cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antiretroviral Therapy for Hepatitis B Virus-HIV-Coinfected Patients: Promises and Pitfalls

Coinfections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are common globally. HIV infection modifies the course of HBV infection by increasing rates of chronicity, prolonging HBV viremia, and increasing liver-related morbidity. To minimize the emergence of HIV and/or HBV resistance, as well as the emergence of liver enzyme flares, the treatment of both infections should be coordinated. Lamivudine or emtricitabine monotherapy readily selects resistant strains in the YMDD motif of the polymerase gene. Adefovir monotherapy has moderate effectiveness in HIV-HBV‐coinfected patients who have YMDD mutation. If HBV treatment can be deferred until combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection is needed, the combination of tenofovir plus lamivudine or emtricitabine provides potent HBV therapy and a solid backbone for HIV combination antiretroviral therapy, and it likely decreases the emergence of HBV resistance.
How many medicines do patients with heart failure need

Over the past 2 decades, a number of controlled clinical trials have been performed that have taught us that polypharmacy for heart failure is necessary to achieve the best reduction in morbidity and mortality. Four drugs are given to patients with moderately severe heart failure: digoxin, a loop diuretic, an ACE inhibitor, and a β-blocker. Although no mortality trials have been done with diuretics, the clinical experience is that they are both necessary and effective agents for reducing volume overload and decreasing symptoms of dyspnea. Although the Digitalis Investigation Group did not show any reduction in mortality with digoxin, there was a reduction in the hospitalization rate.1 Furthermore, other trials have shown clinical benefit with this drug. Both ACE inhibitors and β-blockers have a plethora of evidence showing that they reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure.2 3 4 5 In class IV patients, the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone also reduced mortality.6 Whether spironolactone is also beneficial in less severe heart failure is not known, but it is increasingly being used in that setting. Some data indicate that β-blockers may be helpful in patients with class IV heart failure (Carvedilol Prospective Randomized Cumulative Survival [COPERNICUS] Trial; presented at 22nd Congress of European Society of Cardiology, August 2000). Thus, there are now 5 agents that can be considered part of standard therapy for heart failure. Despite this effective pharmacotherapy, however, patients continue to slide downhill over time and, although physicians reduce mortality with these drugs, the curve is merely shifting to …
Divergent Immunoglobulin G Subclass Activity Through Selective Fc Receptor Binding

Subclasses of immunoglobulin G (IgG) display substantial differences in their ability to mediate effector responses, contributing to variable activity of antibodies against microbes and tumors. We demonstrate that the mechanism underlying this long-standing observation of subclass dominance in function is provided by the differential affinities of IgG subclasses for specific activating IgG Fc receptors compared with their affinities for the inhibitory IgG Fc receptor. The significant differences in the ratios of activating-to-inhibitory receptor binding predicted the in vivo activity. We suggest that these highly predictable functions assigned by Fc binding will be an important consideration in the design of therapeutic antibodies and vaccines.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS AND ACADEMIC MOTIVATION

Abstract Understanding the relationship between personality characteristics and academic motivation may be central to developing more effective teaching strategies. The current research examined the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and individual differences in college students’ academic motivation. Individuals (172 undergraduates) were asked to complete the NEO Five Factor Inventory ( Costa & McCrae, 1992 ) and the Academic Motivations Inventory (AMI; Moen & Doyle, 1977 ). Results revealed a complex pattern of significant relationships between the Big Five traits and the 16 subscales of the AMI. Stepwise (forward) multiple regressions further clarified the relationships between personality and three core factors of the AMI (engagement, achievement, and avoidance). Specifically, engagement was best explained by Openness to experience and Extraversion. Achievement was best explained by Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness to experience. Finally, avoidance was best explained by Neuroticism, Extraversion, and by an inverse relationship with Conscientiousness and Openness to experience. Results are interpreted in terms of creating an appropriate fit between teaching modalities and individual differences in students’ academic motivation due to personality traits. Directions for future research and educational practice are considered.
Tetracyclines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

In this review the rationale for the possible beneficial effect of tetracycline derivatives for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is discussed. Early studies (Sanchez, Skinner et al. and Brown et al.) and the two open trials of the 1980s are briefly discussed. The three double-blind studies conducted in the 1990s (Kloppenburg et al., The Netherlands; the MIRA trial, USA and the O’Dell et al., USA) are described in detail. The baseline clinical and demographic data for these patients, as well as the efficacy and toxicity data are described in the text and summarised in tables. The long-term data of the O’Dell et al.‘s trial is described. Finally, side effects not observed during the conduct of these trials, but reported to occur in other patients, for example those receiving minocycline for the treatment of acne, are also listed.
A comparison of four types of sampling gear used to collect shovelnose sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River

Summary We compared variability in catch per unit effort (CPUE) and size structure of shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus collected in 2003 and 2004 with stationary winter gill nets, drifted trammel nets, hoop nets, and otter trawls in the Lower Missouri River, USA to determine the most precise types of gear to collect all sizes of sturgeon so that refinements of longterm monitoring protocols can be made. A total of 1947 net sets or trawls collected 8743 shovelnose sturgeon, with 67% of the fish collected during winter gill netting (16% of total samples). Mean coefficient of variation (CV) among all months for juvenile (age 3 and younger; <250 mm fork length) sturgeon was highest for gill nets and lowest for otter trawls (P = 0.0008). Mean CV of subadult and adult shovelnose sturgeon (‡250 mm) was highest in hoop nets compared to other gear types (P = 0.0002). All gear and mesh sizes collected the most common sizes of shovelnose sturgeon (500–600 mm), but only otter trawls and trammel nets collected fish <150 mm. The higher precision of winter gill nets and summer otter trawls led to fewer samples needed to detect changes in CPUE as compared to hoop and trammel nets. Sampling only with types of gear that do not collect younger shovelnose sturgeon may hinder management decisions that rely on recruitment trends to determine the effects of management actions (e.g. channel modifications).
Evolution and status of smart power technology

The progress made in power semiconductor technology that led to the evolution of smart power integrated circuits is reviewed. The displacement of bipolar power transistors by power MOSFETs and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) has been a crucial element that is having a strong impact upon power electronic applications. Trends in technological developments and approaches under investigation to create the next generation of power switching devices are examined. Examples of smart power chips under development around the world highlight the emphasis being given to this area by the semiconductor industry. >
Adjuvant Chemotherapy of Colorectal Cancer

Advances have been made in the adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancers. Fluorouracil-based chemotherapy has now been demonstrated to improve long-term disease-free survival rates in patients with resected stage III colon cancer. Combined radiation therapy plus fluorouracil-based chemotherapy has been shown to improve both local control and disease-free survival in patients with stage II and III rectal cancer. In this article we will review in detail the current recommendations for treatment of patients with resected colorectal cancers and the data on which these recommendations are based. We will also review some of the more promising investigational approaches which are being pursued in an attempt to further improve the cure rates in patients with local-regionally advanced colorectal cancers. Results from these investigations can be expected to further clarify the role of both currently available and new treatment strategies, and to improve the long-term outlook for patients with resectable colorectal cancers.
Book Reviews: Plumbing the Depths of Leakage

A review of Leakage in Nanometer CMOS Technologies, edited by Siva G. Narendra and Anantha Chandrakasan (Springer, 2006).
Toward Errorless Condom Use: A Comparison of Two Courses to Improve Condom Use Skills

Traditionally, researchers have focused HIV/AIDS prevention efforts on increasing condom use, yet few researchers have assessed condom use skills. Because incorrect condom use may lead to condom failure, promoting condom use without ensuring participants have the skills necessary for correct condom use may lead to increased risk of exposure. This study compared the effects of two condom use courses on condom use skills. These courses were administered as part of a HIV/AIDS educational program for college students. Participants in the treatment groups (n=179) attended either a limited, 1-Session, or extensive, 3-Session, condom use course, and an additional 108 participants served as a Control Group. Condom use skills increased among participants in both treatment groups; however, the greatest improvement was among those in the 3-Session Group. This finding supports use of the extensive, 3-Session course as a more effective means for improving condom use skills.
Evaluating Multilingual Questionnaires: A Sociolinguistic Perspective

This study aims to develop an assessment tool to evaluate multilingual questionnaires by categorizing the types of translation issues that can lead to measurement errors in cross-cultural surveys. Based on the results of two multilingual projects that cognitively pretested the 2010 U.S. Census questionnaire in five languages and the American Community Survey questionnaire in two languages, we developed a coding scheme guided by sociolinguistic approaches to language and culture to evaluate translated questionnaires by classifying translation issues. In this paper we discuss how the coding scheme is useful in the evaluation of multilingual questionnaires and how it could be integrated productively into the development of such questionnaires and the early rounds of translation. We also suggest feasible solutions to translation issues, to ensure translation quality and achieve not only semantic but functional equivalence across translations. Keywords: survey translation
A taxonomy of a living model of the enterprise

A designer has a choice of many models, methods, frameworks, and architectures. There is little consistency between these terms among researchers. Some of the most widely used architectures and frameworks are described with definitions and concepts that distinguish them clearly. This paper proposes a clear definition of these terms, a clear distinction between these and a methodology that will significantly aid in the comparison and evaluation of various enterprise models. A direct benefit of this research is a more clear presentation of how the enterprise modeling community uses enterprise models.
Preparing for Managed Care: Family Practice Residents and Capitated Care in Community Health Centers

This article examines the financial impact on patients of family practice residents when a community health center (CHC) serving as a residency training site is converted to a capitated payment system. The costs in this analysis included using and educating family practice residents at CHCs, the cost of patient encounters at CHCs1 and the cost of contracted capitated services. These costs were measured against capi- tated per member per month (pmpm) payments received by the CHC. If capitated patients were cared for by residents, the CHC would lose $8.42 pmpm. The CHCfaced a $5.98 pmpm loss if it used staff physicians rather than residents. This analysis suggests there are educational costs associ- ated with training physicians in capitated health care delivery systems. Family practice residencies and CHCs must prepare for the conversion to capitated systems; academic centers with managed care contracts must control patient encounter costs and utilization to remain competitive.
The impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease risk factors and subclinical vascular disease: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Background To assess the importance of the obesity epidemic on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, we determined the prevalence of obesity and the relationship of obesity to CVD risk factors and subclinical vascular disease. Methods The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis is an observational cohort study involving 6814 persons aged 45 to 84 years who were free of clinical CVD at baseline (2000-2002). The study assessed the association between body size and CVD risk factors, medication use, and subclinical vascular disease (coronary artery calcium, carotid artery intimal medial thickness, and left ventricular mass). Results A large proportion of white, African American, and Hispanic participants were overweight (60% to 85%) and obese (30% to 50%), while fewer Chinese American participants were overweight (33%) or obese (5%). Hypertension and diabetes were more prevalent in obese participants despite a much higher use of antihypertensive and/or antidiabetic medications. Obesity was associated with a greater risk of coronary artery calcium (17%), internal carotid artery intimal medial thickness greater than 80th percentile (32%), common carotid artery intimal medial thickness greater than 80th percentile (45%), and left ventricular mass greater than 80th percentile (2.7-fold greater) compared with normal body size. These associations persisted after adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors. Conclusions These data confirm the epidemic of obesity in most but not all racial and ethnic groups. The observed low prevalence of obesity in Chinese American participants indicates that high rates of obesity should not be considered inevitable. These findings may be viewed as indicators of potential future increases in vascular disease burden and health care costs associated with the obesity epidemic.
Almost-Sensorless Localization

We present a localization method for robots equipped with only a compass, a contact sensor and a map of the environment. In this framework, a localization strategy can be described as a sequence of directions in which the robot moves maximally. We show that a localizing sequence exists for any simply connected polygonal environment by presenting an algorithm for computing such a sequence. We have implemented the algorithm and we present several computed examples. We also show that the sensing model is minimal by showing that replacement of the compass by an angular odometer precludes the possibility of performing localization.
A “Fundamental Theorem” of Biomedical Informatics

This paper proposes, in words and pictures, a "fundamental theorem" to help clarify what informatics is and what it is not. In words, the theorem stipulates that a person working in partnership with an information resource is "better" than that same person unassisted. The theorem is applicable to health care, research, education, and administrative activities. Three corollaries to the theorem illustrate that informatics is more about people than technology; that in order for the theorem to hold, resources must be informative in addition to being correct; and that the theorem can fail to hold for reasons explained by understanding the interaction between the person and the resource.
The Effect of Keyboard Key Spacing on Typing Speed, Error, Usability, and Biomechanics Part 1

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the effects of key spacing on a conventional computer keyboard on typing speed, percentage error, usability, and forearm muscle activity and wrist posture. Background: International standards that specify the spacing between keys on a keyboard have been guided primarily by design convention because few studies have evaluated the effects of key spacing on productivity, usability, and biomechanical factors. Method: Experienced male typists (N = 37) with large fingers (middle finger length ≥ 8.7 cm or finger breadth of ≥ 2.3 cm) typed on five keyboards that differed only in horizontal and vertical key spacing (19 × 19 mm, 18 × 19 mm, 17 × 19 mm, 16 × 19 mm, and 17 × 17 mm) while typing speed, percentage error, fatigue, preference, extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi ulnaris muscle activity, and wrist extension and ulnar deviation were recorded. Results: Productivity and usability ratings were significantly worse for the keyboard with spacing of 16 × 19 mm compared with the other keyboards. Differences on these measures between the other keyboards were not significant. Muscle activity tended to increase in the left forearm and decrease in the right with decreasing horizontal key spacing. There was also a trend for left wrist extension to increase and left ulnar deviation to decrease with decreasing horizontal key spacing. Reducing vertical key spacing from 19 to 17 mm had no significant effect on productivity or usability ratings. Conclusions: The study findings support key spacing on a computer keyboard between 17 and 19 mm in both vertical and horizontal directions. Applications: These findings may influence keyboard standards and the design of keyboards.
Suspension osteopenia in mice: whole body electromagnetic field effects.

Whole-body fields were tested for their efficacy in preventing the osteopenia caused by tail suspension in mice. The fields had fundamental frequencies corresponding to the upper range of predicted endogenous impact-generated frequencies (0.25--2.0 kHz) in the long bones. Three distinct whole-body EMFs were applied for 2 weeks on growing mice. Structural, geometric, and material properties of the femora, tibiae, and humeri of suspended mice were altered compared to controls. Comparison of suspended mice and mice subjected to caloric restriction indicates that the changes in caloric intake do not explain either the suspension or the field-induced effects. In agreement with past studies, rather, unloading appears to cause the suspension effects and to be addressed by the EMFs. The EMF effects on bone properties were apparently frequency dependent, with the lower two fundamental frequencies (260 and 910 Hz) altering, albeit slightly, the suspension-induced bone effects. The fields are not apparently optimized for frequency, etc., with respect to therapeutic potential; however, suspension provides a model system for further study of the in vivo effects of EMFs.
Costas CW frequency hopping radar waveform: peak sidelobe improvement using Golay complementary sequences

The use of Golay complementary sequences to encode Costas frequency hopping continuous waveforms (CW) in order improve the range (time) sidelobe behaviour of received radar signals compared to classical techniques such as Barker coding is investigated for the first time. Sidelobe reduction is quantified using the aperiodic autocorrelation function and the periodic autocorrelation function. The results are compared with the same frequency hopping waveform encoded with a 13-bit Barker code. The results show that a 16 dB improvement in peak sidelobe performance is achieved over Barker coding using Golay complementary sequences with a code length of only 2 3 and a 26 dB improvement with code length 2 8 .
Self-focused attention : Commonalities across psychopathologies and predictors

Self-focused attention, also thought of a self-absorption, has been linked to a variety of affective states and clinical syndromes, including depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, schizophrenia, and alcoholism. Ingram (1990b) has suggested that self-focus may be a “nonspecific process” that is common across psychopathologies. Studies with nonclinical samples have supported this contention, and the current study assessed whether self-focus was common across various clinically diagnosed groups. A second issue, given this commonality, was to examine the factors across diagnostic conditions to which self-focus was related. One hundred and thirty-eight outpatients were included, and were divided into three groups based on primary diagnosis: “depression”, “panic”, and “other anxiety”. They were assessed with the ADIS-R/IV and completed measures assessing self-focus, affective states, global psychopathology, and problem-solving. Self-focus was common across groups, with minor valence variations. Severity of primary diagnosis predicted total self-focus, with level of depression and trait anxiety predicting negative self-focus. Correlational analyses suggested that self-focused attention is related to general measures of psychopathology and severity, and negatively related to problem-solving. The pattern with negative self-focus was even more pronounced, with significant relationships to all measures of psychopathology, clinician-rated severity, and a negative relationship with problem-solving. Results are discussed in terms of differences between “normal” and problematic self-focus, the causal direction in the relationship between self-focus and negative affect, and the link between self-focus and problem-solving.
Specifying exhaust nozzle contours with a neural network

Thrust vectoring is continuing to become an important issue in future military aircraft system designs. A recently developed concept of vectoring aircraft thrust makes use of flexible exhaust nozzles. Subtle modifications in the nozzle wall contours produce a nonuniform flowfield containing a complex pattern of shock and expansion waves. The end result, due to the asymmetric velocity and pressure distributions, is vectored thrust. Specification of the nozzle contours required for a desired thrust vector angle (an inverse design problem) has been achieved with genetic algorithms. However, this approach is computational ly intensive, preventing nozzles from being designed on demand, which is necessary for an operational aircraft system. An investigation was conducted into using genetic algorithms to train a neural network in an attempt to obtain, in real time, two-dimensional nozzle contours. Results show that genetic-algorithm-trained neural networks provide a viable, time-efficient alternative for designing thrust vectoring nozzle contours. Thrust vector angles up to 20 deg were obtained within an average error of 0.0914 deg. The error surfaces encountered were highly degenerate and thus the robustness of genetic algorithms was well suited for minimizing global errors.
Fabrication and Imaging of Protein Crossover Structures

Proteins often deform, dehydrate or otherwise denature when adsorbed or patterned directly onto an inorganic substrate, thus losing specificity and biofunctionality. One method used to maintain function is to pattern the protein of interest directly onto another underlying protein or polypeptide that acts as a buffer layer between the substrate and the desired protein. We have used microcontact printing (µcp) to cross-stamp orthogonal linear arrays of two different proteins (e.g., IgG, poly-lysine, protein A) onto glass substrates. This created three separate types of protein-substrate microenvironments, including crossover structures of protein one on protein two. We report preliminary fluorescent microscopy and scanning force microscopy characterization of these structures, including commonly encountered structural defects.
Histocompatibility testing for keratoplasty in high-risk patients.

Abstract Forty-eight consecutive patients at high risk for corneal graft rejection were transplanted with corneas from donors selected on the basis of a negative lymphocyte crossmatch, ABO blood group compatibility, and maximized HLA-A, -B matching. Graft survival in this study group was compared to a retrospective control group of 72 consecutive high-risk transplants performed in patients receiving randomly obtained corneal donors. Demographic parameters, cause of primary disease, and incidence of prior graft rejection were no different between the two groups. Graft survival at one year, calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, was 78% for the negative crossmatch study group vs 52% in the uncrossmatched control group ( P
Review of Flood Risk Simulation by F.C.B. Mascarenhas, K. Toda, M.G. Miguez, and K. Inoue

A new book on modeling of flood risks is a welcome addition to the literature, given the many flood disasters of recent years. It seems that flood losses continue to worsen, in spite of our improved understanding of flood causes, threats, and protection measures. Flood Risk Simulation adds to this literature with a new presentation of existing theories of hydraulic modeling of floods, along with practical applications to river and urban situations. The author’s vivid description in the preface of how the book came about explains his approach. The book is divided into three discrete sections called chapters , written by different authors or teams of authors. The principal author is from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. His first chapter of some 283 pages is the major part of the book. It presents theories and applications of one-dimensional unsteady free-surface flow and dam-break analysis. The second part of the book, covering some 50 pages, is written by two authors from Kyoto University, in Japan. They present a different approach to hydraulic modeling of flood inundation, with emphasis on both rural and urban areas. The book’s third part, written by the principal author and a colleague at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, spans 101 pages. It presents an alternative modeling approach to the one of the first section. The book contains a number of equations, explanations, and clear illustrations of flood inundation scenarios. At times, however, reading it can be heavy-going. For example, the book’s opening paragraph is nearly three pages long and covers a number of different subjects. It will take a patient and dedicated reader to fathom all of the ideas contained in it. The author proceeds from there to present the general one-dimension analysis of unsteady flow and its solution methods. This is followed by a section on practical problems of solution and then by another on parameter identification. The next section, which focuses on problems of
Lentivirus-mediated gene transfer and expression in established human tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells and primary unstimulated T cells.

In this report, we evaluated the efficiency of stable gene transfer into established CD8(+) human tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) lines and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) by oncoretroviral and lentiviral vectors. In the oncoretroviral vector, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene was regulated by the murine stem cell virus (MSCV) promoter. In three human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-based lentiviral vectors, the GFP transgene was regulated by either a chimeric MSCV/HIV-1 promoter, or cellular promoters from human housekeeping genes PGK and EF1 alpha. We found that several lines of proliferating tumor-specific CTL were poorly (=2%) transduced by the oncoretroviral vector that transduced Jurkat T cell line efficiently (=80%). In contrast, three lentiviral vectors transduced 38-63% of these proliferating CTL. More interestingly, all lentiviral vectors packaged without the HIV-1 accessory proteins transduced human bulk PBL and purified CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocyte subsets without prior stimulation. Detailed analysis indicated that the lentiviral vectors containing the EF1 alpha or PGK ubiquitous promoter can transduce unstimulated PBL and achieve low-level transgene expression in the absence of any T-cell activation. However, T-cell activation subsequent to the transduction of unstimulated PBL is required for high-level transgene expression. Transduced PBL expressing transgene delivered by the lentiviral vectors still preserved resting and naive cell phenotypes. Taken together, prior T cell stimulation and HIV-1 accessory proteins are dispensable for lentivirus-mediated gene transfer into resting naive and memory T lymphocytes. These results will have significant implications for the study of T-cell biology and for the improvement of clinical gene therapies of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cancer.
Hypothyroidism after cancer and the ability to meet reproductive goals among a cohort of young adult female cancer survivors.

Objective To determine whether developing hypothyroidism after cancer treatment is associated with a decreased probability of women being able to meet their reproductive goals. Design A population-based cohort study. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) A total of 1,282 cancer survivors, of whom 904 met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Three outcomes that may indicate reduced fertility, which include failure to achieve desired family size, childlessness, and not achieving pregnancy after at least 6 months of regular unprotected intercourse. Result(s) We used data from the Furthering Understanding of Cancer Health and Survivorship in Adult (FUCHSIA) Women's Study to examine the association between being diagnosed with hypothyroidism after cancer and meeting reproductive goals. After adjusting for age and other potential confounders, women reporting hypothyroidism after cancer treatment were twice as likely to fail to achieve their desired family size (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09, 3.33) and be childless (aOR 2.13; 95% CI, 1.25, 3.65). They were also more likely to report having unprotected intercourse for at least 6 months without conceiving (aOR 1.37; 95% CI, 0.66, 2.83). Conclusion(s) Although cancer treatments themselves are gonadotoxic, it is important to consider other medical conditions such as hypothyroidism that occur after cancer treatment when counseling patients on the risks for impaired fertility or a shortened reproductive window.
Prozac or Less Pesticides? - The Link between Juvenile Violence and Pesticide Exposure

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), created in 1970 during the administration of President Nixon, is empowered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) with the authority to regulate the sale and distribution of pesticides in the United States. In 1947, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) effectively replaced the Federal Insecticide Act of 1910. The creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1972 added new dimensions to protection afforded under FIFRA. Although FIFRA still commands the licensing and registration of pesticides, the FFDCA regulates pesticide residue on food. The 104th Congress executed instrumental adjustments to FIFRA controlling U.S. registration, sale, and use of pesticide products, as well as the FFDCA which affords the EPA the power to establish allowable pesticide residue levels in food and animal feed. In 1972 the newly revised FIFRA changed the procedure for registering pesticides. FIFRA was further revised in 1988, with modifications that emphasized reregistration of pesticide products initially registered prior to 1984. Pesticide residues on agricultural commodities are regulated by both FIFRA and the FFDCA, discussed further below. As stated, FIFRA is primarily accountable for monitoring pesticide registration and use. Under FIFRA, a pesticide could be approved if the benefits of its use outweighed the risks. The Act amended the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as well as the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
A case for a Weak Case Contiguity hypothesis—a reply to Caha

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some counterexamples to the Strong Case Contiguity Hypothesis (scch) argued for by Caha (2009, 2013) from West Nordic, which were absent from Caha’s sample of languages. The languages to be discussed are Old Norse, Modern Icelandic and Modern Faroese. These three languages show a great deal of syncretism between dative and accusative to the exclusion of genitive, which also fulfill Caha’s criteria for systematic syncretism. This pattern is not predicted to be possible under Caha’s theory. Under closer inspection, however, the data from West Nordic turns out to be compatible with a weaker version of Case Contiguity. Syncretism between accusative and dative appear in a variety of contexts whereas syncretism between accusative and genitive to the exclusion of dative occurs only in a highly restricted context and should be considered accidental under Caha’s criteria. Syncretism thus appears to target continuous regions on a slightly different case hierarchy. Hence although scch is wrong a weaker version is still feasible. I also propose a draft of a feature-based account for the observed variation in case hierarchies, providing a restrictive medium between scch and an unrestricted variation in hierarchies.
Gender, Sexism, Sexual Prejudice, and Identification with U.S. Football and Men’s Figure Skating

Prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals can affect a number of attitudes and behaviors relevant to sports; however, there is comparatively little focus on sexual prejudice among sport fans. As such, the purpose of the present study was to examine the associations among sexual prejudice, sexism, gender, and identification with two sports: men’s figure skating and U.S. football. To examine these associations, we draw from multiple perspectives, including Robinson and Trail’s (2005) work on identification, Herek’s (2007, 2009) sexual stigma and prejudice theory, and McCormack and Anderson’s (2014a, 2014b) theory of homohysteria. Questionnaire data were collected from 150 students (52 women, 98 men) enrolled at a large, public university in the Southwest United States. Consistent with the study hypotheses, results from a structural equation model indicate sexual prejudice held a positive association with identification with U.S. football and a negative association with identification with men’s figure skating. Both gender and sexism were significantly associated with sexual prejudice. Men and individuals who expressed sexist attitudes were more prone to express sexual prejudice than were their counterparts. The authors also discuss theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future directions.
αCP binding to a cytosine-rich subset of polypyrimidine tracts drives a novel pathway of cassette exon splicing in the mammalian transcriptome

Alternative splicing (AS) is a robust generator of mammalian transcriptome complexity. Splice site specification is controlled by interactions of cis-acting determinants on a transcript with specific RNA binding proteins. These interactions are frequently localized to the intronic U-rich polypyrimidine tracts (PPT) located 5' to the majority of splice acceptor junctions. αCPs (also referred to as polyC-binding proteins (PCBPs) and hnRNPEs) comprise a subset of KH-domain proteins with high affinity and specificity for C-rich polypyrimidine motifs. Here, we demonstrate that αCPs promote the splicing of a defined subset of cassette exons via binding to a C-rich subset of polypyrimidine tracts located 5' to the αCP-enhanced exonic segments. This enhancement of splice acceptor activity is linked to interactions of αCPs with the U2 snRNP complex and may be mediated by cooperative interactions with the canonical polypyrimidine tract binding protein, U2AF65. Analysis of αCP-targeted exons predicts a substantial impact on fundamental cell functions. These findings lead us to conclude that the αCPs play a direct and global role in modulating the splicing activity and inclusion of an array of cassette exons, thus driving a novel pathway of splice site regulation within the mammalian transcriptome.
SMOKING BEHAVIOR, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND ATTITUDES TOWARD SMOKING AMONG NEWTON SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN.

In November, 1959, questionnaires on smoking habits were answered by 6,810 students from grades 7 through 12, attending the public high schools in Newton, Massachusetts. In this report differences between smokers, discontinued smokers, and nonsmokers in the use made of leisure time activities and in their attitudes and beliefs about smoking and health are explored. Smokers spend a greaten amount of time watching television and less time reading books than do nonsmokers. Their friends are more often smokers, and they go to the movies more frequently, attend dances oftener, and are car owners more often than are nonsmokers. On the other hand, they play sports less and belong to fewer clubs and organizations than nonsmokers. More nonsmokers than smokers consider smoking to increase nervousness, to cause lung cancer, and to have a deleterious effect on growth, athletic ability, and health. Differences found between smokers and nonsmokers remain consistent within each social class.
A NEW WEST AMERICAN MIOCENE SPECIES OF THE MODERN AUSTRALIAN OPHIUROID OPHIOCROSSOTA

Ophiocrossota oweni, a new species of ophiuroid, is described from the Olcese Sand and the Branch Canyon Formation, both Middle Miocene of California. Two other species belonging to the genus have been described, one from Upper Eocene rocks of Oregon (0. baconi) and a modern species from Australia (0. multispina). 0. oweni lived either scattered or in dense mat-like groups. Tenuous evidence suggests very slow species succession and that the divergence of the lineage leading to 0. multispina from the North American lineage took place no later than the time of 0. baconi.
Movement of Angoumois Grain Moth (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in a Small-Farm Ecosystem

The purpose of this study was to monitor activity and movement of Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), in a small-farm ecosystem. Moth activity was determined using sticky traps placed in bin vents of storage bins containing shelled corn and pheromone traps placed in concentric circles across the farm with the bins at the center. Moth activity was concentrated in and around the grain bins from June to August and at corn plots in September and October. Mark–recapture studies confirmed moth dispersal from the bins to corn plots during July–September. Knowledge of the spatial dynamics of Angoumois grain moth may contribute to pest management programs.
Prevention of recurrent preterm delivery by 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate.

to the editor: After reading the article by Meis et al. (June 12 issue), 1 we strongly discourage practitioners from using 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in the care of women who have had preterm deliveries, until more investigation is done. Although initially enthusiastic about the results, which showed a risk reduction among the women who received 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, we were concerned about the high rate of recurrent preterm delivery among the women who received placebo. The Methods section states that the placebo was castor oil. Ricinoleic acid, the active ingredient in castor oil, is a known uterine stimulant. 2,3 Castor oil is used to induce labor. 4 We speculate that the high rate of preterm delivery in the placebo group was due to the injections of castor oil. If the study medication was given in castor oil (the authors do not say whether it was), then any beneficial effect may have been negated by the vehicle. If not, then the rate of preterm delivery among those receiving 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate was no better than that in the historical controls. 5
Perinatology as a subspecialty.

An examination of the need for individuals trained in maternal and fetal medicine, and a discussion of the specific training required and certification procedures for such specialists.
A Human Monoclonal Antibody Reactive with Human Prostate

A human immunoglobulin M monoclonal antibody secreting hybridoma, termed MHG7, has been isolated and characterized for its reactivity against human prostate cells. Lymphocytes isolated from a regional draining lymph node of a patient with prostate carcinoma were fused with murine P3-NS1-Ag4-1 myeloma cells. Supernatants from the generated mouse-human somatic cell hybrids were first screened for human immunoglobulin production by an enzyme immunoassay. The identified human immunoglobulin-secreting hybridomas were expanded for further analysis and their supernatants screened by enzyme immunoassay against a panel of prostate cell lines. The human immunoglobulin M monoclonal antibody MHG7, in addition to reacting with prostate cell lines, also reacted with prostate carcinoma cells and benign prostatic hypertrophy cells on both frozen and paraffin embedded tissue sections. These data suggest that regional draining lymph nodes of prostate carcinoma patients can be used as a source of human lymphocytes for generating human immunoglobulin-secreting hybridomas reactive with human prostate cells.
Congenital melanocytic nevi: update in genetics and management.

Purpose of reviewThe article intends to review recent updates in the management of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) and the evolving genomic landscape that has begun to shed light on the nature of nevogenesis, malignant potential, and possible therapeutic targets for those with melanoma and neurolo
Using Transducer Tremor to Refine Gray Level Images

An algorithm for resolving gray level images beyond the limits imposed by stationary transducers is presented. Basically, the procedure consists of recording the transducer states, allowing the transducer grid to shift its position, and then applying minimum and maximum operators to refine the image mapping based on the new set of transducer states. The procedure is formally characterized by three theorems. Results of a computer model that simulates the algorithm on visual data are included.
The Effect of Receptor Status on Mastectomy and Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Rates in Early Stage Invasive Breast Carcinoma

Abstract Background There is an established relationship between hormone receptor (HR; estrogen and/or progesterone receptors) status, HER2 status, and locoregional recurrence. The purpose of this study was to analyze how HR and HER2 receptor status have influenced the surgical management trends among patients with early stage breast cancer. Patients and Methods The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with cT1 to cT3, cN0, and cM0 breast carcinoma from 2004 to 2012. Patients were grouped on the basis of receptor status and surgical management (mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery [BCS]). Multivariable analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with increased odds of receiving mastectomy over BCS. Among a subgroup of patients who underwent ipsilateral mastectomy, analyses were performed to determine any association between contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) and receptor status. Results We found 280,241 patients who met inclusion criteria for analyzing mastectomy or BCS surgical decision. Patients with HER2-positive (HER2 + ) tumors (HR + /HER + and HR − /HER2 + ) were the most likely to undergo mastectomy (odds ratio [OR], 1.212 and 1.499 respectively, compared with HR + /HER2 − patients, each P + /HER2 − and HR − /HER2 − tumors demonstrated similar mastectomy rates ( P = .391). Among the 108,018 who underwent mastectomy, 20% underwent CPM. After adjustment, patients with HR + /HER2 + , HR − /HER2 + , and HR − /HER2 − were all more likely to undergo CPM (OR 1.356, 1.608, and 1.358, respectively compared with HR + /HER2 − patients, each P Conclusion This analysis indicates that patients with early stage breast cancer are more likely to undergo a mastectomy and CPM if they have HER2 + tumors.
Molecularly targeted drug combinations demonstrate selective effectiveness for myeloid- and lymphoid-derived hematologic malignancies

Translating the genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity underlying human cancers into therapeutic strategies is an ongoing challenge. Large-scale sequencing efforts have uncovered a spectrum of mutations in many hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting that combinations of agents will be required to treat these diseases effectively. Combinatorial approaches will also be critical for combating the emergence of genetically heterogeneous subclones, rescue signals in the microenvironment, and tumor-intrinsic feedback pathways that all contribute to disease relapse. To identify novel and effective drug combinations, we performed ex vivo sensitivity profiling of 122 primary patient samples from a variety of hematologic malignancies against a panel of 48 drug combinations. The combinations were designed as drug pairs that target nonoverlapping biological pathways and comprise drugs from different classes, preferably with Food and Drug Administration approval. A combination ratio (CR) was derived for each drug pair, and CRs were evaluated with respect to diagnostic categories as well as against genetic, cytogenetic, and cellular phenotypes of specimens from the two largest disease categories: AML and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Nearly all tested combinations involving a BCL2 inhibitor showed additional benefit in patients with myeloid malignancies, whereas select combinations involving PI3K, CSF1R, or bromodomain inhibitors showed preferential benefit in lymphoid malignancies. Expanded analyses of patients with AML and CLL revealed specific patterns of ex vivo drug combination efficacy that were associated with select genetic, cytogenetic, and phenotypic disease subsets, warranting further evaluation. These findings highlight the heuristic value of an integrated functional genomic approach to the identification of novel treatment strategies for hematologic malignancies.
A General Form Model of Managerial Incentives and Risk-Taking

This working paper addresses issues in the CEO compensation literature regarding the supposed continuously increasing effects of severance on CEO risk-taking. Contrary to dynamic negotiation models which show that severance is necessary in efficient contracting mechanisms — the reality may be further from the models. Using options pricing methods on vanilla and digital options, I model CEO compensation as an interpretation of the CEO ex-post contract agreements on compensation are made. This allows me to interpret the behavior of the CEO as they are incentivized and as dynamics change through-out time. Using the model, I provide an interesting conclusion to the newly forming divergence in the literature on the true effect of severance compensation — whether it increases or decreases risk-taking. As the model predicts, and evidence shows, CEOs may be incentivized to reduce risk-taking behavior given certain market and firm conditions they find themselves facing. This suggests that severance packages are not forever and always increasing in risk-taking incentives, but may in fact fluctuate in that incentive over time. It also suggests that the field may need to consider that well defined property rights may not solve fall-outs from incomplete contracts.