cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endocrine and metabolic changes in human aging

Numerous alterations in hormonal secretion occur with aging. In general, these tend towards a disintegration of the normal cyclic secretory patterns resulting in lower total circulating levels. In addition, declines in receptors and postreceptor function further decreases the ability of the hormonal orchestra to maintain coordinated function throughout the organism. Clues to some of these age-related changes in humans may come from the study of simpler organisms where regulatory systems are known to modulate the aging process. In particular, the interactions among the environment, hormones, and insulin receptor genes have led to new insights into the genetic control of longevity and the development of syndrome X.
Estrogens and phytoestrogens : Brain plasticity of sexually dimorphic brain volumes

Sexually dimorphic brain volumes (sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA) and anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nucleus) are influenced by estrogens. Phytoestrogens, derived from plants (especially soy products), are molecules structurally and functionally similar to estradiol. The purpose of this study was to examine: the consumption of phytoestrogen (using a phytoestrogen-rich (Phyto-600) versus a phytoestrogen-free (Phyto-free)) diets from conception to adulthood (or changing the diets during adulthood) and characterizing (a) circulating plasma phytoestrogen levels, (b) testosterone levels in males, (c) sexually dimorphic brain volumes (i.e. the SDN-POA and AVPV) and (d) the presence of apoptotic cells in these brain structures in Long-Evans rats. Phyto-600 fed animals displayed total serum phytoestrogens levels 37-fold higher compared to Phyto-free values. Circulating testosterone levels were not significantly altered by the diets. Female SDN-POA volumes were not altered by the diets. Whereas, males fed a Phyto-free diet displayed decreased SDN-POA volumes compared to male Phyto-600 values. Females fed the Phyto-600 diet displayed larger AVPV volumes compared to males on the same diet or females on the Phyto-free diet. Males fed the Phyto-free diet had the largest AVPV values compared to Phyto-600 fed males. When the SDN-POA region was examined in lifelong Phyto-free fed males, apoptotic cells were present versus males fed the Phyto-600 diet and in the AVPV region the opposite results were obtained. In summary, consumption of dietary phytoestrogens (estrogen mimics) can alter hormone-sensitive hypothalamic brain volumes in rodents during adulthood.
Centroid molecular dynamics: A quantum dynamics method suitable for the parallel computer

Abstract The numerical implementation of the centroid molecular dynamics (CMD) quantum simulation method for condensed matter systems is described in detail. Specific attention is given to various algorithms for CMD integration, as well as to its implementation on parallel computer architectures. Representative applications are also described.
An EPR study of the interfacial properties of phosphatidylcholine vesicles with different lipid chain lengths.

Abstract The hydrophobic spin probe 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-oxyl-4-yl octadecanoate (TEMPO-stearate) is used to study the interfacial properties of a variety of phosphatidylcholine vesicles. Since the spin probe exhibits a fast motional electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum above the phase transition, the EPR spectrum of the spin probe is analyzed by nonlinear least-squares spectral fitting. EPR spectral line fitting provides high precision spectral parameters, which can be used to construct a detailed picture of the dynamics of the probe and its environment. The hyperfine coupling spacing is used to estimate the effective water concentration in the polar shell of vesicles, while the rotational correlation times give the information on the motion of the spin probe. The effective water concentration of the polar shell of dimyristoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) vesicles is greater on average by about 4.0 M than the effective water concentration of the polar shell of dimyristoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) vesicles. The effective water concentration decreases by about 0.5 M for an increase of two carbons in the chain, and increases noticeably with hydrocarbon chain unsaturation, which is in good agreement with literature values. The nitroxide moiety rotates preferentially along the N–O bond, that is, parallel to its hydrocarbon chain.
Analyzing deviation pattern in strongly-correlated genes through core cluster mining

Abstract Microarray datasets are enormous resource for studying expressional change in strongly-correlated genes and proteins in normal and tumor cells and thus leading to crucial biological knowledge at gene level that can help in pathogenesis of a disease. In general, a small count among the entire gene set gets perturbed under different experimental conditions in the tumor samples; only a subset of those actually exhibit correlated cDNA expressions. We propose a formalism and methodology for identifying those correlated expression groups both in the normal as well as the tumor samples and establishing one-to-one correspondence between a normal group and its corresponding tumor counterpart to obtain decisive knowledge on genetic perturbation. The concept is experimentally validated on (1) the large airway epithelial cells cDNA expressions from smokers with suspect lung cancer and (2) the lung tissue cDNA expressions from mouse with allergic asthma. It reports 98 cDNA expressions in the smokers’ dataset that are severely mutated and thus abandoned their own colony of genes, possibly affecting normal biological functioning. Sixty genes from this set are substantiated through different literatures with clinical support. Same study on the asthma data reveals 369 significantly mutated expressions out of which 48 have been corroborated through existing literatures. The additional genes, even though not hypothesized yet, may play crucial role in mediating the disease.
A greenhouse method for screening lettuce for resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Abstract Agar blocks colonized by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, causal agent of lettuce drop, were used as inoculum in screening for resistance to this pathogen in the greenhouse. Since the degree of resistance to the pathogen among cultivars varied with the time observed after inoculation, resistance was assessed by the number of days for 50% of the plants of each cultivar to die, as well as the number of plants that died. The cultivars ‘PI (Plant Introduction) 250427’, ‘Taiwan’, ‘PI 251790’, ‘PI 255568’, ‘MSU 73-44’ and ‘Bibb’ were found to have a higher level of resistance to S. sclerotiorum than the cultivar ‘Grand Rapids’ at 12 or 15 days following inoculation.
Interactive Textiles: New Materials in the New Millennium. Part 1:

The development of Interactive Textiles (INTEXT) is a relatively new and extremely promising trend in the textile industry. An INTEXT material is one that can respond intelligently to an environmental stimulus, such as changing color when electrically charged or releasing heat at a given temperature. This article reviews current applications of INTEXT technologies and identifies possible future applications in military and civilian markets. Based upon these applications and associated benefits, it appears that INTEXT concepts will be one of the most significant advances in textiles in the coming decades.
Influence of acid-base status at birth and Apgar scores on survival in 500-1000-g infants.

Objective To evaluate the influence of acid-base status at birth and Apgar scores on survival in very low birth weight infants. Methods We evaluated 1073 infants born alive and weighing 500–1000 g during 1979–1991; 658 had umbilical artery gas values examined. Apgar scores were assigned at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Umbilical artery blood samples were collected at delivery for pH, carbon dioxide pressure (PCO2), and bicarbonate. Infants were grouped at 23–24, 25–26, 27–28, and 29 weeks or more. Using survival as the dependent variable, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed controlling for gestational age, birth weight, plurality, antenatal glucocorticoid use, mode of delivery, and year of birth, as well as for Apgar scores and cord blood gases. Results In every gestational age grouping, compared with infants with a pH lower than 7.05, survival was higher in infants with an umbilical artery pH of 7.05 or higher, significantly so at 27–28 weeks. There was no consistent relationship between umbilical artery PCO2 or bicarbonate and survival. However, with the exception of the 1-minute Apgar score at 23–24 weeks, the relationship of Apgar scores to survival was significant in all gestational age periods. Using multiple logistic regression analyses, the only significant relationships between any of the cord blood gases, Apgar scores, and mortality involved low 1-minute (odds ratio [OR] 2.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.03.6]) and low 5-minute Apgar scores (OR 2.8 [95% CI 2.0–3.8]) and a bicarbonate less than 21 mEq/L (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.1–2.4]). Conclusion One- and 5-minute Apgar scores are better predictors of survival than umbilical artery blood gases in neonates weighing 500–1000 g at birth.
Another view on parallel speedup

In this paper three models of parallel speedup are studied. They are fixed-size speedup, fixed-time speedup and memory-bounded speedup. Two sets of speedup formulations are derived for these three models. One set requires more information and gives more accurate estimation. Another set considers a simplified case and provides a clear picture of possible performance gain of parallel processing. The simplified fixed-size speedup is Amdahl's law. The simplified fixed-time speedup is Gustafson's scaled speedup. The simplified memory-bounded speedup contains both Amdahl's law and Gustafson's scaled speedup as its special cases. This study proposes a new metric for performance evaluation and leads to a better understanding of parallel processing.
Two‐dimensional structure of the co‐planar and non‐coplanar magnetopause during reconnection

The two-dimensional (2-D) magnetopause transition during reconnection is investigated with large-scale hybrid simulations. Contrary to previous studies, but in agreement with observations, the two discontinuities that form are not an intermediate shock or a slow shock. A 2-D reconnection configuration develops with jumps that do not satisfy Rankine-Hugoniot conditions of known discontinuities. All plasma quantities are fairly constant between the discontinuities. This region is characterized by a nearly unchanged sheath density, slight temperature enhancement, and significant magnetic field depression and thus resembles the “Sheath Transition Layer” of Song et al. [1989]. For a non-coplanar magnetic field Bzo, the plasma β attains very high values on the outflow side where Bzo and the Hall-generated field cancel, and the jet becomes unstable. In this case, the magnetosheath-side discontinuity resembles the often-observed rotational discontinuity.
Modern map methods for charged particle optics

Abstract The differential algebraic methods, a natural tool for the description and determination of the solution of differential equations, have proven useful for the computation of aberrations of any desired order in any particle optical system. Besides conventional symplectic systems based on strongly or weakly focusing elements including fringe fields, they also readily allow the treatment of spin dynamics as well as classical synchrotron radiation. In recent years, a variety of codes have been written based on these techniques, including COSY INFINITY, which is currently used by approximately 150 registered users. Several examples of recent applications employing high order methods will be given. While the method makes the problem of computation of Taylor maps straightforward and their manipulation and analysis convenient, for many applications it is important to have exact bounds of the truncation error. Recently it was shown how such information can be determined conveniently and with rather limited effort. Furthermore, it is often important to know the domain and the speed of convergence of the Taylor expansion. We will show that similar to the conventional DA approach, such information can be obtained by carrying the three elementary operations of addition, multiplication, and differentiation on the space of infinitely often differentiable functions to a suitable smaller space that can be described on a computer.
Laparoscopically implantable nerve-stimulating electrode (LINSE): application to the cavernous nerve in acute and chronic canine models.

Using a new laparoscopic procedure, we investigated stimulation of the cavernous nerves to achieve erection in a canine model. The technique was developed during acute experiments in four dogs, fol...
The complete nucleotide sequence of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA coding region for the cycad Zamia pumila: phylogenetic implications.

The DNA sequence of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA coding region for the cycadZamia pumila L. was determined. TheZamia smallsubunit rRNA was found to be 1813 nucleotides in length and approximately 92% identical to published angiosperm small-subunit rRNA sequences. Conserved regions interspersed with variable regions are observed corresponding to those found in other eukaryotic small-subunit sequences. Using representatives from protist, fungal, plant, and animal groups, a distance matrix was constructed of average nucleotide substitution rates for pairs of organisms. Phylogenetic trees were inferred from similarities between sequences. The sequence ofZamia represents the earliest divergence from the higher plant lineage reported to date for small-subunit rRNA data. Inferred phylogenies also support a monophyletic origin for the angiosperms consistent with studies citing phenotypic characters.
Surface reaction mechanism development for platinum-catalyzed oxidation of methane

Previously published mechanisms for methane oxidation on platinum have focused on fuel-lean or fuelrich conditions and were often limited to a narrow range of operating conditions. A new C1 reaction mechanism for methane oxidation on Pt is presented, consisting of 31 reversible, elementary, thermodynamically consistent steps. Preexponential factors are estimated using transition state theory, and activation energies are calculated using the semiempirical bond order conservation (BOC) technique. Recently optimized reaction subsets for hydrogen and carbon monoxide oxidation on platinum are also used. The effect of adsorbate-adsorbate interactions on the activation energies of the surface reactions is also included through the BOC framework. Using this mechanism, ignition-extinction for fuel-lean and fuel-rich mixtures is studied. Reaction path and sensitivity analyses are carried out to capture the underlying physics in methane oxidation on Pt. For example, it is found for the first time that the dominant path for methane decomposition changes from oxygen and hydroxyl assisted, prior to ignition, to pyrolytic at high temperatures and for relatively fuel-rich mixtures. Finally, comparison of model predictions to experimental conversion and selectivity data for fuel-rich mixtures and laser-induced fluorescence data for fuel-lean mixtures is presented, showing good performance of the new mechanism. Overall, this mechanism captures the underlying physics of methane oxidation on Pt and overcomes most of the limitations of previously published mechanisms.
Expertise Recognition in Interdisciplinary Care Teams and Its Effect on Team Performance

Interdisciplinary care teams are increasingly utilized to help care providers synthesize knowledge from different disciplines to address complex patient needs. Effective coordination of diverse exp...
The Ξ operator and its relation to Krein's spectral shift function

We explore connections between Krein's spectral shift function ζ(λ,H 0, H) associated with the pair of self-adjoint operators (H 0, H),H=H 0+V, in a Hilbert spaceH and the recently introduced concept of a spectral shift operator Ξ(J+K *(H 0−λ−i0)−1 K) associated with the operator-valued Herglotz functionJ+K *(H 0−z)−1 K, Im(z)>0 inH, whereV=KJK * andJ=sgn(V). Our principal results include a new representation for ζ(λ,H 0,H) in terms of an averaged index for the Fredholm pair of self-adjoint spectral projections (E J+A(λ)+tB(λ)(−∞, 0)),E J((−∞, 0))), ℝ, whereA(λ)=Re(K *(H 0−λ−i0−1 K),B(λ)=Im(K *(H 0−λ-i0)−1 K) a.e. Moreover, introducing the new concept of a trindex for a pair of operators (A, P) inH, whereA is bounded andP is an orthogonal projection, we prove that ζ(λ,H 0, H) coincides with the trindex associated with the pair (Ξ(J+K *(H 0−λ−i0)K), Ξ(J)). In addition, we discuss a variant of the Birman-Krein formula relating the trindex of a pair of Ξ operators and the Fredholm determinant of the abstract scattering matrix. We also provide a generalization of the classical Birman—Schwinger principle, replacing the traditional eigenvalue counting functions by appropriate spectral shift functions.
Xaviera's establishment

Xaviera operates an entertainment facility in Nevada. In order to preserve her share of the market, she wishes to examine the level of service offered to her customers under the following alternative conditions.
SU-GG-T-65: A Method to Implement Rotational IMRT with Single Arc

Purpose: Rotational IMRT (rIMRT) is often approximated by a series of equi‐spaced static beams. The purpose of this work is to investigate the optimal numbers of beams and segments for the implementation of rIMRT via a single arc. Method and Materials: The rIMRT plans were generated with static beams, equi‐spaced by 10°, 5°, or 2.5° (corresponding to 36, 72, or 144 beams), each with the same number of segments of 1, 2, 3, or 4. An inverse planning system (Prowess Inc.) was used to generate rIMRT plans utilizing direct aperture optimization. The rIMRT plans generated for representative prostate and head and neck cases were compared with those generated by using Tomotherapy system with the same CT data and objectives. Results: Although the rIMRT and Tomotherapy plans are generally comparable, the rIMRT plans provide slightly better dose uniformity. For organs‐at‐risk, volume receiving high dose was slightly higher for the rIMRT plans compared to that for Tomotherapy plans. For all rIMRT plans generated for a prostate case, the dose uniformity improves slightly with the increase of the numbers of beams and/or segments per beam, while the conformity goes in the opposite direction. For the bladder and rectum, the mean dose, V45 and V70 increase slightly with the numbers of beams and segments per beam. The plan with 144 beams and 1 segment per beam (144×1) is approximately equivalent in plan quality to the plans for 72×2 and 36×4. When delivery efficiency is considered, this plan is the best, which can be delivered with 500 MUs via a single arc with every 2.5° per segment of varying dose rate. Conclusion: Rotational IMRT plans may be implemented via single arc with optimal numbers of static beams and segments per beam. More beams and/or segments per beam don't necessarily lead to a better plan.
Evaluation of Natural Enemies and Insecticides for Control of Pseudacysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on Avocados in Southern California

ABSTRACT Three natural enemies naturally present in southern California avocado groves were evaluated against different stages of the avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann), in the laboratory. The natural enemies tested were adult females of a predatory thrips, Franklinothrips orizabensis, second instar green lacewing larvae, Chrysoperla rufilabris, and a predaceous mite, Neoseiulus californiens. The most promising natural enemy from laboratory and subsequent greenhouse evaluations was C. rufilabris. In addition to natural enemies, insecticides were evaluated for P. perseae control. The contact impact of less persistent materials on nymphs in the laboratory was assessed. The most effective insecticides based on residual impact studies were carbaryl, imidacloprid, and fenpropathrin, and 2 materials commonly used on avocados in California, abamectin and spinosad, which were ineffective. Among the insecticides evaluated based on contact activity, a pyrethrin mixture was the best treatment followed...
Kinetic and thermodynamic acidities of pentacarbonyl(cyclobutenylidene)chromium complexes. Effect of antiaromaticity in the conjugate anion. An experimental and computational study.

The deprotonation of pentacarbonyl[(3-diethylamino-2,4-dimethyl)cyclobut-2-ene-1-ylidene]chromium (1d) and pentacarbonyl[(3-diethylamino-4-methyl-2-phenyl)cyclobut-2-ene-1-ylidene]chromium (1e) leads to antiaromatic conjugate anions by virtue of their being cyclobutadiene derivatives. Rate constants for the deprotonation of 1d and 1e by P2-Et and pKa values were determined in acetonitrile. Gas-phase B3LYP calculations of 1d, 1e, and their respective conjugate anions, using a generalized basis set, were also performed. Furthermore, for purposes of comparison with carbene complexes of similar structures, but having conjugate anions that are not antiaromatic, corresponding calculations were performed on pentacarbonyl[3-diethylamino-2,5-dimethyl)cyclopent-2-ene-1-ylidene]chromium (5), [dimethylamino(methyl)carbene]pentacarbonylchromium (3a), and [dimethylamino(iso-propyl)carbene]pentacarbonylchromium (3b) and their respective conjugate anions, and solution-phase pKa and kinetic measurements were carried out f...
Local production of O2− by NAD(P)H oxidase in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of coronary arterial myocytes: cADPR-mediated Ca2+ regulation

The present study was designed to determine whether the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) could locally produce superoxide (O2-) via NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) in coronary arterial myocytes (CAMs) and to address whether cADPR-RyR/Ca2+ signaling pathway regulates this local O2- production from the SR. Using confocal microscopic imaging analysis in intact single CAMs, a cell-permeable indicator CM-H2DCFDA for dynamic changes in intracellular ROS (in green color) and a highly selective ER-Tracker Red dye for tracking of the SR were found co-localized. A quantitative analysis based on the intensity of different spectra demonstrated a local O2- production derived from the SR. M(1)-receptor agonist, oxotremorine (Oxo) and a Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, time-dependently increased this O2- production colocalized with the SR. NOX inhibitors, diphenylene iodonium (DPI) and apocynin (Apo), or superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and Nox4 (a major intracellular NOX subunit) siRNA all substantially blocked this local production of O2-, demonstrating an involvement of NOX. This SR-derived O2- production was also abolished by the inhibitors of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR)-mediated Ca2+ signaling, such as nicotinamide (Nicot, 6 mM), ryanodine (Rya, 50 muM) or 8-Br-cADPR (30 microM). However, IP3 antagonist, 2-APB (50 microM) had no effect. In CAMs transfected with siRNA of ADP-ribosyl cyclase or RyR, this SR O2- production was attenuated. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectromic assay in purified SR also demonstrated the production of O2- that was dependent on NOX activity and Ca2+ concentrations. These results provide direct evidence that O2- could be locally produced via NOX on the SR and that this local O2- producing system is controlled by cADPR-RyR/Ca2+ signaling pathway.
Coalescent genealogy samplers: windows into population history

Coalescent genealogy samplers attempt to estimate past qualities of a population, such as its size, growth rate, patterns of gene flow or time of divergence from another population, based on samples of molecular data. Genealogy samplers are increasingly popular because of their potential to disentangle complex population histories. In the last decade they have been widely applied to systems ranging from humans to viruses. Findings include detection of unexpected reproductive inequality in fish, new estimates of historical whale abundance, exoneration of humans for the prehistoric decline of bison and inference of a selective sweep on the human Y chromosome. This review summarizes available genealogy-sampler software, including data requirements and limitations on the use of each program.
Children's Ideas about Aging before and after an Intergenerational Read-aloud

This study describes a pilot project that included senior volunteer readers reading aloud to third graders in diverse schools across a district in northeast Florida. The researchers interviewed students about their perceptions of the aging process before and after the read aloud as well as their view of the read aloud events. The children enjoyed being read to by the senior volunteers, who were able to support the children's understanding of a fairly complex book. Further, the senior volunteers, who had expressed some hesitancy about reading to older children, greatly enjoyed the interaction. The study supports the idea that children's ideas about aging may be impacted both by book selection and the reader, and it posits that reading aloud to older children by senior volunteers may be beneficial to all parties involved.
Separation of dermatan sulfate from heparan sulfate in mucopolysaccharidosis urine by chromatography on sephadex G-75

Abstract Oligosaccharides of testicular hyaluronidase-degraded dermatan sulfate were separated from undegraded dermatan sulfate by chromatography on Sephadex G-75, but not by chromatography on Sephadex G-25. All but the smallest of these oligosaccharides were recovered in excellent yield following dialysis and precipitation with cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC). G-75 chromatography of dialyzed, concentrated Hunter urine mucopolysaccharides precipitated with CPC resolved most of the large dermatan sulfate into a void volume related peak which was free of heparan sulfate. Decreasing amounts of dermatan sulfate oligosaccharides were eluted with the sephadex-retarded polysaccharides, including small amounts which appeared with otherwise pure heparan sulfate.
Body Weight Concerns and Dieting Practices of Female Collegiate Athletes

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the body weight concerns and dieting practices of female collegiate athletes participating in aesthetic, endurance, and team/anaerobic sports. Participants consisted of 425 female athletes from 7 universities across the United States. Body weight concerns and dieting practices were assessed by the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Eating Disorder Inventory Body Dissatisfaction Subscale (EDI-BD), and a weight and dieting history questionnaire. Athletes in aesthetic sports weighed less (55.2±5.8kg) than athletes in endurance (64.1±11.0kg) and team sports (65.8±8.5kg) (P
Cognitive-behavioral modification of coronary-prone behaviors: Proposal for a treatment model and review of the evidence

The Type A behavior pattern (TABP) has been proposed as a causal risk factor in coronary heart disease (CHD), and Cognitive-Behavioral treatment procedures have been proposed as a means of altering TABP. However, recent research suggests that only one component of TABP, hostility and anger, is the primary pathogenic factor in CHD. We review the research literature addressing the relationship of cognitive dysfunction and TABP and the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and anger expression. We then review the cognitive-behavioral therapy research literature regarding the modification of cognitive dysfunction, TABP and anger expression. While sparse, the research suggests that cognitive-behavioral treatments for anger and hostility hold promise for the treatment of individuals at risk for CHD.
Fully coherent light at 13 nm using quasi phase matching in gas-filled modulated waveguides

We demonstrate the generation of fully spatially coherent EUV light at 13 nm for the first time using high harmonic upconversion. This is a significant improvement over past work.
Empirical Bayes and conditional inference with many nuisance parameters

This paper concerns the use of empirical Bayes methods to improve the efficiency of a parameter of interest, θ, in the presence of many nuisance parameters, {O i }, one from each data stratum. A class of distributions is introduced such that for fixed θ, the minimal sufficient statistic t i (θ) for O i is from an exponential family and hence complete. By imposing the assumption that the O i 's are generated from an unspecified distribution function Q
Association of Body Mass Index With Blood Pressure in Elderly Japanese American Men: The Honolulu Heart Program

Few data are available on the association between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure in elderly individuals, particularly among minority groups. We studied the cross-sectional association of BMI with systolic and diastolic pressures in 1378 Japanese American men 60 to 82 years of age who were participants in the population-based Third Lipoprotein Examination of the Honolulu Heart Program conducted between 1980 and 1982. When the subjects were divided into 5-year age groups, mean BMI decreased linearly with increasing age. Mean systolic pressure rose from 134.8 mm Hg in the first quintile of BMI to 138 in the second and 141.8 in the third quintiles, with levels of 139.2 and 142 in the fourth and fifth quintiles, respectively (test for trend, P =.083). Mean diastolic pressure rose from 78.1 mm Hg in the lowest quintile of BMI to 83.9 in the highest (test for trend, P =.008). We performed multiple regression analysis, controlling for factors known to influence blood pressure values, including age, physical activity index, alcohol intake, current smoking status, and diabetes mellitus. The association between BMI and both systolic and diastolic pressures remained highly statistically significant in these analyses. These results show that obesity and high blood pressure continue to be highly correlated even in old age and suggest that it may be possible to modify rates of hypertension by changes in body weight.
Measuring Socioeconomic Status in Studies of Child Development.

Income is more difficult to measure fully and accurately than occupation. Detailed occupational codes may be mapped into standard socioeconomic scales, and occupational status is related to other variables in much the same way as repeated or long-term measures of income. For these reasons, whether or not an attempt has been made to measure income, the measurement of socioeconomic status may be improved by ascertaining the occupation (and industry) of a job held by 1 or both parents. Income and household composition are preferable to the official poverty line in classifying economic standing, and housing tenure is a simple and powerful measure of economic consumption. Wherever possible, paternal as well as maternal education should be ascertained. However well they are measured, race-ethnicity and socioeconomic status do not capture all of the effects of family background.
Influence of simulated bivalve biodeposition and microphytobenthos on sediment nitrogen dynamics: A laboratory study

Suspension-feeding eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, were once abundant in Chesapeake Bay and may then have exerted top-down control on phytoplankton and also reduced turbidities, thereby increasing light available to benthic plants. Alternatively, oysters may have simply recycled inorganic nutrients rapidly back to the water column, with no long-lasting reduction in phytoplankton biomass resulting from oyster feeding activity. To help distinguish between these scenarios, we explored changes in nitrogen fluxes and denitrification in laboratory incubations of sediment cores held under oxic and anoxic conditions in response to loading by pelletized phytoplankton cells, an experimental analog for oyster feces and pseudofeces. When organics were regenerated under aerobic conditions, typical of those associated with oyster habitat, coupled nitrification‐denitrification was promoted, resulting in denitrification of;20% of the total added nitrogen. In contrast, under anoxic conditions, typical of current summertime conditions in main-stem Chesapeake Bay where phytoplankton is microbially degraded beneath the pycnocline, nitrogen was released solely as ammonium from the added organics. We postulate that denitrification of particulate nitrogen remaining in oyster feces and pseudofeces may enhance nitrogen removal from estuaries. In aerobic incubations with sufficient light (70 mmol m 22 s 21 ), a benthic microalgal/cyanobacterial community grew that not only absorbed the inorganic nitrogen released from the added organics but also fixed N 2. This result suggests that an ecosystem dominated by benthic primary production may develop in shallow waters when reduced turbidity associated with bivalve feeding increases light penetration to a level that can sustain benthic microalgal production.
Attraction of male summerform pear psylla to volatiles from female pear psylla: effects of female age, mating status, and presence of host plant

Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Forster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a pest of pears, Pyrus L. (Rosaceae), throughout North America and western Europe. Previous studies in our laboratory showed that males of the overwintering form (winter morphotype) were attracted to volatile chemicals from pear shoots infested with post-diapause females. The current study shows that males of the summer morphotype also are attracted to volatiles from female-infested host material. Older females (8–10 d old) were significantly more attractive to males than younger (2–5 d old) females. Both virgin and mated females attracted male psylla. Volatiles from female summerforms attracted males even in the absence of host-plant material, and both living and freshly killed females were attractive. Our results indicate that female C. pyricola emit a volatile sex attractant, and the results of the studies further define the life-history conditions in female pear psylla that lead to male attraction.
Antihypertensive therapy during pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Overall, hypertension complicates approximately 10% of pregnancies. The incidence is higher in patients with predisposing factors including nulliparity, multiple gestation, preexisting hypertension or diabetes, a previous pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia-eclampsia, familial history of preeclampsia, hydrops fetalis and rapidly growing hydatidiform moles.
Recovery of aspherical earth structure from observations of normal mode amplitudes

SUMMARY On an aspherical earth, the normal mode amplitude pattern is perturbed by along-branch coupling. In the geometrical optics approximation, the effect of aspherical earth structure on normal mode amplitudes through along-branch coupling is equivalent to a perturbation Φ in the spatial phase of the amplitude pattern. This observable quantity is related to earth structure through a WKBJ phase integral along the source-receiver minor arc. The amplitude pattern is strongly sensitive to odd-degree earth structure and complements the information contained in the frequency shift pattern, which is sensitive to only even-degree structure. We have developed a method to estimate the amplitudes of unresolvably split multiplets from long-period spectra and have applied it to a large number of IDA and GEOSCOPE recordings to obtain a global data set of normal mode amplitudes for spheroidal modes 0S26–0S43. Normal mode amplitude estimation requires that the first surface wave arrival R1 be available in the seismogram, and coherent amplitude patterns have been obtained for 172 data records. The analysis of normal mode amplitudes affords several advantages not shared by surface wave phase velocity analysis or time-domain waveform fitting. Our method allows the estimation of errors in the model and the ability to cull away modes in the frequency domain, and it makes use of the information contained in the entire seismogram. In addition, our method makes no assumptions concerning the spectral shape of isolated multiplets in the frequency domain. The small data set employed here is only a fraction of the size of previous global data sets, but has the advantage that fewer assumptions are built in to the theory on which the structure inversion is based. Several factors, including uncertainty in the moment tensor scaling and focusing and defocusing effects, prohibit recovery of Φ for individual multiplets and limit us to the recovery of the average Φ over the mode band l= 26–43, for each source-receiver pair. Through a preferential weighting of subsets of this mode band, we may obtain estimates of Φ within narrower mode bands centred, respectively, on l= 31, l= 34, and l= 37. Least squares inversion of Φ within the various mode bands, utilizing approximately 100 source-receiver pairs, yields the geographic distribution of local eigenfrequency perturbation δωlocal(θ, φ) in a truncated spherical harmonic expansion. Inversion is first performed for the best fitting degree-6 earth model using all available modes within the band l= 26-43 with equal weight. The degree-6 earth model is obtained by inverting for degrees 1, 3, and 5 with degrees 2, 4 and 6 fixed according to published results from the frequency studies. Narrower band inversions are performed within l= 26-36, l= 29–39, and l= 31–43. Comparison with model M84A shows that the odd degree-1 and 3 components of aspherical earth structure may be reproduced from the amplitude data set. The degree-5 structure differs significantly from that of model M84A.
Identification of contaminant sources in enclosed spaces by a single sensor

To protect occupants from infectious diseases or possible chemical/biological agents released by a terrorist in an enclosed space, such as an airliner cabin, it is critical to identify gaseous contaminant source locations and strengths. This paper identified the source locations and strengths by solving inverse contaminant transport with the quasi-reversibility (QR) and pseudo-reversibility (PR) methods. The QR method replaces the second-order diffusion term in the contaminant transport equation with a fourth-order stabilization term. By using the airflow pattern calculated by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the time when the peak contaminant concentration was measured by a sensor in downstream, the QR method solves the backward probability density function (PDF) of contaminant source location. The PR method reverses the airflow calculated by CFD and solves the PDF in the same manner as the QR method. The position with the highest PDF is the location of the contaminant source. The source strength can be further determined by scaling the nominal contaminant concentration computed by CFD with the concentration measured by the sensor. By using a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional aircraft cabin as examples of enclosed spaces, the two methods can identify contaminant source locations and strengths in the cabins if the sensors are placed in the downstream location of the sources. The QR method performed slightly better than the PR method but with a longer computing time.
The epidemiology of injury in the Republic of Lithuania

Aims: The overall goal of this paper is to highlight the epidemiology of injury in Lithuania between 1998 and 2006. Such a situation analysis will inform the important dialogue happening in Lithuan...
The variable efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone acetonide for cystoid macular edema due to radiation retinopathy.

AbstractBackground: Both intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone have been shown to be effective in treating macular edema secondary to VEGF-mediated disease. The purpose of this study is to describe the variable effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) in the treatment of macular edema secondary to radiation retinopathy. Methods: Retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series. Charts of five patients with macular edema due to radiation retinopathy who received IVB with subsequent IVTA were reviewed. Clinical examination, Snellen visual acuity (VA), and central macular thickness (CMT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were examined. Main outcome measures included VA and CMT. Results: Of the five patients reviewed, patient 1 demonstrated complete resolution of macular edema both clinically and by OCT with IVB after the first two injections with a decrease in CMT to 243 and 284 µm from a baseline CMT of 340 µm. However, response diminished following succe...
Existing cardiomyocytes generate cardiomyocytes at a low rate after birth in mice.

The mammalian heart has long been considered a postmitotic organ, implying that the total number of cardiomyocytes is set at birth. Analysis of cell division in the mammalian heart is complicated by cardiomyocyte binucleation shortly after birth, which makes it challenging to interpret traditional assays of cell turnover [Laflamme MA, Murray CE (2011) Nature 473(7347):326–335; Bergmann O, et al. (2009) Science 324(5923):98–102]. An elegant multi-isotope imaging-mass spectrometry technique recently calculated the low, discrete rate of cardiomyocyte generation in mice [Senyo SE, et al. (2013) Nature 493(7432):433–436], yet our cellular-level understanding of postnatal cardiomyogenesis remains limited. Herein, we provide a new line of evidence for the differentiated α-myosin heavy chain-expressing cardiomyocyte as the cell of origin of postnatal cardiomyogenesis using the “mosaic analysis with double markers” mouse model. We show limited, life-long, symmetric division of cardiomyocytes as a rare event that is evident in utero but significantly diminishes after the first month of life in mice; daughter cardiomyocytes divide very seldom, which this study is the first to demonstrate, to our knowledge. Furthermore, ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, which causes a myocardial infarction in the mosaic analysis with double-marker mice, did not increase the rate of cardiomyocyte division above the basal level for up to 4 wk after the injury. The clonal analysis described here provides direct evidence of postnatal mammalian cardiomyogenesis.
On n-contractive and n-hypercontractive Operators

We consider in this paper the classes of n-hypercontractive Hilbert space operators, primarily weighted shifts, and obtain results for back step extensions of recursively generated subnormal weighted shifts and for perturbations in the first weight of the Bergman shift. We compare the results with those for the classes of k-hyponormal operators, and recapture, by an n-hypercontractive approach, a subnormality result originally proved in the k-hyponormal context.
Small Disturbance Boundary Condition Simulating Interaction Between Upstream Disturbances and Axial Compressor

New small disturbance compressor face boundary condition that models the unsteady interactions of acoustic disturbances with an axial compressor is presented. The new small disturbance boundary condition is formulated to correct the deficiencies associated with the Paynter small disturbance model. This boundary condition is implemented in onedimensional and axisymmetric turbulent flow models of the inlet/compressor experiment at the University of Cincinnati. Acoustic reflections from the compressor face boundary conditions are compared against the measured experimental reflection characteristics of the axial compressor. The performance of the boundary conditions is also compared against existing boundary conditions such as the Paynter small disturbance boundary condition. These comparisons show that the new small disturbance boundary condition provides the best accuracy in terms of the prediction of the reflected disturbance from the interaction of an acoustic disturbance with a compressor.
Reconstruction methods for quantitative brain SPECT

The reconstruction methods currently available for use in quantitative brain SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) imaging were studied. The conventional reconstruction methods are based on the filtered backprojection algorithm. Assuming uniform attenuation, the Chang algorithm is effective in attenuation compensation. The collimator response can be compensated for by a restoration filter with an average collimator response function. Scatter compensation can be achieved by the dual window subtraction method or by incorporating an average scatter response function in the restoration filter. The dual window subtraction method is an approximate but efficient means of providing projection data which are compensated for scatter. The iteration reconstruction method can be applied to these data for addition compensation for attenuation and the spatially variant collimator response. The latter is accomplished by incorporating the exact model of attenuation and detector response function in the projector/backprojector of the iterative algorithm. A 3-D brain phantom was used in the evaluation study. The images obtained from various reconstruction methods were compared for quantitative accuracy with respect to the known 3-D phantom activity distribution. >
What to do About Business Cycles

This is my third and last lecture on “Schumpeterian Themes in the Modem Welfare Economics of Production”. The previous two, one on the role of the entrepreneur and one on monopoly and innovation, were on microeconomic themes. Today, I shall discuss business cycles, which seems to be trespassing on macroeconomists’ territory, where up to now I have generally feared to tread throughout my academic career. Schumpeter, however, leads me on.
The FarField Integrals, Reciprocity, Directivity

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Electrostatics and Magnetostatics in Free Space The Introduction of Dielectric, Magnetic, and Conductive Materials Time-Varying Fields The Retarded Potential Functions Poynting's Theorem The Stratton-Chu Solution Conditions at Infinity Field Values in the Excluded Regions The Retarded Potential Functions: Reprise The Far Field: Type I Antennas The Schelkunoff Equivalence Principle The Far Field: Type II Antennas The Reciprocity Theorem Equivalence of the Transmitting and Receiving Patterns of an Antenna Directivity and Gain Receiving Cross Section Polarization of the Electric Field This chapter contains sections titled: References Problems ]]>
Arthritis After Joint Injury: The Military Experience

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition affecting thousands of Americans. The age-associated incidence of arthritis is higher for those serving in the US military compared to the civilian population. Arthritis, both degenerative and post-traumatic, has long been recognized as a primary source of disability for individuals medically discharged from active duty military service. For past and current war veterans, arthritis is among the top causes of medical disability. Given the characteristics and frequency of extremity injuries sustained in recent military conflicts, a majority of arthritis-related disabilities following combat injury are post-traumatic in nature. Because of rigorous physical demands of military training and occupations even outside of combat, the rate of sports-type injuries is higher in the military versus the civilian population. Both combat and noncombat physical demands contribute to the post-traumatic arthritis risk for active duty military personnel and affect the ability of wounded service members to continue active duty service.
Polarizable molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous dipeptides.

Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for concentrated aqueous solutions of three dipeptides: Gly-Ala, Gly-Pro, and Ala-Pro. The simulations were performed using both polarizable and nonpolarizable force fields, as a method of assessing the effects of polarization in a well-characterized biomolecular system, and to determine whether the models are adequate to reproduce observed aggregation behavior. The structure and dynamics of both solute and solvent were analyzed and the results compared to experiment, including neutron diffraction measurements of peptide aggregation. The polarizable water is depolarized in concentrated peptide solutions, reflecting its ability to adapt to heterogeneous electrostatic environments. Significant differences between the polarizable and nonpolarizable models are found in terms of both the structure and the dynamics of water as a solvent. Although the water shows more realistic structure and dynamics in the polarizable simulations, consistent with enhanced peptide–...