cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heteroflocculation of binary latex dispersions of similar chemistry but varying size

The stability of dilute bimodal (diameter:100 and 200 nm) model latex dispersions is studied as a function of electrolyte concentration and particle number fraction by measuring perikinetic aggregation with dynamic light scattering. A formally correct expression for the effective, doublet stability ratio of a bimodal system is derived that accounts for the difference in the particle size and hence, extends the derivation by Hogg and co-workers [Trans. Faraday Soc. 62 (1966) 1638]. Including the particle size ratio predicts slightly lower stability ratios for polydisperse but chemically similar systems. Stability ratios for binary mixtures of model colloidal latices are extracted from aggregation measurements in the fractal aggregation regime and are compared to predictions based on DLVO calculations of the potential. The results suggest that the composition of the aggregates is dependent on the relative stability of the two components (and consequently, on electrolyte concentration) and is richer in the least stable component.
Peace and Virtue

A few comments are in order concerning Charles C. Price's letter (24 Oct., p. 4ll), which promoted participation in the "First International Peace Week of Scientists." Implicit in this letter and underlying the staging of this event is the idea that peace, in and of itself, is to be desired, and that militarization, termed the "arms race," is to be deplored. I would like to dispute this.
III. Molecular aspects of dietary modulation of transcription and enhanced longevity

Abstract Dietary restriction is a known means of prolonging the life span of animals. How diet can increase longevity at the molecular level is not yet known. As organisms age, there is a decrease in the ability to synthesize RNA and a decrease in protein synthesis indicating that there is an overall loss in gene expression. In addition, a decrease in protein turnover is evident indicating a lack of cellular renewal because of the accumulation of tissue protein. Evidence is presented in this review, that certain dietary regimens appear to be capable of enhancing the synthesis of mRNA and probably also produced enhanced turnover of tissue protein. It is proposed that the physiological “strees” produced by restricted feeding paradigms can enhance gene expression and that this may be a significant factoe in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis for a longer period of time.
784-1 The Effect of Prenatal Cyclosporine on Fetal Rabbit Growth and the Myocardial Beta Adrenergic Receptor-Cyclic AMP Pathway

As the pediatric and adolescent survivors of organ transplantation reach reproductive age, there will be an increasing number of fetuses exposed to cyclosporine (CSA) throughout gestation. The effect of CSA on the developing fetus has received little attention. We studied the effect of prenatal CSA administration on fetal rabbits’ growth and the myocardial beta adrenergic receptor-cyclic AMP pathway. Methods Pregnant New Zealand white rabbits were treated either with subcutaneous CSA, 20/mg/kg twice weekly, or placebo, starting at 14 days gestation. At 29 days gestation (term 30 days), the fetuses were delivered by cesarian section. Maternal and fetal organs were weighed and fetal myocardium processed and stored. Beta adrenergic receptor numbers were determined by competitive binding assay using radiolabelled Dihydro-alpranolol. Cyclic AMP production was measured using radioenzymatic assay. Statistical comparisons utilized unpaired Student's t-test. Results CSA administration did not alter maternal body or organ growth. In the rabbit pups, body, heart, lung and kidney weights were decreased to 75% of control (p l 0.0001). Liver weight was decreased further to 68% of control (p l 0.0001 compared to controls, p l 0.03 compared to body and other organ weight reductions). Despite the reduction in myocardial growth, beta adrenergic receptor numbers and cyclic AMP production were not different in the CSA treated group. Conclusions Prenatal CSA administration results in asymmetric growth retardation in the rabbit fetus. The beta adrenergic receptor-cyclic AM P pathway does not appear to be altered. Speculation Because CSA is currently not contraindicated during human pregnancy, the effects on the fetus deserve further study.
Design and characterization of a multisource hand-held tandem mass spectrometer.

A wireless-controlled miniature rectilinear ion trap mass spectrometer system, total weight with batteries 5.0 kg, consuming less than 35 W of power, and having dimensions of 22 cm in length by 12 cm in width by 18 cm in height, is characterized. The design and construction of the mass spectrometer including mass analyzer, vacuum system, electronics system, and data acquisition and processing systems, is detailed. The mass spectrometer is compatible with various types of ionization sources including a glow discharge electron impact ionization source used in the internal ionization mode, and various atmospheric pressure ionization sources, including electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, and desorption electrospray ionization, which are employed for external, atmospheric pressure ionization. These external sources are coupled to the miniature mass spectrometer via a capillary interface that is operated in a discontinuous fashion (discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface) to ...
Work and society: Patterns of organisational culture

Workplaces are shaped in their functioning by a general national culture, or for that matter a sub-national or regional culture. However, the use here of the term ‘national culture’ does not constitute a commitment to the proposition that everywhere in the world there is a single national culture (and a single political culture) which will be co-terminus with a specific ‘state’ in the Weberian sense, that is to say, an entity with a defined territory, exercising a monopoly of force over that territory. This ideal-typical formulation is closely approached in some places, not so closely in others, and oniy weakly articulated elsewhere. For present purposes it is sufficient to say that a ‘culture’ having influence on a workplace organisation can be co-terminus with a territorial state, but it need not be. We simply need to look at individual cases and specify the parameters of the given situation. The focus of this paper, however, is on organisational culture (Frost, Moore, et al., 1985; Schein, 1985). In any sort of workplace that has existed for some period of time with a degree of stability there will develop a set of norms, values, and behaviors that will be characteristic of that particular workplace (Woodworth, Meek, et al. 1985; The Economist 1990). Such a very simple definition does not require us to posit either the universality of one or several types of organisational cultures, nor need we abandon all hope of being able to go beyond making statements about the organisationat culture of each individual workplace. Next we must also ask: what are the sources of a given organisational culture? Here we can distinguish between exogenous and endogenous sources. The former will comprise those elements of the organisational culture which derive from the organisation’s environment, however defined (Dertouzos, et al, 1989). The latter refer to those elements that derive from within the organisation itself (Kamerman and Kahn, 1987). Both types will occur simultaneously and will modify each other in the very process of interacting. The further question of what is an endogenous and what an exogeneous element can be answered only with reference to a definition of the organisation’s boundaries. The difficulties here, will be much like those raised in the study of the business firm by economists who need to define what ‘membership’ in the firm means and what the consequences are of various alternative definitions of membership. One other aspect of an organisation culture approach needs to be considered. The wider national or regional/sub-national culture which helps shape the organisation culture works at both the individual and the systemic or
Mechanical behavior of the human annulus fibrosus.

Abstract The mechanical properties of the human lumbar annulus fibrosus is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The theory presented is based on the assumption of material incompressibility which is then justified by the experiments. Spencer's theoretical approach is followed, but the fibers of the material are considered to be extensible. A strain-energy function and the associated constitutive equations are also presented. An optical method is employed to measure the extension ratios and the change in relative orientation of the fibers.
Labor unions: Victims of their political success?

A glimpse of the future of private sector unions may be gleaned from examining the past. Union densities have declined for nearly half a century, and structural and demographic changes, global competition, and various other factors have caused much of this decline. However, as recognized by early union leaders, legislative successes that diminish the role of collective bargaining naturally contribute to a diminished role for unions in the workplace and union decline must inevitably follow.
The Social Process of International Migration

The social process of network growth helps to explain the rapid increase in the migration of Mexicans to the United States during the 1970s. Migrant networks are webs of social ties that link potential migrants in sending communities to people in receiving societies, and their existence lowers the costs of international movement. With each person that becomes a migrant, the cost of migration is reduced for a set of friends and relatives, inducing them to migrate and further expanding the network. As a result of this dynamic interaction, network connections to the United States have become widespread throughout Mexico, and the probability of international migration from that country is high.
Polyadenylation and reverse transcription of bacteriophage phi 6 double-stranded RNA

Abstract Bacteriophage φ6 contains three segments of double-stranded RNA. Each doubles-tranded RNA is a substrate for the addition of poly(A) tails by poly(A) polymerase from E. coli . Based on the incorporation of A residues by φ6 RNA relative to tRNA it appears that all of the 3′-ends of φ6 RNA are substrates for poly(A) addition. The polyadenylated double-stranded RNA is a suitable template for oligo(dT) primed reverse transcription by AMV reverse transcriptase. The cDNA, produced by displacement of one of the parental RNA strands, rarely exceed 20% of the template in length. Some cDNA molecules appear to contain hairpin structures, judged by partial resistance to nuclease S1 and by ability to serve as template for a second round of reverse transcription without added primer. The product of the latter reaction is resistant to nuclease S1 and suitable for cloning.
Work in progress — Eliciting intuitive understandings of binary operations in a first course on computer organization

This paper describes continuations to the reform of a sophomore-level course in computer organization for our Computer Science BS curriculum, where, Java and integrated IDEs have been adopted as the only language and development environments used in the first three semesters of study. A major objective of our approach is the minimization of cognitive overload, through the incremental introduction of the concepts using carefully designed sequences of concrete examples that provide intuition prior to the commencement of formal analysis. In this paper, we examine approaches for teaching students a variety of techniques for manipulating binary numeric encodings designed to provide mathematical insights rather than rely upon an expectation of student's mathematical maturity.
Allylic Nitro Compounds as Nitrite Donors

Allylic nitro compounds were synthesized and evaluated as organic sources of nitrite and nitric oxide. Unactivated allylic nitro compounds do not spontaneously release nitrite and nucleophile promoted nitrite release is slow. However, 2-(nitromethyl)-cyclohex-1-ene-3-one spontaneously dissociates in buffer (pH = 7.4) to release nitrite with a kobs = 1.6 × 10-5 s-1. In the presence of l-cysteine, this compound rapidly yields nitrite and reacts with hemoglobin similarly to sodium nitrite. Structural modifications and the nature and amount of nucleophile modulate the rate of nitrite release. In the presence of l-cysteine and ascorbic acid, this compound forms nitric oxide. Together, these results reveal a new structural architecture for the tunable liberation of nitrite and nitric oxide from organic compounds.
Organizing and managing radioactive waste disposal as an experiment

This paper examines organization and management issues engendered by the national program for permanent disposal of commercial radioactive wastes. The description of current organizational and managerial responses to the waste disposal problem serves as a springboard for consideration of the technical, political, and organizational constraints that impinge upon the waste-management effort. Taking these constraints into account, the authors apply ideas that have emerged from previous radioactive waste-management studies and research on organizations, concluding that a change of course is needed. As an alternative, they propose an experimental approach predicated on the waste-management organization's acknowledging uncertainty and constructing responses that seek to reduce uncertainty systematically and without distortion.
Monoclonal antibodies to human immune interferon and their application for affinity chromatography

Abstract Two IgG1/kappa class monoclonal antibodies specific for human immune interferon (IFN-gamma), designated B1 and B3, were developed. Specific binding of both monoclonal antibodies to natural or Escherichia coli -derived recombinant human IFN-gamma was demonstrated in a solid-phase radioimmunoassay or by immunoprecipitation. Antibody B3 showed potent neutralizing activity against both natural and recombinant IFN-gamma. Antibody B1, which showed neutralizing activity only when very high concentrations were employed, was used for preparing immunosorbents for affinity chromatography of IFN-gamma. When a highly purified preparation of 125 I-labeled natural IFN-gamma was loaded onto the affinity column, all of the biological activity was retained on the column. The bulk of 125 I-labeled IFN-gamma bound to the affinity column could be eluted in biologically active form, suggesting that antibody B1 could be used for the purification of human IFN-gamma. Analysis of IFN-gamma eluted from the column by NaDodSO 4 /polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated that both of the known molecular weight subspecies of IFN-gamma (25,000 and 20,000 MW), as well as the presumed dimer of 45,000 MW, were retained by the B1 antibody affinity column.
Semiconductor laser theory with many-body effects.

A description of the electron-hole plasma of a semiconductor laser is developed that includes the many-body effects due to the Coulomb interactions. In particular, the plasma density-dependent band-gap renormalization, the broadening due to intraband scattering, and the Coulomb enhancement are included and evaluated for three- and two-dimensional semiconductor structures. Because of the short intraband scattering relaxation time one can eliminate the interband polarization adiabatically and at the same time introduce a hydrodynamic description of the intraband kinetics. From this general formulation a diffusion equation for the carrier density is derived. The resulting ambipolar diffusion coefficient decreases with the laser intensity due to the reduction of the electron drift. The present semiclassical theory is completed by the laser field equation and by the addition of Langevin fluctuations.
Blood Glucose Control and Visual and Auditory Attention in Men with Insulin‐dependent Diabetes

Assessment of 16 young men with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was undertaken with neuropsychological measures of attention, decision-making, and motor tasks. Those patients in very good, or near-normal, blood glucose control demonstrated decreased attention on visual and auditory simple reaction-time tasks, compared with those in moderate blood glucose control. Patient groups did not differ in their decision-making performance; nor did they differ in motor skill performance. These results replicate earlier findings of differences in visual attention in groups of patients according to degree of blood glucose control and show between-group differences with an auditory reaction time measure. The results suggest that patients with near-normal blood glucose control may exhibit slowed simple attention, whether information presentation is visual or aural.
Delay-optimal technology mapping for FPGAs with heterogeneous LUTs

Recent generation of FPGAs take advantage of speed and density benefits resulted from heterogeneous FPGAs, which provide either an array of homogeneous programmable logic blocks (PLBs), each configured to implement circuits with lookup tables (LUTs) of different sizes, or an array of physically heterogeneous LUTs. LUTs with different sizes usually have different delays. This paper presents the first polynomial-time optimal technology mapping algorithm, named HeteroMap, for delay minimization in heterogeneous FPGA designs. For a heterogeneous FPGA consisting of K/sub 1/-LUTs, K/sub 2/-LUTs, and K/sub c/-LUTs, HeteroMap computes the minimum delay mapping solution in O(/spl Sigma//sub i=1//sup c/K/sub i/.n.m.log n) time for a circuit netlist with n gates and m edges. The HeteroMap algorithm generates favorable results for Xilinx XC4000 series FPGAs and Lucent ORCA2C series FPGAs. Furthermore, the optimality of the HeteroMap algorithm enables us to quantitatively evaluate various heterogeneous architectures without the bias of mapping heuristics.
Adsorption and Thermal Conversion of 2-Iodoethanol on Ni(100) Surfaces: Hydroxyalkyls and Oxametallacycles as Key Intermediates during the Catalytic Oxidation of Hydrocarbons

The adsorption and thermal reactions of 2-iodoethanol on clean Ni(100) single-crystal surfaces were studied by temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). 2-...
A structural model of human capital and manufacturing sector change

The relationship between manufacturing job losses per capita, changes in manufacturing earnings per worker, and human capital investment is examined empirically at the level of nearly 3,000 U.S. counties over the period 1980–90. Hypotheses tested address the questions of whether the sectoral composition of the local economy (in this case with an emphasis on manufacturing) affects per worker earnings growth and investment in human capital, and whether investment in human capital in turn affects the economy's sectoral composition and earnings growth. The simultaneous equations estimation reveals direct and indirect effects of initial levels of the endogenous variables on their change during the 1980s. These effects are compared with comprehensive effects obtained using a reduced form regression.
Prostaglandin synthetase inhibition by alkaloids of Heimia salicifolia

Two alkaloids from Heimia salicifolia, cryogenine and nesodine, were respectively 2.48 and 2.24 times as potent as aspirin as inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase prepared from bovine seminal vesicles. Reference compounds, indomethacin and phenylbutazone, were respectively 2800 and 8.75 times as potent while a synthetic analogue of cryogenine, JB-1-0, was 0.656 times the potency of aspirin. This activity may help to explain the traditional medicine use of H. salicifolia in the Americas.
Ralph's Suicide and Undine's ‘physical nearness’ in Edith Wharton's THE CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY

In Edith Wharton's The Custom of the Country, the suicide of Ralph Marvell comes as a shock to readers for it is seemingly unexplained. While some critics (John Bruni, Martha H. Patterson, Debra An...
Cyclosporin A in atopic dermatitis.

SUMMARY Over the past 10 years, oral cyclosporin A (CyA) has been used to treat a range of inflammatory and immunologically mediated dermatological conditions, but only psoriasis has been shown to be responsive in double-blind, controlled trials. Thirteen patients with severe atopic dermatitis were treated for up to 31 months. Ten patients had a good response, one patient a moderate response and two a slight response. In two of these patients, CyA was withdrawn after more than 2 years of continuous treatment because of increasing plasma creatinine levels. Cyclosporin A appears to be useful in the treatment of severe, therapy-resistant atopic dermatitis, but careful monitoring of side-effects and dose adjustments are required.
Fluorescein‐Conjugated Folate as an Indicator of Specific Folate Binding to Paramecium1

Normal Paramecium tetraurelia cells stained with fluorescein-conjugated folate show intense fluorescence that can be reduced to near background autofluorescence with excess K2-folate, but not with excess KCl. Mutant d4–534, which is not attracted to folate and does not specifically bind 3H-folate, shows reduced fluorescence when stained. This method of monitoring specific folate binding to cells can be adapted to a microscale for rapid screening of clones since cells are routinely fixed and stained in microtiter wells.
Segregation distortion of Brassica carinata derived black rot resistance in Brassica oleracea

Three segregating F2 populations were developed by self-pollinating 3 black rot resistant F1 plants, derived from across between black rot resistant parent line 11B-1-12 and the susceptible cauliflower cultivar ‘Snow Ball’. Plants were wound inoculated using 4 isolates ofXanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) race 4, and disease severity ratings of F2 plants from the three populations were scored. A total of 860 arbitrary oligonucleotide primers were used to amplify DNA from black rot resistant and susceptible F2 plants and bulks. Eight RAPD markers amplified fragments associated with completely disease free plants following black rot inoculation,which segregated in frequencies far lower than expected. Segregation of markers with black rot resistance indicates that a single, dominant major gene controls black rot resistance in these plants. Stability of this black rot resistance gene in populations derived from 11B-1-12 may complicate introgression into B. oleracea genotypes for hybrid production.
Comparison of Scores for Normal Preschool Children on Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised and Mc Carthy Scales of Children's Abilities

In this study, the relationship between preschoolers' performance on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) and the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities was examined. The sample of...
Blunt intraabdominal arterial injury in pediatric trauma patients: injury distribution and markers of outcome

Abstract Background The epidemiology of pediatric blunt intraabdominal arterial injury is ill defined. We analyzed a multiinstitutional trauma database to better define injury patterns and predictors of outcome. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Trauma Database was evaluated for all patients younger than 16 years with blunt intraabdominal arterial injury from 2000 to 2004. Injury distribution, operative treatment, and variables associated with mortality were considered. Results One hundred twelve intraabdominal arterial injuries were identified in 103 pediatric blunt trauma patients. Single arterial injury (92.2%) occurred most frequently: renal (36.9%), mesenteric (24.3%), and iliac (23.3%). Associated injuries were present in 96.1% of patients (abdominal visceral, 75.7%; major extraabdominal skeletal/visceral, 77.7%). Arterial control was obtained operatively (n = 46, 44.7%) or by endovascular means (n = 6, 5.8%) in 52 patients. Overall mortality was 15.5%. Increased mortality was associated with multiple arterial injuries ( P = .049), intraabdominal venous injury ( P = .011), head injury ( P = .05), Glasgow Coma Score less than 8 ( P P P = .007), and poor performance on multiple injured outcomes scoring systems (Revised Trauma Score [ P P = .001], and TRISS [ P = .002]). Conclusion Blunt intraabdominal arterial injury in children usually affects a single vessel. Associated injuries appear to be nearly universal. The high mortality rate is influenced by serious associated injuries and is reflected by overall injury severity scores.
Partial disassembly sequencing considering acquired end-of-life product age distributions

Uncertainty management is a priority in remanufacturing operations due to uncertain end-of-life (EoL) product quality, quantity and return timing. Ignoring EoL product uncertainty can result in inefficient remanufacturing operations. In this work, an approach is developed that addresses the impact of EoL product quality uncertainty on partial disassembly sequences. Disassembly is performed on nearly all EoL products, yet it is vulnerable to uncertain EoL product quality, defined in this work as the remaining value of an EoL product compared to original equipment manufacturer standards. The developed approach converges to an optimal or near-optimal partial disassembly sequence provided that information regarding acquired EoL product age distributions is known and correlates to EoL product quality. A mathematical framework is introduced to evaluate disassembly sequences based on profit standard deviation and profit probability as well as the traditionally used expected profit. The approach is tested on an e...
Effects of CH−NO Interactions on Kinetics of Prompt NO in High-Pressure Counterflow Flames

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements of nitric oxide (NO) and methylidyne (CH), previously reported for prompt-dominated laminar, counterflow, methane−air non-premixed flames at a global strain rate of 20 s−1 and pressures from 1 to 6 atm, are analyzed by considering three important aspects of complex CH−NO kinetics. First, net reaction rates are studied as a function of pressure so as to understand the observed peaks in maximum [CH] and [NO] between 2 and 4 atm. Second, key elementary reactions are compared for two detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms, GRI 3.0 and Lindstedt, in order to investigate differences in computed [CH] and [NO]. Third, variations in rate coefficients are studied for those elementary reactions involving CH that strongly influence NO concentrations in these non-premixed flames. Rate coefficients are also considered for reaction steps which directly affect the formation and destruction of NO. On the basis of all three inquiries, rate coefficients for controlling elementary ...
Exploring community relations in a university setting

Abstract Analyzing data from a telephone survey of local residents, this study examined the role of community relations in higher education. Our data supported the idea that various contributions made to local communities may produce a favorable public perception of a university. More importantly, this favorable perception was related to various forms of public support, including making donations, attending sporting events, purchasing university products, looking for a job at the university, and sending children to the university. Taken together, our findings indicate that community relations may play an important role in promoting a positive image of a university, which in turn would attract greater public support.
A RAKE-based iterative receiver for space-time block-coded multipath CDMA

A turbo multiuser receiver is proposed for space-time block and channel-coded code division multiple access (CDMA) systems in multipath channels. The proposed receiver consists of a first stage that performs detection, space-time decoding, and multipath combining followed by a second stage that performs the channel decoding. A reduced complexity receiver suitable for systems with large numbers of transmitter antennas is obtained by performing the space-time decoding along each resolvable multipath component and then diversity combining the set of space-time decoded outputs. By exchanging the soft information between the first and second stages, the receiver performance is improved via iteration. Simulation results show that while in some cases a noniterative space-time coded system may have inferior performance compared with a system without space-time coding in a multipath channel, proposed iterative schemes significantly outperform systems without space-time coding, even with only two iterations. Furthermore, the performance loss in the reduced-complexity receiver due to decoupling of interference suppression, space-time decoding, and multipath combining is very small for error rates of practical interest.
PREDICTIVE MEDICINE. III. AN ECOLOGIC APPROACH

This article deals with some aspects of host resistance and susceptibility that can be modified by adding or withdrawing certain factors. Any practical program of predictive medicine must involve consideration of the internal milieu and how it may be altered by these factors.
A double-blind clinical trial comparing World Health Organization oral rehydration solution with a reduced osmolarity solution containing equal amounts of sodium and glucose☆☆☆★★★

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of an oral rehydration solution (ORS) containing 75 mmol/L of sodium and glucose each with the standard World Health Organization (WHO) ORS among Egyptian children with acute diarrhea. METHODS: One hundred ninety boys, ages 1 to 24 months, who were admitted to the hospital with acute diarrhea and signs of dehydration were randomly assigned to receive either standard ORS (311 mmol/L) or a reduced osmolarity ORS (245 mmol/L). Intake and output were measured every 3 hours. RESULTS: In the group treated with reduced osmolarity ORS, the mean stool output during the rehydration phase was 36% lower (95% confidence interval, 1%, 100%) than in those treated with WHO ORS. The relative risk of vomiting during the rehydration phase was significantly lower in children treated with reduced osmolarity ORS (relative risk, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2, 4.8). During the maintenance phase, stool output, mean intake of food and ORS, duration of diarrhea, and weight gain were similar in the treatment groups. The relative risk of treatment failure (need for unscheduled administration of intravenous fluids) was significantly increased in children receiving standard WHO ORS (relative risk, 7.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1, 60.9). The mean serum sodium concentration at 24 hours was significantly lower in children receiving the reduced osmolarity ORS solution (134 ± 6 mEq/L) than in children receiving the standard WHO ORS (138 ± 7 mEq/L) (p EDIATR 1996;128:45-51)
Role of α4 integrin (CD49d) in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose The pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy is mediated by leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium of the diabetic retina, which results in endothelial injury, blood-retina barrier breakdown, and capillary nonperfusion. Leukocyte adhesion is triggered by the interaction of vascular endothelium adhesion molecules, such as ICAM-1, with leukocyte integrins, such as CD18. Inhibition of ICAM-1/CD18 signaling suppresses but does not completely abolish the cardinal manifestations of diabetic retinopathy, suggesting a role for additional adhesion molecules. Integrin alpha 4 (CD49d), in complex with integrin beta1, forms very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), which interacts with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. The authors have now studied the role of integrin alpha 4/CD49d in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Methods Diabetes mellitus was induced in Long Evans rats with streptozotocin, and an anti-alpha 4 integrin/CD49d neutralizing antibody was injected 5 and 10 days later. Two weeks after streptozotocin administration, vascular leakage was quantified with the Evans Blue technique. Leukostasis was measured with a static adhesion assay ex vivo and the FITC-lectin perfusion method in vivo. Retinal VEGF and TNF-alpha levels and NF-kappaB activity were measured by ELISA. Results Blockade of alpha 4 integrin/CD49d attenuated the diabetes-induced upregulation of NF-kappaB activation, VEGF, and TNF-alpha protein levels and reduced significantly diabetes-induced leukocyte adhesion and vascular leakage. Conclusions These data identify alpha 4 integrin/CD49d as a mediator of leukocyte adhesion and the resultant early signature abnormalities of diabetic retinopathy. Inhibition of this signaling pathway may hold promise for clinical activity in patients with diabetes.
Entwicklungsstörungen im Vorschulalter – interdisziplinär beurteilt

Many children show developmental abnormalities in the first years of life. Thus, the primary care physician should know the procedures of developmental surveillance and screening and be informed about the further steps in the evaluation of children with developmental disorders. This article presents current developmental screening methods in primary care, defines the terminology of developmental disorders in young children, demonstrates the essential diagnostic procedures in developmentally impaired children and describes the interdisciplinary collaboration between physicians, psychologists, therapists and special needs educators.
Ternary liquid diffusion coefficients near plait points

Mutual diffusion coefficients were measured as a function of temperature above the 30°C plait point of the water + 2-propanol + cyclohexane system using a Gouy interferometer and a new temperature-jump procedure. The four independent diffusion coefficients were found to decrease rapidly along the constant plait-point line as the temperature approached the consolute or plait temperature. Effective critical exponents were found to be 0.55 for the individual diffusion coefficients and 1.31 for the determinant of the diffusion coefficient matrix. The measured diffusion coefficients satisfy all stability requirements, although cross diffusion coefficients were found to be as large as main diffusion coefficients and a negative value was obtained for the water main diffusion coefficient in the component representation utilized in this work.
Adipokines and the Right Ventricle: The MESA-RV Study.

Author(s): Harhay, Michael O; Kizer, Jorge R; Criqui, Michael H; Lima, Joao AC; Tracy, Russell; Bluemke, David A; Kawut, Steven M | Abstract: ObjectiveObesity is associated with changes in both right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular morphology, but the biological basis of this finding is not well established. We examined whether adipokine levels were associated with RV morphology and function in a population-based multiethnic sample free of clinical cardiovascular disease.MethodsWe examined relationships of leptin, resistin, TNF-α, and adiponectin with RV morphology and function (from cardiac MRI) in participants (n = 1,267) free of clinical cardiovascular disease from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)-RV study. Multivariable regressions (linear, quantile [25th and 75th] and generalized additive models [GAM]) were used to examine the independent association of each adipokine with RV mass, RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), RV end-systolic volume (RVESV), RV stroke volume (RVSV) and RV ejection fraction (RVEF).ResultsHigher leptin levels were associated with significantly lower levels of RV mass, RVEDV, RVESV and stroke volume, but not RVEF, after adjustment for age, gender, race, height and weight. These associations were somewhat attenuated but still significant after adjustment for traditional risk factors and covariates, and were completely attenuated when correcting for the respective LV measures. There were no significant interactions of age, gender, or race/ethnicity on the relationship between the four adipokines and RV structure or function.ConclusionsLeptin levels are associated with favorable RV morphology in a multi-ethnic population free of cardiovascular disease, however these associations may be explained by a yet to be understood bi-ventricular process as this association was no longer present after adjustment for LV values. These findings complement the associations previously shown between adipokines and LV structure and function in both healthy and diseased patients. The mechanisms linking adipokines to healthy cardiovascular function require further investigation.
Entrainment mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in right ventricular dysplasia

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine if entrainment mapping techniques and predictors of successful ablation sites previously tested in coronary artery disease can be applied to ventricular tachycardia (VT) in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). Background. VT in ARVD has not been well characterized. Reentry circuits in areas of abnormal myocardium are the likely cause, but these circuits have not been well defined. Methods. Mapping of 19 VTs in 5 patients with ARVD was performed. At 58 sites pacing entrained VT and radiofrequency current (RF) was applied to assess acute termination of VT. Results. Sites classified as exits, central/proximal, inner loop, outer loop, remote bystander and adjacent bystander were identified by entrainment criteria. The reentrant circuit sites were clustered predominantly around the tricuspid annulus and in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). RF ablation acutely terminated VT at 13 sites or 22% of the applications. Of the 19 VTs, eight were rendered noninducible and three were modified to a longer cycle length. In 2 patients ablation at a single site abolished two VTs. Conclusion. VT in ARVD shows many of the characteristics of VT due to myocardial infarction. Entrainment mapping techniques can be used to characterize reentry circuits in ARVD. The use of entrainment mapping to guide ablation is feasible.
Genetic and Acquired Determinants of Individual Variability of Response to Antiplatelet Drugs

The efficacy of various antiplatelet agents in preventing cardiovascular and thrombotic complications has been established in large-scale clinical trials. Composite data from such studies tend to mask individual variability in responsiveness to the drugs being investigated. In fact, antiplatelet drugs that are effective and safe in one individual may be ineffective or harmful in another.1 See p 921 Individual heterogeneity in responsiveness to antiplatelet agents may be due to either inherited or acquired factors. These potential variables include genetic polymorphisms in platelet proteins targeted by the drugs, differences in their pharmacokinetics, drug or other environmental interactions, and the baseline state of platelet function before initiation of treatment. With regard to the latter factor, just as underlying platelet dysfunction increases the risk of bleeding with antiplatelet therapy, it could be predicted that intrinsic platelet hyperaggregability should cause resistance to antiplatelet agents. Indeed, recent studies have demonstrated that pretreatment platelet hyperreactivity is an important determinant of resistance to antiplatelet therapy.2,3 Although intrinsic platelet hyperreactivity may be due to acquired factors, such as accelerated vascular disease (eg, acute coronary syndrome), hypertension, diabetes, or smoking, it can also be caused by genetic factors. A study of sibships drawn from a large, population-based sample without overt cardiovascular disease demonstrated that hereditary factors play an important role in the …
A planar quasi-optical SIS receiver

A planar, quasi-optical SIS (superconductor-insulator-superconductor) receiver operating at 230 GHz is described. The receiver consists of a 2*5 array of half-wave dipole antennas with niobium-aluminum oxide-niobium SIS junctions on a quartz dielectric-filled parabola. The 1.4-GHz intermediate frequency is coupled from the mixer via coplanar strip transmission lines and 4:1 balun transformers. The receiver is operated at 4.2 K in a liquid helium immersion cryostat. Accurate measurements of the performance of single untuned array receiver elements are reported. A mixer noise temperature of 89 K DSB (double sideband), receiver noise temperature of 156 K DSB and conversion loss of 8 dB into a matched load have been obtained. This mixer noise temperature is approximately a factor of two larger than that of current state of the art waveguide mixers using untuned single junctions a the same frequency. >
Structured writing about stressful events: Exploring potential psychological mediators of positive health effects

In a previous study, the authors found that structured writing about stressful events improved symptomatology in 112 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and asthma relative to patients who did not write (J. Smyth, A. Stone, A. Hurewitz, & A. Kaell, 1999). However, little is currently known about the pathways from the intervention to alterations in outcomes. In addition to measuring symptom outcomes after the intervention in the previous study, the authors monitored perceived stress, quality of sleep, affect, substance use, and medication use on a momentary basis for the 7 days prior to writing, during the 3 intervention days, and for the 14 days following the intervention (N = 105). These variables were tested in a secondary data analysis to determine whether they mediated the effects observed in the J. Smyth, A. Stone, et al. study. No evidence was found supporting mediation, and the mechanism underlying structured writing about stressful events remains unknown.
Life Patterns of Persons with Coronary Heart Disease

This study of person-environment patterns of people with coronary heart disease was undertaken as an explication of Margaret Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness. A method of cooperative inquiry was used involving eleven clients in a cardiac rehabilitation center, a cardiovascular nursing specialist, and the investigators. The clients were asked to describe the most meaningful times in their lives. Narratives of the evolving patterns based on the clients' descriptions were confirmed or revised by the clients. Similarities among patterns were supportive of some of the previously reported behaviors associated with coronary heart disease: the need to excel, a tendency to be repressed and externally controlled. Differences between individuals were explained by their position on Arthur Young's spectrum of human development. The mutual process of pattern recognition engaged in by nursing researchers and clients is seen as a model for practice.
Effect of Prerigor Pressurization on Postmortem Bovine Muscle Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity and Glycogen Degradation

Prerigor bovine semimembranosus muscle was pressure-treated at 103.5 MNm-2 (15.000 psi) for 2 min at 37°C. Glycogen levels of pressurized muscle were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than those of the control at 1, 2 and 4 hr postmortem. Glucose concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the treated muscle than in the control at all sampling periods. Lactate content increased rapidly after pressurization (1 hr postmortem); however, there was no significant difference between control and treated muscles at 24 hr. Pressurized muscle showed a significant (P < 0.01) increase in LDH activity over that of the control muscle at 1 hr, but not at 24 hr postmortem. Thus pressurization of muscle accelerated the rate of glycolysis and enhanced LDH activity.
Environmental variables influencing the carbon balance at the alpine treeline: a modeling approach

. Growth of coniferous trees at alpine treeline locations has traditionally been viewed as primarily temperature dependent. In this study, we use a physiologically mechanistic process model, ATE-BGC (Alpine Treeline Ecotone - BioGeochemical Cycles), to study the effects of a suite of environmental variables on the carbon balance of krummholz growth forms of subalpine Abies lasiocarpa under environmental conditions representative of treeline locations in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. We perform a sensitivity analysis of ATE-BGC to determine the relative effects of temperature, insolation, snow, rain, soil depth, leaf area index, winter injury and elevation on krummholz carbon balance. Our results indicate that ATE-BGC carbon balance estimates are most highly influenced by temperature and winter injury. Leaf area index, soil depth, rainfall, insolation and snowfall follow temperature and winter injury in their effect on carbon balance. Due to the sensitivity of the model to moisture related variables, we propose that local irregularities in the location of the alpine treeline ecotone are the result of localized xeric conditions.
Assessment of myocardial mechanics using magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed anatomic and functional information about the in vivo myocardium in diastole or systole. The most important advantage of MRI for imaging the heart when compared with competing imaging modalities such as echocardiography and cine computed tomography is that the same region of myocardium may tracked as the heart deforms in diastole or systole rising the radiofrequency (RF) tissue-tagging technique. Thus, the significant contributions of in-plane relational or out-of-plane translational motion may be accounted for in MRI measurements of regional stress, strain and myocardial work. To utilize the advantages of MRI for assessing the mechanical state of the ventricles, the authors developed a software program written in the C programming language that runs on a Silicon Graphics (SGI) workstation. The software program facilitates detailed and accurate measurements of regional myocardial stress, strain and work. >
Core competencies in human milk and breastfeeding: policy and practice implications for nurses.

The American Academy of Nursing endorses human milk and breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant feeding and has a long history of policy work and publications from the Expert Panel on Breastfeeding of the Academy. The Academy has members who serve the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), and our members actively participated in the development of the core competencies for health professionals. In 2013, the Academy endorsed these core competencies for health professionals, further underscoring our commitment to improving the landscape of breastfeeding in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics Position Statement clearly articulates that breastfeeding and the use of human milk are a public health issue, not a lifestyle choice (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012). Their recommendations are that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months and that breastfeeding should continue for 1 to 2 years or more as mutually desirable by the mother/child dyad (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012; World Health Organization, 2002). Although 76.5% of women currently initiate breastfeeding (including those who put the infant to the breast just one time), only 16.4% of infants are exclusively breastfed at 6 months (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013a). To achieve optimal health outcomes for children and their mothers, significant efforts must be made to improve the exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding details specific actions needed to improve breastfeeding outcomes and the health of our nation (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). Action items 9 and 10 address the specific need for health professional education about human lactation and breastfeeding to ensure that all women and families receive evidence-based lactation care, education, and support (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). Action item 9 notes that all health professionals should be provided with education and training in order to provide evidence-based lactation support and care, and