cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship among Income, other Socioeconomic Indicators, and Functional Level in Older Persons

Socioeconomic status (SES) is well established as a cause of morbidity and mortality, but relatively few studies have investigated the relationship between SES and functional level. Functional level is closely related to the use of long-term care services and is a more salient indicator of quality of life than specific diseases. We used data from 1,570 respondents in the Growing Older in New York City Study, a probability sample of people age 65 and older, to examine this relationship. The association between income and function was seen throughout the full gradient of income and remained significant when controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, household size, education, occupation, age of immigration, and locus of control. Education and residential environment, but not occupation, were independently associated with functional level. These findings support both the association between SES and functional limitation and the hypothesis that the SES and health association continues into old age.
Study design for epidemiologic studies with measurement error

Exposure measurement error in epidemiological studies is recognized as a feature that must be considered because of the potential bias that can result in estimates of the exposure-disease association. Most of the work to date has focused on methods of analysis that adjust for the resultant bias, but the implications of this work to the design of epidemiologic studies is not as well understood. An overview of the issues involved in the use of methods for dealing with errors in exposure information is discussed along with some design options that have been proposed for providing information necessary for their use. Validation studies compare somewhat crude and inexpensive measures of exposure to a gold standard, and study designs that incorporate these into the overall plan can realize some advantages in terms of cost. In addition, repeated assessments of exposure can realize efficiency for measures of exposure that are unbiased. However, much work remains to be done in the development of efficient designs for studying disease aetiology and prevention.
Analysis of normal and diseased colon mucosa using ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy

Ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy was used to characterize normal and diseased colon mucosa in vitro. A tunable mode-locked Titanium:Sapphire laser operating at 76 MHz was used to irradiate normal and diseased colon tissue samples with 251 nm light generated from the third harmonic of the fundamental radiation. The Raman scattered light was collected and analyzed using a 1 meter spectrometer fitted with a UV coated, liquid nitrogen cooled CCD detector. The measured spectra show prominent bands that correspond to those of known tissue constituents including nucleic acids, aromatic amino acids and lipids. Using the Raman lineshapes measured from pure solutions of nucleotides, tryptophan, tyrosine, FAD, and from lipid-rich serosal fat, the colon spectra were modeled by a least square fitting algorithm whereby the colon spectra were assumed to be a linear combination of the pure biochemical lineshapes. The relative Raman scattering cross section of each biochemical was determined so that the relative concentration of each compound with respect to the others, could be extracted from a given tissue spectrum.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Do Centenarians Have Higher Levels of Depression? Findings from the Georgia Centenarian Study

OBJECTIVES: To examine age differences on specific items and subscales of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). DESIGN: Specific items, subscales, and total score on the GDS of three age groups were compared. SETTING: Community-dwelling older adults. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty-nine centenarians were compared with 93 octogenarians and 91 sexagenarians. MEASUREMENTS: GDS scores. RESULTS: Results indicated age group differences in overall depression score and in withdrawal-apathy-vigor (WAV), cognitive impairment, and hopelessness subscale scores. Significant age group differences were also obtained for 12 of the 30 items. Centenarians rated higher on all subscales, but there was no difference in dysphoric mood and worry. CONCLUSION: It is important to distinguish different dimensions of depression when assessing very old populations because some of the questions on the GDS are associated with fatigue, mild cognitive decline, and decline in physical functioning, which increase with aging. Future research should revisit the concept of depression in very late life. Language: en
Global change researchers assess projections of climate change

In October 1994 climate researchers met at the Forum on Global Change Modeling to create a consensus document summarizing the debate on issues related to the use of climate models to influence policy. The charge to the Forum was to develop a brief statement on the credibility of projections of climate change provided by General Circulation Models. The Forum focused specifically on the climate aspects of the entire global change issue, not on emission scenarios, the consequences of change to ecosystems and natural resource systems, or the socio-economic implications and potential for responses. The Forum report put thoughts on this often divisive issue into perspective for use by the Government Accounting Office in developing and considering national policy options. The forum was organized in response to requests from the White House Office of Science and Technology by the Subcommitteeon Global Change Research, abranch of the new Committee on Earth and Natural Resources set up by the Clinton administration.
Junctions between Cancer Cells in Culture: Ultrastructure and Permeability

Cell junctions between Novikoff hepatoma cells (N1S1-67) growing as small clumps or chains in suspension culture have been studied with ultrastructural, electrophysiological, and dye-injection techniques. Cells within clumps are commonly electrically coupled and can exchange dyes with a molecular weight of 332 to 500. Gap junctions and intermediate junctions are present, whereas true tight junctions and desmosomes are absent or very rare. This system should provide a useful model for studying the properties of "communicating" junctions.
Effect of trephination on postoperative pain and swelling in symptomatic necrotic teeth.

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, blinded study was to determine the effect of trephination on postoperative pain and swelling in symptomatic necrotic teeth. Study Design. Fifty emergency patients participated, and each had a clinical diagnosis of a symptomatic necrotic tooth with associated periapical radiolucency. After endodontic treatment, patients randomly received either a trephination or mock trephination procedure. The trephination procedure used an intraosseous perforator to provide an initial opening in the cortical bone that was enlarged with files (No. 25 through No. 70) and an endodontic spoon. After surgery, each patient received ibuprofen; acetaminophen with codeine (30 mg); and a 7-day diary to record pain, percussion pain, swelling, and number and type of pain medication taken. Results. The majority of patients with symptomatic necrotic teeth had significant postoperative pain and required analgesics to manage this pain. The use of a trephination procedure with an intraosseous perforator, files, and a spoon excavator did not significantly reduce pain, percussion pain, swelling, or the number of analgesic medications taken in symptomatic necrotic teeth with periapical radiolucencies (P >.05). Conclusion. We cannot recommend the routine use of a trephination procedure, as used in this study, for relief of pain in symptomatic necrotic teeth with radiolucencies. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;90:507-13)
Synthesis of tetrahydrofuran lignans, (±)-galbelgin and (±)-grandisin

Abstract A stereoselective synthesis procedure for lignans of the all- trans αα'-diaryl-ββ'-dimethyltetrahydrofurans is described. The lignans, galbelgin ( 4 ) and grandisin ( 37 ) were synthesized by routine reduction of the tetrahydrofuran dicarboxylic esters ( 24 and 34 ), obtained by mild acid treatment of the readily available diaryl dilactones ( 23 and 33 ).
A Life-Space Approach to Functional Assessment of Mobility in the Elderly

Abstract Mobility represents a critical component in the functional and disability assessment of older adults because it is related significantly to the maintenance of elder autonomy and independence. The authors' primary purposes are to raise the consciousness of geriatric social workers about the need to consider mobility as an important aspect of older persons' lives in the context of their environment, and to describe the application of a new strategy of mobility assessment that complements existing methods. First, an overview of the literature is provided that emphasizes the clinical relevance of mobility within the context of functional and disability assessment. Second, an application of the Life-Space Mobility Assessment (LSMA) with seniors is described as complementing the more traditional but less precise and sensitive methods of functional assessments typically used by social workers and other health care practitioners. Theoretical links to person-in-environment and ecology models are reviewed,...
Embryogenic disturbances of the testis

In a series of about two thousand sections of fifty-four specimens of the testis, epididymis, and spermatic cord from new-born infants a variety of embryogenic disturbances were observed. The chief of these were: marked variation in the number of interstitial cells of the same period; isolated islands of testicular tissue in the tunica albuginea; subserous groups of endothelial cells; pigmentation of rudimentary ducts; disturbance of structural relations and hypertrophy of cells of the rete testis; in eight cases (13.8%) the occurrence of probable adrenal rests or of paraganglia; in one case the presence near the epididymis of an epidermoidal cyst.
Parent and medical professional willingness to enroll children in a hypothetical pediatric optic neuritis treatment trial.

The optic neuritis treatment trial (ONTT) and subsequent studies have had a tremendous impact on the treatment and prognosis of optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis in adults. The results of these studies have been extrapolated to children; however, pediatric data are sparse. Using the method of prospective preference assessment, the willingness of parents and medical professionals to enroll children in a hypothetical Pediatric ONTT was assessed using a mock consent form and questionnaire. A three-arm trial was proposed: (1) intravenous corticosteroids, (2) high-dose oral corticosteroids, and (3) an oral placebo. The forms were completed by 198 parents and 49 physicians. After reviewing the hypothetical scenario, trial design, risks and benefits, and alternatives to the study, 21% of parents would enroll their children in the trial whereas 98% of medical professionals would enroll their patients. With medical professional recommendation, 43% of parents would enroll their children. The manner in which this hypothetical trial was presented to parents, specifically with respect to the recommendation of their child’s health care team, influenced a parent’s willingness to participate.
Transcytosis in the continuous endothelium of the myocardial microvasculature is inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide.

Abstract In a murine heart perfusion system, we were able to "turn off" the transport of derivatized albumin [dinitrophenylated albumin (DNP-albumin)] from the perfusate to the tissue, by preperfusing the system with 1 mM N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) for 5 min at 37 degrees C, followed by a 5-min perfusion of DNP-albumin in the presence of NEM. Using a postembedding immunocytochemical procedure, we showed that (i) a 30-sec to 1-min treatment of heart vasculature with 1 mM NEM reduces the transendothelial transport of DNP-albumin and nearly stops it after 5 min, and (ii) DNP-albumin is detected exclusively in plasmalemmal vesicles (PVs) while in transit across endothelial cells. Perfusion with 10 mM dithiothreitol for 1 min before NEM prevents the inhibition of vesicular transport. To quantitate the NEM effect on vesicular transport inhibition, we developed an ELISA and a dot-blot assay for measuring DNP-albumin in supernatants of perfused whole-heart homogenates. The results obtained indicate that the treatment of the heart vasculature with 1 mM NEM decreases the vesicular transport of DNP-albumin by 78-80%. Since NEM is known to inhibit the fusion of different types of vesicular carriers with their target membranes in other cell types and in in vitro reconstituted cellular systems, by alkylating a NEM-sensitive factor, we assume that the same mechanism applies in our in situ system. The decrease of vesicular transport can be explained by NEM preventing the fusion of recycling vesicles with their targets--i.e., the abluminal and luminal domains of the plasmalemma. The results open to question previous interpretations from other laboratories according to which plasmalemmal vesicles are sessile, immobile structures.
Mechanisms underlying weight loss and metabolic improvements in rodent models of bariatric surgery

Obesity is a growing health risk with few successful treatment options and fewer still that target both obesity and obesity-associated comorbidities. Despite ongoing scientific efforts, the most effective treatment option to date was not developed from basic research but by surgeons observing outcomes in the clinic. Bariatric surgery is the most successful treatment for significant weight loss, resolution of type 2 diabetes and the prevention of future weight gain. Recent work with animal models has shed considerable light on the molecular underpinnings of the potent effects of these ‘metabolic’ surgical procedures. Here we review data from animal models and how these studies have evolved our understanding of the critical signalling systems that mediate the effects of bariatric surgery. These insights could lead to alternative therapies able to accomplish effects similar to bariatric surgery in a less invasive manner.
Sensitive LC MS quantitative analysis of carbohydrates by Cs+ attachment

The development of a sensitive assay for the quantitative analysis of carbohydrates from human plasma using LC/MS/MS is described in this paper. After sample preparation, carbohydrates were cationized by Cs+ after their separation by normal phase liquid chromatography on an amino based column. Cesium is capable of forming a quasi-molecular ion [M + Cs]+ with neutral carbohydrate molecules in the positive ion mode of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometer was operated in multiple reaction monitoring mode, and transitions [M + 133]→133 were monitored (M, carbohydrate molecular weight). The new method is robust, highly sensitive, rapid, and does not require postcolumn addition or derivatization. It is useful in clinical research for measurement of carbohydrate molecules by isotope dilution assay.
A Mechanistic Model of Two-Phase Pressure Drop in Microchannels

A mechanistic model of two-phase pressure drop has been developed for microchannel flow. The primary flow regimes observed in microchannel two-phase flow regime maps were the inertial dominated regime (annular flow) and the surface tension dominated regime (slug or bubbly flow). Mechanistic models of pressure drop for each of these regimes are developed and compared to pressure drop in microchannel flows of four different refrigerants with widely varying fluid properties: R134, R410A, R290 (propane) and R717 (ammonia) of varying hydraulic diameters between 70 microns to 305 microns. The mechanistic model compares favourably to the experimental pressure drop data from microchannel flow measurements with an overall mean deviation of 18.1%. The model is also compared with refrigerant-oil flow of R134a and two different weights of POE oil, using fluid property correlations developed for those mixtures, with a mean deviation of 18.9%. While this accuracy is not stellar, the significance is that no empirical coefficients were needed to close the model.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Evaluation of leptin in breast milk, lactating mothers and their infants

Leptin is present in human milk, but it is not clear what the relationship between breast milk (BM) leptin levels and maternal and infant serum leptin concentrations is. The objective of this study was to evaluate the leptin concentration in BM and to investigate its relationship with infants’ and mothers’ anthropometric parameters and with serum leptin concentration in breast-fed (BF) infants and lactating mothers. We enrolled 36 adequate for gestational age healthy, exclusively BF, term infants aged <6 months. Leptin concentration in serum and BM was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) test (human-leptin-RIA-sensitive, Mediagnost). Infants’ and mothers’ weights, lengths and body mass indexes (BMI) were measured. The median leptin concentration was 3.42 ng/ml (interquartile range (IR): 2.65) in BF infants’ serum, 3.02 ng/ml (IR: 2.85) in mothers’ serum (n=17) and 0.51 ng/ml (IR: 0.34) in BM (n=24). BM leptin concentrations were significantly lower than serum BF infant (P<0.001) and maternal (P<0.001) leptin levels. Infant serum leptin concentration correlated positively with infant weight (r=0.437, P=0.008) and BMI (r=0.561, P=0.004). Mother serum leptin levels correlated positively with weight (r=0.755, P<0.001) and BMI (r=0.661, P=0.007). No correlations were found between BM leptin and serum leptin concentrations in BF infants and mothers. We confirmed the presence of leptin in BM at a lower concentration than that found in infant and lactating mother serum. We observed a positive correlation between serum leptin levels in BF infants and their growth parameters.
Response of In Situ Leaf Psychrometer to Cuticle Removal by Abrasion

In situ measurements of leaf water potential by thermocouple psychrometers are useful in monitoring the energy state of water in plants. Excessive equilibration times caused by low vapor conductance across the leaf cuticle and vapor sorption in the psychrometer chamber often make in situ sampling difficult. Several methods of removing the waxy leaf cuticle have been shown to increase water vapor conductance across the epidermis of the leaf, but their relative effectiveness has not been compared and equilibration times are unknown. Six wax removal treatments were compared with an untreated control to determine the most effective technique for increasing water vapor conductance across the leaf surface. The mean time for the leaf psychrometer to reach an equilibrated water potential was estimated for the treatment that produced the greatest conductance. Abrasion treatment of leaves with 600 grit sandpaper produced the greatest increase in cuticular conductance, resulting in a mean equilibration time for psychrometer measurements of 7.5 min.
Complexities due to single-stranded RNA during antibody detection of genomic rna:dna hybrids

Background Long genomic R-loops in eukaryotes were first described at the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus switch regions using bisulfite sequencing and functional studies. A mouse monoclonal antibody called S9.6 has been used for immunoprecipitation (IP) to identify R-loops, based on the assumption that it is specific for RNA:DNA over other nucleic acid duplexes. However, recent work has demonstrated that a variable domain of S9.6 binds AU-rich RNA:RNA duplexes with a KD that is only 5.6-fold weaker than for RNA:DNA duplexes. Most IP protocols do not pre-clear the genomic nucleic acid with RNase A to remove free RNA. Fold back of ssRNA can readily generate RNA:RNA duplexes that may bind the S9.6 antibody, and adventitious binding of RNA may also create short RNA:DNA regions. Here we investigate whether RNase A is needed to obtain reliable IP with S9.6.
Thalamic tumors in childhood. Clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic considerations.

• Eighteen cases of primary thalamic tumor occurring in children (ages 21/2 to 121/2 years) were studied retrospectively. Among the clinical features of this group that contrasted with adults having similar tumors were a shorter duration of symptoms before diagnosis and a higher incidence of motor abnormalities in the early illness. In several cases, symptoms and signs usually associated with cerebellar disorders predominated. Arteriography or gas encephalography or both were diagnostic in all but two cases. The electroencephalogram, abnormal in slightly more than 70% of the cases, suggested a thalamic mass in more than one third. A highly specific EEG feature was the presence of spindles while patients were awake. In 15 cases there was some evidence of ventricular dilation and nine of these later required shunts. In addition to shunting procedures, therapy included x-ray therapy alone or with craniotomy or craniotomy alone.
Safety assessment of perflenapent emulsion for echocardiographic contrast enhancement in patients with congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract Background Perflenapent injectable emulsion is a newer echocardiographic contrast agent that provides chamber opacification and improved endocardial border delineation. In >1000 patients tested, adverse effects have been minimal. However, previous studies have included few patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because of their reduced cardiopulmonary reserve, these patients might be at greater risk for adverse events. Methods and Results The safety of perflenapent emulsion was evaluated in ambulatory patients with New York Heart Association class III to IV congestive heart failure (CHF) or severe obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 2 separate multicenter, phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-administration clinical trials, 146 patients in the CHF study and 134 patients in the COPD study received either perflenapent emulsion or saline placebo during an echocardiographic examination. Perflenapent emulsion was well tolerated in patients with CHF or COPD. The adverse event rates with perflenapent emulsion (15%) were similar to those with saline (11%; P=.43) in the combined groups, and similar findings were seen when analyzed by CHF or COPD groups separately. All adverse events were rated as mild, required no treatment, resolved spontaneously, and left no sequelae. Changes from baseline in vital signs, pulse oximetry, electrocardiography, and laboratory tests were similar between treatment groups. Conclusions These data support the safety of perflenapent emulsion for contrast echocardiography in stable ambulatory patients with CHF or COPD. (Am Heart J 2000;139:1077-80.)
Poisson surface reconstruction and its applications

Surface reconstruction from oriented points can be cast as a spatial Poisson problem. This Poisson formulation considers all the points at once, without resorting to heuristic spatial partitioning or blending, and is therefore highly resilient to data noise. Unlike radial basis function schemes, the Poisson approach allows a hierarchy of locally supported basis functions, and therefore the solution reduces to a well conditioned sparse linear system. To reconstruct detailed models in limited memory, we solve this Poisson formulation efficiently using a streaming framework. Specifically, we introduce a multilevel streaming representation, which enables efficient traversal of a sparse octree by concurrently advancing through multiple streams, one per octree level. Remarkably, for our reconstruction application, a sufficiently accurate solution to the global linear system is obtained using a single iteration of cascadic multigrid, which can be evaluated within a single multi-stream pass. Finally, we explore the application of Poisson reconstruction to the setting of multi-view stereo, to reconstruct detailed 3D models of outdoor scenes from collections of Internet images.This is joint work with Michael Kazhdan, Matthew Bolitho, and Randal Burns (Johns Hopkins University), and Michael Goesele, Noah Snavely, Brian Curless, and Steve Seitz (University of Washington).
Ultrafast Excited-State Deprotonation and Electron Transfer in Hydroxyquinoline Derivatives

Excited-state proton transfer, electron transfer, and solvent relaxation processes in N-methyl-6-hydroxyquinolinium (NM6HQ+) and N-methyl-7-hydroxyquinolinium (NM7HQ+) iodides have been investigated in both acidic and basic solutions. The hydroxyl group behaves like a superacid in the excited state, exhibiting deprotonation times in acidic aqueous solution for NM6HQ+ and NM7HQ+ of 2.0 and 4.5 ps, respectively. These rates for intermolecular proton transfer to water molecules are among the fastest reported to date. This high photoacidity correlates with ultrafast intramolecular electron transfer from the hydroxylate (−O-) group to the positively charged pyridinium ring, which can be observed in separate measurements in basic solution, where the ground states exist as the deprotonated neutral forms N-methyl-6-oxyquinolinium (NM6OQ) and N-methyl-7-oxyquinolinium (NM7OQ). The most obvious effect in basic solution is a Stokes shift resulting from solvent relaxation (1.0 ps), driven by the dipole moment change ...
In situ evaluation of marginal leakage using an ultraviolet-light-activated resin system

Marginal leakage, as determined on autoradiographs by the penetration of 45 Ca isotope, was evaluated for four restorative techniques using an ultraviolet-light-activated resin system. Autoradiographs of restorations in which the enamel surface surrounding the cavity preparation and the cavosurface angle is etched and a layer of sealant placed before and after the insertion of the restoration showed that marginal leakage was significantly reduced or eliminated after one year.
Experimental verification of the energy dissipation mechanism in acoustic dampers.

An experimental program is described which verifies the theoretical model that acoustic damping devices undergoing high intensity oscillations dissipate energy via jet kinetic losses. Pressure measurements within the damping devices and flow duct together with detailed surveys of the jet velocities provide the experimental confirmation. The theory accounts for duct flow effects, both steady and unsteady, as well as the jet dissipation. Discrepancies between theory and experiment can be traced to neglect of higher order terms or ignoring the difficult wall friction term in the case of the quarter-wave tube.
The PTSD Symptom Scale's latent structure: An examination of trauma-exposed medical patients

Several studies have employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the latent structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment measures among various trauma-exposed populations. Findings have generally failed to support the current three-factor DSM-IV PTSD conceptualization, demonstrating the need to consider alternative models. The present study used CFA to evaluate seven models, including intercorrelated and hierarchical versions of two models with the most empirical support. Data were utilized from a heterogeneous trauma-exposed sample of general medical patients (n = 252). Based on several indices, the three-factor DSM-IV PTSD model was shown to be inferior to alternative models. The strongest support was found for an intercorrelated four-factor model, separating avoidance and numbing symptoms into distinct factors. Validity for this model was partially supported by divergent relations between factors and external variables. Implications of the results are discussed, and a framework is proposed for resolving discrepant findings in the PTSD CFA literature.
Intact Knee and ACL Forces for the Human and Ovine Model During Simulated In Vivo Human and In Vivo Ovine Motions

Patients frequently experience knee injuries, with the ACL being one of the most commonly injured structures requiring surgery [1]. ACL tears typically lead to osteoarthritis in the long term, even after surgical treatment [2]. This chronic joint degeneration has been attributed to the failure of current ACL reconstructions to restore the native biomechanics of the knee joint [3]. To design more effective treatments, investigators must first understand normal knee function for multiple activities of daily living (ADLs). The 3D in vivo forces and moments of the normal intact knee, as well as those for just the ACL have not yet been determined for any ADL. These in vivo forces and moments can potentially be measured for multiple ADLs in an animal model. A biomechanical surrogate allows for 1) sensors or marker systems to be rigidly fixed to the knee joint to accurately measure the 6 degree of freedom (DOF) kinematics, and for 2) the kinematics to be simulated and applied to the harvested limb to measure the corresponding joint forces and moments.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Osmotic second virial coefficient for linear and star poly(ethylene oxide)

Abstract Experimental osmotic second virial coefficients are reported for linear and star poly(ethylene oxide) in water and 1-propanol in the temperature region 25–55°C. All measured osmotic second virial coefficients are positive. At fixed temperature, the osmotic second virial coefficient for star poly(ethylene oxide) is lower than that for the linear polymer of comparable molecular weight. The osmotic second virial coefficient for star poly(ethylene oxide) decreases with rising temperature in both water and 1-propanol.
Fatty acid selectivity of lipases: γ-linolenic acid from borage oil

The γ-linolenic acid (Z,Z,Z-6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid, GLA) present in borage oil free fatty acids was concentrated in esterification reactions that were catalyzed by several preparations of the acyl-specific lipase ofGeotrichum candidum. In this manner, a 95% recovery of the GLA originally present in borage oil (25% GLA) was obtained as a highly enriched fatty acid fraction with a GLA content of >70%. Other fatty acids concentrated in this fraction were the monounsaturated fatty acids with chainlengths of C-20 and longer that were present in the oil. An immobilized preparation ofG. candidum on silica gel also was used for the enrichment of GLA in borage oil. In this instance, a 75% recovery of GLA was obtained, and the supported lipase was reusable (three cycles) with minimal loss in activity.
Soul Suckers: Vampiric Shamans in Northern Kamchatka, Russia

This paper proceeds from the assumption that the spiritual beliefs of native people of northern Kamchatka (Koryaks, Chukchis, Evens) are not false consciousness, nor "really" about something else. I situate beliefs about vampiric shamans in the larger cultural context of the spiritual world, the human soul, and the afterlife. After this description of d iscourse about shamans, the second half of the paper demonstrates how the way people talk about the spiritual world is interconnected with their social reality.
Angiogenic pretreatment to enhance myocardial function after cellular cardiomyoplasty with skeletal myoblasts.

Objective Improvements in ventricular function after cellular cardiomyoplasty appear to be limited by the poor survival of the cellular implants. Angiogenic pretreatment of infarcted myocardium may improve implanted cell survival and consequently myocardial function. Methods Fischer 344 rats underwent coronary artery ligation and injection of an adenovirus encoding vascular endothelial growth factor 121 or of saline solution at increasing intervals after ligation. Myocardial perfusion and mass preservation were assessed. On the basis of these data, four groups of animals underwent coronary ligation and adenovirus with or without syngeneic skeletal myoblast administration: (1) adenovirus at ligation and myoblasts 3 weeks later (n = 7), (2) saline solution at ligation and myoblasts 3 weeks later (n = 8), (3) saline solution at ligation and 3 weeks later (n = 8), and (4) saline solution at ligation and adenovirus with myoblasts 3 weeks later (n = 5). Left ventricular ejection fraction was analyzed by echocardiography before coronary ligation and 3 and 5 weeks later, after which cell survival was assessed in harvested tissues. Results Myocardial infarct perfusion was at least 50% greater in animals treated with adenoviral vector than with saline solution immediately after ligation ( P P P = .004). Left ventricular ejection fraction was improved, however, only after cell implantation with adenovirus pretreatment ( P = .027). Conclusion Angiogenic strategies can help to preserve myocardium jeopardized by acute coronary occlusions. Angiogenic pretreatment enhances the efficacy of cellular cardiomyoplasty.
Molecular signatures from omics data: From chaos to consensus

In the past 15 years, new "omics" technologies have made it possible to obtain high-resolution molecular snapshots of organisms, tissues, and even individual cells at various disease states and experimental conditions. It is hoped that these developments will usher in a new era of personalized medicine in which an individual's molecular measurements are used to diagnose disease, guide therapy, and perform other tasks more accurately and effectively than is possible using standard approaches. There now exists a vast literature of reported "molecular signatures". However, despite some notable exceptions, many of these signatures have suffered from limited reproducibility in independent datasets, insufficient sensitivity or specificity to meet clinical needs, or other challenges. In this paper, we discuss the process of molecular signature discovery on the basis of omics data. In particular, we highlight potential pitfalls in the discovery process, as well as strategies that can be used to increase the odds of successful discovery. Despite the difficulties that have plagued the field of molecular signature discovery, we remain optimistic about the potential to harness the vast amounts of available omics data in order to substantially impact clinical practice.
Assessment of left-to-right intracardiac shunting by velocity-encoded, phase-difference magnetic resonance imaging: A comparison with oximetric and indicator dilution techniques

Background Velocity-encoded, phase-difference magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to provide an accurate assessment of shunt magnitude in patients with large atrial septal defects, but its ability to determine shunt magnitude in patients with intracardiac left-to-right shunts of various locations and sizes has not been evaluated in a prospective and blinded manner. The objective of the present study was to determine whether velocity-encoded, phase-difference MRI can assess the magnitude of intracardiac left-to-right shunting in humans. Methods and Results Twenty-one subjects (15 women and 6 men; age range, 15 to 72 years) underwent velocity-encoded, phase-difference MRI measurements of flow in the proximal aorta and pulmonary artery, followed immediately by cardiac catheterization. The presence of left-to-right intracardiac shunting was assessed with hydrogen inhalation, after which shunt magnitude was measured by the oximetric and indocyanine green techniques. Of the 21 patients, 12 had left-to-right intracardiac shunting detected by hydrogen inhalation. There was a good correlation ( r =.94) between the invasive and MRI assessments of shunt magnitude. In comparison to oximetry and indocyanine green, MRI correctly identified the 12 patients with a ratio of pulmonary to systemic flow (Qp/Qs) of <1.5 (9 without intracardiac shunting and 3 with small shunts) and the 9 patients with a Qp/Qs of ≥1.5 (6 with atrial septal defect, 1 with ventricular septal defect, 1 with patent ductus arteriosus, and 1 with both atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus). Conclusions Compared with measurements obtained during cardiac catheterization, velocity-encoded, phase-difference MRI measurements of flow in the proximal great vessels can reliably assess the magnitude of intracardiac left-to-right shunting.
Mechanics of porous polycrystals: a fully anisotropic flow potential

Abstract A model for the elastic–viscoplastic behavior of a polycrystal material containing a dilute number of voids is proposed. The model couples crystal plasticity with a macroscopic description for porosity via the modification of a matrix flow potential to account for the presence of voids. This modification is similar to those used with phenomenological models that preserve macroscopic homogeneity and account for the voids through their volume fraction only. However, unlike the Gurson-type models, our matrix flow potential is fully anisotropic. It is derived by averaging the viscoplastic behavior of constituent single crystals deforming by crystallographic slip. The flow potential is defined in an intermediate configuration that is obtained by elastic unloading without rotation. The developed macroscopic anisotropic flow potential requires numerical solutions but has the advantage of accounting for coupled texture evolution and porosity effects. This paper presents a theoretical framework for the proposed approach.
Comparative evolutionary computational analysis of cerebellar purkinje cell structure and function

Most computational efforts to understand the functional significance of neurons and networks are based on data obtained in a single species. In this report, we describe the use of comparative computational analysis to test a specific hypothesis arising from our computational studies of the mammalian cerebellum. Specifically, our previous experimental and model-based investigations have suggested that the inhibitory basket connections to the Purkinje cell (PC) serve functionally to limit the influence of parallel fiber activity on somatic output [1]. Because basket connections are not found in non-mammalian vertebrates, we hypothesized that either the electrical properties and/or some aspect of PC relationships to the parallel fibers would differ between mammals and non-mammals.
Temperature dependence of the stress-induced polarization of F center luminescence

Abstract The temperature dependence of the stress-induced polarization of F center luminescence is calculated for the simplest vibronic model for the relaxed excited state, in which 2s and 2p electronic states interact in cubic symmetry via a triply degenerate odd-parity vibrational model. The 2s state is assumed lower in energy than 2p by |Esp|. A lower bound for |Esp| can be determined for those alkali halides for which this polarization has been found experimentally to be independent of temperature.
Vanadium 7,7,8,8-Tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (V[TCNQ]2)-Based Magnets

A new family of molecule-based magnets of general formula V[TCNQR2]2·zCH2Cl2 has been synthesized and characterized (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane; R = H, Br, Me, Et, i-Pr, OMe, OEt, and OPh). In addition, solid solutions of V[TCNQ]x[TCNQ(OEt)2]2-x·zCH2Cl2 composition have been prepared. Except R = Br, magnetic ordering was observed for all materials, with Tc values between 7.5 K (R = Me) and 106 K (R = OEt), with R = H at 52 K. The substitution of electron-donating OMe and OEt groups for H in TCNQ increased Tc, whereas the substitution of less electron-donating alkyl groups (with respect to alkoxy groups) decreased Tc. The results of MO calculations indicate that neither the spin nor charge densities of the disubstituted TCNQs are sufficiently different to explain the wide range of critical temperatures. Although the structures of the amorphous materials are not known, it is proposed that the oxygen atom of the [TCNQR2]•- acceptor (R = OMe and OEt) and the V(II) interact to form a seven-memb...
METAPHYSICS AND MODERNITY: NATURAL LAW AND NATURAL RIGHTS IN GERSHOM CARMICHAEL AND FRANCIS HUTCHESON

This paper argues that the founding fathers of the tradition of Scottish Enlightenment natural jurisprudence, Gersholm Carmichael (1672–1729) and Francis Hutcheson (1694–1746), articulated a view of rights that is pertinent to the contemporary dominance of the language of rights. Maintaining a metaphysical foundation for rights while drawing upon the early-modern Protestant natural law tradition, their conception of rights is more significantly indebted to the pre-modern scholastic natural law tradition than often realized. This is illustrated by exploring some of the background to their respective theories of rights, detailing the precise reasoning that Carmichael and Hutcheson brought to bear upon their conception of rights, and then exploring their application of their understanding of rights to the question of property.
Laboratory testing for cytomegalovirus among pregnant women in the United States: a retrospective study using administrative claims data

Routine cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening during pregnancy is not recommended in the United States and the extent to which it is performed is unknown. Using a medical claims database, we computed rates of CMV-specific testing among pregnant women. We used medical claims from the 2009 Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial databases. We computed CMV-specific testing rates using CPT codes. We identified 77,773 pregnant women, of whom 1,668 (2%) had a claim for CMV-specific testing. CMV-specific testing was significantly associated with older age, Northeast or urban residence, and a diagnostic code for mononucleosis. We identified 44 women with a diagnostic code for mononucleosis, of whom 14% had CMV-specific testing. Few pregnant women had CMV-specific testing, suggesting that screening for CMV infection during pregnancy is not commonly performed. In the absence of national surveillance for CMV infections during pregnancy, healthcare claims are a potential source for monitoring practices of CMV-specific testing.
Skeletal muscle in routine tonsillectomy specimens: a common finding.

Over the past 10 years, 1 of the authors (D.G.) has been consulted about several medical legal cases involving complications allegedly related to excessive surgery as documented by finding skeletal muscle in tonsillectomy specimens. A review of the literature showed little information about the incidence of skeletal muscle in routine tonsillectomy specimens; therefore, this study was undertaken. Thirty sequential tonsillectomy specimens from patients with histories of hyperplastic tonsils (10 males, 20 females; ages 5, 17 to 39; mean age, 24.3 years) were processed routinely (1 section/tonsil), and evaluated on a retrospective basis using routine light microscopy (group 1). In addition, 20 sequential tonsillectomy specimens were processed in a prospective fashion, excluding sleep apnea specimens (5 males, 15 females; ages 12 to 59 years; mean age, 28.9 years) (group 2). All specimens in the first group had lymphoid hyperplasia; 25 of the 30 (83%) had skeletal muscle in soft tissue adjacent to the lymphoid elements, 20 (67%) had seromucinous glands, and in 1 there was a focus of cartilage. In group 2, 18 had lymphoid hyperplasia and 2 contained carcinomas; 19 of 20 contained skeletal muscle ranging from a single fiber to abundant, multifocal areas with muscle, 16 (80%) had seromucinous glands, and 4 contained areas with cartilage. Additional tissue from the specimen without muscle and the tonsil with a single fiber was processed, and abundant skeletal muscle was identified in each. One may conclude that skeletal muscle is very frequently found in routine tonsillectomy specimens and, by itself, is not an indication of inappropriate surgical technique.
Definition of precursors.

Abstract In this retrospective study of 100 cases of cervical intraepithelial abnormalities, the nuclear DNA content was correlated with the histologic findings and follow-up data. All cases had initial biopsies and were followed for more than a year with cytologie and/or histologic examinations. Of the 34 cases having a subsequent normal follow-up, 29 (85%) had a euploid or polyploid pattern and 5 (15%) had an aneuploid distribution. Of the 58 cases persisting as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), 3 (5%) had a polyploid pattern and 55 (95%) had an aneuploid distribution. Of the 8 cases which progressed to invasive carcinomas, all had an aneuploid pattern. These findings suggest that euploid or polyploid lesions are more likely to have normal follow-up studies (91%) and rarely persist (9%). Of the aneuploid lesions, 81% persisted as CIN, 12% progressed to invasive carcinoma, and 7% had a normal follow-up. The presence of abnormal mitoses was the most reliable histologic criterion for aneuploidy. By using nuclear DNA analysis and histologic features, as defined in this study, it is possible to distinguish aneuploid precursors from less significant euploid or polyploid lesions.
Pressure and flow in the systemic arterial system

Abstract The dynamic characteristics of the proximal arterial system are studied by solving the nonlinear momentum and mass conservation equations for pressure and flow. The equations are solved for a model systemic arterial system that includes the aorta, common iliacs, and the internal and external iliac arteries. The model includes geometric and elastic taper of the aorta, nonlinearly elastic arteries, side flows, and a complex distal impedance. The model pressure wave shape, inlet and outlet impedance, wave travel, and apparent wave velocity compare favorably with the values measured on humans. Calculations indicate that: (i) reflections are the major factor determining the shape and distal amplification of the pressure wave in the arterial tree; (ii) although important in attenuating the proximal transmission of reflecting waves, geometric taper is not the major cause of the distal pressure wave amplification; (iii) the dicrotic wave is a result of peripheral reflection and is not due to the sudden change in flow at the end of systole; (iv) the elastic taper and nonlinearity of the wall elasticity are of minor significance in determining the flow and pressure profiles; and (v) in spite of numerous nonlinearities, the system behaves in a somewhat linear fashion for the lower frequency components.
Electrospun nano‐scaled glass fiber reinforcement of bis‐GMA/TEGDMA dental composites

The objective of this study was to investi- gate the electrospun nano-scaled glass fiber reinforcement of 2,2 0 -bis(4-(methacryloxypropoxy)-phenyl)-propane/ triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA/TEGDMA) dental composites. The hypothesis was that incorporation of the surface-silanized electrospun nano-scaled glass fibers into Bis-GMA/TEGDMA dental composites would result in substantial improvement on mechanical proper- ties. To test the hypothesis, photo-cured Bis-GMA/ TEGDMA dental composites filled with various mass fractions of surface-silanized electrospun nano-scaled glass fibers were systematically fabricated; and their me- chanical properties were then evaluated. The results indi- cated that small mass fraction substitutions (1, 2.5, 5, and 7.5%) of conventional dental filler with the surface-silan- ized electrospun nano-scaled glass fibers, significantly improved the flexural strength, elastic modulus, and work of fracture values of 70% (mass fraction) filled com- posites, by as much as 44%, 29%, and 66%, respectively. The mechanical properties of the composites could be further improved by optimizing the chemical composi- tions and the surface treatment methods of the fibers. We envision that the electrospun nano-scaled glass fibers could be utilized to develop the next generation dental composites, which would be particularly useful for large posterior restorations. V