cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic social support networks of younger black men who have sex with men with new HIV infection

Rising rates of HIV infection among younger black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) in the USA have generated a public health emergency. Living with HIV requires deep and persistent social support often available only from close confidants. Enlisting endogenous support network members into the care of HIV-infected YBMSM may help shape sustainable supportive environments, leading to long-term improvements in mental and HIV-specific health outcomes. The present study examined trends in support network change over time after new HIV diagnoses among 14 YBMSM. Participants completed a social network survey that utilized sociograms to record support confidants (SCs) preceding HIV diagnosis and at one and nine months postdiagnosis. Reported SCs included family of origin, friends, sex partners, and other associates. Analysis revealed three distinct patterns of change: high gain, high turnover, and stable networks. These patterns offer valuable insights into the social support of YBMSM during the period following diagnosis. This research underscores a growing movement to embrace key support figures in the lives of YBMSM, who may be critical to promoting overall health and adherence to HIV-care.
Solubility of orpiment (As2S3) in Na2S-H2O at 50–200°C and 100–1500 bars, with geological applications

Abstract The solubility of orpiment in Na2S-H2O solutions was measured under conditions ranging from 0·55 to 3·43 wt.% Na2S, temperatures from 25 to 200°C, and pressures from 100 to 1500 bars. Orpiment is highly soluble in Na2S solutions; mole ratios of dissolved As2S3 to total Na2S are about unity. Orpiment solubility increases nearly linearly with increasing Na2S concentration, but decreases non-linearly with increasing pressure. Temperature change affects orpiment solubility only slightly at temperatures below about 120°C, but above 120°C increasing temperature increases the solubility at an increasing rate. Factors that would lead to deposition of orpiment in nature are decreasing temperature, reactions with wall rocks, or acidification and oxidation reactions with ground water solutions.
X-ray emission spectra induced by hydrogenic ions in charge transfer collisions

Theoretical models are constructed of the hard x-ray spectra resulting from electron capture by fully stripped ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{10+}$ ions traversing the gases Ne, He, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2},$ ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2},$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}.$ The measured spectra are superpositions of individual lines of ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{9+}.$ An exact description of the radiative cascade is used. Initial excited populations that reproduce the measured spectra are derived and quantitative predictions of the energies and intensities of lines in the soft x-ray and extreme ultraviolet regions are made. These lines when observed will be powerful diagnostic probes of the capture mechanism and of the diverse range of laboratory and astrophysical plasmas in which it occurs.
An analysis of the relationship between electricity and natural‐gas futures prices

This article analyzes the relationship between electricity futures prices and natural-gas futures prices. We find that the daily settlement prices of New York Mercantile Exchange's (NYMEX's) California–Oregon Border (COB) and Palo Verde (PV) electricity futures contracts are cointegrated with the prices of its natural-gas futures contract. The coefficient of natural-gas futures prices in our model of COB electricity futures prices is not significantly different from the coefficient of gas prices in our model of PV electricity although there are differences in the production of electricity in these two service areas. The coefficients in our model do reflect differences in the consumption of electricity in the COB and PV service areas, however. Our trading-rule simulations indicate that the statistically significant mean reversion found in the relationship between electricity and natural-gas futures prices also is economically significant in both in-sample and out-of-sample tests. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 22:95–122, 2002
Advance directives lessen the decisional burden of surrogate decision-making for the chronically critically ill.

Aims and objectives To identify the relationships between advance directive status, demographic characteristics and decisional burden (role stress and depressive symptoms) of surrogate decision-makers (SDMs) of patients with chronic critical illness. Background Although the prevalence of advance directives among Americans has increased, SDMs are ultimately responsible for complex medical decisions of the chronically critically ill patient. Decisional burden has lasting psychological effects on SDMs. There is insufficient evidence on the influence of advance directives on the decisional burden of surrogate decision-makers of patients with chronic critical illness. Design The study was a secondary data analysis of cross-sectional data. Data were obtained from 489 surrogate decision-makers of chronically critically ill patients at two academic medical centres in Northeast Ohio, United States, between September 2005–May 2008. Methods Data were collected using demographic forms and questionnaires. A single-item measure of role stress and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CESD) scale were used to capture the SDM's decisional burden. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square and path analyses were performed. Results Surrogate decision-makers who were nonwhite, with low socioeconomic status and low education level were less likely to have advance directive documentation for their chronically critically ill patient. The presence of an advance directive mitigates the decisional burden by directly reducing the SDM's role stress and indirectly lessening the severity of depressive symptoms. Conclusions Most SDMs of chronically critically ill patients will not have the benefit of knowing the patient's preferences for life-sustaining therapies and consequently be at risk of increased decisional burden. Relevance to clinical practice Study results are clinically useful for patient education on the influence of advance directives. Patients may be informed that SDMs without advance directives are at risk of increased decisional burden and will require decisional support to facilitate patient-centred decision-making.
Evaluation of relationships among refractive and topographic parameters

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationships among several refractive and topographic parameters. Setting Cullen Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Methods Using computerized videokeratography (EyeSys Corneal Analysis System™), 287 corneas of 150 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The Holladay Diagnostic Summary (HDS) refractive maps were used to evaluate relationships among variables of the HDS and refractive error. Results Myopic spherical equivalent refraction (P = .0003) and more negative asphericity (Q-values) (P = .0119) were correlated with steeper corneas. The Q-values were less negative in eyes with moderate myopia (2.0 to 6.0 diopters [D]) than in those with hyperopia (1.0 D or greater). The Q-values below −0.3 were correlated with less favorable values for predicted corneal acuity and corneal uniformity index values. Mean corneal curvature measurements obtained by computerized videokeratography and standard keratometry showed a strong degree of correlation (P = .0001). Conclusion As the degree of myopia and negative asphericity increased, the corneal radius of curvature decreased. Corneal Q-values less than −0.3 were associated with reduced optical performance of the cornea.
Toward a theory of organized multimodal integration patterns during human-computer interaction

As a new generation of multimodal systems begins to emerge, one dominant theme will be the integration and synchronization requirements for combining modalities into robust whole systems. In the present research, quantitative modeling is presented on the organization of users' speech and pen multimodal integration patterns. In particular, the potential malleability of users' multimodal integration patterns is explored, as well as variation in these patterns during system error handling and tasks varying in difficulty. Using a new dual-wizard simulation method, data was collected from twelve adults as they interacted with a map-based task using multimodal speech and pen input. Analyses based on over 1600 multimodal constructions revealed that users' dominant multimodal integration pattern was resistant to change, even when strong selective reinforcement was delivered to encourage switching from a sequential to simultaneous integration pattern, or vice versa. Instead, both sequential and simultaneous integrators showed evidence of entrenching further in their dominant integration patterns (i.e., increasing either their inter-modal lag or signal overlap) over the course of an interactive session, during system error handling, and when completing increasingly difficult tasks. In fact, during error handling these changes in the co-timing of multimodal signals became the main feature of hyper-clear multimodal language, with elongation of individual signals either attenuated or absent. Whereas Behavioral/Structuralist theory cannot account for these data, it is argued that Gestalt theory provides a valuable framework and insights into multimodal interaction. Implications of these findings are discussed for the development of a coherent theory of multimodal integration during human-computer interaction, and for the design of a new class of adaptive multimodal interfaces.
Detachment od cells in vitro with culture fluids from stimulated human mononuclear cells

Supernatants of cultured mononuclear cells (S-MNL) were tested for their ability to separate cells from their substrates. Adherent L-cells were exposed for up to 3 hr to culture fluids from MNL with and without PHA stimulation. A reproducible shearing force was then applied to the L-cells which tests for loss of cohesiveness at the cell periphery. We found a significant increase of 3-fold or greater in the number of detached L-cells receiving stimulated S-MNL when compared with culture fluids from unstimulated MNL. The detachment-enhancing activity was present in culture fluids within 24 hours following stimulation. Examination of MNL culture fluids revealed no differences in the quantities of lysosomal enzymes to explain the increased cell detachment. We suggest the detachment of cells seen in vitro by products released from mononuclear cells may provide an explanation for the in vivo ability of these cells to infiltrate tissue.
Simulation of Osmotic Pressure in Concentrated Aqueous Salt Solutions

Accurate force fields are critical for meaningful simulation studies of highly concentrated electrolytes. The ion models that are widely used in biomolecular simulations do not necessarily reproduce the correct behavior at finite concentrations. In principle, the osmotic pressure is a key thermodynamic property that could be used to test and refine force field parameters for concentrated solutions. Here we describe a novel, simple, and practical method to compute the osmotic pressure directly from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of concentrated aqueous solutions by introducing an idealized semipermeable membrane. Simple models for Na+, K+, and Cl− are tested and calibrated to accurately reproduce the experimental osmotic pressure at high salt concentration, up to the solubility limit of 4−5 M. The methodology is general and can be extended to any type of solute as well as nonadditive polarizable force fields.
Alkali Bees: Response of Adults to Pathogenic Fungi in Brood Cells

Female alkali bees (Nomia melanderi) opened sealed cells containing brood infested with Aspergillus flavus, A. tamarii, Fusarium solani, Rhizopus sp., or Mucor sp. and filled them with compact soil, thus reducing fungus sporulation. Such awareness of the condition of sealed brood is hitherto unknown among solitary bees.
Immunohistochemical localization of oxytocin receptors in human brain

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) regulates rodent, primate and human social behaviors and stress responses. OT binding studies employing (125)I-d(CH2)5-[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH2(9)] ornithine vasotocin ((125)I-OTA), has been used to locate and quantify OT receptors (OTRs) in numerous areas of the rat brain. This ligand has also been applied to locating OTRs in the human brain. The results of the latter studies, however, have been brought into question because of subsequent evidence that (125)I-OTA is much less selective for OTR vs. vasopressin receptors in the primate brain. Previously we used a monoclonal antibody directed toward a region of the human OTR to demonstrate selective immunostaining of cell bodies and fibers in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area and ventral septum of a cynomolgus monkey (Boccia et al., 2001). The present study employed the same monoclonal antibody to study the location of OTRs in tissue blocks containing cortical, limbic and brainstem areas dissected from fixed adult, human female brains. OTRs were visualized in discrete cell bodies and/or fibers in the central and basolateral regions of the amygdala, medial preoptic area (MPOA), anterior and ventromedial hypothalamus, olfactory nucleus, vertical limb of the diagonal band, ventrolateral septum, anterior cingulate and hypoglossal and solitary nuclei. OTR staining was not observed in the hippocampus (including CA2 and CA3), parietal cortex, raphe nucleus, nucleus ambiguus or pons. These results suggest that there are some similarities, but also important differences, in the locations of OTRs in human and rodent brains. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) utilizing a monoclonal antibody provides specific localization of OTRs in the human brain and thereby provides opportunity to further study OTR in human development and psychiatric conditions.
Evaluation of the reversible contribution to the reversing heat capacity in isotactic polystyrene

Abstract We report the results of time dependent analysis of the reversing heat capacity peaks in isotactic polystyrene (iPS). Solution grown crystals (SGCs) and bulk films of iPS were examined using quasi-isothermal temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (QI-TMDSC). Both types of iPS samples showed two reversing heat capacity peaks as reported before [H. Xu, P. Cebe, Macromolecules 37 (2004) 2797; H. Xu, P. Cebe, Macromolecules 38 (2005) 770], and the two peaks are associated with melting of different portions of crystal lamellae with different degree of thermal stability [T. Liu, J. Petermann, Polymer 42 (2001) 6453]. Here, the behavior of the reversing heat capacity is studied as a function of holding time from the establishment of steady state, until the end of the quasi-isothermal holding period. The reversing heat capacity decreases with time at each of the two peak positions. For both types of iPS (SGC and bulk film) the time dependence of each of the reversing heat capacity peaks is fitted using C p ( t ) = C p∞ + A 1 exp(− t / τ 1 ) + A 2 exp(− t / τ 2 ). The fit parameters (equilibrium reversible heat capacity, C p∞ ; prefactors, A 1 and A 2 ; relaxation times, τ 1 and τ 2 ) provide a means to compare the decay of the dual reversing heat capacity peaks of iPS solution grown crystals with bulk cold-crystallized film. Results show that iPS bulk films have longer relaxation times ( τ 1 and τ 2 ) and smaller C p∞ value than the iPS SGCs. Both results suggest that the iPS bulk films have higher degree of crystal perfection than SGCs.
Insulin and β adrenergic effects during endotoxin shock: in vivo myocardial interactions

STUDY OBJECTIVE - Catecholamine concentrations are raised during endotoxin shock and may be responsible for myocardial insulin resistance in such a condition. The purpose of the investigation was to examine the effect of insulin on myocardial contractility and glucose uptake in the presence of beta adrenergic blockade during endotoxin shock. DESIGN - Endotoxin shock was obtained in dogs by giving S Typhimurium endotoxin intravenously (1 mg.kg-1) and the cardiac responses to insulin were determined under hyperinsulinaemic (4 U.min-1) euglycaemic clamp conditions during continuous beta adrenergic blockade (propranolol 150 micrograms.kg-1 + 5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1). SUBJECTS - 19 mongrel dogs of either sex, weight 20-25 kg, were studied under pentobarbitone anaesthesia. Seven dogs received endotoxin plus propranolol, and seven others received propranolol alone (control group). Five dogs received endotoxin but no propranolol or insulin. All other procedures were the same in each group. MEASUREMENTS and RESULTS - The exposed heart was prepared for coronary sinus blood sampling and measurements of circumflex artery blood flow (Q), instantaneous left ventricular pressure, and left ventricular wall thickness. Glucose uptake was calculated from product of Q and aortic-coronary sinus concentration difference. End systolic pressure-dimension relationship was used to assess contractility. Myocardial performance was assessed from left ventricular dP/dtmax. Basal shock measurements were made 60 min post endotoxin. beta Adrenergic blockade did not interfere with insulin stimulated glucose uptake in controls, but was unable to restore the uptake response during endotoxin shock. Contractility was increased during endotoxin shock and this effect was abolished by beta adrenergic blockade. In controls the only variable affected by beta adrenergic blockade was left ventricular dP/dtmax (decreased). Insulin increased contractility during beta adrenergic blockade in controls but not in shock. Myocardial performance was depressed during shock. In controls, insulin increased myocardial performance; in shock this response was attenuated. CONCLUSIONS - The findings confirm that the myocardium becomes less responsive to the glucose uptake stimulating and positive inotropic effects of insulin during endotoxin shock. The data show that beta adrenergic activity is responsible for the increased contractile state of the heart during acute endotoxin shock, but is not the cause of the observed insulin resistant state.
An analysis of early studies released by the Lung Imaging Database Consortium (LIDC).

Rationale and Objectives To analyze radiologist lung nodule segmentations in the Lung Imaging Database Consortium (LIDC) database and to apply statistical tools to generate estimates of ground truth. This investigation expands on earlier work by considering a larger number of cases from the LIDC database, and results were generated on a per-nodule basis, as opposed to a per-case basis as was done previously. Materials and Methods We analyzed nodule data drawn from the 41 most recent computed tomography exams released by the LIDC. We combined radiologist segmentations for a given nodule using different consensus schemes: union, intersection, and simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE). We also generated three-dimensional models of the manual segmentations using discrete marching cubes to visualize features of the data. Results Using the union as the consensus scheme produced the greatest number of nodule-positive voxels while using the intersection produced the fewest. Considering only nodules for which all readers agreed on nodule presence, STAPLE computed sensitivity averages for readers one, two, three, and four were 0.91, 0.83, 0.90, and 0.77, respectively. Specificity averages were 0.97, 0.98, 0.97, and 0.97. Considering cases for which there was disagreement about nodule presence, sensitivity results become 0.67, 0.74, 0.60, and 0.37. Specificity results in this case are 0.95, 0.95, 0.95, and 0.98. STAPLE-generated pmaps exhibited probability values tightly grouped below the 0.25 and above the 0.75 probability levels. Three-dimensional models of manually segmented nodules revealed step-artefacts in the segmentation data. Conclusions Radiologists often disagree about nodule presence. Ideally, knowing each reader’s sensitivity and specificity a priori is preferred for optimal STAPLE results. Knowing these values and developing manual segmentation tools and imaging protocols that mitigate unwanted segmentation features (such as step artefacts) can result in more accurate estimates of ground truth. Furthermore, a computer-aided detection algorithm’s performance is a function of the ground truth estimate by which it is scored.
Observations associated with non-linear voltage-current characteristics of type II superconductors

Abstract Independent currents at right angles were sent through type II superconducting alumnum films in the flux-flow state, and the voltage measured along one of the current directions. The voltage was found to increase with increasing perpendicular current, due to the non-linear voltage characteristics of the specimens.
Storage and diffusion of cosmic-ray electrons in the galaxy.

Storage, diffusion and energy loss of cosmic ray electron propagation in galaxy, discussing leakage lifetime inadequacies and electron acceleration
Teachers View People: Sex-Role Stereotyping

175 women and 80 men educators completed the Gough Adjective Check List identifying each word as being stereotypically associated with males, with females, or with both. Only those adjectives on wh...
The Limits of Magic

This is the case of a Malay shaman who narrowed the scope of her diagnoses to magic, evoking scorn from her colleagues and alarm from rural patients accustomed to a variety of illness etiologies. But she found success as part of a team catering to urban Malays. Her performance satisfied expectations of clients unused to traditional shamanism and set the stage for acceptance of her partner's diagnoses couched in "common sense," educated, urbane language which nevertheless restored elements of Malay illness etiology she had discarded.
Solving Empirical Bioeconomic Models: A Rangeland Management Application

An empirical bioeconomic model was developed for private ranches conducting firewood, cattle, and hunting enterprises on California's hardwood rangelands. Hunting, forage, cattle, and oak firewood production functions were derived. Nonlinear optimal control was used to solve for two state and four control variables to give optimal time pathways for oak density and cattle stocking. Risk was considered through use of chance constraints, rainfall variability, and price expectations. Commercial hunting is shown to be the dominant economic value on these rangelands. Inclusion of stochastics shifts production away from cattle to less risky firewood and hunting enterprises.
Bridge Monitoring and Performance Evaluation

Over fifty percent of our nation’s 560,000-plus bridges are obsolete or structurally deficient. To upgrade or replace these structures would require a serious budget. In order to shorten this list of bridges and to improve their ratings, state DOTs are investigating new repair techniques and better performance evaluation tools in order to implement the new drive to sustainability within the infrastructure. The research presented herein focused on the evaluation of current US bridge analysis and rating procedures for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). To evaluate these procedures, several bridges were rated with commercially available software and a newly developed spreadsheet program. In parallel, the bridges were also load tested for comparison, from which, it was concluded that the NCDOT’s bridge rating software directly follows the latest AASHTO requirements. The experimental results, however, also proved that the bridges had significant strength reserves associated to several factors, such as, girder/deck composite action, impact and distribution factors, material strength, and contribution of non-structural elements. In this research, a simplified bridge testing protocol was developed from which it was concluded, that a relatively simple instrumentation setup could be effective in the load rating of bridges through testing. The data gathered through these instruments provide vital performance data for normal traffic conditions, as well as during extreme loading conditions and evacuations, which could lead to less restrictive load ratings and removal of the structurally deficient classification, yielding a more sustainable structure.
Nerve growth-promoting factor produced in culture media conditioned by specific CNS tissues of the snailHelisoma

Abstract Medium conditioned by tissue from the CNS of the snail, Helisoma , is capable of promoting neurite outgrowth in isolated neurons from adult central ganglia. The conditioning factor(s) (CF), contained in conditioned medium (CM), is produced only by central ganglionic rings and buccal ganglia and not by other tissues, including hemolymph. CF requires a minimum of 24 h to be produced or released into the medium. At 12 h growth-promoting activity was not detectable. CF binds tightly to the polylysine substratum and its activity is not mimicked by addition of various sera, NGF or fibronectin. CF activity is abolished by chymotrypsin, trypsin or heating to 100 °C, but is stable to DNase and RNase treatment. The percentage of cells exhibiting neurite outgrowth is approximately linear with the amount of neural tissue used to condition the medium up to 2 ganglionic rings/ml. Addition of more ganglia fails to stimulate a greater response. This apparent plateau of CM activity appears to be a function of production and/or release of CF, rather than a saturation effect on plated cells, since dose-response curves for dilutions of CM are approximately linear regardless of the number of ganglia used for conditioning. In addition, anisomycin inhibits 35% of CF appearance under conditions of over 90% protein synthesis inhibition in the ganglia used to produce the CM. Under these conditions anisomycin has no apparent effect on the maintenance of electrical excitability. The inhibitor data suggest that 65% of CF is derived from a pre-existing storage pool and that the remainder is synthesized during the 72 h conditioning period.
Use of a scoring model combining clinical, exercise test, and echocardiographic data to predict mortality in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

The aim of this study was to derive and validate a model for predicting mortality by combining clinical, exercise testing, and echocardiographic data in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. We studied 5,679 patients (aged 62 ± 12 years; 3,231 men) who were followed for a mean of 3 years after treadmill exercise echocardiography. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of equal size. (1) The modeling group underwent multivariate analysis to define independent predictors of mortality. Three hundred bootstrap resamplings were performed to determine parameter coefficients. Patients were divided into 5 risk categories according to their composite score and survival rate in each category was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. (2) The validation group comprised patients for whom the risk model was applied. Patients were divided into 5 risk categories based on data obtained from the modeling group. During follow-up, 315 patients died (151 in the modeling group). Independent predictors of mortality were exercise wall motion score index (chi-square 22.4, p <0.0001), workload (chi-square 17.1, p <0.0001), male gender (chi-square 15.4, p <0.0001), and age (chi-square 5.5, RR 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1 to 1.04; p = 0.02). Application of the composite score in the validation group resulted in an effective stratification of patients for mortality and cardiac events. This study provides a model for assessing risk of death by combining clinical, exercise testing, and echocardiographic data using a single composite score.
Feature Mapping Automation for CAD Data Exchange

Computer-aided design (CAD) data interoperability is one of the most important issues to enable information integration and sharing in a collaborative engineering environment. A significant amount of work has been done on the extension and standardization of neutral data formats in both academy and industry. In this paper, we present a feature mapping mechanism to allow for automatic feature information exchange. A hybrid semantic feature model is used to represent implicit and explicit features. A graph-based feature isomorphism algorithm is developed to support feature mapping between different CAD data formats.© 2008 ASME
Hexagonal Economic Regions Solve the Location Problem

(2002). Hexagonal Economic Regions Solve the Location Problem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 109, No. 2, pp. 165-172.
Application of a radioimmunoassay for detection of the major internal antigen (p24) of bovine leukemia virus from cultured lymphocytes of cattle.

Abstract A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for the major internal antigen of bovine leukemia virus has been applied to detecting this protein in cultured lymphocytes of infected cattle. The specificity inherent in this assay offers obvious advantages over a previously described syncytium induction assay for infectious bovine leukemia virus, because false positive reactions due to other viruses such as bovine syncytial virus are avoided. Investigations of various culture conditions indicated that maximal amounts of antigen had been produced after incubation for 72 hr at 37°C. Lymphocyte concentrations of 106−5×107 cells/ml gave satisfactory results. Tests of cultured lymphocytes from bovine leukemia virus infected or bovine leukemia virus-free cattle indicated a comparable sensitivity between the radioimmunoassay and syncytium induction assay in the detection of bovine leukemia virus infections.
The kinase domain of Jak2 mediates induction of Bcl-2 and delays cell death in hematopoietic cells

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-3, and IL-5 stimulate DNA synthesis and proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in hematopoietic cells. Multiple signal pathways are activated by binding of these ligands to their receptors, which share a common beta subunit. Janus protein kinase 2 (Jak2) binds to the membrane proximal domain of the beta chain and is phosphorylated on receptor ligation. To explore the role of Jak2 in the regulation of specific signal transduction pathways, we constructed fusion proteins with a CD16 external domain, a CD7 transmembrane region, and a Jak2 cytoplasmic domain. This cytoplasmic domain consisted either of wild type Jak2 (CD16/Jak2-W) or Jak2 mutations with deletions of (a) the amino terminus (CD16/Jak2-N), (b) kinase-like domain (CD16/Jak2-B), (c) kinase domain (CD16/Jak2-C), or (d) amino-terminal and kinase-like domains, leaving the kinase domain (CD16/Jak-K) intact. In contrast to the CD16/Jak2-W fusion protein, which requires cross-linking for activation, CD16/Jak2-N, CD16/Jak2-B, and CD16/Jak2-K were constitutively phosphorylated, and they stimulated Shc phosphorylation and increased binding of STAT to DNA in Ba/F3 cells. Cell lines derived from IL-3-dependent Ba/F3 cells stably transfected with CD16/Jak2-W, CD16/Jak2-N, or CD16/Jak2-B mammalian expression vectors died at a rate similar to that of the parental cells on IL-3 deprivation. In contrast, CD16/Jak2-K cell lines exhibited increased expression of bcl-2 and pim-1 mRNA and maintained their viability when compared with control cell lines. Thus, activation of tyrosine phosphorylation by creating a CD16/Jak2-K fusion is sufficient to activate pathways that prevent cell death.
Molecular mechanisms of neuronal cell death.

: Chronic neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, are characterized by a selective loss of specific subsets of neuronal populations over a period of years or even decades. While the underlying causes of the various neurodegenerative diseases are not clear, the death of neurons and the loss of neuronal contacts are key pathological features. Pinpointing molecular events that control neuronal cell death is critical for the development of new strategies to prevent and treat neurodegenerative disorders.
Inhibition of C-jun N-terminal kinase improves insulin sensitivity but worsens albuminuria in experimental diabetes

C-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) regulates both the development of insulin resistance and inflammation. Podocytes of the widely used db/db mouse model of diabetic nephropathy lose their ability to respond to insulin as albuminuria develops, in comparison to control db/+ mice. Here we tested whether JNK inhibition or its gene deletion would prevent albuminuria in experimental diabetes. Phosphorylated/total JNK was significantly increased in vivo in glomeruli of db/db compared to db/+ mice. Treatment of podocytes isolated from these two strains of mice with tumor necrosis factor- α caused greater phosphorylation of JNK in those obtained from diabetic animals. When db/db mice were treated with a cell-permeable TAT-JNK inhibitor peptide, their insulin sensitivity and glycemia significantly improved compared to controls. We induced diabetes in JNK1 knockout mice with streptozotocin and found that they had significantly better insulin sensitivity compared to diabetic wild-type or JNK2 knockout mice. Albuminuria was, however, worse in all mice treated with the JNK inhibitor and in diabetic JNK2 knockout mice compared to controls. Nephrin expression was also reduced in JNK inhibitor-treated mice compared to controls. A similar degree of mesangial expansion was found in all diabetic mice. Our study shows that targeting JNK to improve systemic insulin sensitivity does not necessarily prevent diabetic nephropathy.
Clinical predictors of early infarct-related artery patency following thrombolytic therapy: importance of body weight, smoking history, infarct-related artery and choice of thrombolytic regimen: the GUSTO-I experience

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine patient characteristics that are a priori predictors of early infarct related artery patency following thrombolytic therapy, and to provide a paradigm which may identify patients who would be most likely to achieve restoration of normal (TIMI 3) coronary flow in response to thrombolytic therapy. Background. Restoration of infarct-related artery perfusion in acute myocardial infarction is necessary for preservation of ventricular function and mortality reduction. Clinical variables that are a priori predictors of early patency with currently available thrombolytic regimens have not been fully characterized. Methods. The probability of early infarct-related artery patency (TIMI 3 flow) was determined by multivariable logistic regression. We determined a reduced (parsimonious) model for predicting early (90 min) infarct-related artery patency (TIMI grade 3) based on data from 1,030 patients in the GUSTO-I Angiographic study. Results. Predictors of 90 min TIMI 3 flow are use of an accelerated t-PA regimen (vs. streptokinase containing regimens) (χ2= 39.1; p ≤ 0.0001), infarct related artery (RCA/Lcx vs. LAD) (χ2= 12.7; p = 0.0004), body weight (χ2= 10.3; p = 0.001) and history of smoking (χ2= 7.4; p = 0.007). Time from symptom onset to treatment was not significant (p = 0.71). Conclusions. The efficacy of currently available thrombolytic regimens is chiefly dependent on choice of thrombolytic regimen, body weight, infarct-related coronary artery and smoking history. Clinical variables alone correctly predict a priori TIMI 3 flow in the infarct-related artery 64% of the time. Patients with body weights greater than 85 kg are at a significant disadvantage with regard to achieving successful thrombolysis compared to those with lesser body weights.
A comparison of numerical techniques for solution of atmospheric kinetic equations

Abstract Numerical modeling of atmospheric chemistry is a computationally intensive problem. The equations describing the interaction among various modeled chemical species are coupled, nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Spatial dependencies in comprehensive three-dimensional air quality models require the solution of this system at thousands of spatial points. Even with increasing computer power, there is a need for efficient and accurate numerical solvers with expanded capabilities, since the next generation of air quality simulation models needs to address the increasingly complex chemistry issues emerging in new model applications. Variants of the commonly used quasi steady-state approximation and the hybrid methods currently used in several modeling systems are examined against a reference mechanism describing chemical interactions related to tropospheric oxidant and acid formation. Additional modifications to the methods are incorporated to yield more robust integration techniques. The chemistry solution methodology used in the regional acid deposition model is also incorporated in this comparison as a base methodology for representing the reference chemical mechanism. The methods are tested against the Gear integration scheme for a variety of test cases including traditional box-model calculations and detailed three-dimensional simulations, and their relative accuracies and efficiencies are investigated. Performance and implementation issues related to chemical integration schemes are examined in the context of the demands and needs of the chemistry component of future comprehensive atmospheric chemistry/transport simulation models.
From start to finish: The duration of Hispanic children in out-of home placements

Abstract Previous studies indicate that the proportion of ethnically diverse children to White children is increasing in public social service agencies. In addition, ethnically diverse children are more likely to receive more intensive and punitive services, are more likely to stay within the system for longer periods of time, and are reported more often to Child Protective Services. The purpose of this retrospective, 2-year, longitudinal, survival analysis of differential child welfare placement outcomes study was to explore how child welfare practices with Hispanic children are different from those applied with White non-Hispanic children.
A Video-Rate CCD Two-Dimensional Cosine Transform Processor

The need for transmitting an image through a low data rate channel has led to the development of various image data compression techniques. Recently, transform image coding based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT) algorithm has been proven to be a near optimum method for good quality, low data rate image transmission [1],[2]. In this paper, a CCD two-dimension DCT [3] device structure based on the recently developed one dimension CCD DCT device [4] will be reviewed. The CCD DCT device computes a 16-point cosine transform in 100 ns. The device structure is based on the vector-matrix product algorithm and implemented by using a bank of 256 fixed-weight multipliers. 60-dB dynamic range, -40-dB harmonic distortion has been achieved by the DCT device. Clocked at 10 MHz, the device is performing 5 billion computations per second and dissipates only 700 mW. The speed, power, weight and through-put rate advantages offered by the CCD technology make it ideal to be used in a low cost image transform CODECL [2].
An amorphous silicon-based one-unit photovoltaic electrolyzer

A one-unit photovoltaic electrolyzer, fabricated from double-stacked amorphous silicon cells (pin-pin), is described. A solar energy conversion efficiency to hydrogen of 2.6% has been achieved, which, with recent technological developments, can be raised to 6%. A one-unit array (with storage) capable of supplying solar hydrogen to power tractors on the average farm would give rise to a cost of ca. 6.2¢/kWh, using the expected 1990 value of $1 per peak W for amorphous silicon photovoltaics. The cost of the hydrogen derived from the system is ca. two to three times that of conventional gasoline per gallon equivalent.
Invisible Victims: Same-Sex IPV in the National Violence Against Women Survey

With intimate partner violence (IPV) among same-sex couples largely ignored by policy makers and researchers alike, accurately estimating the size of the problem is important in determining whether this minimal response is justified. As such, the present study is a secondary data analysis of the National Violence Against Women Survey and represents the first multiple variable regression analysis of U.S. adult same-sex IPV prevalence using a nationally representative sample (N = 14,182). Logistic regressions indicate that, independent of sex, respondents with a history of same-sex relationships are more likely to experience verbal, controlling, physical, and sexual IPV. Behaviorally "bisexual" respondents experience the highest IPV rates and are most likely to be victimized by an opposite-sex partner. Implications for future IPV research regarding sexual orientation and gender are discussed.
Distal Esophageal Spasm: An Update

Distal esophageal spasm (DES) is an esophageal motility disorder that presents clinically with chest pain and/or dysphagia and is defined manometrically as simultaneous contractions in the distal (smooth muscle) esophagus in ≥20% of wet swallows (and amplitude contraction of ≥30 mmHg) alternating with normal peristalsis. With the introduction of high resolution esophageal pressure topography (EPT) in 2000, the definition of DES was modified. The Chicago classification proposed that the defining criteria for DES using EPT should be the presence of at least two premature contractions (distal latency<4.5 s) in a context of normal EGJ relaxation. The etiology of DES remains insufficiently understood, but evidence links nitric oxide (NO) deficiency as a culprit resulting in a disordered neural inhibition. GERD frequently coexists in DES, and its role in the pathogenesis of symptoms needs further evaluation. There is some evidence from small series that DES can progress to achalasia. Treatment remains challenging due in part to lack of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Current treatment agents include nitrates (both short and long acting), calcium-channel blockers, anticholinergic agents, 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors, visceral analgesics (tricyclic agents or SSRI), and esophageal dilation. Acid suppression therapy is frequently used, but clinical outcome trials to support this approach are not available. Injection of botulinum toxin in the distal esophagus may be effective, but further data regarding the development of post-injection gastroesophageal reflux need to be assessed. Heller myotomy combined with fundoplication remains an alternative for the rare refractory patient. Preliminary studies suggest that the newly developed endoscopic technique of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) may also be an alternative treatment modality.
Is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in pediatrics a safe procedure

Removal of urinary calculi is an essential element in the successful treatment of patients with urinary stone disease. The new generation of lithotriptors allows the treatment without the need for general anesthesia. The patients, often outpatients, have a faster discharge from the hospital with a reduction of hospitalization time and operating costs. Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is currently considered a safe technique for treatment of pediatric urinary lithiasias, with a low percentage of complications and subsequent surgical retreatments. But can we define SWL as a safe procedure in pediatrics? Herein, we will review the literature to justify SWL safety in children, focusing on important parameters as the insertion of preoperative stenting, side effects, and complications after the procedure.
Biogeochemistry: Limits on carbon uptake by plants

Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere support greater plant biomass in grasslands, but this response is constrained in the long term by soil nitrogen availability.
Constitutive behavior and fracture toughness properties of the F82H ferritic/martensitic steel

A detailed investigation of the constitutive behavior of the International Energy Agency (IEA) program heat of 8 Cr unirradiated F82H ferritic-martensitic steel has been undertaken in the temperature range of 80-723 K. The overall tensile flow stress is decomposed into temperature-dependent and athermal yield stress contributions plus a mildly temperature-dependent strain-hardening component. The fitting forms are based on a phenomenological dislocation mechanics model. This formulation provides a more accurate and physically based representation of the dow stress as a function of the key variables of test temperature, strain and stain rate compared to simple power law treatments. Fracture toughness measurements from small compact tension specimens are also reported and analyzed in terms of a critical stress-critical area local fracture model. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The Influence of News Frames and Science Background on Attributions About Embryonic and Adult Stem Cell Research: Frames as Heuristic/ Biasing Cues

This study investigated effects of frames, science background, and stem cell source on attributions of ethicality, credibility, and usefulness of stem cell research. Framing did not influence perceptions of ethicality, but science majors tended to perceive embryonic research to be more ethical than did nonscience majors. Nonscience majors perceived stem cell research to be less credible than did science majors in an Economic Prospects frame. Science majors perceived embryonic research to be more useful than did nonscience majors except in a Conflict frame. Results suggest that frames cue heuristics that bias science and nonscience majors’ cognitions about stem cell research differently.
Effect of cost on the self-administration and efficacy of nicotine gum: a preliminary study.

Methods. One hundred six smokers seen in a family practice received brief physician advice and a prescription for nicotine gum. Smokers were randomly assigned to pay $20, $6, or $0/box of nicotine gum and followed for 6 months. Results. Decreased cost increased the incidence of obtaining gum, the amount of gum used, and the incidence of long-term use (P < 0.05). Decreased cost also increased cessation attempts and 1-week cessation (P < 0.05) and appeared to increase abstinence at 6-month follow-up (19% vs 6% vs 8%, P < 0.10). Cost-benefit estimates suggest that an insurance plan, HMO, etc., would recoup any costs in subsidizing nicotine gum and perhaps incur a net financial gain.
Moments in quadrature problems

Abstract An account is given of the role played by moments and modified moments in the construction of quadrature rules, specifically weighted Newton-Cotes and Gaussian rules. Fast and slow Lagrange interpolation algorithms, combined with Gaussian quadrature, as well as linear algebra methods based on moment equations, are described for generating Newton-Cotes formulae. The weaknesses and strengths of these methods are illustrated in concrete examples involving weight functions with and without singularities. New conjectures are formulated concerning the positivity of certain Newton-Cotes formulae for Jacobi weight functions and for the logistics weight, with numerical evidence being provided to support them. Finally, an inherent limitation is pointed out in the use of moment information to construct Gauss-type quadrature rules for the Hermite weight function on bounded or half-infinite intervals.