cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Which patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer need a radionuclide bone scan? An analysis based on 631 patients

Abstract Purpose: Although radionuclide bone scans are frequently recommended as part of the staging evaluation for newly diagnosed prostate cancer, most scans are negative for metastases. We hypothesized that Gleason score, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and clinical stage could predict for a positive bone scan (BS), and that a low-risk group of patients could be identified in whom BS might be omitted. Methods: All patients who had both pathologic review of their prostate cancer biopsies and radionuclide BS at our institution between 1/90 and 5/96 were studied. Gleason score, PSA, and clinical stage (AJCC, 4th edition) were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses for their ability to predict a positive BS. Groups analyzed were Gleason of 2–6 vs. 7 vs. 8–10; PSA of 0–15 vs. greater than 15–50 vs. greater than 50; and clinical stage of T1a–T2b vs. T2c–T4. Univariate analysis using χ 2 and multivariate analysis using logistic regression were performed. Results: Of the 631 consecutive patients, 88 (14%) had positive BS. Multivariate analysis (64 excluded due to missing PSA and/or clinical stage) showed Gleason score, PSA, and clinical stage to be significant independent predictors for positive BS ( p p p 50 vs. 0–15; 2.25 (CI, 1.43–3.54) for Gleason of 8–10 vs. 2–6; 2.15 (CI, 1.54–2.99) for clinical stage T2c–T4 vs. T2b or less. Three of 308 (1%) had a positive BS in patients with Gleason 2–7, PSA of 50 or less, and clinical stage of T2b or less. In the subset of the same risk group with PSA of 15 or less, all 237 had negative bone scans. In patients with PSA greater than 50, 49/99(49.5%) had positive BS. Conclusion: Gleason score, PSA, and clinical stage were independent predictors for a positive radionuclide BS in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. PSA is the major predictor for positive BS. About one-half of the patients analyzed were in the low-risk group (Gleason 2–7, PSA ≤ 50, clinical stage ≤ T2b) and elimination of BS in these patients would result in considerable economic savings.
THE HYPERVIRIAL THEOREM FOR COLLISIONS BETWEEN ELECTRONS AND ATOMS

The hypervirial theorem was first introduced for bound-state systems and subsequently extended to oneelectron scattering problems. Electron-atom collisions are considered, and the appropriate form of the hypervirial theorem is derived. Its relation to the original formulation is discussed. Application is made to the electron-hydrogen problem. Both elastic and inelastic collisions are investigated. (auth)
A nanosecond pulse height discriminator

Abstract A pulse height discriminator for nanosecond pulses has been built employing tunnel diodes. The discriminator accepts negative pulses from 0.5 V to 10.0 V in height, with rise times from 0.5 to 20 ns and durations from 5 to 100 ns. The threshold voltage for discrimination is set in terms of a calibrated ten turn potentiometer on the front panel of the circuit. The “jitter” of the threshold is a maximum of ± 10 mV over the entire range of threshold settings, and the maximum time variation in the leading edge of the output pulse as a function of the excess above threshold for the input is 10 ns. Two output pulses are provided: one is a — 5V pulse into 50 ohms, with a rise time of 3 ns and duration of 30 ns; the second is a + 8V pulse with 10 ns rise time and 100 ns duration to drive a scaling circuit directly. Although used in a 50 ohm counting system, modifications of this circuit for use with higher impedence systems are described in detail.
Origin of the Cambrian-Ordovician sedimentary cycles of Wisconsin using tectonic subsidence analysis

Cambrian-Ordovician stratigraphy of the Wisconsin dome is organized into five cycles consisting of basal quartzose sandstone, overlain by glauconitic sandstone and capped by limestone or dolostone. Unconformities at the base of each cycle are found to be coeval with known times of rapid tectonic subsidence in the Illinois basin at approximately 512, 502, 495, and 461 Ma. These times of rapid basin subsidence in the Illinois basin are interpreted to represent resurgent faulting events concurrent with thermal subsidence. Such regional extensional faulting would cause concomitant minor uplift of the Wisconsin dome, developing erosional unconformities observed at the base of each Cambrian-Ordovician stratigraphic cycle. Because sea level was rising at a constant global rate during deposition of the Cambrian-Ordovician cycles, stabilization of minor uplift permitted local transgression and deposition of a successive cycle. Repeated faulting during thermal subsidence in the Illinois basin caused repeated minor uplift on the Wisconsin dome, each time initiating a new stratigraphic cycle. Exceptions to this model include initial Late Cambrian transgression onto the midcontinent and a global drop in sea level at 485 Ma. The findings suggest that geodynamic models proposing a two-stage process from mechanical fault-controlled subsidence to thermal subsidence during evolution of extensional basinsmore » may need to be modified to include the occurrence of coeval extensional faulting and thermal subsidence during initial stages of basin thermal subsidence.« less
Rates and predictors of response to anti-viral treatment for hepatitis C virus in HIV/HCV co-infection in a nationwide study of 619 patients.

Summary Background The effectiveness of anti-viral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV/HCV co-infected patients in ‘real world’, clinical practice is unclear. Aims To determine the rates and predictors of sustained virological response (SVR) to anti-viral treatment for HCV with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. Methods We identified all HIV/HCV co-infected patients who received anti-viral treatment with PEG-IFN and ribavirin in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system nationally between 2002 and 2009 (n = 665). Results Sustained virological response was achieved in 21.6% overall, 16.7% among patients with genotype 1 HCV (n = 491) and 44% among patients with genotype 2 or 3 HCV (n = 116). Among genotype 1-infected patients, characteristics that were negatively associated with SVR independently included baseline HCV viral load >2 million IU/mL [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.41, 95% CI 0.2–0.7], Black race [AOR 0.56 (0.3–0.96)], diabetes [AOR 0.42 (0.2–0.9)], baseline anaemia [AOR 0.42 (0.2–0.97)], serum aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio ≥1.2 [AOR 0.48 (0.2–0.97)] and use of zidovudine [AOR 0.41 (0.2–0.9)]; characteristics positively associated with SVR included a starting dose of ribavirin ≥1000–1200 mg/day [AOR 2.0 (1.1–3.7)] and erythropoietin use during treatment [AOR 2.9 (1.6–5.0)]. Among genotype 2 or 3 infected patients, only erythropoietin use was an independent predictor of SVR [AOR 3.1 (1.2–7.8)], while a starting dose of ribavirin >800 mg/day was not associated with SVR. Conclusions Sustained virological response rates achieved with PEG-IFN and ribavirin in HIV/HCV co-infected patients are low in clinical practice. The use of erythropoietin was the most important, modifiable factor associated with SVR.
Human Sir2 and the ‘silencing’ of p53 activity

Members of the evolutionarily conserved silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) protein family are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+))-dependent histone deacetylases. In yeast, the founding Sir2 protein is known to function in transcriptional silencing processes through the deacetylation of histones H3 and H4, thus setting up a repressive chromatin structure. Yeast and Caenorhabditis elegans Sir2 are also involved in regulating the life span of these organisms. Until recently, the function of mammalian Sir2 family members was completely unknown. However, several recent studies have now determined a remarkable function for the human SIRT1 protein, which is the closest human homolog of yeast Sir2. SIRT1 specifically associates with the p53 tumor suppressor protein and deacetylates it, resulting in negative regulation of p53-mediated transcriptional activation. Importantly, p53 deacetylation by SIRT1 also prevents cellular senescence and apoptosis induced by DNA damage and stress.
Surgical Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review of the Literature

The surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement has become more common, yet the strength of clinical evidence to support this surgery is debated. We performed a systematic review of the literature to (1) define the level of evidence regarding hip impingement surgery; (2) determine whether the surgery relieves pain and improves function; (3) identify the complications; and (4) identify modifiable causes of failure (conversion to total hip arthroplasty). We searched the literature between 1950 and 2009 for all studies reporting on surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement. Studies with clinical outcome data and minimum two year followup were analyzed. Eleven studies met our criteria for inclusion. Nine were Level IV and two were Level III. Mean followup was 3.2 years; range (2–5.2 years). Reduced pain and improvement in hip function were reported in all studies. Conversion to THA was reported in 0% to 26% of cases. Major complications occurred in 0% to 18% of the procedures. Current evidence regarding femoroacetabular impingement surgery is primarily Level IV and suggests the various surgical techniques are associated with pain relief and improved function in 68–96% of patients over short-term followup. Long-term followup is needed to determine survivorship and impact on osteoarthritis progression and natural history. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Multiple reaction states in CO hydrogenation on alumina-supported cobalt catalysts

Abstract CO hydrogenation was studied on four (1, 3, 10 and 15 wt%) Co Al 2 O 3 catalysts using the technique of temperature-programmed surface reaction (TPSR). Two distinct methane peaks (Peaks A and B) are observed for 3, 10 and 15% Co Al 2 O 3 during TPSR of chemisorbed CO at room temperature, indicating the presence of two different reaction states or mechanisms for CO hydrogenation (A and B). No methane peak is observed for 1% Co Al 2 O 3 unless it is reduced at 1023 K. The more active A state, the relative population of which increases with increasing metal loading and increasing extent of reduction, probably corresponds to hydrogenation of atomic carbon on 3D cobalt crystallites while the less active B state is assigned to decomposition on metal crystallites of a methoxy or formate species originally formed on the support from spilled-over hydrogen and carbon monoxide. TPSR spectra of hydrogen with carbon deposited by CO dissociation at 523 K show that the quantity of active α-carbon increases with increasing metal loading and correlates with the relative population of A sites. A linear correlation between logarithm of the steady-state methane turnover frequency and the relative population of A sites suggests that large variations in the steady-state CO hydrogenation rate with dispersion and metal loading observed for these catalysts may be explained in terms of variations in the distribution of reaction states for CO hydrogenation, i.e., a larger fraction of Reaction A at higher metal loadings and higher extents of reduction.
The Changing Landscape of Advanced Heart Failure Therapeutics

The past decade has witnessed a rapid evolution in the tools available to treat patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Gone are the days of managing advanced heart failure with medical therapy alone. Patients with heart failure who present for tertiary and quaternary
An adenosine A2A receptor agonist reduces interleukin-8 expression and glycosaminoglycan loss following septic arthrosis

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist (ATL146e) might augment the current treatment regimen of antibiotics plus irrigation and debridement to prevent the arthritic effects associated with joint sepsis. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were injected into knees of rabbits, which were divided into 4 treatment groups (12 rabbits per group): no treatment, ATL146e only, antibiotics only, or antibiotics plus ATL146e. Analysis at days 1, 3, and 7 consisted of gross joint appearance, synovial fluid, serum, histologic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analysis. Synovial fluid cultures at day 7 were negative in all antibiotic and antibiotic plus ATL146e treated knees indicating clearance of bacteria. Average WBC counts from synovial fluid aspirates significantly decreased with treatment of antibiotics alone and antibiotics plus ATL146e. Treatment with antibiotics plus ATL146e significantly decreased the Interleukin-8 content when compared to other treatment groups (p<0.001) indicating inflammatory response suppression. Histologic grading resulted in notably improved scores in the antibiotics plus ATL146e group compared to other treatment groups (p < or =0.001). Glycosaminoglycan assay values were significantly greater in the ATL146e plus antibiotics group compared to the untreated control group (p<0.04) indicating chondroprotection. The results of this study indicate that administration of an adenosine A(2A) agonist in combination with antibiotic therapy diminishes joint WBC chemotaxis and reduces joint inflammation, while not compromising the clearance of intraarticular bacteria in a rabbit model. Early bacterial clearance with modulation of the inflammatory response appears to prevent the early degradative effects of joint sepsis.
Determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in plant tissue

The study was undertaken to (1) develop an efficient method for processing large numbers of plant samples, (2) combine extraction and cleanup procedures to limit sample handling, (3) prepare large quantitites of dried plant tissues to be used as analytical reference material for long term PCB quality control studies, and (4) analyze aquatic plants exposed to PCBs.
Patterns and correlates of adolescent weight change in residential care

Abstract Adolescents entering residential care have high rates of clinical weight problems; however, some aspects of the residential setting may be conducive to healthy weight management. This study aimed to examine the change in adolescent weight status from intake to discharge among a large sample of youth in a residential care program (N = 1195). Although weight management was not a specific target of the program, adolescents were more likely to move to a healthier weight status than a less healthy one by the end of the placement. Adolescents who were obese at the time of intake (n = 274) showed an average decrease of .21 zBMI units, and approximately a quarter of this group moved to a healthier weight category at discharge. These changes compare favorably to outcomes for existing treatments for adolescent weight problems and may represent clinically-meaningful improvements in weight status for many youth. Further, a decrease in psychotropic medication prescriptions was significantly associated with weight loss for adolescents who were overweight at intake. The implications of these findings, including the possible benefits of effective weight management in residential settings and the potential value of highly structured environments in promoting healthy weight among vulnerable adolescents, are discussed.
A comparison of recovery of virus from wastewaters by beef extract-Celite, ferric chloride, and filter concentration procedures

An improved concentration method using sample volumes as large as 1500 ml has been developed to monitor for viruses in wastewaters. Non-precipitating dry beef extract powder is added to wastewater samples to give a 3% concentration and mixed until dissolved. This is followed by the addition of Celite as a virus adsorbent. By manipulating pH, viruses are eluted from the Celite in small volumes of phosphate buffer. This procedure was further tested without the aid of the Celite additives using a precipitating beef extract powder and substituting FeCl3 as an alternate reagent for the Celite. Comparison testing was also made with the currently recommended cartridge and disc filter procedures. In all cases, the non-precipitating beef extract-Celite method gave higher recovery rates in highly polluted waters.
Electrical stratification in the middle atmosphere

Stratification of the electrical structure of the middle atmosphere (MA) has been observed under a wide range of conditions. 'Ledges' in charged particle density at the bottom of Chapman-like layers are accentuated in conductivity profiles due to the atmospheric density gradient's effect on mobility, but the steepest gradients yet observed occurred in conjunction with the horizontal magnetic field at the equator. High-latitude conductivity ledges are produced by steeply declining energy distributions. Measurements in a noctilucent cloud showed that the free electrons essentially vanished (presumably due to attachment to cloud particles) but the positive ion conductivity remained virtually unchanged.
Some aspects of meat fermentation

A linear relationship was found between the temperature and fermentation rate of either Pediococcus acidilactici or P. pentosaceus , and the modified generation time of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of P. pentosaceus . Similar relationships were found between the level of TBHQ in meat and the modified acid production rate of P. pentosaceus and Lactobacillus plantarum , and the inoculation level of P. acidilactici and its fermentation rate. The plots of the fermentation of Genoa sausage, Pepperoni, and Summer sausage had slopes in the range of 0·01197 to 0·01234 h −0·5 °C −1 (21–29 °C). The combined effect of temperature with either NaCl or the antioxidants BHA and BHT on the fermentation of Genoa sausage resulted in a family of plots with either similar or different slopes. The plot of the modified generation time of S. aureus growing in Genoa sausage in the presence of pediococci had a slope 6·5 times smaller than that of the pathogen growing alone. Values of the minimum practical temperature (T min ) and the minimum inoculation size (I min ) were determined by using T 0 and I 0 , respectively. T 0 and I 0 are different expressions of X 0 and are obtained by extrapolation of curves to x-axis. The X 0 equations of Ratkowsky and coworkers fitted the data as well as the linear plot equations.
A GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE MOLECULAR FORMULAS OF CERAMIC GLAZES1

A chart representing average glaze composition, including lead, fritted, Bristol, and porcelain glazes, as plotted against temperature is presented as a means for teaching glaze compositions and for getting a broad view of the constituents of glazes and their variation with temperature. The chart covers the range from cones 015 to 18.
Effects of Echinostoma trivolvis (Trematoda) infection on neutral lipids, sterols, and carotenoids in Helisoma trivolvis (Gastropoda).

Abstract 1. 1. Histochemical, thin layer and gas-liquid chromatographic studies were done on neutral lipids, sterols and carotenes in the digestive gland-gonad (DGG) complex of Helisoma trivolvis infected with Echinostoma trivolvis vs uninfected DGG. 2. 2. Hitochemical Oil Red O staining showed the presence of neutral lipids in the redial body wall and in the digestive cells of the DGG. 3. 3. TLC showed that free sterols and triacylglycerols were major neutral lipid fractions along with lesser amounts of steryl esters and free fatty acids in the DGG of both populations. The percentage composition of all neutral lipid fractions was greater in infected than uninfected DGG. 4. 4. Infected DGG contained more carotenoid fractions than uninfected DGG, but only beta-carotene was identified from both. 5. 5. GLC studies showed that the major sterol present in snail DGG was cholesterol (about 70%) along with lesser amounts of stigmasterol, campesterol, beta-sitosterol and desmosterol. No clear cut distinction was seen in sterols from infected vs uninfected DGG.
Tight coupling between nucleus and cell migration through the perinuclear actin cap

Although eukaryotic cells are known to alternate between ‘advancing’ episodes of fast and persistent movement and ‘hesitation’ episodes of low speed and low persistence, the molecular mechanism that controls the dynamic changes in morphology, speed and persistence of eukaryotic migratory cells remains unclear. Here, we show that the movement of the interphase nucleus during random cell migration switches intermittently between two distinct modes – rotation and translocation – that follow with high fidelity the sequential rounded and elongated morphologies of the nucleus and cell body, respectively. Nuclear rotation and translocation mediate the stop-and-go motion of the cell through the dynamic formation and dissolution, respectively, of the contractile perinuclear actin cap, which is dynamically coupled to the nuclear lamina and the nuclear envelope through LINC complexes. A persistent cell movement and nuclear translocation driven by the actin cap are halted following the disruption of the actin cap, which in turn allows the cell to repolarize for its next persistent move owing to nuclear rotation mediated by cytoplasmic dynein light intermediate chain 2.
Parental age and risk of bipolar disorder in offspring

We investigated prospectively documented parental age and bipolar disorder (BD) in a multi-ethnic birth cohort. The study was based on a nested case-control design from the Child Health and Development Study (CHDS) birth cohort from 1959 to 1966. Potential cases with BD were ascertained by database linkages between CHDS, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Plan (KPNC), and Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services, and mailed questionnaires. Consensus diagnoses with the SCID for DSM-IV-TR were made. The total number of BD cases was 94. Controls (N=746) were selected from the birth cohort and matched on date of birth, sex, and KPNC membership or residence in Alameda County. For every 10-year increment of paternal age, there was no significant association with BD, adjusting for maternal age. There was also no significant association between maternal age, modeled in 10-year increments, and risk of BD after adjustment for paternal age and maternal race, although there was a suggestion for a protective relationship between increasing maternal age and BD with psychotic features. These findings suggest that if advanced paternal age is a risk factor for BD, the strength of the relationship is small.
Regional improvement of signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios in dual‐screen CR chest imaging—a phantom study

The improvement of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in dual-screen computed radiography(CR) has been investigated for various regions in images of an anthropomorphic chest phantom. With the dual-screen CR technique, two image plates are placed in a cassette and exposed together during imaging. The exposed plates are separately scanned to form a front image and a back image, which are then registered and superimposed to form a composite image with improved SNRs and CNRs. The improvement can be optimized by applying specifically selected weighting factors during superimposition. In this study, dual-screen CRimages of an anthropomorphic chest phantom were acquired and formed with four different combinations of standard resolution (ST) and high-resolution (HR) screens: ST–ST, ST–HR, HR–ST, and HR–HR. SNRs and their improvements were measured and compared over twelve representative regions-of-interest (ROIs) in these images. A 19.1%–45.7% increase of the SNR was observed, depending on the ROI and screen combination used. The optimal weighting factors were found to vary by only 4.5%–12.4%. Largest improvement was found in the lung field for all screen combinations. Improvement of CNRs was investigated over two ROIs in the lung field using the rib bones as the contrast objects and a 29.2%–43.9% improvement of the CNR was observed. Among the four screen combinations, ST–ST resulted in the most SNR and CNR improvement, followed in order by HR–ST, HR–HR, and ST–HR. The HR–ST combination yielded the lowest spatial variation of the optimal weighting factors with improved SNRs and CNRs close to those of the ST–ST combination.
Crabs interpret the threat of predator body size and biomass via cue concentration and diet

Greater predator body size is often associated with greater predation risk. According to the threat-sensitive predator avoidance hypothesis, prey should display graded responses to increasing predator body size; in turn, these differences in behaviour should also cause differing indirect effects. Yet, in aquatic systems, where prey often use chemical cues to judge predator threats, the role of chemically mediated perception of predator body size and the propagation of indirect effects are still unclear. To differentiate intraspecific predator size via chemical cues, prey must judge predator threat quantitatively (i.e. via concentration) or qualitatively (i.e. via differing cues and/or diets). We investigated the role of individual and aggregate predator body size (i.e. biomass, cue concentration) and qualitative diet cues in antipredator behaviour and indirect interactions by examining the behavioural responses of the mud crab Panopeus herbstii and the survival of oyster prey (Crassostrea virginica) in response to various blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, biomass and diet treatments. Mud crabs increased their refuge use and decreased foraging in response to chemical cues from large, but not small, individual blue crabs. The perception of predator size appeared to be related to predator biomass as multiple small blue crabs and large crabs elicited similar foraging responses in mud crabs. However, multiple small blue crabs failed to affect mud crab refuge use, indicating that some measures of behaviour may not always be predictive of indirect effects. Predator diet also influenced mud crab behaviour and foraging: predators fed mud crabs elicited a greater antipredator response than crushed conspecifics or predators fed oyster diets, suggesting that qualitative cues also influence intraspecific threat perception and indirect interactions. These experiments demonstrate that we cannot successfully predict indirect interactions without considering predator population size structure and measuring indirect effects.
Comparison of amorphous InZnO and polycrystalline ZnO:Al conductive layers for CIGS solar cells

We investigated the optical and electrical properties of amorphous InZnO (IZO) as a potential replacement of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) conducting window layer for CuInGaSe 2 (CIGS) solar cells. The device performance of CIGS devices with IZO of different thickness and sheet resistance was compared with that of CIGS standard devices with AZO. The results show that the optical and electrical properties of IZO were affected by deposition conditions, especially by the oxygen concentration, and thickness. Initial results on the CIGS solar cells showed that devices with IZO yield cell efficiencies comparable to that of the devices with standard AZO, when the sheet resistance of IZO was close to that of AZO.
Real-Time, Selective Detection of Pb2+ in Water Using a Reduced Graphene Oxide/Gold Nanoparticle Field-Effect Transistor Device

A field-effect transistor (FET) device-based sensor is developed to specifically detect Pb2+ ions in an aqueous environment that is notably toxic. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), as the semiconducting channel material, was utilized in the FET device through a self-assembly method. An l-glutathione reduced was employed as the capture probe for the label-free detection. By monitoring the electrical characteristics of the FET device, the performance of the sensor was measured and investigated. Compared with conventional detection technologies, this sensor enabled real-time detection with a response time of 1–2 s. A lower detection limit for Pb2+ ions as low as 10 nM was achieved, which is much lower than the maximum contaminant level for Pb2+ ions in drinking water recommended by the World Health Organization. Furthermore, the rGO FET sensor was able to distinguish Pb2+ from other metal ions. Without any sample pretreatment, the platform is user-friendly.
Improved Sensitivity for in Situ Infrared Identification of Species Separated by Thin-Layer Chromatography Using Programmed Multiple Development:

A method is described for measuring the infrared spectra of submicrogram quantities of materials separated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) without removing the sample from the plate. The use of programmed multiple development for the chromatography concentrates each spot of sample on the TLC plate by approximately a factor of 4 compared to conventional TLC. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer equipped with a mercury cadmium telluride detector enables recognizable spectra to be measured in less than 10 s.
Simultaneous optical and acoustical observations of contrast agents

The increasing interest in the use of encapsulated microbubbles for ultrasound contrast agents and drug delivery mechanisms requires an understanding of the insonified microbubble on a microscopic scale. With the use of a video microscopy system coupled to either a microscopic ultrasound flow phantom or a chamber for insonifying stationary bubbles, the authors show that ultrasound has significant effects on encapsulated microbubbles. A train of ultrasound pulses can alter the structure of an albumin-shelled bubble or instigate various mechanisms of bubble destruction. Ultrasonic transmission also produces a primary radiation force which can displace contrast agents with each acoustic pulse, and the authors demonstrate this in-vivo as well as in-vitro. Secondary radiation force is shown to cause changes in effective scatterer size, echo characteristics, and persistence.
Hooked setae: tests of the anchor hypothesis

. We tested the hypothesis that hooked setae function as anchors in three species of tubiculous polychaetes (Eudistylia vancouveri, Schizobranchia insignis, and Owenia fusiformis). All maintained position within their tubes when exposed to high pressures (up to 100–200 kPa) applied from the posterior direction (where it would tend to cause the tips of hooks to embed in the tube wall). When pressure was applied in the opposite direction, where hooks would not tend to embed in the tube wall, the worms were expelled from their tubes at lower pressures (30–100 kPa). The ability of these worms to maintain their position within their tubes was independent of body size. On the basis of these findings we made three predictions. First, worms that use their hooked setae as anchors should have those hooks located on the body in greatest number and size on the segments associated with greatest worm diameter. Second, as worms increase in size, setal armory should increase in a predictable way. The force that can be applied to extract worms from their tubes by suction feeding fish or wave action would increase as the area subject to suction increases (proportional to the cross sectional area of the tube). Therefore, we predict that setal armory should also increase as a squared function. Third, hooks or uncini should show patterns of wear or loss and/or the worms' bodies should show scars or wounds where the setae are most used (e.g., where worm diameter is at its maximum). All of these predictions were supported by the data and indicate that hooked setae function as anchors for tubiculous polychaetes. This is important for understanding the biology of these animals and has implications for using hooked setae as characters in phylogenetic analyses.
How we are progressing towards the goals of the manifesto

With the establishment of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) manifesto and Dr. Stimmel's vision, our members need to evaluate how we as a profession are progressing toward or away from the goals and mission statement of the manifesto. The manifesto correctly states that the public and most health care providers view pharmacists in a dispensing role. However, polling the CPNP Past Presidents' Council, the majority believe the manifesto will become obsolete and in need of revision in ten years. The ability to make the manifesto "obsolete" and "commonplace" rests on how our profession navigates the legislature that governs our laws and ability to provide favorable patient outcomes and expand our role within the health care team.
Evaluation of the public health impacts of traffic congestion: a health risk assessment

Background Traffic congestion is a significant issue in urban areas in the United States and around the world. Previous analyses have estimated the economic costs of congestion, related to fuel and time wasted, but few have quantified the public health impacts or determined how these impacts compare in magnitude to the economic costs. Moreover, the relative magnitudes of economic and public health impacts of congestion would be expected to vary significantly across urban areas, as a function of road infrastructure, population density, and atmospheric conditions influencing pollutant formation, but this variability has not been explored.
Assessing decisional balance for smoking cessation among Southeast Asian males in the US

This study examines the relationship of positive and negative perceptions of smoking to selfreported readiness to quit smoking among Southeast (SE) Asian males of Cambodian, Laotian or Vietnamese descent. In order to investigate this relationship, measures of decisional balance constructs (i.e. the pros and cons of smoking) appropriate for these ethnic groups were developed. Decisional balance was calculated by subtracting the cons from the pros. Following the criteria established by Prochaska and DiClemente, subjects were categorized into four levels of readiness to quit smoking (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation/action and maintenance). The expected pattern of relationship between decisional balance and stages of change included: (1) the cons of smoking being of less importance than the pros of smoking for those smokers in the precontemplation stage, (2) the pros and cons intersecting at the contemplation stage, and (3) the cons being of greater importance than the pros in the later stages of change. The SE Asian men in this study did not exhibit these decisional balance patterns, although mean decisional balance scores for precontemplators and contemplators were significantly more positive than mean
Flexibility of the Adenovirus Fiber Is Required for Efficient Receptor Interaction

The adenovirus (Ad) fiber protein mediates Ad binding to the coxsackievirus and Ad receptor (CAR) and is thus a major determinant of viral tropism. The fiber contains three domains: an N-terminal tail that anchors the fiber to the viral capsid, a central shaft region of variable length and flexibility, and a C-terminal knob domain that binds to cell receptors. Ad type 37 (Ad37), a subgroup D virus associated with severe ocular infections, is unable to use CAR efficiently to infect host cells, despite containing a CAR binding site in its fiber knob. We hypothesized that the relatively short, inflexible Ad37 fiber protein restricts interactions with CAR at the cell surface. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the infectivity and binding of recombinant Ad particles containing modified Ad37 or Ad5 fiber proteins. Ad5 particles equipped with a truncated Ad5 fiber or with a chimeric fiber protein comprised of the Ad5 knob fused to the short, rigid Ad37 shaft domain had significantly reduced infectivity and attachment. In contrast, placing the Ad37 knob onto the long, flexible Ad5 shaft allowed CAR-dependent virus infection and cell attachment, demonstrating the importance of the shaft domain in receptor usage. Increasing fiber rigidity by substituting the predicted flexibility modules in the Ad5 shaft with the corresponding regions of the rigid Ad37 fiber dramatically reduced both virus infection and cell attachment. Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) single-particle analysis demonstrated the increased rigidity of this chimeric fiber. These studies demonstrate that both length and flexibility of the fiber shaft regulate CAR interaction and provide a molecular explanation for the use of alternative receptors by subgroup D Ad with ocular tropism. We present a molecular model for Ad-CAR interactions at the cell surface that explains the significance of fiber flexibility in cell attachment.
Continuous precipitation of monodispersed colloidal particles. II. SiO2, Al(OH)3, and BaTiO3

Colloidal spherical particles of SiO2, Al(OH)3, and BaTiO3 of narrow size distributions were produced in a continuous static mixer tubular reactor system. Several experimental parameters, including the flow rate, reaction temperature and time, reactant concentrations, and the dimensions of the reactor, were varied in order to establish the optimum conditions required for each material. The results were compared with those obtained in batch systems. Monodispersed colloids can be generated at a rate as high as 50 pounds per day using the described laboratory scale continuous reactor.
Difluorobis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium

[309-89-7] C10H10F2Ti (MW 216.02) InChI = 1S/2C5H5.2FH.Ti/c2*1-2-4-5-3-1;;;/h2*1-5H;2*1H;/q;;;;+2/p-2 InChIKey = WDGICGVEWQIMTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L (reagent used as a precatalyst for hydrosilylation of unsaturated substrates) Alternate Name: bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium difluoride; difluorotitanocene; titanocene difluoride, Cp2TiF2. Physical Data: mp 238–280 °C (dec). Solubility: partially soluble in water, THF, chloroform, and toluene. Form Supplied in: yellow solid; not commercially available. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl3) δ 6.42 (t); 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm downfield from CFCl3) 64.2. Preparative Methods: can be prepared by treatment of Cp2TiCl2 with aqueous NaF1 or Me3SnF in toluene;2 and by reaction of Cp2Ti(O-t-Bu)2 with BF3·Et2O.3 Purification: recrystallization from THF4 or toluene;5 sublimation at 120 °C (0.01 mm Hg).3
Remote assessment of benthic substrate composition in shallow waters using multispectral reflectance

We investigated the utility of quantifying percent coverage of benthic substrate constituents from surface multispectral reflectance measurements. Six substrates were considered: kelp, eelgrass, clay, silt, mineralic sand from a temperate environment, and turtlegrass and carbonate sand from a tropical environment. Each had a unique albedo spectrum that contributes differently to the upward light field in an optically shallow environment. Simplifications to the radiative transfer equation yield an analytic solution for surface reflectance in optically shallow environments. The objectives were to test the inverse model to predict bottom albedo from measurements of surface reflectance, diffuse attenuation, and water depth in the turbid water of eastern Long Island Sound, Connecticut, and clear waters off Exuma, Bahamas. A linear mixing model was used to deconvolve the derived albedo spectra into contributions by the six constituents. The inverse and deconvolution models accurately identified the dominant substrate in the six homogeneous habitats (single point determinations) and predicted the gradient in substrate composition along transects. This approach has applications to benthic survey mapping, habitat assessment, and habitat monitoring.
Relationships Between Microstructure and Reliability in Pzt Mems

Piezoelectric oxide films, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), are now being integrated into MEMS applications. Many PZT derived systems are deposited using a sol-gel process, which can be used in a microelectronics processing route using spin coating as the deposition method. An application of interest for PZT films is in power generation, where a flexing membrane is used to transform mechanical to electrical energy. The current study was undertaken to identify the relationships between the processing, microstructure, and mechanical reliability of these films. Films were deposited onto both monolithic and bulk micromachined platinized silicon wafers using standard sol-gel chemistries, with roughness and grain size tracked using electron and scanning probe microscopy. Mechanical properties were evaluated in a dynamic bulge testing apparatus. Grain size variations in the Pt film between 35 and 125 nm are shown to have little effect on grain size of the subsequent PZT film and the adhesion of the PZT to the Pt film. Only the Pt film with 125 nm grains was shown to undergo any significant interfacial fracture. Fatigue tests suggest film lifetime is primarily limited by the number of pre- existing flaws in the film from processing. Reducing the microcrack density has been shown to produce films and devices that fail at strains of 1.4% and have mechanical fatigue lifetimes in excess of 100 million cycles at strains simulating the operating conditions.
Release of both CCR4-active and CXCR3-active chemokines during human allergic pulmonary late-phase reactions

Abstract Background Segmental antigen bronchoprovocation has long been used as a model to study allergic pulmonary inflammatory responses. Among the characteristics of the resulting cellular infiltrate is the preferential recruitment of T H 2 lymphocytes. The mechanisms responsible for their selective recruitment remain unknown, but T H 2 cells preferentially express the chemokine receptors CCR4 and CCR8. Objectives We tested the hypothesis that the chemokines thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) (CCL17) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) (CCL22), whose receptor is CCR4, and I-309 (CCL1), whose receptor is CCR8, would be released at sites of segmental allergen challenge. Methods Segmental allergen challenge with saline or allergen was performed in 10 adult allergic subjects with asthma, who were off medications. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed at both the saline- and allergen-challenged sites 20 hours after challenge. BAL fluids were analyzed for total cell counts and differentials, and supernatants were assayed by ELISA for levels of TARC, MDC, and I-309. As a control, the BAL fluids were also analyzed for levels of interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) (CXCL10), an IFN-γ—induced chemokine active on CXCR3, a chemokine receptor that is preferentially expressed on T H 1 lymphocytes. Results Allergen challenge led to an approximately 6-fold increase in total leukocytes, including lymphocytes, compared with those seen at saline-challenged sites. At antigen-challenged sites, eosinophils predominated. Chemokine levels at control, saline-challenged sites were either below the detectable limit or low, with the predominant chemokine detected being IP-10. At antigen-challenged sites, levels of MDC, TARC, and IP-10 were all significantly increased compared with saline sites, each with a median of 486 to 1130 pg/mL detected. On the basis of a comparison with serum values, BAL chemokine levels at most antigen-challenged sites could not be accounted for by transudation from plasma. In contrast, levels of I-309 were extremely low or undetectable in all BAL and serum samples tested. Finally, BAL levels of MDC significantly correlated with those for TARC, but no significant correlations were found between levels of chemokine and any cell type. Conclusions These data suggest that among the chemokines measured in this study, IP-10 is the predominant chemokine detected 20 hours after saline challenge, likely representing baseline production of a chemokine that favors T H 1 cell recruitment. At antigen-challenged sites, levels of both CCR4 and CXCR3 active chemokines, but not CCR8 active chemokines, are markedly increased and are produced at levels that are likely to have biologic significance. Given the preferential accumulation of T H 2 cells at these antigen-challenged sites, the increased production of CCR4-active chemokines might contribute to this response.
Efficient estimation of variance components in nonparametric mixed-effects models with large samples

Linear mixed-effects (LME) regression models are a popular approach for analyzing correlated data. Nonparametric extensions of the LME regression model have been proposed, but the heavy computational cost makes these extensions impractical for analyzing large samples. In particular, simultaneous estimation of the variance components and smoothing parameters poses a computational challenge when working with large samples. To overcome this computational burden, we propose a two-stage estimation procedure for fitting nonparametric mixed-effects regression models. Our results reveal that, compared to currently popular approaches, our two-stage approach produces more accurate estimates that can be computed in a fraction of the time.
Normoblasts: not always normal

BIOMARKERS are all the rage in both human and veterinary medicine (Calfee and others 2008). Biomarkers may be defined as biological molecules found in blood, bodily fluids or tissues that can be objectively measured and evaluated as indicators of normal or pathological processes or pharmacological responses to therapeutic interventions (Naylor 2003). The ideal biomarker is a robust analyte that can be simply, cheaply and reliably measured; is sensitive and specific; and is predictive of outcome. Few, if any, biomarkers meet all of these criteria. An understanding of the origins and mechanisms that stimulate the production, release and degradation of any biomarker are necessary to maximise their usefulness and to evaluate their shortcomings. Nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs), also called erythroblasts or normoblasts, are the penultimate prematuration stage of erythrocytes. The presence of NRBCs in circulation is most frequently seen in patients with strongly regenerative anaemia, where they are an indicator of the marrow response to erythropoietin. NRBCs typically have polychromatophilic or haemoglobinised cytoplasm and round nuclei. When NRBCs are part of a regenerative response, polychromasia, anisocytosis and anaemia are likely to also be present (Fig 1). FIG 1: Multiple normoblasts in the blood smear of a dog with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Marked polychromasia and anisocytosis can also be seen The presence of NRBCs in the absence of …
Long Sections of Mitochondrial Dna Amplified from Fourteen Orders of Insects Using Conserved Polymerase Chain Reaction Primers

The combination of highly conserved or universal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers with techniques that allow for the amplification of PCR products greater than a few thousand base pairs (long PCR) makes it possible to amplify the complete mitochondrial genome of virtually any insect as a small number of overlapping segments. Twelve conserved primers from 7 mitochondrial genes were used in 17 pair combinations. The size of the amplified segments ranged from 3.3 to 14.1 kb. Total genomic DNA from 33 insect species representing 14 orders served as the template. In most instances, 2 fragments sufficed to include the whole mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Less frequently 3 or more fragments were required to cover the complete mtDNA. Fragments that combined contain all of the mtDNA were amplified from 26 of 33 species. For the remaining species, >67% of the mtDNA was amplified. Any of the large amplicons are convenient for restriction fragment comparisons and they are also suitable as a template for nucleotide sequencing of either small mtDNA regions or the complete mtDNA of diverse taxa in conjunction with population or phylogenetic investigations. The procedures described here can be used to amplify the A+T or control region as part of a larger fragment and provides an opportunity for a more detailed analysis of this region.