cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The immunological potential of apoptotic debris produced by tumor cells and during HIV infection

Apoptosis is a major cause of cell death in health and disease. In contrast to necrosis, apoptosis does not induce an inflammatory response and the cellular debris produced by apoptosis has been assumed to be biologically inert. This review challenges this assumption by suggesting that apoptotic debris (especially in the context of growing tumors or during HIV infection) may have immunological activities, mainly immunosuppressive but perhaps also immunostimulatory. In many cases, the surface of apoptotic cells differs from normal cells in that phosphatidylserine (PS) is aberrantly exposed on the external face of the cell membrane. Liposomes composed of PS may down-modulate macrophage anti-leishmanial activities, suppress macrophage TNF production, suppress lymphocyte proliferation, and increase macrophage proliferation. "Membrane shedding" has been described in certain malignancies where apoptosis may be occurring, and the shed tumor membrane vesicles have been shown to reduce MHC class II expression on macrophages and decrease lymphocyte responsiveness, perhaps because of their ganglioside content. Finally, the apoptotic debris from HIV-infected cells may bear on its surface viral proteins which contain immunosuppressive peptide sequences. This debris may also use viral envelope proteins to fuse into macrophages and thereby avoid phagocytosis and lysosomal destruction. These considerations suggest that the flux of apoptosing cells and debris through the immune system that occurs during tumor growth and HIV infection should not be assumed to be immunologically neutral. In particular, HIV-related apoptosis may have immunosuppressive effects in addition to the numerical depletion of lymphocytes.
A comparison of some methods for the determination of methoxyl groups in commercial pectin preparations

The results of methoxyl groups determination in pectin preparations were compared. The methods of direct (I, II) and indirect (III, IV) methanol determination connected with enzymatic (II, IV) or alkaline (I, III) pectin demethylation were applied. Higher values were obtained using indirect methanol methods than in the case of a direct methanol determination. The difference between these groups of methods was statistically significant. The precision of all the methods was high. The degree of methylation (DM) was calculated based on methanol content; moreover in the methods III and IV it was also determined from the ratio of methylated carboxyl groups to a total of acidic groups. From the difference (%) between these two ways of calculating DM the purity of pectin can be determined. The method based on enzymatic demethylation and direct methanol analysis is recommended as a precise and selective one.
Moderators of the Relationship Between Cognitive Ability and Performance: General Versus Context–Specific Achievement Motivation1

Despite positing a multiplicative model of performance, 3 recent studies failed to find support for a theoretically meaningful interaction between cognitive ability and trait motivation in predicting performance. We suggest that it is important to consider that these studies used trait–motivation constructs that are general in nature, rather than context–specific. Yet, existing theory and research suggests that it may be beneficial to use trait–motivation constructs that are expressly contextual, especially when investigating a multiplicative performance model. This study, therefore, compared general versus context–specific achievement motivation as moderators of the relationship between cognitive ability and performance. The proposition that only context–specific achievement motivation should interact with cognitive ability in predicting performance was supported. Implications are discussed.
Ontological physicalism and property pluralism: Why they are incompatible

To earn the title ontological physicalist, one must endorse an entailment thesis of the following sort: the physical properties that are had, together with the causal laws, determine which higher-level properties are had. I argue that if this thesis is to capture all that is essential to physicalist intuitions, the relevant set of causal laws must be restricted to purely physical laws. But then it follows that higher-level properties are physical properties. The conclusion is that one cannot consistently be an ontological physicalist while endorsing property pluralism.
Technological innovations in animal production related to environmental sustainability

De acordo com a FAO, a producao de carne deve duplicar ate 2050, devido a grande demanda e enriquecimento da populacao. Essa crescente necessidade apresenta um desafio ambiental para a producao intensiva de animais. A emissao de gas do efeito estufa, particularmente metano (CH4), se eleva com o aumento do numero de animais, entretanto, estrategias de mitigacao, tais como a manipulacao da dieta, por exemplo, suplementacao lipidica, ionoforos, defaunacao e biotecnologias podem ajudar a reduzir a remessa por animal. Emissoes por armazenamento de esterco tambem podem ser reduzidas se utilizarem tecnologias biologicas e termoquimicas com o beneficio adicional de se produzir bio-energia durante o tratamento de residuos animais. No que diz respeito ao animal, a reducao da superalimentacao proteica e a manutencao do equilibrio entre proteina degradada no rumen e proteina bypass podem reduzir a excrecao de nitrogenio. Balanceamento de energia e suplementacao proteica dos animais tambem podem oferecer melhor utilizacao dos nutrientes e, concomitantemente, diminuir o nitrogenio na urina, que contem altos niveis de ureia que, por sua vez, pode ser convertida em amonia quando misturada as fezes. Fosforo nos residuos (estrume) representa um importante recurso renovavel, e varias tecnologias existem para remover e recuperar esse mineral sem excluir precipitacao quimica, remocao biologica e cristalizacao. O desenvolvimento de tecnologias relacionadas ao efeito estufa oferece oportunidade para a sustentabilidade ambiental.
Toward a Hermeneutic Turn in Chinese Philosophy: Western Theory, Confucian Tradition, and CHENG Chung-ying’s Onto-hermeneutics

The present essay thinks along the comparative, philosophical lines that Cheng Chung-ying’s project of “onto-hermeneutics” draws in order to shed light on the relations between ontology and epistemology in the hermeneutic act. In the process, not only will we be thinking with Cheng and some Western hermeneutic theorists, but we will also be thinking through history by examining the Confucian act of reading. To the extent that any hermeneutic exercise, in accordance with Cheng’s construal, cannot merely be a disembodied act of theoretical knowing but is also moral effort that entails personal cultivation—or, in Heidegger’s and Gadamer’s terms, Bildung—its espousal and its practice necessarily embody a larger conception of culture. In fact, precisely in terms of the intimate engagement with culture, Confucian insights, filtered through Cheng’s onto-hermeneutic lenses, may have much to offer contemporary hermeneutics.
Checking in on hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Hypoxia/reoxygenation is a physiological stress that activates the DNAdamage pathway. Significantly, this pathway is initiated during hypoxia, in theabsence of detectable DNA damage. Our most recen...
Symmetry predicted transitions in 3D topological insulators

Abstract We performed group theoretical investigation on symmetries of excitations in 3D topological insulators (TI) Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3 and Sb2Te3. Selection rules of transitions from bulk states (BS) to bulk states, surface states (SS) to surface states and bulk states to surface states are studied over the entire Brillouin zone. A new representation group G′ is constructed to deal with transitions between surface states and bulk states. Both direct and indirect optical transitions are studied. We also derive selection rules for scattering between SS and phonons. Our group theory analysis shows that SS is protected from scattering by both spatial symmetry and topology: many SS scattering channels are forbidden by symmetry and topological protection further suppresses the symmetry allowed scattering. Our analysis can provide an explanation of some ARPES results and Raman experiments.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the complex between human CTLA-4 and B7-2.

CTLA-4 is a dimeric T-cell surface receptor responsible for transducing signals that down-regulate activated T cells upon binding B7 ligands. The disulfide-linked homodimer of the extracellular segment of human CTLA-4 and the receptor-binding domain of human B7-2 were purified and cocrystallized. Diffraction from these crystals is consistent with the monoclinic space group P21 (unit-cell parameters a = 47.85, b = 54.56, c = 103.09 A, β = 91.63); native data have been collected to 3.2 A resolution.
Academic and Scientific Misconduct: Issues for Nursing Educators.

Abstract The public attention to issues of academic and research misconduct requires that all faculty and students become familiar with the policy and procedural areas and roles of various officials in handling allegations of misconduct. Although the incidence of such misconduct seems to be small, issues of reporting, adjudication, rehabilitation, and deterrence are important to all with concern about the integrity of academic processes. Many issues concerning the management of allegations of academic or research misconduct remain unresoived. Examples include the definition of misconduct, provision for (or lack of) anonymity, the role of the whistleblower, the burden of proof, the statute of limitations, the nature and application of sanctions, and the processes of rehabilitation.
Priming Locus of Control to affect performance

Recent research suggests that the personality trait Locus of Control (LOC) can be a reliable predictor of performance when learning a new visualization tool. While these results are compelling and have direct implications to visualization design, the relationship between a user's LOC measure and their performance is not well understood. We hypothesize that there is a dependent relationship between LOC and performance; specifically, a person's orientation on the LOC scale directly influences their performance when learning new visualizations. To test this hypothesis, we conduct an experiment with 300 subjects using Amazon's Mechanical Turk. We adapt techniques from personality psychology to manipulate a user's LOC so that users are either primed to be more internally or externally oriented on the LOC scale. Replicating previous studies investigating the effect of LOC on performance, we measure users' speed and accuracy as they use visualizations with varying visual metaphors. Our findings demonstrate that changing a user's LOC impacts their performance. We find that a change in users' LOC results in performance changes.
Transistors as High-Speed Light Pulsers

The emission of light from transistor junctions was investigated in order to design a light source readily constructed from commercially available components which would duplicate the light pulse from Cerenkov radiation. Base- emitter and base-collector junctions were operated in avalanche conduction by overdriving the junctions with approximately rectangular pulses of amplitudes up to 350 volts. The rise time of the pulse was about 1 ns (10/sup -9/ sec). The pulse duration varied from 2.5 to 20 ns. Continued operation for several hours at pulse amplitudes above 50 volts rendered almost all of the base-emitter junctions useless and degraded the performance of the basecollector junctions. A single junction did not furnish enough light to simulate the light output from plastic scintillators, but operation in series or parallel increased the output. (M.C.G.)
An analysis of exercise as a stimulus for the production of airway obstruction.

The weight of current evidence indicates that the initial reaction sequence by which exercise induces airway obstruction is heat loss from the respiratory tract with subsequent cooling of the airways. The critical variables which determine the magnitude of the response are the absolute level of ventilation, and the temperature and water content of the inspired air. Exercise per se is not essential, and serves only as the means to increase ventilation. Although the mechanism by which heat loss produces airway obstruction still remains to be determined, application of the recently discovered pathogenetic principles involved in exercise-induced bronchospasm has resulted in further insights into the pathophysiology and therapy of this condition.
Malaria in Africa: vector species' niche models and relative risk maps.

A central theoretical goal of epidemiology is the construction of spatial models of disease prevalence and risk, including maps for the potential spread of infectious disease. We provide three continent-wide maps representing the relative risk of malaria in Africa based on ecological niche models of vector species and risk analysis at a spatial resolution of 1 arc-minute (9 185 275 cells of approximately 4 sq km). Using a maximum entropy method we construct niche models for 10 malaria vector species based on species occurrence records since 1980, 19 climatic variables, altitude, and land cover data (in 14 classes). For seven vectors (Anopheles coustani, A. funestus, A. melas, A. merus, A. moucheti, A. nili, and A. paludis) these are the first published niche models. We predict that Central Africa has poor habitat for both A. arabiensis and A. gambiae, and that A. quadriannulatus and A. arabiensis have restricted habitats in Southern Africa as claimed by field experts in criticism of previous models. The results of the niche models are incorporated into three relative risk models which assume different ecological interactions between vector species. The “additive” model assumes no interaction; the “minimax” model assumes maximum relative risk due to any vector in a cell; and the “competitive exclusion” model assumes the relative risk that arises from the most suitable vector for a cell. All models include variable anthrophilicity of vectors and spatial variation in human population density. Relative risk maps are produced from these models. All models predict that human population density is the critical factor determining malaria risk. Our method of constructing relative risk maps is equally general. We discuss the limits of the relative risk maps reported here, and the additional data that are required for their improvement. The protocol developed here can be used for any other vector-borne disease.
Reason based solutions and the complexity of distribution network design problems

Abstract Distribution network strategy, which defines the number, location, and market area of distribution facilities is an important component of a firm's overall business strategy. While there have been considerable advances in optimization algorithms for solving distribution system design problems, they have not kept pace with the complexity of the problem facing managers. Consequently, non-optimizing methods such as scenario evaluation, which rely on human problem structuring and cognitive abilities, are frequently used to design distribution networks. This research experimentally examines the relationships between human problem solving performance and problem characteristics of typical distribution network design problems. In addition, associations between human attributes and problem solving performance are explored. The results of a laboratory study indicate that several problem characteristics affect analyst performance. Problem size is the dominant factor. Analysts' spatial reasoning abilities, education and experiences are also significantly associated with problem solving performance. Future research needs in this area are discussed.
Understanding and teaching important scientific thought processes

This article analyzes the cognitive processes and kinds of knowledge needed to work in a scientific domain like physics. In particular, it discusses the processes needed to interpret properly scientific concepts and principles, complementary uses of quantitative and qualitative descriptions, useful hierarchical ways of organizing scientific knowledge, and description and decision processes facilitating effective problem solving. The importance of these processes is illustrated by some experimental evidence and by specific instructional implications. It has been possible to design a physics course where these thought processes are explicitly taught and where students' learning is correspondingly improved. However, there remain practical implementation problems—particularly students' naive conceptions about the nature of science and the very limited amount of individual guidance and feedback that students receive in ordinary classroom situations.
From blackbirds and thrushes ... to the gut-loaded cricket: a new approach to zoo animal nutrition.

Zoo animal nutritionists need to make decisions about diet composition for a wide variety of vertebrate species, including those with very specialized diets (dietary specialists). For some zoo species it is common to refer to the published literature on the nutrient requirements of analogous domestic animals, such as cattle, horses and cats, as well as human beings (Allen & Oftedal, 1996). When this information is combined with knowledge of natural history, feeding patterns, composition of foods consumed in the wild and gastrointestinal tract morphology, it is possible to develop a sound foundation for a successful feeding programme for many zoo animals.
Quantitation of chronotropic response: comparison of methods for rate-modulating permanent pacemakers.

Abstract Objectives. The aim of this study was to developarechnique for quantitating chronotropic response. Background. Although the importance of chronotropic response for optimizing cardiac output during exercise is widely recognized, methods for quantitating the rate-modulating behavlor of permanent pacemakers have not been developed. For a method of quantiting chronotropic response to be clinically useful, the rate-modulating characteristics of a pacing system should be defined at the onset of exertion, over a variety of exercise work loads and during recovery. Methods. Three methods for quantitation of rate modulation were assessed in 10 patients during treadmill exercise testing using the chronotropic assessment exercise protocol with expired gas exchange analysis. To compare the observed chronotropic response with a standard, the “expected” heart rate throughout exercise was calculated by using the concept of heart rate reserve as described by Wilkoff. The pacing rate observed during exercise was analyzed with 1) standard linear regression analysis, 2) comparison of observed and expected pacing rates at the midpoint and end of each quartile of exercise, and 3) integration of the area under the rate-response curve with comparison with the area under the expected curve. Results. With use of anormalized scale relating change in heart rate to change in metabolic work load, with values of heart rate and metabolic work load at rest set to 0 and those at maximal exertion set to a value of 1, the mean y intercept for the study group was 0.10 ± 0.20 (range -0.14 to + 0.45), with a mean slope of 0.81 ± 0.25 (range 0.31 to 1–19). The correlation coefficient relating change in heart rate to change in exercise work load was a mean of 0.90 ± 0.09 (range 0.63 to 0.98). Integration of the area under the rate-response curve observed during exercise yielded a mean area that was 101 ± 36% of that expected. When the range of exercise work loads was divided into quartiles, the area under the observed rate-response curve was 151 ± 114% of that expected during the first quartile of exercise, 113 ± 70% during the second, 96 ± 38% during the third and 92 ± 20% during the fourth. The mean area under the curve during recovery was 93 ± 29% of that expected. Although calculation of the observed heart rate as a percent of that expected at the midpoint and end of each quartile of exercise used fewer observations, it provided similar results. Conclusions. Quantitation of the rate-response curve with comparison with the expected heart rate curve provides accurate methods for quantisation of chroeotropic response. Adoption of this method would facilitate comparisons of artificial sensors and provide a framework to address issues of optimal rate modulation.
Numerical solution of Eigenvalue problem using the compound matrix method

Abstract An algorithm based on the compound matrix method is presented for solving difficult eigen-value problems. Details are given for systems of ordinary differential equations of fourth-order that are valid over connected domains coupled through interfacial conditions. As an example we examine the linear stability of two superposed fluids in plane Poiseuille flow and consider both interfacial and shear modes. The Orr-Sommerfeld system that describes linear stability is solved for a selected range of parameters.
Glove Changing Habits in Mobile Food Vendors in New York City

The aim of this study was to determine how often mobile food cart vendors in New York City (NYC) changed gloves after exchanging money, which is required by the current NYC health code as one of various measures to prevent foodborne illness. A total of 100 carts (10 carts in 10 zones) throughout Manhattan were observed. In the majority (56.9 %, n = 1,026) of the 1,804 money exchanges, food cart vendors did not change their gloves. Not changing gloves after exchanging money was widespread regardless of food type served (46.6 % for breakfast to 63.7 % for lunch), and across all 10 zones. Not changing gloves after touching money may result in indirect transmission of agents of disease and pose health risks for consumers.
Diagnostic performance of EUS for chronic pancreatitis: a comparison with histopathology

Background EUS has been proposed as a minimally invasive and accurate test to detect chronic pancreatitis (CP). Objective To investigate the correlation between EUS criteria and histopathology grading in patients with presumed CP. Design Retrospective study. Setting and Patients Patients who received pancreatic surgery according to presumed CP from the Medical University of South Carolina surgical database between 1995 and 2003 were identified and included if EUS was performed within 1 year before surgery. The number of EUS criteria for CP was compared with a histologic fibrosis score (FS). Main Outcome Measurements Sensitivity and specificity of number of EUS criteria compared with FS. Results Seventy-one patients were identified (38 women). Median FS was 7 (range, 0-12). Of the patients with calcifications: calcifications were detected by EUS in 30 (42%), 14 (47%) had calcifications missed by other imaging modalities, and 28 (93%) were confirmed to have abnormal histology (FS ≥ 2). Of the patients without calcifications: in the 41 patients without calcifications on EUS, 36 (88%) had FS ≥ 2; median FS was 5 (range, 0-12); the correlation between the number of EUS criteria and FS was low but statistically significant (r = 0.40; P = .01). Three or more EUS criteria provided the best balance of sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (80.0%) for predicting abnormal histology. Limitations Retrospective study. All patients were believed to need surgery. Conclusions A threshold of 3 or more EUS criteria provides the best balance of sensitivity and specificity for histologic pancreatic fibrosis. Calcifications seen by EUS but missed by other imaging are common in this group of patients.
Mechanisms of magnesium amelioration of aluminum toxicity in soybean at the gene expression level.

Micromolar concentration of magnesium (Mg) in culture solution is known to ameliorate aluminum (Al) toxicity in soybean and other leguminous species. To advance the understanding of this phenomenon...
A spectroelectrochemical cell designed for low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance titration of oxygen-sensitive proteins.

Abstract In this paper we describe an anaerobic titrator made virtually from glass with a small amount of high vacuum epoxy mounted directly to a quartz EPR tube. A complete titration may be carried out with as little as 600 μl of sample. This cell features the anaerobic manipulation of an electrochemically poised solution from an electrochemical pouch to an EPR tube. The cell uses a gold foil working electrode and Ag AgCl reference and counter electrodes. The reference and counter electrodes are isolated from the sample by leached Vycor glass. In the work reported here, we used this cell to determine the equilibrium redox potential of methyl viologen in an EPR titration. With methyl viologen as an indicator we found that the cell has a residual oxygen level of 1.5 μ m with a leak rate of 0.005 nmol/min. After moving the solution into the EPR tube, freezing, performing EPR, and thawing, the potential of the methyl viologen solution drifted only 2 mV. During the titration, the poised potentials were stable, drifting only 1 mV/min. Formal potentials as low as −630 mV in a vitamin B12-type protein have been determined with this cell (S. R. Harder, W.-P. Lu, B. A. Feinberg, and S. W. Ragsdale (1989) Biochemistry, in press) .
RF survey for the Magdalena Ridge Observatory interferometer site

Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI) is a ten telescope optical interferometer array being built on the Magdalena Mountains 20 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. A Radio Frequency (RF) survey in the 100 MHz to 3 GHz RF band has been conducted at the site of the interferometer array on the ridge. The RF site characterization plan is to conduct a pre-construction RF survey and document the existing RF background. A post-construction RF survey will also be conducted after installation and commissioning of the MROI to understand quantitatively any changes to the RF environment at the site. This paper describes the instrumentation and methods used for the RF survey and the results obtained to date. With Langmuir Laboratory for lightning research, MRO 2.4m Telescope co-located on the mountain and with the Very Large Array and the White Sands Missile Range facilities also near by; these data are presented as they may be useful for them and other facilities in future. The RF survey is also proposed as a useful tool to better design MROI facility with knowledge and understanding of the environment for RFI/EMC control and mitigation.
Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombus (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Extending Into Hepatic Veins

A 56-year-old white male presented with complaints of fatigue, weight loss, edema in the lower extremities, shortness of breath and several bouts of transient gross hematuria during the last 2 months. Physical examination revealed grade 1 pitting edema of the lower extremities and the liver was tender to palpation. Laboratory findings at hospital admission revealed red blood cell count 4.1 million, white blood cell count 6,400, hematocrit 38, hemoglobin 11.2, alkaline phosphatase 73, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 16, bilirubin 0.7, creatinine 3.8 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen 42 mg/dl, serum albumin 3.6 and serum globulin 3.8. Urinalysis showed a slightly turbid urine with a pH of 7.4, 15 red blood cells per high power field, 1 to 2 white blood cells per high power field and clusters of bacteria. The arterial phase of enhanced multidetector computerized tomography revealed a 4.8 cm enhancing tumor in the right kidney with neovascularity extending into the perinephric space. An arterialized tumor thrombus was seen in the right renal vein extending into the intrahepatic segment of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Tumor neovascularity extended into the hepatic veins and there was contiguous invasion of liver parenchyma sector V (see figure). In addition, there was a small 1 1⁄2 cm negative defect in the IVC segment above the obvious tumor thrombus reflecting an adherent bland thrombus. Tumor neovascularity was also seen in the renal hilar nodes (8 to 10 mm in size) and nodes at the level of the porta hepatis. Computerized tomography of the lungs and brain as well as radionuclide bone scans showed no other metastatic tumor. Following superselective embolization of the renal cell carcinoma and the arterialized tumor thrombus (augmented by adrenaline flow modulation) with 355 mc embologold spheres the primary neoplasm was removed with radical nephrectomy. Embolization had resulted in slight retraction of the tumor thrombus in the IVC, facilitating its removal. The intrahepatic tumor extension was managed using segmental hepatectomy. The patient survived with a cancer-free status as ascertained by followup computerized tomography for 11 months, and then
Induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis in mouse germ cells following 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) exposure

Abstract Acute toxicity studies of 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) in mice demonstrated that the respective LD 50 values for prepubertal and adult male mice were 180.7 mg/kg (154.0–197.5 mg/kg body weight) and 123 mg/kg (100.5–141.5 mg/kg body weight) which were significantly different. The slopes of the dose—response curves (1.2) were steep and essentially the same, indicating a narrow margin of safety. A single maximally tolerated dose of DBCP (100 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally to prepubertal male mice induced significant unscheduled DNA synthesis in the premeiotic germ cells but not in spermatozoa.
Encouraging Student Reflection and Articulation Using a Learning Companion: A Commentary

Our 1998 paper “Encouraging Student Reflection and Articulation using a Learning Companion” (Goodman et al. 1998) was a stepping stone in the progression of learning companions for intelligent tutoring systems (ITS). A simulated learning companion, acting as a peer in an intelligent tutoring environment ensures the availability of a collaborator and encourages the student to learn collaboratively, while drawing upon the instructional advantages that ITSs provide. This paper is a commentary on our 1998 paper, reflecting on that research and some of the subsequent relevant research by others and us since then in Learning Companions, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, and Collaborative Learning.
The rise of preeclampsia rates: The contribution of increasing maternal obesity

MATERNAL OBESITY YVETTE LACOURSIERE, LOIS BLOEBAUM, JEFFREY DUNCAN, MICHAEL VARNER, University of Utah, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salt Lake City, Utah, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Utah, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is associated with increasing BMI. Maternal overweight and obesity has increased 40% over the past decade in Utah. Reports documenting the impact of rising BMI on preeclampsia rates have not been published. Thus we set out to explore if the increase in maternal obesity has affected preeclampsia rates in the state of Utah, after accounting for changes in maternal age and race distribution. STUDY DESIGN: Using computerized birth certificates, data on all women who delivered live-born singleton infants in Utah from 1991 to 2001 were collected. Pre-pregnancy BMI (kg/m) was stratified by categories: 20-24.9 normal, >25 overweight/obese. Temporal trends of pre-pregnancy BMI and preeclampsia were analyzed. Changes in maternal age and race distributions were characterized. The adjusted RR was calculated and attributable fractions for all years in the interval were determined. RESULTS: 180,311 nulliparous women were included in the analysis. From 1991 to 2001, preeclampsia among nulliparous women increased from 5.2 to 8.2%. There has been a decrease in women aged !19 and no significant increase in nulliparas >35 years during the interval. There was a 2-fold increase in Hispanic women, but the rates of preeclampsia are not higher in this subgroup compared to non-Hispanics. After excluding multiple gestations and controlling for maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, weight gain, gestational age, chronic hypertension, and diabetes, the converted adjusted RR were stable over the interval. The attributable fraction of preeclampsia in women with a BMI >25 before pregnancy ranged from 0.53 to 0.63. In 2001, nearly 1 in 5 of all nulliparous preeclampsia were attributable to overweight and obesity. CONCLUSION: Increasing rates of maternal overweight and obesity have resulted in an increase in preeclampsia from 1991 to 2001. This is the first study to document this phenomenon, while accounting for other changes in maternal demographics and risk factors. S122 SMFM Abstracts
The information in the term structure of eurodollar interest rates

Abstract This paper uses Fama's regression approach to measure the relative importance of time-varying term premiums and expected future spot interest rates embedded in forward Eurodollar interest rates. The forward-spot spread always has reliable power in predicting future spot interest rates, especially during the October 1979 to September 1982 period.
The glucose paradox of cerebral ischemia: evidence for corticosterone involvement

Aggravation of neuronal damage by preischemic hyperglycemia, i.e. the glucose paradox of cerebral ischemia, is a well-established phenomenon that has prompted clinicians around the world to closely monitor and control blood glucose levels in surgical cases at high risk for ischemic episodes. The widely prevalent idea that lactic acidosis is responsible for hyperglycemia-enhanced ischemic neuronal damage is challenged with the hypothesis that glucose-elicited corticosterone release is a more compelling explanation of the glucose paradox. Corticosterone is the main rodent glucocorticoid, and has important effects on glucose metabolism. Rats were exposed to 7 min of cardiac arrest-induced transient global ischemia. Plasma glucose and corticosterone (CT) levels were manipulated and monitored to assess their effects on delayed neuronal damage as measured 7 days postischemia using electrophysiological and histological methods. Seizure activity was assessed 24 h postischemia. The results demonstrate that the extent of postischemic neuronal damage correlates with plasma CT level, not glucose, at the onset of ischemia. Moreover, an elevation in plasma glucose levels triggers a significant increase in CT plasma levels. Pretreatment of hyperglycemic rats with the CT synthesis inhibitor metyrapone or the CT receptor antagonist, RU38486, prevents hyperglycemic aggravation of ischemic neuronal damage. The increased incidence of seizure and delayed neuronal damage resulting from preischemic hyperglycemia corresponds with CT levels rather than with glucose levels and suggests that CT has a greater prognostic value than glucose in predicting cerebral ischemic damage.
Components of laxity in interference fit fixation of quadrupled hamstring grafts

We tested in vitro 15 Poly-L-lactic acid and 14 titanium interference screws in male human cadaver tibia-hamstring constructs. Elongation of the graft, displacement of the screw in the tibial tunnel, and slippage at the graft/screw interface were measured as outcomes with an infrared optical system. All constructs failed by slippage of the graft past the interference screw. On average, graft slippage accounted for 92% of total construct laxity at 5mm total construct elongation, whereas permanent stretching of the midsubstance of the graft accounted for only 8%. Movement of the interference screw in the tibial canal was minimal, averaging 0.01 (0-0.5) mm at construct failure. Inadequacy of isolated tibial interference screw fixation of soft tissue grafts may be overcome if early failure at the graft/screw interface is prevented.
The Memorandum Pocket Veto

The Constitution of the United States, with reference to bills presented to the President by the Congress, provides: "If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which 'Case it shall not be a Law." In the past, it has been customary in most cases involving vetoes for the President to withhold his signature, thereby, in effect, allowing the bill to die without becoming a law. The President has desired, however, to take a more affirmative position than this, feeling that in the case of most legislation reasons for definite disapproval should be given. Therefore, he has written on the copy of each bill the words "Disapproved and Signature Withheld" and has appended in every case a brief statement giving the reason or reasons for disapproval.
New Developments In Fiberoptic Gyroscopes

F. Zarinetchi, S.P. Smith, and S. EzekielResearch Laboratory of ElectronicsMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA 02139Fiberoptic inertial rotation sensors (or gyroscopes) so far are based on the Sagnac effect in eithera multiturn interferometers or a resonator2. Both these approaches constitute the fiberopticimplementation of previously demonstrated Sagnac interferometer3 gyroscopes and resonator4gyroscopes employing bulkoptic components. However, there has not yet been a fiberoptic analog ofthe ring laser gyroscope5'6, which has always been a bulk -optic device. In this paper, we presentpreliminary data on a fiberoptic ring laser gyroscope using stimulated Brillouin7 scattering as the lasergain medium. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a solid state ring laser gyroscope orRLG.Figure 1 shows a simplified diagram of a stimulated Brillouin fiberoptic gyroscope. A singlefrequency laser, He -Ne at 1.15 pm, is coupled into opposite directions of a non -polarization maintainingfiberoptic ring resonator (length 25 m; finesse - 250; coil diameter 7.5 cm) and acts as the pump forthe stimulated Brillouin laser. The frequency of the Brillouin laser$ -11 is downshifted from that of thepump by the acoustic frequency in the fiber which is about 15 GHz at 1.15 pm. The direction of theBrillouin laser is opposite to that of the pump because that is the direction that experiences the highestBrillouin gain. The clockwise pump in the resonator is denoted by P- and the counterclockwise pumpby P. The corresponding stimulated Brillouin lasers that are created by the pumps are denoted by B-
Profiles of growth hormone (GH)-regulated genes reveal time-dependent responses and identify a mechanism for regulation of activating transcription factor 3 by GH.

In examination of mechanisms regulating metabolic responses to growth hormone (GH), microarray analysis identified 561 probe sets showing time-dependent patterns of expression in GH-treated 3T3-F442A adipocytes. Biological functions significantly over-represented among GH-regulated genes include regulators of transcription at early times, and lipid biosynthesis, cholesterol biosynthesis, and mediators of immune responses at later times (48 h). One novel GH-induced gene encodes activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Atf3 mRNA expression and promoter activity were stimulated by GH. Genes for ATF3 and growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 45 gamma (GADD45γ) showed similar time-dependent patterns of responses to GH, suggesting similar regulatory mechanisms. A conserved sequence in the promoters of the Atf3 and Gadd45γ genes contains a CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) site previously observed in the Gadd45γ promoter, suggesting a novel corresponding C/EBP site in the Atf3 promoter. C/EBPβ was found to bind to the predicted Atf3 C/EBP site, and C/EBPβ enhanced the activation of the wild-type Atf3 promoter. Mutation of the predicted Atf3 C/EBP site disrupted Atf3 promoter activation not only by C/EBPβ but also by GH. These findings suggest that GH regulates transcription of Atf3 through a mechanism utilizing factors, such as C/EBPβ, which bind to a novel C/EBP site.
Four marine species of Mesodinium (Ciliophora : Mesodiniidae) II. Mesodinium pulex CLAP & LACHM, 1858

Summary Seven populations of Mesodinium pulex , some sampled from widely-separated coasts of the U.S.A., were examined morphometrically (5 in some detail). Body shape and dimensions, and the external appendages, were studied and measured by dark phase-contrast microscopy and photomicrography. Some inclusions, behaviour and movement, and cell division were also observed. Large differences often yielding high significance were found between morphometric means of some populations, and some typical cirri numbers differed greatly. However, the ranges of variation formed a continuum, supporting the author’s belief that all the investigated populations belonged to the same species, M. pulex . Populations were best differentiated by width of cone base, and differed qualitatively in cone shape, cirrus structure and the cytostome’s rim. Surprisingly, the populations at the lowest ambient temperatures did not have larger body dimensions or more cirri. The endings of the 8–10 tentacular processes were cone-shaped or globose. Cells vertically attached to the substrate in lakes of seawater rose upward at intervals. The extreme cone forms often observed in one population (M72) may have been called forth by the presence of sewage. The identifying characteristics of M. pulex, Mesodinium acarus and Species III are given.
Correlates of depressive symptoms in urban youth at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Rates of overweight in youth have increased at an alarming rate, particularly in minority youth, and depressive symptoms may affect the ability of youth to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors to manage weight and reduce their risk for health problems. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between depressive symptoms, clinical risk factors, and health behaviors and attitudes in a sample of urban youth at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: We obtained self-report questionnaire data on depressive symptoms and health attitudes and behaviors related to diet and exercise and clinical data on risk markers (eg, fasting insulin) from 198 youth from an urban setting. Seventh-grade students were eligible if they were at risk for developing T2DM because they had a body mass index (BMI) in the 85th percentile or higher and a family history of diabetes. Results: Clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms were evident in approximately 21% of the sample, and Hispanic youth reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than black youth. Higher levels of depression were associated with several health behaviors and attitudes, in particular less perceived support for physical activity and poorer self-efficacy for diet. Depressive symptoms were also related to some clinical risk markers, such as higher BMI and fasting insulin levels. Conclusions: Because depressive symptoms may affect ability to engage in healthy behavior changes, evaluation and treatment of depressive symptoms should be considered in preventive interventions for youth at risk for T2DM.
Quasiparticle energy and interaction in a normal electron liquid

Abstract We present a microscopic theory of the dynamical properties of the quasiparticle degrees of freedom of an interacting electron liquid in the normal state. By means of a canonical transformation and a suitable average designed to properly remove the collective part of the spectrum we have derived for the first time a complete renormalized quasiparticle pseudo hamiltonian which fully and explicitly accounts for vertex corrections via many body local fields.
A model for predicting flow regime transitions in horizontal and near horizontal gas-liquid flow

Models are presented for determining flow regime transitions in two-phase gas-liquid flow. The mechanisms for transition are based on physical concepts and are fully predictive in that no flow regime transitions are used in their development. A generalized flow regime map based on this theory is presented.
Interactive Fuzzy Interval Reasoning for smart Web shopping

In this paper, we propose an Interactive Fuzzy Interval Reasoning (FIR) method by combining fuzzy logic with interval computing to better serve Web users in terms of effectiveness and flexibility. Web users may use convenient interval inputs for online shopping. In order to serve different customers based on their preferences, different personalized fuzzy partitions to meet different needs are provided for the different Web customers. The Interactive Fuzzy Interval Reasoning method is used to design the Web shopping agent. Java servlets and Microsoft Access are used to implement the fuzzy Web shopping system.
Visualizing the mandibular ramus in panoramic radiography.

Abstract Radiographic images of the adult mandibular ramus with its condyloid and coronoid processes are frequently distorted on Panorex radiographs taken in the conventional manner. This distortion is due to the relationship of the ramus to the focal trough and to the direction of the x-ray beam. A technique for repositioning the head to improve this relationship and minimize the distortion is presented.
Neurodevelopmental abnormalities and schizophrenia. A family affair.

DURING THE last decade, there has been a resurgence of interest in the relationship between prenatal and perinatal adversity and schizophrenia. Driving this interest is the notion that a physically traumatic event happening either in utero or during delivery disrupts the normal development of the central nervous system (CNS). In time, the altered CNS causes the individual to develop schizophrenia. This has become known as the neurodevelopmental hypothesis. 1-4 While a number of in utero events have been linked with schizophrenia, the one that has received the most scrutiny is maternal influenza during the second trimester of pregnancy. In this issue of theArchives, two other toxic events that occur during pregnancy and that may also lead to schizophrenia are described: RhD incompatibility 5 and severe nutritional deficiencies. ' In their most severe form, the disorders produced by these events lead to death or to clearly observable neurological abnormalities; however, it
Universal scaling and transient behavior of temporal modes near a Hopf bifurcation: Theory and experiment.

A forward Hopf bifurcation is characterized by the continuous development of a periodic oscillatory state from a time-independent state as some control parameter is varied. In Rayleigh-Benard convection the control parameter is the Rayleigh number and the transition is from a stationary convective roll structure to periodic time-dependent convection. We show analytically that close to the bifurcation point the amplitudes of the temporal modes of the oscillatory state scale as (R-R/sub 0/)/sup n/2/, where n is the mode number. Complex-amplitude equations are also derived which give the transient behavior of these modes. Experimental data on Rayleigh-Benard convection in a dilute solution of /sup 3/He in superfluid /sup 4/He agree well with the theory.
Photoemission studies of graphite high-energy conduction-band and valence-band states using soft-x-ray synchrotron radiation excitation

Photoemission spectra of the valence band of single-crystal graphite were measured using synchrotron radiation in the energy range 33-200 eV. For $\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}=122$ eV, good agreement was found with the calculated density of states since the matrix elements for the $p$-like and $s$-like states are nearly the same. Using constant-initial-state spectroscopy, we have found that, for $\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}l90$ eV, the cross section of the transitions from the $\ensuremath{\pi}$ and $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ initial states in the valence band to the high-energy final states is governed by the joint density of states and the selection rules. We have verified the theoretical prediction of the energy and symmetry of the conduction bands between 30 and 50 eV above the Fermi energy. For $\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}g90$ eV, the transition cross sections are mainly determined by the atomic character of the initial states.