits better than the ET.
Loss of control and returns to scale in organizations

Abstract The paper considers the efficiency of organizations as a function of their size and mode of operation.
The Effect of Image Features on Judgments of Homophily, Credibility, and Intention to Use as Avatars in Future Interactions

Avatar characteristics influence the perception of the people they represent in a process that is remarkably similar to the way physical bodies influence person perception offline. This is consistent with the Social Responses to Computer Technologies model, which argues that people respond similarly to computers and people as long as sources are perceived to be intelligent. Similarly, Information Processing Theory suggests that the viewers apply the same evaluation sequences to nearly all sources and that more processing resources are allocated to perceiving an entity with social potential. To address the extent to which static avatars are perceived to be intelligent and human like, or have social potential, participants (N = 261) each evaluated a random set of 10 images as potential avatars. The avatars varied with respect to level of computer manipulation, visible indicators of masculinity, and anthropomorphism (having human characteristics). Results confirm that even static avatars are anthropomorphize...
CT image quality evaluation for detection of signals with unknown location, size, contrast and shape using unsupervised methods

The advent of new image reconstruction and image processing techniques for CT images has increased the need for robust objective image quality assessment methods. One of the most common quality assessment methods is the measurement of signal detectability for a known signal at a known location using supervised classification techniques. However, this method requires a large number of simulations or physical measurements, and its underlying assumptions may be considered clinically unrealistic. In this study we focus on objective assessment of image quality in terms of detection of a signal with unknown location, size, shape, and contrast. We explore several unsupervised saliency detection methods which assume no knowledge about the signal, along with a template matching technique which uses information about the signal's size and shape in the object domain, for simulated phantoms that have been reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction algorithms (IRA). The performance of each of the image reconstruction algorithms is then measured using the area under the localization receiver operating characteristic curve (LROC) and exponential transformation of the free response operating characteristic curve (EFROC). Our results indicate that unsupervised saliency detection methods can be effectively used to determine image quality in terms of signal detectability for unknown signals given only a small number of sample images.
The growth of government: A protection explanation

Our approach to the explanation of the growth of government achieves three things: it ties together under the protection heading most government expenditure programs; it explains the timing of the growth of government; and it resolves the paradox of democratic government not serving the majority interest.
Asymptotic regularity of subdivisions of Euclidean domains by iterated PCA and iterated 2-means

Abstract It is proved that subdivision of a domain in R d by iterated 2-means or by iterated PCA leads to clusters/Voronoi cells with low eccentricity.
Energetics and mechanisms of trifluoromethyl exchange in uranyl bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) adducts

Abstract The title compounds have the four oxygen atoms of the β diketones and the basic atom of the adduct in an approximately pentagonal disk around and perpendicular to the uranyl moiety. Each β-diketone therefore has two non-equivalent trifluoromethyl groups. The chloride, bromide, azide, fluoborate, perchlorate and tetrahydrofuran adducts were prepared. From fluorine magnetic resonance studies it was shown that trifluoromethyl averaging occurs by both intramolecular and intermolecular adduct migration. Correlations of the energy barriers to exchange and the crystal structures of the adducts will be presented.
Medical Laboratory Informatics

Laboratory informatics is the application of computers and information systems to information management in the pathology laboratory. Effective information management is crucial to the success of pathologists and laboratorians. Informatics has become one of the key pillars of pathology, and the requirement for skilled informaticists in the laboratory has quickly grown. This article provides a wide-ranging review of pertinent aspects of laboratory informatics, and deals with important technical and management processes. Topics covered include personal computing, networks, databases, fundamentals and advanced functions of the laboratory information system, interfaces and standards, digital imaging, coding, hospital information systems and electronic medical records.
Assessing micromechanical properties of cells with atomic force microscopy: importance of the contact point.

Mechanical properties are obtainable from atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation force-depth curves, which are calculated from relationships between tip deflection and cantilever position, i.e. deflection curves. Indentation depth is the difference between tip deflections on a rigid and a soft material for the same amount of cantilever advancement, after contact is made. Since the contact point cannot be unequivocally identified from experimental data, there is some uncertainty in estimating material properties. Using simulations, this study examines some important issues related to the influence of contact point identification on estimated material properties. Simulations for linear materials using a typical stiffness for an AFM cantilever demonstrate that certain portions of the post-contact region of deflection curves for soft and very stiff materials can be approximated by quadratic and linear functions, respectively. Based on these findings, we first develop and verify an objective, automatic method to identify the contact point for materials with linear properties. We then assess the effect of misidentifying the contact point, with and without noise. If the contact point is missed by 100 nm, however, the true material properties cannot be estimated accurately. Noise adds to uncertainty in material properties at small indentations but the combined effect of missing the contact point and noise is dominated by the former. Even though the algorithm was developed for linear materials, it is also suitable for certain nonlinear materials making it more generally applicable.
Extended-dosage-interval regimens of erythropoietic agents in chemotherapy-induced anemia.

Purpose. The safety and efficacy of extended-dosage-interval regimens of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) for managing chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) are reviewed. Summary. Anemia is a frequent complication of chemotherapy. The ESAs epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa have been shown to safely and effectively manage CIA; comparable outcomes have been demonstrated between epoetin alfa 40,000 units once weekly and darbepoetin alfa 200 μg every two weeks. These commonly prescribed regimens necessitate extra clinic visits by cancer patients receiving cyclic chemotherapy. ESA administration can now often be synchronized with a three-week chemotherapy cycle because of the recent approval of darbepoetin alfa 500 μg every three weeks for CIA. However, in the Phase III trial providing the basis for this new dosage recommendation, more than 70% of patients required a 40% reduction in the dosage, resulting in an average dose of 375 μg every three weeks. The extended-dosage-interval regimens have not been associated with an increase in cardiovascular or thrombotic adverse events. Extended-dosage-interval regimens of epoetin alfa are under investigation and may provide additional alternatives. Synchronizing ESA therapy with scheduled chemotherapy visits would help minimize disruptions for patients and caregivers and improve the use of health care resources. Conclusion. Administration of darbe -poetin alfa every three weeks offers the convenience of synchronization of treatment with 21-day-cycle chemotherapy in many patients with CIA. Extended-dosage-interval regimens for epoetin alfa are being investigated and show promise.
FOR LOVE OR MONEY

The expression “for love or money” is generally used to indicate the two extremes, which cover between them the entire spectrum. “I wouldn’t do that for love or money” means I wouldn’t do that in exchange for anything. It can be interesting, however, to read that or as marking not an opposition but a common function that love and money share, somewhat like the or in Spinoza’s famous phrase “deus sive natura,” which claims polemically that god and nature are two names for substance itself. I do not intend to propose that love and money are the same thing, but rather, that putting them in relation can reveal the power to create and maintain social bonds that is proper to money and can (and perhaps should) be also the vocation of love. Posing love in relation to the power of money can help us construct a properly political concept of love. We lack such a political concept of love, in my view, and our contemporary political vocabulary suffers from its absence. A political concept of love would, at the minimum, reorient our political discourses and practices in two important ways. First, it would challenge conventional conceptions that separate the logic of political interests from our affective lives and opposes political reason to the passions. A political concept of love would have to deploy at once reason and passion. Second, love is a motor of both transformation and duration or continuity. We lose ourselves in love and open the possibility of a new world, but at the same time love constitutes powerful bonds that last.
Variational theory of multicomponent quantum fluids: An application to positron-electron plasmas at T=0.

Variational many-body theory is employed to study ground-state properties of hypothetical positron-electron plasmas. We make use of the multicomponent Fermi hypernetted-chain method to calculate the energy and pair-correlation functions of this system. Optimization of the trial wave function is performed through solving a set of approximate Euler-Lagrange equations for the pair distribution functions. Electron densities are chosen to be in the metallic range, and several concentrations of positrons are considered. At fifty-fifty concentration this system represents an idealized model of the electron-hole liquid and at the limit of zero concentration we have a single positron impurity in an electron gas. Results of this work support earlier theoretical predictions for the model electron-hole liquid and are in good agreement with available experimental evidence for both the electron-hole liquid and the single positron impurity.
Envisioning nanotechnology: New media and future-oriented stakeholder dialogue

Nanotechnology promises to transform everyday life, yet there has been little reflection about the dilemmas, trade-offs and complex choices involved. Our project constructed a virtual public engagement platform in order to elucidate perspectives on multiple, plausible visions of human enhancement. Our new media platform operationalized open- source scenario planning to enable diverse communities to assess, critique and debate prospective nanotechnology-enabled products. Extending participation and deliberation through open-source mechanisms was an experiment involving not only an innovation of public engagement but also of traditional scenario planning. By revealing the NanoFutures project design and analysis, this paper explores to what extent this public engagement led to genuine dialogue and illustrates the risks and benefits of using multi-media tools in social science research.
Nicotine and metabolites in meconium as evidence of maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and predictors of neonatal growth deficits

Introduction: Many women continue tobacco use during preg- nancy despite known adverse consequences on neonatal growth and development. Testing meconium, the first neonatal feces, for tobacco biomarkers offers objective evidence of prenatal tobacco exposure. However, relationships between the amount, frequency, and timing of cigarette smoking during gestation and tobacco biomarker meconium concentrations and neonatal outcomes are unclear. Methods: Eighty-seven pregnant women provided detailed self-reports of daily tobacco consumption throughout pregnancy. Nicotine, cotinine, and trans-3-hydroxycotinine were quanti- fied in neonatal meconium by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Among nonsmokers, all meconium specimens were negative, whereas nearly all meconium specimens were positive if the mother self-reported tobacco use into the third trimester. Tobacco biomarker concentrations were significantly albeit weakly correlated with mean cigarettes per day in the third trimester. Reduced birth weight, gestational age, or head cir- cumference were observed if meconium contained one or more tobacco biomarkers, but deficits did not correlate with bio - marker concentrations. Conclusion: While previously thought to reflect second and third trimester drug exposure, meconium appears to reliably identify only third trimester drug use. While a 10 ng/g nicotine, cotinine, or trans-3-hydroxycotinine cutoff in meconium was previously proposed to differentiate tobacco-exposed from nonexposed or passively exposed neonates, improved maternal self-reporting techniques in this cohort suggest that a lower cutoff, equivalent to the analytic limits of quantification, is more appropriate.
Continuum Treatment of Long-Range Interactions in Free Energy Calculations. Application to Protein−Ligand Binding.

A method is proposed to include long-range electrostatic interactions in free energy calculations that involve the creation or deletion of net charges in a macromolecule. The vicinity of the mutati...
Analytical Standards and Methods for the Determination of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Environmental Samplest

Abstract Standard reference materials (SRM's) have been produced, certified, and issued by the United States National Bureau of Standards (NBS) since 1905. NBS currently issues more than 1000 SRM's of various types, including nuclear materials, rubber, clinical and environmental trace metal standards. The most recent addition to this group is a series of environmental trace organic materials with certified concentrations of selected polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), phenols, and N-heterocyclic compounds. Until recently, trace organic SRM's were non-existent due to the lack of analytical methodology necessary for certification. Details concerning the analytical methods developed and used for certification of the concentrations of several PAH in SRM's 1580 (Organics in Shale Oil), 1644 (Generator Columns for PAH in water), 1647 (PAH in Acetonitrile), and 1649 (Urban Particulate Matter) are given along with some suggested uses for these SRM's.
Variation of DNA photocleavage efficiency for [(TL)2Ru(dpp)]Cl2 complexes where TL=2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, or 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline.

Abstract The complexes [(bpy) 2 Ru(dpp)]Cl 2 , [(phen) 2 Ru(dpp)]Cl 2 , and [(Ph 2 phen) 2 Ru(dpp)]Cl 2 (where dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, Ph 2 phen = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) have been investigated and found to photocleave DNA via an oxygen-mediated pathway. These light absorbing complexes possess intense metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions in the visible region of the spectrum. The [(TL) 2 Ru(dpp)] 2+ systems populate 3 MLCT states after visible light excitation, giving rise to emissions in aqueous solution centered at 692, 690, and 698 nm for TL = bpy, phen, and Ph 2 phen respectively. The 3 MLCT states and emissions are quenched by O 2 , producing a reactive oxygen species. These complexes photocleave DNA with varying efficiencies, [(Ph 2 phen) 2 Ru(dpp)] 2+ > [(phen) 2 Ru(dpp)] 2+ > [(bpy) 2 Ru(dpp)] 2+ . The presence of the polyazine bridging ligand will allow these chromophores to be incorporated into larger supramolecular assemblies.
On Boosting the Accuracy of Non-RF to RF Correlation-Based Specification Test Compaction

Several existing methodologies have leveraged the correlation between the non-RF and the RF performances of a circuit in order to predict the latter from the former and, thus, reduce test cost. While this form of specification test compaction eliminates the need for expensive RF measurements, it also comes at the cost of reduced test accuracy, since the retained non-RF measurements and pertinent correlation models do not always suffice for adequately predicting the omitted RF measurements. To alleviate this problem, we explore several methodologies that estimate the confidence in the obtained test outcome. Subsequently, devices for which this confidence is insufficient are retested through the complete specification test suite. As we demonstrate on production test data from a zero-IF down-converter fabricated at IBM, the proposed methodologies overcome the inability of standard specification test compaction methods to reach industrially acceptable test quality levels, and enable efficient exploration of the tradeoff between test accuracy and test cost.
Ensemble-Based Estimates of the Predictability of Wind-Driven Coastal Ocean Flow over Topography

Abstract The predictability of coastal ocean circulation over the central Oregon shelf, a region of strong wind-driven currents and variable topography, is studied using ensembles of 50-day primitive equation ocean model simulations with realistic topography, simplified lateral boundary conditions, and forcing from both idealized and observed wind time series representative of the summer upwelling season. The main focus is on the balance, relevant to practical predictability, between deterministic response to known or well-predicted forcing, uncertainty in initial conditions, and sensitivity to instabilities and topographic interactions. Large ensemble and single-simulation variances are found downstream of topographic features, associated with transitions between along-isobath and cross-isobath flow, which are in turn related both to the time-integrated amplitude of upwelling-favorable wind forcing and to the formation of small-scale eddies. Simulated predictability experiments are conducted and model fo...
Distorted Mendelian transmission as a function of genetic background in Rai1-haploinsufficient mice.

Abstract The retinoic acid induced 1 gene ( RAI1 ) is the primary causative gene for Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS). Chromosomal deletion encompassing RAI1 or mutation in RAI1 is responsible for the majority of SMS features. Mouse models with targeted disruption of Rai1 have recapitulated overt SMS phenotypes, including craniofacial abnormalities, obesity, and neurobehavioral anomalies. Penetrance and expressivity of most phenotypes in mice were incomplete due to the mixed genetic background in which they were created. While increased penetrance of craniofacial phenotypes was observed in relatively homogeneous backgrounds, the effect of Rai1 haploinsufficiency on breeding outcome and fitness has not been studied. We analyzed mating results of Rai1 +/− mice in a pure C57BL/6J background (≥N10 generations). A significant distortion ( P Rai1 +/− mice was observed. Consequently, a decreased number of Rai1 +/− pups and no Rai1 −/− pups were obtained from all the breeding pairs. The decreased yield of Rai1 +/− pups precluded penetrance studies of other phenotypes in these mice. However, when Rai1 +/− alleles were transferred to a slightly variable (∼1% 129/∼99% C57BL/6J) genetic background expected numbers of Rai1 +/− pups were obtained. Our results indicate that selection against Rai1 -haploinsufficient alleles is governed primarily by modifier genes. Our data show that genetic background or modifier genes also significantly contribute to the severity of the phenotypes in SMS mouse models, mirroring the phenotypic variation observed in humans with Smith–Magenis syndrome and support the need for investigation of modifier loci for both single gene and complex genetic syndromes.
Driver Preference for Crosswalk Marking Patterns

The objective of this study was to investigate driver preference for three crosswalk marking patterns (transverse lines, continental markings, and bar pairs). Ratings were collected from participants driving an open-road course that included existing markings and markings specifically installed for the study. The participants gave a subjective rating of appearance based on how easy it was to see each crosswalk. These ratings were recorded on a scale of A through F (with no E), with A being excellent or very easy to see and F being completely unacceptable or very hard to see. The 78 participants were about evenly divided between male and female groups and between younger (age < 55 years) and older (age ≥ 55 years) groups. Data were collected during two periods: day-time (sunny and clear or partly cloudy) and nighttime (street lighting on). Overall, bar pairs and continental markings were preferred over transverse markings. The subjective rating findings discussed in this paper mirror detection distance res...
Cloud liquid water path variations with temperature observed during the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) experiment

[1] Because clouds play such a significant role in climate, understanding their responses to climatic temperature changes is essential to determining the overall impact of a given climate forcing. Cloud liquid water path (LWP) over tropical and midlatitude oceans has been observed to decrease with increasing cloud temperature. The presence of an ice sheet over the Arctic Ocean alters the energy and moisture exchange between the ocean and the atmospheric boundary layer and thus may affect the relationship between LWP and temperature. The variations of LWP with cloud and surface temperatures are examined in this paper using a combination of surface and satellite data taken during the 1998 Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean and the FIRE Arctic Clouds Experiments. The results show that LWP increases with temperature primarily because of an increase in cloud thickness that is enabled by the rise in surface moisture during the melt season. Cloud base heights and lifting condensation levels decrease as a result of the greater surface relative humidity and temperature. The average change rate of LWP with cloud temperature is 3.3% K−1, a value slightly smaller than earlier observations taken over cold midlatitude land areas. This cloud LWP feedback with temperature differs significantly from that estimated over other marine environments and should be taken into account in all climate models with explicit cloud feedbacks.
Street vendors, and postmodernity: conflict and compromise in the global economy

Street vendors, modernity and postmodernity: conflict and compromise in the global economy explores street vending within the context of the shift from modernism to postmodernism, suggesting that the former implied crackdowns on the trade because of the ideals of public order and control whilst the latter is more open to such methods. Questions whether this new approach brings fresh dilemmas for the informal sector. Proffers the idea that the policy makers should allow deregulated sectors of informality in the economy to function as incubators for new industry.
Experimental investigations of estimated response surface functions with different variability measures

The primary goal of robust design is to determine the optimum operating conditions which minimise the variability of system performance and the deviation of the performance from its ideal target value. Response surface methodology (RSM), which is a key statistical method in modelling robust design, explores the functional relationship between several explanatory factors and a response variable. Our literature study indicates that three different estimators for variability measure, such as standard deviation, variance and the logarithmic transformation of standard deviation, are typically used; however, depending on which estimator is selected, different sets of optimum operating conditions are obtained which can further complicate comparison studies and data analysis. This question has not been addressed adequately in the robust design research community. This paper investigates how the selection of the three different estimators of variability affects optimal operating conditions in the context of response surface designs. The nominal-the-best quality characteristic is used to facilitate this experiment and numerical examples are provided to illustrate the findings.
Disturbances in the solar wind from IPS measurements in August 1972

From IPS and spacecraft measurements of the solar wind combined with geomagnetic observations, we identify the passage of three main disturbances through the solar wind from solar flares on August 2, 4 and 7. From a detailed study of the IPS data covering the third event, we conclude that the extent of the disturbance front at 1 AU covered about ±60° in longitude and more than 30° in latitude from the flare normal. If interpreted as a blast wave according to the model of De Young and Hundhausen (1971), the disturbance was ejected from the Sun into a cone of half-angle 45°±15°.
Interactions between porphyrins and mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors.

Abstract Dicarboxylic porphyrins were reported to be potent inhibitors of the binding of benzodiazepines to peripheral drug receptors in mitochondria, but the reverse does not appear to be true. Moreover, the photosensitization of mitochondria by the tumor-localizing porphyrin dimer/oligomer fraction of ‘HPD’ was not inhibited by benzodiazepines in cell culture.
Prostatic‐specific antigen: An immunohistologic marker for prostatic neoplasms

Antiserum to a human prostate-specific antigen was raised in a rabbit and utilized by immunoperoxidase staining to evaluate its potential value as a diagnostic histologic marker for tumors of prostatic origin. All primary and metastatic prostatic malignancies reacted positively, whereas nonprostatic neoplasms did not stain with this procedure. This is the first immunohistochemical marker for prostate gland epithelium which does not represent prostatic acid phosphatase.
Maternal-fetal interactions in fetal cardiac surgery.

Background We examined potential maternal-fetal interactions during fetal cardiopulmonary bypass. these interactions, not previously described, may significantly influence attempts at fetal cardiac surgery. Methods Eight fetal sheep underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (5 singletons, 3 twins; 100–109 days) for 60 minutes using a centrifugal microcircuit (20 mL prime), and the placenta as oxygenator. We measured maternal hemodynamics, arterial blood gases, and changes in blood flow to the gravid uterus using bilateral uterine artery flow probes. Maternal measurements were correlated to fetal hemodynamics, blood gases, and umbilical blood flows. After bypass, fetuses were followed for 60 minutes. Results Decreases in uterine blood flow occurred without changes in maternal hemodynamics or arterial blood gases, but were associated with worsening fetal arterial blood gases (pH decreased from 7.2 ± 0.2 to 7.0 ± 0.1, partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased 45.6% and partial pressure of oxygen decreased 15.4%). Changes in maternal hemodynamics (decreased systolic blood pressure [17.5%, SD=11] and decreased diastolic blood pressure [20.3%, SD=15]) were only noted when uterine blood flows decreased by greater than 38.2% (SD = 26). Correction of maternal hypocalcemia (0.89g/dL, SD=0.1) led to improved uterine artery flows (28.3% increase, SD=30). Finally, fetal sternotomy, cannulation, and cardiopulmonary bypass each decreased uterine artery flows by 27.5% (SD = 18), 31.0% (SD = 26), and 39.7% (SD = 25), respectively. Similar changes were not observed in the nonbypass twin. Conclusions Significant changes in uterine blood flow can occur during fetal cardiopulmonary bypass support without apparent changes in maternal hemodynamics or arterial blood gases. These changes imply a unique transplacental maternal-fetal interaction. Limited data from the twin fetus suggest a localized mechanism involving only the segment of placenta exposed to extracorporeal circulation.
Selection Editor's Introduction

THE STRUCTURE OF THIS YEAR’S PAPERS and proceedings issue is somewhat different from previous such issues. The issue starts with Hans Stoll’s Presidential Address, in the usual way. Following this there are three “state of the field” papers. Hans Stoll suggested that I approach three leading scholars to write papers summarizing the current state of their fields and to give their own perspective on where they think it is likely to go in the future. I asked John Campbell, Suresh Sundaresan, and Luigi Zingales to write these. The three papers after the Presidential Address are the result. The final four papers were chosen from those presented at the Boston meetings. I asked all the session chairs to nominate a paper and also sought advice from some of the discussants. Since the papers were not refereed in the usual way, I asked the discussants to write up their comments so that readers can have a greater appreciation of their strengths and weaknesses. Given the tight publication deadlines there was not sufficient time for authors to make revisions and for discussants to base their comments on the final versions. Instead I asked discussants to base their comments on the version presented at the meetings. In some cases the authors may therefore have already addressed a number of the discussants’ comments. I hope you enjoy reading all the papers. THE JOURNAL OF FINANCE • VOL. LV, NO. 4 • AUGUST 2000
Rapid morphological change in an insular population of feral sheep.

Artificially selected qualities can reduce fitness in a wild setting, thus feral domesticates should experience strong selective forces. Domestic sheep Ovis aries have frequently become feral on islands, which differ substantially from mainland environments. We examined changes in body mass and wool traits in feral sheep inhabiting Santa Cruz Island (SCI), California for ≥90 years. To elucidate the influence of nutrition, we compared the mass of feral island sheep with that of island sheep raised in farm conditions. We found that feral sheep on SCI were smaller than purported founder breeds, and that most documented populations of insular feral sheep worldwide have converged to similar body sizes (within 6 kg). SCI rams attained greater mass in farm conditions but ewes did not, suggesting phenotypic plasticity in ram body mass. Ewes exhibited self-shedding of wool at a greater frequency than rams, and sex differences and shedding patterns were consistent with thermoregulation and the risk of fly strike disease as benefits of wool loss. Pigmentation rates did not increase, further supporting the influence of heat stress on wool traits. These changes occurred in <25 generations and may have had a genetic basis, representing a potential example of rapid evolution in insular feral sheep.
Abstract LB-365: Regulation of VEGFR-2 by leptin-Notch signaling crosstalk in mammary cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC VEGFR-2 (Flk-1 or KDR) is generally recognized as the major form that mediates VEGF-induced response and the earliest marker for endothelial cell development. More importantly, VEGFR-2 directly regulates tumor angiogenesis and cancer cell survival through autocrine/paracrine mechanisms. We have previously reported that leptin signaling induced the growth of breast cancer mainly through the up-regulation of pro-angiogenic and pro-proliferative molecules, i.e., VEGF/VEGFR-2. Disruption of leptin signaling markedly reduced the growth of tumors and the expression of VEGFR-2 in mouse models of syngeneic and human breast cancer xenografts (ER+ and ER-). On the other hand, Notch signaling is essential for tumor angiogenesis. We hypothesized that a crosstalk between Notch and leptin signaling could impact the expression of VEGFR-2 in breast cancer. To test this hypothesis, the 5′-end transcription region of mouse VEGFR-2 gene was cloned and used to establish VEGFR2-Luc assays in mouse mammary tumor (MT) cells. Leptin induced VEGFR-2-Luc activity through JAK2, JNK, p38 MAP kinase, as well as PKC signaling pathways and up-regulated several members of Notch family (Notch 1∼4) in MT. Interestingly, leptin-induced VEGFR-2 transcriptional activity was significantly inhibited by a gamma-secretase inhibitor which blocks Notch pathway activation. These results suggest that leptin and Notch signaling crosstalk could impact on angiogenesis and growth of MT. Furthermore, VEGFR-2 transcription and expression was heavily depending on VEGFR-2 gene methylation and histone acetylation that could be linked to leptin's effects. Our results provide novel evidence on how VEGFR-2 could be regulated in breast cancer. Present data reinforce the idea that disruption of leptin signaling could reduce tumor angiogenesis/growth by inhibiting leptin-mediated up-regulation of VEGFR-2 and/or by negatively impacting on signals from some key members of Notch family. This might help to design new pharmacological strategies aimed at controlling breast cancer growth and angiogenesis. [This work was supported in part by NIH/NCI 1SC1CA138658-02; NIH/ARRA/3SC1CA138658-02S1; NIH/UAB Breast SPORE Career Development Award and the Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Scholar Award (to RRGP)]. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-365.
Circulating thymic hormone levels in zinc deficiency.

Abstract The effect of zinc deficiency (Zn − ) on the circulating thymic hormone (FTS) levels in A/J mice was studied. After 3 weeks of feeding the mice a Zn − diet, FTS levels were markedly reduced and after 17 weeks, FTS was undetectable. By contrast, the zinc-supplemented (Zn + ) group seemed to maintain FTS levels better than the normal diet group with aging. On the other hand, spleen spontaneous rosette-forming cells (sRFC) were studied for their azathioprine (AZ) sensitivity in A/J mice on different diets. The Zn − mice had fewer sRFC than did the normally fed or Zn + mice. The role of zinc in controlling levels of FTS and thus thymic function is discussed.
Ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging to monitor vascular growth in tissue engineered constructs

Quantitative and qualitative monitoring of neovascular growth is required in many vascular tissue engineering applications. For example, the contribution of progenitor cells in growing microvasculature has been demonstrated; however, the process of vascularization from progenitor cells is not well understood. Therefore, there is a need for an imaging technique that is consistent, easy to use, and can quantitatively assess the dynamics of vascular growth or regression in a three-dimensional environment. In this study, we evaluate the ability of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging to assess the dynamics of vascular growth. The experiments were performed using hydrogels that spontaneously promote tube formation from implanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Specifically, PEGylated fibrin gels, supporting the development of capillary growth were implanted in a Lewis rat. After one week, the rat was euthanized and the gel implants were excised and positioned in water cuvettes for imaging. Simultaneous ultrasound and photoacoustic images were obtained using single-element, focused ultrasound transducers interfaced with a nanosecond pulsed laser source. To image samples, ultrasound transducers operating at either 25 MHz or 48 MHz and interfaced with laser sources operating at either 532 nm or within 680-800 nm wavelengths were used. The 3-D ultrasound and photoacoustic images were acquired by mechanically scanning the transducer over the region of interest and capturing spatially co-registered and temporally consecutive photoacoustic transients and ultrasound pulse-echo signals. The ultrasound and photoacoustic images agree well with the overall anatomy and vascular structure in the gel samples. The results suggest that the photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging could be used to sequentially monitor the growth of neovasculature in-vivo.
Dental caries in homeless adults in Boston.

OBJECTIVES Information about the oral health status of the homeless is limited. The purpose of this study is to characterize the dental caries status among users of a dental treatment and referral program at homeless shelters in Boston, MA. METHODS Persons attending the program during a one-year period were assessed for evidence of dental caries experience by a single examiner. DMFT counts were abstracted from patient records. RESULTS The population examined (n = 73) was 66 percent male with a mean age of 36 years. The racial composition was 51 percent African-American, 34 percent Caucasian, and 14 percent Hispanic. The 70 dentate people examined had a mean DFT of 11.1 (SD = 6.1). The mean percent of DFT that was DT per person was 55.7 percent. Untreated caries was detected in 91.4 percent of those examined. CONCLUSIONS These findings show evidence of previous dental services utilization by these homeless individuals, but demonstrate a high need for preventive and restorative dental therapy.
Investigation of Cyclopropane Stereomutation by Quasiclassical Trajectories on an Analytical Potential Energy Surface

national science foundation (grant che-9528843 (b.k.c.) and che-9314865 and che-9634576 (w.t.b.)
Evidence for nonclassical respiratory activity from oxygen gradient measurements in tissue slices

Abstract Direct measurement of steady-state oxygen concentration gradients using oxygen-sensitive recessed microelectrodes (2- to 4-μm tip size) were obtained in brain and liver slices. Experimental observations were normalized to examine the deviation from a classical passive diffusion model with concentration-independent (zero-order) chemical reaction kinetics. Discrepancies were noted between gradients measured during inward or outward electrode movement, which can be attributed to tissue compression effects. Gradients obtained during outward electrode movement were therefore judged to be more accurate than gradients measured during inward movement. Concentration gradients from both tissue types demonstrated significant departures from the gradient predicted by classical respiratory activity. A tendency towards a greater departure from the classical model was observed for gradients obtained in liver. The shape of the observed normalized gradients indicates that oxygen diffuses further into the tissue than predicted by the classical model. Nonclassical models of respiratory activity must be formulated to account for the experimental results from brain and liver tissues observed in this study.
Analysis of Biological Fluids for Carbon Tetrachloride after its Administration into the Bovine Rumen

Summary To develop techniques to study transmission of volatile materials to milk, a cow was given 4g CCl 4 per os. Carbon tetrachloride was used, since it is not metabolized and can be detected readily by gas chromatography. The CCl 4 was observed in milk, blood, and urine 15min after administration. Its concentration in these fluids increased gradually during the first hour, reached a peak on the first and second day, and had practically disappeared by the third day. Changes in normal concentration of acetone in milk, blood, and urine were observed also. The techniques employed suggest a method for studying transmission of volatile materials to milk.
Nuclear targeting of mutant Huntingtin increases toxicity.

Abstract Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from expansion of the polyglutamine region in huntingtin. Although huntingtin is normally cytoplasmic, in affected brain regions proteolytic fragments of mutant huntingtin containing the polyglutamine repeat form intranuclear inclusions. Here, we examine the contribution of nuclear localization to toxicity by transiently transfecting neuro-2a cells with an N-terminal huntingtin fragment similar in size to that believed to be present in patients. The huntingtin fragment, HD-N63, was targeted either to the cytoplasm with a nuclear export signal (NES) or to the nucleus with a nuclear localization signal (NLS). The NES decreased the number of cells with aggregates in the nucleus while an NLS had the opposite effect. By cotransfecting HD-N63 with GFP as a marker, we observed direct cell loss with constructs containing expanded polyglutamine repeats. Compared to unmodified HD-N63–75Q, adding an NES reduced cell loss by 57% while an NLS increased cell loss by 111%. These results indicate that nuclear localization of mutant huntingtin fragments plays an important role in cell toxicity.
Mitochondrial oxidation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in rat cerebral cortex

4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) is a neurotoxic product of lipid peroxidation whose levels are elevated in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and CNS trauma. The detoxification of HNE may take the route of glutathione conjugation to the C3 carbon and the oxidation or reduction of the C1 aldehyde. In this work, we examined whether the oxidation of HNE to its corresponding carboxylic acid, 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenoate (HNEAcid) was detoxifying event, if it occurred in rat cerebral cortex, and in which subcellular compartments. Our results show that HNEAcid did not form protein adducts and was non-toxic to Neuro 2A cells. HNEAcid formation occurred in rat cerebral cortex slices following exposure to HNE in a time-dependent and dose-dependent fashion. Homogenate studies indicated that HNEAcid formation was NAD+ dependent. Subcellular fractionation demonstrated that mitochondria had the highest specific activity for HNEAcid formation with a KM of 21 micro m HNE. These data indicate that oxidation of HNE to its corresponding acid is a major detoxification pathway of HNE in the CNS and that mitochondria play a role in this process.
Angular dependence of jet quenching indicates its strong enhancement near the QCD phase transition.

We study dependence of jet quenching on matter density, using 'tomography' of the fireball provided by RHIC data on azimuthal anisotropy v{sub 2} of high p{sub t} hadron yield at different centralities. Slicing the fireball into shells with constant (entropy) density, we derive a 'layer-wise geometrical limit' v{sub 2}{sup max} which is indeed above the data v{sub 2} T{sub c}. One possible reason for that may be recent indications that the near-T{sub c} region is a magnetic plasma of relatively light color-magnetic monopoles.
Current Therapies for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

The ANCA-associated vasculitides, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener's), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg-Strauss), are a group of multisystem autoimmune diseases characterized by necrotizing small- to medium-vessel vasculitis and the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Current therapeutic strategies consist of glucocorticoids in conjunction with either conventional or biologic agents for both induction of remission and remission maintenance. Treatment goals include reducing toxicity of induction therapy, preventing disease relapse, and limiting overall accrual of both disease-related damage and treatment-related morbidity. Future research directions include investigation of the optimal duration and frequency of maintenance therapy as well as development of targeted therapeutic agents, which is enhanced by emerging insights into disease pathogenesis.