cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differentiating a Diverse Range of Volatile Organic Compounds with Polyfluorophore Sensors Built on a DNA Scaffold

Oligodeoxyfluorosides (ODFs) are short DNA-like oligomers in which DNA bases are replaced with fluorophores. A preliminary study reported that some sequences of ODFs were able to respond to a few organic small molecules in the vapor phase, giving a change in fluorescence. Here, we follow up on this finding by investigating a larger range of volatile organic analytes, and a considerably larger set of sensors. A library of tetramer ODFs of 2401 different sequences was prepared by using combinatorial methods, and was screened in air for fluorescence responses to a set of ten different volatile organics, including multiple aromatic and aliphatic compounds, acids and bases, varied functional groups, and closely related structures. Nineteen responding sensors were selected and characterized. These sensors were cross-screened against all ten analytes, and responses were measured qualitatively (by changes in color and intensity) and quantitatively (by measuring ΔR, ΔG, and ΔB values averaged over five to six sensor beads; R=red, G=green, B=blue). The results show that sensor responses were diverse, with a single sensor responding differently to as many as eight of the ten analytes; multiple classes of responses were seen, including quenching, lighting-up, and varied shifts in wavelength. Responses were strong, with raw ΔR, ΔG, and ΔB values of as high as >200 on a 256-unit scale and unamplified changes in many cases apparent to the naked eye. Sensors were identified that could distinguish clearly between even very closely related compounds such as acrolein and acrylonitrile. Statistical methods were applied to select a small set of four sensors that, as a pattern response, could distinguish between all ten analytes with high confidence. Sequence analysis of the full set of sensors suggested that sequence/order of the monomer components, and not merely composition, was highly important in the responses.
Distributing Memory: Rhetorical Work in Digital Environments

This article presents data from a long-term, qualitative study of writers appropriating new software tools for note taking. Instead of asking whether a writer knows how to use the discrete features specific to a software program, I argue that we might more profitably ask about the properties of functional systems that allow writers to flexibly meet the demands of their literate activity.
Effects of thyroid hormone on regulation of lipolysis and adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

We have used cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes to assess direct effects of T3 on beta-adrenergic-mediated regulation of lipolysis and adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activities. Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were maintained under four conditions: in the presence of medium containing serum from a hypothyroid calf (hypothyroid medium), hypothyroid medium supplemented with T3 (T3-supplemented hypothyroid medium), medium with serum from a normal calf (control medium), and control medium supplemented with excess T3 (hyperthyroid medium). Compared to the two control groups, i.e. cells maintained in control medium or T3-supplemented hypothyroid medium, cells maintained in hypothyroid medium exhibited lower basal rates of lipolysis and lower sensitivity to isoproterenol. Hyperthyroid cells exhibited higher basal rates of lipolysis and higher sensitivity to isoproterenol. In the presence of maximally effective concentrations of isoproterenol, rates of lipolysis were similar in the four groups. Similarly, basal cAMP content and cAMP accumulation in the presence of isoproterenol were reduced in hypothyroid and increased in hyperthyroid adipocytes compared to those adipocytes maintained in control or T3-supplemented hypothyroid medium. Basal adenylate cyclase activity was similar in the four groups. Sensitivity to isoproterenol and maximal isoproterenol-stimulated cyclase activity were diminished in membrane preparations from hypothyroid adipocytes and increased in preparations from hyperthyroid adipocytes. Cyclase activity in the presence of NaF, however, was similar in preparations from cells maintained in hypothyroid, T3-supplemental hypothyroid, or control medium. NaF-stimulated activity was increased in preparations from hyperthyroid adipocytes. Thyroid status did not affect beta-receptor number of affinity for iodohydroxybenzylpindolol. Compared to control cells or cells maintained in T3-supplemented hypothyroid medium, both soluble and particulate cAMP phosphodiesterase activities were increased in hypothyroid cells and decreased in hyperthyroid cells. These results indicated that in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, some of the effects of thyroid hormone on cAMP content and lipolysis can be explained by alterations in both production and degradation of cAMP.
Lysophosphatidylcholine Regulates Cationic Amino Acid Transport and Metabolism in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells ROLE IN POLYAMINE BIOSYNTHESIS

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) is a major component of atherogenic lipids that stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Because cationic amino acids are metabolized to growth-stimulatory polyamines, we examined whether lyso-PC regulates the transcellular transport and metabolism of cationic amino acids by vascular SMC. Treatment of SMC with lyso-PC initially (0-2 h) decreased cationic amino acid uptake, whereas longer exposures (6-24 h) progressively increased transport. Kinetic studies indicated that lyso-PC-induced inhibition was associated with a decrease in affinity for cationic amino acids, but the stimulation was mediated by an increase in transport capacity. Lyso-PC strongly induced the expression of cationic amino acid transporter-2 mRNA while modestly elevating the level of cationic amino acid transporter-1 mRNA. In addition, lyso-PC stimulated intracellular cationic amino acid metabolism by inducing ornithine decarboxylase activity and mRNA expression and also by inducing arginase activity in vascular SMC. In contrast, lyso-PC inhibited the catabolism of L-arginine to nitric oxide by blocking inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Lyso-PC increased markedly the capacity of SMC to generate putrescine, a polyamine, from extracellular L-ornithine and L-arginine. The lyso-PC-mediated increase in the production of putrescine was reversed by NG-methyl-L-arginine, a competitive inhibitor of cationic amino acid transport, or by alpha-difluoromethylornithine, an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor. The formation of putrescine from L-arginine was also prevented by arginase inhibitor NG-hydroxy-L-arginine. These results demonstrate that lyso-PC stimulates polyamine synthesis in vascular SMC by inducing the expression of the genes that regulate both the transport and metabolism of cationic amino acids. The actions of lyso-PC in stimulating cationic amino acid uptake and directing their metabolism to growth-stimulatory polyamines while simultaneously inhibiting the synthesis of antiproliferative NO, may contribute to lyso-PC-induced SMC proliferation and atherosclerotic lesion formation.
The etiologies of coronary artery disease in cancer patients

Abstract The growing number of patient reports of angina and myocardial infarction during cancer management prompted this review of coronary artery disease (CAD) in cancer patients. There is no definite evidence that cancer per se nor any particular tumor type predisposes to coronary atherosclerosis. Cardiac metastases can cause CAD via tumor emboli, extrinsic compression, or ostial obstruction; in these patients the diagnosis of CAD as a result of cardiac metastases often is not made until death. The course of these patients usually is fulminant. Tumor-associated coagulation disorders and non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis can cause coronary thromboemboli; treatment should be initiated early as these patients often are not in a terminal state when such CAD develops. Post-radiation CAD seen in experimental animals (via fibrosis and/or accelerated atherogenesis) can be extrapolated to the clinical situation. This is best evidenced by 10 young patients, with minimal coronary risk factors in most, who developed angina and/or myocardial infarction 2–100 months after chest radiotherapy; approximate mediastinal doses ranged from 1440 Roentgen to 5075 rad. In 5 patients there was no significant atherosclerosis beyond the radiation portals; 2 had successful saphenous vein bypass grafts. Lipid-lowering therapy may prevent post-radiotherapy atherogenesis in high risk individuals. Chemotherapy (acting directly or synergistically with radiotherapy) has caused angina and myocardial infarction within hours to days after the infusion of agents both classically cardiotoxic as well as others, although the exact mechanism(s) for coronary artery damage as a result of chemotherapy presently is unknown.
Epstein-Barr virus in squamous carcinoma of the anterior nasal cavity

Squamous carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the head and neck, but it rarely occurs in the nasal vestibule. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in and is causally linked to various head and neck tumors, particularly nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The possible role of EBV in squamous carcinoma of the anterior nasal cavity, particularly of the nasal vestibule, has not been previously investigated. Histologic sections from 17 patients with nasal vestibular squamous carcinoma were examined. Material for EBV detection by immunohistochemistry and by in situ hybridization was available in 15 of the 17 cases. The study group consisted of eight men and nine women ranging in age from 40 to 82 years (mean age, 64 years). None of the patients was of Asian descent. The squamous carcinomas were graded as well differentiated (one case), moderately differentiated (11 cases), and poorly differentiated (five cases). Fourteen patients were smokers; the history of smoking ranged from 20 to 60 pack-years. Treatment modalities included surgical resection, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combined approach. The clinical follow-up periods ranged from 7 months to 16 years. Three patients developed metastases, one of whom died of disease after 1 year. Epstein-Barr virus was not detected in any of the 15 of 17 cases tested by either immunohistochemistry or by in situ hybridization. Squamous carcinoma of the nasal vestibule is an uncommon cancer that is not causally related to EBV.
Apparent competition and native consumers exacerbate the strong competitive effect of an exotic plant species

Direct and indirect effects can play a key role in invasions, but experiments evaluating both are rare. We examined the roles of direct competition and apparent competition by exotic Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) by manipulating (1) L. maackii vegetation, (2) presence of L. maackii fruits, and (3) access to plants by small mammals and deer. Direct competition with L. maackii reduced the abundance and richness of native and exotic species, and native consumers significantly reduced the abundance and richness of native species. Although effects of direct competition and consumption were more pervasive, richness of native plants was also reduced through apparent competition, as small-mammal consumers reduced richness only when L. maackii fruits were present. Our experiment reveals the multiple, interactive pathways that affect the success and impact of an invasive exotic plant: exotic plants may directly benefit from reduced attack by native consumers, may directly exert strong competitive effects on native plants, and may also benefit from apparent competition.
A Study of the Effect of Precipitation on Cumulus Dynamics

Abstract The effect of precipitation on the properties of a one-dimensional non-entraining cumulus is studied by numerically integrating the equation of motion and the equation of conservation of water substance. The initial state is taken to be the steady-state solution of the equations in the absence of precipitation. Two models of precipitation development are considered. In the first model, the cloud water is considered to change into rainwater at a prescribed rate, whenever the cloud water content exceeds a given critical value. The raindrops are assumed to have an exponential size distribution and to grow by coalescing with the cloud drops. In the second model, all the cloud water is considered to change, at a given instant, into raindrops of a given fall speed. The main conclusions are: 1) a downdraft develops in the lower levels, 2) the cloud grows vertically consequent upon the development of precipitation, and 3) the updraft and water content execute coupled oscillations.
Calcium Release from Pituitary Secretory Granules: Modulation by Thiols, Disulfides, and Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers

The distribution of calcium in isolated bovine pituitary secretory granules was studied by atomic absorption. The total granule calcium (in 26 preparations) averaged 14.5 nmol/mg protein, or 21.2 +/- 1.6% of the total pituitary homogenate calcium. Incubation of granules with KCl resulted in calcium release (78% at 15 mM and 100% at 50 mM, for example). Calcium release was also pH dependent, with greater release at acidic pH values; it was not influenced by either 500 microM strontium or 500 microM lanthanum. Release was augmented by reduced glutathione (GSH), with significant release observable at thiol levels as low as 10 microM. In addition to GSH, cysteine also stimulated release; mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol were less potent. Interestingly, the disulfides cystine and oxidized glutathione also stimulated calcium release. Since the latter compounds are known to inhibit hormone release from granules, calcium and protein release appear to be regulated independently. A number of dihydropyridines were tested as potential blockers of calcium release from granules. Nimodipine inhibited basal calcium release at high concentrations and potently inhibited GSH-stimulated calcium release, with an apparent Ki in the 10-20 nM range; it also inhibited K(+)-stimulated release but to a lesser extent. Nimodipine, however, did not significantly influence protein or hormone release. GSH-stimulated calcium release was also inhibited by nifedipine, and this inhibition was qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that by nimodipine. Nisoldipine and nitrendipine, however, displayed no significant inhibition. In summary, it appears that the release of secretory granule calcium in vitro is independent of protein release. Thiols and some disulfides stimulate calcium release, and its inhibition by dihydropyridines suggests that granule membranes may contain specific ion channels. The role of granule calcium in the cell remains to be defined.
Tidal Cycles in Stratification and Shear and Their Relationship to Gradient Richardson Number and Eddy Viscosity Variations in Estuaries

AbstractTidal cycles in stratification and shear lead to tidal variations in mixing in many estuaries. This study 1) defines readily observable dimensionless parameters for establishing the sense and magnitude of gradient Richardson number Ri and eddy viscosity K changes from maximum to minimum stratification during a tidal cycle and 2) calculates where representative estuaries fit in this parameter space. The dimensionless parameters are Ri calculated with tidal-averaged stratification and shear, scaled stratification amplitude, and a scaled shear parameter. The scaled stratification amplitude is approximately the tidal amplitude of stratification divided by the tidal-averaged stratification. The scaled shear parameter depends on the scaled tidal amplitude of shear and the phase difference between the tidal cycles of stratification and shear. Over most of the parameter space, Ri is larger at maximum stratification. If the scaled stratification amplitude falls below a threshold value defined in terms of t...
Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics of Patients With Left Atrial Thrombus and Sinus Rhythm Experience in 20 643 Consecutive Transesophageal Echocardiographic Examinations

Background— Left atrial (LA) thrombus is infrequently detected in the presence of sinus rhythm (SR) and, in these cases, is usually associated with additional cardiac pathologies. We sought to determine the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with LA thrombus and SR to define a high-risk group of patients prone to this uncommon clinical presentation. Methods and Results— The institution’s echocardiographic laboratory database was searched to identify patients with LA thrombus, diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), who were in SR during the TEE examination. Of 20 643 consecutive TEE examinations performed during an 11-year period, LA thrombus was detected in 314 patients in 380 TEE examinations. Of these, SR was present in 20 patients (age 69±13 years; 40% men) in 23 examinations (0.1% of all TEE examinations; 6.1% of TEE examinations with LA thrombus). High-risk structural heart disease (severe left ventricular dysfunction or significant left-sided valve disease [pred...
SAFETY AND IMMUNOGENICITY OF CONCOMITANT SEPARATE ADMINISTRATION OF MMR II , TETRAMUNE (WYETH LEDERLE DPT & HbOC) AND VARIVAX (OKA/MERCK VARICELLA VACCINE) VS. CONCOMITANT INJECTIONS OF MMR II AND TETRAMUNE • 660

Healthy children (N=609) 12 months to 23 months old were randomly assigned to one group(A) receiving MMRII, Tetramune and Varivax given separately and concomitantly and another group (B) receiving MMRII and Tetramune separately and concomitantly with Varivax given 6 weeks later. Subjects were followed for 42 days after each vaccination for local and systemic reactions. Serology was determined at day 42 for Group A and day 84 for Group B. No significant differences were noted between groups for local reactions, injection site rashes, fever≥102° F, or other systemic reactions as a group. There was a significant difference observed in GMTs for varicella(p=<0.001) as well as varicella gpELISA titers ≥5.0 (p≤0.013). PRP titers were similar in both groups. TableTable
Urban earthquake hazards

Abstract This paper reports on a major survey of earthquake hazard response in neighbourhoods in Tokyo-Yokohama and Los Angeles, two metropolitan areas of highly industrialized nations which routinely exchange ideas in order to try to learn from the policies, practices and experiences of the other. Survey findings showed many similarities in hazard response and preferred public policy, but also important contrasts in behaviour, and significant differences in the factors associated with these behaviours. The findings suggest caution in bi-national policy-sharing unless such sharing is preceded by a careful study of local cultural contexts.
Effects of vagotomy on neurotransmitter receptors in the rat dorsal vagal complex.

Abstract The dorsal vagal complex contains many different neurotransmitter receptors. The cyto-architectural localizations of some of these receptors remain largely unknown. In rats, vagotomy was performed to destroy vagal afferents terminating in the nucleus of the solitary tract and to produce chromatolysis of preganglionic motoneurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Quantitative receptor autoradiography was then employed to determine the effect of vagotomy upon the distribution of receptors for thyrotropin-releasing hormone, substance P, and serotonin within individual regions and subnuclei of the entire dorsal vagal complex. Vagotomy reduced the concentrations of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and substance P, but not serotonin 1A or serotonin 1B , receptors in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Within the nucleus of the solitary tract, substance P receptors were reduced in only the medial and central subnuclei after vagotomy. In contrast, no effect was observed upon the concentrations of thyrotropin-releasing hormone, serotonin 1A , or serotonin 1B receptors in any subnuclei of the solitary tract following vagotomy. These results suggest that in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, thyrotropin-releasing hormone and substance P receptors are localized upon vagal preganglionic motoneurons, while serotonin 1A and serotonin 1B receptors are present upon interneurons or other neuronal elements. These results also suggest that thyrotropin-releasing hormone, substance P, serotonin 1A , and serotonin 1B receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tract are localized upon internuncial neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract.
Ampiroxicam, an anti-inflammatory agent which is a prodrug of piroxicam.

Ampiroxicam is a nonacidic ether carbonate prodrug of piroxicam. Our results demonstrate that, in contrast to piroxicam, ampiroxicam does not possess detectable prostaglandin synthesis inhibitory activityin vitro. Ampiroxicam, however, has similarin vivo potency to piroxicam in suppressing paw swelling in rat adjuvant arthritis. In an acute model of paw inflammation in rats, ampiroxicam is less potent than piroxicam itself: the ED50's of ampiroxicam are 9- and 3.5-fold higher than those of piroxicam following a single or multiple (5) daily oral doses, respectively. Using the phenylbenzoquinone stretching test as a method of evaluating acute analgetic activity, the ED50 for ampiroxicam is about 3-fold higher than that of piroxicam. These tests of activity share the property of being partially prostaglandin-dependent. Ampiroxicam itself is not observed in plasma after oral dosing to man [24], nor in the rat, dog, and monkey as reported here. Bioavailability studies show that conversion to piroxicam is about 100%, 90%, 70%, and 50% in these four species, respectively. These results indicate that ampiroxicam's anti-inflammatory activity is producedin vivo by conversion to piroxicam and support its credentials as an efficacious prodrug of piroxicam.
Do enzymes obey the Baldwin rules? A mechanistic imperative in enzymatic cyclization reactions

It is commonly assumed that enzymes have evolved to abide by the same energetic and stereoelectronic principles that govern reactions in solution. The principles formulated for organic ring-closure reactions can be used to develop a hypothesis for analysis of enzyme-catalyzed cyclization reactions.
Mass transfer model of nanoparticle-facilitated contaminant transport in saturated porous media.

Abstract A one-dimensional model has been evaluated for transport of hydrophobic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds, facilitated by synthetic amphiphilic polyurethane (APU) nanoparticles in porous media. APU particles synthesized from poly(ethylene glycol)-modified urethane acrylate (PMUA) precursor chains have been shown to enhance the desorption rate and mobility of phenanthrene (PHEN) in soil. A reversible process governed by attachment and detachment rates was considered to describe the PMUA binding in soil in addition to PMUA transport through advection and dispersion. Ultimately, an irreversible second-order PMUA attachment rate in which the fractional soil saturation capacity with PMUA was a rate control was found to be adequate to describe the retention of PMUA particles. A γ -distributed site model (GS) was used to describe the spectrum of physical/chemical constraints for PHEN transfer from solid to aqueous phases. Instantaneous equilibrium was assumed for PMUA–PHEN interactions. The coupled model for PMUA and PHEN behavior successfully described the enhanced elution profile of PHEN by PMUA. Sensitivity analysis was performed to analyze the significance of model parameters on model predictions. The adjustable parameter α in the γ -distribution shapes the contaminant desorption distribution profile as well as elution and breakthrough curves. Model simulations show the use of PMUA can be also expected to improve the release rate of PHEN in soils with higher organic carbon content. The percentage removal of PHEN mass over time is shown to be influenced by the concentration of PMUA added and this information can be used to optimize cost and time require to accomplish a desired remediation goal.
Technology Use in Linking Criminal Justice Reentrants to HIV Care in the Community: A Qualitative Formative Research Study

Innovative interventions increasing linkage, adherence, and retention in care among HIV-infected persons in the criminal justice system are needed. The authors conducted a qualitative study to investigate technology-based tools to facilitate linkage to community-based care and viral suppression for HIV-infected jail detainees on antiretroviral medications being released to the community. The authors conducted 24 qualitative interviews—12 in Rhode Island and 12 in Washington, DC—among recently incarcerated HIV-infected persons to elicit their perceptions on the use of technology tools to support linkage to HIV care among criminal justice populations. This article discusses participants' perceptions of the acceptability of technological tools such as (a) a computer-based counseling and (b) text messaging interventions. The participants reported positive experiences when previewing the technology-based tools to facilitate linkage to HIV care and adherence to HIV medications. Successful linkage to care has be...
Arterial stiffness and type 2 diabetes: dietary modulation after a single meal?

Diabetes is a risk factor for the development of hypertension, atherosclerotic heart disease, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of insulin resistance in the past decade with global implications for the development of cardiovascular disease. In most forms of hypertension, the peripheral vascular resistance is increased in proportion to increases in blood pressure. In addition, vascular dysfunction may alter insulin-mediated glucose disposal, contributing to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (Figure 1).1, 2 Poor glucose control seems to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease development during diabetes and recent evidence indicates that the postprandial state is an important contributing factor in the development of atherosclerosis.3 During diabetes, the postprandial state is characterized by dramatic increase in blood glucose making the relationship between postprandial glucose and vascular function an important physiological consideration in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes.
Association between family structure in childhood and lifetime depressive disorder in adulthood among a nationally representative sample of Blacks

Abstract Objective This study investigated whether there were associations between family structure in childhood and lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder in adulthood in a representative national sample of 4918 Blacks in the United States. We explored whether the associations between family structure and depressive disorder differed based on four types of family structure: (1) the presence of both biological parents; (2) one biological parent and a nonbiological parent; (3) one biological parent and (4) neither biological parent. Method The data used were from the National Survey of American Life. Results In the adjusted analysis, among all respondents, higher odds of major depressive disorder in adulthood were associated with growing up with one biological parent and a nonbiological parent compared to those who grew up with both biological parents. In the analysis stratified by gender, only women who lived with one biological parent and a nonbiological parent during childhood had an increased risk of depressive disorder in adulthood. Conclusions Growing up in a household with one biological parent and a nonbiological parent was positively associated with depressive disorder in adulthood among Black women. Future studies should continue to explore the pathways linking family structure in childhood to the long-term consequences of depressive disorder.
The Effect of Starspots on Accurate Radius Determination of the Low-Mass Double-Lined Eclipsing Binary Gu Boo

GU Boo is one of only a relatively small number of well-studied double-lined eclipsing binaries that contain low-mass stars. Lopez-Morales and Ribas present a comprehensive analysis of multi-color light and radial velocity curves for this system. The GU Boo light curves presented by Lopez-Morales and Ribas had substantial asymmetries, which were attributed to large spots. In spite of the asymmetry, Lopez-Morales and Ribas derived masses and radii accurate to {approx_equal}2%. We obtained additional photometry of GU Boo using both a CCD and a single-channel photometer and modeled the light curves with the ELC software to determine if the large spots in the light curves give rise to systematic errors at the few percent level. We also modeled the original light curves from the work of Lopez-Morales and Ribas using models with and without spots. We derived a radius of the primary of 0.6329 +- 0.0026 R{sub sun}, 0.6413 +- 0.0049 R{sub sun}, and 0.6373 +- 0.0029 R{sub sun} from the CCD, photoelectric, and Lopez-Morales and Ribas data, respectively. Each of these measurements agrees with the value reported by Lopez-Morales and Ribas (R{sub 1} = 0.623 +- 0.016 R{sub sun}) at the level of {approx}2%. In addition, the spread in thesemore » values is {approx}1%-2% from the mean. For the secondary, we derive radii of 0.6074 +- 0.0035 R{sub sun}, 0.5944 +- 0.0069 R{sub sun}, and 0.5976 +- 0.0059 R{sub sun} from the three respective data sets. The Lopez-Morales and Ribas value is R{sub 2} = 0.620 +- 0.020 R{sub sun}, which is {approx}2%-3% larger than each of the three values we found. The spread in these values is {approx}2% from the mean. The systematic difference between our three determinations of the secondary radius and that of Lopez-Morales and Ribas might be attributed to differences in the modeling process and codes used. Our own fits suggest that, for GU Boo at least, using accurate spot modeling of a single set of multi-color light curves results in radii determinations accurate at the {approx}2% level.« less
Nature Versus Nurture in Gout: A Twin Study

Abstract Background Gouty arthritis (gout) is the most common inflammatory arthritis in the United States and several other countries. Some rare forms of gout have a known genetic basis, but the relative importance of genetic factors on the risk for the lifetime prevalence of gout is not clear. Methods We performed a heritability analysis for hyperuricemia and gout among 514 unselected, all-male twin pairs who were a part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute twin study, a prospective observational cohort study. Statistical analyses were performed using structural equation models and maximum likelihood methods. The covariates used for adjustment in the structural equation models were identified using bivariate logistic regressions. Results The study population included 253 monozygotic (MZ) and 261 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs, aged 48 (±3) years at baseline and followed for a mean of 34 years. The lifetime prevalence of gout did not differ between MZ and DZ twins. The concordance of hyperuricemia was 53% in MZ and 24% in DZ twin pairs ( P Conclusion Hyperuricemia is a genetic trait. Outside the context of rare genetic disorders, risk for gout is determined by the environment. This has implications for prevention and treatment approaches.
Probing peptide fragment ion structures by combining sustained off-resonance collision-induced dissociation and gas-phase H/D exchange (SORI-HDX) in Fourier transform ion-cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) instruments.

The usefulness of gas-phase H/D exchange is demonstrated to probe heterogeneous fragment and parent ion populations. Singly and multiply protonated peptides/proteins were fragmented by using sustained off-resonance irradiation collision-induced dissociation (SORI-CID). The fragments and the surviving precursor ions then all undergo H/D exchange in the gas-phase with either D2O or CD3OD under the same experimental conditions. Usually, 10 to 60 s of reaction time is adequate to monitor characteristic differences in the H/D exchange kinetic rates. These differences are then correlated to isomeric ion structures. The SORI-HDX method can be used to rapidly test fragment ion structures and provides useful insights into peptide fragmentation mechanisms.
Preliminary evidence of equivalence of alternate forms of the ImPACT.

The ImPACT (Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is a computerized neurocognitive test used to assist in the management of sport concussion management. A number of studies have documented the reliability and sensitivity of the ImPACT, but no studies have examined the equivalence of the ImPACT’s alternate forms. The objective of our study was to determine the equivalence of the ImPACT’s five alternate forms. Participants were administered alternate forms of ImPACT based on clinically relevant time frame derived from an extensive sports concussion database. Participants completed a baseline assessment followed by various combinations of the remaining alternate forms at 45 and 50 days. Inferential Confidence Intervals were calculated for each composite score for all alternate forms. We found non-equivalence between ImPACT form 1 and forms 2, 3, and 4 on the Verbal Memory and between forms 2 and 4. ImPACT forms 1 and 3 were not equivalent on the Visual Memory Composite. Finally, ImPACT f...
Differences? Similarities? Male teacher, female teacher: An instrumental case study of teaching in a Head Start classroom

Abstract Male teachers are rare in early childhood education (ECE). Interest in increasing the number of male ECE teachers is often driven by essentialist assumptions about male teachers bringing something unique to classroom teaching by virtue of being men. To explore this assumption, the author conducted an instrumental case study of a team of Head Start teachers: one female, one male. Differences were found, but similarities between the two teachers were determined to be of much greater importance. Reasons for the findings are explored, and a brief argument is made for greater male teacher involvement in ECE classrooms based on other than essentialist grounds.
On a “Much Underestimated” Paper of Alexander

reviewer of Alexander's paper in [64, p. 672], is "of little practical use". In doing so, Alexander developed several classes of univalent functions and some tests guaranteeing univalence which involve Taylor coefficients and location of zeroes and critical points, consequently opening up new areas of investigation for researchers in geometric function theory. Some prominent mathematical analysts, among them J. Dieudonne, G. Szego, M. S. Robertson, R. Nevanlinna, L. Fejer, and L. Bieberbach picked up on topics introduced by Alexander, and work on them has continued throughout the century. It is the purpose of this paper to analyze the contents of Alexander's work, detailing his highly intuitive arguments and how they were developed by later workers, and to follow several lines of development of this material. It is believed by some [5] that his paper was not appreciated for a long time after its publication, and the informal nature of its arguments might have led to its being described as "much underestimated" [19, p. 103]. Yet the work does introduce the notions of starlike functions, close-to-convex functions, functions of bounded turning, as well as other ideas and theorems which were rediscovered as much as twenty to forty years after its appearance, in some cases apparently without knowledge of Alexander's pioneering work. We will first give some biographical background on Alexander, then summarize briefly his mathematical contributions outside of the work under discussion. We will turn next to the paper itself, analyzing its contents section by section, and include several histories of themes initiated by Alexander, and how they developed in the modern era. Our history will concentrate most heavily on the era from 1915 to the late fifties and early sixties with an occasional reference to later work.
Understanding spatial relations: Flexible infants, lexical adults.

Abstract Concepts of containment, support, and degree of fit were investigated using nonverbal, preferential-looking tasks with 9- to 14-month-old infants and adults who were fluent in either English or Korean. Two contrasts were tested: tight containment vs. loose support (grammaticized as ‘in’ and ‘on’ in English by spatial prepositions and ‘kkita’ and ‘nohta’ in Korean by spatial verbs) and tight containment vs. loose containment (both grammaticized as ‘in’ in English but separately as ‘kkita’ and ‘nehta’ in Korean). Infants categorized both contrasts, suggesting conceptual readiness for learning such spatial semantics in either language. English-speaking adults categorized tight containment vs. loose support, but not tight vs. loose containment. However, Korean-speaking adults were successful at this latter contrast, which is lexicalized in their language. The adult data suggest that some spatial relations that are salient during the preverbal stage become less salient if language does not systematically encode them.
Clinical and clinicopathological characteristics of the septicaemic neonatal foal: Review of 38 cases

In an effort to identify improved methods for diagnosis of infection in the neonatal foal, clinical records from 38 septicaemic foals of less than one week of age were examined for trends in history, physical examination and clinicopathological findings. The survival rate of septicaemic foals, 26 per cent, was markedly less than the rate for all other foal admissions. Blood cultures were valuable in diagnosis and treatment of septicaemia and identified a preponderance of Gram-negative infection. Zinc sulphate turbidity test results were abnormally low in all septicaemic foals tested. The clinical course was often distinguished by severe complications and multiple organ dysfunction, leading to death. Conditions present in the mare pre-partum resulted in weak or diseased foals; bacterial placentitis, vaginal discharge and premature lactation were most common. There was no single diagnostic criterion of the septicaemic foal. Fever was not a consistent finding. The most useful white blood cell parameters were neutropenia, the presence of band neutrophils (greater than 0.2 X 10(9)/litre) and toxic changes in the neutrophil population. Hypoglycaemia, metabolic acidosis and hypoxaemia were also common findings.
High frequency dynamic shear rheology of honey

Our objective was to measure the high-frequency dynamic shear rheology of honey using ultrasonic spectrometry. The complex shear reflection coefficient of honey was determined over a range of frequencies (5–15 MHz) by measuring the phase and amplitude of ultrasonic shear waves reflected from its surface. The dynamic shear modulus and dynamic viscosity of the honey were determined from the measured reflection coefficient and density. For honey samples diluted with different amounts of water there was a strong correlation between the viscosity measured at high shear-rate (10 MHz) using ultrasound and that measured at low shear rate (0.1 s−1) using a Couette viscometer. Nevertheless, the viscosity was significantly lower at high shear-rates than at low shear rates, which indicated the existence of one or more relaxation mechanisms. Our results show that ultrasonic spectrometry can be used to non-destructively and non-invasively measure the high frequency shear rheology of honey samples, which may be useful for quality control of honey and other viscous products.
Finite-dimensional representations of invariant differential operators, II☆

Abstract In Part I of this paper [G.W. Schwarz, Finite-dimensional representations of invariant differential operators, J. Algebra 258 (2002) 160–204] we considered the representation theory of the algebra B := D ( g ) G , where G= SL 3 ( C ) and D ( g ) G denotes the algebra of G-invariant polynomial differential operators on the Lie algebra g of G. We also considered the representation theory of the subalgebra A of B , where A is generated by the invariant functions O ( g ) G ⊂ B and the invariant constant coefficient differential operators S( g ) G ⊂ B . Among other things, we found that the finite-dimensional representations of A and B are completely reducible, and we could reduce the study of the finite-dimensional irreducible representations of B to those of A . Irreducible finite-dimensional representations of A are quotients of “Verma modules.” We found sufficient conditions for the irreducible quotients of Verma modules to be finite-dimensional, and we conjectured that these sufficient conditions are also necessary. In this paper we establish the conjecture, giving a complete classification of the finite-dimensional representations of A and B .
Effects of Eleven Isothiocyanates on P450 2A6- and 2A13-Catalyzed Coumarin 7-Hydroxylation

Many isothiocyanates (ITCs), both naturally occurring and synthetic, are potent and selective inhibitors of carcinogenesis in animal models and are now viewed as a class of promising chemopreventive agents. We have investigated the ability of 11 ITCs to inhibit and/or inactivate P450 2A6- and 2A13-mediated coumarin 7-hydroxylation. Two of these 11 ITCs, phenylpropyl isothiocyanate (PPITC) and phenylhexyl isothiocyanate (PHITC), were potent inhibitors of P450 2A13. The KI values for the inhibition of P450 2A13-mediated coumarin 7-hydroxylation by PPITC and PHITC were approximately 0.14 and 1.1 µM, respectively. P450 2A6 was also inhibited by these two ITCs; however, the KI values indicated they were approximately 10–20-fold less potent for P450 2A6 than for P450 2A13. Most of the ITCs tested, including PPITC and PHITC, showed some degree of inactivation of both P450s; however, only one compound, tert-butyl isothiocyanate (tBITC), showed significant inactivation of P450 2A13 at a concentration of 10 µM. Non...
Intensive care unit management of patients with status epilepticus

The intensive care unit management of status epilepticus focuses on patients who are refractory to initial treatment, who have an underlying condition that require critical care management, or who experience respiratory or cardiovascular complications of their therapies. The available data suggest that failure of a first-line anticonvulsant agent to terminate status should lead to the use of a definitive therapy in general anesthetic doses. Midazolam, propofol, and phenobarbital have been used most frequently; the place of newer agents (e.g., valproate, levetiracetam, or topiramate) remains to be determined.
Trapped antihydrogen for spectroscopy and gravitation studies: Is it possible?

Possibilities for trapping and cooling antihydrogen atoms for spectroscopy and gravitational measurements are discussed. A measurement of the gravitational force on antihydrogen seems feasible if antihydrogen can be cooled to of order 1 milli-Kelvin. Difficulties in obtaining this low energy are discussed in the hope of stimulating required experimental and theoretical studies.
Survival Following Nonpenetrating Traumatic Rupture of Cardiac Chambers

We report the cases of 3 patients who survived cardiac chamber rupture resulting from blunt external trauma. All were drivers in motor vehicle collisions. All were seen with signs of pericardial tamponade and were treated by pericardiocentesis followed by emergency thoracotomy performed in the operating room. Ruptures of the right atrium and right and left ventricles were repaired by manual suture techniques without cardiopulmonary bypass. The cases of 37 previously reported patients who survived this injury are reviewed. We believe that patients with cardiac rupture who reach the hospital alive can often be saved by prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment.
Feasibility of Continuous Transthoracic Cardiac Imaging Using a Novel Ultrasound Transducer

BACKGROUND The feasibility of hands-free transthoracic continuous ultrasonic cardiac imaging has not been demonstrated previously. We developed a 2.5-MHZ spherical transducer mounted in an external housing to permit steering in 360 degrees (CONTISON). The external housing was attached to the chest wall using an adhesive patch. METHODS AND RESULTS The transducer was placed in the third or fourth interspace at the left sternal border to permit imaging of the left ventricle (LV) in its short axis and attached to the chest wall. The transducer then was attached to an ultrasound machine. Ten normal subjects and 20 patients with previous myocardial infarction were studied. The following maneuvers were performed at the beginning of the study: (1) The patient was rotated from the supine position (0 degrees ) in 20 degrees increments to the left lateral decubitus position (90 degrees ). The echocardiogram was displayed continuously and was recorded on videotape (parasternal short-axis view) at 0 degrees, 20 degrees, 40 degrees, 60 degrees, 80 degrees, and 90 degrees. (2) The patient was returned to the supine position and an echocardiogram was obtained. The patient was then seated up 20 degrees, 40 degrees, 60 degrees, 80 degrees, and 90 degrees by using the controls on the bed. (3) The patient then was returned to the supine position and the echocardiogram was displayed continuously on the monitor. The echocardiogram was recorded every 15 minutes for a period of 4 hours. All segments of the LV were visualized in the supine position and during lateral rotation (0 degrees -90 degrees ). Thus, body position did not affect the image. All segments of the LV were visualized during sitting up (0 degrees -90 degrees ), and all segments were visualized during the 4 hours of imaging. The patients were able to move around without distortion of the image. CONCLUSION The CONTISON transducer permitted continuous imaging of LV wall motion. Body position did not affect interpretation of wall motion. This device has potential applicability in monitoring LV function in the intensive care setting.
Caching-Based Multipath Routing Protocol

Mobility of nodes and unreliability of wireless channel complicate the task of routing data in mobile ad hoc networks. Using multiple paths for routing instead of just one is an interesting approach to this problem, with the advantage of greater path availability at the cost of higher routing overhead. Existing multipath routing protocols generally involve the destination node in decisions about the multiple paths that are determined on-demand, which causes avoidable over-head. In this paper, we propose a caching-based multi-path routing (CMR) protocol for mobile ad hoc net-works and show that the process of finding new mul-tiple paths can be improved if routes at neighbor nodes are judiciously reused and involvement of destination node is reduced. The proposed protocol derives from analyzing the route information stored at neighbor nodes to generate a set of disjoint multiple routes. Consequently, routing overhead is reduced and better throughput is obtained.
DNA Pyrosequencing-Based Bacterial Pathogen Identification in a Pediatric Hospital Setting

Sole reliance on biochemical methods can limit the clinical microbiology laboratory's ability to identify bacterial pathogens. This study describes the incorporation of DNA pyrosequencing-based identification for routine pathogen identification of atypical clinical isolates in a large children's hospital. The assay capitalized on the highly conserved nature of 16S rRNA genes by positioning amplification and sequencing primers in conserved target sequences flanking the variable V1 and V3 regions. A total of 414 isolates of 312 pediatric patients were tested by DNA pyrosequencing during the time period from December 2003 to July 2006. Seventy-eight different genera were specified by DNA pyrosequencing, and isolates were derived from diverse specimen types. By integrating DNA sequencing of bacterial pathogens with conventional microbiologic methods, isolates that lacked a definitive identification by biochemical testing yielded genus- or species-level identifications in approximately 90% of cases by pyrosequencing. Improvements incorporated into the assay process during the period of clinical testing included software enhancements, improvements in sequencing reagents, and refinements in database search strategies. Coupled with isolation by bacteriologic culture and biochemical testing, DNA pyrosequencing-based bacterial identification was a valuable tool that markedly improved bacterial pathogen identification in a pediatric hospital setting.