cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional connectivity estimated from intracranial EEG predicts surgical outcome in intractable temporal lobe epilepsy.

This project aimed to determine if a correlation-based measure of functional connectivity can identify epileptogenic zones from intracranial EEG signals, as well as to investigate the prognostic significance of such a measure on seizure outcome following temporal lobe lobectomy. To this end, we retrospectively analyzed 23 adult patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who underwent an invasive stereo-EEG (SEEG) evaluation between January 2009 year and January 2012. A follow-up of at least one year was required. The primary outcome measure was complete seizure-freedom at last follow-up. Functional connectivity between two areas in the temporal lobe that were sampled by two SEEG electrode contacts was defined as Pearson’s correlation coefficient of interictal activity between those areas. SEEG signals were filtered between 5 and 50 Hz prior to computing this correlation. The mean and standard deviation of the off diagonal elements in the connectivity matrix were also calculated. Analysis of the mean and standard deviation of the functional connections for each patient reveals that 90% of the patients who had weak and homogenous connections were seizure free one year after temporal lobectomy, whereas 85% of the patients who had stronger and more heterogeneous connections within the temporal lobe had recurrence of seizures. This suggests that temporal lobectomy is ineffective in preventing seizure recurrence for patients in whom the temporal lobe is characterized by weakly connected, homogenous networks. This pilot study shows promising potential of a simple measure of functional brain connectivity to identify epileptogenicity and predict the outcome of epilepsy surgery.
Multifunctional phosphonic acid self-assembled monolayers on metal oxides as dielectrics, interface modification layers and semiconductors for low-voltage high-performance organic field-effect transistors

Insulating and semiconducting molecular phosphonic acid (PA) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been developed for applications in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) for low-power, low-cost flexible electronics. Multifunctional SAMs on ultrathin metal oxides, such as hafnium oxide and aluminum oxide, are shown to enable (1) low-voltage (sub 2 V) OFETs through dielectric and interface engineering on rigid and plastic substrates, (2) simultaneous one-component modification of source–drain and dielectric surfaces in bottom-contact OFETs, and (3) SAM-FETs based on molecular monolayer semiconductors. The combination of excellent dielectric and interfacial properties results in high-performance OFETs with low-subthreshold slopes down to 75 mV dec−1, high Ion/Ioff ratios of 105–107, contact resistance down to 700 Ω cm, charge carrier mobilities of 0.1–4.6 cm2 V−1 s−1, and general applicability to solution-processed and vacuum-deposited n-type and p-type organic and polymer semiconductors.
Vibrational–rotational relaxation from high vibrational states in He–HD

The relaxation behavior of the He–HD system is studied by applying an exponential distorted wave procedure to calculate the cross sections and the rate constants for vibrational–rotational energy transfer in the vibrational manifolds n, 0⩽n⩽5. The rotational states are shown to play an important role in vibrational relaxation by providing many pathways for vibrational–rotational–translational energy exchange. By comparison with breathing sphere calculations it is demonstrated that the near exponential growth in the n→n−1 rates from vibrotor calculations can be attributed not only to the vibrational anharmonicity but also to the decreasing rotational energy spacings as n increases.
Properties of the nonhelical end domains of vimentin suggest a role in maintaining intermediate filament network structure.

Abstract To investigate the functional role of the nonhelical domains of the intermediate filament (IF) protein vimentin, we carried out transient transfection of constructs encoding fusion proteins of these domains with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Expression of these fusion proteins did not have any effect on the endogenous IF networks of transfected cells. However, the head domain–EGFP fusion protein localized almost exclusively to the nucleus. This localization could be disrupted in a reversible fashion by chilling cells. Furthermore, the head domain was capable of targeting to the nucleus a strictly cytoplasmic protein, pyruvate kinase. Thus, the vimentin head domain contains information that specifically directs proteins into the nucleus. In contrast, the nonhelical tail domain of vimentin, when expressed as a fusion protein with EGFP, was retained in the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic retention of tail domain-containing fusion proteins appeared to be dependent on the integrity of the microtubule network. Our results are consistent with a proposal that the nonhelical end domains of vimentin are involved in maintaining an extended IF network by exerting oppositely directed forces along the filaments. The head domains exert a nuclear-directed force while the tail domains extend the IF network toward the cell periphery via a microtubule-dependent mechanism.
A retrospective review of the roles of multifunctional glucose-6-phosphatase in blood glucose homeostasis: Genesis of the tuning/retuning hypothesis

In a scientific career spanning from 1955 to 2000, my research focused on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase. Grounded in basic enzymology, and initially pursuing the steady-state rate behavior of isolated preparations of these critically important gluconeogenic enzymes, our key findings were confirmed and extended by in situ enzyme rate experiments exploiting isolated liver perfusions. These efforts culminated in the discovery of the liver cytosolic isozyme of carboxykinase, known today as (GTP)PEPCK-C (EC4.1.1.32) and also revealed a biosynthetic function and multicomponent nature of glucose-6-phosphatase (EC3.1.3.9). Discovery that glucose-6-phosphatase possessed an intrinsically biosynthetic activity, now known as carbamyl-P:glucose phosphotransferase - along with a deeper consideration of the enzyme's hydrolytic activity as well as the action of liver glucokinase resulted in the evolution of Tuning/Retuning Hypothesis for blood glucose homeostasis in health and disease. This THEN & NOW review shares with the reader the joy and exhilaration of major scientific discovery and also contrasts the methodologies and approaches on which I relied with those currently in use.
Second trimester corticotropin-releasing hormone levels in relation to preterm delivery and ethnicity.

Abstract %Objective: To assess the relationship between maternal corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) levels in second trimester sera, and the risk of preterm delivery in an ethnically heterogeneous sample of pregnant women. Methods: This nested case-control study included two case groups (97 women who delivered before 35 weeks’ gestation, 144 who delivered at 35–36 weeks’ gestation), and a control group (244 women who delivered at or after 37 weeks’ gestation) frequency matched by ethnicity (black, white) and by alpha-fetoprotein levels (normal, unexplained high). Corticotropin-releasing hormone was evaluated in stored maternal sera collected at 15–19 weeks’ gestation from cases and controls. Results: Delivery before 35 weeks’ gestation was associated positively with a second trimester, ethnic-specific CRH above 1.5 multiples of the median in white women [odds ratio (OR) 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1, 5.1] and black women (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.8, 13.3). Sensitivity was 29% in whites and 41% in blacks; specificity was 84% in whites and 80% in blacks. We estimated the positive and negative predictive values to be 6% and 97%, respectively, in white women, and 16% and 93%, respectively, in black women. It was also noted that, within case and control groups, black women had consistently lower CRH levels than white women. Conclusion: Factors that lead to a premature increase in placental CRH production and are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth are evident as early as 15–19 weeks’ pregnancy. When considering potential links between stressors, placental changes, CRH levels, and preterm birth, it might be important to stratify or adjust for ethnicity.
Coastal ‘Big Data’ and nature-inspired computation: Prediction potentials, uncertainties, and knowledge derivation of neural networks for an algal metric

Abstract Coastal monitoring has become reliant upon automated sensors for data acquisition. Such a technical commitment comes with a cost; particularly, the generation of large, high-dimensional data streams (‘Big Data’) that personnel must search through to identify data structures. Nature-inspired computation, inclusive of artificial neural networks (ANNs), affords the unearthing of complex, recurring patterns within sizable data volumes. In 2009, select meteorological and hydrological data were acquired via autonomous instruments in Sarasota Bay, Florida (USA). ANNs estimated continuous chlorophyll (CHL) a concentrations from abiotic predictors, with correlations between measured:modeled concentrations >0.90 and model efficiencies ranging from 0.80 to 0.90. Salinity and water temperature were the principal influences for modeled CHL within the Bay; concentrations steadily increased at temperatures >28° C and were greatest at salinities −1 (representative of local and state-imposed constraint thresholds, respectively), with an accuracy of ca. 83% and class precision ranging from 0.79 to 0.91. The occurrence likelihood of concentrations > 6.1 μg CHL L −1 maximized at a salinity of ca. 36.3 and a temperature of ca. 29.5 °C. A 10th-order Chebyshev bivariate polynomial equation was fit (adj. r 2 = 0.99, p a .
Evaluation of microcomputer learning experiences

Abstract Although workshops have become a popular way to train employees in computer use, little is known about participants' perceptions of these workshops. The purpose of this research was to modify and utilize Importance-Performance Analysis to evaluate participants' perceptions of computer workshops. Use of this approach involved developing an attribute list that represented the important features of a computer workshop. In the survey, participants rated how important the attributes would be in the “ideal” computer workshop and how satisfied they were with the attributes' performance in the actual setting. The importance and performance means for each attribute were plotted on a two-dimensional grid. An attribute's location on the grid was used to determine what action needed to be taken. The results indicated that, for the most part. participants were satisfied with the computer workshops. Importance-Performance Analysis proved to be a useful evaluation tool enabling personnel to identify the strengths and weaknesses of computer workshops as perceived by participants.
Demonstration and replacement of a funcional defect of the fifth component of complement in newborn serum. A major tool in the therapy of complement in septicemia

Top of pageAbstract Previous studies from this and other laboratories have shown a relative deficiency in the opsonic activity of neonatal serum. The nature of this deficiency has been incompletely understood. The studies now reported show that the impairment of opsonic activity in neonatal serum involves a functional deficiency of the fifth component of serum complement (C5). (1) Opsonic activity of neonatal sera towards baker's yeast phagocytosis (Miller, 1969) was restored to normal by the addition of sera from mice with normal amounts of C5 (B10D2 new line) but not by addition of sera from a co-isogenic strain lacking C5 (B10D2 old line); (2) Utilizing highly purified human C3 & C5, re-constitution of opsonic activity of neonatal sera occurred only when C5 was added; (3) 5-day-old stored, ACD bank plasma was markedly deficient in re-constituting opsonic activity of neonatal serum. Fresh (<24 hrs) ACD plasma, however, effected significant re-constitution. The deficiency of 5-day-old plasma in opsonic re-constitution of neonatal sera was completely corrected by the addition of C5 containing mouse serum, or by purified human C5, but not by C5 deficient mouse serum. These studies demonstrate that the opsonic deficiency of neonatal serum involves a functional deficiency of C5 and that restoration of opsonic activity can be brought about by infusion of fresh plasma, which contains functionally active C5. A rationale is, therefore, presented for the use of fresh plasma in therapy of neonatal septicemia.
New Developments in Targeted Therapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare diseases, with an estimated 10,390 new cases in the United States in 2008. Unfortunately, only 50% are cured with surgical resection. The standard cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents have not been successful in the treatment of metastatic disease. The standard single-agent chemotherapy for metastatic disease is doxorubicin, with only 20% to 25% response rates. The combination of doxorubicin with other agents, such as ifosfamide, has improved response rates, without any improvement in overall survival. New targeted therapies have shown some activity in STS; however, disease stabilization is seen more often than a true radiographic response. The combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy with more targeted and novel agents may be appropriate to improve outcome in these patients. The agents of interest in sarcomas at this time are multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antiangiogenesis agents, inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin, hypoxia-activating prodrugs, insulin growth factor monoclonal antibodies, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand agonists.
Large Mn25 single-molecule magnet with spin S = 51/2: magnetic and high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic characterization of a giant spin state.

The synthesis and structural, spectroscopic, and magnetic characterization of a Mn25 coordination cluster with a large ground-state spin of S = 51/2 are reported. Reaction of MnCl2 with pyridine-2,6-dimethanol (pdmH2) and NaN3 in MeCN/MeOH gives the mixed valence cluster [Mn25O18(OH)2(N3)12(pdm)6(pdmH)6]Cl2 (1; 6MnII, 18MnIII, MnIV), which has a barrel-like cage structure. Variable temperature direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility data were collected in the 1.8−300 K temperature range in a 0.1 T field. Variable-temperature and -field magnetization (M) data were collected in the 1.8−4.0 K and 0.1−7 T ranges and fit by matrix diagonalization assuming only the ground state is occupied at these temperatures. The fit parameters were S = 51/2, D = −0.020(2) cm−1, and g = 1.87(3), where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. Alternating current (ac) susceptibility measurements in the 1.8−8.0 K range and a 3.5 G ac field oscillating at frequencies in the 50−1500 Hz range revealed a frequency-depende...
Structure of a selectin-like mutant of mannose-binding protein complexed with sialylated and sulfated Lewis(x) oligosaccharides.

Rat serum mannose-binding protein in which residues 211−213 have been changed to the Lys-Lys-Lys sequence found in E-selectin binds HL-60 cells and the oligosaccharide 3‘-NeuAc-Lex. To understand how this mutant, designated K3, mimics the carbohydrate-binding properties of E-selectin, structures of K3 alone and in complexes with 3‘-NeuAc-Lex, 3‘-sulfo-Lex, and 4‘-sulfo-Lex have been determined at 1.95−2.1 A resolution by X-ray crystallography. The region of K3 that interacts with bound oligosaccharides superimposes closely with the corresponding region of unliganded E-selectin. In each of the oligosaccharide−protein complexes, the 2- and 3-OH of Fuc coordinate Ca2+ and form a network of cooperative hydrogen bonds with amino acid side chains that also coordinate the Ca2+. Lys211 of the K3 mutant, which corresponds to Lys111 of E-selectin, interacts with each of the three bound ligands: the Nζ atom donates a hydrogen bond to the 4-OH of Gal in 3‘-NeuAc-Lex, forms a water-mediated hydrogen bond with the 4-OH...
Pressure effects on the photochemistry of bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26 and Rhodopseudomonas viridis

Abstract Electron-transfer reactions and triplet decay rates have been studied at pressures up to 300 MPa. In reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26, high pressure hastened the electron transfers from both the primary and secondary quinones (Q A and Q B ) to the primary electron donor bacteriochlorophyll, P. Motion of Q A between two sites, one nearer to P and the other nearer to Q B , could account for these pressure effects. In reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas viridis , charge recombination was slowed by high pressure. Decay rates were also studied for the triplet state, P R . In Rb. sphaeroides R-26 with Q A reduced with Na 2 S 2 O 4 , the decay was hastened by pressure. This could be explained if P R decays through a charge-transfer triplet state, or if the decay kinetics of P R are sensitive to the distance between P and Q A − . In Rps. viridis reaction centers, and in Rb. sphaeroides reaction centers that were depleted of Q A , the lifetime of P R was not altered by pressure.
Microspheres for controlled release drug delivery

Controlled release drug delivery employs drug-encapsulating devices from which therapeutic agents may be released at controlled rates for long periods of time, ranging from days to months. Such systems offer numerous advantages over traditional methods of drug delivery, including tailoring of drug release rates, protection of fragile drugs and increased patient comfort and compliance. Polymeric microspheres are ideal vehicles for many controlled delivery applications due to their ability to encapsulate a variety of drugs, biocompatibility, high bioavailability and sustained drug release characteristics. Research discussed in this review is focused on improving large-scale manufacturing, maintaining drug stability and enhancing control of drug release rates. This paper describes methods of microparticle fabrication and the major factors controlling the release rates of encapsulated drugs. Furthermore, recent advances in the use of polymer microsphere-based systems for delivery of single-shot vaccines, plasmid DNA and therapeutic proteins are discussed, as well as some future directions of microsphere research.
Accuracy of esophagoscopy performed by a non-physician endoscopist with a 4-mm diameter battery-powered endoscope.

Abstract Background: A cost-effective technique is needed for screening of a broad population at risk for esophageal cancer. A solution would be to have non-physician endoscopists perform esophagoscopy with small-caliber battery-powered endoscopes. Methods: In a prospective blinded study, the diagnostic accuracy of sedated esophagoscopy performed by a trained nurse practitioner with a battery-powered 4-mm diameter endoscope was compared with that for a sedated standard video-endoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist. Patients were recruited to undergo peroral esophagoscopy by the nurse practitioner followed by sedated standard endoscopy by the supervising gastroenterologist, each blinded to the findings of the other. Major esophageal findings of nurse practitioner and gastroenterologist were compared. Results: Findings in 40 patients were analyzed. In 4 patients both endoscopists could not assess the presence or absence of columnar-lined esophagus because of severe erosive esophagitis (n = 3) or severe candida-esophagitis (n = 1). By using sedated standard endoscopy as the standard, on a per finding basis, esophagoscopy by the nurse practitioner had a sensitivity for columnar-lined esophagus of 89%: 95% CI [75%, 97%] and specificity of 96%: 95% CI [84%, 99%]. The missed columnar epithelium was a 3 × 3-mm island. For all lesions, the sensitivity of endoscopy performed by the nurse practitioner with the battery-powered endoscope was 75%: 95% CI [67%, 82%] and specificity 98%: 95% CI [96%, 99%]. The nurse practitioner missed all of 4 rings (3 considered clinically irrelevant). Conclusion: Esophagoscopy with a battery-powered 4-mm diameter endoscope by a non-physician endoscopist is feasible and accurate in detecting esophageal pathologies. It may be an efficient screening method for the detection of columnar-lined esophagus. There was a distinct underestimate of the presence of esophageal rings. (Gastrointest Endosc 2003;57:305-10.)
Interactions of Phagocytic and Bacterial Cells in Patients with Bacteremia Caused by Gram-Negative Rods

The phagocytic and bactericidal functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes and the opsonic activity of serum from patients with gram-negative bacteremia were compared with those of cells and serum from healthy donors and control patients. Leukocytes from five of 20 patients showed diminished phagocytic capacity. Leukocytes from three of 12 patients had decreased chemotactic activity. Eleven of 37 blood culture isolates were inefficiently phagocytized after opsonization in homologous patient serum. However, in no instance was the opsonic capacity of patient serum significantly lower than that of control serum. In the serum of some patients, an increase in heat-stable opsonins was found during the course of infection. Resistance to opsonization of strains of Escherichia coli correlated with the presence of K capsular polysaccharide. It was concluded that both impaired leukocyte function and ineffective opsonization play a role in the pathogenesis of gram-negative bacteremia. Heat-stable opsonins (presumably specific antibodies) appear to be necessary for effective phagocytosis of bacilli that cause gram-negative bacteremia.
Semiautomatic intraosseous devices in pediatric prehospital care

AbstractBackground. Intraosseous (IO) access is attempted when intravenous access cannot be established during an emergency. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration–cleared semiautomatic IO access device (EZ-IO; Vidacare Corp., Shavano Park, TX) has been shown to be safe and effective. Objective. To examine the characteristics of pediatric patients receiving IO infusions, primary clinical impressions of emergency medical services providers, success rates, and subsequent treatment after use of a manual IO device or the semiautomatic IO device. Methods. A midwestern, 12-site, statewide ambulance service began using the semiautomatic device instead of a manual IO device in 2007. Retrospective review included analysis of device placement rates and subsequent treatment of children (younger than 18 years) who underwent an IO access procedure with either the manual device (January 2003 through February 2007) or the semiautomatic device (March 2007 through May 2009). Results. First-attempt success was achieved in 8...
Asymptotic analysis of a volterra integral equation

Abstract A uniformly valid aymptotic solution is obtained for a class of perturbed Volterra integral equations, in which a naive expansion breaks down as t → ∞. The procedure used is an adaption of the formal methodology presented in [1] for the construction of a uniform asymptotic solution to Volterra equations which possess a boundary layer near t = 0.
Cystinosis of the brain and spinal cord with associated vasculopathy

Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease that results in renal failure. CNS manifestations are rare. We report a 29-year man who presented with a cervical myelopathy due to cystinosis. Biopsy of the brain lesions demonstrated cystine crystal deposition and an intense perivascular with inflammatory vasculopathic changes. Symptomatic improvement attended the use of higher doses of cysteamine and corticosteroid therapy. Cystinosis of the nervous system may present as spinal cord disease and be associated with a CNS vasculopathy/vasculitis. As more patients with cystinosis experience long term survival, there will likely be an increased frequency of CNS disease.
The far-infrared spectra of solid H2S and D2S at 5°K and 77°K

Abstract The infrared spectra of solid H 2 S and D 2 S have been recorded between 350 and 60 cm −1 at 5°K and 77°K. Both substances gave five bands of librational and four of translational origin. On cooling to 5°K the bands show considerable sharpening and a small shift to higher frequencies. The observed spectra fit reasonably well with the group-theoretical prediction based on a structure P4 2 (C 3 ) 4 for H 2 S.
Lifetime extension of uncoated AlGaAs single quantum well lasers by high power burn-in in inert atmospheres

The facet temperature rise of uncoated AlGaAs single-quantum-well lasers as a function of time at constant current is observed to be higher when operated in air than in inert atmospheres such as helium and nitrogcn. What is unexpected is that the process of burning-in uncoatcd AlGaAs lasers at high output power in inert atmospheres for a short timc is shown to improve their subsequent operational lifetime and reliability in air. Lifetime extension of these uncoated AlGaAs single quantum well lasers by a factor as high as 750 has bcen observed.
In vivo and in vitro toxicity of phospholipase C from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces phospholipase C (PLC), a heat-labile hemolysin. Histopathological analysis of PLC-treated mice revealed that the primary target organs involved in PLC-induced toxicity were the liver and kidney. Mice treated i.v. with PLC demonstrated significant tubular epithelial necrosis of the kidney with hematuria, while when given i.p. they exhibited hepatonecrosis with cellular infiltration. Splenomegaly was also a consistent finding. Results from in vitro studies indicate that PLC is toxic for mouse peritoneal cells and human leukocytes.
Alcohol Advertising in Magazines and Adolescent Readership

ContextAdolescent drinking is a major public health concern. The federal government does not restrict alcohol advertising to adolescents, but relies on the alcohol industry for self-regulation.ObjectivesTo investigate recent alcohol advertising in magazines and to determine whether advertising frequency is associated with adolescent readership.Design, Setting, and SubjectsAll alcohol advertisements were counted that appeared from 1997-2001 in 35 of 48 major US magazines, which tracked their adolescent readership (3 refused all alcohol advertisements; and advertisement counts were unavailable for 10). Variation was assessed in the advertisement placement frequency for each major category of alcohol (beer, wine and wine coolers, and distilled liquor) by a magazine's adolescent readership (age 12-19 years), young adult readership (age 20-24 years), and older adult readership (age ≥25 years); readership demographics (sex, race, and income); year; frequency of publication; and cost per advertisement.Main Outcome MeasureVariation in alcohol advertising frequency by adolescent readership.ResultsAdolescent readership ranged from 1.0 to 7.1 million. The alcohol industry placed 9148 advertisements at a cost of $696 million. Of the 9148 advertisements, 1201 (13%) were for beer, 443 (5%) for wine, and 7504 (82%) for liquor. After adjustment for other magazine characteristics, the advertisement rate ratio was 1.6 times more for beer (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-2.6; P = .05) and liquor (95% CI, 1.1-2.3; P = .01) for every additional million adolescent readers. Wine industry advertising was not associated with adolescent readership.ConclusionsMagazine advertising by the beer and liquor industries is associated with adolescent readership. Industry and federal policymakers should examine ways to regulate advertising that reaches large numbers of adolescents.
Laboratory Evaluations of Solubility and Structural Integrity of Complexed and Chelated Trace Mineral Supplements

Commercially complexed and chelated mineral supplements (5 Cu, 5 Zn, and 5 Mn products) were evaluated for solubility of their metals at concentrations of .125, .25, .5, 2.5, and 12.5 mg/ml in buffers at pH 5 and 2. At pH 5, solubility was related inversely to concentration, and most products were highly soluble at the lowest concentration tested. At pH 2, metals from all products were nearly 100% soluble at all concentrations. The relationships among soluble metals and proteinaceous (ninhydrin-reactive) substances in filtrates from solubility tests were evaluated using gel filtration chromatography. Chromatographs revealed that ninhydrin reactants in all pH 5 filtrates eluted in fractions earlier than, and separately from, the fractions containing metals. Ninhydrin reactants and metals in filtrates eluted in the same general ranges of fractions as did ninhydrin reactants and metals from mixtures prepared from pure AA and atomic absorption standards. The minerals solubilized from these products apparently no longer were chelated.
Protective effects of estrogen in a rat model of age-related cataracts

Women have a higher incidence of cataracts, and epidemiologic data suggest that the increased risk may be caused by a lack of estrogen in postmenopausal years. We have examined the effects of estrogen on methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced cataractogenesis in Sprague–Dawley rats. Animals were ovariectomized, injected with MNU, and treated with estradiol or estrone by a continuous-release, subcutaneous Silastic implant, or they received an empty Silastic implant (no hormone). In the no-hormone group, rats developed opaque lenses approximately 6 months after MNU treatment. By 8 months, 74% (14/19) of the no-hormone rats had evident opacity in one or both eyes by simple gross inspection; 58% (22/38) of the eyes in this group were opaque. Estradiol or estrone treatment reduced the incidence of cataractous eyes to 12% or 25%, respectively. Lenses were examined under a dissecting microscope for light transmission. The lenses of the group treated with no hormone had light transmission of 26% ± 9.2%, whereas lenses from the estradiol-treated animals had light transmission of 72% ± 5.8%. Histological examination revealed that the anterior cortices of the opaque lenses were disrupted and showed the hallmark signs of age-related cataracts; in addition, some eyes that appeared clear by macroscopic examination showed the early histologic signs of cataractogenesis. It was demonstrated with reverse transcription–PCR that lens cells express both α and β types of estrogen receptor, suggesting that the protective effects of the hormones may be a direct, receptor-mediated phenomenon. Thus, the MNU-treated, ovariectomized rat serves as a model for age-related cataractogenesis, and observation of a clear protective effect of estrogens in this system supports the implications of epidemiologic data.
Higher step length variability indicates lower gray matter integrity of selected regions in older adults

Abstract Step length variability (SLV) increases with age in those without overt neurologic disease, is higher in neurologic patients, is associated with falls, and predicts dementia. Whether higher SLV in older adults without neurologic disease indicates presence of neurologic abnormalities is unknown. Our objective was to identify whether SLV in older adults without overt disease is associated with findings from multimodal neuroimaging. A well-characterized cohort of 265 adults (79–90 years) was concurrently assessed by gait mat, magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor, and neurological exam. Linear regression models adjusted for gait speed, demographic, health, and functional covariates assessed associations of MRI measures (gray matter volume, white matter hyperintensity volume, mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy) with SLV. Regional distribution of associations was assessed by sparse partial least squares analyses. Higher SLV (mean: 8.4, SD: 3.3) was significantly associated with older age, slower gait speed, and poorer executive function and also with lower gray matter integrity measured by mean diffusivity (standardized beta = 0.16; p = 0.02). Associations between SLV and gray matter integrity were strongest for the hippocampus and anterior cingulate gyrus (both β = 0.18) as compared to other regions. Associations of SLV with other neuroimaging markers were not significant. Lower integrity of normal-appearing gray matter may underlie higher SLV in older adults. Our results highlighted the hippocampus and anterior cingulate gyrus, regions involved in memory and executive function. These findings support previous research indicating a role for cognitive function in motor control. Higher SLV may indicate focal neuropathology in those without diagnosed neurologic disease.
Ideology and Social Movements: The Contributions of Habermas*

Theorists of social movements have not developed a sufficiently complex perspective of the role that ideology has in the dynamics of social movements. This essay demonstrates that Habermas' theory of the autonomy of normative structures is useful to explain the independent role of ideology in determining the direction taken by social movements. Habermas' emphasis on the interrelationship between cultural traditions, consensus formation, epistemologies, and differentiated rationalization processes furnishes an alternative to the instrumentalist and ahistorical assumptions that often characterize theorists' treatment of ideology in social movements. Empirical examples from studies of social movements are utilized to demonstrate the usefulness of Habermas' approach
Environmental Aspects of Ethical Animal Production

Livestock and poultry producers face a number of challenges including pressure from the public to be good environmental stewards and adopt welfare-friendly practices. In response, producers often implement practices beyond those required for regulatory compliance to meet consumer demands. However, environmental stewardship and animal welfare may have conflicting objectives. Examples include pasture-based dairy and beef cattle production where high-fiber diets increase methane emissions compared with grain feeding practices in confinement. Grazing systems can contribute to nitrate contamination of surface and groundwater in some areas of the world where grazing is the predominant land use. Similarly, hoop housing for sows, an alternative to indoor gestation crates, can increase the risk of nutrient leaching into soil and groundwater. Direct air emissions may also increase with unconfined animal production as a result of less opportunity to trap and treat emissions, as well as the result of increased cage space and greater surface area per mass of excreta. Coupling welfare-friendly and organic production practices may require greater nutrient inputs to reach the same production end point, resulting in less efficient nutrient use and greater losses to the environment. Dual systems might additionally increase environmental contamination by pathogens. When swine are housed in welfare-friendly huts, Salmonella may cycle more freely between swine and their environment; however, population numbers of pathogenic bacteria may not be different between the indoor and outdoor systems evaluated. Alternatively, these dual purpose systems may reduce antibiotic and hormonal releases to the environment. Finally, intensity of resource use may be different under welfare-friendly and organic practices. In most situations, welfare-friendly production will require more land area per animal or per unit of product. Energy inputs into such systems, from feed production to rearing to product distribution, may also differ from prevalent industrial production practices. Clearly, consumers and producers considering the benefits and costs of ethical animal production practices need to understand the system-wide environmental impacts of these approaches to meeting demand for animal products.
Cytopathology update on atypical squamous cells.

Abstract The most common abnormality reported by cervical cytology (Pap tests) is atypical squamous cells (ASC). The two subcategories are ASC of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and ASC, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H). ASCUS show morphology suspicious for a low-grade lesion, while ASC-H cells are suspicious for a high-grade process. ASCUS account for most ASC reports, and the 2002 median ASCUS reporting rates were 3.1% for conventional smears and 4.1% for liquid-based preparations. Reporting rates for squamous intraepithelial lesions and cancer (SIL+) were also higher for liquid-based preparations, and thus the median ASC/SIL+ ratio was lower for liquid-based preparations (1.27) than for conventional smears (1.44). Interobserver reproducibility for ASC is generally considered lower than for other squamous epithelial abnormalities. Women with ASCUS may be managed by human papillomavirus DNA testing, repeated cytology, or colposcopy, while women with ASC-H should generally proceed to colposcopy.
Observation of polymorphic lead monoxide surfaces using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract The X-ray photoelectron spectra of several lead-oxygen species are reported. During the oxidation of freshly evaporated lead surfaces, chemisorbed oxygen atoms on lead as well as rhombic and tetragonal PbO can be detected. The unique sensitivity of O 1s spectra to the different crystal modification has also allowed the monitoring of a polymorphic transformation on oxide films as thin as a monolayer.
EVENT TRACKING IN A DYNAMIC MULTIAGENT ENVIRONMENT

In a dynamic, multiagent environment, an automated intelligent agent is often faced with the possibility that other agents may instigate events that hinder or help the achievement of its own goals. To act intelligently in such an environment, an automated agent needs an event tracking capability to continually monitor the occurrence of such events and the temporal relationships among them. This capability enables an agent to infer the occurrence of important unobserved events as well as to obtain a better understanding of the interaction among events. This article focuses on event tracking in one complex and dynamic multiagent environment: the air-combat simulation environment. It analyzes the challenges that an automated pilot agent must face when tracking events in this environment. This analysis reveals three new issues that have not been addressed in previous work in this area: (i) tracking events generated by agents' flexible and reactive behaviors, (ii) tracking events in the context of continuous agent interactions, and (iii) tracking events in real time. This article proposes one solution to address these issues. One key idea in this solution is that the (architectural) mechanisms that an agent employs in generating its own flexible and reactive behaviors can be used to track other agents' flexible and reactive behaviors in real time. A second key idea is the use of a world-centered representation for modeling agent interactions. The solution is demonstrated using an implementation of an automated pilot agent.
Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin with a predisposition for local regional and distant spread. Radiotherapy after wide local excision has improved local control, but distant spread continues to be a significant problem. This is an update of our experience in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma at the University of Florida. Of 24 patients who were treated for Merkel cell carcinoma between 1984 and 1996, 18 patients were treated at the time of the initial diagnosis, and six were treated after local-regional recurrence. Of the 18 previously untreated patients, 13 had primary sites in the head and neck region, and five had primary sites elsewhere. Minimum follow-up was 1 year; no patient was lost to follow-up. The 5-year absolute survival, cause-specific survival, and local-regional control rates for the entire group were 27%, 31%, and 78%, respectively. Patients who were treated with radiotherapy at the time of initial presentation had 5-year absolute survival, cause-specific survival, and local-regional control rates of 38%, 44%, and 73%, respectively. Most deaths were due to distant metastasis. Site of the primary tumor (head and neck versus other) was not associated with any difference in the outcome. Of six patients who were treated at the time of local-regional recurrence, five developed distant metastasis at 3-19 months (median 8 months) from the time of treatment. One patient was alive and without evidence of disease 13 months after treatment. All patients who were treated at the time of local-regional recurrence had local-regional control after radiotherapy at 3-30 months (median 8 months). Wide local excision and radiotherapy is effective local-regional treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin, but distant metastasis remains a significant problem in this disease. The role and effectiveness of chemotherapy as part of the initial treatment remains to be defined.
P-type doping of double layer mercury cadmium telluride for junction formation

Extrinsic p-type doping of long wavelength infrared-HgCdTe double layer heterostructure for p-on-n device application requires good control of the p-type dopant, regardless of the doping technique. The approach is to place the electrical junction ahead of the compositional interface, thus avoiding quantum efficiency reduction. This research addresses the As and P doping of HgCdTe by an implant/diffusion process. The data demonstrates an enhanced atomic diffusion process for As and P from an ion implanted source, within the single phase domain, with a diffusion rate orders of magnitude higher than the rate under Hg-saturated conditions at the same temperature. This work also reveals a new phenomenon, namely, a transition in the enhanced diffusion of both As and P from an exponential to a Gaussian redistribution. This transition is controlled by temperature at a given PHg. Gaussian diffusion dominates at high temperatures, T >400°C. The diffusion coefficient of the Gaussian mechanism decreases as the PHg increases, from Dp ~2 x 10-11 cm2/s at PHg ~0.02 atm to Dp ~3 x 10-14 cm2/ s under Hg-saturated conditions (quartz ampoule) at 440°C. The difference in the diffusion coefficients between open tube and closed tube (quartz ampoule), under nominally Hg-saturated conditions, indicates that PHg is undersaturated regardless of the Hg-source proximity. The deviation of PHg from saturation is estimated from the annealing furnace temperature profile up to a maximum of 50%. Variation of the diffusion coefficient close to Hg saturation appears to be sharply dependent on the actual PHg value (example: Dp ~1 x 10-12 cm2/s in open-tube anneal vs Dp ~3 x 10-14 cm2/s in closed tube at nominally the same temperature, T = 440°C). Comparative anneals of As and P showed faster diffusion rates for P than for As in both mechanisms.
Perceptions of relationships and evaluations of satisfaction: an exploration of interaction

Abstract Increasingly, scholars and practitioners are defining public relations as the management of relationships between organizations and publics. Because relationships can be difficult to measure, public relations practitioners often have struggled to demonstrate the influence that public relations activities have on consumer perceptions, evaluations, and behaviors. The current investigation sought to examine key public members’ perceptions of the personal, professional, and community relationships they have with a bank and to relate those perceptions to evaluations of satisfaction. The results show that key public members’ perceptions of their personal and professional relationships significantly influence evaluations of overall satisfaction with the organization, accounting for 75% of satisfaction variation. A discussion of the implications these findings hold for the study and practice of public relations are provided, a management framework, SMART Public Relations, is suggested, and areas of examination for future research are presented. Dr. Bruning is an associate professor and Dr. Ledingham is a professor of communication at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio.
Taxonomic abstraction in psychobiology.

Abstract If a body of knowledge in a scientific discipline is to be extended beyond empirical observation and into the realm of laws and principles, one of the fundamental requirements is a taxonomy which supports the systematic integration of observations. Psychobiology benefits from taxonomies provided by biology and chemistry, which include not only object oriented taxonomies such as species or chemical elements, but also process oriented taxonomies, such as oxidation, metabolism, phototaxis, or predation. Psychobiology has yet to provide equivalent taxonomies for its behavioral observations, although the common use of terms such as fear, anger, arousal, stress, and memory might lead one to suppose that these are based on a well established taxonomy of behavioral measures. In this report the logical and quantitative requirements for treating behavioral measures in terms of taxonomic classes are reviewed. A sample of studies representing recent research in psychobiology was examined to assess interest i...
Response of sugar maple to calcium addition to northern hardwood forest

Watershed budget studies at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), New Hampshire, USA, have demonstrated high calcium depletion of soil during the 20th century due, in part, to acid deposition. Over the past 25 years, tree growth (especially for sugar maple) has declined on the experimental watersheds at the HBEF. In October 1999, 0.85 Mg Ca/ha was added to Watershed 1 (W1) at the HBEF in the form of wollastonite (CaSiO3), a treatment that, by summer 2002, had raised the pH in the Oie horizon from 3.8 to 5.0 and, in the Oa horizon, from 3.9 to 4.2. We measured the response of sugar maple to the calcium fertilization treatment on W1. Foliar calcium concentration of canopy sugar maples in W1 increased markedly beginning the second year after treatment, and foliar manganese declined in years four and five. By 2005, the crown condition of sugar maple was much healthier in the treated watershed as compared with the untreated reference watershed (W6). Following high seed production in 2000 and 2002, the density of sugar maple seedlings increased significantly on W1 in comparison with W6 in 2001 and 2003. Survivorship of the 2003 cohort through July 2005 was much higher on W1 (36.6%) than W6 (10.2%). In 2003, sugar maple germinants on W1 were ;50% larger than those in reference plots, and foliar chlorophyll concentrations were significantly greater (0.27 g/m 2 vs. 0.23 g/m 2 leaf area). Foliage and fine-root calcium concentrations were roughly twice as high, and manganese concentrations twice as low in the treated than the reference seedlings in 2003 and 2004. Mycorrhizal colonization of seedlings was also much greater in the treated (22.4% of root length) than the reference sites (4.4%). A similar, though less dramatic, difference was observed for mycorrhizal colonization of mature sugar maples (56% vs. 35%). These results reinforce and extend other regional observations that sugar maple decline in the northeastern United States and southern Canada is caused in part by anthropogenic effects on soil calcium status, but the causal interactions among inorganic nutrition, physiological stress, mycorrhizal colonization, and seedling growth and health remain to be established.