cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dose- and volume dependent-response to intramuscular injection of botulinum neurotoxin-A optimizes muscle force decrement in mice.

Botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNTA) is a potent neurotoxin used to alter muscle tone to manage spasticity and to provide tendon bioprotection; however, the appropriate dose and injection volume to administer is not defined. Male mice (n = 120) received BoNTA injections into one gastrocnemius with either a constant volume (10 µl) with a variable dose (1, 3, 6 U/kg) or a constant dose (3 U/kg) in a variable volume (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30 µl). Electromyographic (EMG) examination, muscle force generation (MFG), and wet muscle mass were measured in the ipsilateral and contralateral limbs at 1, 2, 4, or 12 weeks post-injection. MFG and EMG responses decreased to approximately 40% of contralateral after a 1 U/kg injection and 0% of contralateral by 3 and 6 U/kg injection at 1 week after injection. Neuromuscular blockade was greatest with a 10 µl injection volume. MFG, EMG examination, and wet muscle mass reached contralateral values 12 weeks after injection for all injection doses and volumes tested. Effective injection doses and volumes were identified for producing full and partial neuromuscular blockade in the mouse gastrocnemius. These findings have important clinical implications in the intramuscular administration of BoNTA to manage muscle tone. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1764–1770, 2011
Novel clustering of items from the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised to define phenotypes within autism spectrum disorders

Heterogeneity in phenotypic presentation of Autism spectrum disorders has been cited as one explanation for the difficulty in pinpointing specific genes involved in autism. Recent studies have attempted to reduce the "noise" in genetic and other biological data by reducing the phenotypic heterogeneity of the sample population. The current study employs multiple clustering algorithms on 123 item scores from the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) diagnostic instrument of nearly 2,000 autistic individuals to identify subgroups of autistic probands with clinically relevant behavioral phenotypes in order to isolate more homogeneous groups of subjects for gene expression analyses. Our combined cluster analyses suggest optimal division of the autistic probands into four phenotypic clusters based on similarity of symptom severity across the 123 selected item scores. One cluster is characterized by severe language deficits, while another exhibits milder symptoms across the domains. A third group possesses a higher frequency of savant skills while the fourth group exhibited intermediate severity across all domains. Grouping autistic individuals by multivariate cluster analysis of ADI-R scores reveals meaningful phenotypes of subgroups within the autistic spectrum, which we show, in a related (accompanying) study, to be associated with distinct gene expression profiles.
On the analysis of adhesively bonded structures: A high order semi-elastic adhesive layer model

Several fundamental questions remain open regarding the behavior of adhesive layers in axially loaded lap shear joints. These issues are: the existence and magnitude of longitudinal tensile stresses, the appropriateness of an assumed state of plane stress versus a state of plane strain and the relevance of these two states with regards to failure mode prediction. To investigate these issues, a high-order approximate elasticity solution for the adhesive layer is developed. This linear elastic model satisfies all natural and essential boundary conditions for the adhesive layer. Using this model, it is found that the longitudinal tensile stresses are negligible and that the shear stress state does not vary through the thickness of the adhesive layer. It is also found that the prevailing plane stress adhesive layer models underestimate the adhesive peel stresses by nearly 10%.
From Cholera to Burns: A Role for Oral Rehydration Therapy

According to the practice guidelines of the American Burn Association on burn shock resuscitation, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is the standard of care for the replacement of fluid and electrolyte losses in burn injury of ≥20% of the total body surface area. However, in mass burn casualties, IV fluid resuscitation may be delayed or unavailable. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT), which has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of dehydration in epidemics of cholera, could be an alternate way to replace fluid losses in burns. A prospective case series of three patients was carried out as an initial step to establish whether oral Ceralyte®90 could replace fluid losses requiring IV fluid therapy in thermal injury. The requirement of the continuing IV fluid therapy was reduced by an average of 58% in the first 24 hours after the injury (range 37-78%). ORT may be a feasible alternative to IV fluid therapy in the resuscitation of burns. It could also potentially save many lives in mass casualty situations or in resource-poor settings where IV fluid therapy is not immediately available. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of this treatment and to determine whether the present formulations of ORT for cholera need modification.
Asymptotic solution of interacting walks in one dimension

An asymptotic solution to interacting walks in one dimension is presented. For repulsive and attractive interactions, respectively, the model describes aspects of uncorrelated diffusion on a lattice with sources or with randomly distributed traps. In the latter case, the average number of sites visited varies with the number of steps in the walk as ${N}^{\frac{1}{3}}$, while the survival probability decays as ${N}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{3}}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}b{N}^{\frac{1}{3}})$, improving on previous predictions for diffusion with traps.
Design of a biological assay method for the detection and estimation of estrogenic residues in the edible tissues of domestic animals treated with estrogens.

Experimental designs are described for the biological assay of the edible tissues of stilbestrol-treated animals for residual estrogenic activity. When residual estrogenic activity is found, an estimate of the amount in terms of stilbestrol equivalents can be made by serial dilution of the unknown or treated tissue with the control or nontreated tissue and by comparing the response of these diets with a standard dosage-response line simultaneously established by adding known amounts of stilbestrol to the control tissue diet. When residual estrogenic activity cannot be detected, the design of the assay provides a method for calculating the maximum amount which could be present and remain undetected. The immature rat compares favorably with the immature mouse for the determination of stilbestrol in tissues. Stilbestrol was found to be from 10 to 20 times as active as the natural estrogens, estradiol-17βand estrone, in the mouse uterine weight method of assay when administered orally in the diet.
Determination of blood longitudinal relaxation time (T1) at high magnetic field strengths

In this study, a circulation system was used to measure T(1) values of bovine blood under physiological conditions at field strengths of 4.7, 7 and 9.4 T. Results show that T(1) increases linearly with magnetic field B(0) and can be described with the equation T(1)=129 ms/T B(0)+1167 ms for magnetic field strengths between 1.5 and 9.4 T.
Salary Compression in Faculty Salaries: Identification of a Suppressor Effect

Typically, regression approaches have been used to study salary equity problems. In a university salary prediction study, one of the predictor variables that entered the equation was years of service. Although this variable had only a very low correlation with salary, it made a significant contribution to predicting salary levels. An analysis of number of years of service revealed that it was acting as a negative suppressor. This suppressor effect was interpreted as salary compression, or the failure of the organization to recognize seniority (continuation at the institution) with adequate compensation increases while meeting current market values for lower ranked individuals hired into the institution.
Alternative Funding Policies for the Uninsured: Exploring the Value of Hospital Tax Exemption

The tax exemption accorded private, nonprofit hospitals is being subjected to more scrutiny as the numbers of uninsured grow; meanwhile, charity care competes with market-driven priorities. Current public policies tie hospital tax exemption to the provision of charity care, but there is a gap in the size and distribution of values between tax exemption and the charity care that is provided. Most hospitals, in a study reported here, provided free care at a level below the value of their tax exemption, even when 50 percent of bad debt was included in the care value. However, hospitals in the poorest communities offered considerably more care than the value of their tax exemption, whereas those in wealthier communities offered considerably less. Policies at local, state, and federal levels should be designed to exert leverage on hospitals to provide free care at a level commensurate with the value of their tax exemptions.
B. ELIZABETH HORNER: 1916–2009

B. Elizabeth Horner was a dedicated educator, biologist, champion of women and science, and a professor at Smith College where she spent her entire professional life. She was also a long-time member of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM), having joined in 1947. Betty was born on the 29th of April in 1916 in southern New Jersey to Quaker parents: “… the strict moral disciplines and conservative trends of the Quakers have undoubtedly exercised considerable effect on both my ideas and my ideals,” she wrote in an autobiographical essay for a predoctoral fellowship in 1945. She grew up in an atmosphere of propriety, with her father working in his orchards and her mother an exemplary homemaker. She was not allowed to start school until her brother reached school age, because going on the school bus alone was not considered proper for a girl. Betty's interests were drawn to nature, medicine, and exploration from an early age, even though in those days few women were in these fields. She recalled that her 1st interests in natural history arose from accompanying her father through his fruit orchards, observing not only the trees and their fruit but also the insects that lived on them. “Memories of my early childhood are marked by a background of orchards in bud, orchards in bloom, … orchards in fruit … acres and acres of neatly cultivated orchards …,” she wrote in the autobiographical essay. As a girl she had wanted to become a surgeon but was told that women did not do that. She also came to realize that explorers and scientists were mostly men, and women were homemakers—all of which conflicted with her interest in adventure, science, and nature. She was very aware that these were the mores of the early part of the 20th century …
Microassay using radioiodinated protein a from staphylococcus aureus for antibodies bound to cell surface antigens of adherent tumor cells

A new microassay which utilizes radioiodinated staphylococcal protein A (SpA) to detect antibodies bound to cell surface antigens (CSA) was developed for monolayers of viable cultured tumor cells. Optimal detection of bound antibodies occurred at 37 degrees C with incubation periods of one hour each for antiserum and 131I-SpA. Labelling target cells with 125I-iododeoxyuridine facilitated expression of results relative to tumor cell number or protein concentration. Quantitation of antibody depended on CSA (tumor cells) and 131I-SpA being in excess of antibody; under these conditions, 0.25 ng of cell surface bound antibody could be detected readily. Initial studies utilized cultured human neurobodies in human serum which bound to CSA were removed by absorption with glutaraldehyde-insolubilized fetal calf serum (FCS) suggesting that FCS or FCS-like determinants can be CSA. Rabbit antisera, after extensive absorption, bound to cultured neuroblastoma and lung adenocarcinoma cells in a cell type specific pattern. These experiments demonstrated the value of this assay in quantitating anti-CSA antibodies and in serological analysis of tumor CSA.
The Effect of Water and Variety on Nitrogen Sensing of Citrus Leaf

Two citrus leaf sample sets of Valencia and Hamlin varieties years were collected in 2002 and 2003 and used to study relationships between spectral reflectance and nitrogen concentration of the samples. Correlation coefficient spectrum, partial least squares (PLS) regression, stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) were used to study water content and variety effects on nitrogen sensing. It was found that using wet basis nitrogen concentration of fresh leaf instead of dry basis nitrogen concentration of dried leaf based on weight could produce more stable and better calibration model for nitrogen prediction. The SMLR model for the 2002 year data based on nitrogen concentration of wet samples has R square of 0.906 for validation dataset where only 5 wavelengths were used. There is no strong evidence to indicate that different calibration models need to be developed for different citrus variety to predict nitrogen concentration of unknown samples.
The clustered nucleation and growth processes of garnet in regional metamorphic rocks from north‐west Connecticut, USA

Serial sectioning and imaging with a flatbed scanner yielded the three-dimensional size and spatial distribution of garnet porphyroblasts in two garnet schists and one staurolite-bearing schist from the Everett Formation, north-west Connecticut. The dominant garnet-producing reaction in all samples was chlorite+quartz=garnet+H2O. The appearance of staurolite, and additional garnet growth in the staurolite-bearing sample, was due to the reaction chloritoid=garnet+staurolite+chlorite. Statistical measures of garnet spatial distributions, using the pair correlation function (PCF), indicate that garnet crystals are weakly to strongly clustered at length scales between 2 and 10 mm. Such clustered nucleation may reflect minor bulk compositional variations. Covariance measures between garnet size and nearest-neighbour distance, using the mark covariance function (MCF), suggest a very weak correlation between crystal size and nearest-neighbour distance for length scales of 2 mm or less. These statistical data suggest that if diffusional gradients were present around growing garnet crystals, they did not influence nucleation and growth patterns at length scales greater than c. 2 mm. Compositional maps, through the garnet centres, show that the smaller crystals have lower Mn core compositions relative to larger crystals, consistent with progressive nucleation during pro-grade metamorphism. Radius-rate plots calculated from compositional X-ray maps show similar growth rates for garnet crystals of different size, consistent with an interface-controlled growth model for garnet. The presence of minor diffusional gradients around growing garnet cannot be entirely dismissed, but the lack of observable reaction rims, the clustered spatial distribution and the radius-rate data are most consistent with an interface-controlled garnet growth model.
College of the Overwhelmed: The Campus Mental Health Crisis and What to Do about It

Written for parents, students, college counselors, and administrators, College of the Overwhelmed is a landmark book that explores the stressors that cause so many college students to suffer psychological problems. The book is filled with insights and stories about the current mental health crisis on our nation's campuses and offers: A hands--on guide for helping students overcome stress and succeed in a college environment. An examination of the effects of such commonplace stress factors such as: identity development, relationships, sexuality, roommate problems, academic pressures, extracurricular demands, parental expectations, and racial and cultural differences that affect self--worth. Personal stories of students under stress and describes how they overcame a variety of problems. The warning signs and symptoms of common problems, including depression, sleep disorders, substance abuse, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, impulsive behaviors, and suicide. Order your copy now.
Pentoxifylline suppresses interleukin-2-mediated activation of immature human natural killer cells by inhibiting endogenous tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion.

We recently reported that immature human peripheral blood-derived natural killer (NK) cells, the free NK subset, can be activated by interleukin-2 (IL-2) to become killer cells and to undergo proliferation. Activation by IL-2 is dependent on endogenous secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by the free cells. Because pentoxifylline (PTX) inhibits TNF-α synthesis and secretion in monocytes, we hypothesized that PTX may also inhibit TNF-α secretion by NK cells and thus would inhibit IL-2-mediated activation of free cells. The free NK cells were separated from purified NK cells by flow cytometry and cell sorting of non-target binding cells. IL-2-mediated secretion of TNF-α by the free cells was inhibited by PTX. In the presence of PTX, IL-2-mediated activation of free cells into cytotoxic function, proliferation, and recruitment of binder and killer cells was markedly inhibited. Also, PTX inhibited IL-2-triggered upregulation of the expression of CD69, CD25, ICAM-1, and p75TNF-R on the cell surface. These findings demonstrate that PTX has a marked suppression on IL-2-mediated activation of immature free NK cells and that the suppression is due, in large part, to PTX-mediated inhibition of endogenous TNF-α secretion. The implication of these findings in the clinical use of PTX for therapy is discussed.
Identification and analysis of a ‘young’ polymorphic Alu element

A polymorphic Alu element belonging to a young subfamily of Alu repeats has been identified. Sequence analysis showed that this Alu element is flanked by perfect direct repeats and a 3' oligo(dA)-rich tail. The Alu element, designated A25, is deleted by 34 nucleotides at the 5' end and has a single CpG mutation compared to the human-specific consensus sequence. Using a PCR-based assay, we demonstrated that the A25 Alu repeat is localized to human chromosome 8 and is polymorphic in humans.
Steroid-protein interactions. XXXIV. Chemical modification of α1-acid glycoprotein for characterization of the progesterone binding site

Abstract The nature of the steroid binding site in α1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) was investigated by chemical modification of individual amino acids and subsequent examination of the binding affinity for progesterone. Equilibrium dialyses were performed under conditions that excluded contact with human skin. Reaction of the lysyl residues with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid or arylisocyanates resulted in a reduction of active sites. In an alternate approach, one lysyl residue of α1-acid glycoprotein was protected from modification by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid when progesterone was present to form the complex with α1-acid glycoprotein. We conclude that a lysyl residue is located in the binding site. Reaction of tetranitromethane with the tyrosine groups in α1-acid glycoprotein also reduced the number of active binding sites for progesterone. Again, a partial protection of this modification was seen in the presence of progesterone and other Δ4-3-ketosteroids. The progesterone binding activity observed in the tyrosine-modified α1-acid glycoprotein by equilibrium dialysis and by fluorescence quenching titration can be interpreted best by the presence of one tyrosyl residue in the binding site, and involvement of a second tyrosine nearby. Modification of tryptophan in α1-acid glycoprotein by mild acid hydrolysis, N-bromosuccinimide, hydroxynitrobenzylbromide, and formic acid resulted in a decreased steroid binding; the formylation reaction was fully reversible. The approximate distance between progesterone and the tryptophan involved in the binding was calculated to be between 9.1A˚and 14.1A˚. When α1-acid glycoprotein was cleaved by the cyanogen bromide procedure according to Ikenaka et al. (1972, Biochemistry 11, 3817–3829), both the amino and the car☐yl fragment had weak progesterone binding affinity which could be measured in 4 M NaCl. This result thus failed to specify the location of the steroid binding site in α1-acid glycoprotein. However, the closeness of tryptophan, lysine and tyrosine in the primary and presumably the tertiary structure of α1-acid glycoprotein is in agreement with the properties of the binding site suggested by our studies.
Insertional inactivation of virR in Streptococcus pyogenes M49 demonstrates that VirR functions as a positive regulator of ScpA, FcRA, OF, and M protein

Abstract Several reports have shown that Streptococcus pyogenes strains which produce opacity factor (OF+) have diverged significantly from OF − serotypes. This study questions whether several surface proteins of an OF+ culture are regulated by the positive regulatory protein VirR, in a manner similar to OF~ strains. Interruption of the virR region of an OF + S. pyogenes (strain CS101, M type 49) was performed using a temperature-sensitive plasmid containing a fragment of virR . Interruption of the virR region produced cultures with (indetectable amounts of M49 and ScpA proteins, and reduced the yield of FcRA protein. In addition, mutants had a significant reduction in detectable opacity factor. These results suggest that virR functions as a positive regulator of a variety of surface proteins in OF + strains.
Directed immune globulin for the prevention or treatment of neonatal group B streptococcal infections: a review.

Abstract Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is now used in many nurseries to prevent or treat neonatal infections. The most common cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis is the group B streptococcus (GBS). Commercially available IVIG preparations have variable levels of specific antibody directed against GBS. Therefore, to ensure high levels of anti-GBS antibody, we developed a polyvalent IVIG directed against GBS (GBS-IVIG) by immunizing plasma donors. This GBS-IVIG was superior to standard IVIG both in vitro using opsonic studies and in vivo using a lethal suckling rat model of GBS sepsis. GBS-IVIG also protected neonatal rhesus monkeys in a GBS sepsis model. Safety and pharmacokinetic studies have been completed in 20 neonates with suspected sepsis. Fifteen infants were randomized to receive 500, 250, or 100 mg/kg of GBS-IVIG and were compared with 5 infants given 500 mg/kg of standard IVIG. No adverse effects of standard IVIG or GBS-IVIG were observed. While total serum IgG and IgG subclasses reflected the dose administered, the specific GBS antibody reflected both the dose and IVIG preparation utilized. At 500 mg/kg, the GBS-specific antibody rises more than fourfold above baseline in all babies that were observed for >42 days postinfusion, while standard IVIG provided a fourfold rise in
Independent Sampling of a Stochastic Process

Abstract We investigate the question of when sampling a stochastic process X={X(t) : t⩾0} at the times of an independent point process ψ leads to the same empirical distribution as the time-average limiting distribution of X. Two main cases are considered. The first is when X is asymptotically stationary and ergodic, and ψ satisfies a mixing condition. In this case, the pathwise limiting distributions in function space are shown to be the same. The second main case is when X is only assumed to have a constant finite time average and ψ is assumed a positive recurrent renewal processes with a spread-out cycle length distribution. In this latter case, the averages are shown to be the same when some further conditions are placed on X and ψ.
Factors That Influence the Mother-Infant Dyad Relationships and Infant Well-Being

This article presents a theoretical model derived by synthesizing research findings relevant to maternal perceived support, maternal attachment, infant well-being, and infant attachment. The model, depicting possible predictors that facilitate positive mother-infant relations as well as outcomes of the dyadic relationship, may be used to plan interventions to promote healthy mother-infant relationships. Implications for nursing practice are described.
Organochlorine contaminants in eggs: the influence of contaminated nest material

Snake eggs were placed in a synthetic nest contaminated with known concentrations of six organochlorines (OCs) to evaluate whether OCs from contaminated nest material accumulate in eggs. It was hypothesized that contaminated nest material may have contributed to OC burdens in eggs observed previously. The six OCs tested included lindane, heptachlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, and DDT. Eggs were removed at 0, 4, and 6 weeks and analyzed using gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Lindane was found at the highest concentration (153 ng/g at 4 weeks and 162 ng/g at 6 weeks). The next highest uptake was for endrin (25 ng/g at 4 weeks and 106 ng/g at 6 weeks). Heptachlor, aldrin, and dieldrin were also taken up into the eggs, but DDT was not detected in any of the eggs at any sampling period. The concentration of OCs increased from week 4 to week 6 for all the OCs except DDT. Structure-activity relationships were examined to determine which physicochemical properties of the OCs tested could be used as predictors of uptake into the eggs. A variety of physicochemical properties were evaluated including vapor pressure and molecular connectivity (a numerical description of topology). Octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) was a good predictor (r2 = 0.63, p = 0.06) of OC uptake into the eggs using this limited data set.
Vocational Hierarchies: How Do We Count The Ways?

Abstract The present study explores the relationships among six different measures of construct ordination in the context of vocational value systems. Fifty-seven subjects were given a 10 by 10 rating grid, an implications grid, and a resistance-to-change grid, all utilizing the same set of 10 occupational constructs. Ordination measures were calculated for each of the 10 constructs, using all six methods–explicit rating, implicit rating, extremity, total variance, implications, and resistance to change–and correlations were computed between each pair of methods. The total variance among all six methods that was accounted for by each method is also reported. On this basis, the implicit method emerges as the best omnibus method. However, the question arises whether the six methods measure ordination with unequal fidelity or actually measure differing aspects of ordination, highlighting the need for further study in this area.
A Radioimmunoassay for Measurement of 3′-Monoiodothyronine

A simple, sensitive, and highly specific RIA has been developed to measure 3′-monoiodothyronine (3′-T1) in unextracted serum. The detection threshold of RIA was 0.5 ng/dl. Recovery of nonradioactive 3′-T1 added to serum averaged 100% (n = 24). 3,3′-Diiodothyronine (3,3′-T2) cross-reacted maximally (0.71%) in the RIA, followed by 3′,5′-T2 (0.32%), 3-T1 (0.04%), and L-thyronine (0.014%); T4, T3, and rT3 cross-reacted less than 0.0001%, 0.004%, and 0.005%, respectively. The coefficient of variation averaged 6.3% within an assay and 16% between assays. The serum concentration of 3′-T1 averaged (mean ± SD) 1.4 ± 0.4 ng/dl in 25 normal subjects, 9.8 ± 0.6 ng/dl in 14 hyperthyroid patients, 0.7 ± 0.2 ng/dl in 9 hypothyroid patients, 1.9 ± 0.6 ng/dl in 12 euthyroid women with high T4-binding globulin, 12 ± 4.9 ng/dl in 34 newborns (cord blood), and 3.4 ± 3.3 ng/dl in 12 adult patients with nonthyroid illnesses. The values in each of the latter 5 groups were significantly different than normal (P < 0.02). The mean...
Efficient Pilot-Aided Digital Baseband Compensation of Phase Noise ICI in OFDM Receivers

A new method for detecting packet-based OFDM signals in the presence of phase noise is presented. The scattered pilots in each data OFDM symbol are used to noniteratively estimate and mitigate the phase noise induced inter-carrier interference (ICI). A significant improvement in the bit error rate (BER) is achieved using this technique, especially for systems suffering from high phase noise.
Resolution enhancement of CT images

The resolution of Computerized Tomographic (CT) images is limited due to the bandlimited reconstruction process and the use of smoothing windows which eliminate high spatial frequencies from the image. A new method is presented which restores these missing spectral components and thus increases the resulting spatial resolution of the image. The new method based on the row action projection (RAP) algorithm is computationally efficient and facilitates local adaptation of the projection operators. The local mean value as well as minimum and maximum bounds are used as constraints. The method is proposed to provide a zoom-in capability which yields a high resolution estimate of a specified region of the image. The zoom-in feature could be of great utility in medical and commercial applications of tomographic image reconstruction. Computer simulations demonstrate the new method to be very effective in recovering high order spectral components of designated regions of the reconstructed image.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The effect of pulsed and sinusoidal magnetic fields on the morphology of developing chick embryos

Several investigators have reported robust, statistically significant results that indicate that weak (∼ 1 μT) magnetic fields (MFs) increase the rate of morphological abnormalities in chick embryos. However, other investigators have reported that weak MFs do not appear to affect embryo morphology at all. We present the results of experiments conducted over five years in five distinct campaigns spanning several months each. In four of the campaigns, exposure was to a pulsed magnetic field (PMF); and in the final campaign, exposure was to a 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field (MF). A total of over 2500 White Leghorn chick embryos were examined. When the results of the campaigns were analyzed separately, a range of responses was observed. Four campaigns (three PMF campaigns and one 60 Hz campaign) exhibited statistically significant increases (P ≥ 0.01), ranging from 2-fold to 7-fold, in the abnormality rate in MF-exposed embryos. In the remaining PMF campaign, there was only a slight (roughly 50%), statistically insignificant (P = 0.2) increase in the abnormality rate due to MF exposure. When the morphological abnormality rate of all of the PMF-exposed embryos was compared to that of all of the corresponding control embryos, a statistically significant (P ≥ .001) result was obtained, indicating that PMF exposure approximately doubled the abnormality rate. Likewise, when the abnormality rate of the sinusoid-exposed embryos was compared to the corresponding control embryos, the abnormality rate was increased (approximately tripled). This robust result indicates that weak EMFs can induce morphological abnormalities in developing chick embryos. We have attempted to analyze some of the confounding factors that may have contributed to the lack of response in one of the campaigns. The genetic composition of the breeding stock was altered by the breeder before the start of the nonresponding campaign. We hypothesize that the genetic composition of the breeding stock determines the susceptibility of any given flock to EMF-induced abnormalities and therefore could represent a confounding factor in studies of EMF-induced bioeffects in chick embryos. Bioelectromagnetics 18:431–438, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Perceptions of New Principals Regarding the Knowledge and Skills Important to Their Initial Success

Although there is a recurrent call for substantive reform in graduate programs in educational leadership, little has been written from the perspective of the new principal. This article reports the results of a survey of first-, second-, and third-year principals and assistant principals in which participants were asked to identify the knowledge and skill areas they perceived to be important to their initial success. The results suggest that principal preparation programs and district induction programs evaluate their individual areas of emphasis and make adjustments as appropriate.
Long-term effects of continuous prostacyclin therapy in adults with pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease

Abstract Background The continuous administration of prostacyclin analogs (PGI2) is a proven and effective therapy in patients with group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, few studies have addressed its use in adults with PAH associated with congenital heart disease (CHD-PAH). Concerns remain regarding the theoretical risk of worsening right-to-left intracardiac shunt. In this study, we present the hemodynamic and clinical effects of long-term, continuous PGI2 administration in eight adult patients with CHD-PAH. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with CHD-PAH treated with continuous prostacyclin analogs epoprostenol and treprostinil. Nine patients were identified; one patient had no documentation of an intracardiac shunt and was excluded from this study. Hemodynamic, functional, laboratory, and clinical data were included. Results Mean duration of continuous PGI2 therapy was 1year. Compared to baseline, patients exhibited significant improvements in mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure and PA oxygen saturation, without a significant decline in systemic blood pressure or systemic oxygen saturation. Metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved on exercise testing increased, with an improvement in oxygen desaturation. World Health Organization functional classification remained the same. Conclusions Long-term continuous PGI2 therapy in CHD-PAH patients resulted in hemodynamic and clinical improvements similar to those with group 1 PAH. The increase in PA oxygen saturation suggests that the net effect of PGI2 therapy did not result in increased right-to-left shunting, but, instead, diminished shunt. Though larger studies are needed, PGI2 should be considered as a potential treatment modality in adult patients with severe CHD-PAH who fail conventional therapy.
Difficulties with Fusion Catalysis by Quarks

IN a recent article Marshall Libby and Thomas1 consider the effects on the production of stellar energy which arise if stable quarks are present inside main sequence stars such as the Sun. They point out that some negatively charged quarks Qv (if stable) could form “triatomic molecules” with pairs of nuclei and thereby catalyse fusion reactions between these nuclei. Here we re-examine the stability of such “molecules” and show that binding to medium–heavy nuclei acts as a “catalytic poison” which withdraws the quarks from circulation. We conclude that quarks, even if they are present in the interior of stars, could not appreciably affect the energy production in the Sun and other stars.
Prenatal stress induces spatial memory deficits and epigenetic changes in the hippocampus indicative of heterochromatin formation and reduced gene expression

Stress during pregnancy has a wide variety of negative effects in both human [1] and animal offspring [2]. These effects are especially apparent in various forms of learning and memory such as object recognition [3] and spatial memory [4]. The cognitive effects of prenatal stress (PNS) may be mediated through epigenetic changes such as histone acetylation and DNA methylation [5]. As such, the present study investigated the effects of chronic unpredictable PNS on memory and epigenetic measures in adult offspring. Mice that underwent PNS exhibited impaired spatial memory in the Morris water maze, as well as sex-specific changes in levels of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1 protein, and acetylated histone H3 (AcH3) in the hippocampus, and serum corticosterone. Male mice exposed to PNS exhibited decreased hippocampal AcH3, whereas female PNS mice displayed a further reduction in AcH3, as well as heightened hippocampal DNMT1 protein levels and corticosterone levels. These data suggest that PNS may epigenetically reduce transcription in the hippocampus, particularly in females in whom this effect may be related to increased baseline stress hormone levels, and which may underlie the sexual dimorphism in rates of mental illness in humans.
New blueberry and mortiño relatives (Ericaceae) from northwestern Colombia.

The inventory of the vascular plants of one of the richest and least studied floras, the Andean and Choco regions of northwestern Colombia, targets Las Orquideas National Park. As a result of field trips to areas never before collected, several epiphytic and small terrestrial shrubs in the family Ericaceae have been discovered in the Park’s humid forests. Five new, morphologically remarkable species of Ericaceae (tribe Vaccinieae), are here described and illustrated. In a separate phylogenetic analysis, Psammisia pinnata Pedraza, Psammisia pseudoverticillata Pedraza, Satyria orquidiensis Pedraza, and Satyria pterocalyx Pedraza, were placed by molecular sequence data within clades of the non-monophyletic genera Psammisia and Satyria; phylogenetic evidence for the placement of Psammisia sophiae Pedraza is still lacking. Their affinities are here discussed, along with their preliminary conservation status.
Catehol-o-methyltransferase gene Val158met polymorphism as a potential predictor of response to computer-assisted delivery of cognitive-behavioral therapy among cocaine-dependent individuals: Preliminary findings from a randomized controlled trial.

Background Findings from uncontrolled studies suggest that the COMT Val108/158Met polymorphism may affect response to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in some populations. Using data from a randomized controlled trial evaluating computerized CBT (CBT4CBT), we evaluated treatment response by COMT genotype, with the a priori hypothesis that Val carriers would have improved response to computerized delivery of CBT. Methods 101 cocaine-dependent individuals, of whom 81 contributed analyzable genetic samples, were randomized to standard methadone maintenance treatment plus CBT4CBT or standard treatment alone in an 8 week trial. Results There was a significant genotype by time effect on frequency of cocaine use from baseline to the end of the 6 month follow-up, suggesting greater reductions over time for Val carriers relative to individuals with the Met/Met genotype. There was a significant treatment condition by genotype interactions for rates of participants attaining 21 or more days of continuous abstinence as well as self-reported percent days of abstinence, suggesting less cocaine use among Val carriers when assigned to CBT compared to standard treatment. Exploration of possible mechanisms using measures of attentional biased also pointed to greater change over time in these measures among the Val carriers assigned to CBT. Conclusion These are the first data from a randomized controlled trial indicating significant interactions of COMT polymorphism and behavioral therapy condition on treatment outcome, where Val carriers appeared to respond particularly well to computerized CBT. These preliminary data point to a potential biomarker of response to CBT linked to its putative mechanism of action, enhanced cognitive control. (Am J Addict 2015;24:443 –451)
Self-association of xanthan in aqueous solvent-systems

Abstract Quasi-elastic light-scattering studies of the polysaccharide xanthan in aqueous solution reveal the existence of two different structural forms characterized by different values of the translational diffusion coefficient D . Xanthan dissolved in deionized water yields a value of D  2.40 × 10-8 cm2/s, provided that the solution is centrifuged or filtered immediately prior to data collection. However, if this solution is allowed to stand for one week, D decreases to 1.10 × 10-8 cm2/s. In contrast, D  2.75 × 10-8 cm2/s for solutions of xanthan dissolved in 4 m urea, and this value does not change with time. These results suggest that xanthan undergoes a self-association in aqueous solution and that this association is inhibited in 4 m urea solution, which points to the role of hydrogen bonding in the process. Insertion of our measured values of D and the zero-shear intrinsic viscosity into the Flory-Mandelkern equation yields an estimated molecular weight of M  2.16 × 106 for xanthan in 4 m urea. The aggregation observed in aqueous solutions probably explains the wide variation in molecular weights reported previously for xanthan.
A Health Profile of Older Women with Comparisons to Older Men

This article discusses the physical health status of contemporary older women (aged 65 and over) in comparison to older men, using data from ongoing national health surveys and vital statistics. The article reviews older women's and men's life expectancy after 65 and recent trends in their mortality rates. It then looks extensively at data on physical health, especially the prevalence of chronic conditions and long-term disabilities. Leading ailments at different "stages" are discussed: health problems in daily life, the presence of chronic conditions (whether symptomatic or not), ambulatory care visits, hospital stays, and causes of death. The data show that older women are more frequently ill than older men, with both acute and chronic conditions, but that their problems are less life-threatening than men's. The article concludes with thoughts about the health of future older cohorts.
Observation of airplane flowfields by natural condensation effects

In-flight condensation patterns can illustrate a variety of airplane flow fields, such as attached and separated flows, vortex flows, and expansion and shock waves. These patterns are a unique source of flow visualization that has not been utilized previously. Condensation patterns at full-scale Reynolds number can provide useful information for researchers experimenting in subscale tunnels. It is also shown that computed values of relative humidity in the local flow field provide an inexpensive way to analyze the qualitative features of the condensation pattern, although a more complete theoretical modeling is necessary to obtain details of the condensation process. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that relative humidity is more sensitive to changes in local static temperature than to changes in pressure.
Monoclonal Gammopathy in a Dog With Chronic Pyoderma

A monoclonal gammopathy composed of immunoglobulin G, with concurrent light-chain proteinuria and generalized lymph node plasmacytosis, was associated with chronic pyoderma in a dog. A uniform population of plasma cells was observed cytologically and histologically in multiple lymph node specimens. A diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance was eventually made by exclusion of other known causes of monoclonal gammopathy, resolution after antibiotic therapy, and no evidence of lymphoproliferative disease after 11 months of follow-up and subsequent necropsy. This report expands the diagnostic considerations for monoclonal gammopathies in the dog.
A Room-Temperature and Microwave Synthesis of M-Doped ZnO (M=Co, Cr, Fe, Mn & Ni)

A room temperature and microwave method for the preparation M-Doped ZnO, where M=Co, Cr, Fe, Mn & Ni, is described. X-ray diffraction of the synthesized samples shows a single phase ZnO structure without any indication of the dopant. Magnetic studies of the as prepared samples show it to be paramagnetic. However, hydrogenation of particular samples at 573 K for 6 h resulted in transforming the samples to a room temperature ferromagnet.
Optimal scaling of average queue sizes in an input-queued switch: an open problem

We review some known results and state a few versions of an open problem related to the scaling of the total queue size (in steady state) in an n×n input-queued switch, as a function of the port number n and the load factor ?. Loosely speaking, the question is whether the total number of packets in queue, under either the maximum weight policy or under an optimal policy, scales (ignoring any logarithmic factors) as O(n/(1??)).
Review: Intensive-dose statin therapy increases incident diabetes compared with moderate-dose therapy

Source Citation Preiss D, Seshasai SR, Welsh P, et al. Risk of incident diabetes with intensive-dose compared with moderate-dose statin therapy: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 2011;305:2556-64. 21693744
Management of Portal Hypertension in Children

Management of portal hypertension in children has evolved over the past several decades. Portal hypertension can result from intrahepatic or extrahepatic causes. Management should be tailored to the child based on the etiology of the portal hypertension and on the functionality of the liver. The most serious complication of portal hypertension is gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, which has a mortality of up to 30%. Initial treatment of bleeding focuses on stabilizing the patient. Further treatment measures may include endoscopic, medical, or surgical interventions as appropriate for the child, depending on the cause of the portal hypertension. β-Blockers have not been proven to effectively prevent primary or secondary variceal bleeding in children. Sclerotherapy and variceal band ligation can be used to stop active bleeding and can prevent bleeding from occurring. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and surgical shunts may be reserved for those who are not candidates for transplant or have refractory bleeding despite medical or endoscopic treatment.
How parents make decisions about their children's vaccinations

Abstract Background Continued parental acceptance of childhood vaccination is essential for the maintenance of herd immunity and disease prevention. As such, understanding parents’ decision-making in relation to their children's vaccinations is vitally important. Objective This qualitative study sought to develop an understanding of the general process parents go through when making decisions about their children's vaccinations. Methods Interviews were conducted with U.S.-born parents living in King County, Washington who had children ≤18 months of age. These interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results Through the application of grounded theory, a general decision-making process was identified. Stages in this process included: awareness, assessing and choosing, followed by either stasis or ongoing assessment. The greatest variation occurred during the assessing stage, which involved parents examining vaccination-related issues to make subsequent decisions. This research suggests that three general assessment groups exist: acceptors, who rely primarily on general social norms to make their vaccination decisions; reliers, who rely primarily on other people for information and advice; and searchers, who seek for information on their own, primarily from published sources. Conclusions These results imply that one-size-fits-all approaches to vaccination interventions are inappropriate. Instead, this research suggests that interventions must be targeted to parents based on how they assess vaccination.