cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speculations Concerning Paleohydrologic Controls of Terrestrial Sedimentation

The relations that have been recorded among modern climatic, phytologic, and hydrologic data are used to speculate about the effects of evolving vegetation on the hydrologic cycle. At present the peak of erosion rates occurs in semiarid regions, whereas during prevegetation time erosion rates rose to a plateau, the magnitude of which depended upon the erodibility and weathering characteristics of the rocks. With the appearance of terrestrial vegetation and its colonization of the earth's surface, erosion rates decreased, as did runoff and flood peaks. A review of the relations existing between the morphologic and hydrologic characteristics of river channels demonstrates that fluvial sedimentary deposits are significantly different depending upon the nature of the sediment load moved through the channel. Combining the conclusions obtained from an analysis of hydrologic relations with conclusions concerning effects of type of sediment load upon river morphology, it is possible to speculate on the changing nature of the land phase of the hydrologic cycle before and during the colonization of the landscape by vegetation. During prevegetation time, bed-load channels moved coarse sediments from their sources and spread them as sheets on piedmont areas. With increased plant cover, alluvial deposits were stabilized, but large floods caused periodic flushing of sediment from the system, thereby creating cyclic sedimentary deposits. The influence of climate change on the volume and type of sediment moved from an erosional system became more pronounced as the effect of vegetation on the hydrologic cycle increased. Finally, with the appearance of grasses during the Cenozoic Era, the relations between climate, vegetation, erosion, and runoff became much as today except for the influence of man.
One-Year Experience With an Inpatient Asthma Clinical Pathway

Objective: To study the effects of an inpatient asthma clinical pathway on the processes and outcomes for children who were admitted to a hospital for the treatment of asthma. Design: Before-and-after study. Setting: A private nonprofit academic children's hospital in Seattle, Wash. Patients and Methods: Three hundred forty-two admissions of 297 patients in the first year of the asthma clinical pathway were compared with 353 admissions of 292 similar patients in the previous year. Patients who required intensive care, were younger than 2 years, or had a major chronic disease were excluded. Intervention: Asthma was chosen for the development of a clinical pathway because of its large number of admissions, involvement of multiple health care providers (nurses, physicians, and respiratory therapists), predictable hospital course, and variable lengths of hospital stay. The pathway was a consensus-based guideline for patient management that was intended to be adapted to the care of an individual patient. Prior to the implementation of the clinical pathway, nurses, attending physicians, house staff, and respiratory therapists were trained in its use. The main hospital chart of each patient who was admitted to the pathway had a flow chart that outlined day-to-day guidelines for monitoring and care. Nursing staff were responsible for documenting when a patient's care varied from the pathway, and these variances were entered into a computer database. Outcome Measures: Use of peak flowmeters, steroids, laboratory studies, radiological studies, and respiratory therapy was assessed by analyzing the patients' electronic billing records. For patients enrolled in the pathway, additional data on process of care were obtained by analyzing the variance database. For both groups, the total charges, length of stay, and rate of readmission to the hospital were measured by use of the billing records. Results: There were no significant differences in the use of steroids or peak flowmeters, average lengths of stay, or total charges between the 2 groups. However, patients in the "pathway group" had significantly lower average charges for laboratory ($26 vs $39; P P Conclusions: The asthma clinical pathway had no effect on clinical outcomes and small effects on the use of resources. Further development, including physician and nurse training, computer and administrative support, and clinical severity scales, are needed to develop the potential utility of the clinical pathway as a research and quality assurance tool. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1997;151:684-689
Macromolecular engineering: From rational design through precise macromolecular synthesis and processing to targeted macroscopic material properties

Abstract Macromolecular engineering includes: rational design of the macromolecular structure including chain size, uniformity, topology, microstructure (sequencing and tacticity), composition and functionality; precise synthesis with high selectivity at reasonable cost, both in effort and environmental impact; assembly of macromolecules to supramolecular objects via controlled processing, including temperature, pressure, solvents, mechanical stresses, etc.; detailed characterization of the prepared materials at both molecular and macroscopic level; modeling of polymerization and processing conditions to aid in the design of appropriate conditions to reach targeted properties and function, and optimization of the entire process. Some recent unprecedented advances in control over various polymerization systems, including ionic, radical, coordination and even polycondensation have enabled synthesis of many new well-defined (co)polymers and some of them are briefly discussed. Precise control of various aspects of macromolecular architecture, including topology, functionality and microstructure have been achieved both in homogeneous and heterogeneous polymerization system and applied to preparation of polymeric hybrids, conjugates and other functional materials. The well-defined (co)polymers self-assembly or can be pre-assembled to materials with precisely controlled morphologies which can be affected and fixed by processing. The final macroscopic materials properties depend on molecular structure of (co)polymers and can be rationally retro-designed.
Superelasticity, energy dissipation and strain hardening of vimentin coiled-coil intermediate filaments: atomistic and continuum studies

Vimentin coiled-coil alpha-helical dimers are elementary protein building blocks of intermediate filaments, an important component of the cell’s cytoskeleton that has been shown to control the large-deformation behavior of eukaryotic cells. Here we use a combination of atomistic simulation and continuum theory to model tensile and bending deformation of single alpha-helices as well as coiled-coil double helices of the 2B segment of the vimentin dimer. We find that vimentin dimers can be extended to tensile strains up to 100% at forces below 50 pN, until strain hardening sets in with rapidly rising forces, approaching 8 nN at 200% strain. We systematically explore the differences between single alpha-helical structures and coiled-coil superhelical structures. Based on atomistic simulation, we discover a transition in deformation mechanism under varying pulling rates, resulting in different strength criteria for the unfolding force. Based on an extension of Bell’s theory that describes the dependence of the mechanical unfolding force on the pulling rate, we develop a fully atomistically informed continuum model of the mechanical properties of vimentin coiled-coils that is capable of predicting its nanomechanical behavior over a wide range of deformation rates that include experimental conditions. This model enables us to describe the mechanics of cyclic stretching experiments, suggesting a hysteresis in the force–strain response, leading to energy dissipation as the protein undergoes repeated tensile loading. We find that the dissipated energy increases continuously with increasing pulling rate. Our atomistic and continuum results help to interpret experimental studies that have provided evidence for the significnificance of vimentin intermediate filaments for the large-deformation regime of eukaryotic cells. We conclude that vimentin dimers are superelastic, highly dissipative protein assemblies.
Determinaton of proximate composition and mineral contents of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and swim crab (Portunus pelagicus) caught off the Gulf of Antalya

The proximate composition and mineral contents of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and swim crab (Portunus pelagicus), caught off the Gulf of Antalya, were investigated. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the nutritive value. Claw and body meat of these two species were analyzed. For both species there were no significant differences in the moisture, fat and ash contents of claw and body meats but protein contents of swim crab were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those found in blue crab. Na, K, Ca, Zn and Cu values for blue crab and swim crab were not significantly different. There were no significant differences between Na, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu contents of claw and body meats of the two species.
Sterically Stabilized Liposomes Incorporating the Novel Anticancer Agent Phospho-Ibuprofen (MDC-917): Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro / In Vivo Evaluation

Purpose To incorporate phospho-ibuprofen (P-I), a lipophilic, water insoluble novel anti-cancer agent, into pegylated liposomes and upon formulation optimization to evaluate its antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo.
Planetary Boundary Layer Flows in the Atmosphere and the Ocean at the Equator

—The boundary layer flows created by the frictional dissipation of the wind speed at the surface in the atmosphere and by surface wind stress in the ocean at the equator and in the equatorial region, are obtained by taking the influence of the surface friction on the zonal velocity as being balanced by vertical transport for the long-term mean flow and by a corresponding time variation for time-dependent flow fields. Solutions are expressed in terms of the velocities in zonal and vertical directions and the divergence of the horizontal current in the two media. It is found that under the ever present easterly flow in the lower atmosphere, the boundary layer flow in the atmosphere is convergence and ascending motion in the lower troposphere, and divergence at the surface and uplift in ocean, and in reverse directions for the westerly flow. Similar results are obtained for time-dependent wind fields and they give way to the steady asymptotic solutions when the period of the variation exceeds 10 months.
Teach-Ware: DSP education resources

This paper describes a variety of TeachWare, i.e., digital signal processing (DSP) education resources that are useful for introducing DSP concepts, operations, and algorithms. The paper provides such information as the type of resource, its status, and format.
Phylogeny of Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue

Gastrointestinal (GI) tracts from four anuran and four urodele species were examined macroscopically and histologically from the esophagus to the cloaca. Anatomic observations were facilitated by treating the GI tracts with acetic acid, a procedure which removes gut epithelium and exposes underlying structures. Histologic analysis involved routine as well as specific histochemical techniques. Detailed observations reveal that anuran amphibians possess nodular, well-organized gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) throughout their GI tracts. In striking contrast, no such patterns of lymphoid tissue have been noted in the Urodela. Similar techniques have revealed the location of lymphoid tissues in the urogenital system (e.g., cloaca and bladder) of advanced anurans. These nodules appear to be lacking in the primitive anuran Xenopus and in all the urodele species we examined. Preliminary observations have confirmed GALT and urogenital-associated lymphoid tissues in the snapping turtle.
A methodology for estimating expected usage of repair parts with application to parts with no usage history

In this paper a model is presented which focuses on the difficult problem of predicting demands for items with extremely low usage rates. These form the bulk of repair parts in military systems. The basic notion underlying the model is the pooling of usage data for common design items with movement for the purpose of estimating usage rates for similar items which have shown no movement. A unique feature of the model is that it also makes possible the estimation of usage rates for items newly introduced into a system for which no previous usage history is available.
Finite Element Modeling of Field Performance of Permeable Bases Under Asphalt Pavement

The performance of permeable base materials used by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) was evaluated with a calibrated finite element modeling technique. Two bound permeable base materials (asphalt-treated base and cement-treated base) and four unbound base course materials (typical ODOT 304, 307-IA, 307-NJ, and 307-CE) were built on two monitoring sites on I-90 in Ashtabula County, Ohio. Moisture content measurements were made with time domain reflectometry. Movement of water through the six pavement sections at the project site was modeled by the finite element method. The two-dimensional finite element software (Seep/W) capable of simulating unsaturated water flow in layered systems was used. Precipitation recorded from an automated weather station at the monitoring site was used as an input in the model. Numerical simulation results showed that the finite element method can be used to simulate water flow through pavement layers. Accurate modeling of the boundary and initial conditions is imp...
WE‐B‐BRA‐05: Minimizing Radiation Dose in Stereoscopic X‐Ray‐Based Monitoring of Tumor Motion with the Effective Use of Partial Information

Purpose: A number of stereoscopic X‐ray imaging techniques based on kV, hybrid kV/MV X‐ray systems (with or without other auxiliary external surrogate devices such as RPM) have been proposed for real‐time therapeutic guidance. The patient radiation exposure during the X‐ray image guided procedure is a major concern. We propose a general strategy of minimizing the patient imagingdose by effective use of the partial system information and demonstrate its potential clinical utility. Methods: While the nature of partial information depends on the specific stereoscopic imagingsystem and application, in this work we use the information from the primary imagers to estimate the tumor position during IMRT and/or VMAT and switch on the second imager only when an over‐threshold abnormal motion is observed. For a kV/MV system for example, the intrafraction tumor motion is monitored by two separate but related steps: (i) detect potential target motion beyond a pre‐defined threshold by using MV images and (ii) confirm the displacement and determine whether an intervention is needed through combined MV‐kV imaging. A Trilogy IX and a newly available Varian Trilogy MX linac with onboard kV imager were used to evaluate the performance of the strategy. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated for the case of prostate motion using computer simulation and 4D phantom measurements for 536 Calypso‐measured tracks from 17 patients, and for the case of thoracic motion using Cyberknife lung data from 5 patients. Mean position tracking algorithms were used on the latter case. Results: Over‐threshold displacement was detected for more than 98% of the time. The use of kV imaging was significantly reduced compared to continuous or periodic stereoscopic x‐ray imaging.Conclusions: A “failure” detection strategy for prostrate and thoracic motion has been presented that achieves high targeting accuracy while minimizing radiationdose.
Percutaneous needle biopsy in diagnosis and identification of causative organisms in cases of suspected vertebral osteomyelitis

Abstract Background Biopsy with demonstration of the infectious organism is the gold standard for diagnosing spondylodiscitis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the positive culture rate of image-guided percutaneous biopsy in cases of radiologically suspected and unsuspected spinal osteomyelitis and to assess the role of pathology in diagnosis. Methods With IRB approval and in compliance with HIPAA regulations, the charts of patients undergoing 323 consecutive image-guided percutaneous spinal biopsies performed by one musculoskeletal radiology department between January 2001 and March 2007 were reviewed. Image guidance was via fluoroscopy or computed tomography. Radiological and clinical suspicion, cultures, and pathology were assessed and compared to previously published reports. Results In 92 cases radiographically and clinically consistent with infection (high probability of infection), 28 specimens yielded positive cultures (30.4%). Positive cultures resulted from 5 of 31 cases (16.1%) radiographically indeterminate for infection (intermediate probability of infection versus tumor). When radiographically not suggestive of infection (low probability of infection, i.e. suspicious for tumor), 10 of 200 cultures were positive (5.0%). From 113 cases sent to pathology with an intermediate or high suspicion for infection, 63 were histopathologically diagnosed as such (55.8%). Cultures were positive in 19 of those 63 cases (30.2%). Culture and/or pathology was positive in 73 (64.6%) of the 113 cases. There were no significant differences in rates of positive culture or pathology by vertebral region ( p =0.51, p =0.81). The most frequently identified organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (13) and coagulase negative staphylococci (13). Conclusions Our results suggest that the positive culture rate of percutaneous spinal biopsy specimens is 30.4% with radiographically high probability for infection, which is lower than previously published. Infection may also be present in cases with imaging characteristics atypical for infection (5.0%). Careful consideration must be given to the interpretation of negative culture results. Level of evidence This retrospective review of 323 consecutive percutaneous spine biopsies is level III evidence.
Asymptotic partition of energy for abstract uniformly propagative systems

The last three decades have seen a considerable activity in the subject of partition of energy for conservative systems. The topic going back to a first mathematically rigorous result in Lax and Phillips’ book [4] has quickly developed into a subject of functional analytical interest. The central issue is familiar from the analysis of various conservative physical systems which display the property that kinetic energy tends to equate potential energy (equi-partition of energy). The mechanism providing this feature has been analyzed extensively. A crucial observation in the problem’s resolution that can be traced back to Goldstein and Sandefur [2] is that the property of equi-partition of energy is due to the particular structure of certain operator matrices. The partition results then take on the form of equal partition of the contributions of the components to the complete (energy) norm of the solution of an associated evolution equation. Two different main paths have been taken to lead the topic closer to a satisfactory conclusion, (compare, however, the results of [S] for a different generalization of independent interest). One path is limited to particular 2 x 2 operator matrices composed of not necessarily commuting operators which, however, covers a wide range of physical phenomena [7]. The size limitation is basically due to the intention of avoiding unmotivated and awkward commutator relationships. Another path of investigation can be developed by pursuing the question of partition of energy for larger operator matrices by making the sacrifice of assuming that all operators constituting the matrix commute, compare [2,6]. The considerations in [6] seem to give a fairly far-reaching answer to the problem in question. The involvement of discrete Fourier transforms in this context, however, seemed to be mysterious and an explanation of this fact could not be provided. The present considerations will address precisely this point. It turns out that based on an idea that has been developed by D. Goldstein-Costa [3] to obtain 110 0022~0396/91 $3.00
A state-wide assessment of the obstetric, anesthesia, and operative team personnel who are available to manage the labors and deliveries and to treat the complications of women who attempt vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine on a state-wide basis the range of obstetric, anesthesia, and surgical team personnel who were available immediately to manage the labors and deliveries of women who attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Additionally, we tried to determine whether hospitals had stopped performing vaginal births after cesarean delivery or made changes in their policies regarding vaginal birth after cesarean delivery as a result of recent American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations. Study Design: Available immediately was defined as "being present in the hospital." All hospitals that provided obstetric care in the State of Ohio were surveyed to determine whether an obstetrician with cesarean privileges, an anesthesiologist, or an anesthetist capable of independently administering anesthesia for a cesarean section, and a surgical team were available immediately when women attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. The hospitals were also asked whether they had stopped allowing vaginal births after cesarean delivery or had made changes in their vaginal birth after cesarean delivery policies in response to the recent recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Data were computerized and analyzed by the χ 2 test. Results: Seventy-seven (93.9%), 35 (100%), and 13 (100%) of level I, II, and III hospitals performed vaginal births after cesarean delivery. An obstetrician was immediately available in 27.3%, 62.9%, and 100% of level I, II, and III institutions, respectively ( P ≤.001). Anesthesia availability was 39%, 100%, and 100% of level I, II, and III institutions, respectively ( P ≤.001). A surgical team was available in 35.1%, 97.1%, and 100% of level I, II, and III hospitals, respectively ( P ≤.001). A complete complement was available in 15.6%, 62.9%, and 100% of level I, II and III institutions, respectively ( P ≤.001). Two hospitals had stopped the performance of vaginal births after cesarean delivery, and 10 additional hospitals were considering stopping the performance of vaginal births after cesarean delivery. Policy changes had been adopted in 15 institutions, and 4 other institutions were considering changes. Conclusion: Most level I and many level II hospitals provide less than optimum staffing when women are attempting vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Because vaginal births after cesarean delivery are equally distributed among level I, II, and III institutions in this state, many women may be attempting vaginal birth after cesarean delivery under less than optimal conditions. The data suggest the need for changes in staffing or referral patterns to safely meet the Healthy People 2010 goal of increasing the vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rate nationally. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:611-4.)
Filter design by iterated analysis

An alternative to the classical synthesis of an LC ladder filter is to adjust the element values until some property of the filter, computed directly from the ladder, matches what is desired, and thereby confirms that the element values are correct. The paper describes a simple way of doing this by matching the poles, zeros, and scale factor of the characteristic function. The motivation behind this approach is to obtain high accuracy in the element values using a simple, noncritical computer program, at the expense of increased computing time. The accuracy achieved is higher than can be provided by synthesis techniques, and is illustrated by means of an example of a 15th degree elliptic-function filter.
Does topical haemostatic agent have an adverse effect on the function of the prostatic neurovascular bundle

OBJECTIVE To assess the functional and histological effects of a bovine thrombin topical haemostatic agent used clinically to aid in surgical haemostasis (FloSealTM, Baxter International Inc., Deerfield, IL, USA) on the cavernous nerves in a canine model of survival, as there are concerns that the fibrotic/inflammatory response to this product could affect neural function. MATERIALS AND METHODS In phase I, nine adult male dogs had the bilateral neurovascular bundles (NVBs) dissected. A small intravenous catheter placed directly into the erectile bodies of the penis was used to record the intracorporal pressure (ICP). Erection was induced by electrical stimulation of the NVB on each side. After intraoperative randomization to treatment or control, 5 mL of FloSeal was unilaterally applied along the NVB on the treatment side. In phase II, after 2 weeks of survival, both control and treatment NVB were again dissected and re-stimulated to produce an erectile response. The mean arterial pressure and ICP were recorded. The prostate and the NVBs were then removed for histological analysis. RESULTS All dogs achieved erections after electrical stimulation on both the control and treatment side. There was no statistically significant difference in absolute ICP, pressure increase from baseline or systemic pressure after stimulating the NVB on the treatment side between phases I and II. Histological analysis showed a giant-cell reaction around the FloSeal granules and mild focal perineural oedema, but the cavernous nerves were otherwise normal in appearance. CONCLUSION In this short-term functional study, FloSeal did not adversely affect cavernous nerve function, measured as the erectile response to electrical stimulation. We found no evidence contraindicating its use during radical prostatectomy.
Potential of Asian Carp from the Illinois River as a Source of Raw Materials for Fish Meal Production

Abstract Incentivizing overfishing through the creation of high-value markets for Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp H. nobilis has been proposed as a management strategy for controlling Asian carp in the Illinois River. Asian carp may be rendered into a protein-dense fish meal, and one of the most attractive, high-value end uses for such a product is aquafeed manufacturing. However, the nutritional content and shelf stability of Asian carp as a raw material must be determined to assess its suitability for rendering and subsequent use as a protein source in aquafeeds, which was the focus of this study. To determine seasonal, geographical, and species variation in body composition, fatty acids, and oxidative stability, Asian carp were collected from five reaches of the Illinois River during the fall, spring, and summer (up to 12 individuals of each species per reach per season) and analyzed. Slight geographical, seasonal, and species variation exists in the body composition and fatty ...
An attempt to demonstrate magnetic compass orientation in two species of mammals

An attempt was made to train two species of small mammals (the bush opossum,Monodelphis domesticus, and the Djungarian hamster,Phodopus sungorus) to search for food in the direction indicated by an earth-strength magnetic field. Five opossums and 4 hamsters were tested in a cross-shaped arena whose four arms faced geographic north, south, east, and west. A set of coils generated a magnetic field whose north pole could be randomly pointed toward any arm. A subject was given a food reward if it entered the arm indicated by the north direction of the field. In 12 series of 73 to 1,127 trials each, the subjects were unable to select the appropriate arm with a frequency greater than random. This result contrasts strongly with a variety of published studies on mammals, birds, and other vertebrates that have indicated good ability to determine direction from the earth’s magnetic field.
Approaches to the Manipulation of Mammary Involution

Mammary involution is a gradual process that occurs following cessation of milking. Regression of mammary secretory tissue accompanies dramatic changes in secretion composition during the transition from lactation to involution. Conversely, rapid differentiation of secretory tissue and copious accumulation of colostrum occur as parturition approaches. The duration of the nonlactating period, mammary gland health, and secretory cell response to hormones influence subsequent lactational performance in most species. Manipulation of the bovine mammary gland in an attempt to hasten involution has been studied. The primary objective of these studies was to determine if hastened involution would decrease new intramammary infections during the early nonlactating period. Results of these studies have also led to a more fundamental understanding of events that occur during physiological transition of the mammary gland. Adequate regression, proliferation, and differentiation of mammary secretory epithelium during the nonlactating period of ruminants appear to be essential for maximal milk production during lactation. Factors that interfere with these mechanisms can adversely affect mammary function during the impending lactation. A greater understanding of these processes may provide new approaches for increasing milk production in dairy cattle.
Psychopathy and ADHD in Adolescent Male Offenders

What is the relationship between psychopathy traits and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in juvenile offenders? The authors examined psychopathy scores, as measured by the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version and three indices of ADHD in 122 incarcerated male juvenile offenders. In addition, we investigated whether psychopathy and ADHD predicted violent behavior. Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version Total and Factor 1 scores did not correlate with measures of ADHD, although Factor 2 scores were weakly associated with two of three ADHD indices. Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version scores, but not ADHD indicators, were correlated with violent behavior.
Attitudes toward Hormone Replacement Therapy in the New Millennium: University Physicians' and Patients' Perspectives

Background Recent studies are changing the way physicians and patients view hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This study was performed at the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) internal medicine clinic to evaluate the current behaviors of university physicians and patients with respect to HRT. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted at the main internal medicine outpatient clinic at ETSU. Two hundred seventy-four postmenopausal female patients were randomly selected using a computerized systematic sampling technique of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes for menopause or postmenopause. The study period was from July 2002 until June 2004. Patients were postmenopausal women age 35 years or over who had been seen by their physicians at least twice a year during the study period. Patients who were noncompliant with HRT or physician9s visits or had contraindications or side effects to HRT mandating discontinuation of the treatment were excluded. Data regarding physicians9 patterns in discussion and discontinuation of the therapy and patients9 responses were collected. Epi Info 2002 was used for statistical analysis. Results One hundred seventy-seven patients met all of the criteria, of whom 140 were 35 to 75 years of age. Of this age group, 49 patients (35%) had coronary artery disease (CAD), 101 (72.1%) were on HRT prior to July 2002, and 30 (21.4%) had osteoporosis. Seventy-five patients (53.6%) had documented discussions with their physicians about HRT after July 2002. Most patients who were on HRT had no CAD (p = .0008). Of the patients who were on HRT, only 36 (35.6%) continued treatments (23 continued the same dose, and 13 had the dose modified), whereas 65 (64.3%) had treatments discontinued. HRT discussions were carried on mostly when patients had treatments stopped or modified (p = .0032). Of these patients who had discussions, 60 (80%) were advised to stop or modify the dose and agreed, and only 15 (20%) disagreed or received unbiased discussions from their physicians about HRT. Thiry-seven patients were over 75 years of age. This older group had a higher rate of HRT discontinuation (82%) but a lower rate of documented discussion (22%) than the younger group. Conclusion Physicians should pay more attention to the importance of providing high-quality and well-balanced patient counseling when addressing uncertain treatments and adequately document discussions with patients in medical records.
Discovery of {1-[4-(2-{hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrol-2(1H)-yl}-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl]cyclooctyl}methanol, systemically potent novel non-peptide agonist of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor as analgesic for the treatment of neuropathic pain: design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships

Neuropathic pain is a serious chronic disorder caused by lesion or dysfunction in the nervous systems. Endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide and N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor [or opioid-receptor-like-1 (ORL1) receptor] are located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the immune systems, and peripheral organs, and have a crucial role in the pain sensory system. Indeed, peripheral or intrathecal N/OFQ has displayed antinociceptive activities in neuropathic pain models, and inhibitory effects on pain-related neurotransmitter releases and on synaptic transmissions of C- and Aδ-fibers. In this study, design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of peripheral/spinal cord-targeting non-peptide NOP receptor agonist were investigated for the treatment of neuropathic pain, which resulted in the discovery of highly selective and potent novel NOP receptor full agonist {1-[4-(2-{hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrol-2(1H)-yl}-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl]cyclooctyl}methanol 1 (HPCOM) as systemically (subcutaneously) potent new-class analgesic. Thus, 1 demonstrates dose-dependent inhibitory effect against mechanical allodynia in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain model rats, robust metabolic stability and little hERG potassium ion channel binding affinity, with its unique and potentially safe profiles and mechanisms, which were distinctive from those of N/OFQ in terms of site-differential effects.
Modeling the effect of Pt dispersion and temperature during anaerobic regeneration of a lean NOx trap catalyst

A crystallite-scale model is incorporated into a reactor-scale model to study the effect of Pt dispersion and temperature during the regeneration of a lean NOx trap (LNT) comprising a Pt/BaO catalyst. The current study is based on a recent experimental study [R.D. Clayton, M.P. Harold, V. Balakotaiah, C.Z. Wan, Appl. Catal. B 90 (2009) 662]. The model shows that an increase in the Pt dispersion for a fixed Pt loading increases the interfacial perimeter between Pt and Ba, and has a significant effect on the regeneration kinetics. The transient product distribution displayed by three catalysts having varied Pt dispersions (3.2%, 8% and 50%) is explained by the localized stored NOx gradients in the Ba phase. A rate determining process during the regeneration is found to be the diffusion of stored NOx within the Ba phase towards the Pt/Ba interface. Temperature-dependent NOx diffusivities in the Ba phase are used to predict the breakthrough profiles of H2, N2 and NH3 over a range of catalyst temperatures. Finite gradients in the stored NOx concentration are predicted in the Ba phase, thus showing that the nitrate ions are not sufficiently mobile at lower temperatures for the low dispersion catalysts. The model predicts that the highest amount of NH3 is produced by the low dispersion catalyst (3.2% dispersion) at high temperatures, by the high dispersion catalyst (50% dispersion) at low temperatures, and by the intermediate dispersion catalyst (8% dispersion) at intermediate temperatures, consistent with the experimental data. It is found that the net NH3 generation is favored under conditions when NOx transport to the Pt/Ba interface is the rate determining process. The model considers the consumption of chemisorbed oxygen on Pt by H2, which is used to predict the low effluent N2 concentration for the 50% dispersion catalyst as compared to the 8% dispersion catalyst. Finally, a novel design is proposed to maximize the amount of NH3 in the effluent of a LNT, which can be used as a feed to a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit placed downstream of the LNT.
Expression of male-typical behavior in adult female pseudohermaphroditic rhesus: Comparisons with normal males and neonatally gonadectomized males and females

Two types of pseudohermaphroditic female rhesus produced by exposure to either testosterone propionate (TP) or dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) prior to birth were ovariectomized postpuberally and evaluated for the display of male-typical sexual behavior in response to exogenous TP in adulthood (2 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks). Their performance in standardized tests with estrogenized female partners was compared to that of neonatally gonadectomized males and females identically tested and treated with exogenous TP as adults. In addition intact adult males not given exogenous TP were tested with the same estrogenized female partners. There were no reliable differences between the two types of pseudohermaphrodites on any measure of behavior shown during the tests. Accordingly results were combined. Reliable behavioral changes induced by the TP given in adulthood were limited to increases in purse-lip responses, the induced increases were similar in pseudohermaphrodites and castrated males, and increases were reliably greater in these two groups of subjects than in females. Pseudohermaphrodites and castrated males did not differ reliably from intact males in performance of purse-lip gestures during TP treatment. In the performance of mounting, however, pseudohermaphrodites and castrated males remained consistently below the standard of the intact males. The estrogenized female partners displayed proceptive responses most frequently to the intact males and least frequently to the females. Their proceptive responses with castrated males resembled their performance with intact males, but with pseudohermaphrodites their proceptive responses more closely resembled their performance with females. Receptive behavior of the female partners was displayed most frequently to intact males, at intermediate levels to castrated males, and least often to pseudohermaphrodites. Results are completely consistent with the notion that androgens in high concentrations before birth alter mechanisms related to the later display of masculine behavior. These alterations in behavioral mechanisms are of such a nature that the display of male-typical behavior induced by androgens in adulthood is more pronounced and more frequent than it would have been otherwise. The alterations in masculine behavior observed in pseudohermaphroditic rhesus are not different in kind or scope than those reported extensively for lower mammals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
On the Role of Subsurface Oxygen and Ethylenedioxy in Ethylene Epoxidation on Silver.

The thermochemical stability of various three-component phases containing oxygen, ethylene, and Ag(111) was determined as a function of oxygen and ethylene chemical potential using periodic, self-consistent density functional theory calculations. Ethylenedioxy is stable over a wide range of conditions, although its formation may be kinetically hindered in some cases. Ethylene and ethylene-containing oxametallacycles are also found to be stable over a reasonably large range of chemical potentials, particularly if ethylenedioxy formation is neglected. Furthermore, subsurface oxygen (Osb) is seen to be present in the three-component systems at a variety of conditions; minimum energy path calculations performed at a coverage of 1/2 ML Osb suggest that this species may actually increase the reaction barrier for ring closure leading to ethylene oxide elimination from Ag(111).
The Effect of Flexible-Tool Rotation on Regenerative Instability in Machining

For rotating-tool machining, such as milling, line boring, and cylinder boring, the toolrotation causes the machining force on each tooth to rotate repetitively relative to theinertial coordinate frame. This is quite different than stationary-tool machining, such asturning or boring with a stationary boring bar, in which the force directions are ﬁxedrelative to the inertial frame. Although the subject of stability analysis for rotating toolshas been studied extensively in milling, the process is intermittent and hence time varying,which leads to analysis methods that are either analytically approximate or employ time-domain simulation. In this paper nonintermittent machining processes that employ arotating tool are modeled and analyzed in the rotational coordinates both to simplify thestability analysis and to permit an exact solution. Using rotating-bar boring to illustrate,the analytical results show that the stability limits for boring with a rotating boring barare quite different from those for boring with a stationary boring bar, and the experimen-tal validation is also provided. Furthermore, the results show a discrepancy to existbetween the predicted stability limits for the exact and approximate solutions, especiallyat low spindle speeds. In both cases an explanation is provided based on the analysispresented. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1536657#
ADAPTATIONS OF ENERGY METABOLISM IN THE CULTIVATED MACROPHAGE

Adaptive changes in energy metabolism, as reflected by pyruvate kinase and cytochrome oxidase activities, were examined during in vitro differentiation of the cultivated macrophage. Serum concentrations of tissue culture media, which directly influence endocytic activity, and ambient oxygen tension were both shown to influence pyruvate kinase and cytochrome oxidase activities. Cells maintained in high serum concentrations (30% newborn calf serum [NBCS]) exhibited a 300–400% increase in pyruvate kinase activity and a 40% increase in cytochrome oxidase activity, whereas cells maintained in low serum concentrations (2% NBCS) exhibited a lesser increase (65%) in pyruvate kinase activity and no change in cytochrome oxidase activity. Anaerobiosis resulted in additional alterations in pyruvate kinase and cytochrome oxidase activities. Cells maintained for 48–72 h under anaerobic conditions exhibited a 500–600% increase in pyruvate kinase activity and a 40% decrease in cytochrome oxidase activity. Increased pyruvate kinase activity was dependent on continued protein synthesis. Enzyme increases occurred in anaerobically cultured cells despite an overall reduction in cell protein synthesis. It is suggested that adaptive changes in pyruvate kinase and cytochrome oxidase activity resulting from alterations in either serum concentration or ambient oxygen tension are regulated by two independent mechanisms. One mechanism is aimed at providing energy for endocytic activity and the other in compensating for impaired oxidative metabolism during anaerobiosis.
Phylogeny, Diet, and Cranial Integration in Australodelphian Marsupials

Studies of morphological integration provide valuable information on the correlated evolution of traits and its relationship to long-term patterns of morphological evolution. Thus far, studies of morphological integration in mammals have focused on placentals and have demonstrated that similarity in integration is broadly correlated with phylogenetic distance and dietary similarity. Detailed studies have also demonstrated a significant correlation between developmental relationships among structures and adult morphological integration. However, these studies have not yet been applied to marsupial taxa, which differ greatly from placentals in reproductive strategy and cranial development and could provide the diversity necessary to assess the relationships among phylogeny, ecology, development, and cranial integration. This study presents analyses of morphological integration in 20 species of australodelphian marsupials, and shows that phylogeny is significantly correlated with similarity of morphological integration in most clades. Size-related correlations have a significant affect on results, particularly in Peramelia, which shows a striking decrease in similarity of integration among species when size is removed. Diet is not significantly correlated with similarity of integration in any marsupial clade. These results show that marsupials differ markedly from placental mammals in the relationships of cranial integration, phylogeny, and diet, which may be related to the accelerated development of the masticatory apparatus in marsupials.
Use of health foods by the elderly

Abstract Many nutritionists believe that the elderly are especially prone to food faddism because they seem to possess many characteristics that make them susceptible to the lures of health food advocates. However, to date there has been no systematic survey to determine what percent of the elderly use or buy health foods. We interviewed a total of 354 senior citizens from 15 randomly chosen senior citizen centers in New York City. Health food users were classified in two ways: those who have ever shopped in health food stores, and those who shopped in health food stores regularly (at least once a month) and spent a minimum of $4.00 per trip. The results show that 38.7% had ever shopped in health food stores but only 10.7% had done so regularly. The median amount ($4.00) spent on health foods was less than half of the amount of an average sale reported by the health food industry and represented 7.7% of the food dollar. Both chi-square tests and discriminant analysis revealed that education, distance to a health food store, and average income were significantly correlated with health food use.
An Unbiased Approach to Discover Novel Therapies for Liver Disease

An Unbiased Approach to Discover Novel Therapies for Liver Disease Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) represents a range of clinical and morphological changes that range from steatosis to inflammation and necrosis (alcoholic hepatitis) to progressive fibrosis (alcoholic cirrhosis). Most chronic heavy drinkers exhibit steatosis characterized by greater amount of macrovesicular fat content than microvesicular fat. In addition hepatocyte ballooning degeneration with mixed lobular inflammation is evident.
Nonsurgical Interventions for Spine Pain

Nonsurgical, conservative approaches to spine pain include medication and physical therapy. In addition, several invasive procedures have been developed to provide relief when conservative options fail. These include facet joint injection and radiofrequency ablation techniques, translaminar and transforaminal epidural corticosteroid injections, and intradiscal coagulation procedures. Controlled studies to assess the effectiveness of some of these therapeutic modalities have been performed.