cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A rapid method for purification of human granulocyte cationic neutral proteases: purification and characterization of human granulocyte chymotrypsin-like enzyme☆

Abstract A chymotrypsin-like enzyme (EC 3.4.21.-) was purified from granules of human neutrophiles (polymorphonuclear leucocytes). The isolation procedure included differential salt extractions of the granules followed by affinity chromatography on 4-phenylbutylamine-Affi-Gel. This rapid purification method resulted in obtaining pure enzyme in relatively high yield in short time. The purified granulocyte chymotrypsin-like enzyme has a minimum Mr of 22 378, calculated from its amino acid composition. The Mr value obtained by sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis was 20 000–23 000. The enzyme did not react with antibodies which are monospecific to granulocyte elastase. The granulocyte chymotrypsin-like enzyme was inactivated by Dip-F and by the chloromethyl ketone derivatives Z-PheCH2Cl and Z-(Gly)2-PheCH2Cl but not by Tos-PheCH2Cl. It therefore appears that the enzyme has serine and histidine side chains in its active site, like pancreatic chymotrypsin. The granulocyte enzyme substrate specificity is similar to that of pancreatic chrymotrypsin, it being able to hydrolyze Bz-Tyr-OEt, Bz-Leu-OEt, Ac-Tyr-Nan and Ac-Phe-1-ONap. It also has an intrinsic weak hydrolytic activity towards some classical elastase substrates such as Boc-Ala-ONp and Ac-DL-Ala-1-ONap. The granulocyte enzyme is inhibited by human serum and by human α1-antitrypsin. Its affinity for α1-antitrypsin is weaker than that of granulocyte elastase for the same inhibitor. The enzyme is stable at neutral pH at 37°C, but unstable at pH 3.5 and at elevated temperature.
Validity of the Drug Use Screening Inventory for Predicting DSM-III-R Substance Use Disorder

SUMMARY The Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI) has been shown to have sound psychometric properties for quantifying the severity of health, behavior and psychosocial problems concomitant to substance use in adolescents. Its utility for identifying youth who will develop a disorder of abuse/dependence has, however, not been investigated. In this longitudinal study, the DUSI was administered to a sample of boys at ages 12–14, 16 and 19 in a repeated measures design. An overall problems severity score of 24% at ages 12–14 and 16 predicted a DSM-III-R substance use disorder (SUD) outcome at age 19 with 73% and 84% accuracy respectively. Parental history of SUD did not increase prediction of SUD outcome in the youth. These findings indicate that the DUSI, taking only 15–20 minutes to complete, is a useful practical instrument to identify youth who could benefit most from prevention interventions.
Homeostatic recovery of downstate–upstate cycling in nucleus accumbens neurons

Homeostatic plasticity is a powerful cellular mechanism through which neurons adjust intracellular and intercellular resources to stabilize their functional output through the ever-changing environment. Here, we report a novel form of homeostatic plasticity that nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons use to regain their functionally active state once it is lost. In vivo, NAc neurons periodically alternate between a functionally active upstate and a functionally quiescent downstate. The upstate of NAc neurons is immediately lost following severe environmental changes, such as deep anesthesia and truncation of excitatory synaptic inputs. Using short-term slice cultures, our current study demonstrates that NAc neurons initially lose but gradually recover their upstate-downstate cycling after shifting to the in vitro condition. Furthermore, we show that this homeostatic recovery of the upstate is mediated by increased synchronization of presynaptic activity. Given that being in the upstate is required for in vivo NAc neurons to fire action potentials, the homeostatic recovery of upstate may underlie an important cellular mechanism for NAc neurons to maintain their functional output against severe environmental fluctuations.
Phonological Awareness with and without Articulation: A Preliminary Study:

Phonological training with an articulatory component (n=25) was compared to phonological awareness training without a specific speech-motor component (n=20) for second- to fifth-grade children with...
A Comparison of Electrically Short Bare and Insulated Probes for Measuring the Local Radio Frequency Electric Field in Biological Systems

The problems associated with measuring the local electric field in a medium with spatally inhomogeneous electrical constitutive parameters like biological tissue are discussed. Simple theoretical analyses that describe the operation of electrically short bare and insulated electric field probes in a dissipative medium are presented. The conditions that must be satisfied for each of these probes to have an electric field response that is independent of the electrical constitutive parameters of the surrounding tissue are determined. The results of a systematic experimental study of both types of probes are presented. In the study the probes were immersed in a succession of liquids with dielectric properties similar to those for biological tissues at radio frequencies.
TGFα and the Blood–Brain Barrier: Accumulation in Cerebral Vasculature

Abstract Transforming growth factor α (TGFα) is a cytokine that belongs to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors. EGF has a fast and saturable entry from blood to brain that is inhibitable by TGFα (18). In this report, we studied the passage of TGFα from blood to brain after an i.v. bolus injection. Using radioactively labeled peptide, we found that TGFα had an apparent rate of entry of 0.7 μl/g/min. However, most of the TGFα was trapped in the capillary endothelial cells of the cerebral vasculature rather than entering the brain parenchyma. No saturation was detected. TGFα was relatively stable in blood for 20 min after i.v. injection, but dissociation of the isotope 125 I was more evident in brain. The accumulation of TGFα in the cerebral vasculature was similar to that of amyloid-β protein 1–40 . Therefore, we conclude that TGFα from the periphery interacts with the blood–brain barrier without substantial uptake into brain parenchyma. This raises the possibility that TGFα might be involved in intracranial vascular disorders such as angiopathy.
Morphology of basal optic tract terminals in the turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans.

The morphologies of axon terminals of retinal ganglion cells projecting to the basal optic nucleus (BON) via the basal optic tract (BOT) were studied in the red-eared turtle. The BOT was visualized on the ventral surface of the brainstem in vitro, and either biotinylated dextran amine was injected extracellularly or neurobiotin was injected into physiologically identified axons during intracellular recordings. Up to 16 hours after tracer injection, the brains were fixed, sectioned parasagittally, and stained for biotin and Nissl substance. The diameters and depths of extracellularly filled axons were measured at three BON sites. Fourteen axons were reconstructed from serial sections with the aid of appropriate computer software. Analysis of extracellularly filled retinal axons revealed that about three times more axons were present just inside the rostral border of the BON compared with its caudal border. Thick (2–4 μm) axons were located within 100 μm from the ventral border, whereas thin (<2 μm) axons were found throughout the nucleus. Only the thinnest axons (<1 μm) extended caudally from the nucleus, indicating that some extracellularly labelled fibers passed through the BON. The intracellularly filled axons were more similar to the thick axons filled extracellularly and arborized entirely within the BON. All of the intracellularly filled axons had thick ventral trunks from which many thin branches extended dorsally and obliquely within the BON. The thin branches bifurcated repeatedly to form bead-like varicosities or boutons that often formed clusters within regions of 150 μm3 or less. These clusters may reflect areas of focused synaptic contact on BON cells with specific direction preferences. J. Comp. Neurol. 393:267–283, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High school psychology in the rocky mountain region

Abstract Over 40% of the high schools in a five-state Rocky Mountain region reported offering courses in psychology. A significant portion of students entering college classes have had such courses. With but 15% of teachers claiming a major in psychology and the rest scattered through 20-some other subjects, adequacy of teacher preparation is questioned. Areas for effort are suggested to enhance teacher preparation and to develop high school courses whivh might be appropriatet to advanced placement or enriched introductory study at the college level. These developments should have added benefits for psychology's recruitment efforts and the spread of public knowledge about psychology.
Integrating nursing education into a trauma outreach program

Abstract A level 1 trauma center is challenged to provide optimal trauma care to patients in the region it serves. One approach is to increase the knowledge and clinical skills of all trauma care providers, especially those who work outside urban areas. This article describes one trauma center's experience of integrating rural nursing education into an existing medical trauma outreach program. The educational strategies, examples of course content, and organizational aspects of the program are described, along with marketing strategies used to promote the program.
Increasing patient/physician communications about colorectal cancer screening in rural primary care practices.

Background: Rural populations as well as less educated people in the United States are less likely to receive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening than people living in urban areas and more educated people. Methods: We tested a computer tablet, Patient/Provider Communication Assistant (PPCA), which collected data, educated patients, and printed personalized notes to patients and providers encouraging conversation about CRC screening. Mixed model analyses using a prepost quasi-experimental design compared patient results during the comparison and intervention periods in 5 rural primary care practices on provider discussion about CRC screening, provider recommendation, and patient intention to be screened. Models including age, education, and literacy measures as covariates were examined. Results: Providers talked with patients about CRC screening in general, and colonoscopy specifically more frequently after the PPCA than with the comparison group (P values = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). Providers recommended CRC screening more often to patients in the intervention group than to the comparison group (P = 0.02). Patients planned to be screened, specifically with colonoscopy, more frequently after the intervention than in the comparison group (P = 0.003). There were no interactions between group and any of the covariates. Ninety-five percent of the patients, regardless of age or education, found the PPCA easy to use. Conclusions: Results indicated increased provider discussion and recommendation, and patients’ intentions to obtain CRC screening, and in particular colonoscopy, for patients exposed to the intervention, regardless of the patients’ age or literacy levels. The PPCA is a promising intervention method that is acceptable to rural patients.
Interaction between cytokines and sCD40L in patients with stable and unstable coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that soluble CD40-ligand (sCD40L) is elevated in coronary artery disease (CAD) and is released from activated platelets during the acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although sCD40L is part of immune response, the mechanisms regulating its release in different disease states remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 596 subjects: 201 patients with stable CAD, 109 patients with AMI and 286 healthy controls. Circulating levels of sCD40L, interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-a (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Patients with AMI (n = 109) had higher levels of sCD40L and IL-6 compared to both CAD (n = 201) (P < 0.01) and controls (n = 286) (P < 0.01), while CAD also had higher levels of sCD40L and IL-6 compared to controls (P < 0.01). Similarly, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were higher in CAD and AMI compared to controls (P < 0.05). IL-6 was the only parameter independently associated with sCD40L in healthy individuals [beta (SE):0.491(0.096), P = 0.0001]. However, in CAD or AMI, only diabetes mellitus [beta (SE): 2.689 (1.082), P = 0.044 and beta (SE): 10.406 (3.215), P = 0.002, respectively] and smoking [beta (SE): 3.470 (1.111), P = 0.002 and beta (SE): 9.694 (2.478), P = 0.0001, respectively] (but not IL-6), were independently associated with sCD40L levels. CONCLUSIONS: Both CAD and AMI are accompanied by increased levels of sCD40L in parallel with an elevation of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and adhesion molecules sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1. Diabetes mellitus and smoking (but not IL-6 or adhesion molecules) were the only factors independently associated with sCD40L levels in CAD and AMI patients.
The structure and assembly of murine leukemia virus: intracellular viral RNA.

Abstract The large RNA component (70 S) of murine leukemia virus (MLV) is irreversibly converted to 38 S subunits by treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). According to sedimentation and gel electrophoretic analyses, the 38 S subunits of newly synthesized MLV are homogeneous in size with a molecular weight of 3.6 to 4.0 × 10 6 daltons. However, RNA subunits of virions that have been incubated at 37° for 3–6 hours are composed of a heterogeneous assortment of sizes, probably arising from the RNA degradative activity that can be detected in virions. The 70 S RNA structure found in MLV cannot be detected in MLV-infected cells. However, when cytoplasmic RNA is first treated with DMSO to convert to the 38 S form the viral RNA that is normally assembled into the 70 S structure, then RNA with an electrophoretic mobility and base composition similar to that of 38 S subunit RNA can be isolated. This cytoplasmic 38 S component amounts to 0.1–0.4% of the total cytoplasmic RNA. The 70 S RNA component found in MLV may be formed during virion assembly and release from the cell.
Toxic and therapeutic effects of amiodarone in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias

Amiodarone was used to treat cardiac arrhythmias that had been refractory to conventional medical therapy. The first 70 consecutive patients treated with amiodarone in this study had at least 6 months of follow-up (range 6 to 24, mean 11) and form the basis for this report. Sixty-six patients were treated for ventricular arrhythmias and four for supraventricular tachycardias. Amiodarone therapy consisted of a loading dose of 600 mg orally twice a day for 7 days, and 600 mg daily thereafter. Doses were reduced only if side effects occurred. Because of frequent side effects, the dose was reduced from 572 ± 283 mg per day (mean ± standard deviation) at 45 days to 372 ± 174 mg per day at 6 months. With a mean follow-up of 11 months in the 54 patients who continued to take amiodarone, only 4 patients had ventricular fibrillation. Three additional patients experienced recurrent sustained ventricular tachycardia in long-term follow-up. All 70 patients had extensive clinical and laboratory evaluation in follow-up. Side effects were common, occurring in 93% of patients. Thirteen patients (19%) had to discontinue the medication because of severe side ef- fects. Fifty-six patients had gastrointestinal side effects, most commonly constipation. All patients but 1 eventually developed corneal microdeposits, and 43 patients were symptomatic. Cardiovascular side effects were uncommon. Symptomatic pulmonary side effects occurred in seven patients, with unequivocal pulmonary toxicity occurring in five. Neurologic side effects, most commonly tremor and ataxia, occurred in 52 patients. Thyroid dysfunction occurred in 3 patients, and 32 patients had cutaneous abnormalities. Miscellaneous other side effects occurred in 32 patients. Amiodarone appears to be useful in the management of refractory arrhythmias. Because virtually all patients develop side effects when given a maintenance daily dose of 600 mg, lower maintenance doses should be used. It is unknown if the more severe side effects are dose-related. Amiodarone is difficult to administer because of its narrow toxic-therapeutic range and prolonged loading phase. More importantly, the first sign of antiarrhythmic failure may be manifest as sudden cardiac death.
NONTOXIC NODULAR GOITER WITH FORMATION AND RELEASE OF A COMPOUND WITH THE CHROMATOGRAPHIC MOBILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE

ABSTRACT In a 14-year-old girl with a large nontoxic nodular goiter, an iodinated compound with the mobility characteristics of l-triiodothyronine (l-T3) in a series of chromatographic solvent systems was found in large amounts in the serum, and as the almost exclusive compound in the nodular tissue of the left thyroid lobe. Confirmatory evidence was supplied by the distributions of both I131 and I127 iodinated compounds. Co-chromatographic studies with several solvent systems failed to reveal any discrepancy between the behavior of the compound in question and that of l-T3. The fact that the patient was euthyroid and that the function of the right lobe of the thyroid was normal (though suppressible by exogenous l-T3) suggests that the compound was not l-T3. The fact that, after left hemithyroidectomy for removal of the nodular tissue, the distribution of stable serum iodine was normal suggests that the compound had been formed and released by the nodular tissue of the left lobe. The chromatographic ident...
Acid phosphatase in the rat prostate: Comparison with other organs

Properties of acid phosphatase in the rat ventral prostate were compared with those in seven other organs in adult male rats by the electrophoretic mobility in acrylamide gels, susceptibility to reactions with inhibitors, and by their response to castration and subsequent testosterone replacement. The enzyme in the spleen exhibited the highest values of Km and Vmax. These values in the prostate, the liver, and the kidney showed an intermediate level, while the lowest level was found in the heart, the lung, the adrenals, and the seminal vesicle. Upon electrophoresis, a total of six isoenzyme bands were resolved. Two major zones of activity were noted. They were the slow-moving anodal bands (isoenzymes 1,2, and 3) and the fast-moving cathodal bands (isoenzymes 4,5, and 6). The spleen possessed the highest number of isoenzymes (bands 1,2,4,5 and 6) and the prostate had three (bands 1,2, and 3). The heart contained only one (band 2). Two isoenzymes (bands 1 and 2) were found in remaining organs. Results of the effects of inhibitors showed that NaF inhibited all six isoenzymes, while L(+)tartrate inhibited mainly those in the anodal zone. D(-)tartrate and formaldehyde showed no significant inhibition to any of the isoenzymes. PCMB (para-chloromercuribenzoic acid) was found to be a specific inhibitor for isoenzyme 3. Upon castration in the hosts, the enzyme activity in the prostate, the liver, and the seminal vesicle was significantly reduced. This reduction in enzyme activity involved all isoenzymes in these three organs, but isoenzyme 3 in the prostate disappeared completely after castration. The activities of these isoenzymes were restored by testosterone replacement. These results indicate that acid phosphatase in rat tissues has multiple forms; each has its own electrophoretic mobility in acrylamide gels, sensitivity to inhibitors, and response to hormonal manipulation. Isoenzyme 3 is specific to the prostate and is uniquely sensitive to PCMB inhibition and to androgen stimulation.
X-ray powder diffraction characterization of Bi 14 (Sr,Ca) 12 O 33 solid solutions

Powder X-ray diffraction was used to investigate the solid solution range of the Bi{sub 14}Sr{sub {ital x}}Ca{sub 12{minus}{ital x}}O{sub 33} series in the Bi{endash}Sr{endash}Ca{endash}O system. Solid solution forms over the range 1{le}{ital x}{le}7 in Bi{sub 14}Sr{sub {ital x}}Ca{sub 12{minus}{ital x}}O{sub 33}. Experimental X-ray reference patterns of selected members with {ital x}=1, 3, 5, and 7 have been prepared for the powder diffraction file (PDF). These phases are monoclinic, {ital C}2/{ital m}, with cell parameter {bold a} ranging from 21.473(4) to 21.868(4) A, {bold b} from 4.3564(9) to 4.3898(9) A, {bold c} from 12.753(2) to 12.962(2) A, {bold {beta}} from 102.91(2){degree} to 102.79(1){degree}, and {bold V} from 1162.9(3) to 1213.5(3) A{sup 3}, respectively. These parameters increase monotonically as Ca is continuously replaced by the larger Sr. {copyright} {ital 1996 International Center for Diffraction Data.}
Psychosis Risk Screening with the Prodromal Questionnaire – Brief version (PQ-B)

In this study, we examined the preliminary concurrent validity of a brief version of the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ-B), a self-report screening measure for psychosis risk syndromes. Adolescents and young adults (N=141) who presented consecutively for clinical assessment to one of two early psychosis research clinics at the University of California, San Francisco and UC Los Angeles completed the PQ-B and the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS) at intake. Endorsement of three or more positive symptoms on the PQ-B differentiated between those with prodromal syndrome and psychotic syndrome diagnoses on the SIPS versus those with no SIPS diagnoses with 89% sensitivity, 58% specificity, and a positive Likelihood Ratio of 2.12. A Distress Score measuring the distress or impairment associated with endorsed positive symptoms increased the specificity to 68%, while retaining similar sensitivity of 88%. Agreement was very similar when participants with psychotic syndromes were excluded from the analyses. These results suggest that the PQ-B may be used as an effective, efficient self-report screen for prodromal psychosis syndromes when followed by diagnostic interview, in a two-stage evaluation process in help-seeking populations.
Youth tobacco use cessation: 2008 update

In this paper, an empirical review of 64 teen tobacco use cessation studies is provided. Examined include program contents, delivery modalities, number of contacts, and expected quit rates. In addition, means of recruitment and retention of smokers in programming are discussed. Also, promising contemporary methods of teen smoking cessation are examined, including use of pharmacologic adjuncts, electronic technology, and cigarette price increases (and no smoking policy). Conclusions are made regarding implications for developing and implementing teen tobacco use cessation programs.
Characterization of the requirements and substrates for reductive dehalogenation by strain DCB-1.

An obligately anaerobic bacterium known as strain DCB-1 was grown under a variety of conditions to determine the requirements for dehalogenation as well as factors which stimulated or inhibited the process. Dechlorination was obligately anaerobic since introduction of O2 immediately inhibited the reaction. Sulfuroxy anions, which also serve as electron acceptors for DCB-1, inhibited dechlorination but NO3 − and fumarate did not. The optimum growth medium for dechlorination was 0.2% Na pyruvate and 20% rumen fluid in basal salts. Media with either pyruvate or rumen fluid alone did not support dechlorination. DCB-1 also consumed H2 but typical substrate concentrations of H2 (80 kPa) delayed dechlorination. Once the H2 concentration was reduced to <20 μM (2.67 kPa), dechlorination resumed. Dehalogenation by DCB-1 was restricted to the meta substituted benzoates as halogens in other positions and chloroaromatic compounds with other functional groups were not dechlorinated.
Radiation tails and boundary conditions for black hole evolutions

In numerical computations of Einstein's equations for black hole spacetimes, it will be necessary to use approximate boundary conditions at a finite distance from the holes. We point out here that ``tails,'' the inverse power-law decrease of late-time fields, cannot be expected for such computations. We present computational demonstrations and discussions of features of late-time behavior in an evolution with a boundary condition.
Estimation of cotton yield based on net primary production model in Xinjiang, China

Time series data of the China environment and disaster reduction satellite (HJ), TM images and improved Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model were used in this study to estimate cotton yield in 121groups Xinjiang province. we used CASA model to calculate the cotton net primary production (NPP),(NPP=(SOL ×FPAR×0.5)×e). Finally, yield was estimated through converted the NPP to biomass, then cotton yield were obtained and validated by the field data. For NPP model, the relative error between the predicted cotton yield and the actual yield HJ was −18.00%, and TM images was −16%. It was feasible to predict cotton yield by HJ satellite data for estimating cotton yields. But in this paper, the light use efficiency (e) as the constant, we had not considered the influence of the temperature and precipitation of the space variability and climate condition, all of these needed further study.
Visual fields of butterfly interneurons

Abstract A relatively novel and precise technique was employed for the detailed plotting of the extent and nature of the fields of fibres in the visual pathway of 11 species of butterflies. For these experiments, a moving, flashing spot of light on the face of an oscilloscope was used as a photostimulator. Some 160 fibres were analysed by this technique. In many cases, the response to light adaptation was observed. Unlike many previous reports, units were found to have exceedingly complex fields, not easily described. Two major categories of optic lobe units were detected. These included: (1) fibres with large diffuse fields with many ‘holes’ and channels within their substance, which were markedly altered by light adaptation, and (2) relatively uncommon, smaller visual fields, which were somewhat more uniform in responsiveness. Four categories of visual fields were recorded in the protocerebrum. These included: (1) units with a large, diffuse field with a sharp boundary corresponding to the horizon, (2) binocular fields with much, little, or no overlap, (3) large diffuse fields, not unlike those discovered in the optic lobe, and (4) fibres demonstrating an inhibitory influence and resulting decrease in the size of the visual field as a result of contralateral stimulation.
Discrimination of smokeless powders by headspace SPME-GC-MS and SPME-GC-ECD, and the potential implications upon training canine detection of explosives

This presentation will provide an odour analysis of a variety of smokeless powders & communicate the rapid SPME-GC-ECD method utilized. This paper will also discuss the implications of the headspace analysis of Smokeless Powders upon the choice of training aids for Explosives Detection Canines. Canine detection of explosives relies upon the dogs’ ability to equate finding a given explosive odour with a reward, usually in the form of praise or play. The selection of explosives upon which the dogs are trained thus determines which explosives the canines can and potentially cannot find. Commonly, the training is focussed towards high explosives such as TNT and Composition 4, and the low explosives such as Black and Smokeless Powders are added often only for completeness. Powder explosives constitute a major component of explosive incidents throughout the US, and canines trained to detect explosives must be trained across the entire range of powder products. Given the variability in the manufacture and product make-up many smokeless powders do not share common odour chemicals, giving rise to concerns over the extensiveness of canine training. Headspace analysis of a selection of Smokeless Powders by Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography using Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and Electron Capture Detectors (SPME-GC-ECD) has highlighted significant differences in the chemical composition of the odour available from different brands. This suggests that greater attention should be paid towards the choice of Powder Explosives when assigning canine training aids.
Microcomputed tomography assessment of glenoid component cementation techniques in total shoulder arthroplasty

Various strategies have been described to improve glenoid component cementation technique in shoulder arthroplasty, such as the “weephole” technique (WH), which is thought to allow for improved cement mantles by suction venting the glenoid vault through the coracoid. The purpose of this study was to compare the cement mantle created using standard syringe pressurization (SP) to WH or a new, modified weephole technique (MWH), not requiring specific instrumentation of the coracoid medullary canal. Fourteen cadaveric scapulae underwent preparation of the glenoid to allow for implantation of glenoid components. Component fixation was achieved using SP, WH, or MWH. The volumes of cement surrounding each individual peg on the component, of the cement mantle between the back of the glenoid, and of the reamed glenoid face were quantified using micro-CT. Compared to SP, significantly larger cement mantles were observed around all pegs with both the WH (p = 0.023) and MWH (p = 0.007). Similarly, both the WH and MWH techniques demonstrated significantly decreased cement behind the glenoid component (p = 0.003) compared to SP, with no significant difference between the WH and the MWH techniques. Both WH and MWH techniques increase cement mantle volume around individual pegs and decrease the amount of glenoid face cement compared to conventional SP. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:559–564, 2010
Simulation of homogeneous condensation of small polyatomic systems in high pressure supersonic nozzle flows using Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook model.

In the present work, we have simulated the homogeneous condensation of carbon dioxide and ethanol using the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook based approach. In an earlier work of Gallagher-Rogers et al. [J. Thermophys. Heat Transfer 22, 695 (2008)], it was found that it was not possible to simulate condensation experiments of Wegener et al. [Phys. Fluids 15, 1869 (1972)] using the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Therefore, in this work, we have used the statistical Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook approach, which was found to be numerically more efficient than direct simulation Monte Carlo method in our previous studies [Kumar et al., AIAA J. 48, 1531 (2010)], to model homogeneous condensation of two small polyatomic systems, carbon dioxide and ethanol. A new weighting scheme is developed in the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook framework to reduce the computational load associated with the study of homogeneous condensation flows. The solutions obtained by the use of the new scheme are compared with those obtained by the baseline Bh...
Fish consumption and body burden of organochlorines among lower Hudson urban anglers.

Background Polychlorinated biphenyls and other organochlorines have contaminated the Hudson River and New York/New Jersey Harbor for many decades. Although body burdens and health effects resulting from exposure to these pollutants have been measured in other populations, little is known about anglers from the lower Hudson area. Methods Anglers were recruited from fishing clubs and along piers on the lower Hudson River. One hundred twenty-five participants provided blood samples and questionnaire information. Serum was analyzed at Mount Sinai School of Medicine for organochlorines. Results Mean concentration of total PCB congeners was 4.78 µg/L. A non-significant adjusted mean difference of −0.59 µg/L was observed between local fish eaters and non-eaters with higher levels among the non-eaters. Similar negative, but non-significant associations were observed for p,p'-DDT, HCB, and β-BHC. For pp'-DDE, and several chlordane residues, levels were higher among anglers reporting local fish consumption, but the difference was statistically significant only for TN. Conclusions These findings suggest eating fish from the lower Hudson River and NY/NJ harbor is not associated with an increased body burden of PCBs or most other organochlorines. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:587–594, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Introduction: Depression—A Treatable Public Health Problem: The Role for Pharmacists in Optimizing Patient Outcome

Biomedical Communications and Informatics Reviews Section Editor Peter D. Anderson, PharmD, BCPP, DABFE, FASCP Clinical Pharmacist MedManagement, Inc. Massachusetts and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Adjunct Associate Professor of Pharmacy University of Rhode Island Clinical Assistant Professor Northeastern University, School of Pharmacy Boston, Massachusetts E-mail: PAnder7291@aol.com Founding Editor James T. O’Donnell, PharmD, MS, ABCP, CNS, FACN Assistant Professor of Pharmacology Rush Medical College
“Redemption for Our Anguished Racial History”: Race and the National Narrative in Commemorative Journalism About Barack Obama:

This article considers how race was discussed in commemorative journalism produced after Barack Obama’s election and inauguration by major American newspapers, magazines, and television news. A discourse analysis of these commemorative media texts reveals competing—though often overlapping—narratives. Some celebrated Obama’s victory as a racial milestone, claiming it for African Americans past and present, yet another hurdle crossed in the continuing struggle for equality. Other commemorative texts either elided or marginalized racial issues, instead emphasizing diversity and democracy in a narrative of generalized American “freedom” and unity. The narrative in each text, however, was ultimately a tale imbued with nationalist ideology, emphasizing unity and progress at the expense of discussing issues related to contemporary racial inequality in America. Overall, although the coverage of this election demonstrated some change in racial representation, the overall discourse on race in America—and journalis...
Gonadal Hormones Induce Dendritic Growth in the Adult Avian Brain

Ovariectomized adult female canaries were treated with physiological doses of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or estradiol. Singing, which is typical of males, occurred in the testosterone-treated birds but not in any of the other birds. The effect of these hormones was assessed on dendrites from a class of neurons in the nucleus robustus archistriatalis (RA), a forebrain nucleus for song control. The RA neurons of the testosterone-treated birds had dendritic trees resembling those of intact males. The RA neurons of the estradiol- and dihydrotesterone-treated birds resembled those of intact females. All hormone-treated groups had dendrites that were significantly longer than those of untreated ovariectomized females. Thus gonadal hormones induce dendritic growth in the adult avian brain.
Bisphosphonates Alendronate and Ibandronate Inhibit Artery Calcification at Doses Comparable to Those That Inhibit Bone Resorption

The present experiments were carried out to test the hypothesis that artery calcification is linked to bone resorption by determining whether the selective inhibition of bone resorption with the bisphosphonates alendronate and ibandronate will inhibit artery calcification. Artery calcification was first induced by treatment of 42-day-old male rats with warfarin, a procedure that inhibits the gamma-carboxylation of matrix Gla protein and has been shown to cause extensive calcification of the artery media within 2 weeks. These experiments revealed that ibandronate (0.05 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)) and alendronate (0.1 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) completely inhibited calcification of all arteries and heart valves examined after 2 and 4 weeks of warfarin treatment. A 10-fold lower dose of alendronate reduced artery calcification by 50% (P<0.005). These bisphosphonate doses are comparable to those that inhibit bone resorption in rats of this age. More rapid artery calcification was induced by treatment with warfarin together with high doses of vitamin D, a procedure that causes extensive artery calcification by 84 hours. Alendronate and ibandronate again completely inhibited calcification of all arteries and heart valves examined. The subcutaneous doses of alendronate and ibandronate necessary to inhibit artery calcification are comparable to the daily subcutaneous doses of these drugs that have previously been shown to inhibit bone resorption in rats of the same age, with 50% inhibition of artery calcification at 20 microg alendronate x kg(-1) x d(-1) and at 1 microg ibandronate x kg(-1) x d(-1) x Bisphosphonate treatment did not affect serum calcium and phosphate, and so the inhibition of artery calcification cannot be due to a simple lowering of the serum calcium phosphate ion product. We conclude that bisphosphonates inhibit the calcification of arteries and heart valves at doses comparable to the doses that inhibit bone resorption. These results support the hypothesis that artery calcification is linked to bone resorption. The mechanism of this linkage remains to be established, however, and an alternative explanation for the present results is also considered.
The reaction of Euglena gracilis cytochrome c-552 with nonphysiological oxidants and reductants

Abstract The reaction of Euglena gracilis cytochrome c -552 (cytochrome f) with the nonphysiological reactants potassium ferrocyanide, potassium ferricyanide, sodium ascorbate, sodium dithionite, and Chromatium vinosum high potential nonheme iron protein was studied by stopped-flow and temperature-jump kinetic methods. The reaction of the purified, water-soluble protein with the reactants was investigated as a function of ionic strength, pH, and temperature. The results demonstrated that reduction and oxidation takes place at a negatively charged site on the cytochrome c -552 surface. Participation of specific amino acid residues in electron transfer is implicated from the pH results. The results obtained for the nonphysiological reactions of cytochrome c -552 are compared with available data for horse heart cytochrome c and Rhodospirillum rubrum cytochrome c 2 . The results strongly suggest that Euglena gracilis cytochrome c -552 undergoes nonphysiological oxidation and reduction by a mechanism different from that found for cytochrome c or cytochrome c 2 .
Executive dysfunction and disability in elderly patients with major depression.

The authors studied 126 elderly patients without dementia and with unipolar major depression. Impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) was significantly associated with age (P
Computations of the eddy heat and density transports across the Gulf Stream

Data of the current velocity, temperature and density of the Gulf Stream, collected during 200 crossings of the current in cruises off Onslow Bay, Jacksonville (30° N) and Cape Hatteras, are used to compute the eddy fluxes of heat and density across the mean current. In each cruise an eddy transport of heat is observed, which is directed from the colder coastal water to the Sargasso Sea in the surface layers. The meanders in the stream appear to increase the thermal contrast across the so-called Gulf Stream front and thus violate the ordinary diffusion laws by not transporting heat from the warm to the cold source. The transport of density across the stream is, in general, towards the shore, reflecting mostly the influence of the temperature on the density. Webster (1961 b ) has shown in an earlier study that there is a surface flow of kinetic energy and momentum from the meanders to the mean flow of the Gulf Stream. Since the meanders of the scale considered in these studies appear to speed up the Gulf Stream and do not feed upon, but actually build up the thermal contrast near the surface, these eddies must be forced. More measurements of the kind described in this paper, are needed to verify the observed abnormal heat and density fluxes in the Gulf Stream. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1964.tb00143.x
Crystallization and 1.1-A diffraction of chorismate lyase from Escherichia coli.

Chorismate pathway enzymes are important as producers of nonnucleotide aromatic compounds. The enzyme chorismate lyase from Escherichia coli has been crystallized in four distinct forms, three of which have been characterized by X-ray diffraction. Despite widespread screening, all four crystal forms grow from the same chemical conditions. The wild-type enzyme tends to aggregate, even in the presence of reducing agent, and yielded only one crystal form (monoclinic, form 1) that grew in intricate clusters. Chemical modification of the cysteines mitigated problems with aggregation and solubility but did not affect crystal growth behavior. Protein aggregation was largely eliminated by mutating the protein's two cysteines to serines. The double mutant retains full enzymatic activity and crystallizes in three new forms, one of which (triclinic) diffracts to 1.1-A resolution.
Prostheses, Equipment, Adapted Performance

As a member of the rehabilitation team with direct responsibility for a treatment program for the person with amputation(s), the occupational therapist has marked influence on the patient's adjustment to his disability. In addition, the occupational therapist can influence a patient's choices regarding use of adaptations or substitutions achieved by prostheses, equipment or body motion alone. The author, working in a comprehensive rehabilitation center, The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, where many amputees of all stages are treated, will outline basic principles in treatment planning for the person with amputation(s). In addition, treatment choices will be examined with the discussion focusing on different levels of amputations, and differing physical and psychological needs of the adult and child. Suggestions are offered for approaches to using protheses, equipment, or adapted performance in training persons with amputations. The author also explores why rejection of an upper limb prosthesis or e...
Improving the Revenue, Efficiency and Reliability in Data Center Spot Market: A Truthful Mechanism

Data centers are typically over-provisioned, in order to meet certain service level agreements (SLAs) under worst-case scenarios (e.g., peak loads). Selling unused instances at discounted prices thus is a reasonable approach for data center providers to off-set the maintenance and operation costs. Spot market models are widely used for pricing and allocating unused instances. In this paper, we focus on mechanism design for a data center spot market (DCSM). Particularly, we propose a mechanism based on a repeated uniform price auction, and prove its truthfulness. In the mechanism, to achieve better quality of service, the flexibility of adjusting bids during job execution is provided, and a bidding adjustment model is also discussed. Four metrics are used to evaluate the mechanism: in addition to the commonly used metrics in auction theory, namely, revenue, efficiency, slowdown and waste are defined to capture the Quality of Service (QoS) provided by DCSMs. We prove that a uniform price action achieves optimal efficiency among all single-price auctions in DCSMs. We also conduct comprehensive simulations to explore the performance of the resulting DCSM. The result show that (1) the bidding adjustment model helps increase the revenue by an average of 5%, and decrease the slowdown and waste by average of 5% and 6%, respectively, (2) our model with repeated uniform price auction outperforms the current Amazon Spot Market by an average of 14% in revenue, 24% in efficiency, 13% in slowdown, and by 14% in waste. Parameter tuning studies are also performed to refine the performance of our mechanism.
Impaired financial abilities in Parkinson's disease patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia

Abstract Purpose Financial capacity (FC) is an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) critical to independent functioning and sensitive to cognitive impairment in dementia. Little is known about FC in cognitively impaired patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study investigated FC in PD patients with prodromal and clinical dementia. Methods Participants were 20 older controls and 35 PD patients who met consensus criteria for either mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI, n = 18) or PD dementia (PDD, n = 17). FC was assessed using a standardized performance based measure consisting of 9 domain and two global scores (Financial Capacity Instrument; FCI) (1). FCI domain and global performance scores were compared across groups. Capacity impairment ratings (no impairment, mild/moderate impairment, severe impairment) were calculated for each PD patient's domain and global scores. Results Relative to controls, PD-MCI patients were impaired on both FCI global scores and domains of basic monetary skills, financial concepts, and investment decision-making. Relative to both controls and PD-MCI patients, PDD patients were impaired on virtually all FCI variables. With respect to impairment ratings, greater than 50% of PD-MCI patients and greater than 90% of PDD patients were classified as either mild/moderate or severely impaired on the two FCI global scores. Conclusions Impairment of financial capacity is already present in PD-MCI and is advanced in PDD. Complex cognitively-mediated IADLs such as financial capacity appear to be impaired early in the course of PD dementia.
The relationship between shoulder torques and the perception of muscular effort in loaded reaches

The objective of this study was to define the quantitative relationship between external dynamic shoulder torques and calibrated perceived muscular effort levels for load delivery tasks, for application in job analyses. Subjects performed a series of loaded reaches and, following each exertion, rated their perceived shoulder muscular effort. Motion and task physical requirements data were processed with a biomechanical upper extremity model to calculate external dynamic shoulder torques. Calculated torque values were then statistically compared to reported calibrated perceived muscular effort scores. Individual subject torque profiles were significantly positively correlated with perceived effort scores (r2 = 0.45-0.77), with good population agreement (r2 = 0.50). The accuracy of the general regression model improved (r2 = 0.72) with inclusion of factors specific to task geometry and individual subjects. This suggests two major conclusions: 1) that the perception of muscular shoulder effort integrates several factors and this interplay should be considered when evaluating tasks for their impact on the shoulder region; 2) the torque/perception relationship may be usefully leveraged in job design and analysis.
Responding to SUPPORT:1 An Academic Medical Center Examines Its End-of-Life Care Practices

Abstract The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the end-of-life (EOL) care rendered to patients and families within a large midwestern academic medical center during a recent one-year period. An investigator-developed audit tool was used to review the final hospitalization records of 100 patients. Data were collected regarding demographic variables, final hospitalization, medical diagnoses and histories, and documented end-of-life care. Major findings included a majority of deaths occurring within medical services on critical care units, a frequent short length of stay, a majority of Do Not Resuscitate or Withdrawal of Support orders being written 1–3 days prior to death, an unstable health status prior to admission, and presence of at least one significant chronic illness in the past medical history. Findings are being used to address EOL care related issues within the institution.