cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simple, general, realistic, robust, analytic tokamak equilibria. Part 1. Limiter and divertor tokamaks

Tokamak equilibria have been derived that are analytic solutions to the Grad–Shafranov equation. This paper, Part 1, describes a wide range of such equilibria including smooth limiter surfaces, double- and single-null divertor surfaces, arbitrary aspect ratio, elongation, triangularity and beta. Part 2 generalizes the analysis to include edge pedestals and toroidal flow.
The Use of Hemostatic Agents to Decrease Bleeding Complications in General Plastic Surgery Procedures.

Within plastic surgery, hematomas and seromas are frequently reported complications that can negatively impact wound healing and result in significant morbidity in patients. As a result, there has been considerable interest in hemostatic agents to complement traditional methods of hemostasis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative bleeding complications and duration of Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain use in general plastic surgery procedures with and without hemostatic agents. Methods After obtaining institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was performed. Patients who underwent bilateral breast reduction, panniculectomy, or abdominoplasty were included. Data collected included indication for surgery, type of operation, use of hemostatic agent, specifically fibrin sealant (FS, EVICEL, Ethicon, USA) or combination powder (CP, HEMOBLAST Bellows, Biom'up, France), length of follow-up, time to JP drain removal, postoperative complications, and specimen weight. This was a consecutive experience where initially no hemostatic agent was used, followed by use of FS, and then CP. Results The use of a hemostatic agent resulted in reduced time duration for JP drain use and overall fewer recorded complications in the hemostatic agent groups. Although not significant, the hemostatic agent group (FS and CP) experienced fewer hematomas and seromas compared with the nonhemostatic agent group. JP drain duration was significantly less among breast reduction (3.46 versus 6.92 days, P < 0.01) for CP when compared with FS. Conclusion The use of hemostatic agents in general plastic surgery procedures may result in decreased postoperative complications and significantly reduce time to JP drain removal.
Healthy passages. A multilevel, multimethod longitudinal study of adolescent health.

Abstract Purpose To provide an overview of a multisite, long-term study that focuses on risk and protective factors, health behaviors (e.g., dietary practices, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and violent activity), and health outcomes (e.g., diabetes, obesity, and sexually transmitted diseases) for a fifth-grade cohort to be followed biennially from ages 10 to 20 years. Methods A two-stage probability sampling procedure was used to select 5250 fifth-grade students from schools in Birmingham AL, Houston TX, and Los Angeles CA to ensure a sufficient sample size of African Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites, to support precise statistical inferences. Computer-assisted technology was used to collect data from children and their primary caregivers. Teachers and other school personnel responded to questionnaires, and observational procedures were used to obtain information about schools and neighborhoods. Results To exploit the multilevel, multimethod structure of the data, statistical models include latent-growth mixture modeling, multilevel modeling, time-series analysis, survival analysis, latent transition analysis, and structural equation modeling. Analyses focus both on the co-occurrence and predictors of growth trajectories for different health behaviors across time. Conclusions By using a prospective research design and studying the predictors and time course of multiple health behaviors with a multilevel, multimethod assessment protocol, this research project could provide an empirical basis for effective social and educational policies and intervention programs that foster positive health and well-being during both adolescence and adulthood.
Macromolecular synthesis in cells infected with frog virus 3: V. The absence of polyadenylic acid in the majority of frog virus 3-specific mRNA species

Abstract Most of the virus-specific RNA molecules isolated from the cytoplasm of BHK-21 cells infected with frog virus 3 (FV 3) did not contain poly(A) tracts of sufficient length to permit the RNA to bind to oligo(dT) cellulose. The 14% of [ 3 H]adenosine-labeled RNA molecules that did bind were 40–55% RNAse-resistant and sedimented at about 6 S. In contrast, 40–70% of the pulse-labeled RNA isolated from vaccinia virus-infected BHK cells was bound to oligo(dT) cellulose, and the bound RNA was representative of the whole spectrum of vaccinia virus RNA size classes.
THE DECOMPOSITION OF INEQUALITY BY CLASS AND BY OCCUPATION

Sociological research on earnings and income has focused on predicting individual income. Analyses most often use occupational status or class, along with other economically relevant variables, to explain earnings or income variations among individuals (income determination). Aggregate inequality (income distribution) has received considerably less attention, except in cross-national research. This especially holds for applying central concepts of stratification to the analysis of inequality. That is, class and occupation differences in economic rewards are rarely used to investigate aggregate earnings or income inequality. This study, using 1976 and 1977 Panel Study of Income Dynamics survey data, estimates the proportion of total earnings/income inequality accounted for by class and by occupation. Theil's index is used to measure earnings and income inequality and thus decompose total inequality into between-and within-group components. Wright's five-category schema is replicated for decomposition of inequality by class and a traditional four-category ordinal typology for decomposition by occupation. The two schemas show similar results: both class and occupation respectively account for between one-fifth and one-fourth of total earnings and income inequality. The results show the relevance of these central stratification typologies for the analysis of aggregate inequality.
Structure and Dynamics of the Ferroelectric Relaxors Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 and Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3

We review some of the current research on two of the ultra-high piezoelectric relaxors Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMN) and Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PZN). The discovery of a monoclinic phase in Pb(Zr1-xTix)O3 (PZT) in 1999 by Noheda et al. forced a reassessment of the structural symmetries found near the morphotropic phase boundary in PZT, as well as in the PbTiO3 (PT) doped systems PZN-PT, and PMN-PT. All three systems are now known to have nearly identical phase diagrams that exhibit a rhombohedral-monoclinic-tetragonal structural sequence with increasing PbTiO3 concentration. The dynamical properties of these relaxors are controlled by the unique nature of the so-called polar nanoregions (PNR), which first appear at the Burns temperature Td as evidenced by the onset of diffuse scattering. That this diffuse scattering persists to temperatures below the Curie temperatures of PMN (220 K) and PZN (410 K) indicates that the phase transitions in these relaxors are very different from those observed in ordinary ferroelectrics. They also differ in this regard from what would be expected in the often-quoted model based on analogy with the random field effect.
The No Long Odd Cycle Theorem for Completely Positive Matrices

We present a self-contained proof of the following fact. Let an undirected graph G be given. Every symmetric matrix A, with graph G, that is both entry-wise nonnegative and positive semidefinite can be written as A=BB T with B entry-wise nonnegative if and only if G has no odd cycle of length 5 or more. In the process, we determine the worst case for the minimum number of columns in B in the representation of such an A.
Acoustic Determinants to Group-Specific Vocalizations and Dialect: The Effects of Environment on Infant Vocalizations of Cebus capucinus, and Utilizing Two Field Sites with a Shared Taxon for a Comparative Ecological Study

Many species of nonhuman primates have been observed and documented as using group-specific calls or “dialects” in their vocal communication . Dialects have been recorded in catarrhines such as Pan troglodytes (Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN) 573082), Macaca sylvanus (TSN 573027), and Macaca fuscata (TSN 555659); as well as platyrrhines such as Callithrix pygmaea (TSN 572917) and Cebus capucinus (TSN 572977). However, the cause of these dialects remains the subject of debate. Strong cases have been made for both acoustic and genetic determinantsas well as social learning. We believe that the results of our study could provide evidence that the acoustic environment is the main force behind dialects with, possibly, social learning and genetics acting as exponents on an already acoustically determined vocal communication system.
Prospects for an ageing population

The ageing populations of industrialized societies are more likely to be encumbered by increased morbidity than some optimistic arguments would suggest.
Management of Low Flow Vascular Malformations

Abstract The goal of sclerotherapy is to obliterate abnormal channels by damaging the endothelium, thereby resulting in subsequent inflammation and fibrosis. Venous malformations (VMs) are caused by abnormal development of the vein wall, with thinning and asymmetric disruption of the smooth muscle layer of the vein in association with endothelial cell abnormalities. This results in progressive, often asymmetric, dilation of the affected channels. Associated absence or insufficiency of valves in the conducting veins contributes to swelling. Affected channels become progressively enlarged, and the resulting stagnation of blood causes thrombosis, swelling, and pain. Most VMs undergo a continuous cycle of spontaneous thrombosis and thrombolysis. Calcification of thrombi results in formation of phleboliths. Symptoms and signs include blue or purple cutaneous lesions, swelling with dependency or effort, pain, deformity, and consumption coagulopathy. Pulmonary embolism can occur, especially when the conducting venous channels are malformed.
Anomalous strain rate dependence of the serrated flow in NiH and NiCH alloys

Abstract Serrated flow in NiH, NiCH, and NiC alloys was studied over a wide range of temperature and strain rates. The results for C related serrated flow in NiC or NiCH alloys were in excellent agreement with previous results and were consistent with dislocation pinning by C solutes at the dislocation cores. Hydrogen related serrated yielding was observed in NiH and NiHC alloys. Solute C had only a small effect on the temperature range of this H related serrated flow. The results could be interpreted on the basis of hydride formation at the dislocation cores and diffusion of H in these hydrides.
Comparative Ototoxicity of Amikacin and Gentamicin in Cats

The ototoxic potentials of two aminoglycoside antibiotics, amikacin and gentamicin, were compared in cats, using several otoxicity assessment techniques. Daily subcutaneous doses of 90 and 45 mg of amikacin per kg and 18 and 9 mg of gentamicin per kg (approximately six and three times the daily human dose) were administered to cats for extended periods of time until cochlear or vestibular dysfunction developed. Renal tissue damage and serum and perilymph antibiotic concentrations were also monitored. Amikacin selectively produced an impairment of cochlear function after an approximate cumulative dose of 3,600 mg/kg obtained after 41 days at 90 mg/kg per day or 78 days at 45 mg/kg per day, as determined by electrophysiological assessment. Gentamicin caused an impairment of vestibular function after an approximate cumulative dose of 700 mg/kg obtained after 42 days at 18 mg/kg per day or 68 days at 9 mg/kg per day, as determined by ataxia and impaired righting reflex. Gentamicin also moderately reduced electrophysiological cochlear responses and appeared to cause histological renal tissue change more frequently than did amikacin.
A comparison of restoration longevity in maxillary and mandibular teeth.

Once placed, just how long should restorations last? This study took that question one step further to compare maxillary and mandibular restoration longevity for restorations placed for nearly three decades. Survival time and patterns are presented. This study determined if the survival time of restorations in maxillary and mandibular teeth differed in a group of 7 1 patients. The 1,232 restorations were placed by a dental school clinic in a 29-year period. There were no significant systematic differences in the survival time of restorations in maxillary and mandibular molars, premolars, and canines. Maxillary and mandibular incisors show significant differences in survival patterns. Of the mandibular restorations available for follow-up, 71% were still intact after 26 years.
A technique for generating consistent ice sheet initial conditions for coupled ice sheet/climate models

Abstract. A transient technique for generating ice sheet preindustrial initial conditions for long-term coupled ice sheet/climate model simulations is developed and demonstrated over the Greenland ice sheet using the Community Earth System Model (CESM). End-member paleoclimate simulations of the last glacial maximum, mid-Holocene optimum and the preindustrial are combined using weighting provided by ice core data time series to derive continuous energy-balance-model-derived surface mass balance and surface temperature fields, which are subsequently used to force a long transient ice sheet model simulation of the last glacial cycle, ending at the preindustrial. The procedure accounts for the evolution of climate through the last glacial period and converges to a simulated preindustrial ice sheet that is geometrically and thermodynamically consistent with the preindustrial CESM state, yet contains a transient memory of past climate. The preindustrial state generated using this technique notably improves upon the standard equilibrium spin-up technique, relative to observations and other model studies, although in the demonstration we present here, large biases remain due primarily to climate model forcing biases. Ultimately, the method we describe provides a clear template for generating initial conditions for ice sheets within a fully coupled climate model framework that allows for the effects of past climate history to be self-consistently included in long-term simulations of the fully coupled ice sheet/climate system.
Climate change and site: relevant mechanisms and modeling techniques ☆

Forest growth modeling is moving away from description and toward explanation. The acceptance of global warming and effects related to climate change has reinforced this evolution. In the recent past, there have been several reviews of modeling techniques that have addressed, among other things, model structure and hierarchies within models. We argue that models seeking to adequately address climate change must include a specific suite of site characteristics. These range from primary effects of climate change (temperature, CO2, and O3 increase) to secondary effects (increase in soil temperature, microbial activity, and changes in precipitation patterns) and tertiary effects (changes in tree phenology and photosynthesis). This paper (i) compares 12 existing individual tree growth simulators designed to address climate change or related effects, (ii) proposes a set of site-related mechanisms and entities to be included in any modeling framework to address climate change, and (iii) suggests appropriate lines of research to attain the goal of a model driven by climate and able to be initialized with readily available metrics.
Use of a celite-potassium tert.-butoxide column for rapid saponification of microgram amounts of glycerides at room temperature

Abstract In a simple, two-phase procedure, a capillary tube containing a bed of potassium tert. -butoxide supported on Celite 545 is used to saponify microgram amounts of glycerides applied to it in n -hexane. The reaction is carried out at room temperature and is complete within 5 min. The fatty acids are recovered from their soaps by acidification of the column with hydrogen chloride and extraction with hexane or carbon disulfide. They can be recovered in 91–97% of theory, if desired, and analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. As little as 1 μg of peanut oil was successfully saponified and qualitatively analyzed for its constituent fatty acids.
Current concepts and controversies in prevention and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in children.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is caused by absolute or relative lack of insulin. Lack of insulin leads to hyperglycemia, ketonemia, and acidosis. Prevalence of DKA at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) varies around the world from 18 % to 84 %. Incidence of recurrent DKA is higher among females, insulin pump users, those with a history of psychiatric or eating disorder, and suboptimal socioeconomic circumstances. DKA is the most common cause of death in children with T1D. Children with DKA should be treated in experienced centers. Initial bolus of 10–20 mL/kg 0.9 % saline is followed by 0.45 %-0.9 % saline infusion. Fluid infusion should precede insulin administration (0.1 U/kg/h) by 1–2 hours. The prevention of DKA at diagnosis of diabetes can be achieved by an intensive community intervention and education of health care providers to raise awareness. Prevention of recurrent DKA requires continuous patient education and access to diabetes programs and telephone services.
Strength training for prepubescent males: Is it safe?

This study examined the safety of one type of strength training for prepubescent males. Eighteen males (av erage age, 8.3 ± 1.2 years) participated in a 45 min/ session, three session/week, 14 week supervised strength training program with an attendance rate of 91.5%. Concentric work was done almost exclusively. KinCom analysis showed significant strength gain in this group (P < 0.05), while an age, sex, and activity matched control group did not gain strength.Safety was evaluated by injury surveillance, blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, scintigraphy, and creatine phosphokinase measurement. Effects on growth and development, flexibility, and motor perform ance were also investigated, as these are factors with an impact on sports injury occurrence.Results showed that in the short term, supervised concentric strength training results in a low injury rate and does not adversely affect bone, muscle, or epi physes ; nor does it adversely affect growth, develop ment, flexibility, or motor performance. A...
A smooth version of the step-up procedure for multiple tests of hypotheses

Abstract Cohen and Sackrowitz [2005. Characterization of Bayes procedures for multiple endpoint problems and inadmissibility of the step-up procedure. Ann. Statist. 33, 145–158; 2007. More on the inadmissibility of step-up. J. Multivariate Anal. 97, 481–492] have demonstrated that the popular step-up (SU) multiple testing procedure is inadmissible under a wide variety of conditions. All conditions, however, did assume a permutation invariant (symmetric) model. In this paper we find a necessary condition for admissibility of multiple testing procedures in the asymmetric case. Once again SU does not satisfy the condition and is inadmissible. Since SU has a somewhat less favorable practical property and a less favorable theoretical property, we offer a smooth version of SU which retains the favorable practical properties and avoids some of the less favorable ones. In terms of performance the smooth version and nonsmooth version seem to be comparable at least in low dimensions.
Observation of negative s-wave proximity effect in superconducting UBe13.

The Josephson ${I}_{c}$ between a Ta-wire probe and an induced, surface, singlet, superconducting state in U${\mathrm{Be}}_{13}$ decreases with decreasing temperature below the bulk U${\mathrm{Be}}_{13}$ ${T}_{c}$, in contrast to the increase seen in comparison Mo samples. This shows that the bulk U${\mathrm{Be}}_{13}$ superconductivity suppresses the induced singlet superconductivity. Such suppression is evidence of a triplet super-conducting state in U${\mathrm{Be}}_{13}$. Evidence is presented for phase slip between weakly coupled singlet and triplet order parameters.
Materials Science and Engineering Opportunities for an Energy Efficient and Low Carbon Economy

The 21st Century faces grand challenges, and sustainable development for the planet is an issue that cannot be ignored. The role of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is pivotal in addressing these societal grand challenges. In the keynote lecture the specific MSE areas will be discussed. In this paper, the context and the framework for these developmental areas will be presented.
Maternal safety of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE:To estimate the risks for medically attended events occurring within 42 days of receiving trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine and to evaluate specific risks of first-trimester vaccination.METHODS:This retrospective observational cohort study compared rates of medically attended adverse
Titian's Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple and the Scuola della Carità

“In its primary aspect, a great picture has no more definite message for us than an accidental play of sunlight and shadow for a few moments on the wall or floor…” Walter Pater's declaration of aesthetic autonomy in his essay of 1877, “The School of Giorgione,”1 cites as its culminating example Titian's Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple (Fig. 1). The sensibilities of the nineteenth century were in open sympathy with the sensuous delights of Venetian colorito; art, in Pater's words, is “always striving to be independent of the mere intelligence, to become a matter of pure perception.” Such attitudes have shaped the modern appreciation of Venetian painting, for essentially we have continued to assume with Pater its “subordination of mere subject to pictorial design.” This dissociation of “form” and “content,” a barrier to our understanding of art in general and the art of the past in particular, has especially hampered our evaluation of Titian, and no work by that master has suffered as much in this ...
Graphene-based Materials: Graphene and Graphene Oxide: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications (Adv. Mater. 35/2010)

There is intense interest in graphene in fields such as physics, chemistry, and materials science, among others. Interest in graphene's exceptional physical properties, chemical tunability, and potential for applications has generated thousands of publications and an accelerating pace of research, making review of such research timely. Here is an overview of the synthesis, properties, and applications of graphene and related materials (primarily, graphite oxide and its colloidal suspensions and materials made from them), from a materials science perspective.
Breakaway: A social supplement to caregivers' support groups

The objective of the Breakaway program is to thwart negative influences of social isolation in caregivers by involving them with peers who share similar burdens. A simple developmental model brings informal groups together monthly for dinners, cultural entertainment, excursions, and other convivial diversions in the empathetic company of others with similar emotional and social pressures. Breakaway is designed to supplement the clinical and emotional assistance provided by the usual support groups. Resultant improvements in interest,joie de vivre, demeanor, personal esteem, depression, and other aspects of social isolation have been observed.The Breakaway program may be of significant benefit-to participating caregivers who seek relief from the social isolation and other psychosocial burdens associated with constantly caring for the homebound or chronically ill.
How mothering behaviors change during structural transformation

Abstract Studies in anthropology, psychology, human development and economics are used to illustrate how child rearing behaviors change during social and economic development. Analysis is linked to the stylized facts of structural transformation: the basic shifts in use of land, labor and capital, the drops in fertility, increase in education and life expectancy and specialization in the use of labor. Deepening investments of both public and private resources in human capital are in large part responsible for increases in productivity characteristic of this process. This paper examines how changing child rearing strategies of women have been an important though under-appreciated factor in such structural transformations.
Cellular microRNA expression correlates with susceptibility of monocytes/macrophages to HIV-1 infection.

Although both monocytes and macrophages possess essential requirements for HIV-1 entry, peripheral blood monocytes are infrequently infected with HIV-1 in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, tissue macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro are highly susceptible to infection with HIV-1 R5 tropic strains. We investigated intracellular anti–HIV-1 factors that contribute to differential susceptibility of monocytes/macrophages to HIV-1 infection. Freshly isolated monocytes from peripheral blood had significantly higher levels of the anti–HIV-1 microRNAs (miRNA, miRNA-28, miRNA-150, miRNA-223, and miRNA-382) than monocyte-derived macrophages. The suppression of these anti–HIV-1 miRNAs in monocytes facilitates HIV-1 infectivity, whereas increase of the anti–HIV-1 miRNA expression in macrophages inhibited HIV-1 replication. These findings provide compelling and direct evidence at the molecular level to support the notion that intracellular anti–HIV-1 miRNA-mediated innate immunity may have a key role in protecting monocytes/macrophages from HIV-1 infection.
Outpatient surgery reduces short-term complications in lumbar discectomy: an analysis of 4310 patients from the ACS-NSQIP database.

STUDY DESIGN Propensity score-adjusted prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To compare the incidence of complications in patients undergoing single-level lumbar discectomy between the inpatient and outpatient settings, to determine baseline 30-day complication rates for lumbar discectomy, and to identify independent risk factors for complications. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Lumbar discectomy is the most common spinal procedure performed and can be done on an outpatient basis. Lower costs, greater patient satisfaction, and equivalent safety have been reported with outpatient surgery. METHODS Patients undergoing lumbar discectomy between 2005 and 2010 were selected from The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Patient selection was based on a single primary current procedural terminology code. To ensure comparable inpatient and outpatient cohorts, patients with multilevel procedures were excluded. Thirty-day postoperative complications and preoperative patient characteristics were identified and compared. Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to adjust for selection bias and identify predictors of 30-day morbidity. RESULTS Of the 4310 lumbar discectomy cases, 2658 (61.7%) underwent an inpatient hospital stay after surgery, whereas 1652 (38.3%) patients had outpatient surgery. Unadjusted overall complication rates (6.5% vs. 3.5%, P < 0. 0001) were higher in those undergoing inpatient surgery. After propensity score matching, overall complication rate was still higher with the inpatient cohort (5.4% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.0068). Adjusted comparison using multivariate logistic regression also demonstrated a significantly higher rate of complication for inpatients (odds ratio, 1.521; 95% confidence interval, 1.048-2.206). Age, diabetes, presence of preoperative wound infection, blood transfusion, operative time, and an inpatient hospital stay were all independent risk factors of short-term complication after lumbar discectomy. CONCLUSION After adjusting for confounders using propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients undergoing outpatient lumbar discectomy had lower overall complication rates than those treated as inpatients. Surgeons should consider outpatient surgery for lumbar discectomy in appropriate candidates.
Linking numbers and Chen groups

Abstract Let L be a classical link with group G. We show that if sufficiently many components of L have nonzero linking numbers with each other then the Chen groups G″G q G″G q+1 are all determined (up to isomorphism) by G2/G3. Furthermore, the collection {G″Gq/G″Gq+1} of Chen groups, considered as a graded Lie algebra, is also determined at the G2/G3 level.
Sensitive fluorometric assay for proteins: Use of fluorescamine and membrane filters

Abstract A membrane filter assay has been developed for the determination of proteins in the submicrogram range. Proteins are: (1) treated with fluorescamine in sodium borate buffer containing MgCl 2 , (2) collected on membrane filters, and (3) desorbed from the filters by an acetone-sodium borate buffer. By measuring the fluorescence intensity of the extract, as little as 0.3 μg of protein can be determined in the presence of reactive low molecular weight substances which do not interfere because they are not retained by the filter.
Simvastatin potentiates tumor necrosis factor α-mediated apoptosis of human vascular endothelial cells via the inhibition of the geranylgeranylation of RhoA

Abstract HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are widely used in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. Here we demonstrate that the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin potentiates TNFα-mediated apoptosis and TNFα signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). While 2.5 μM simvastatin or 40 ng/ml TNFα alone had only a small effect on apoptosis in HUVECs, co-incubation with simvastatin and TNFα markedly increased apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner as measured by FACS analysis of propidium iodide-stained cells. Geranylgeraniol, which serves as a substrate for the geranylgeranylation of small GTP binding proteins such as RhoA, which is required for the function and membrane localization of Rho, reversed the effect of simvastatin on apoptosis. GGTI, an inhibitor of protein geranylgeranylation, mimicked the effect of simvastatin on apoptosis and interfered with the membrane localization of RhoA. Furthermore, simvastatin increased the expression of the TNFα type I receptor (TNFαRI) with a dose dependence and a dependence on geranylgeranylation similar to that demonstrated for the potentiation of TNFα-mediated apoptosis. Adenoviral expression of a dominant-negative RhoA mimicked the effect of simvastatin on the expression of TNFαRI, while adenoviral expression of a dominant-activating RhoA mutant reversed the effect of simvastatin on the expression of TNFαRI. Simvastatin also potentiated TNFα signaling as determined by increased TNFα-mediated E-selectin expression. These data support the conclusion that TNFα signaling is under the negative control of RhoA and that statins potentiate TNFα signaling at least in part via interference with RhoA inhibition of TNFα type I receptor expression.
Experimental Comparison of Continuous-Wave and Frequency-Domain Fluorescence Tomography in a Commercial Multi-Modal Scanner

The performance evaluation of a variety of small animal tomography measurement approaches and algorithms for recovery of fluorescent absorption cross section has not been conducted. Herein, we employed an intensified CCD system installed in a commercial small animal CT (Computed Tomography) scanner to compare image reconstructions from time-independent, continuous wave (CW) measurements and from time-dependent, frequency domain (FD) measurements in a series of physical phantoms specifically designed for evaluation. Comparisons were performed as a function of 1) number of projections, 2) the level of preprocessing filters used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), 3) endogenous heterogeneity of optical properties, as well as in the cases of 4) two fluorescent targets and 5) a mouse-shaped phantom. Assessment of quantitative recovery of fluorescence absorption cross section was performed using a fully parallel, regularization-free, linear reconstruction algorithm with diffusion approximation (DA) and high order simplified spherical harmonics ( ${\rm SP}_{\rm N}$ ) approximation to the radiative transport equation (RTE). The results show that while FD measurements may result in superior image reconstructions over CW measurements, data acquisition times are significantly longer, necessitating further development of multiple detector/source configurations, improved data read-out rates, and detector technology. FD measurements with ${\rm SP}_3$ reconstructions enabled better quantitative recovery of fluorescent target strength, but required increased computational expense. Despite the developed parallel reconstruction framework being able to achieve more than 60 times speed increase over sequential implementation, further development in faster parallel acceleration strategies for near-real time and real-time image recovery and more precise forward solution is necessary.
Matrix Gla protein and osteopontin genetic associations with coronary artery calcification and bone density: The CARDIA study

A role for matrix proteins has previously been proposed in the pathogenesis of arterial calcification in the setting of atherosclerosis, and a link has been suggested between osteoporosis and arterial calcification. Our aim has been to investigate whether matrix Gla protein (MGP) T-138C, osteopontin (SPP1) T-443C, and Asp94Asp single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with the development of arterial calcification and bone density. The individual effects of the MGP and SPP1 polymorphisms with coronary calcification are weak and not statistically significant. Bone mineral density differences at both the hip and spine do not vary statistically by genotype for any of the polymorphisms studied. Given the significant role of both MGP and SPP1 in arteriosclerosis, further research in higher risk, older populations are needed to determine fully the way in which MGP and SPP1 polymorphisms are associated with disease.
Extra-Esophageal Manifestations of Gerd: Who Responds to GERD Therapy?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease that is defined as a condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms. In addition to the esophageal manifestations of heartburn and regurgitation, the role of GERD in causing extra-esophageal symptoms, such as laryngitis, asthma, cough, chest pain, and dental erosions, is increasingly recognized with renewed interest. Due to the poor sensitivity of endoscopy and pH monitoring, and the poor specificity of laryngoscopy, empiric therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is now considered the initial diagnostic step in patients suspected of having GERD-related symptoms. In those who are unresponsive to such therapy, other diagnostic testing such as impedance/pH monitoring may be reasonable in order to exclude continued acid or weakly acid reflux. Recent data suggest that patients with extra-esophageal symptoms who have concomitant typical symptoms, moderate-sized hiatal hernia and moderate reflux on pH testing may respond better to acid suppressive therapy. This group only accounts for 20−30 % of patients commonly referred for suspected GERD. PPI-unresponsive patients usually have causes other than GERD for their extra-esophageal signs and symptoms and continued PPI therapy in this group is not recommended.
Sequential stochastic identification of myocardial parameters

Abstract Determination of myocardial parameters from skin potential measurements such as vectorcardiograms may be efficiently performed on a digital computer by a dynamic programming method in which estimates are smoothed sequentially. The known parameters of the statistical error distribution of the measuring device are employed explicitly in the computational algorithm. The problem of dimensionality is not encountered in this technique and therefore it is possible to employ rather realistic heart models, for example, containing greater than ten dipole generators.
Studies on the antiviral activity and cell interaction of synthetic double-stranded polyribo- and polydeoxyribonucleotides.

Abstract A variety of (radiolabeled) RNA and DNA polymers, including (poly rA)·(poly rU), poly r(A-U), (poly rI)·(poly rC), poly r(I-C), (poly dA)·(poly dT), poly d(A-T), (poly dI)·(poly dC), and poly d(I-C), were compared in their antiviral activity as measured in terms of inhibition of virus plaque formation by vesicular stomatitis virus in human skin fibroblasts. These polymers were also studied with respect to the kinetics of their binding to cells and with respect to their persistence at the outer cell membrane. The kinetics of cell binding was monitored by the loss of acid-insoluble radioactivity from the supernatant fluid; persistence of the polymer at the cell surface was determined by measuring the amount of cell-bound radioactivity that was released upon nuclease treatment. Although preincubation of the polymer at 37° increased the antiviral activity and rate of cell binding, and persistence at the cell surface of each individual polymer, there was no direct correlation between antiviral activity, rate of cell binding, and persistence at the cell surface with all polymers studied. These findings suggest that the differences in antiviral activity among polyribo- and polydeoxyribonucleotides are not related to differences in kinetics of cell binding or persistence of polymer at the cell surface, but reflect an as yet undefined interaction of the polymer with the cell.
Leading dynamics to good behavior

In this note we report recent results on the problem of leading natural dynamics to good behavior in games that have both high-quality and low-quality equilibria. We show how a central agency can use a public-service advertising campaign to help "nudge" players' behavior towards a high-quality equilibrium, even if only a fraction of players pay attention. We also discuss results analyzing how well-motivated learning rules, when given additional global information about a game, can be used to effectively reach high-quality equilibria.
Digging and destruction: artifact collecting as meaningful social practice

Collected sites are commonly seen as places requiring expert intervention to ‘save the past’ from destruction by artifact collectors and looters. Despite engaging directly with the physical effects of collecting and vandalism, little attention is given to the meanings of these actions and the contributions they make to the stories told about sites or the past more broadly. Professional archaeologists often position their engagement with site destruction as heritage ‘salvage’ and regard collecting as lacking any value in contemporary society. Repositioning collecting as meaningful social practice and heritage action raises the question: in failing to understand legal or illegal collecting as significant to heritage, have archaeologists contributed to the erasure of acts that aim to work out identities, memories and senses of place, and contribute to an individual’s or group’s sense of ontological security? This question is explored through a case study from the New England region of North America where arc...
Personhood, property rights, and the permissibility of abortion.

The purpose of this paper is to argue that the tactic of granting a fetus the legal status of a person will not, contrary to the expectations of opponents of abortion, provide grounds for a general prohibition on abortions. I begin by examining two arguments, one moral (J. J. Thomson's ‘A Defense of Abortion’) and the other legal (D. Regan's ‘Rewriting Roe v. Wade’), which grant the assumption that a fetus is a person and yet argue to the conclusion that abortion is permissible. However, both Thomson and Regan rely on the so-called bad samaritan principle. This principle states that a person has a right to refuse to give aid. Their reliance on this principle creates problems, both in the moral and the legal contexts, since the bad samaritan principle is intended to apply to passive refusals to aid; abortion, however, does not look like any such passive denial of aid, and so it does not seem like the sort of action covered by the bad samaritan principle. In defense of the positions outlined by Thomson and Regan, I argue that the apparent asymmetry between abortion and the usual type of case covered by the bad samaritan principle is only apparent and not a genuine problem for their analyses. I conclude with a defense of the morality of the bad samaritan principle.
Childlessness in a transitional population: the United States at the turn of the century.

This paper analyzes childlessness among white women in the United States at the turn of the twentieth century when overall fertility was steeply declining in a trend that continued until the 1930s....The analysis particularly emphasizes the importance of voluntary choices as opposed to biological or health factors in explaining childlessness in some parts of the United States. The analysis is based on previously published special tabulations of 1910 census data on children ever born and data for a 1-in-750 sample of households from the 1900 census. (EXCERPT)
Aquifex aeolicus Dihydroorotase ASSOCIATION WITH ASPARTATE TRANSCARBAMOYLASE SWITCHES ON CATALYTIC ACTIVITY

Abstract Dihydroorotase (DHOase) catalyzes the reversible condensation of carbamoyl aspartate to form dihydroorotate in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. The enzyme from Aquifex aeolicus, a hyperthermophilic organism of ancient lineage, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified protein was found to be a 45-kDa monomer containing a single zinc ion. Although there is no other DHOase gene in the A. aeolicus genome, the recombinant protein completely lacked catalytic activity at any temperature tested. However, DHOase formed an active complex with aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) from the same organism. Whereas the kcat of 13.8 ± 0.03 s–1 was close to the value observed for the mammalian enzyme, the K mfor dihydroorotate, 3.03 ± 0.05 mm was 433-fold higher. Gel filtration and chemical cross-linking showed that the complex exists as a 240-kDa hexamer (DHO3-ATC3) and a 480-kDa duodecamer (DHO6-ATC6) probably in rapid equilibrium. Complex formation protects both DHOase and ATCase against thermal degradation at temperatures near 100 °C where the organism grows optimally. These results lead to the reclassification of both enzymes: ATCase, previously considered a Class C homotrimer, now falls into Class A, whereas the DHOase is a Class 1B enzyme. CD spectroscopy indicated that association with ATCase does not involve a significant perturbation of the DHOase secondary structure, but the visible absorption spectrum of a Co2+-substituted DHOase is appreciably altered upon complex formation suggesting a change in the electronic environment of the active site. The association of DHOase with ATCase probably serves as a molecular switch that ensures that free, uncomplexed DHOase in the cell remains inactive. At pH 7.4, the equilibrium ratio of carbamoyl aspartate to dihydroorotate is 17 and complex formation may drive the reaction in the biosynthetic direction.
STRENGTHENING GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK THROUGH FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

We describe two related programs designed to address the paucity of geriatric social work faculty in both the classroom and the field setting. The first program is a 57‐hr certificate program offered by the Hunter/Mount Sinai Geriatric Education Center. Supported by the Bureau of Health Professions, this program prepares social work registrants to work with the older population and to share their new knowledge and skills with others. The second program, Enhancing Faculty Leadership in a Multicultural Society, is supported by the Administration on Aging. It prepares faculty to train minority students to work with older adults. Curricular content is defined, and special features of the programs—a mentorship component, campus coordinators, site visits, and workshops on androgogy—are described. Difficulties encountered in program development are related to recruitment and the need for faculty release time, participants’ prior expectations for a structured learning program, faculty participants’ initial level ...
Diagnosis of Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia By Visible Light Spectroscopy During Endoscopy

Background Chronic mesenteric ischemia can be difficult to diagnose by means of currently available clinical techniques. We developed a novel endoscopic device for objective measurement of GI mucosal ischemia. Objective Our purpose was to evaluate the performance of the device in patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia. Design A fiberoptic catheter–based visible light spectroscopy oximeter (T-Stat 303 Microvascular Oximeter, Spectros, Portola Valley, Calif) was used to evaluate 30 healthy control subjects and 3 patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia before and after successful percutaneous stenting. Setting Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System hospital. Results Normal mucosal (capillary) hemoglobin oxygen saturation was 60% to 73% in the duodenum and jejunum. In the 3 patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia, ischemic areas in the duodenum or proximal jejunum were found with mucosal saturations of 16% to 30%. After successful angioplasty and stent placement of the celiac, superior mesenteric, or inferior mesenteric arteries, the mucosal saturation in these areas increased to 51% to 60%. Conclusions This preliminary study suggests that chronic mesenteric ischemia is detectable during endoscopy by use of visible light spectroscopy and that successful endovascular treatment results in near normalization of mucosal oxygen saturation.
The i.r. and Raman spectra of diazopropyne

Abstract Infrared spectra have been obtained for diazopropyne [HCCCHN] and deuterated isotopic mixtures in the gaseous and solid states, and in matrix isolation. A vibrational analysis has been performed on the basis of C s symmetry, using initial force constants transferred from related molecules. The derived potential parameters suggest that several valence bond resonance structures are important in the description of the electronic structure of diazopropyne.
Ligand-induced conformational changes in the crystal structures of Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase complexes with folate and NADP+.

Structural data from two independent crystal forms (P212121 and P21) of the folate (FA) binary complex and from the ternary complex with the oxidized coenzyme, NADP+, and recombinant Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase (pcDHFR) refined to an average of 2.15 A resolution, show the first evidence of ligand-induced conformational changes in the structure of pcDHFR. These data are also compared with the crystal structure of the ternary complex of methotrexate (MTX) with NADPH and pcDHFR in the monoclinic lattice with data to 2.5 A resolution. Comparison of the data for the FA binary complex of pcDHFR with those for the ternary structures reveals significant differences, with a >7 A movement of the loop region near residue 23 that results in a new “flap-open” position for the binary complex, and a “closed” position in the ternary complexes, similar to that reported for Escherichia coli (ec) DHFR complexes. In the orthorhombic lattice for the binary FA pcDHFR complex, there is also an unwinding of a sh...