cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different metabolic syndrome definitions and risks of incident cardiovascular events in the elderly

The metabolic syndrome is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and its prevalence increases with age. Various definitions of the metabolic syndrome exist, but whether some definitions are more predictive of future cardiovascular events in the elderly is unclear. We compared the risk of incident cardiovascular events in elderly individuals at least 65 years old from the Cardiovascular Health Study with and without the metabolic syndrome as defined by the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR), National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)/American Heart Association (AHA), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and modified World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (n = 3390). Participants were without baseline diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Except for EGIR, all definitions of the metabolic syndrome were significantly associated with increased risk of incident cardiovascular (coronary or cerebrovascular) events. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for risk of incident cardiovascular events as defined by the modified WHO, NCEP/AHA, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and IDF criteria ranged from 1.153 (P = .045) for NCEP/AHA to 1.314 (P < .001) for IDF, with 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.003 to 1.503. Adjusted HR for EGIR was 1.087 (95% CI, 0.908-1.301; P = .362). Similarly, all definitions of the metabolic syndrome were significantly associated with incident coronary events except for the EGIR definition. Only the modified WHO definition was associated with increased risk for cerebrovascular events (adjusted HR, 1.301; 95% CI, 1.038-1.631; P = .022). Although all metabolic syndrome definitions except EGIR were associated with total cardiovascular events and coronary events, only the modified WHO definition was also associated with risk of cerebrovascular events.
Partial purification of a soluble (Na+ + K+)--dependent ATPase from rabbit kidney.

Abstract A deoxycholae-solubilized (Na + + K + )-dependent ATPase from rabbit renal cortex has been stabilized in buffers containing glycerol and purified about 50-fold by agarose gel filtration and glycerol density gradien centrifugation. The ATPase is ouabain-sensitive and requires phospholipid for maximum activity. The optimal Na + K + ratio is about 10:1, and the optimal pH is 7.1. CTP and ITP, but not ADP or GTP, serve as alternate but less effective substrates. The partially purified ATPase contained K + -activated p -nitrophneylphosphatase activity which is not accelerated by phosphalipid.
Efficient estimation of regression coefficients and baseline hazard under proportionality of conditional hazards

Efficient estimation of the regression parameter and the cumulative baseline hazard function under proportionality assumptions of the conditional hazards is considered in this paper. The cases of complete and incomplete information on the censoring indicators are studied. In both cases, a convenient reparametrization of the likelihood for a single observation places this problem in the setting investigated by Ritov and Wellner (1988). Their results on information bounds for the regression parameter and the cumulative baseline hazard function of the Cox model for the uncensored case apply here. The asymptotic properties of proposed estimators are derived and the estimators are shown to be asymptotically efficient.
Optimization to Limit Vibration of a Hypotrochoidally Driven Machine

A real-time optimization routine is presented. The routine calculates the “best” coefficients of a fifth-order polynomial trajectory. The trajectory is used to calculate the setpoints given to a servomotor every ten milliseconds to drive a patented hypotrochoidal gear mechanism as part of an industrial food packaging machine (Howard et al, 2000). It is desired to minimize the upward, vertical forces that the gear mechanism exerts on the machine. The optimization routine is shown in simulation to result in a trajectory that can reduce the upward force by 30–40%, without sacrificing the production rate, by explicitly taking into account the hypotrochoidal kinematics of the gear mechanism.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Child-child interactions in free field settings: Some experimental analyses

Abstract This study was concerned with investigating peer group variables which may control the social behavior of children in free play settings. Five preschool children and their peers served as subjects. Methodologically the experimental procedure followed an intrasubject replication design which involved repeated manipulation of the same experimental variables to insure reliability. The results demonstrate that the proschool child's behavior in free field settings may be subject to the reinforcement control of his peers. In four of five subjects studied, the data show that peer social attention can act as a set of positive reinforeers and control the social behavior of other children.
III-nitride-based avalanche photo detectors

Research into III-Nitride based avalanche photodiodes (APDs) is motivated by the need for high sensitivity ultraviolet (UV) detectors in numerous civilian and military applications. By designing III-Nitride photodetectors that utilize low-noise impact ionization high internal gain can be realized—GaN APDs operating in Geiger mode can achieve gains exceeding 1×10 7 . Thus with careful design, it becomes possible to count photons at the single photon level. In this paper we review the current state of the art in III-Nitride visible-blind APDs and discuss the critical design choices necessary to achieve high performance Geiger mode devices. Other major technical issues associated with the realization of visible-blind Geiger mode APDs are also discussed in detail and future prospects for improving upon the performance of these devices are outlined. The photon detection efficiency, dark count rate, and spectral response of or most recent Geiger-mode GaN APDs on free-standing GaN substrates are studied under low photon fluxes, with single photon detection capabilities being demonstrated. We also present our latest results regarding linear mode gain uniformity: the study of gain uniformity helps reveal the spatial origins of gain so that we can better understand the role of defects.
Integration of marker and force data to compute three-dimensional joint moments of the thumb and index finger digits during pinch

This study presents methodology to determine joint moments of the digits of the hand during pinch function. This methodology incorporates steps to identify marker-based kinematic data defining aligned coordinate systems for individual digit segments and joint centre locations. The kinematic data are then transformed to a common reference frame along with the force data collected at pinch contact of a customised apparatus in three dimensions. These methods were demonstrated with a pilot investigation to examine the static joint moments occurring during two-digit oppositional precision pinch at a particular end point force level applied at the digit pads. Notable abduction joint moments at the proximal joints of both digits were observed, which implicate the role of respective intrinsic and extrinsic muscles in maintaining pinch grasp. Examining differences in joint moment results when substituting selected steps of this methodological approach suggested greater relative importance for joint centre identifi...
A comparison of the tensile, fatigue, and fracture behavior of Ti–6Al–4V and 15-5 PH stainless steel parts made by selective laser melting

In this work, Ti–6Al–4V and 15-5 PH steel samples were fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) and their tensile, fatigue, and fracture properties were analyzed and compared. The tensile properties were compared with respect to the build orientation. The horizontally built samples showed relatively better tensile properties as compared with the vertically built samples. Fatigue performance was studied for the vertical build orientation and compared with standard wrought material data. The tensile and fatigue performance of SLM-built materials were comparable to their respective standard wrought materials. Fractography was carried out for all tensile and fatigue-tested samples. The fatigue fracture behavior of Ti–6Al–4V was different from 15-5 PH steel. For Ti–6Al–4V, the fatigue crack initiation occurred deep in the subsurface whereas for PH steel the fatigue crack was initiated from the surface.
Fatty liver, abdominal adipose tissue and atherosclerotic calcification in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study

Abstract Objective Both fatty liver and abdominal visceral fat (VAT) are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Whether fatty liver and VAT are jointly associated with coronary artery (CAC) or abdominal aortic (AAC) calcification is not clear. Methods Jackson Heart Study (JHS) participants ( n = 2884, mean age 60 years, 65% women) underwent non-contrast CT Exam for assessment of fatty liver, VAT, and CAC and AAC. Fatty liver was measured by liver attenuation (LA; low LA = high fatty liver). The Agatston score was used to quantify the amount of calcified artery plaque and the presence of calcified artery plaque was defined as Agatston score>0. Cross-sectional associations of LA and VAT with CAC and AAC were examined in logistic regression models. Results LA (per 1-standard deviation [SD] decrement) was associated inversely with CAC in age-sex-adjusted (OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.7–0.9, p = 0.0001) and multivariable-adjusted models (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.8–0.9, p = 0.01). The association persisted for LA with CAC when additionally adjusted for body mass index (BMI) (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.8–0.9, p = 0.03) or VAT (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.8–0.9, p = 0.04). Abdominal VAT (per 1-SD increment) was positively associated with CAC in age-sex-adjusted models (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.2–1.4, p = 0.0001), but the association was diminished with multivariable adjustment (OR 1.10, 95%CI 0.9–1.2, p = 0.09) and with additional adjustment for LA ( p = 0.24) or BMI ( p = 0.33). For AAC, the associations with LA and VAT were only present in age-sex-adjusted models. Finally, we did not observe interactions between LA and VAT for CAC ( p = 0.18) or AAC ( p = 0.24). Conclusion Fatty liver is associated with coronary atherosclerotic calcification independent of abdominal VAT or BMI in African Americans. Further investigations to uncover the clinical implications of fatty liver on coronary atherosclerosis in obesity are warranted.
Methodology for conceptual remote sensing spacecraft technology: insertion analysis balancing performance, cost, and risk

Emerging technologies and micro-instrumentation are changing the way remote sensing spacecraft missions are developed and implemented. Government agencies responsible for procuring space systems are increasingly requesting analyses to estimate cost, performance and design impacts of advanced technology insertion for both state-of-the-art systems as well as systems to be built 5 to 10 years in the future. Numerous spacecraft technology development programs are being sponsored by Department of Defense (DoD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) agencies with the goal of enhancing spacecraft performance, reducing mass, and reducing cost. However, it is often the case that technology studies, in the interest of maximizing subsystem-level performance and/or mass reduction, do not anticipate synergistic system-level effects. Furthermore, even though technical risks are often identified as one of the largest cost drivers for space systems, many cost/design processes and models ignore effects of cost risk in the interest of quick estimates. To address these issues, the Aerospace Corporation developed a concept analysis methodology and associated software tools. These tools, collectively referred to as the concept analysis and design evaluation toolkit (CADET), facilitate system architecture studies and space system conceptual designs focusing on design heritage, technology selection, and associated effects on cost, risk and performance at the system and subsystem level. CADET allows: (1) quick response to technical design and cost questions; (2) assessment of the cost and performance impacts of existing and new designs/technologies; and (3) estimation of cost uncertainties and risks. These capabilities aid mission designers in determining the configuration of remote sensing missions that meet essential requirements in a cost- effective manner. This paper discuses the development of CADET modules and their application to several remote sensing satellite mission concepts.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Crystal Structure of a Benzimidazole Hepatitis C Virus Inhibitor Free and in Complex with the Viral RNA Target

The crystal structure of 8-((dimethylamino)methyl)-1-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-1,7,8,9-tetrahydrochromeno[5,6-d]imidazol-2-amine (1), an inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site, is described and compared to the structure of the compound in complex with the viral RNA target. Compound 1 crystallized by pentane vapor diffusion into dichloroethane solution. It crystallized in the monoclinic system, P21/c space group with unit cell parameters a = 15.7950(5) A, b = 14.0128(4) A, c = 8.8147(3) A, β = 94.357(2)° and a cell volume of 1945.34(11) A−3. Packing interactions in the small molecule crystal lattice correspond to key interactions of the compound with the viral RNA target. The crystal structure of the title compound is described free and in complex with its viral target.
Microcomputer Support of Teacher-Pupil Dialogue

This article summarizes progress in developing a microcomputer-based simulation designed to offer students in teacher-training programs realistic experience in maintaining a verbal dialogue with software-defined pupils. Four system-related issues are discussed. These include 1) generating and communicating pupil questions and answers, 2) coding teacher actions to maximize behavioral sensitivity, 3) sequencing instructional aids during training, and 4) generating graphical and tabular displays for use during debriefing. Specific characteristics of modules designed to train feedback and pacing skills are discussed. A summary of participants' evaluations of the current simulation training is also presented. Finally, several anticipated future system enhancements are described.
Group Development and Innovative Teaching in Political Science

(1976). Group Development and Innovative Teaching in Political Science. Teaching Political Science: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 31-52.
High-Speed Screening of Polymerase Chain Reaction Products by Capillary Electrophoresis☆

Abstract In an effort to develop capillary electrophoresis (CE) for high-throughput polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular diagnostics, a method was developed to rapidly screen small PCR products of similar molecular weights. The assay of interest required the separation of two PCR products (375 and 400 bp) in an assay of TGF-β 1 knockout mice to determine the genotype of neonates. Using a commercially available CE instrument, the two PCR products were separated in 12 min with a replaceable gel buffer, a 20-cm effective length DB-17 capillary, and 185 V/cm field strength. With the coinjection of a 20-bp ladder, the sizes of the PCR products were determined from the electropherogram without using a calibration plot and curve-fitting program. Faster separation was obtained using the combination of a short effective length capillary and high field strength. The two PCR products were separated in 82 s with a 7-cm effective length capillary and 556 V/cm. A 60% buffer further reduced the separation time in about a minute. This high-speed separation, with minimum postrun data processing, is highly desirable for the high-throughput screening of PCR products using a single-capillary CE system.
Reversal of sympathetic interruption by removal of clips.

Background Sympathetic interruption offers excellent control of hyperhidrosis and facial blushing (FB), but some patients have side effects prompting a wish to reverse the procedure. Reversal when the chain has been cut is challenging, whereas reversal when the chain has been clipped is straightforward. The peripheral nerves regenerate; however, little is known about the regeneration of the sympathetic chain after clip removal. We reviewed our results with reversal of sympathetic interruption through removal of clips. Methods An institutional review board–approved retrospective review of patients treated for hyperhidrosis and FB from November 2004 to March 2014 was performed. We analyzed those patients undergoing sympathetic interruption with clips (N = 82). Results Eight patients (10%) requested and underwent reversal of the procedure between 12 days and 5.8 years (median = 73.5 days) after the initial procedure. Compensatory sweating was the most frequent complaint (n = 6), and excessive palmar dryness was second (n = 3), the latter occurring in patients without primary palmar hyperhidrosis. The interval between clip removal and follow-up ranged from 2 days to 4.5 years (median = 141 days). Five of 8 patients thus far have had their symptoms reversed through removal of clips (Table 1). Conclusions The percentage of patients requesting reversal of sympathectomy is significant and appears to most commonly result from compensatory sweating (CS); however, excessive palmar dryness also occurs in those without primary palmar hyperhidrosis. It appears that the best results with reversal are obtained when the clips are removed early after placement. We counsel our patients that ideally clips should be removed within 2 weeks for reversal.
Prognostic implications of left ventricular function in endomyocardial disease in infants and children.

Hemodynamic factors measured at cardiac catheterization in 40 infants and children with chronic endomyocardial disease were analyzed in regard to subsequent clinical condition. The patients were followed for periods ranging from 2 months to 11 years (average 4.3 years) after initial cardiac catheterization. There were no statistically significant differences in left ventricular end-diastolic volume among survivors with no symptoms, survivors with persistent congestive heart failure, and nonsurvivors. Ejection fractions were depressed in about four fifths of patients with chronic endomyocardial disease and were significantly lower in the group of patients who died subsequently LVEDP in patients who did not survive was significantly higher than in asymptomatic survivors, but there was too much overlapping of individual values to be of prognostic value. Left ventricular pressure-volume loops appeared to offer an improved, although more tedious, method of assessing LV function. In addition to offering information on LVEDV, LVEDP, and EjF, LV stroke work may easily be estimated from pressure-volume loops. There was generally good correlation between hemodynamic status assessed from pressure-volume loops and subsequent clinical outcome.
Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by disulfo- and diselenodicarboxylic acids.

Abstract Reduction of hydrogen peroxide by dithiodipropionic acid, dithiobutyric acid and their selenium isologs has been compared. Rates of consumption of dicarboxylic acids and of hydrogen peroxide were measured at or near physiological pH. Reaction rates and degree of oxidation depend upon initial molar ratios of hydrogen peroxide and dicarboxylic acid. Dithiodibutyric acid was unreactive under all conditions. Diselenides were more than twenty-four times as effective as dithiodipropionic acid. Reactions are pH dependent; pK values were determined, but appear unrelated to reactivity.
Improved resolution in two‐dimensional 1H NMR spectra of peptides by band‐selective, homonuclear decoupling during both the evolution and acquisition periods: application to characterization of the binding of peptides by heparin

Two-dimensional 1H NMR experiments that achieve band-selective, homonuclear decoupling in both the indirectly detected F1 and directly detected F2 dimensions were used to assign the highly overlapped 1H NMR spectrum of the peptide Ac-SRGKARVRAKVKDQTK-NH2, both free in solution and bound to heparin. Band-selective, homonuclear decoupling during the evolution period was achieved using a double pulsed field gradient spin-echo (DPFGSE) with semi-selective shaped pulses; band-selective, homonuclear decoupling during the acquisition period was achieved by time-shared semi-selective shaped pulse decoupling. Regular TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra and TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra measured with band-selective, homonuclear decoupling in the evolution (F1) dimension (BASHD-TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra) and with band-selective, homonuclear decoupling in both the F1 and F2 dimensions (D-(or Double)-BASHD-TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra) are reported and compared for the peptide and its heparin complex. Complete assignment of the 1H-NMR spectra of the free and heparin-complexed peptide was achieved with the high resolution of the D-BASHD-TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra. Characterization of the heparin-complexed peptide is of interest because of the ability of the peptide to neutralize the anticoagulant activity of heparin.
Computer determination of low order models for high order systems

Abstract An investigation directed at finding the best low-order model which approximates a given high-order system is presented. New insight is gained into the cost paid for the simplicity of the model and in the accuracy of the transient response of the model related to the magnitude of a cost function. The problem is solved in the time domain by finding the best pole and zero locations of the model which minimize a defined error criterion. The computer is used to estimate these parameters, via a parameter minimization program. A number of examples are included.
Designing agents to support learning by explaining

Although prior research has shown that generating explanations encourages students to learn new content with deeper understanding and to monitor their own comprehension more effectively, helping students learn how to explain properly remains a significant challenge. This study investigated the use of software agents as learning partners in an activity where students generated explanations about river ecosystem concepts. The results of the experiment demonstrated that software agents can have a positive impact as learning partners in a virtual world environment. It was found that the agents encouraged the use of explanation resources designed to help students generate more effective explanations. Students working with the agents generated deeper explanations than students who did not interact with an agent. Implications for the design of learning environments with agents as learning partners are discussed.
Correlation effects in electron scattering and attachment by open‐shell atoms

Low energy scattering or attachment of an electron by a neutral atom is dominated by the polarization potential, formally an electronic correlation effect. Special problems arise in the quantitative theory of this effect for open-shell atoms. These problems are analyzed, and recent progress in resolving them is discussed.
Introduction Commercialization - Issues And Answers

Throughout this text many new methods and technologies for obtaining and processing images of the cardiovascular system have been presented. Many of these techniques and instruments are the most advanced available and are at the frontier between what is now commercially available and what will be offered to the general medical community during the next five years. Obviously, for any new device to make a broad impact on treating the everincreasing number of patients with cardiovascular disease, it must be manufactured and distributed widely. The mechanisms by which wide distribution occurs raise many questions. How does a new medical device enter the commercial market? What are the important questions raised by prospective manufacturers? What factors help to determine whether a new instrument will make a profit for a company? And finally, by what criteria can the consumer evaluate the large number of medical devices on the market and make a logical decision regarding which one will meet his long range needs?© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Energy per Dollar Value of Consumer Goods and Services

The input-output structure of the United States economy is used to obtain the energy required to produce consumer commodities. Calculations are based on energy sector inverse coefficients and the average energy per dollar of sales of the energy sectors. While variations between sectors are not negligible, they are considerably less than initially anticipated.
Ethanol enhances carbachol-induced protease activation and accelerates Ca2+ waves in isolated rat pancreatic acini.

Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of pancreatitis, accounting for 30% of acute cases and 70–90% of chronic cases, yet the mechanisms leading to alcohol-associated pancreatic injury are unclear. An early and critical feature of pancreatitis is the aberrant signaling of Ca2+ within the pancreatic acinar cell. An important conductor of this Ca2+ is the basolaterally localized, intracellular Ca2+ channel ryanodine receptor (RYR). In this study, we examined the effect of ethanol on mediating both pathologic intra-acinar protease activation, a precursor to pancreatitis, as well as RYR Ca2+ signals. We hypothesized that ethanol sensitizes the acinar cell to protease activation by modulating RYR Ca2+. Acinar cells were freshly isolated from rat, pretreated with ethanol, and stimulated with the muscarinic agonist carbachol (1 μm). Ethanol caused a doubling in the carbachol-induced activation of the proteases trypsin and chymotrypsin (p < 0.02). The RYR inhibitor dantrolene abrogated the enhancement of trypsin and chymotrypsin activity by ethanol (p < 0.005 for both proteases). Further, ethanol accelerated the speed of the apical to basolateral Ca2+ wave from 9 to 18 μm/s (p < 0.0005; n = 18–22 cells/group); an increase in Ca2+ wave speed was also observed with a change from physiologic concentrations of carbachol (1 μm) to a supraphysiologic concentration (1 mm) that leads to protease activation. Dantrolene abrogated the ethanol-induced acceleration of wave speed (p < 0.05; n = 10–16 cells/group). Our results suggest that the enhancement of pathologic protease activation by ethanol is dependent on the RYR and that a novel mechanism for this enhancement may involve RYR-mediated acceleration of Ca2+ waves.
Accuracy of Parental Reporting of Secondhand Smoke Exposure: The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey III

The accuracy of parental reports of youth secondhand smoke exposure has received limited attention in the research literature. Such reports were compared to serum cotinine levels among participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III who were aged 4-16 years. Likely smokers with serum cotinine values of 14 ng/ml or more and self-reported tobacco users were excluded from the analysis (n = 87), leaving 2,524 youth participants. One adult guardian, typically the parent, was asked to identify household smokers and estimate the number of cigarettes smoked in the home. Using cotinine levels of at least 0.2 ng/ml as the criterion, we found the sensitivity and specificity of any reported smokers in the home to be .65 and .92, respectively. Spearman correlations between cotinine levels and the number of smokers and the number of cigarettes consumed in the household were .67 and .68, respectively, and varied little across subgroups, including age, gender, and ethnicity of the child as well as household poverty status and educational attainment of the parent. Parental reports of household smoking alone fail to capture all youth secondhand smoke exposures, but they correlate well with cotinine levels when expressed as the number of household smokers or the number of cigarettes smoked in the household. Additional research is needed to determine whether reliance on parental reports of secondhand smoke exposure leads to bias in studies examining health outcomes in children and adolescents. Also, additional research is needed to better determine the level of secondhand smoke exposure that is biologically important in children and adolescents.
Potential role of inositol 1,4,5 - triphosphate receptors in the pathogenesis of hypertension

Abstract Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3R) are tetrameric intracellular channels that mediate the release of Calcium (Ca2+) from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) into the cytosol in response to IP3 binding. Modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) contractility allows small arteries to regulate blood flow and determine peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure levels. The level of contraction of VSMC relies on a rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+ mediated by IP3-dependent Ca2+ release and voltage dependent Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ (CaL) channels. Strong evidence supports a role for the vascular CaL channels in hypertension but little is known about the functional role of IP3R including the modulation of IP3R-Ca2+ signaling by the vascular endothelium. The goal of this study is to elucidate the functional contribution of IP3R-Ca2+ signaling to the pathogenesis of hypertension. Our preliminary results showed that IP3R are up regulated in small mesenteric arteries of two different forms of hypertensive rats. In the same arteries, activation of IP3R results in accentuated vasoconstriction whereas the endothelium-derived nitric oxide exerts a tonic dilator influence. The findings of this study will greatly improve our basic understanding of the etiology of hypertension by defining the abnormalities of IP3-dependent Ca2+ signaling and contraction in VSMC and its regulation by the endothelium. This may provide critical insights into the pathogenesis of hypertension, and set the groundwork for developing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hypertensive disease.
Cytotoxic effects of acidic and sulphur containing amino acids on the infant mouse central nervous system

The brains and retinas of infant mice were examined following subcutaneous administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and structurally related compounds in an attempt to clarify the molecular specificity of MSG-induced neuropathology. Based on the effects on the infant retina and hypothalamus all compounds could be placed into one of four groups: 1. Those equipotent with L-MSG in necrosing neurons. 2. Those substantially more potent than L-MSG in necrosing neurons. 3. Those which affect non-neuronal components (glial, ependymal, Muller cells) without appreciable effects on neurons. 4. Those with no cytotoxic effects. Except for L-cysteine, all neurotoxic compounds were acidic amino acids known to excite neurones, the most potent neurotoxic compounds being those which are powerful neuroexcitants (N-methyl DL-aspartic and DL-homocysteic acids). The exception posed by L-cysteine may be more apparent than real in that the in vivo conversion of the SH terminal to a more acidic group (SO2H or SO3H) could account for its neurotoxicity. The close correspondence in molecular specificities associated with neurotoxic and neuroexcitatory properties of simple amino acids suggests the two phenomena may be governed by similar mechanisms of action.
Spectral weights in level discrimination by preschool children: Analytic listening conditions

On most auditory discrimination and detection tasks young children perform more poorly than adults. The current experiment applies a technique which potentially can reveal the extent to which the adult–child performance difference results from suboptimal attentional strategies or simply greater internal noise in the children. In this experiment preschool children and adults were asked to discriminate between complex tones comprised of three random-amplitude sinusoidal components. A trial-by-trial correlational analysis [R. A. Lutfi, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 1333–1334 (1995)] provided an estimate of the weight listeners placed on the level information from individual spectral components in making the discrimination. The patterns of weights were interpreted as measures of “attentional strategy.” Both children and adults produced reliable patterns of weights. This is an especially important result since measuring a single weighting pattern requires large numbers of trials and hence multiple sessions with the children. While individual weighting patterns were reliable, weighting patterns differed both within and across groups. Moreover, neither the children nor the adults produced weighting patterns that would maximize percent correct in the task. A substantial proportion of the responses from both children and adults could be predicted from their weighting patterns even when performance was near chance. However, differences in overall performance between children and adults could not be accounted for by differences in their weighting functions.
Distribution and New Sightings of Goeldi’s Monkey (Callimico goeldii) in Amazonian Perú

There is a general consensus on the geographic distributions of many primate species; however, the continuity and validity of species range maps are often inaccurate on a local scale. In the case of rare and cryptic species, census methodology is often insufficiently rigorous or specialized, resulting in probable false negatives. Callimico goeldii is a rare primate, with most of its geographical range purported to lie in Peru. We evaluate the accuracy of its predicted geographic range within Peru with an assessment of mammal surveys over the last 40 yr and the inclusion of new sightings from three sites. We found that of all 340 study sites, only 10.9 % indicate that this species is present, and only 51 % of these sites receive any government protection. The Sierra del Divisor Reserve Zone and the Rodal Tahuamanu Conservation Concession have the highest estimated densities of Callimico goeldii. We suggest using focal follows of sympatric tamarins and vocalization playbacks rather than traditional line transects to improve the likelihood of locating this species. Although the current range maps based on the available data are likely an exaggeration of the species’ true range, the inherent imperfections of standard census methodology when applied to rare and cryptic species can lead to underrepresentative range maps as well. For these reasons, it is clear that the current distribution map for Callimico goeldii is imprecise, and until its distribution is reassessed, its conservation status cannot be confirmed.
Reduction of Octahydro-1,3,5,7- tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine by Zerovalent Iron: Product Distribution

RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) and HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) are cyclic nitramines ((CH2NNO2)n; n = 3 or 4, respectively) widely used as energetic chemicals. Their extensive use led to wide environmental contamination. In contrast to RDX, HMX tends to accumulate in soils due to its unique recalcitrance. In the present study, we investigated the potential of zerovalent iron (ZVI) to transform HMX under anoxic conditions. HMX underwent a rapid transformation when added in well-mixed anoxic ZVI−H2O batch systems to ultimately produce formaldehyde (HCHO), ammonium (NH4+), hydrazine (NH2NH2), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Time course experiments showed that the mechanism of HMX transformation occurred through at least two initial reactions. One reaction involved the sequential reduction of N−NO2 groups to the five nitroso products (1NO−HMX, cis-2NO−HMX, trans-2NO−HMX, 3NO−HMX, and 4NO−HMX). Another implied ring cleavage from either HMX or 1NO−HMX as demonstrated by the ob...
Relativistic effects in the Bethe-Brueckner theory of nuclear matter

We extend the theory of nuclear matter to include a relativistic description of nucleon motion. In particular we allow for negative energy components in the nucleon wave function. The amplitude for these components is calculated using an extended version of the one-boson-exchange model of nuclear forces. We find that the inclusion of negative energy states (pair currents) provides a strongly density dependent repulsive interaction. (If one limits oneself to a description involving positive energy states only, this interaction appears as an effective repulsive many-body force.) Our extended theory leads to major modification of the saturation properties of nuclear matter. For example, a boson-exchange force which, in a standard calculation, leads to significant overbinding of nuclear matter at much too high a saturation density yields, in our relativistic analysis, quite good agreement with the generally accepted empirical values for the binding energy and density of nuclear matter. (This potential has strong tensor coupling for the p meson and a weak tensor force. These features are favored at this time on the basis of other theoretical considerations.) We conclude that, contrary to current thought, nuclear matter should be treated as a relativistic system.
An inelastic retropubic suburethral sling in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency

We evaluated outcomes of an inelastic retropubic sling in patients with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD). This is a retrospective review of women diagnosed with ISD according to urodynamic parameters who underwent a retropubic suburethral sling surgery using a tape with minimal elasticity. All patients in the study where followed up at 2, 6, and 24 weeks and yearly. Outcome measures included self-assessed satisfaction, daily incontinence episodes and pad usage, standardized stress test, postvoid residual volume, and surgical complications. Two hundred and forty-seven patients were involved in this study, with a median follow-up of 43 [interquartile range (IQR) 22–77] weeks and a minimum of 12 weeks. Two patients (0.008 %) had a positive stress test postoperatively. There was a decrease in daily incontinence events (median 1.5–0) (p < 0.001) and pad usage per day (median 1.5–0) (p < 0.001). Two hundred and sixteen (87.4 %) patients reported subjective improvement in symptoms. Urinary retention was found in 18 (7.2 %) patients, and 19 (7.7 %) patients required reintervention, mostly with bulking agent injections for persistent incontinence. No tape-related mesh exposures were reported. Retropubic suburethral inelastic slings represent a good option for treating patients with ISD, with satisfactory continent rates and low postoperative complications.
Wear reduction by pyrolytic carbon on tribosurfaces

Abstract Sliding tests with a pin-on-disc tribometer and both sliding and rolling tests with a modified four-ball tester at bulk temperatures of about 500 °C and initial contact pressures of about 2.2 GPa have demonstrated up to 80% reductions of friction and wear with silicon nitride surfaces when a stream of ethylene is directed into the conjunction region. The effects are even more pronounced when the ethylene is prenucleated by a flow over a coil of nichrome wire electrically heated to about 800 °C and located about 30 cm upstream of the exit nozzle. Steel and Ni-plated steel are lubricated by this method even more efficiently and at lower temperatures. The underlying mechanism is probably analogous to that of hydrocarbon pyrolysis by flash photolysis, which was studied by Porter in the 1950s, with the rapid heating to the “flash temperatures” and subsequent cooling occurring naturally in friction contacts. The observation that pyrolysis of hydrocarbons to solid carbon occurs in two stages, nucleation and particle growth, has allowed their physical separation, the former taking place in the ethylene stream and the latter in the frictional contact some distance away
Management of iatrogenic foreign bodies of the bladder and urethra following pelvic floor surgery.

Objective Literature regarding the management of iatrogenic foreign body in the bladder and urethra following female pelvic reconstructive surgery, especially mesh erosion, are sparse. We present our recent experience with the removal of iatrogenic foreign bodies from the bladder and urethra and propose a treatment algorithm. Methods A retrospective review yielded 22 patients with iatrogenic foreign body in the bladder or urethra between 1/1998 and 12/2005. Presenting complaints, cystoscopic findings, operative techniques, and outcomes were reviewed. Results Source surgery of the iatrogenic foreign bodies included bladder suspension in 9 patients, synthetic sling in 11 patients, abdominal sacrocolpopexy and porcine dermis sling in 1 patient each. The majority of patients presented with multiple voiding dysfunctions including overactive bladder symptoms (11), incontinence (5), chronic pelvic or urethral pain (7), urinary tract infections (7), obstructive voiding symptoms (5), and gross hematuria (3). Eleven cases were managed endoscopically, 4 using the holmium laser. One patient required subsequent cystorrhaphy. Four patients were managed with urethroplasty, 4 with cystorrhaphy, and the remainder utilizing a combination of techniques. No patients required complex reconstruction with interposition flaps. Conclusions The diagnosis of iatrogenic foreign bodies in the lower urinary tract requires a high index of suspicion and a low threshold for performing cystoscopy. From this series, we have found that sutures can most often be managed successfully with endoscopic techniques, whereas mesh is best managed with cystorrhaphy and/or urethroplasty. To our knowledge, our series represents the largest number of reported iatrogenic foreign body removals at a single institution. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:491–495, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dietary Fructose as a Natural Sweetener in Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes: a 12‐month Crossover Study of Effects on Glucose, Lipoprotein and Apolipoprotein Metabolism

The metabolic effects of fructose incorporated in the normal diets of 13 poorly controlled, Type 2 diabetic patients were studied in a 6-month, randomized, crossover study. Patients used 60 g day-1 of crystalline fructose in divided amounts as part of their isocaloric (1400-3900 kcal), weight-maintaining diet. During fructose supplementation, the distribution of carbohydrate-derived calories was 35% complex and 15% simple, the latter solely from fructose. This was compared with the patients' values on their usual diabetic diet (carbohydrate 50% (mostly complex), fat 38%, and protein 12%). After 6 months of taking fructose, fasting serum glucose decreased from 12.6 +/- 1.1 (+/- SE) to 9.8 +/- 1.3 mmol l-1 (p less than 0.02), while it was unchanged on normal diet (11.0 +/- 0.1 vs 11.6 +/- 0.9 mmol l-1, NS). Glycosylated haemoglobin was also reduced from 11.3 +/- 0.4 to 9.9 +/- 0.5% (p less than 0.05) on fructose, but unchanged on the control diet (10.4 +/- 0.7 vs 11.2 +/- 0.7%, NS). No significant long-term deleterious changes were observed in the fasting serum lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins A-1 and B-100. Fructose was well tolerated without significant effects on body weight, or lactic acid and uric acid levels.
John Kenneth Galbraith and the Post Keynesian Tradition in Economics

This paper discusses some of the key contributions of John Kenneth Galbraith to economics and puts them into an historical context. It argues that the work of Galbraith should be recognized as making major contributions to the Post Keynesian paradigm. His work expands on the contributions made by John Maynard Keynes and is consistent with the main ideas of Post Keynesian thought. Much of his work can be thought of as a Post Keynesian microeconomics that needs to be added on to the Post Keynesian macroeconomics begun by Keynes. This work encompasses an understanding of how people behave and how firms behave, a recognition of the importance of uncertainty in the real world, and an emphasis on income effects being more important than substitution effects. The paper then points out how Galbraith has provided a Post Keynesian approach to key macroeconomic issues. The paper concludes with a brief summary of the other articles that make up this special issue to honor John Kenneth Galbraith on the hundredth anniv...
The Influence of Methanol on O 2 Electroreduction at a Rotating Pt Disk Electrode in Acid Electrolyte

Using a rotating Pt electrode, the simultaneous electro-oxidation of methanol and electroreduction of O[sub 2] was studied in O[sub 2] saturated 0.5M H[sub 2]SO[sub 4] solutions containing dissolved methanol. The two processes occurred with no apparent interaction above 0.8 V vs. a reversible H[sub 2] electrode. At potentials below 0.8 V the net oxidation/reduction current is smaller (i.e., less cathodic) than would be expected if the reactions occurred with no interaction. The evidence suggests that the effect is due to partial poisoning of the O[sub 2] reduction process by adsorbed methanol. At sufficiently low potentials ([approximately]0.4 V), O[sub 2] electroreduction reaches the same diffusion-limited whether or not methanol is added. The mechanism of O[sub 2] electroreduction appears to remain unchanged in the presence of methanol.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Growth Hormone Receptor Ablation on Liver Expression of Xenobiotic Metabolizing Genes

Detoxification of ingested xenobiotic chemicals, and of potentially toxic endogenous metabolites, is carried out largely through a series of enzymes synthesized in the liver, sometimes called “xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes” (XME). Expression of these XME is sexually dimorphic in rodents and humans, with many of the XME expressed at higher levels in females. This expression pattern is thought to be regulated, in part, by the sex differences in circadian growth hormone (GH) pulsatility. We have evaluated mRNA, in the liver, for 52 XME genes in male and female mice of four mutant stocks, with diminished levels of GH receptor (GHR) either globally (GKO), or in liver (LKO), fat (FKO), or muscle (MKO) tissue specifically. The data show complex, sex-specific changes. For some XME, the expression pattern is consistent with direct control of hepatic mRNA by GHR in the liver. In contrast, other XME show evidence for indirect pathways in which hepatic XME expression is altered by GH signals in fat or skeletal muscle. The effects of GHR-null mutations on glucose control, responses to dietary interventions, steroid metabolism, detoxification pathways, and lifespan may depend on a mixture of direct hepatic effects and cross talk between different GH-responsive tissues.
Historical database views

Abstract The paper outlines a mechanism for the definition and maintenance of views within a historical database environment. The view definition language uses extending Boolean and comparison operators by allowing their operands to be sets of intervals. Two algorithms for maintaining materialized historical views are presented.
Nondeterministic Queries in a Relational Grid Information Service

A Grid Information Service (GIS) stores information about the resources of a distributed computing environment and answers questions about it. We are developing RGIS, a GIS system based on the relational data model. RGIS users can write SQL queries that search for complex compositions of resources that meet collective requirements. Executing these queries can be very expensive, however. In response, we introduce the nondeterministic query, an extension to the SELECT statement, which allows the user (and RGIS) to trade off between the query's running time and the number of results. The results are a random sample of the deterministic results, which we argue is sufficient and appropriate. Herein we describe RGIS, the nondeterministic query extension, and its implementation. Our evaluation shows that a meaningful tradeoff between query time and results returned is achievable, and that the tradeoff can be used to keep query time largely independent of query complexity.