cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parker instability in a self-gravitating gas layer

The dispersion relation for the Parker instability in a self-gravitating, exponential gas layer is derived nd solved explicitly to give the growth time of a perturbation as a function of its dimensions and initial density. Our solution is a general result, expressed in dimensionless form, and valid for arbitrary gas density, magnetic field strength and cosmic ray pressure. Self-gravity is important as an additional driving force for the Parker instability when a dimensionless density, defined here, becomes comparable to the ratios of the magnetic and cosmic ray pressures to the thermal gas pressure. For the observed scale height and sound speed in the interstellar medium, the dimensionless density equals 1.8 times the ambient density in cm/sup -3/. Self-gravity is marginally important for instabilities in the ambient medium. Self-gravity becomes more important than magnetic fields or cosmic rays in regions of higher gas density. For example, in a spiral density wave shock, where the gas density may be 5 cm/sup -3/, the initial growth time of the combined instability is only 12 million years. The instability is dominated by self-gravitational forces at these densities, so this growth time is relatively independent of magnetic field strength and cosmic ray pressure. Cloud formationmore » by this Parker-Jeans instability can be so fast that star formation may occur in a moderately compressed interstellar medium within only 20 million years.« less
Water and exchange: the ritual of yaku cambio as communal and competitive encounter

In the southern Bolivian community of San Pedro de Condo a water-exchange ritual serves to dramatize and reorder community rights and responsibilities while rain is sought. Focusing on water is symbolically important both for participants in the ritual and for this analysis because of water's associations with the commons, fertility, and sex. These elements also link water exchange to the encounter oftinku fa “ritual battle”), analyzed here as an analogous ritual of redistribution.
A comparison of franchise and independent small business survival rates

Aspiring entrepreneurs choosing to become franchisees certainly expect to improve their chances of survival during the turbulent early years of business startup and operation. Alignment with a franchisor parent company offers the franchisee managerial assistance, access to financial capital, and access to markets via the right to utilize the parent company trademark. This study examines survival patterns among franchise and nonfranchise small firms started between 1984 and 1987: survival through late 1991 is tracked for all firms. Although the franchise operations are larger scale, better capitalized young firms, the independent business startups are found to be more profitable and their survival prospects are better than those of franchises.
Environmental Management: Past and Future Communications

Although it seems only a short time ago, it was 2001 when I became Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Environmental Management. What drew me to engage with this journal is that it covers the field of ‘‘applied ecology in the widest sense, without regard to disciplinary boundaries’’ (Dale 2002). Over the years, I had the privilege of interacting with environmental scientists from around the world, who are committed to sharing their ideas and experiences, and the opportunity to read many outstanding papers on applied ecology. The first paper in the initial issue of Environmental Management said it was ‘‘an auspicious time to start a journal devoted to something called ‘environmental management,’’’ for its definition was still in the future (Harkins 1976). Clearly the field has come a long way since then. Environmental management is now so well defined that there are several texts about it, and classes on the topic are regularly taught. The many papers published in the journal Environmental Management have been an important part of the development of this discipline. Now in its 38th year, Environmental Management is clearly a leader in publishing new ideas and research in applied ecology. The quality of the journal largely derives from the strength and dedication of the Editorial Board who has both attended to the vision of the field of environmental management and empathized with authors’ challenges. It was my pleasure to have worked with Rebecca Efroymson who joined me as co-Editor-in-Chief in 2010 (Dale 2010). I also want to thank the authors for their perseverance in the face of the challenges in conceiving of studies, carrying them out with attention to detail, and writing up the results and discussion with clarity. Each of these tasks requires different skills and persistence. But the thousands of manuscripts published in the journal and subsequent references to those analyses attest to the value of this body of work. Over my 13 years as Editor, I learned much about science communication and writing from both good and poor examples as well as from the professional editors with whom I worked. Linda O’Hara served for many years as the Editorial Assistant for the journal and helped not only with identifying good reviewers and moving manuscripts through the review process but also in ensuring that each manuscript did a good job in communicating the underlying science. Publishing results is a key part of the scientific process, and most scientists can learn a great deal by working with professional editors. My major lessons about writing scientific papers are summarized below.
Terminal acute myelogenous leukemia in a patient with congenital agranulocytosis

Congenital agranulocytosis terminating in acute myelogenous leukemia has been previously reported in only two cases of adolescent males. We describe the clinical and laboratory features of a 13-year-old male with congenital agranulocytosis, treated with G-CSF with initial good neutrophil response, who subsequently developed acute myeloid leukemia. This rare complication may define a preleukemic subset of patients for whom G-CSF therapy is ineffective. The diagnostic challenges of this case are presented.
Regulation through the RNA Polymerase Secondary Channel: STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL VARIABILITY OF THE COILED-COIL TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS.

Gre factors enhance the intrinsic endonucleolytic activity of RNA polymerase to rescue arrested transcription complexes and are thought to confer the high fidelity and processivity of RNA synthesis. The Gre factors insert the extended α-helical coiled-coil domains into the RNA polymerase secondary channel to position two invariant acidic residues at the coiled-coil tip near the active site to stabilize the catalytic metal ion. Gfh1, a GreA homolog from Thermus thermophilus, inhibits rather than activates RNA cleavage. Here we report the structure of the T. thermophilus Gfh1 at 2.4 A resolution revealing a two-domain architecture closely resembling that of GreA. However, the interdomain orientation is strikingly distinct (∼162° between the two proteins. In contrast to GreA, which has two acidic residues on a well fixed self-stabilized α-turn, the tip of the Gfh1 coiled-coil is flexible and contains four acidic residues. This difference is likely the key to the Gre functional diversity, while Gfh1 inhibits exo- and endonucleolytic cleavage, RNAsynthesis, and pyrophosphorolysis, GreA enhances only the endonucleolytic cleavage.Wepropose that Gfh1 acidic residues stabilize the RNA polymerase active center in a catalytically inactive configuration through Mg2+-mediated interactions. The excess of the acidic residues and inherent flexibility of the coiled-coil tip might allow Gfh1 to adjust its activity to structurally distinct substrates, thereby inhibiting diverse catalytic reactions of RNA polymerase.
Multiple telomeric associations of a trisomic whole q arm of chromosome 1 in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The results of cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow cells from a 13-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are described. Initial analysis of aspirated bone marrow disclosed ALL FAB-L1 morphology, common (Ia+, cALLa+) immunophenotype and a complex abnormal karyotype. The majority of leukemic cells showed unbalanced translocations that resulted in complete trisomy of the long arm of chromosome #1 as the common denominator. The heterochromatic region of chromosome #1 (1qh) was associated with the telomeres of whole chromosomes #2, #13, and #16 in 28% of the 36 metaphases completely analyzed. Telomeric association is a very rare event and this is only the second known report of its occurrence associated with ALL wherein the 1qh region is attached to the telomeres of different chromosomes, resulting in trisomy of the whole 1q arm.
Permanent versus transitory components of annual earnings and estimation error in earnings response coefficients

Abstract Previous research has generally estimated unexpected earnings as the change relative to the previous year, assuming that shocks to annual earnings are purely permanent. In the presence of transitory components of annual earnings, we predict that using earnings changes as a proxy for unexpected earnings causes earnings response coefficients to be understated and the estimation error to be negatively cross-sectionally correlated with persistence. The negative correlation causes the association between earnings response coefficients and persistence to be overstated. We use the IMA (1,1) model to capture transitory components of annual earnings and obtain results that are consistent with our predictions.
Characteristics of GaAs‐anodic oxide metal‐oxide‐semiconductor solar cells

Metal‐oxide‐semiconductor solar cells with reproducible photovoltaic characteristics have been fabricated on (n+) GaAs substrates employing an oxidation technique which combines an aqueous anodization method with a post‐fabrication HC1 treatment. The cell typically displays an open‐circuit voltage Voc of the order of 0.59 V and a short‐circuit current density Jsc of 13.65 mA/cm2 under simulated AM1 illumination. An efficiency of 5.7 % has been achieved without antireflection coating.
The twisted path from farm subsidies to health care expenditures

Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including but not limited to the following: hypertension; osteoarthritis; dyslipidemia; type 2 diabetes; coronary heart disease and stroke. Consequently, individuals who are obese are more likely to use health services and are more likely to use costly health services than non-obese individuals. Between 1987 and 2001, growth in obesity related health expenditures accounted for 27 percent of the growth in inflation-adjusted per capita health care spending. Researchers, popular press and the television news media have paid considerable attention to the effect that farm subsidies have on dietary habits and obesity. Prominent researchers in the field have concluded that US farm subsidies have had a negligible impact on obesity. However, even small increases in obesity rates are associated with higher health care expenditures. The primary intent of this study is to break down the linkages from farm subsidy to health expenditure and shed light on the unintended implications of the farm subsidy program. We find that agricultural subsidies have the potential to influence health care expenditures.
Photorefractive-damage-resistant Zn-diffused waveguides in MgO:LiNbO(3).

Planar waveguides were fabricated by diffusing Zn into MgO:LiNbO3 and LiNbO3. Zn-diffused waveguides in MgO:LiNbO3 guide both the ordinary and extraordinary polarization and have propagation losses at 633 nm in the range of 0.4–1.2 dB/cm. Single-beam-induced in-plane scattering due to photorefractive damage was not observed at 515 nm up to intensities of as much as 90 kW/cm2.
Classical conditioning of the rabbit's nictitating membrane response is a function of the duration of dietary cholesterol.

AbstractModifying dietary cholesterol may improve learning and memory but very high cholesterol can cause pathophysiology and death. Rabbits fed 2% cholesterol for 8, 10 or 12 weeks with 0.12 ppm copper added to distilled water and rabbits fed a normal diet without copper added to distilled water (0 weeks) were given a difficult trace classical conditioning task and an easy delay conditioning task pairing tone with corneal air puff. The majority of cholesterol-fed rabbits survived the deleterious effects of the diet but survival was an inverse function of the diet duration. Compared to controls, the level of classical conditioning and conditioning-specific reflex modification were an inverted "U"-shaped function of diet duration. Highest levels of responding occurred in rabbits on cholesterol for 10 weeks and trace conditioning was negatively correlated with the number of hippocampal β-amyloid-positive neurons. Rabbits on the diet for 12 weeks responded at levels comparable to controls. The data provide s...
Shaped Technology: An Afterword

The informative and engaging essays in the foregoing collection suggest several interesting concepts that deserve further research and reflection. Over the past decade, the “social construction of technology” has become a concept often explored by historians (Bijker, Hughes, and Pinch 1987). Even though it has performed the useful function of discrediting technological determinism, the concept suggests too narrow a set of influences that shape technology. Two other concept, “nature-shaped technology” and “culture-shaped technology,” convey the character of technology more effectively. To designate “nature” as a shaper of technology reminds us that in a relatively prisine world the designer of technology negotiates with natural forces more than with human-built ones. To see culture as a shaper of technology suggests a broader range of influences affecting technology, not simply the social. “Shaping” conveys the notion of influence and avoids that of determinism better than “construction.”
Swelling and Contraction of Corn Mitochondria

A survey has been made of the properties of corn mitochondria in swelling and contraction. The mitochondria swell spontaneously in KCl but not in sucrose. Aged mitochondria will swell rapidly in sucrose if treated with citrate or EDTA. Swelling does not impair oxidative phosphorylation if bovine serum albumin is present.Contraction can be maintained or initiated with ATP + Mg or an oxidizable substrate, contraction being more rapid with the substrate. Magnesium is not required for substrate powered contraction. Contraction powered by ATP is accompanied by the release of phosphate. Oligomycin inhibits both ATP-powered contraction and the release of phosphate. However, it does not affect substrate-powered contraction. Substrate powered contraction is inhibited by electron-transport inhibitors. The uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone, accelerates swelling and inhibits both ATP-and substrate-powered contraction. However, the concentrations required are well in excess of those required to produce uncoupling and to accelerate adenosine triphosphatase; the concentrations required inhibit respiration in a phosphorylating medium.Phosphate is a very effective inhibitor of succinate-powered contraction. Neither oligomycin nor Mg affects the phosphate inhibition. Phosphate is less inhibitory with the ATP-powered contraction.The results are discussed in terms of a hypothesis that contraction is associated with a nonphosphorylated high energy intermediate of oxidative phosphorylation.
Quality of Orthodontic Treatment

Quality of orthodontic treatment has profound implications for the practicing orthodontist, the patient, policy makers, and third party payers. Developing process and outcome measures to evaluate the quality of orthodontic care has become a mandatory component in determining efficiency and effectiveness of contemporary evidence-based clinical practice. A prerequisite of these quantitative measures is that they should be reliable and valid and reflect the clinician's and patient's preferences and perspectives. Orthodontists typically evaluate the outcome of treatment by measuring morphological components of malocclusion, duration of treatment, and cephalometric changes. The orthodontic patients, especially adults, are usually more concerned with quality of life issues and oral health implications. This may result in a lack of concordance between the clinician/provider and the patient/consumer when evaluating success of the outcome of orthodontic treatment. Quality of life measures is a rapidly developing and methodologically sophisticated field. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of quality of orthodontic treatment from both the clinician's and the patient's perspective.
The Chameleon-like Nature of Zwitterionic Micelles : The Intrinsic Relationship of Anion and Cation Binding in Sulfobetaine Micelles

The rate of specific hydrogen ion-catalyzed hydrolysis of 2-(p-heptoxyphenyl)-1,3-dioxolane and acid−base equilibrium of 4-carboxy-1-n-dodecylpyridinium in zwitterionic micelles of SB3-14, C14H29NMe2+(CH2)3SO3− are controlled by NaClO4, which induces anionic character and uptake of H3O+ in the micelles. Other salts, e.g., NaF, NaCl, NaBr, NaNO3, NaI, NaBF4, have similar, but smaller, effects on the uptake of H3O+. Salt effects upon zeta potentials of SB3-14 micelles, estimated by capillary electrophoresis, are anion specific, and the anion order is similar to that of the rates of acid hydrolysis and of acid−base equilibria. Fluorescence quenching shows that the micellar aggregation number is not very sensitive to added salts, consistent with electrophoretic evidence. These specific anion effects follow the Hofmeister series and are related to anion hydration free energies.
RESTRUCTURING ABILITY AND PATTERNS OF PHYSICS ACHIEVEMENT

For a sample of 24 male and 19 female college students, persons with high visualization (F1,36 = 7.60, P less than .01) and low flexibility of closure (F1,36 = 6.54, P less than .02) attained significantly higher achievement in physics than persons with low visualization or high flexibility of closure. Persons with high restructuring ability and high spatial visualization (M = 88.64, SD = 15.6) attained a significantly higher level of physics achievement than persons with high restructuring ability and low spatial visualization (M = 56.5, SD = 25.1). Flexibility of closure, spatial visualization, and the embedded figures test accounted for 23.8%, 18.4%, and 53% of the variability in physics achievement among the entire sample, among amles, and among females, respectively. The data provided moderate support for the field-dependence--independence model of psychological differentiation and for investigators who reported a possible link between field-dependence--independence, visualization, and extent of neurological lateralization.
Antibody responses to inactivated vaccines and natural infection in cattle using bovine viral diarrhoea virus ELISA kits: Assessment of potential to differentiate infected and vaccinated animals

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is one of the most common and economically important viral infections of cattle. As vaccination is common in most European countries, differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals is one of the key challenges facing BVDV eradication campaigns. This study was designed to compare the ability of commercial ELISA kits to differentiate antibodies generated following vaccination with four different commercial inactivated BVDV vaccines from antibodies generated following challenge with virulent BVDV. Although none of the tested vaccine-ELISA combinations was able to differentiate an infected from a vaccinated animal (DIVA) at the individual animal level, p80 blocking ELISAs, in combination with inactivated BVDV vaccines, may have some value under certain circumstances at herd level. In most cases, antibody responses to BVDV vaccines cannot be clearly distinguished from responses seen in the early phase of natural infection. No commercial BVD vaccine showed true marker qualities for DIVA using p80 blocking ELISAs.
Charge Inversion by Flexible Polyelectrolytes on Flat Surfaces from Self-Consistent Field Calculations

We have applied a continuum self-consistent field (SCF) theory to flexible polyelectrolytes on flat surfaces either uncharged or carrying charges opposite to the polyelectrolytes. We examined in detail the effects of various parameters on the polyelectrolyte adsorption and surface charge compensation by the adsorbed polyelectrolytes. The ground-state dominance approximation (GSDA) was used to explore the large parameter space involved, including the charge distribution and degree of ionization of the polyelectrolytes, surface charge density, short-range (non-Coulombic) surface−polymer interactions, solvent quality, and bulk polymer and salt concentrations. The numerical results under GSDA were also compared with full SCF calculations to examine the effects of molecular weight of the polyelectrolytes. Strong charge inversion is found for relatively long polyelectrolytes on oppositely charged, attractive surfaces in poor solvent at high salt concentrations. At the mean-field level, the adsorption behavior o...
Internationalization, institutions, and political change

Many analysts associate internationalization of markets with wide-ranging changes in domestic politics. An “open polity” approach shows how extant domestic institutions mediate in this relationship between internationally induced changes in domestic actors' policy preferences, on the one hand, and national policy and institutional outcomes on the other. The nature of labor unions and formal political institutions often results in political outcomes that differ significantly from those that would ensue if outcomes simply mirrored preference changes. In addition, while existing institutions may sometimes constrain governments from pursuing policies that would improve long-term economic performance, governments will often fail to change these institutions because of short-term political considerations.
Soluble peptidase isozymes of the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes): Tissue distributions and substrate specificities

Peptidases catalyze the hydrolysis of di- and tripeptidases to their constituent amino acids. Five isozymes (PEP A, B, C, D, and S) were shown to be the products of independent genetic loci by several criteria including distinct adult tissue and substrate specificities, non-cross-reacting immunochemical properties, and independent genetic variation at three of the loci. Four of the peptidases had at least one substrate against which they contributed over 95% of the activity. These substrates were used for isozyme-specific assays. In adult tissues, three of the peptidases had higher activities in liver and intestine than in other tissues (PEP A, B, and S). PEP C had a 10-fold higher specific activity in brain than in other tissues.
Synthesis and structure of thioxanthone-10,10-dioxide

The structure of thioxanthone-10,10-dioxide, derivatives of which have applications to pharmacology and polymerization processes, has been determined. In common with most other thioxanthone derivatives, the ring system is virtually planar, and all bond lengths and angles fall within the ranges observed for similar species.
Effects of voluntary exercise on bone mineral content in rats

We used a voluntary running model to explore the relationship between average daily running distance and bone mineral status of rats. A total of 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned at 6 weeks of age to a sedentary control group (n = 22) or to a group with unlimited access to a running wheel (n = 38). The running distance of exercising rats was monitored daily, and steady-state running levels ranged from 3.2 to 18.1 km/day. At the end of the experimental period, femora and tibiae were dissected and bone mineral content (BMC, g/cm) and bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) were measured by single-photon absorptiometry. Cross-sectional morphometry was examined by taking a transverse section of the femoral middiaphysis. Hindlimb percentage fat was significantly higher in controls than in runners (20.0 +/- 1.2 versus 11.1 +/- 0.6, p less than 0.001), and soleus mass was greater in runners than in controls (371 +/- 8.1 versus 320 +/- 0.8 mg, p less than 0.001). Femoral and tibial lengths, weights, and volumes were significantly higher in runners than in controls (p less than 0.005). BMC and BMD were higher in runners than in controls at all sites apart from the distal femur. Cross-sectional areas at the femoral midshaft were greater in running rats than in sedentary controls (6.26 +/- 0.1 versus 5.45 +/- 0.3 mm2, p less than 0.02), as was the polar moment of inertia (15.6 +/- 0.6 versus 12.7 +/- 0.2 mm4, p less than 0.05). No positive correlation was found between distance run and BMC, BMD, cross-sectional area, or polar moment of inertia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparative-Effectiveness Research: Does It Matter?

Asbtract Background For several years there has been a vigorous policy debate on comparative effectiveness research (CER). This debate has focused on whether more evidence should be gathered, and who should be doing the funding and developing of evidence. There has been less emphasis on implementation of CER findings, and examining whether CER has or will have an impact on prescribing patterns, reimbursement, health outcomes, and health care spending. Objective This paper addresses both empirical and normative aspects of CER in terms of its impact on prescribing, reimbursement, cost-containment, and health outcomes. Results A significant gap persists between the best available evidence on therapeutic effectiveness and tolerability and typical patterns of prescribing care, as well as patient choices. Consequently, there is room for building a more systematic evidence base in the United States, so that policymakers are better equipped to understand variation in clinical outcomes while promoting appropriate prescribing and reimbursement patterns. Methods The author carried out a non-systematic literature review of both empirical and normative aspects pertaining to CER and its policy implications. Keywords for the Medline search were “comparative effectiveness research” and “policy implications.” Conclusion CER has a modest impact on prescribing, reimbursement, cost-containment, and health outcomes. This impact will likely intensify as funding increases and novel models to steer prescribing and reimbursement choices incorporate comparative-effectiveness evidence.
Evaluation and optimization of a reusable hollow fiber ultrafilter as a first step in concentrating Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts from water.

Experiments with a small-scale hollow fiber ultrafiltration system (50,000 MWCO) was used to characterize the filtration process and identify conditions that optimize the recovery of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts from 2 L samples of water. Seeded experiments were conducted using deionized water as well as four environmental water sources (tap, ground, Arkansas river, and Rio Grande river; 0-30.9 NTU). Optimal and consistent recovery of spiked oocysts was observed (68-81%), when the membrane was sanitized with a 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution and then blocked with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS). # 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
Capillary electrophoresis of nucleotides on ucon-coated fused silica columns.

Abstract Ucon-coated columns have been used to isolate nucleotides, such as ribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, and pyridine nucleotides, by capillary zone electrophoresis. This neutral, hydrophilic column coating (Ucon) significantly reduced macromolecule adsorption and electroosmotic flow, which provides the maximum resolution of the nucleotides separated under moderate buffer conditions (pH about 5-6), The relative standard deviations of the nucleotides were less than 1%. Low minimum detectable concentrations (about 2-8 μM) and quantities (about 70-360 fmol) of the ribonucleotides were obtained. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the ribonucleotides in hybridoma cell extracts shows the applicability of the developed methodology for the determination of intracellular nucleotide pools under the desirable buffer conditions.
Prostate cancer: reducing overtreatment: active surveillance in low-risk disease.

Prostate cancer screening often detects indolent cancers—defined as those which would never cause morbidity or mortality if left undetected and untreated. Unnecessary treatment of indolent cancer is a problem associated with this 'overdetection'. Active surveillance is a management strategy for low-risk cancers which can decrease the overtreatment burden.
Modeling of planar varactor frequency multiplier devices with blocking barriers

Models for optimization of planar frequency triplers with symmetrical C-V curves are presented. The roles and and limitations of various blocking barriers (oxide, Mott, heterojunction) are discussed. Devices with undoped drift regions (BIN) gave moderate efficiency but a broad range of power generation, whereas the devices with doped drift regions (BNN) have high efficiency in a narrower power window. In particular, an upper power limit of the BNN is caused by electron velocity saturation. Implementations in SiO/sub 2/-Si and AlAs-GaAs and means for increasing the power of BNN structures are considered. >
Danger Beyond Dyads: Third-Party Participants in Militarized Interstate Disputes

Stuart Bremer often reminded us that third parties—directly or indirectly—affect the initiation, evolution, and termination of conflict. He encouraged scholars to research the phenomenon of joining...
Genetic structure and variation in aggressiveness in Fusarium virguliforme in the Midwest United States

Abstract Sudden death syndrome of soybean, caused by Fusarium virguliforme, is one of the most damaging diseases affecting soybean production in the Midwestern region of the USA. To date, there has been very low genetic variation detected in F. virguliforme populations, although isolates can exhibit differing aggressiveness on soybean. To further investigate the genetics behind this variation in aggressiveness, multiple fingerprint analyses were conducted on a collection of F. virguliforme isolates from Iowa and neighbouring states, and their aggressiveness was tested using greenhouse and culture filtrate assays. Twelve RAPD primers identified 13 genotypes, while hybridization of the (CAT)5 probe to Pst I-restricted genomic DNA yielded eight genotypes. Fingerprint patterns obtained by RFLP analysis of mitochondrial DNA with the enzyme HaeIII were identical for all F. virguliforme isolates. Combined analysis of the RAPD and (CAT)5 binary data identified 25 genotypes within F. virguliforme, indicating a gre...
Cardiovascular Effects of Noncardiovascular Drugs

Most drugs are not used to treat heart disease. However, such “noncardiovascular” medications can often have cardiovascular effects. In this review, we discuss some cardiovascular manifestations of drugs used for noncardiovascular indications. We discuss these in the text according to the manifestations with which patients present; selected drugs are listed in Table 1 by their indication/drug class. The same medication may appear in different sections, reflecting the varied cardiovascular consequences of a particular drug. We also discuss cardiovascular effects of noncardiovascular drugs that arise indirectly from drug interactions that cause an increase or decrease in the concentration of a cardiovascular drug. View this table: Table 1. Selected Noncardiovascular Drugs With Cardiovascular Effects by Indication/Drug Class ### Atrial Fibrillation Most reports of atrial fibrillation (AF) induced by noncardiovascular drugs are case reports, and because AF is so common, it is difficult to determine whether the association is causal or incidental. The ability to reproduce AF with drug rechallenges supports causality, as does a mechanistic rationale. Table 1 lists drugs with a well-established association with AF. After numerous case reports of the onset of AF after pulse methylprednisolone, van der Hooft et al1 conducted a nested case-control study in the Rotterdam study that comprised almost 8000 adults. They found that high-dose corticosteroid use (≥7.5 mg prednisone equivalents) was associated with a significantly increased risk of new-onset AF (odds ratio [OR]=6.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9 to 9.4) but that low-dose corticosteroid use was not associated with AF (OR=1.4; 95% CI, 0.7 to 2.8). This increase in AF risk was seen with all indications for high-dose corticosteroids. It has been postulated that high-dose corticosteroids might mediate cellular potassium efflux and that this may in turn predispose to arrhythmia.2 There is concern that bisphosphonates may increase the risk of serious AF (AF resulting in hospitalization or disability or …
Tocopherols in the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis and Related Cardiovascular Disease

Oxidants/antioxidants play an important role in cellular homeostasis. The human body has endogenous molecules that work as antioxidants, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, peroxidases, and catalase. Exogenous substances in the diet, such as β-carotene, ascorbate, and vitamin E, are vital antioxidants. Of these, vitamin E is likely the most important antioxidant in the human diet, and many studies have been performed to elucidate its role in health and disease. Vitamin E is a family of several compounds, of which α-tocopherol is the most widely known analog. α-Tocopherol exhibits antioxidative property in vitro and inhibits oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, α-tocopherol shows anti-inflammatory activity and modulates expression of proteins involved in the uptake, transport, and degradation of atherogenic lipids. Though α-tocopherol exhibits important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic features in vitro, α-tocopherol supplements have failed to consistently reduce atherosclerosis-related events in human trials. The conflicting results have led to reconsideration of the importance previously given to α-tocopherol and led to interest in other members of vitamin E family, especially γ-tocopherol, which exerts a much more potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effect than α-tocopherol. This reconsideration has been backed by solid laboratory and clinical research. We suggest that the absence of γ-tocopherol in traditional preparations may be one reason for the lack of consistent salutary effects of vitamin E preparations in clinical trials. This review summarizes our current understanding of tocopherols as antioxidant molecules and emerging evidence of an important role of γ-tocopherol in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease.
Library of Congress archives: additional information about W. Edwards Deming (1900‐1993) now available

W. Edwards Deming is famous for his work in Japan and his attempts to transform Western management. A recently established collection in the Library of Congress contains his personal and professional papers. These files help clarify Deming’s profound views. Well organized and properly maintained, this collection is titled The W. Edwards Deming Papers. Those who are searching for an understanding of Deming’s experience and views will find a treasure trove of information and ideas. Obviously, this collection will not answer all of the questions about his philosophy, but it will help significantly. After a short description of his experience this article provides an overview of the collection and then focuses on five examples of potential research that will be aided by The W. Edwards Deming Papers. These examples are not presented as completed research, but rather as research opportunities intended to whet the research appetite of the reader.
A study of the relationship of nonverbal to verbal behavior: effect of lip caressing on hope and oral references as expressed in the content of speech.

T HIS STUDY was an outgrowth of a previous psychoanalytic investigation in which the content of speech was observed when an analysand periodically fingered his mouth or nose during psychoanalytic therapy. In this earlier study, the analysand was noted to speak significantly more frequently of women and to attach positive valences towards all objects when he was touching his oronasal area as compared to when his hands were at his side.’ In this natural history study, where the hand-mouth activity appeared spontaneously during the psychoanalytic process involving one patient and clearly served a self-supporting function leading to a temporary feeling of independence and security for the analysand, there was no information enabling one to generalize how commonly hand-mouth activity of this sort evoked such specific speech content in others. Also, except for the inferences one might make on the basis of temporal relationships, it could not be determined whether the hand-mouth contact evoked certain memories and thoughts and, hence, such speech content, or whether this speech content and its associated mental content caused the hand-mouth activity. An experimental study with a group of individuals, in which the hand-mouth activity would be systematically alternated with a hand position away from the face, was seen as one means of pursuing the question of cause-and-effect relationships, and specifically of charting the ways in which such kinesic activity was capable of influencing verbal content. On a broader basis, such a study was seen as a possible method of contributing to our understanding of the interplay of early life experiences and object relations on mental content, as well as enlarging our understanding of the effect of hand-mouth activities on memory retrieval and on the processing of new mental content as expressed and objectified in the verbalization of hope and optimism.
Gastric Bypass Surgery in Severely Obese Women With Type 1 Diabetes: Anthropometric and Cardiometabolic Effects at 1 and 5 Years Postsurgery.

While the benefits of gastric bypass (GB) surgery in type 2 diabetes are well established, few studies have evaluated the long-term effects of GB in patients with type 1 diabetes (1,2), and these studies demonstrate conflicting effects on glycemic control. This is clinically important given the increasing prevalence of obesity in patients with type 1 diabetes (3). We studied 10 severely obese women with confirmed type 1 diabetes, as previously described (4), and evaluated outcomes prior to GB and at 1 and 5 years following surgery. Mean age at GB was 39.6 ± 8.4 years, mean duration of type 1 diabetes 24.6 ± 10.1 years, and mean age at diagnosis 16.0 ± 8.3 years. Six subjects used continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. BMI decreased by 33% from baseline at 1 year postoperatively (from 43.5 ± 7.5 to 29.3 ± 5.4 kg/m2, P < 0.0001) but …
Invasion Dynamics in Spatially Heterogeneous Environments

Abstract: Biological invasions, including infectious disease outbreaks and biocontrol introductions, often involve small numbers of individuals arriving in spatially heterogeneous environments. Small numbers lead to demographic stochasticity, and spatial heterogeneity means that establishment success depends critically on the introduction sites and movement patterns of invaders. We present a general stochastic modeling framework to address how spatial heterogeneity and movement patterns determine establishment success, population growth, and rates of spatial spread. For dispersal‐limited populations, our analysis reveals that spatial heterogeneity increases the expected population growth rate and that local reproductive numbers determine establishment success. Higher dispersal rates decrease the expected population growth rate but can enhance establishment success, particularly when movement patterns are positively correlated with local reproductive numbers. We also find that several small, randomly distr...
The Effect of Spatial and Temporal Subsetting on Culex tarsalis Abundance Models—a Design for Sensible Reduction of Vector Surveillance

Early identification of increasing mosquito activity is critical to effective mosquito control, particularly when increasing host-seeking behavior may be associated with increased risk of mosquito-borne disease. In this paper, we analyzed the temporal abundance pattern of the West Nile Virus vector, Culex tarsalis, in Fort Collins, CO, using an autoregressive integrated moving average model. We determined that an autoregressive model order 5 with lagged minimum temperatures was best at describing the seasonal abundance of Cx. tarsalis. We then tested the effect of using both temporal and spatial subsets of the data to determine the effect of reduced sampling effort on abundance predictions. We found that, if reduced trapping is necessary due to limited resources, removal of the least productive 1/3 or 1/4 of the traps produced the least erroneous predictions of seasonality represented in the observed data. We show that this productivity-based subset scheme performs better than other sampling effort reductions in generating the best estimate of Cx. tarsalis abundance per trap-night.
The Poly(A)-Binding Protein and an mRNA Stability Protein Jointly Regulate an Endoribonuclease Activity

We previously identified a sequence-specific erythroid cell-enriched endoribonuclease (ErEN) activity involved in the turnover of the stable alpha-globin mRNA. We now demonstrate that ErEN activity is regulated by the poly(A) tail. The unadenylated alpha-globin 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) was an efficient substrate for ErEN cleavage, while the polyadenylated 3'UTR was inefficiently cleaved in an in vitro decay assay. The influence of the poly(A) tail was mediated through the poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) bound to the poly(A) tail, which can inhibit ErEN activity. ErEN cleavage of an adenylated alpha-globin 3'UTR was accentuated upon depletion of PABP from the cytosolic extract, while addition of recombinant PABP reestablished the inhibition of endoribonuclease cleavage. PABP inhibited ErEN activity indirectly through an interaction with the alphaCP mRNA stability protein. Sequestration of alphaCP resulted in an increase of ErEN cleavage activity, regardless of the polyadenylation state of the RNA. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, PABP was shown to enhance the binding efficiency of alphaCP to the alpha-globin 3'UTR, which in turn protected the ErEN target sequence. Conversely, the binding of PABP to the poly(A) tail was also augmented by alphaCP, implying that a stable higher-order structural network is involved in stabilization of the alpha-globin mRNA. Upon deadenylation, the interaction of PABP with alphaCP would be disrupted, rendering the alpha-globin 3'UTR more susceptible to endoribonuclease cleavage. The data demonstrated a specific role for PABP in protecting the body of an mRNA in addition to demonstrating PABP's well-characterized effect of stabilizing the poly(A) tail.
Soft tissue and bone sarcoma group, 25th anniversary meeting on sarcomas, april 5-7, 2001, aarhus, denmark.

The Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group of EORTC was founded in 1976 and has since developed into one of the leading cooperative groups in the research of sarcomas and has members from 40 institutions in 14 countries. So far it has conducted more than 40 clinical trials with more that 250 patients included per year. In addition a database with more than 2500 patients has been developed. The activities of the group have primarily been within the areas of standards for local as well as systemic treatment strategies, new drug development and quality control procedures. The group has an extensive quality control programme involving a strict membership policy, central reviews of responses and pathology, use of a systemic therapy checklist and on-site monitoring of studies. At the 25th Anniversary Meeting attention was focused on the future of sarcomas with special attention to new developments in the field of molecular biology and cytogenetics, imaging as well as local and systemic treatment. Posters covering all areas of sarcomas were presented. Unfortunately one of our most loyal members over many years, Alberto Azzarelli, died on 22, February 2001 after several months of suffering. He was not only an important member of the scientific committee of this meeting but for many years a very active and inspiring member of EORTC STBSG and his entire professional life was dedicated to sarcomas. The entire group misses Alberto, but we hope, that in his spirit, we continue the effort to improve the care of patients with sarcomas and therefore we dedicate the 25th Anniversary Meeting to his memory. We were very pleased that 240 participants joined the meeting and that 85 abstracts were submitted— many more than anticipated— clearly demonstrating the increasing interest in the field. In general the meeting was very successful and the following abstracts were presented.
Complement depletion and persistent hemodynamic-hematologic responses in protamine-heparin reactions

Hypotension, bradycardia, pulmonary artery hypertension, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia have been suspected to be due to complement activation following protamine reversal of heparin. This investigation examined these phenomena in complement-depleted animals. Eight dogs received intraperitoneal naja n. naja cobra venom factor (CVF), 20 U/kg, 48 and 24 hr prior to anticoagulation with sodium heparin, 150 IU/kg, and reversal 30 min later with protamine sulfate, 1.5 mg/kg. Decomplementation was confirmed in all dogs. Systemic blood pressure (BP), pulse (HR), pulmonary artery systolic and diastolic pressures, (PAS, PAD), cardiac output (CO), platelet count (PTC), and white blood count (WBC) with differential were monitored. The maximal mean changes for the entire group were BP, -43 mm Hg; HR, -16; PAS, +6 mm Hg; PAD, +3 mm Hg; CO, -27%; PTC, -49%; and WBC, -48%. These hemodynamic and hematologic responses, occurring in the face of CVF-induced decomplementation, support the conclusion that complement components C3 and C5-C9 are not influential factors contributing to these protamine-heparin-induced events.
Molecular mechanics calculations on carbonyl compounds. II. Open-chain ketones

Open-chain aliphatic ketones were studied with the molecular mechanics (MM4) force field. A total of seven compounds were examined. Structures were well fit, including moments of inertia. Rotational barriers, vibrational spectra, and dipole moments were also well fit. The overall root mean square errors for MM3 and MM4 were 0.27 and 0.18%, respectively, for the six moments of inertia (known experimentally for two compounds) and 31 and 20 cm−1, respectively, for the vibrational frequencies (over 99 weighted modes). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1426–1450, 2001
Mid-IR Type-II Interband Cascade Lasers

The interband cascade laser (ICL) concept provides robust and efficient emission in the midwave infrared spectral band. While the geometry is somewhat analogous to that of a quantum cascade laser employing intersubband transitions, the ICL implementation exploits the type-II band alignment of the GaSb-based material system. A semimetallic band overlap at the boundary between the electron and hole injector regions automatically generates carriers with densities tunable by quantum confinement. Electrical injection then replenishes the carriers already present rather than creating the population inversion. In this paper, we describe and analyze the physical principles governing ICL operation, and discuss specific modifications to the active region, electron injector, hole injector, and waveguide designs that demonstrably improve the performance. The pulsed I- V and L-I characteristics of devices processed from over 50 wafers provide a statistically meaningful confirmation of the established trends.