cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reflections: testifying in the Minnesota tobacco lawsuit

“You may stand down.” I hear these words on Friday, 13 February 1998 in the federal courthouse in Minnesota after two and one-half days on the stand as a witness for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed by the state of Minnesota and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota against the tobacco manufacturers. Three months later, on 8 May 1998, I learn that there has been a massive settlement that brings US$6.5 billion to the plaintiffs and concessions to public health that will long reverberate. With this landmark trial completed, I am writing to describe my experience as an expert, covering my decision to participate, the preparatory work for the trial, and the presentation of testimony in the courtroom. My decision to participate in the trial was made deliberately and slowly. I was approached in mid-1994 and asked to consider working with the plaintiffs’ counsel, the firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi in Minneapolis. Legal actions against the tobacco industry were not front page and daily news at the time and I took some months to puzzle through the basis of the lawsuits, their legitimacy, and the motivations and qualifications of the various players in the Minnesota case. Conversations with knowledgeable friends provided assurance, and further contact with the plaintiffs’ attorneys convinced me that their motivations were sincere and that the public health community had new allies—attorneys—in the struggle against the tobacco industry, I came to view the lawsuits as a public health initiative. Even though I had eschewed the role of expert witness, I knew that I did not want to miss the opportunity to contribute to a potentially historic legal action. Other decisions needed to be faced: should I accept personally the expert fees that would mount over the next few years? How would I add work on …
A CIVILIZED NATION: THE EARLY AMERICAN CONSTITUTION, THE LAW OF NATIONS, AND THE PURSUIT OF INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

This article argues, contrary to conventional accounts, that the animating purpose of the American Constitution was to facilitate the admission of the new nation into the European-centered community of “civilized states.” Achieving international recognition - which entailed legal and practical acceptance on an equal footing - was a major aspiration of the founding generation from 1776 through at least the Washington administration in the 1790s, and constitution-making was a key means of realizing that goal. Their experience under the Articles of Confederation led many Americans to conclude that adherence to treaties and the law of nations was a prerequisite to full recognition, but that popular sovereignty, at least as it had been exercised at the state level, threatened to derail the nation’s prospects. When designing the federal Constitution, the framers therefore innovated upon republicanism in a way that balanced their dual commitments to popular sovereignty and earning international respect. The result was a novel and systematic set of constitutional devices designed to ensure that the nation would comply with treaties and the law of nations. These devices, which generally sought to insulate officials responsible for ensuring compliance with the law of nations from popular politics, also signaled to foreign governments the seriousness of the nation’s commitment. At the same time, however, the framers recognized that the participation of the most popular branch in some contexts - most importantly, with respect to the question of war or peace - would be the most effective mechanism for both safeguarding the interests of the people and achieving the Enlightenment aims of the law of nations. After ratification, the founding generation continued to construct the Constitution with an eye toward earning and retaining international recognition, while avoiding the ever-present prospect of war. This anxious and cosmopolitan context is absent from modern understandings of American constitution-making.
Absence of direct action of insulin on metabolism of the isolated perfused rat brain.

The ability of insulin to influence directly the metabolism of the mammalian brain has been evaluated with an isolated, perfused rat brain preparation. Insulin was added to the perfusion fluid or was injected into the rat from which the isolated brain preparation was subsequently made. The spontaneous electrical activity of the brain, the rate of cerebral glucose consumption and the rate of efflux of K+ from the brain were not affected by insulin. We conclude that insulin either does not act directly on the brain or that its action is very small and/or very slow in comparison with its action on other tissues. We suggest that the effects on brain metabolism reported to occur after administering insulin and glucose to the intact animal may be secondary to the large stimulation of the metabolism of the liver and/or other organs.
Thinking from inside the box.

For years, management gurus have encouraged the philosophy of “thinking outside the box” to promote unconventional approaches to solve problems when conventional thinking is thought futile. However, unstructured and abstract flights of thought are not necessarily always productive. At times, innovative thinking from “inside the box” may be more desirable. 1 Physicians are largely unaccustomed to “thinking outside the box” with regard to perioperative anesthesia management. This is especially true in the current health care environment that values and emphasizes protocols and frowns on any deviations from them. Whereas regulatory issues, practice guidelines, national standards, and institutional protocols provide a structured approach and streamline everyday care, they, at the same time, act as constraints to limit out-of-the-box thinking. Therefore, as physicians we are “boxed in” and must think about the outside from the inside. Clinicians must consider advances and innovations that are increasingly available for patient care and incorporate them in our perioperative environment. Unconventional approaches have indeed been applied to develop new technologies and improve existing technology. This issue of Seminars in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia includes articles that discuss innovations that promise to influence the care we provide to our patients both in the operating room and beyond.
Effects of Polynucleotides on Monkeys and Man

Interest in the biological effects of nucleic acids as immune modulators developed about simultaneously and almost independently of the realization that some of the nucleic acids could act as interferon inducers. A symposium held in 1970 reported studies, dating from about 1967, on poly adenylic-polyuridylic acid (poly A·poly U) and poly inosinic-poly cytidylic acid as compounds that were able strongly to augment antibody responses in mice to some antigens and to restore immune competence to mice that had become immune compromised for a variety of reasons (1). It was not long after the discovery of interferon that a number of people became aware of the potential use of interferon as a broad spectrum antiviral agent in the treatment of human disease. However, until recently, with the development of DNA recombinant techniques for large scale production of human interferon, obtaining enough interferon to do valid clinical trials was extremely difficult to do. A number of non replicating entities were found that could cause the host (rodents in most studies) to produce interferon. In 1967 it was reported that the most effective of these was a synthetic double stranded RNA, polyino-sinic-polycytidylic acid, or polyI·polyC (2). This polynucleotide also was shown to be able to act as an immune adjuvant, acting to augment strongly the production of antibodies to a number of antigens, under conditions where interferon did not do so. Poly A-poly U also was a good immune adjuvant in mice, but induced the formation of only very small amounts of circulating interferon. PolyA·polyU was a good antitumor agent. It was tested much less extensively than polyI·polyC as an antiviral, but where tested was less effective (1).
Effect of Water Deprivation and Injections of Hypertonic Saline on the Activity of Rats

saline injected in wheels and scationary cages. A significant increase in whecl running but not in stationary cage activity followed deprivation. Injections of hypertonic saline resulted in a significant decrease in wheel running and stationary cage activity. Three-hou: cumulative water intake increased as an increasing function of hr. of water deprlvation and amount of saline injected. While saline injections can induce water intake and facilitate instrumental responding, they do not affect activity in the same manner as water deprivation. The performance of animals is generally found to increase with increasing hours of water deprivation. The effect is usually attributed to some physiological imbalance within the organism which is alleviated by water intake. It has also been shown that water intrtke can be induced in nondeprived animals by the introduction of various hyperconic solutions (compared to plasma) into the circulatory system (Wolf, 1958). Sodium chloride ( NaCl) has been the most common substance injected since it is a narurally occurring major extracellular electrolyte and because ic seems to produce minimum side effects. Generally it appears that the introduction of hypertonic NaCl leads to an increment in performance which results in the attainment of a water reward (Heyer, 1951; OmKelly & Beck, 1960).
Analysis of Membrane Traffic in Polarized Epithelial Cells

Spatial asymmetry is fundamental to the structure and function of most eukaryotic cells. A basic aspect of this polarity is that the cell's plasma membrane is divided into discrete domains. The best studied and simplest example of this occurs in epithelial cells, which line exposed body surfaces. Epithelial cells use two pathways to send proteins to the cell surface. Newly made proteins can travel directly from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to either the apical or basolateral surface. Alternatively, proteins can be sent to the basolateral surface and then endocytosed and transcytosed to the apical surface. Epithelial cells grown on porous filters adopt a typical polarized morphology; transfected epithelial cells can be used to biosynthetically characterize the trafficking patterns of a given protein. These cells can also be used to study delivery to a particular surface and to localize the protein by immunofluorescence.
Activity of antiphospholipid antibody ELISA cofactor in different animal sera

A plasma protein cofactor, beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2GPI), also known as apolipoprotein H, is necessary to detect certain antiphospholipid antibodies (aPA) to negatively charged phospholipids (PL) in the ELISA. Inasmuch as sera are diluted 1:100 before testing, the concentration of native beta 2GPI may be insufficient to provide an optimal aPA ELISA signal. Therefore, many laboratories add adult bovine serum (ABS) to the diluent buffer to provide a consistent level of cofactor for optimal aPA binding. To determine if other animal sera can provide the cofactor, cat, chicken, dog, horse, goat, guinea pig, mouse, pig, rat, and sheep were tested as diluent supplements in the aPA ELISA. To measure cofactor activity in these animal sera, ELISA for aPA to anionic phospholipids were performed. Two aPA positive patient plasmas were selected for study; one with cofactor-dependent and one with cofactor-independent aPA. Only four of the animal sera tested (bovine, pig, sheep, and cat) supported the cofactor-dependent aPA in ELISA. The cofactor-independent aPA was positive in the presence of each animal serum except bovine and rat. In order to determine whether these animal sera contain a beta 2GPI-like molecule, Western blot analyses were performed. By using a polyclonal antiserum produced to human beta 2GPI, specific beta 2GPI-like cross-reactivity was observed with all animal sera except the chicken. In summary, cofactor activity in animal sera varied significantly; however, bovine and pig sera appear to allow optimal binding of cofactor dependent aPA.
Cross-Resistance and Resistance Longevity as Induced by Bean Leaf Beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata and Soybean Looper, Pseudoplusia includens herbivory on Soybean

Cross-resistance, and longevity of resistance, induced by the bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata, was studied IN the soybean PI 227687 that exhibited induced response in earlier studies. Bean leaf beetle adults and soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens, larvae were used to induce resistance and to determine beetle feeding preference. Beetles were collected from soybean fields 2 to 5 days prior to the feeding preference test. The level of cross-resistance induced by soybean looper herbivory to subsequent bean leaf beetle feeding was higher when compared to cross-resistance induced by bean leaf beetle herbivory against subsequent feeding by soybean looper. Further, herbivory by the bean leaf beetle also induced resistance against soybean looper feeding. In the longevity study, leaflets from treated plants were collected 5, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 and 25 days after initiation of feeding. Pairwise comparisons of leaflets from plants treated by bean leaf beetle herbivory with untreated plants revealed that induced responses were highest 14 and lowest 25 days after initiation of feeding. On other sampling days, levels of induced response varied with the sampling day.
Advances in molecular technology and their impact on fisheries genetics

Although genetic approaches to questions in fisheries management have been very useful in the past, they have encountered consistent hurdles despite the development of new marker systems. However, recent technological advances in molecular genetics will help to overcome many of these hurdles and are likely to revolutionize fish and fisheries biology. DNA-sequencing costs have been decreasing exponentially, and recent breakthroughs have led to rapid increase in throughput that allows sequencing the entire expressed genome of a non-model organism with standard project budgets. Increase in screening throughput and number of available markers, reduction in costs and improved insights into gene function and control of gene expression will allow applications that were impossible until recently. Here, we briefly recount the recent history of fisheries genetics, provide an outlook on near-term and long-term developments in genetic technology and consider their applications and implications for fisheries science and education.
Effects of early postnatal androgen and estrogen injections on the estrous activity cycles and mating behavior of rats

Injections of 0.25 mg estradiol benzoate and 1.25 mg testosterone propionate in five day old intact and spayed albino female rats either eliminated or shortened the period of the estral activity cycle. Greater than normal amplitude of running was associated with neonatal estrogen and lower than normal activity with androgen. All of the oil- but none of the steroid-treated females exhibited normal receptivity to vigorous males after hormone replacement therapy. It was concluded that neonatally administered steroids modified neural centers mediating behavioral periodicity and mating as well as those involved in gonadotrophin release.
Evaluation of the positive biased temperature stress stability in HfSiON gate dielectrics

Electrical instability due to charge trapping in high-k materials is a primary concern for the usefulness of these films in future CMOS devices. This paper reports the effect of charge trapping on the threshold voltage and transistor drive current of devices made with HfSiON gate dielectric. Our results show that the physics of the charge trapping in HfSiON is unique and follows logarithmic dependence with time rather than usual exponential dependence. NMOS devices fabricated with HfSiON films show acceptable electrical stability for 10 years without substantial degradation of either the threshold voltage or the drive current.
Intercellular Signaling During Fruiting-Body Development of Myxococcus xanthus

The myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus has a life cycle that is dominated by social behavior. During vegetative growth, cells prey on other bacteria in large groups that have been likened to wolf packs. When faced with starvation, cells form a macroscopic fruiting body containing thousands of spores. The social systems that guide fruiting body development have been examined through the isolation of conditional developmental mutants that can be stimulated to develop in the presence of wild-type cells. Extracellular complementation is due to the transfer of soluble and cell contact-dependent intercellular signals. This review describes the current state of knowledge concerning cell-cell signaling during development.
Manipulator control using force/torque and tactile sensing

The task of placing a parallelepiped object, held inside the gripper of a manipulator, on an unknown flat surface is considered. Three types of contact (point, line, and plane) can occur between the object and the surface. The point of contact is calculated from information obtained from the force/torque sensor under the assumptions that the shape of the object and its position inside the end-effector are known. The contact type is determined based on the position of the point of contact. The servoing strategy depends on the determined type of contact. >
Preservice Teachers' Use of Multiple Representations In Solving Arithmetic Mean Problems

The development of preservice teachers' views of various mathematical concepts involves building a repertoire of flexible representations of the concepts they teach. In this study, science and mathematics preservice teachers (n = 19) were asked to solve graphical and numerical problems involving the arithmetic mean and to provide two different solutions for each problem. Background information about the preservice teachers was obtained, including subject area specialty, type of statistics courses previously taken, type of science laboratory courses previously taken, and prior experience with real data outside the classroom. In solving the problems, some participants presented two different methods: algorithmic computation and balancing deviations about the mean. A significant difference was found between science and mathematics preservice teachers in the use of balancing deviations to solve the problems but not in the use of the computational algorithm.
Old Maps, New Territory

Abstract Family therapy models often do not reflect the realities and desires of many gay and lesbian couples. Therapists working with this population are left to decide whether to apply these models as they are, to discard them, or to attempt to modify them as they assist their clients. Using research findings and case examples that describe the intergenerational boundaries for gay and lesbian couples as well as the nonmonogamous relationships of gay men, this paper illustrates how therapists can adapt family therapy models to suit the needs and preferences of this client population.
The neoaortic root in children with transposition of the great arteries after an arterial switch operation.

Objectives Neoaortic root changes in children with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) are reportedly risk factors for the development of neoaortic regurgitation (NeoAR). The aims of this study were to assess the neoaortic root diameter and relative proportion in children with TGA after surgical correction and to identify possible correlations with the development of neoaortic insufficiency. Methods Of the 611 children who had the arterial switch operation performed in the Cardiology Department of the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital, 172 consecutive patients were qualified for this study. The inclusion criteria were: anatomical correction performed during the neonatal period, more than 10 years of postoperative observation and at least two full echocardiographic examinations. Results NeoAR increased during postoperative follow-up and at the end of the observation period, 76% of the patients had NeoAR (27%-trace, 42%-mild, 7%-moderate and 0.6%-severe). Among the analysed risk factors for NeoAR development, the significant ones were arterial valve discrepancy (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.04-4.02; P = 0.031) and the non-facing commissures (OR = 4.05; 95% CI: 1.34-11.9; P = 0.01). The neoaortic root diameter was not statistically significantly correlated with the presence of NeoAR or with the heart defects associated with transposition. The neoaortic root was initially, on average, 37% (z-score = 1.58) bigger than the aortic root in healthy children. This disproportion increased during the follow-up evaluations to 57% (z-score = 2.09). Conclusions The neoaortic root in children after the arterial switch procedure develops differently from that in healthy children, but this is not evidently related to NeoAR development or associated heart defects.
Vectorization of a classical trajectory code on a floating point systems, Inc. Model 164 attached processor.

A triatomic classical trajectory code has been modified by extensive vectorization of the algorithms to achieve much improved performance on an FPS 164 attached processor. Extensive timings on both the FPS 164 and a VAX 11/780 with floating point accelerator are presented as a function of the number of trajectories simultaneously run. The timing tests involve a potential energy surface of the LEPS variety and trajectories with 1000 time steps. The results indicate that vectorization results in timing improvements on both the VAX and the FPS. For larger numbers of trajectories run simultaneously, up to a factor of 25 improvement in speed occurs between VAX and FPS vectorized code.
A Distributed Resource Control for Fairness in OFDMA Systems: English-Auction Game with Imperfect Information

In this paper, we study a distributed resource control problem achieving fairness and information theoretic capacity in an OFDMA system. For practicality, we consider an OFDMA system with incomplete information. The information theoretic MAC capacity region is known to be achieved by successive decoding schemes. Therefore, the problem can be formulated as a stackelberg optimization problem. As a solution of the problem, we provide a distributed game-theoretic resource allocation scheme based on iterative multi-unit second price auction. We prove the algorithm's convergence, stability and optimality through analytic model and simulations.
A-scalability and an integrated computational technology and framework for non-linear structural dynamics. Part 2: Implementation aspects and parallel performance results

An integrated framework and computational technology is described that addresses the issues to foster absolute scalability (A-scalability) of the entire transient duration of the simulations of implicit non-linear structural dynamics of large scale practical applications on a large number of parallel processors. Whereas the theoretical developments and parallel formulations were presented in Part 1, the implementation, validation and parallel performance assessments and results are presented here in Part 2 of the paper. Relatively simple numerical examples involving large deformation and elastic and elastoplastic non-linear dynamic behaviour are first presented via the proposed framework for demonstrating the comparative accuracy of methods in comparison to available experimental results and/or results available in the literature. For practical geometrically complex meshes, the A-scalability of non-linear implicit dynamic computations is then illustrated by employing scalable optimal dissipative zero-order displacement and velocity overshoot behaviour time operators which are a subset of the generalized framework in conjunction with numerically scalable spatial domain decomposition methods and scalable graph partitioning techniques. The constant run times of the entire simulation of 'fixed-memory-use-per-processor' scaling of complex finite element mesh geometries is demonstrated for large scale problems and large processor counts on at least 1024 processors.
Structure and process relationship of electrospun bioabsorbable nanofiber membranes

Abstract An electrospinning method was used to fabricate bioabsorbable amorphous poly( d , l -lactic acid) (PDLA) and semi-crystalline poly( l -lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofiber non-woven membranes for biomedical applications. The structure and morphology of electrospun membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and synchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction/small angle X-ray scattering. SEM images showed that the fiber diameter and the nanostructured morphology depended on processing parameters such as solution viscosity (e.g. concentration and polymer molecular weight), applied electric field strength, solution feeding rate and ionic salt addition. The combination of different materials and processing parameters could be used to fabricate bead-free nanofiber non-woven membranes. Concentration and salt addition were found to have relatively larger effects on the fiber diameter than the other parameters. DSC and X-ray results indicated that the electrospun PLLA nanofibers were completely non-crystalline but had highly oriented chains and a lower glass transition temperature than the cast film.
The perils and pitfalls of ignoring disproportionality's behavioral components

Scholars commonly use a measure of the discrepancy between party vote shares and seat shares (observed disproportionality) as a proxy for the effects of electoral institutions. We illustrate the problems with doing so and, instead, recommend that scholars use more direct measures of institutional characteristics. Conceptually, we demonstrate that observed disproportionality cannot accurately capture institutional effects. Empirically, we show that (1) the variance of disproportionality is much higher when electoral rules are restrictive than when they are permissive, (2) the conclusions we draw about the effects of observed disproportionality differ substantially across samples of elections, and (3) replacing measures of observed disproportionality with more direct measures of electoral system characteristics such as district magnitude produces different and more reliable results.
Analysis of the affect measurement conundrum in exercise psychology: I. Fundamental issues

Background and purpose: The measurement of affect in the context of exercise is a controversial issue. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the relevant literature and to outline a conceptual framework that will serve as the basis for subsequent analysis. Methods: Four issues are discussed: (a) the distinctions between emotions, moods, and affect; (b) the strengths and weaknesses of categorical and dimensional models for conceptualizing affective phenomena; (c) the notion of ‘exercise-specific’ affect; and (d) whether measurement should be based on a deductive or an inductive approach. Results and conclusions: Arguments are presented in favor of (a) targeting basic affect as the appropriate object of assessment at the present stage of knowledge development; (b) adopting dimensional models because of their broad and balanced scope; (c) critically reconsidering the notion of ‘exercise-specific’ affect; and (d) using deductive methods for measuring affect. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Randomized Depression Prevention Trial Comparing Interpersonal Psychotherapy—Adolescent Skills Training to Group Counseling in Schools

Given the rise in depression disorders in adolescence, it is important to develop and study depression prevention programs for this age group. The current study examined the efficacy of Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST), a group prevention program for adolescent depression, in comparison to group programs that are typically delivered in school settings. In this indicated prevention trial, 186 adolescents with elevated depression symptoms were randomized to receive IPT-AST delivered by research staff or group counseling (GC) delivered by school counselors. Hierarchical linear modeling examined differences in rates of change in depressive symptoms and overall functioning from baseline to the 6-month follow-up assessment. Cox regression compared rates of depression diagnoses. Adolescents in IPT-AST showed significantly greater improvements in self-reported depressive symptoms and evaluator-rated overall functioning than GC adolescents from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. However, there were no significant differences between the two conditions in onset of depression diagnoses. Although both intervention conditions demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms and overall functioning, results indicate that IPT-AST has modest benefits over groups run by school counselors which were matched on frequency and duration of sessions. In particular, IPT-AST outperformed GC in reduction of depressive symptoms and improvements in overall functioning. These findings point to the clinical utility of this depression prevention program, at least in the short-term. Additional follow-up is needed to determine the long-term effects of IPT-AST, relative to GC, particularly in preventing depression onset.
Nonneoplastic Disease Presenting as a Renal Lesion

Nonneoplastic renal processes can present a diagnostic challenge for clinicians due to their ability to mimic malignant masses, both clinically and radiographically. This chapter will review benign renal diseases that can present clinically as a renal mass, including inflammatory conditions such as pyelonephritis, renal abscess, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, and renal malakoplakia; cystic kidney disease including autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive polycystic disease; acquired cystic disease of the kidney; and other miscellaneous lesions. Radiographic images, gross pathology, and histological features will be discussed, as well as common management strategies for these entities.
The clinical potential of inotuzumab ozogamicin in relapsed and refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are likely to make a significant contribution in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by combining the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy with the specificity of monoclonal antibodies. CD22, an endocytic receptor expressed by the majority of B cells, is an excellent target for ADCs. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (INO) is an ADC that consists of a cytotoxic moiety (derivative of calicheamicin) attached to a humanized monoclonal anti-CD22 antibody. As a single agent, INO, was shown to be effective with an objective response rate of 50% in the treatment of relapsed and refractory CD22 positive ALL patients. Clinical trials investigating the combination of INO with the conventional chemotherapies are ongoing. This review summarizes the clinical potential of INO in treatment of relapsed and refractory ALL, based on currently available data in the literature.
Anonymity in the Balance

The right to anonymity in the USA and elsewhere is in an odd state of paradox and flux. Despite a few small clouds on the jurisprudential horizon, in the US (although perhaps, all of a sudden, not in the EU) the formal legal protection of the right to anonymous speech is at an all-time high. Yet, while the law in the books creates a strong right to anonymous speech, it is reasonable to question how long the effective exercise of that right will remain a practical possibility. If doctrinally the right to anonymous speech is better enshrined in law today than ever before, at the same time there are efforts by both public and private parties to use pre-existing legal and especially technical means to undermine anonymity (and pseudonymity). These efforts are at an all-time high -- and are still growing.
Neighborhood and Individual Socioeconomic Status and Asthma Incidence in African American Women.

Objective : Individual socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with asthma incidence but whether neighborhood SES has an influence is unknown. We assessed the contributions of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES), neighborhood housing density, neighborhood racial composition, and individual SES to the development of adult-onset asthma in Black women, accounting for other known or suspected risk factors. Design and Participants : Prospective cohort study conducted among 47,779 African American women followed with biennial health questionnaires from 1995 to 2011. Methods and Main Outcome Measures : Incident asthma was defined as new selfreport of doctor-diagnosed asthma with concurrent use of asthma medication. We assessed neighborhood SES, indicated by census variables representing income, education, and wealth, and housing density and % African American population, as well as individual SES, indicated by highest education of participant/spouse. Cox proportional hazards models were used to derive multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the association of individual SES and neighborhood variables with asthma incidence. Results : During a 16-year follow-up period, 1520 women reported incident asthma. Neighborhood factors were not associated with asthma incidence after control for individual SES, body mass index, and other factors. Compared with college graduates, the multivariable HR for asthma was 1.13 (95% CI 1.00-1.28) for women with some college education and 1.23 (95% CI 1.05- 1.44) for women with no more than a high school education. Conclusions : Individual SES, but not neighborhood SES or other neighborhood factors, was associated with the incidence of adult-onset asthma in this population of African American women. Ethn Dis . 2016;26(1):113-122; doi:10.18865/ ed.26.1.113
Triplet state formation in photoexcited slip-stacked perylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide) dimers on a xanthene scaffold.

Two covalent perylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide) (PDI) dimers in which the PDI molecules are attached to a xanthene (Xan) scaffold in which the long axes of the two π–π stacked PDI molecules are slipped by 4.3 and 7.9 A were prepared. These dimers are designed to mimic J-aggregates and provide insights into the photophysics of triplet state formation in PDI aggregates that target organic electronics. Using ultrafast transient absorption and stimulated Raman spectroscopy, the mechanism of 3*PDI formation was found to depend strongly on a competition between the rate of Xan•+–PDI•– formation involving the spacer group and the rate of excimer-like state formation. Which mechanism is favored depends on the degree of electronic coupling between the two PDI molecules and/or solvent polarity. Singlet exciton fission to produce 3*PDI does not compete kinetically with these processes. The excimer-like state decays relatively slowly with τ = 28 ns to produce 3*PDI, while charge recombination of Xan•+–PDI•– yields ...
Sympathetic neural reactivity to stress does not increase with age in healthy humans

Sympathetic nervous system reactivity to stress is though to increase with age in humans. We tested this hypothesis by recording postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity to skeletal muscle (MSNA) ...
Application of TaqM an based real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR assay in detection of hepatitis E virus in swine liver

Objective To explore a suitable method for detection of hepatitis E virus( HEV) in pig liver sample by TaqM an real time RT-PCR method. Methods Two methods,homogenized direct extraction method( Method A) and polyethylene glycol precipitation method( Method B),were used for concentration of HEV from swine liver samples. Based on the specific primers and probes of the four genotypes of HEV,a TaqM an real-time RT-PCR method was developed and its accuracy and sensitivity were evaluated. Real time RT-PCR was used to detect HEV from swine livers with induced infection of HEV. Performances of the two methods were compared. Results The established TaqM an real-time RT-PCR standard curve showed a good linear relationship in range of 102-108 copies / μL. The correlation coefficient( R2)of the standard curves with plasmid DNA was 0. 999. The coefficients of variation values of the different diluted plasmid DNA were detected between 0. 11% and 2. 47% and between 6. 62% and 2. 69% in the same or different repeated experimental groups. The efficiency of Method A and Method B was similar with a detection limit of 102 copies / μL. Conclusion The TaqM an real-time RT-PCR assay was established with high sensitivity,good stability and strong specificity,suitable for quantitative detection of HEV. The homogenized direct extraction method is more rapid for HEV concentration from swine livers and suitable for long-term surveillance of HEV.
Continuing education in athletic training: an alternative approach based on adult learning theory.

OBJECTIVE: To offer an alternative perspective on current continuing education practices and to propose a model for facilitating continuing education in the athletic training workplace. BACKGROUND: Professional knowledge can quickly become outdated, and the personal/professional contexts of allied medical fields such as athletic training are becoming increasingly more complex, making continuing education paramount. Adult learning theory suggests that individuals are self- directed, autonomous learners in nature and that experience is a rich source for learning, subsequently making the workplace a fruitful environment in which to engage in continuing education. Unfortunately, mandating continuing education may violate the voluntary nature of adult learning, making the practice questionable. Therefore, alternative aspects of continuing education may be helpful. DESCRIPTION: This article consists of a brief synthesis of related literature that offers an alternative perspective of continuing education and proposes a model for facilitating continuing education in the workplace. The model's foundation includes preparing an environment conducive to learning and then focuses on identifying learning needs, setting goals, implementing specific strategies to facilitate self-directed learning, and assessing leaming. Additionally, the model suggests that ongoing reflection is a key factor in enhancing the identification of learning needs, goals, and strategies. ADVANTAGES: The model may best be used by clinical coordinators, directors, and supervisors to better facilitate employee learning and subsequently improve patient care delivery.
Temporal Trends in the Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of Victims of Sudden Cardiac Death in the Absence of Previously Identified Heart Disease

Background— Coronary artery disease is identified in ≈80% of victims of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Because the prevention strategies and public awareness have changed during the past decades, we studied the temporal trends in the pathogenesis of SCD. Methods and Results— FinGesture (n=4031) is a prospective study designed to classify the phenotype and genotype profiles of SCD in a consecutive series of victims of SCD in Northern Finland. On the basis of Finnish law, all subjects who die suddenly undergo autopsy. We analyzed the characteristics of SCD victims and autopsy findings in 1998 to 2002, 2003 to 2007, and 2008 to 2012. Among victims of SCD as a first cardiac event (n=2697), the proportion with coronary artery disease decreased during the 2008 to 2012 time period, compared with the 2 preceding 5-year periods: 74.0% in 1998 to 2002, 73.1% in 2003 to 2007, and 66.4% in 2008 to 2012 ( P <0.001). Proportion of SCDs associated with hypertensive heart disease with left ventricular hypertrophy in the absence of coronary artery disease increased from 1.7% in 1998 to 2002 to 5.8% in 2003 to 2007 and 8.9% in 2008 to 2012 ( P <0.001). Similarly, myocardial fibrosis in the absence of myocarditis or left ventricular hypertrophy, or other known pathogeneses, was 6.7% in the past 5-year period compared with 2 previous 5-year periods (3.7% and 4.0%; P <0.001 between 1998–2002 and 2008–2012 and between 2003–2007 and 2008–2012). Conclusions— The proportion of SCDs attributable to coronary artery disease, in the absence of a history of heart disease, has decreased, whereas the proportion associated with hypertensive heart disease and idiopathic fibrosis has increased during the past 15 years.
A socio-anthropological study of birth in Morocco.

Position du probleme : Comprendre le role des croyances, notions de risque et pratiques locales dans l'explication de la sous-utilisation des services de sante maternelle au Maroc. Methodes : Etude ethnographique dans trois sites au Maroc, avec entrevues aupres de 126 femmes et observation de prestations de services dans les formations sanitaires. Resultats : Les croyances locales ne sont pas a priori incompatibles avec l'utilisation des services de sante, et les femmes manifestent une attitude relativement pragmatique et flexible quant aux decisions qu'elles prennent. L'etude analyse les divers facteurs qui influencent les choix que font les femmes, en particulier ceux qui ont trait aux obstacles d'acces et a la qualite des services de sante. Conclusion : Le pluralisme et l'eclectisme qui caracterisent les croyances et les comportements ayant trait a la naissance au Maroc suggerent qu'une amelioration de la qualite des soins encouragerait de plus en plus de femmes a avoir recours aux formations sanitaires.
New physiological paradigms to assess the effect of lens oxygen transmissibility on corneal health.

Purpose : New paradigms are needed to allow an assessment of the physiological performance of a contact lens. Oxygen transmissibility (Dk/L) is not adequate in several respects. The oxygen supply to the cornea cannot be calculated from Dk/L because the oxygen tension of the cornea-contact lens interface is not known. Also, oxygen delivery to the cornea is not a linear function of Dk/L. Doubling the Dk/L of high Dk/L lenses does not double the oxygen supply to the cornea. Methods :We propose a new term, Biological Oxygen Apparent Transmissibility (BOAT). Oxygen supply to the cornea through a lens of known BOAT can be calculated by multiplying BOAT by the oxygen tension in the environment at the anterior surface of the lens. Oxygen supply to the cornea through the lens is linearly related to BOAT. The numerical values for BOAT of any lens of known Dk/L can be read from a graph or calculated from a simple formula. A second paradigm introduced here concerns point-to-point oxygen transmissibility of an optically powered contact lens. We propose that the health of epithelial cells is governed by the oxygen transmissibility of that portion of the contact lens immediately anterior to any small group of epithelial cells. Finally, we propose that, whereas epithelial cell health is governed by the oxygen transmissibility at a point on the lens, the swelling of the cornea is governed by the total oxygen supply to the epithelium. This total oxygen supply is controlled by the harmonic average oxygen transmissibility of the lens. Conclusions : These new paradigms suggest that the clinician who is concerned about the patient's epithelium should choose a lens in which the portion with the lowest oxygen transmissibility (i.e., the thickest portion) supplies an adequate supply of oxygen to the epithelial cells. If corneal swelling is the clinical concern, then a lens with the highest harmonic average oxygen transmissibility should be chosen.
Variability in the anterior extralaryngeal branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve: clinical implications.

Background: This study aimed to identify the anterior and posterior extralaryngeal branches (AELB, PELB) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), measure these branches when present, and determine relationships between gender, sidedness and neck length. Materials and methods: Dissection was completed to level of the thyroid on 45 cadavers. The course of the RLN was then traced superiorly from its entry into the neck. Careful reflection of the thyroid and dissection of the lateral thyroid ligament permitted visualisation of the full course of the nerve. If extralaryngeal branching (ELB) was present, measurements were taken from the point of bifurcation of the RLN to the point of laryngeal entry through the cricothyroid membrane. Neck measurements, from the spinous process of C7 to the superior nuchal line, were taken. Gender of the specimen was noted. Data was analysed in SPSS. Results: Extralaryngeal branching was found in 77.78% of our sample, 77.14% on the left and 54.29% on the right. A significant difference was found between AELB length on the left and right, indicating that the left branch will be longer than the right when present. A significant difference in neck length between those with and without ELB was also found, indicating that people with longer necks more often display ELB. Neither neck length and AELB length, nor gender and AELB length were strongly correlated in this sample. Conclusions: Extralaryngeal branching can occur in all populations, but there are definite trends in its incidence and length. Surgeons should be aware of these trends before operating on patients.
Abnormalities of the hematopoietic regulatory network.

It is now widely recognized that mononuclear phagocytes play a major role in regulating the production of hematopoietic growth factors by a variety of cell types1–17. As shown in Fig. 1, two monokines, interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) are known to induce the expression of G- and GM-CSF genes in fibroblasts and in endothelial cells7,9,13,15 . Such observations have supported our notion that mononuclear phagocytes may serve as pivotal regulatory cells in growth factor gene expression12. The principal hurdle to be overcome is the uncertainty surrounding the biological relevance of these findings. This is a legitimate concern in view of the highly reductionistic design of the studies used in support of this model. For example, studies in our laboratory begin with the purification and culture, independently of other collaborating cell populations, of peripheral Blood monocytes in complete tissue culture medium to generate monocyte conditioned medium (MCM), followed by the introduction of serial dilutions of that MCM to confluent cultures of stromal cells such as fibroblasts or endothelial cells, and the assay of the stromal cell supernatants for hematopoietic growth factors1–4,6,11,14,15. In such experiments, IL-1 secreted by mononuclear phagocytes, induces the expression of G- and GM-CSF genes7,9,15, a phenomenon which can be detected by using the fibroblast or endothelial cell supernatants in specific bioassays with neutralizing antibodies15, by using western blot analysis, and by measuring CSF gene transcripts by northern or Si nuclease analysis7,9,15 (Fig. 2).
How to Counsel Men About PSA Screening.

For family physicians to put PSA screening guidance into practice, they must elicit patients' preferences and provide accurate, understandable information about the benefits and harms.