cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repeated landscape-scale treatments following fire suppress a non-native annual grass and promote recovery of native perennial vegetation

Invasive non-native species pose a large threat to restoration efforts following large-scale disturbances. Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) is a non-native annual grass in the western U.S. that both spreads quickly following fire and accelerates the fire cycle. Herbicide and seeding applications are common restoration practices to break the positive fire-invasion feedback loop and recover native perennial species, but their interactive effects have infrequently been tested at the landscape-scale and repeated in time to encourage long-lasting effects. We determined the efficacy of repeated post-fire application of the herbicide imazapic and seeding treatments to suppress Bromus abundance and promote perennial vegetation recovery. We found that the selective herbicide reduced Bromus cover by ~30 % and density by >50 % across our study sites, but had a strong initial negative effect on seeded species. The most effective treatment to promote perennial seeded species cover was seeding them alone followed by herbicide application 3 years later when the seeded species had established. The efficacy of the treatments was strongly influenced by water availability, as precipitation positively affected the density and cover of Bromus; soil texture and aspect secondarily influenced Bromus abundance and seeded species cover by modifying water retention in this semi-arid region. Warmer temperatures positively affected the non-native annual grass in the cool-season, but negatively affected seeded perennial species in the warm-season, suggesting an important role of seasonality in a region projected to experience large increases in warming in the future. Our results highlight the importance of environmental interactions and repeated treatments in influencing restoration outcomes at the landscape-scale.
Underutilization of high-intensity statin therapy after hospitalization for coronary heart disease.

Abstract Background National guidelines recommend use of high-intensity statins after hospitalization for coronary heart disease (CHD) events. Objectives This study sought to estimate the proportion of Medicare beneficiaries filling prescriptions for high-intensity statins after hospital discharge for a CHD event and to analyze whether statin intensity before hospitalization is associated with statin intensity after discharge. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries between 65 and 74 years old. Beneficiaries were included in the analysis if they filled a statin prescription after a CHD event (myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization) in 2007, 2008, or 2009. High-intensity statins included atorvastatin 40 to 80 mg, rosuvastatin 20 to 40 mg, and simvastatin 80 mg. Results Among 8,762 Medicare beneficiaries filling a statin prescription after a CHD event, 27% of first post-discharge fills were for a high-intensity statin. The percent filling a high-intensity statin post-discharge was 23.1%, 9.4%, and 80.7%, for beneficiaries not taking statins pre-hospitalization, taking low/moderate-intensity statins, and taking high-intensity statins before their CHD event, respectively. Compared with beneficiaries not on statin therapy pre-hospitalization, multivariable adjusted risk ratios for filling a high-intensity statin were 4.01 (3.58–4.49) and 0.45 (0.40–0.52) for participants taking high-intensity and low/moderate-intensity statins before their CHD event, respectively. Only 11.5% of beneficiaries whose first post-discharge statin fill was for a low/moderate-intensity statin filled a high-intensity statin within 365 days of discharge. Conclusions The majority of Medicare beneficiaries do not fill high-intensity statins after hospitalization for CHD.
Unified physical property estimation relationships (upper)

Abstract A scheme is presented to evaluate twenty-one molecular properties using known theoretical and semi-empirical equations with geometric descriptors and group contribution values. The geometric descriptors and group contribution values which are derived strictly from molecular structure will be described along with the various physical property calculations. This will allow all twenty-one properties to be estimated from only the structure of the compound.
Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of human serum for non-ortho (coplanar) and ortho substituted polychlorinated biphenyls using isotope-dilution mass spectrometry

Abstract We have synthesized in our laboratory all of the totally carbon-13-labeled PCBs normally found in human tissues. The mixture of carbon-13-labeled PCBs consists of more than 50 congeners including the 13 c 12 -labeled, coplanar, non-ortho substituted PCBs. We used this spiking material to prepare analytical standards at various concentration levels, and established standard curves using isotope-dilution mass spectrometry for each congener over a range of concentrations normally found in human samples. The PCBs were analyzed on a Finnigan MAT 4500 in either the electron-impact or negative-ion chemical ionization mode on a DB-5 capillary column.
Illness as retribution: a cultural form of self analysis among urban Hawaiian women.

This paper discusses the conscious processing and creation of self-knowledge as it takes place among women of Hawaiian ancestry as they analyze and diagnose cases of illness retribution. This mental process has behavioral outcomes as individuals use this analytical knowledge of discerned cases of illness retribution as the basis for therapeutic acts.
Can terdentate 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridines form stable coordination compounds?

The first structurally characterized examples of the 1,2,3-triazole motif employed in a terdentate ligand display enhanced steric freedom and a facile receptivity towards a reversible aquation in the case of an electrogenerated FeIII state.
A review: Pyrite oxidation mechanisms and acid mine drainage prevention

Abstract Sulfide oxidation, part of sulfur's biotic/abiotic cycle, is an important natural phenomenon. However, because of the sulfide's association with metallic ores and fossil fuels in the form of pyrite (FeS2) and the world's increasing demand for metals and fossil fuels, sulfide oxidation in nature is in some state of perturbation. This perturbation, which results from land disturbances (e.g., mining, and/or ore processing), produces acid drainage often enriched with heavy metals. This acid drainage, commonly referred to as acid mine drainage (AMD), has become an economic and environmental burden. This review deals with abiotic/biotic modes of pyrite oxidation and the mechanistic involvement of OH‐, O2, and Fe3+ in the pyrite oxidation process in low/high pH environments. Also included is recent evidence on the potential involvement of CO2 in catalyzing pyrite oxidation in near‐neutral and alkaline environments. Finally, the review deals with various pyrite‐oxidation control approaches, the merits of...
Commentary on Jung and Reidenberg's "Physicians being deceived": aberrant drug-taking behaviors: what pain physicians can know (or should know).

Jung and Reidenberg have once again touched a nerve in their piece: Physicians Being Deceived. Always with a knack for highlighting key controversies in the medico-legal arena, they are to be applauded for this contribution that brings data to bear on an issue that has heretofore been subject to changing legal and regulatory currents without being informed by science. Physicians have more and more been given back the responsibility for ferreting out addicted and drug dealing patients. Early intractable pain laws offered pain physicians protections when they prescribed opioids, but limited these protections by excluding known substance abusers or those who should be known to be substance abusers [1]. It was considered progress by the pain management community when the wording of such laws began changing, coinciding with the recognition that pain management with opioids in those with substance abuse is feasible, can be safe, and is an ethical imperative in some situations. However, with the growth of prescription drug abuse, the pressure to detect lying has been rising for prescribing physicians. And these patients do lie. Jung and Reidenberg point out that this lying is nearly impossible to detect given most physicians' truth bias. Physicians are taught that patients come in seeking help and are approaching them in a good faith fashion to enlist such help. When people lie to doctors to obtain more opioids, not all lying is created equally nor are they equal in terms of the bad faith …
Electronic states of chromium carbene ions characterized by high-resolution translational energy loss spectroscopy

The electronic states of the unsaturated organometallic carbene CrCH2+ are investigated using high-resolution translational energy loss spectroscopy. The observed energy loss feature (1.05 ±0.2 eV) is in good agreement with theoretical calculations which predict two higher lying states, 6B1, and 6A1 at 0.78 and 0.82 eV respectively, above the 4B1 ground state of CrCH2+.
The Uneven Geography of Racial and Ethnic Wage Inequality: Specifying Local Labor Market Effects

This article extends research on intermetropolitan and regional wage inequality through an investigation of the uneven geography of racial and ethnic wage inequality across metropolitan labor markets. Prior geographic studies largely restricted analysis of the source of intermetropolitan wage disparities to differences in industrial structure. The study described in this article further expands the analysis of labor market effects by conceptually describing and empirically analyzing the effects of three significant racial labor market institutions: public employment, unionization, and the penal system. I investigate these effects as part of a more extensive analysis of how local labor market structure—comprised of industrial mix, demographic composition, and institutional and regulatory arrangements—matters in mediating racial wage inequality. I use data from the 2000 U.S. Census and multilevel methods to analyze the wage differentials of African American and native- and foreign-born Latino men relative t...
Mammary serum factor initiates cell growth in 3T3 cell variants which are non-responsive to EGF

Abstract Variants of 3T3 cells which do not have functional receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF) were assayed for potential mitogenic response to mammary serum factor (MSF). MSF, a mitogen isolated from serum, initiates DNA synthesis and cell division in these 3T3 cells lacking EGF receptors. BALB/c 3T3 cells, Swiss 3T3 cells, and two Swiss 3T3 cell variants (NR-2 and NR-5) which lack receptors for EGF were compared in their growth response to MSF, EGF, FGF, insulin and fetal calf serum (FCS). Whereas MSF produced increases in [3H]thymidine incorporation, labelling index, DNA content and cell number in the NR-2 and NR-5 variants, the variants had no growth response to EGF. NR-5 is more sensitive to MSF and FCS than is the parental cell line. These experiments demonstrate that cells lacking a growth response to EGF, insulin, and other growth factors do grow in response to MSF and that this growth promotion is not dependent upon the presence of an EGF receptor.
Hold-time effects on high temperature fatigue crack growth in Udimet 700

Crack growth behaviour under creep-fatigue conditions in Udimet 700 has been studied, and the crack growth data were analysed in terms of the stress intensity factor as well as theJ-integral parameter. Crack growth behaviour is shown to depend on the initial stress intensity level and the duration of hold-time at the peak load. For stress intensities that are lower than the threshold stress intensity for creep crack growth, the crack growth rate decreases with increase in hold time even on a cycle basis, da/dN, to the extent that complete crack arrest could occur at prolonged hold times. This beneficial creep-fatigue interaction is attributed to the stress relaxation due to creep. For stress intensities greater than the threshold stress intensity for creep crack growth, the growth rate on a cycle basis increases with increase in hold time. For the conditions where there is no crack arrest, the crack growth appears to be essentially cycle-dependent in the low stress intensity range and time-dependent in the high stress intensity range. Both the stress intensity factor and theJ-integral are shown to be valid only in a limited range of loads and hold-times where crack growth rate increases continuously.
Symbolic Scientific Software Skills for Engineering Students

The emergence of powerful numeric and symbolic scientific software applications, including MATLAB, Maple, and Mathematica, has revolutionized engineering design. These applications have allowed users to perform computations and calculations at levels of sophistication and depth that were not available to practitioners even one generation ago. They have also given educators the ability to convey advanced mathematical and engineering concepts in new ways and spend more time on analysis of engineering systems and less time on remedial mathematics. This new capability, which has become a fundamental tool for sophisticated designers in industry, is still not fully embraced in many engineering curricula. To exemplify the potential of scientific software in the engineering classroom, we describe a laboratory exercise conducted by second-year engineering students at Drexel University. It introduces a geosynchronous satellite orbital entry problem, and demonstrates how scientific software can help students understand the behavior of an interesting physical system in a way that would have required much more effort using traditional methods. We believe that early introduction to symbolic computation tools and scientific software would be very valuable to engineering students. Such tools should become standard instruments in the arsenal of present-day engineers. Moreover, their use should be adopted across the curriculum (not only in introductory mathematics classes) and become part of the design experience in all engineering disciplines.
A platform for vibration damping, leveling, and height control of high-resolution superconducting magnets

Three years ago, we designed and constructed a platform that provides good vibration isolation, level control, and height control for a high-resolution superconducting magnet. This platform was installed under the magnet of a 200 MHz (‘H frequency) spectrometer, as part of our efforts to develop ultrahigh resolution (I-12). Recently, we have observed that a perfectly vertical magnet significantly improves the resolution for a spinning sample in a 500 MHz spectrometer (13). Also, we have received several inquiries from users of 500 MHz spectrometers who are encountering problems caused by mechanical instabilities. Therefore, we have decided to share the design of our platform. It requires a constant source of compressed air, at a pressure dependent on the load (see below). It provides (i) a high degree of vibration isolation, (ii) the ability to adjust the level ofthe platform, and (iii) an invariant vertical position independent of load. The last feature may be important for maintaining homogeneity of magnets located above concrete floors which contain embedded steel rods. The “rubber tire” vibration isolators provided as extra-cost accessories by some instrument manufacturers obviously yield a gradual change in vertical position as the weight of liquid nitrogen ( 1.76 lb/liter) changes. Figure 1 shows the components of the system and how they are connected together with air hoses. Figure 2 is a top view of the aluminum platform; the dashed lines show the location of the components of Fig. 1, sandwiched between the aluminum platform (which holds the magnet) and two rectangular aluminum slabs on the floor. The platform is 1 inch thick and 40 X 40 inches in size. For a Bruker AM-500 system, it is probably necessary to increase the length to about 50 inches, and to drill holes for attaching an adapter for an automatic sample changer. The floor slabs are $ inch thick and 11 X 44 inches. Figure 3 shows a frontal view, and Fig. 4 gives a cross section of one of the four vibration-isolation components (labeled S in Figs. l-3). Details are presented below. The four items labeled S in Figs. l-3 are 1 S3-0 11 Super-Cushion Air Springs from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Greensburg, Ohio, each designed for a load of 60370 lb. Our magnet weighs about 500 lb when full of liquid nitrogen. The required compressed air pressure for a 125 lb (per device) load is about 35 psi. The pressure gauge shown in Fig. 1 acts as a load monitor; it shows the effect of load change as a result of liquid nitrogen evaporation. The much larger weight of a magnet of a 500 MHz instrument (about 1200 lb fully loaded) will require a pressure of about 80 psi;
Thermotemporal dynamics of contaminant bacteria and antimicrobials in extended porcine semen

Bacterial contamination of extended porcine semen has been associated with deleterious effects on both semen quality and sow fertility. Retrospective, prospective and in vitro studies were performed to delineate the prevalence and behavior of certain bacterial contaminants in extended semen, and antimicrobial pharmacodynamics in various semen diluents. Retrospective review of extended semen samples submitted from North American boar studs for microbiological screening at the University of Pennsylvania Reference Andrology Laboratory in 2005 and 2006 yielded bacteriospermia prevalence rates of 17% (144/832) and 26% (256/984), respectively. In a prospective study of regional boar studs, of 91 extended semen samples tested over 1-y, 29% were positive for bacteriospermia. Retrospective and prospective studies both showed that the preponderance of contaminant positive samples occurred during the fall months (P<0.05). To better understand behavior of select contaminant bacteria, generation intervals were determined for Serratia marcescens (SM) and Achromobacter xylosoxidans (AX) at 16, 22 and 37 degrees C. Generation times were temperature-dependent, with intervals decreasing two- to four-fold as incubation temperature increased. Growth patterns for SM, AX and Burkholderia cepacia were evaluated in various semen diluents. The different diluents exhibited constant or episodic patterns of growth within and among bacteria throughout the 5-d test period. Kill-time kinetics at 37 degrees C of several genera of bacteria in four semen diluents containing amoxicillin, gentamicin, tylosin, and lincomycin/spectinomycin (single drug or combination) ranged from 75 to over 360min, and was highly dependent (P<0.05) upon both type of bacteria and semen diluent.
Spatial profile distortion of harmonically converted partially coherent light

Summary form only given. One of the key requirements for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a highly uniform implosion of the spherical pellet. This presentation examines simulations in great detail; e.g., allowing for the effects of defocusing and/or displacing the harmonic crystal from the exact Fourier plane. It also examines the possible advantages of an alternative partially coherent light scheme, in which the partially coherent foot pulse would be combined with the random-phase screen.
Varietal similarities and differences in the polycyclic isopentenoid composition of sorghum

Abstract The intraspecific similarities and differences among the various polycyclic isopentenoids (sterols and pentacyclic triterpenes) which occur in leaf tissue and surface wax from three varieties of flowering Sorghum bicolor ; G499 GBR, BOK 8 and IS 809, have been determined. The three varieties exhibited differences in phenotypic characters (e.g. shoot height) and pest resistance. While sterol and pentacyclic amyroid compositions were similar in the three varieties, significant differences were evident in the qualitative distribution of the migrated hopanoids. One variety, IS 809, which is phenotypically short and resistant, contained a single migrated hopanoid, sorghumol Alternatively, the other two varieties, both phenotypically tall and one-G 499 GBR-resistant, the other-BOK 8-susceptible, contained a mixture of four Δ 9(11) -migrated hopanoids, i.e. sorghumol and three of its stereoisomers, and the Δ 5(6) -migrated hopanoid simiarenol. While ketones corresponding to the Δ 9(11) -migrated hopanoids were detected in the three varieties, the ketone of the Δ 5(6) -migrated hopanoid was apparently absent. In contrast to other graminaceous plants, the predominant C-3 derivatives did not include the C-3 methyl ethers, but did include esters and polar conjugates. Significant differences apparent in amounts of pentacyclic triterpenes were not apparent in the total amount of sterols extracted from the leaves (including surface wax) of the three varieties. Since S. bicolor varietal differences occurred only among the migrated hopanoids (found in mature leaves) it would appear that pentacyclic triterpenes, unlike sterols, have greater applicability as chemotaxonomic indices for intraspecific relationships in sorghum.
4-Hydroxyphenylretinamide (4HPR) Derivatives Regulate Aromatase Activity and Expression in Breast Cancer Cells

Recent studies exhibit that 4-hydroxyphenylretinamide (4HPR) decreases aromatase activity in breast and placental cells. The effect of synthetic 4HPR analogs on aromatase and expression was examined in three breast cancer cell lines. Most derivatives did not decrease cellular aromatase activity. Two of the analogs even stimulated aromatase activity at the transcriptional level. Only one derivative significantly decreased aromatase in all three breast cancer cell lines and also suppressed CYP19 gene expression in one of the cell line. Placental microsomal aromatase assay rule out the possibility that this compound directly inhibits the aromatase enzyme. A non-genomic mechanism in suppression of cellular aromatase activity of this compound is proposed.
8 Li fragments associated with nuclear disintegration

This paper is a preliminary report on the emission of heavy fragments in nuclear disintegration. It is assumed that the probability of emission of a heavy fragment depends on the nuclear temperature (T) and the potential barrier (V) of the excited nucleus. It is the purpose of this investigation to study the dependence of the differential energy spectrum on the excitation energy. The data collected were from four stacks of Ilford G-5 emulsions, exposed to (a) a stopped pion beam; (b) 400 MeV proton beam; (c) (4÷5) GeV pion beam and (d) cosmic rays with an exposure in Texas, Magnetic latitude of 41° N, and on the Island of Guam at the magnetic equator. In this report emphasis will be placed on the emission of8Li as the heavy fragment. The results of the experiment indicate that for high excitation energy there is a collimation of lithium and beryllium fragments in the forward direction which may be explained on the basis of evaporation theory by assuming the fragment emission to take place during the flight of a highly excited nucleus. In the case of low excitation energy the angular distribution of8Li fragments is isotropic and the energy distribution indicates that the majority result from the absorption of aπ−-meson by a light nucleus.
Quarkonium melting above deconfinement

We discuss quarkonium correlators and spectral functions from a potential model that agrees with the lattice data, and show that screening melts all charmonium states, contrary to previous interpretations.
Porewater geochemistry and solute flux from bottom sediments, Devils Lake, North Dakota

Sediment cores were collected for pore-water analysis from the eastern end of Devils Lake, located in northeastern North Dakota, to determine diagenetic reactions occurring in surficial bottom sediments and to evaluate the impact of these reactions on chemical concentrations in the overlying lake water. Sediment pore waters are enriched in major ions and nutrients relative to lake water. The principal sources of major ions to pore water are saline sediments located in the upper 1 m of bottom sediment. The principal source of titration alkalinity and nutrients to pore water is microbial decomposition of sedimentary organic matter by sulfate reduction. Sediment pore waters in the eastern part of Devils Lake have higher major-ion concentrations and solute-flux rates than the sediment pore waters in the central part of the lake. In contrast, sediment pore waters in the central part of Devils Lake have significantly higher nutrient concentrations and solute-flux rates. Major-ion concentrations and solute-flux rates in sediment pore water increase from west to east. These trends indicate that bottom-sediment diagenetic processes are, in part, responsible for the observed concentration gradient in the lake. The higher nutrient concentrations and the higher nutrient diffusional-flux rates in Main Bay are the result of more labile sedimentary organic matter and the occurrence of sulfate reduction. Environmentally-reactive trace-metal concentrations (Cu, Pb, Zn, and Fe) in bottom sediments decrease from west to east with distance from the surface-water sources and with increasing surface-water salinity.
Trifurcated graft replacement of the aortic arch: State of the art

Objective To review the contemporary practice in total arch replacement (TAR) by using the trifurcated graft technique. Methods The evolution of the trifurcated graft technique in total arch replacement is described. Axillary artery perfusion with antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) is routinely performed, with systemic deep hypothermia based on the anticipated interval of lower body ischemia. Cerebral oxygen saturation is monitored and bilateral ACP (BACP) is performed if the adequacy of collateral circulation is questioned. Potential advantages and disadvantages of unilateral ACP (UACP) vs BACP are discussed. Results The advantage of the trifurcated graft technique in TAR is that it facilitates the creation of an "elephant trunk" in the proximal arch, making the operation technically easier and avoiding the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. The technique is also versatile in a variety of aortic arch anatomies and pathologies, while enabling continuous ACP without hypothermic circulatory arrest for cerebral protection. UACP during TAR is acceptable for shorter intervals ( Conclusions The trifurcated graft technique is a versatile method in TAR that can be applied to a diverse range of aortic anatomies, pathologies and hybrid arch procedures, with concomitant or staged endovascular options. UACP or BACP and lower body ischemia can be performed without adding significant complexity to the procedure, while conferring maximal cerebral, spinal, and lower body protection.
Places of Privileged Consumption Practices: Spatial Capital, the Dot‐Com Habitus, and San Francisco's Internet Boom

Drawing from interviews and fieldwork with former dot-com workers in San Francisco, this article examines how their spatialized consumption practices formed exclusionary places of privilege during the city's millennial boom of internet companies. I focus especially on the personalized deployment of uneven social power in situations where space is at stake. After considering how this group differed from a history of other urban newcomers, I develop a framework for addressing their spatial effects as gentrification involving privileged consumption practices that surpass residential encroachments. I argue there is an exertion of spatial capital that represents the misrecognition of territorial claims, enabling this cohort to literally take place. I show this through several consumption practices that convert to and from economic, cultural, and social capital. A concluding discussion reflects on the usefulness of this case and framework for reinvigorating key urban-sociological analytics while confronting influential but unsociological characterizations of contemporary city life.
When Assessment and Accountability Intersect, Good Things Can Happen

A process implemented in a large teacher preparation program simultaneously addressed demands related to improving pre-service teacher assessment practices and program accountability. The process, called Assessment Presentations, led to (a) more systematic incorporation of assessment instruction into the program's curriculum, and (b) the refinement of a program accountability measure. As part of the Assessment Presentations, pre-service teachers gave oral presentations during which they demonstrated assessment practices and offered evidence for program accountability by including data related to P-12 student learning. The Assessment Presentations also provided program-specific data that led to individual program revisions and a stronger overall teacher education program. Discussion of the procedures, scoring criteria, results, and outcomes of the Assessment Presentations provides information that may be beneficial to other teacher education programs.
Magnetization transfer between substrates mediated by3He

The system under study is a mixture of polystyrene microspheres, liquid3He, and Teflon microspheres. Using NMR, we observe the direct coupling of1H nuclei to3He nuclei. T1 data is used to predict the amount of coupling. The predicted coupling is then compared with the experimental observations. Experiments are conducted between 35 mK and 200 mK and in magnetic fields of 0.15 T, 0.32 T, and 0.54 T. Finally, we observed magnetization transport from1H through3He to19F nuclei.
Tai Chi Chuan, health-related quality of life and self-esteem: A randomized trial with breast cancer survivors

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) and self-esteem are often diminished among women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Tai Chi is a moderate form of exercise that may be an effective therapy for improving HRQL and self-esteem among these women. We sought to compare the efficacy of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) and psychosocial support (PST) for improving HRQL and self-esteem among breast cancer survivors. A group of 21 women diagnosed with breast cancer, who had completed treatment within the last 30 months were randomized to receive 12 weeks of TCC or PST. Participants in both groups met three times a week for 60 minutes. HRQL and self-esteem were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The TCC group demonstrated significant improvements in HRQL, while the PST group reported declines in HRQL, with the differences between the two groups approaching significance at week 12. Additionally, the TCC group exhibited improvements in self-esteem, while the PST group reported declines in self-esteem, with the differences between groups reaching statistical significance at week 12. These findings, coupled with a visual inspection of the raw change scores, support the plausibility of a dose-response relationship concerning Tai Chi. In this pilot investigation, the TCC group exhibited improvements in HRQL and self-esteem from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks, while the support group exhibited declines. Randomized, controlled clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed.
Comparison of safety, delivery, and efficacy of two oncolytic herpes viruses (G207 and NV1020) for peritoneal cancer.

G207 and NV1020 are two replication-competent, multimutant oncolytic herpes simplex viruses evaluated in the current studies for their anticancer effects in the treatment of gastric cancer. Deletion of both gamma(1)34.5 genes and inactivation of ICP6 (ribonucleotide reductase) allows G207 to selectively replicate within tumor cells. NV1020 is another attenuated recombinant herpes virus with deletions of the HSV joint region, with deletion of only one copy of the gamma(1)34.5 gene, and with the ICP6 gene intact. In vitro, both G207 and NV1020 effectively infected, replicated, and killed human gastric cancer cells, with NV1020 being more effective at lower concentrations of virus. In a murine xenograft model of peritoneally disseminated gastric cancer, both NV1020 and G207 reduced tumor burden when given intraperitoneally (i.p.) at higher doses. When viral doses were lowered or when advanced tumor was treated, i.p. NV1020 was superior to i.p. G207. In vitro viral replication and cytotoxicity predicted the in vivo antitumor response. Intravenous delivery of either G207 or NV1020 failed to reduce tumor burden, demonstrating the importance of regional therapy as treatment for compartmentalized malignancy. Both agents were safe for use in animals, and immunohistochemistry performed on mouse tissue revealed selective viral targeting of tumor. Oncolytic therapy using genetically engineered HSVs represents a promising strategy for peritoneal malignancies.
Intramolekulare Alkoxycyanierungen und Alkoxyacylierungen: Neue Alkendifunktionalisierungen für den Aufbau von Sauerstoffheterocyclen

Ges ttigte Sauerstoffheterocyclen, zum Beispiel Tetrahydrofurane und Dihydrobenzofurane, stellen wichtige Strukturbausteine bei einer Vielzahl von biologisch aktiven Verbindungen dar, einschlieslich Naturstoffe und pharmazeutische Zielverbindungen. Somit besteht ein groses Interesse an der Entwicklung von neuen Methoden f r den Aufbau dieser wichtigen Strukturen. Viele althergebrachte Verfahren beruhen auf der Ringbildung durch intramolekulare SN2-Reaktionen und verwandte Strategien. Jedoch f hren diese Ans tze typischerweise zur Bildung von nur einer Bindung w hrend des Ringschlusses und erfordern zudem oft recht komplizierte Substrate. Die durch sp te bergangsmetalle katalysierten Alkencarboalkoxylierungen, eine Unterklasse der Alkendifunktionalisierungen, sind f r den Aufbau von Tetrahydrofuranen, Dihydrobenzofuranen und verwandten Sauerstoffheterocyclen auserordentlich hilfreich. Diese Reaktionen bewirken w hrend des Ringschlusses die Bildung einer C-O-Bindung sowie einer dem Ring benachbarten C-C-Bindung und ferner den Aufbau von bis zu zwei Stereozentren (Schema 1). In den
Anomalous polarization-dependent transport in nanoscale double-barrier superconductor/ferromagnet/superconductor junctions

We study the transport properties of nanoscale superconducting (S) devices in which two superconducting electrodes are bridged by two parallel ferromagnetic (F) wires, forming an SFFS junction with a separation between the two wires less than the superconducting coherence length. This allows crossed Andreev reflection to take place. We find that the resistance as a function of temperature exhibits behavior reminiscent of the reentrant effect and, at low temperatures and excitation energies below the superconducting gap, the resistance corresponding to antiparallel alignment of the magnetization of the ferromagnetic wires is higher than that of parallel alignment, in contrast to the behavior expected from crossed Andreev reflection. We present a model based on spin-dependent interface scattering that explains this surprising result and demonstrates the sensitivity of the junction transport properties to interfacial parameters.
Transient cardiac standstill induced by adenosine in the management of intraoperative aneurysmal rupture: technical case report

Objective and importance Intraoperative aneurysmal rupture represents a potentially catastrophic event. We describe the use of an intravenous adenosine bolus to induce transient cardiac asystole to control a severe intraoperative aneurysmal rupture. This treatment resulted in a brief period of severe hypotension, which enabled successful clipping of the aneurysm. Clinical presentation A 55-year-old man was referred to our institution 7 days after experiencing a mild subarachnoid hemorrhage from a fusiform, multilobulated aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery. The patient was found to have multiple additional fusiform aneurysms as well as a large parietal arteriovenous malformation. Intervention A craniotomy was performed to clip the aneurysm, but surgical dissection was complicated by premature rebleeding that could not be controlled satisfactorily with tamponade or temporary arterial occlusion. Infusion of adenosine resulted in the rapid onset of profound hypotension, allowing for safe completion of the dissection and clipping of the aneurysm with a good outcome. There were no complications identified in relation to the use of adenosine. Conclusion In the setting of severe intraoperative aneurysmal rupture, intravenous adenosine represents a potential means of achieving a near-immediate profound decrease in the blood pressure that may allow for safe completion of the dissection and aneurysm clipping.
Banking placental tissue: An optimized collection procedure for genome-wide analysis of nucleic acids

Abstract Introduction Banking of high-quality placental tissue specimens will enable biomarker discovery and molecular studies on diseases involving placental dysfunction. Systematic studies aimed at developing feasible standardized methodology for placental collection in a typical clinical setting are lacking. Methods To determine the acceptable timeframe for placental collection, we collected multiple samples from first and third trimester placentas at serial timepoints in a 2-h window after delivery, simultaneously comparing the traditional snap-freeze technique to commercial solutions designed to preserve RNA (RNA later ™), and DNA (DNAgard ® ). The performance of RNA later for preserving DNA was also tested. Nucleic acid quality was assessed by determining the RNA integrity number (RIN) and genome-wide microarray profiling for gene expression and DNA methylation. Results We found that samples collected in RNA later had higher and more consistent RINs compared to snap-frozen tissue. Similar RINs were obtained for tissue collected in RNA later as large (1 cm 3 ) and small (∼0.1 cm 3 ) pieces. RNA later appeared to better stabilize the time zero gene expression profile compared to snap-freezing for first trimester placenta. DNA methylation profiles remained quite stable over a 2 h time period after removal of the placenta from the uterus, with DNAgard being superior to other treatments. Discussion and conclusion The collection of placental samples in RNA later and DNAgard is simple, and eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen or a freezer on-site. Moreover, the quality of the nucleic acids and the resulting data from samples collected in these preservation solutions is higher than samples collected using the snap-freeze method and easier to implement in busy clinical environments.
N-methyl-d,l-aspartate stimulates growth hormone and prolactin but inhibits luteinizing hormone secretion in the pig

The effects of n-methyl-d,l-aspartate (NMA), a neuroexcitatory amino acid agonist, on luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) secretion in gilts treated with ovarian steroids was studied. Mature gilts which had displayed one or more estrous cycles of 18 to 22 d were ovariectomized and assigned to one of three treatments administered i.m.: corn oil vehicle (V; n=6); 10 μg estradiol-17b/kg BW given 33 hr before NMA (E; n=6); .85 mg progesterone/kg BW given twice daily for 6 d prior to NMA (P4; n=6). Blood was collected via jugular cannulae every 15 min for 6 hr. Pigs received 10 mg NMA/kg BW i.v. 2 hr after blood collection began and a combined synthetic [Ala15]-h GH releasing factor (1–29)-NH2 (GRF; 1 μg/kg BW) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH; .2 μg/kg BW) challenge given i.v. 3 hr after NMA. NMA did not alter LH secretion in E gilts. However, NMA decreased (P<.02) serum LH concentrations in V and P4 gilts. Serum LH concentrations increased (P<.01) after GnRH in all gilts. NMA did not alter PRL secretion in P4 pigs, but increased (P<.01) serum PRL concentrations in V and E animals. Treatment with NMA increased (P<.01) GH secretion in all animals while the GRF challenge increased (P<.01) serum GH concentrations in all animals except in V treated pigs. NMA increased (P<.05) cortisol secretion in all treatment groups. These results indicate that NMA inhibits LH secretion and is a secretagogue of PRL, GH and cortisol secretion with ovarian steroids modulating the LH and PRL response to NMA.
Livelihood strategies and performance of Ghana's health and education sectors: exploring the connections

The public sector in Africa is riddled with widespread ineffectiveness. Although some countries have implemented various reform programmes with the support of international development agencies, the results so far have been disappointing. One reason for the failure is that the policies have focussed more on achieving macroeconomic stability than making the organisations effective. This article explores a fundamental problem of the policies—the need to focus on the human component of organisational performance. Using education and health organisations in Ghana as examples, the article advances a hypothesis that the livelihood strategies of public sector employees and the performance of their organisations are interconnected. Specifically, it is argued that as public sector employees have become more dependent on multiple sources of income, they have developed multiple social identities, which influence the culture of their organisations. The organisational culture may have encouraged employee effectiveness in some cases, but for most organisations, it has resulted in practices that perpetuate inefficiency and poor performance. To be successful, public sector reform policies must therefore involve deliberate efforts to change organisational cultures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High frequency iron loss measuring system using a vector spectrum method

Using new measurement techniques, a high frequency iron loss measuring system covering up to 10 MHz has been developed. One of the new techniques is a vector spectrum. This method measures the vector spectra depending on magnetic flux density and magnetic field waveforms while keeping the phase data in the frequency domain. The other techniques, which are needed to perform an accurate iron loss measurement especially at high frequencies, are the method improving the frequency characteristics of a current detector and building an effective calibration method for the system. These techniques enable the system to measure iron losses within measurement errors of 5 to 10%. >
Cytogenetic Studies of Normal and Cleft-Palate Epitheliums in Mice

This study investigated teratogenic activity on a cellular level through analysis of the cytogenetic complex in cleft-palate epithelial cells from the progenies of mice treated with cortisone. Analysis showed no detectable aberration from a normal chromosomal complement.
Prostate Cancer: Sextant Localization at MR Imaging and MR Spectroscopic Imaging before Prostatectomy—Results of ACRIN Prospective Multi-institutional Clinicopathologic Study

Purpose: To determine the incremental benefit of combined endorectal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR spectroscopic imaging, as compared with endorectal MR imaging alone, for sextant localization of peripheral zone (PZ) prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: This prospective multicenter study, conducted by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) from February 2004 to June 2005, was institutional review board approved and HIPAA compliant. Research associates were required to follow consent guidelines approved by the Office for Human Research Protection and established by the institutional review boards. One hundred thirty-four patients with biopsy-proved prostate adenocarcinoma and scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy were recruited at seven institutions. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and spectroscopic MR sequences were performed at 1.5 T by using a pelvic phased-array coil in combination with an endorectal coil. Eight readers independently rated the likelihood of the presence of...
Glycemic Goals in Diabetes: Trade-off Between Glycemic Control and Iatrogenic Hypoglycemia

The selection of a glycemic goal in a person with diabetes is a compromise between the documented upside of glycemic control—the partial prevention or delay of microvascular complications—and the documented downside of glycemic control—the recurrent morbidity and potential mortality of iatrogenic hypoglycemia. The latter is not an issue if glycemic control is accomplished with drugs that do not cause hypoglycemia or with substantial weight loss. However, hypoglycemia becomes an issue if glycemic control is accomplished with a sulfonylurea, a glinide, or insulin, particularly in the setting of absolute endogenous insulin deficiency with loss of the normal decrease in circulating insulin and increase in glucagon secretion and attenuation of the sympathoadrenal response as plasma glucose concentrations fall. Then the selection of a glycemic goal should be linked to the risk of hypoglycemia. A reasonable individualized glycemic goal is the lowest A1C that does not cause severe hypoglycemia and preserves awareness of hypoglycemia, preferably with little or no symptomatic or even asymptomatic hypoglycemia, at a given stage in the evolution of the individual’s diabetes.
Four-wave mixing studies in Cr:YAlO 3 for application to optical phase conjugation

We describe detailed studies of the degenerate and nearly degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM and NDFWM, respectively) response in Cr:YAlO3 of importance to optical phase conjugation. We report on measurements of the DFWM response as a function of pump intensity and wavelength. We also report on measurements of the temporal response of the material and compare the results with the NDFWM response. Finally, we present an analysis of the NDFWM spectral response in the presence of strong pumps.
An experimental study on the retrieval effectiveness of collaborative tags

This study investigated the retrieval effectiveness of tagging through experimental tests. We developed a test collection, a list of topics and corresponding relevance judgments using data collected from Pubmed and CiteULike. Two retrieval test runs were carried out, one without tags (baseline) and one with tags (tag run). General improvements in retrieval performance were observed from the tag run in terms of mean average precision and the difference is statistically significant though small. As revealed by the 11-point precision recall chart, the tag run retrieved more relevant documents at the top of the result list overall. The initial findings suggest that the use of tags in information retrieval has promise, especially in ranking the top retrieved documents.
Quantitative label free high throughput protein arrays

We present a multiplexed label-free platform for diagnosis integrating multiple tests for antigens and antibodies onto a single platform and thus enhancing reliability and specificity while reducing cost and complexity.
Increasing self-esteem through participation in a goal-attainment program

High and low self-esteem Ss were placed in one of three treatment conditions. Those in the goal-attainment condition were instructed to keep a daily list of the extent to which they complied with each of 10 goals. The goals concerned increasing sociability, improving interpersonal relations, and enhancing individual achievement. A self-esteem questionnaire was administered before and after 3 weeks of engaging in this activity. Low self-esteem Ss showed a significant increase in self-esteem. Ss did not show an increase in self-esteem in two other conditions, one that we labeled an “indulgence condition” and one in which people went through three counseling sessions. High self-esteem Ss enjoyed the goal-attainment condition the most of the three activities. Low self-esteem Ss enjoyed it the least–even though it was the only condition to increase self-esteem.