cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State and National Estimates of Insurance Coverage and Health Care Utilization for Adolescents with Chronic Conditions from the National Survey of Children's Health, 2003

Abstract Purpose To examine health and insurance characteristics of adolescents with special health care needs (ASHCN), at state and federal levels. Methods We used the National Survey of Children's Health 2003, a nationally representative sample of children in the United States, to study adolescents 14–17 years of age. We present descriptive statistics and regression analyses of adolescents with and without special health care needs, regarding measures of health care use and insurance coverage. Results Approximately 22% of adolescents 14–17 years old have a special health care need. On average, ASHCN have one more annual office visit per year than their non-SHCN peers ( p p p 100% FPL range from 3.2% to 37.5%. Conclusions One in six ASHCN currently has public coverage with household income that would make them ineligible by income criteria for continuing public coverage as adults. It is imperative to examine insurance continuity and corresponding health outcomes for ASHCN as they transition from child to adult health care settings, and to evaluate options for policy interventions that can sustain health care coverage for this vulnerable population.
Higher activity of polymorphic NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase in liver cytosols from blacks compared to whites.

Abstract In human liver, the two-electron reduction of quinone compounds, such as menadione is catalyzed by cytosolic carbonyl reductase (CBR) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) activities. We assessed the relative contributions of CBR and NQO1 activities to the total menadione reducing capacity in liver cytosols from black (n = 31) and white donors (n = 63). Maximal menadione reductase activities did not differ between black (13.0 ± 5.0 nmol/min mg), and white donors (11.4 ± 6.6 nmol/min mg; p = 0.208). In addition, both groups presented similar levels of CBR activities (CBRblacks = 10.9 ± 4.1 nmol/min mg) versus CBRwhites = 10.5 ± 5.8 nmol/min mg; p = 0.708). In contrast, blacks showed higher NQO1 activities (two-fold) than whites (NQO1blacks = 2.1 ± 3.0 nmol/min mg versus NQO1whites = 0.9 ± 1.6 nmol/min mg, p
EFFICACY OF QUINALDINE AND MS‐222 ON AMERICAN EEL

Quinaldine and tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) were tested on glass eel and elver stages of American eel (Anguilla rostrata) over periods of 24 and 48 hours at 22 to 22.5°C in soft, reconstituted fresh water. Three concentrations of each anesthetic were tested with 10 eels/ treatment. At the end of the testing period the eels were placed in fresh water and their recovery times noted. MS-222 was tested at concentrations of 35, 45, and 55 ppm with glass eels. Glass eels in 45 ppm reached stage II within 22 min and remained in this condition throughout the tests. Recovery time for both the 24 and 48-hour tests was immediate. Two eels in 55 ppm died during the 24-hour tests and 5 eels died during the 48-hour test. Concentrations used with elvers were 40, 50, and 55 ppm. Elvers in 55 ppm reached stage II within 30 min. At 24 hours 4 eels remained in stage II condition and one had died. The survivors recovered immediately. At 40 hours 2 eels remained in stage II condition and one had died. The survivors recovered immediately. Quinaldine was tested at concentrations of 15, 20, and 25 ppm with glass eels. These concentrations anesthetized the glass eels to stage II condition within 16 min but were fatal to all eels within 12 hours. Concentrations used with elvers were 8, 10, and 12 ppm. Five elvers in 12 ppm reached stage II within 50 min and at 12 hours all elvers were in stage II condition. At 24 hours 4 elvers were in stage II condition and had a 5 min 20 sec recovery time. This concentration was fatal to all eels within 48 hours.
Brain Na+,K+-ATPase: alteration of ligand affinities and conformation by chronic ethanol and noradrenergic stimulation in vivo.

: These experiments examined effects of chronic ethanol, repeated noradrenergic stimulation or inhibition, and ethanol combined with the noradrenergic treatments on regulation of Na+, K+ -ATPase. Chronic treatment with ethanol reduced the sensitivity of K+-p-nitrophenyl-phosphatase to ethanol, increased affinity for K+, reduced the sensitivity of K+ affinity to ATP or ethanol, and reduced ΔH and ΔS for K+ activation and for the E1–E2 transition. These effects were all opposite to those of ethanol added in vitro. Treatment with yohimbine had the opposite effects on ethanol sensitivity, K+ affinity, K+ interactions with ethanol and ATP, and thermodynamic parameters for cation activation or conformational change. These effects were similar to those of norepinephrine in vitro. The effects of yohimbine treatment were eliminated or reduced in rats also treated with ethanol. Depletion of norepinephrine had effects opposite to those of yohimbine. These data are consistent with a reduction in membrane fluidity, at least in the vicinity of Na+, K+-ATPase, during ethanol tolerance. Exposure to norepinephrine, in vitro or in vivo, had effects on Na+, K+-ATPase that were similar to those of increased membrane fluidity. Key Words: Na+, K+-ATPase—Ethanol—Norepinephrine—Membrane effects—Ethanol tolerance—Yohimbine. Swann A. C. Brain Na+, K+ -ATPase: Alteration of ligand affinities and conformation by chronic ethanol and noradrenergic stimulation in vivo. J. Neurochem. 47, 707–714 (1986).
Decreased incidence of mycorrhizal root tips associated with soil heavy-metal enrichment

Mycorrhizal incidence was studied at two forested locations in south-central Virgina. At each location, one site with soil naturally enriched in copper, lead and zinc was designated as mineralized, and an adjacent site, with significantly lower levels of these metals, was used as a control. A total of 223 soil samples were collected during the summer of 1984 and assayed for active mycorrhizal tips. A reduced active mycorrhizal root tip count was found in those samples collected from the mineralized sites at both locations (P≤0.001).
Heparin binding to antithrombin III: Variation in binding sites and affinity

Abstract Heparin fractions of different molecular weights and anticoagulant activities were prepared by chromatography on protamine-Sepharose, and the association constants and stoichiometry for binding to antithrombin III were determined by measurement of enhancement of tryptophan fluorescence. A 7,900 molecular weight heparin preparation bound to antithrombin III with a stoichiometry of close to 2:1, whereas 14,300 and 21,600 molecular weight fractions bound at approximately 1:1 with the protein. Apparent association constants were 0.66 × 10 6 M −1 for the low molecular weight preparation and 2.89 × 10 6 M −1 for the high molecular weight material. Maximal fluorescence enhancement was greater with the higher molecular weight heparin. These results suggest a model of heparin-antithrombin III binding in which two sites on antithrombin III can accommodate one large heparin molecule with high affinity or two smaller molecules with low affinity.
Racial Background and Lidocaine Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of lidocaine were investigated in 17 healthy young adult volunteers seven Caucasians, five Orientals, and five Blacks). With the assumption of a one-compartment open model and linear pharmacokinetics, analysis of the data determined that there were no significant differences in the volume of distribution, clearance, elimination half-life, and serum protein binding of lidocaine among these racial groups. Our finding that lidocaine clearance and protein binding are not significantly different in young adult Caucasians and Orientals is consistent with our previous hypothesis that drugs metabolized in the body by N-dealkylation (lidocaine and diphenhydramine) area cleared at similar rates in young adult Caucasians and Orientals when protein binding is taken into account.
Reflecting on Reflecting on Practice.

This chapter discusses three broad themes—reflection, power, and negotiation—that are evidenced in all of the practitioner chapters.
Cross-Neutralizing Antibodies to Pandemic 2009 H1N1 and Recent Seasonal H1N1 Influenza A Strains Influenced by a Mutation in Hemagglutinin Subunit 2

Pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus (2009 H1N1) differs from H1N1 strains that circulated in the past 50 years, but resembles the A/New Jersey/1976 H1N1 strain used in the 1976 swine influenza vaccine. We investigated whether sera from persons immunized with the 1976 swine influenza or recent seasonal influenza vaccines, or both, neutralize 2009 H1N1. Using retroviral pseudovirions bearing hemagglutinins on their surface (HA-pseudotypes), we found that 77% of the sera collected in 1976 after immunization with the A/New Jersey/1976 H1N1 swine influenza vaccine neutralized 2009 H1N1. Forty five percent also neutralized A/New Caledonia/20/1999 H1N1, a strain used in seasonal influenza vaccines during the 2000/01-2006/07 seasons. Among adults aged 48-64 who received the swine influenza vaccine in 1976 and recent seasonal influenza vaccines during the 2004/05-2008/09 seasons, 83% had sera that neutralized 2009 H1N1. However, 68% of age-matched subjects who received the same seasonal influenza vaccines, but did not receive the 1976 swine influenza vaccine, also had sera that neutralized 2009 H1N1. Sera from both 1976 and contemporary cohorts frequently had cross-neutralizing antibodies to 2009 H1N1 and A/New Caledonia/20/1999 that mapped to hemagglutinin subunit 2 (HA2). A conservative mutation in HA2 corresponding to a residue in the A/Solomon Islands/3/2006 and A/Brisbane/59/2007 H1N1 strains that circulated in the 2006/07 and 2007/08 influenza seasons, respectively, abrogated this neutralization. These findings highlight a cross-neutralization determinant influenced by a point mutation in HA2 and suggest that HA2 may be evolving under direct or indirect immune pressure.
Confused by domestication: incongruent behavioral responses of the sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) and its parasitoid, Dolichogenidea homoeosomae (Hymenoptera : Braconidae), towards wild and domesticated sunflowers

Abstract Due to domestication, agricultural plants and their wild ancestors encompass a wide range of variation, which is useful for identifying promising plant attributes that promote parasitoid activity. We examined the behavioral responses of the sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum Hulst and its major parasitoid, Dolichogenidea homoeosomae Muesebeck to agricultural and wild sunflowers. We found that female moths preferred to land on, and lay more eggs on agricultural plants. While female parasitoids preferred to land on infested agricultural sunflowers, they foraged poorly on them. Parasitoids spent 74% more time foraging on wild flowers than on agricultural flowers, and they probed for a significantly longer period of time for host larvae on wild flowers. As a result, each individual female parasitized 25.7% ± 0.06 more larvae on wild flowers than on agricultural flowers with the same larval density. Also, parasitoids probed for hosts four times longer on wild flowers than on agricultural flowers, while resulting parasitism levels were 19 times higher, indicating that parasitoids were more efficient on wild flowers. Agricultural flowers are about four times larger than wild flowers, and the increase in flower size correlated with higher moth oviposition but lower parasitoid efficiency. Our results show that changes to plant attributes through domestication can disrupt host–parasitoid interactions and limit the ability of parasitoids to control insect pests effectively.
Complexities in the Treatment of Autoimmune Disease

Excitement has been high in the immunological community, as animal and human studies have suggested that autoimmune diseases can be prevented or inhibited by treatment with the offending endogenous antigen. But two cautionary reports in Science ([p. 2054][1] and [p. 1707][2]) indicate that under some circumstances oral or parental treatment with antigen can exacerbate the autoimmune attack. In his Perspective, McFarland summarizes these new results and explains the great complexity of the immune system that they imply. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.274.5295.2054 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.274.5293.1707
Hysteresis and multistable behaviour in a polarisation self-modulated external ring cavity semiconductor laser

The polarisation self-modulated laser exhibits various ‘polarisation modes’ which can be switched among themselves by varying the applied voltage of the intra-cavity electro-optic waveplate. Strong hysteresis tendencies are displayed in this switching behaviour and multistability has been observed. Switching among the modes can also be simply initiated by perturbing the diode laser with short current pulses.
Aortic Subannular Left Ventricular Aneurysm: A Rare and Surgically Correctable Cause of Angina

Aortic subannular left ventricular aneurysm is a rare form of cardiac pathology. We report a case, including noninvasive and intraoperative imaging, of this entity in a young woman presenting with angina. The patient underwent successful surgical repair and is now asymptomatic.
Tissue expansion : a reconstructive revolution or a cornucopia of complications?

“Is it a revolt?” inquired Louis XVI, just 200 years ago. “No, Sire; it is a revolution” replied the Due de la Rochefoucauld-Liancourt. Inability to recognise a revolution cost King Louis his head. It has always been the mark of a statesman to be able to recognise a revolutionary situation from within its evolving vortex. This also holds true for a surgeon. Whereas the political revolution may neither be inevitable nor have a profound impact on future generations, it is the industrial revolution, derived from the practical applications of science, that shapes the lives of so many of the human race. The twentieth century has seen developments in medical science and technology which, as a source of public interest, now displace the ceaseless advances in engineering that facilitate them. Peoples of the affluent countries, spared of repression, hunger and uncontrolled infection, turn increasingly to the medical profession for newer and more complete answers to their individual problems. Criteria for success have changed. In the Western World, a doubling of national medical expenditure may now have a zero or marginal effect on life expectancy. Plastic surgery is concerned with, above all, the correction and restoration of form. Political revolutionaries, as their heirs in Eastern Europe must now painfully recognise, are by no means offered “the blank sheet of infinite possibility”. This was an observation by Professor Michael Oakshott in his famous essay on political education, but is the possibility to be more of a reality for us, backed by science and encouraged by public demand? For thousands of years it must have been apparent to many that the solution for a particular defect or unsightly anomaly might be surgical, although such an intervention would never be made. The recent developments in tissue expansion are best seen in the context of the history of the specialty. Punitive rhinectomy in India was practised for so long and on so many victims, leading to so
Protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes XII: Requirement of mRNA (AUG codon) for Met-tRNAfMet binding to 40S ribosomes

Summary A Millipore filtration assay method has been developed for studies of codon directed Met-tRNAfMet binding to 40S ribosomes. Under the assay conditions, the stimulation of Met-tRNAfMet binding to Millipore filters by added 40S ribosomes is strongly dependent on the presence of AUG codon, and partially purified peptide chain initiation factors. Crude 0.5 M KC1 ribosomal wash is inactive in catalyzing this binding reaction due to the presence of an inhibitor in this preparation.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a cookie in comparison with time-lapse photographic analysis (TLPA) during baking process

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been used to study the baking of a cookie. The structural and dynamic changes occurring during baking have been monitored, including changes in the internal moisture saturations and distribution. The images reveal the moisture distribution is initially uniform, and during baking a gradient in moisture develops from the interior to the edge. Changes in physical dimensions calculated from the data are consistent with those obtained from time-lapsed photography.
A Unified Approach to Model-Reference Adaptive Systems Part II: Application of Conventional Design Techniques

The use of linearized error equations in the design of model-reference adaptive systems developed by Part I is illustrated. Using standard control specifications on the system error (e.g., percent overshoot, rise time, etc.), a set of desired root locations on the root loci can be obtained. Then constants in the adaptive scheme can be chosen to obtain the desired root locations. Simulation results are given to illustrate the validity of the linearized error characteristic equation design procedure.
Design Your Future: Technology Literacy Competency Recommendations for K-12 Education:

Given the growing movement for restructuring schools, educators' responsibilities have increased with the ever-changing technological advancements of society; however, one of the concerns most ofte...
Contrasting behavioral effects of acute nicotine and chronic smoking in detoxified alcoholics.

Background Current literature suggests that acute nicotine administration provides a compensatory mechanism by which alcoholics might alleviate attentional deficits. In contrast, chronic smoking is increasingly recognized as negatively affecting neurobehavioral integrity. These opposing effects have not been simultaneously examined. Thus, we sought to a) extend previous work by exploring the effects of acute nicotine effects on vigilance components of attention and replicate previous findings suggesting that treatment-seeking alcoholics experience benefit to a greater extent than do other groups; and b) to examine the impact of chronic smoking on these tasks and across subgroups.
Variation in the documentation of findings in pediatric voiding cystourethrogram.

Few standards exist for reporting results of voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). To assess the variation in reporting of VCUG findings from different facilities using a standardized assessment tool. VCUG reports were evaluated for demographic, technical, anatomical and functional information. Reports were categorized by age, gender, indication and vesicouretal reflux (VUR) status. Institutions were classified as a free-standing pediatric hospital (n = 3), pediatric hospital within a hospital (n = 11), or non-pediatric facility (n = 24) and reports were classified as having been read by a pediatric radiologist or not. Each category of outside reports (n = 152) was randomly matched with a twice-larger group of Hospital A reports from the same category (n = 304). Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the association between the primary outcome (percentage of items described in dictated VCUG report) and the type of radiologist and institution. Of the 456 studies, 66% were in girls, 56% were in those <12 months old, and the indication was urinary tract infection (UTI) in 81%. The mean percentage of items reported was 67 ± 14% (74 ± 7% at free-standing pediatric hospitals, 61 ± 10% at pediatric hospitals within a hospital, and 48 ± 11% at non-pediatric facilities). In multivariate analysis, VCUG reports generated at non-pediatric facilities had 17% fewer items included (95% CI: 14.5–19.7%, P < 0.0001), and pediatric hospitals within a hospital had 9% fewer items included (5.9–12.5%, P < 0.0001) when compared to free-standing pediatric hospitals. Reports read by a pediatric radiologist had 12% more items included (9.1–15.3%, P < 0.0001) compared to those read by a non-pediatric radiologist. More complete VCUG reports were observed when generated at free-standing pediatric hospitals and when interpreted by a pediatric radiologist.
Molecular characterization of HLA-A28 * , a novel HLA product, and its relationship to HLA-A28 and HLA-A2

The HLA-A28* molecule expressed by the B-cell line IDF is serologically distinct and intermediate between HLA-A28 and HLA-A2. Comparative tryptic peptide mapping of biosynthetically labeled HLA-A28*, A28, and A2 molecules showed that HLA-A28* is also chemically distinct. Reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatographic analysis of tryptic peptides labeled with 3H-arginine and 3H-lysine revealed that A28*. A28, and A2 share ∼ 65% of their tryptic peptides. Multiple differences were observed between A28* and both A28 and A2. No peptides unique to A28* were detected and 25 peptides were shared with both A28 and A2. These results show that A28* is a novel HLA product that is closely related to A28 and A2. Tryptic peptide map comparisons of these molecules labeled separately with 11 amino acids confirm these results. The data suggest that HLA-A28 * may have arisen from a genetic exchange event involving HLA-A28 and -A2. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that A28* is identical with A28 in the first extracellular domain (α 1) and identical with A2 in the second domain (α 2).
Role modeling humanistic behavior: learning bedside manner from the experts.

Purpose Humanistic care is regarded as important by patients and professional accrediting agencies, but little is known about how attitudes and behaviors in this domain are taught in clinical settings. To answer this question, the authors studied how excellent clinical teachers impart the behaviors and attitudes consistent with humanistic care to their learners. Method Using an observational, qualitative methodology, the authors studied 12 clinical faculty identified by the medical residents enrolled from 2003 to 2004 as excellent teachers of humanistic care on the inpatient medical services at four medical universities in the United States (University of Minnesota Medical School, Emory University, University of Rochester School of Medicine, and Baylor College of Medicine). Observations were conducted by the authors using standardized field notes. After each encounter, the authors debriefed patients, learners (residents and medical students), and the teaching physicians in semistructured interviews. Results Clinical teachers taught primarily by role modeling. Although they were highly aware of their significance as role models, they did not typically address the human dimensions of care overtly. Despite the common themes of role modeling identified, each clinical teacher exhibited unique teaching strategies. These clinical teachers identified self-reflection as the primary method by which they developed and refined their teaching strategies. Conclusions Role modeling is the primary method by which excellent clinical teachers try to teach medical residents humanistic aspects of medical care. Although clinical teachers develop unique teaching styles and strategies, common themes are shared and could be used for the future development of clinical faculty.
Animal model that mimics atherosclerotic plaque rupture

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the main cause of coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarcts. Currently, there is no animal model of plaque disruption. We have developed a rabbit model in which an atherosclerotic plaque can be ruptured at will after an inflatable balloon becomes embedded into the plaque. Furthermore, the pressure needed to inflate the plaque-covered balloon may be an index of overall plaque mechanical strength. The thoracic aorta of hypercholesterolemic rabbits underwent mechanical removal of endothelial cells, and then a specially designed balloon catheter was introduced into the lumen of the thoracic aorta. As early as 1 month after catheter placement, atherosclerotic plaque formed around the indwelling balloon. The plaques were reminiscent of human atherosclerotic lesions, in terms of cellular composition, patterns of lipid accumulation, and growth characteristics. Intraplaque balloons were inflated both ex vivo and in vivo, leading to plaque fissuring. The ex vivo strategy is designed to measure the mechanical strength of the surrounding plaque, while the in vivo scenario permits an analysis of the plaque rupture consequences, eg, thrombosis. In addition, our model allows local delivery of various substances into the plaque. The model can be used to study the pathogenesis of plaque instability and to design plaque stabilization therapy.
Evidence of singularities in radiosonde data for Rapid City, South Dakota

A search for singularities in the weather at Rapid City, South Dakota is described. It differs from previous investigations of singularities in two respects : (i) the use of pressure and temperature data from radiosondes, and (ii), the application of analysis-of-variance techniques to departures of weekly means from fitted annual trends. These analyses lead to the rejection of the hypothesis that there are no weekly singularities in the climatic elements studied. The singularities are tentatively ascribed to week-to-week variations in the probability of Arctic outbreaks into the Great Plains region.
An epidemiologic study of the nephrotic syndrome.

Abstract Epidemiologic methods were used for a survey of nephrotic children admitted to the hospitals in the Greater Buffalo area. The incidence was found to be 2.1 cases per 100,000 children 0 through 9 years old per year. A higher incidence was found among nonwhite children. The sex ratio of nephrotic children living inside the city limits was very significantly different from that of nephrotic children living outside the city limits. On the basis of this study, a disease-producing factor is suspected in the patients' environment to which boys between 1 and 2 years old are exposed more often than girls who live within the city of Buffalo, while boys and girls are exposed equally often when they live in the suburbs or smaller towns.
Stability‐suppression of turbulence as indicated by diurnal change of velocity‐profile over smooth ground

The typical diurnal oscillation of velocity-profile, such a s shown in Figure 1, indicates by reduced velocity at night that there is greater resistance to air-flow near the ground because of thermal stability. Above 14 feet, however, the velocity gradients at night (as shown in Table 2) exceed the daytime magnitudes. This, in the case of unchanged shear-stress distribution, would indicate a nocturnal decrease in resistance to air-flow in a region a short distance above the ground. When the gradients are corrected for buoyancy-stability the indicated decrease in resistance is even greater.
The Role of Treatment for Anemia as a Therapeutic Target in the Management of Chronic Heart Failure: Insights After RED-HF

Anemia is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and appears to be closely linked with HF prognosis. A variety of mechanisms have been implicated in the association between anemia and HF, and treatment of anemia as a therapeutic target in HF patients is gaining increased attention. Recently large randomized controlled trials of erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESA) and intravenous iron supplementation therapy have been completed and shed light on treatment of anemia in HF patients. ESA therapy did not show improvement in clinical outcomes, but intravenous iron supplementation may be of benefit in improving HF symptoms. Anemia has been commonly reported in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and its prevalence appears to be closely linked with the severity of HF. Furthermore, the presence of anemia in patients with HF has been consistently associated with poor prognosis. Despite an increasing number of studies evaluating the relationship between HF and anemia, the answer to whether anemia is simply a marker or a mediator of poor prognosis in HF patients remains uncertain. One approach to this pivotal question has been to investigate treatment for anemia as a therapeutic target in HF.
Gradient-drift instability of nighttime mid-latitude Es-layers

Abstract We have previously reported observations (Tanaka and Venkateswaran, 1982a,b) which suggest that nighttime E-region irregularities in mid-latitudes are often associated with Es-layers and might arise as a consequence of the cross-field or gradient-drift instability below the layer peak. In this paper we investigate how the ambient ionospheric electric field, the vertical shear (which is assumed to be linear) of the east-west component and the vertical velocity (which is assumed to be constant) of the wind or neutral air motion control the location of the instability, and the apparent drift velocity of the resulting irregularities measurable by ground-based radar.
The story of Sr2RuO4

Abstract This article reports on the experiments performed in the Sr–Ru–O system, the motivation behind them and their impact on basic research and device applications. It refers to the time from 1987 to 2003, with emphasis on the occurrences before the discovery of superconductivity in Sr 2 RuO 4 in 1994. Apart from the title compound Sr 2 RuO 4 itself and related ruthenates, it touches on many different topics like titanates, ferrates, high- T c superconducting cuprates, crystal growth by floating zone melting and thin films as well as fundamental and applied research.
Effects of growth hormone and IGF-I on glomerular ultrafiltration in growth hormone-deficient rats

Abstract In growth hormone deficient states glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow rate (RPF) are both reduced. Studies were performed in growth hormone deficient rats to delineate the physiologic mechanisms by which growth hormone and IGF-I contribute to the regulation of glomerular function. Growth hormone deficient dw/dw rats received, for one week, subcutaneous infusions of vehicle, des(1–3)IGF-I or were injected i.m. with recombinant human growth hormone. Subsequent renal micropuncture and clearance studies revealed a low GFR and single nephron GFR (SNGFR) in vehicle treated growth hormone deficient animals. Glomerular function became normal with growth hormone or IGF-I treatment, respectively. Both treatments raised SNGFR by reducing arteriolar resistance and increasing the glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient. Furthermore, the two treatments also increased the glomerular tuft volume and the kidney weight which may contribute to the rise in SNGFR and GFR. It is concluded that, (1) in growth hormone deficiency glomerular function is reduced secondary to a high renal arteriolar resistance and a low ultrafiltration coefficient. Both result from a lack in IGF-I rather than the growth hormone deficiency state per se. (2) The growth hormone-IGF-I axis may contribute to the maintenance and physiologic regulation of GFR.
The Use of the Yeast Two Hybrid System to Evaluate ErbB-3 Interactions with SH2 Domain Containing Proteins

Several mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of ErbB-3 have been postulated to render this enzyme catalytically inactive. To test which amino acid mutations in ErbB-3 might be critical for kinase inactivation, we used a yeast two hybrid assay of protein-protein interaction. We monitored restoration of ErbB-3 kinase activity by investigating the ability of wild type or mutant ErbB-3 to associate with the SH2 containing proteins Syp and Phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI3K). Our results demonstrate that changing individual amino acids to tyrosine kinase consensus sequences did not increase the interaction of ErbB-3 with Syp or PI3K. Mutation of the consensus Asp832 of rat ErbB-3 to Asn observed in human and bovine ErbB-3 significantly increased the interaction of ErbB-3 and Syp and PI3K 11 or 26 fold respectively. A double mutant (Asp832Asn, Asp757 His) exhibited a 96 or 350 fold increase in the ability to bind PI3K and Syp.
Evaluating the road‐effect zone on wildlife distribution in a rural landscape

The road-effect zone is the area in which ecological effects extend outward from a road. Dispersed off-highway vehicle (OHV; e.g., four-wheelers and snowmachines) activity on rural road networks creates a disturbance that reduces the effective amount of wildlife habitat and therefore has the potential for an extensive road-effect zone. Consequently, land managers must consider the trade-offs between rural road development and the conservation of habitat for species of concern. We conducted a spatially-explicit study of moose, Alces alces, occurrence in relation to rural roads and OHV routes in rural Alaska, U.S.A. We used logistic regression and AIC model selection criterion to develop resource selection functions (RSFs) for male and female moose at three spatial scales (250 m, 500 m, and 1000 m) in two seasons (summer and fall). To evaluate an ecological disturbance threshold from increasing route activity on the probability of animal occurrence, the RSFs were plotted against an index of route activity d...
Studies in the Neurophysiology of Learning: X. Phase Coherence of Brain Potentials as Index of Alertness and Orienting Response in the Rat

With use of electrical potentials derived from chronically implanted electrodes in the rat's forebrain to trigger a computer of average transients (CAT), averaged traces were obtained which gave characteristic undulations under conditions of arousal and alertness (N = seven albino rats--six male and one female). Under conditions of extreme adaptation to the environmental condition, the averaged undulations disappeared. The undulations were characterized by a period of 125-150 milliseconds and occurred in trains of .3-.5 second. The parameters of the waves were constant for a variety of novel environmental conditions, but the waves vanished in those conditions that appeared to greatly stress or terrify the rat. The undulations so obtained were conditionable to initially neutral stimuli in both the forward and backward directions.
Wnt-mediated axon guidance via the Drosophila Derailed receptor

In nervous systems with bilateral symmetry, many neurons project axons across the midline to the opposite side. In each segment of the Drosophila embryonic nervous system, axons that display this projection pattern choose one of two distinct tracts: the anterior or posterior commissure. Commissure choice is controlled by Derailed, an atypical receptor tyrosine kinase expressed on axons projecting in the anterior commissure. Here we show that Derailed keeps these axons out of the posterior commissure by acting as a receptor for Wnt5, a member of the Wnt family of secreted signalling molecules. Our results reveal an unexpected role in axon guidance for a Wnt family member, and show that the Derailed receptor is an essential component of Wnt signalling in these guidance events.
Axigluons cannot explain the observed top quark forward-backward asymmetry

We study an $SU(3{)}^{2}$ axigluon model introduced by Frampton, Shu, and Wang [Phys. Lett. B 683, 294 (2010)] to explain the recent Fermilab Tevatron observation of a significant positive enhancement in the top quark forward-backward asymmetry relative to standard model predictions. First, we demonstrate that data on neutral ${B}_{d}$-meson mixing excludes the region of model parameter space where the top asymmetry is predicted to be the largest. Keeping the gauge couplings below the critical value that would lead to fermion condensation imposes further limits at large axigluon mass, while precision electroweak constraints on the model are relatively mild. Furthermore, by considering an extension to an $SU(3{)}^{3}$ color group, we demonstrate that embedding the model in an extra-dimensional framework can only dilute the axigluon effect on the forward-backward asymmetry. We conclude that axigluon models are unlikely to be the source of the observed top quark asymmetry.
Cardiac effects of MDMA on the metabolic profile determined with 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the rat

Despite the potential for deleterious (even fatal) effects on cardiac physiology, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) abuse abounds driven mainly by its euphoric effects. Acute exposure to MDMA has profound cardiovascular effects on blood pressure and heart rate in humans and animals. To determine the effects of MDMA on cardiac metabolites in rats, MDMA (0, 5, or 10 mg/kg) was injected every 2 h for a total of four injections; animals were sacrificed 2 h after the last injection (8 h drug exposure), and their hearts removed and tissue samples from left ventricular wall dissected. High resolution magic angle spinning proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at 11.7 T, a specialized version of MRS aptly suited for analysis of semi-solid materials such as intact tissue samples, was used to measure the cardiac metabolomic profile, including alanine, lactate, succinate, creatine, and carnitine, in heart tissue from rats treated with MDMA. MDMA effects on MR-visible choline, glutamate, glutamine, and taurine were also determined. Body temperature was measured following each MDMA administration and serotonin and norepinephrine (NE) levels were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in heart tissue from treated animals. MDMA significantly and dose-dependently increased body temperature, a hallmark of amphetamines. Serotonin, but not NE, levels were significantly and dose-dependently decreased by MDMA in the heart wall. MDMA significantly altered the MR-visible profile with an increase in carnitine and no change in other key compounds involved in cardiomyocyte energy metabolomics. Finally, choline levels were significantly decreased by MDMA in heart. The results are consistent with the notion that MDMA has significant effects on cardiovascular serotonergic tone and disrupts the metabolic homeostasis of energy regulation in cardiac tissue, potentially increasing utilization of fatty acid metabolism. The contributions of serotonergic signaling on MDMA-induced changes in cardiac metabolism remain to be determined.
Effect of tenecteplase versus alteplase on platelets during the first 3 hours of treatment for acute myocardial infarction: the Assessment of the Safety and Efficacy of a New Thrombolytic Agent (ASSENT-2) platelet substudy.

Abstract Background Platelets play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of acute myocardial infarction, as well as in the occurrence of coronary artery reocclusion and bleeding events. Therefore, the success of fibrinolytic therapy may be dependent on its direct effects on platelets. Methods and Results We sought to determine how tenecteplase (TNK) and alteplase (tPA) affect platelets in vitro in human volunteers and ex vivo by use of patient data from the Assessment of the Safety and Efficacy of a New Thrombolytic Agent (ASSENT-2) trial. For the in vitro studies, whole blood from 9 healthy volunteers was incubated with 30 mg TNK and 60 mg tPA. Platelet function was measured by conventional aggregometry, bedside point-of-care devices, and sensitive flow cytometry techniques. For the ex vivo study, 41 patients were selected from the ASSENT-2 trial: 21 had received TNK and 20 had received tPA. Each patient underwent 7 serial blood draws every 30 minutes for 3 hours. Levels of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), P-selectin, β-thromboglobulin, platelet factor 4, thromboxane, and prostacyclin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significant inhibition of conventional and whole blood aggregation and reduced platelet function by point-of-care analyzers were observed for both agents, but mostly in the TNK-treated samples. After incubation with TNK, flow cytometry revealed decreased expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, PECAM-1, vitronectin receptor, CD151, and formation of the platelet-monocyte aggregates. Serial samples from patients in the ASSENT-2 trial showed a significant decrease of soluble platelet-endothelial biomarkers in the TNK group. There was a trend toward decreased platelet function characteristics with tPA; however, these differences were much smaller than those observed with TNK. Conclusions Both tPA and TNK were shown to affect platelet function in human volunteers and in patients with AMI early after thrombolysis. The antiplatelet properties of TNK were shown to be more profound than those of tPA. These findings are relevant to ongoing investigations of combination therapy with fibrinolytic and antiplatelet agents in patients with AMI. (Am Heart J 2003;145:636-42.)
Aeronomy of the Middle Atmosphere

Brasseur and Solomon correctly identify the title of their book Aeronomy of the Middle Atmosphere as somewhat obscure. In fact, many of the practitioners in the field would not identify themselves as aeronomers, and certainly the term “middle atmosphere” does not immediately register in every scientist's brain. Nevertheless, the middle atmosphere is a real and interesting place, and the aeronomy of that region is significant. There has been a virtual boom in the scientific study of this region, mostly because of the current concern with the maintenance of the stratospheric ozone layer and its possible perturbation.
Histogram computation on distributed memory architectures

One data-independent and one data-dependent algorithm for the computation of image histograms on parallel computers are presented, analysed and implemented on the Connection Machine system CM-2. The data-dependent algorithm has a lower requirement on communication bandwidth by only transferring bins with a non-zero count. Both algorithms perform all-to-all reduction, which is implemented through a sequence of exchanges as defined by a butterfly network. The two algorithms are compared based on predicted and actual performance on the Connection Machine CM-2. With few pixels per processor the data-dependent algorithm requires in the order of √B data transfers for B bins compared to B data transfers for the data-independent algorithm. As the number of pixels per processor grows the advantage of the data-dependent algorithm decreases. The advantage of the data-dependent algorithm increases with the number of bins of the histogram.
Screening for Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae among High-Risk Patients and Rates of Subsequent Bacteremia

Background Bloodstream infections due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been associated with increased hospital costs, length of stay, and patient mortality. However, the role of routine inpatient surveillance for ESBL colonization in predicting related infection is unclear. Methods From 2000 through 2005, we screened 17,872 patients hospitalized in designated high-risk units for rectal colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae using a selective culture medium. In patients with a bloodstream infection due to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-BI) during the study period, surveillance results were evaluated for evidence of antecedent ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonization. Results The rate of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonization doubled during the 6-year study period, increasing from 1.33% of high-risk patients in 2000 to 3.21% in 2005. Among patients with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonization, 49.6% also carried vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The number of ESBL-BIs increased >4-fold in 5 years, from 9 cases in 2001 to 40 cases in 2005. Of 413 patients colonized with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, 35 (8.5%) developed a subsequent ESBL-BI. Of concern, more than one-half of all ESBL-BIs occurred in patients who were not screened. These 56 patients received a diagnosis of ESBL-BI in the emergency department, when hospitalized in low-risk medical units, or at transfer from an acute or long-term health care facility. Conclusions Colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae is increasing at a rapid rate, and routine rectal surveillance for ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae may have clinical implications. However, in our experience, over one-half of patients with an ESBL-BI did not undergo screening through our current surveillance measures. As a result, targeted screening for ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae among additional patient populations may be integral to future ESBL-BI prevention and management efforts.
Torque prediction and optimal control strategies of bifilar hybrid step motors

A method to predict the torque-speed characteristics of a bifilar hybrid step motor with an inverse-diode-clamp drive circuit is presented. The phase energization control strategies that maximize and minimize average torque production are found. A closed-form expression for average torque produced by the motor is found by representing the flux linkages and model parameters as Fourier series. >
Formation energies of vacancies at a (100) sodium chloride surface

Abstract The formation energies of cation and anion vacancies at 0°K at a (100) surface plane of sodium chloride have been calculated using the method of Mort and Littleton. The value for a cation, anion vacancy pair is found to be 2.12 eV, slightly greater than the corresponding bulk value of 1.90 eV. The calculated value for the surface vacancy pair energy represents a first order approximation. The assumptions involved are discussed in some detail.
Robot Features are Examined as Artifacts, not as “Faces”

This study examines how individuals look at robot “faces,” and whether the same methods are used when examining the human face. Participants' eyes were tracked as they viewed faces of both popular media and research robots. Results show that participants use different look patterns, in terms of fixation times, when looking at robot faces as compared to human faces. Additionally, participants focused on particular parts of the face differently depending on their view of the robot's attributes like aggressiveness, familiarity. Implications for human robot collaborations are discussed.
The fluorescence assay for Maillard product accumulation does not correlate with seed viability

A recent hypothesis states that the accumulation of amino-carbonyl reaction products of reducing sugars with proteins (Maillard products) is related to the loss of seed vigour and viability during ageing. Since Maillard products are biochemical end products, their accumulation should provide an index of seed deterioration. A simple fluorescence assay has been used to estimate the quantity of Maillard products in aqueous seed extracts. We tested whether an accumulation of fluorescent compounds correlates with the loss of seed viability during ageing. Fluorescence of extracts from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) embryonic axes increased after controlled deterioration, but was not correlated with ageing period. Fluorescence of extracts from whole broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) seeds was either unchanged or declined during controlled deterioration. Extracts from naturally aged whole seeds of carrot (Daucus carota), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), and cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis) had higher fluorescence than controls, but there was no consistent increase in fluorescence in proportion to the loss of viability. Extracts of naturally aged onion (Allium cepa) seeds exhibited less fluorescence than extracts from seeds with higher viability. We conclude that the fluorescence assay does not have general utility as an index of seed deterioration.
Update on Research Framed in Orem's Model

In this column, Biggs updates the state of the science of Orem's self-care model and attendant theories, focusing primarily on research completed between 1999 and 2007. She notes that many of the problems identified in the 2000 state of the science column by Taylor and colleagues persist, such as failure to follow through in using Orem's work to inform the total research study, not just mentioning a theory or concept in passing. However, there is a clear indication of a substantial body of research appropriately framed within Orem's theories that bodes well for ongoing use and development of her work.