cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of a brain-enhanced estrogen delivery system on tail-skin temperature of the rat: implications for menopausal hot flush.

Abstract The menopause results from the decreasing production of ovarian estrogens/progestins. This loss of ovarian hormones in 75–85% of women leads to a number of brain-mediated steroid-withdrawal symptoms, the most frequent being hot flushes. Thus, replacement therapy with a brain-enhanced estrogen delivery system (E 2 -CDS) with sustained release of estradiol (E 2 ) in the brain may be more effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms than currently used estrogens. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of E 2 -CDS vs. E 2 , on the tail-skin temperature (TST) surge associated with administration of naloxone to morphine-dependent rats, an animal model for menopausal hot flush. Ovariectomizcd rats received a single or multiple doses of E 2 -CDS at 1.0 mg/kg body weight or E 2 , (0.5 mg pellet) weekly for 1 or 3 weeks before temperature recording. The mean maximal elevation in TST of the control animals was 6.4 ± 0.2 °C. A single injection of E 2 -CDS attenuated the naloxone-induced rise in TST by 25%, while multiple injections resulted in significant attenuation of the rise in TST (3.4 ± 0.6). By contrast, multiple implants of E 2 pellet (3 pellets over 3 weeks) did not affect the surge of TST. Plasma E 2 levels in animals treated with E 2 -CDS were slightly increased to 13 pg/ml for single-injected and to 44 pg/ml for multiple-injected rats. However, the E 2 -pellet treatment produced plasma E 2 levels that were 2-fold greater than the E 2 levels produced by multiple injections of E 2 -CDS. Plasma gonadotropins (LH and FSH) were significantly suppressed with the E 2 -pellet as well as the single and multiple E 2 -CDS treatment. Plasma prolactin levels were significantly elevated by E 2 pellet and multiple injections of E 2 -CDS. The kinetic profiles of E 2 -CDS metabolites in plasma indicated an apparent t 1 2 = 8 h for E 2 -Q + and 3 h for E 2 . Collectively, these data support the view that E 2 -CDS may be potentially useful in the treatment of vasomotor hot flushes.
The discovery of quasicrystals through rapid quenching of metallic alloys

Abstract A completely unexpected structure was discovered at the National Bureau of Standards by Dan Shechtman working with rapidly solidified AlMn alloys. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed dendritic crystals with an icosahedral diffraction pattern of sharp spots. The symmetry of the pattern implies that the structure cannot be periodic; the sharp spots indicated a translational order that approximates what mathematicians call quasiperiodicity. The structures have become known as quasicrystals. Since the initial discovery a large number of systems have yielded quasicrystals by a variety of processing methods. There is even one ternary system AlLiCu in which the quasicrystal is a stable, rather than a metastable phase. At least one other symmetry (decagonal) has been observed and there are indications that there may be more than one crystal structure with icosahedral symmetry.
Maternal mortality, near misses, and severe morbidity: Lowering rates through designated levels of maternity care

An increase in the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and abnormal placentation, among others, has fueled the recent rise in maternal mortality, "near misses" and severe morbidity. In 1976, the March of Dimes published a report, "Toward Improving the Outcome of Pregnancy," which included recommendations for levels of perinatal care. Although the original intent was to address the needs of both mother and neonate, implementation in the ensuing years focused mostly on the latter. Currently, there are no well-defined nationally accepted levels of maternal care similar to those adopted by the American Academy of Pediatrics for neonatal intensive care units. When discussing regionalization of perinatal care, the needs of the mother are frequently overlooked. We propose that it is time to address this deficiency and develop levels of care that are specific to the mother. We expect that improving maternal care will also improve neonatal outcome. We call on various organizations and agencies to establish national standards and levels of maternity care much as our colleagues in neonatology have already successfully done. We canvassed the available publications by states and other countries and found a number of noteworthy examples. We propose that the goal would be an integrated maternal-fetal-neonatal care network, a model similar to what is done in stroke or emergency care. In addition to accepting transfers, the central facility functioning at the highest level would also be responsible for education, evidence-based best practices, policy development, and quality review and improvement within the network.
Determining tan β at the NLC with SUSY Higgs Bosons

The authors examine the prospects for determining tan {beta} from heavy Higgs scalar production in the minimal supersymmetric standard model at a future e{sup +}e{sup {minus}} collider. Their analysis is independent of assumptions of parameter unification, and they consider general radiative corrections in the Higgs sector. Bounds are presented for {radical}s = 500 GeV and 1 TeV, several Higgs masses, and a variety of integrated luminosities. For all cases considered, it is possible to distinguish low, moderate, and high tan {beta}. In addition, the authors find stringent constraints for 3 {approx_lt} tan{beta} {approx_lt} 10, and, for some scenarios, also interesting bounds on high tan {beta} through tbH{sup {+-}} production. Such measurements may provide strong tests of the Yukawa unifications in grand unified theories and make possible highly precise determinations of soft SUSY breaking mass parameters.
Mutual coupling reduction of low-profile monopole antennas on high-impedance ground plane

The mutual coupling effects of flush-mounted (horizontal) monopole antennas on high-impedance ground planes (HIP) have been measured. Experiments of horizontal monopoles on HIP with a bandgap centred at 4.7 GHz show that the interference between two adjacent elements is stronger compared to those on a regular metal ground plane due to special properties of HIP. A technique using a combination of HIP and thin metal strip is proven to reduce the mutual coupling by /spl sim/6 dB. Similar results have been obtained for the horizontal monopoles on HIP with a bandgap centre at 17 GHz.
The structure and properties of a rapidly solidified high sulfur stainless steel

Abstract A 0.54 wt.% S stainless steel corresponding to an ultralow carbon grade of AISI type 316 stainless steel was rapidly solidified using a twin-roller technique. As-cast flakes were characterized by a number of methods, and it was found that not all the sulfur had remained in solid solution despite an estimated cooling rate of at least 105 K s−1, which is a typical value for the twin-roller technique of rapid solidification. Some sulfur precipitated, primarily as chromium sulfide of size 0.02–0.05 μm, in a well-defined hexagonal pattern within a dendritic cell. After high temperature annealing had been carried out, the nature of these sulfide particles changed in that the sulfides then contained manganese, iron, chromium and nickel. The as-cast flakes were consolidated by cold compaction followed by hot extrusion at 1448 K (1175°C). After extrusion the sulfide volume fraction was about 2.5 vol.%. The extruded bar was given a variety of thermomechanical treatments. Tensile tests showed that the alloy had an excellent combination of tensile strength and ductility.
Myo-Cortical Crossed Feedback Reorganizes Primate Motor Cortex Output

The motor system is capable of adapting to changed conditions such as amputations or lesions by reorganizing cortical representations of peripheral musculature. To investigate the underlying mechanisms we induced targeted reorganization of motor output effects by establishing an artificial recurrent connection between a forelimb muscle and an unrelated site in the primary motor cortex (M1) of macaques. A head-fixed computer transformed forelimb electromyographic activity into proportional subthreshold intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) during hours of unrestrained volitional behavior. This conditioning paradigm stimulated the cortical site for a particular muscle in proportion to activation of another muscle and induced robust site- and input-specific reorganization of M1 output effects. Reorganization was observed within 25 min and could be maintained with intermittent conditioning for successive days. Control stimulation that was independent of muscle activity, termed "pseudoconditioning," failed to produce reorganization. Preconditioning output effects were gradually restored during volitional behaviors following the end of conditioning. The ease of changing the relationship between cortical sites and associated muscle responses suggests that under normal conditions these relations are maintained through physiological feedback loops. These findings demonstrate that motor cortex outputs may be reorganized in a targeted and sustainable manner through artificial afferent feedback triggered from controllable and readily recorded muscle activity. Such cortical reorganization has implications for therapeutic treatment of neurological injuries.
The δ agent: HBsAg particles with δ antigen and RNA in the serum of an HBV carrier

The hepatitis B virus-associated delta antigen was detected in the serum of a young female drug addict with acute hepatitis and a previous history of hepatitis B surface antigen carrier. Delta antigen was associated with a 35- to 37-nm subpopulation of hepatitis B surface antigen particles which banded at a density of 1.25 gm per cm3 of CsCl and contained a small RNA of approximately 5.5 × 105 molecular weight. This report demonstrates that delta antigen is associated with a unique subpopulation of hepatitis B surface antigen particles and small RNA in human serum.
What do we really know about solar wind coupling

Abstract During the ISTP era we will have unprecedented opportunities to study the cause-and-effect relationships in the solar wind/magnetosphere/upper atmosphere system. Only by recognizing these relationships in both our classification schemes and research can we hope to unravel the complex subject of solar wind coupling.
Case-control comparison of laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is becoming an increasingly used modality in the surgical treatment of pancreatic disease. The assumption is that this will lead to shorter hospitalization and faster recovery. However, actual comparative data between open and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is lacking. The purpose of this study is to compare these surgical procedures. All patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open distal pancreatectomy/splenectomy were reviewed. Fifteen patients underwent laparoscopic resection, whereas 41 underwent an open resection. The 15 laparoscopic patients were matched to 15 open patients for age, gender, and pancreatic pathology. Data gathered included length of stay, pancreatic leak, postoperative complications, and return to normal activity. Of the 15 laparoscopic patients, three were converted to open operations. Laparoscopic patients had a median length of stay of 5 days (range, 3–9) compared with 8 days (range, 6–23) for the open patients (P = 0.02). The pancreatic leak rate was 13% in each group. Overall postoperative complication rate was 20% in the laparoscopic group compared with 27% in the open group. Laparoscopic patients reported a return to normal activity in 3 weeks (range, 2–7) compared with 6 weeks (range, 4–10) for open patients (P =0.03). Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy/splenectomy does lead to shorter hospital stay and faster return to normal activity. Pancreatic leak rate and overall complication rate appear similar.
Modulation of IL-18 production in the adrenal cortex following acute ACTH or chronic corticosterone treatment.

Interleukin (IL)-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine and a stimulator of cell-mediated immune responses. We have previously reported that acute stress stimulates the production of IL-18 mRNA in the gluco
Numerical formulations of elasto-viscoplastic response of beams accounting for the effect of shear

The finite deformation, elasto-viscoplastic response of beams is considered from a numerical point of view in this paper. Formulations in terms of stress resultants are discussed and extended to include viscoplastic material response by introducing rate equations for the evolution of the finite inelastic deformations. Special attention is given to the objectivity of the rates and to the form of the plastic flow potential. An alternative one-dimensional formulation, obtained by introducing a kinematic constraint and numerically integrating over the cross section of the beam, is also presented. Both formulations account for the effect of warping, which arises as a result of shear deformation. A numerical algorithm for the time-dependent problem is presented in which the numerically integrated nonlinear rate equations are ‘exactly’ satisfied at each iteration of the Newton-Raphson scheme. The implications of the formulations discussed in this paper are illustrated through a set of numerical examples.
personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics: ethical and social challenges.

Recent developments in human genetic variation research have fueled predictions of an imminent era of personalized medicine. Defined as a shift toward greater integrated and heuristic innovation in healthcare, personalized medicine seeks to create differentiated strategies for the prevention of disease defined at the molecular level [1]. Recent developments in gene sequencing technologies have focused efforts toward improving efficacy and efficiency in the drug development process. Emerging from the discipline of pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics – the study of gene-to-gene interactions through the use of high-throughput technologies – has gained attention as the field most able to deliver on the promises of genomic medicine [2]. The distinction between pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics is not clear; while some have argued that differences of scale and focus distinguish the fields, this article uses the term, ‘pharmacogenomics’, to mean the broad scope of research on inherited variation in drug respo...
Diet variability of forage fishes in the Northern California Current System

article i nfo Article history: Pelagic nekton Forage fish diet composition Juvenile salmon diets Interannual variability Seasonal variability Diet overlap As fisheries management shifts to an ecosystem-based approach, understanding energy pathways and trophic relationships in the Northern California Current (NCC) will become increasingly important for predictive model- ing and understanding ecosystem response to changing ocean conditions. In the NCC, pelagic forage fishes are a critical link between seasonal and interannual variation in primary production and upper trophic groups. We compared diets among dominant forage fish (sardines, anchovies, herring, and smelts) in the NCC collected in May and June of 2011 and June 2012, and found high diet variability between and within species on seasonal and annual time scales, and also on decadal scales when compared to results of past studies conducted in the early 2000s. Copepoda were a large proportion by weight of several forage fish diets in 2011 and 2012, which differed from a preponderance of Euphausiidae found in previous studies, even though all years exhibited cool ocean conditions. We also examined diet overlap among these species and with co-occurring subyearling Chinook salmon and found that surf smelt diets overlapped more with subyearling Chinook diets than any otherforage fish.Herring andsardine dietsoverlappedthe mostwith each otherinourinterdecadalcomparisons and some prey items were common to all forage fish diets. Forage fish that show plasticity in diet may be more adapted to ocean conditions of low productivity or anomalous prey fields. These findings highlight the variable and not well-understood connections between ocean conditions and energy pathways within the NCC. Published by Elsevier B.V.
THE COORDINATE ORTHOGONALITY CHECK (CORTHOG)

Abstract A new technique referred to as the coordinate orthogonality check (CORTHOG) helps to identify how each physical degree of freedom contributes to the overall orthogonality relationship between analytical and experimental modal vectors on a mass-weighted basis. Using the CORTHOG technique together with the pseudo-orthogonality check (POC) clarifies where potential discrepancies exist between the analytical and experimental modal vectors. CORTHOG improves the understanding of the correlation (or lack of correlation) that exists between modal vectors. The CORTHOG theory is presented along with the evaluation of several cases to show the use of the technique.
Gender interactions between interviewer and survey respondents: issues of pornography and community standards

Several sociological perspectives, including social distance and social acquiescence theories, suggest that survey responses to threatening or sensitive questions may be influenced by interviewer gender. Most of the empirical work bearing on this issue has been conducted using face-to-face interviews. Research presented here examines interviewer gender effects in a telephone survey concerned with a sexually sensitive topic — the sale and consumption of pornographic materials. Subjects were mostly white middle-class adults living in a medium-sized metropolitan community. Approximately equal numbers of males (n=230) and females (n=219) were interviewed. Findings suggest that, although a weak trend indicative of an acquiescence effect was observed, interviewer gender effects may not in general be a serious source of nonsampling errors in telephone surveys.
The role of antioxidants in protection from impulse noise.

The hearing loss from exposure to noise and ototoxic drugs share a number of audiological and pathological similarities. Recent research has shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be a common factor in both noise- and drug-induced hearing loss. This review describes three experiments that point to ROS as a causative factor in both noise- and drug-induced hearing loss and antioxidants as a protective agent. In the first experiment, the ears of chinchillas were treated with R-N6-phenylisopropyladenoisine (R-PIA) and exposed to 150-dB impulse noise. The treated ears developed substantially less permanent hearing loss (PTS) and hair cell loss than the untreated ears. One interpretation of this experiment is that R-PIA increases the availability of glutathione (GSH). In the second experiment, the role of GSH was specifically examined. The ears of chinchillas were treated with glutathione monoethylester (GEE), a pro-GSH drug that has been shown to readily cross cell membranes and increase GSH levels. The GEE-treated ears had significantly less PTS and hair-cell loss than the nontreated ear. Previous research has shown that moderate levels of noise exposure can increase a subject's resistance to noise, and also increase the availability of antioxidant enzymes in the cochlea. In the third experiment, chinchillas were given a series of "toughening" exposures (i.e., 6 h of a 0.5-kHz OB noise at 95 dB for 10 days). After the series of "toughening" exposures, the subjects were treated with carboplatin, a drug that causes massive inner-hair-cell lesions in the chinchilla. The animals receiving the 10-day toughening exposure developed less PTS and hair-cell loss than the control animals.
Effects of oxidation on optical properties of polymer-like and diamond-like amorphous hydrogenated carbon films

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) film has attracted considerable attention because of its extreme properties such as hardness, thermal conductivity, optical transparency and chemical resistance. Applications include scratch-resistant coating, microelectronics packaging, optical coating and coating on plastics [1-3]. DLC film belongs to the amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) family whose properties depend strongly on the method and conditions used for the deposition. Methods such as plasma:enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), ion beam deposition and sputtering have been used for the deposition. Ion-assisted PECVD is advantageous for depositing a-C:H films because ion bombardment can be used for modifying film properties [4-6]. The degree of the ion bombardment on the substrate can be adjusted by changing the r.f. power, reactor geometry and gas pressure. Depending on the magnitude of the ion energy, the deposited films are classified as polymer-like, diamond-like or graphite-like. At low ion energy, soft, polymer-like carbon (PLC) films are formed, while at moderately high ion energy the hydrogen content in the film decreases and a dense and hard film [1] called diamond-like carbon (DLC) is formed. Because of the ion bombardment used, a-C:H films generally have high residual stress. Heat treatment is often used to relieve this stress. It is thus of interest how the properties of these films change upon oxidation. In this letter, we compare the oxidation behaviours of PLC and DLC films.
Genetics of smoking: A brief review *

Results from adoption, association, family, trait-marker, and twin studies indicate that both the acquisition and maintenance of smoking are influenced by heredity. The magnitude of the effect of heredity on smoking is small but similar to that for alcohol use. Results from personality and animal breeding studies suggest genotype may influence smoking via inborn differences in personality or in the sensitivity to the reinforcing, the punishing, or the dependence-producing properties of nicotine or tobacco. This article hypothesizes that with further refinements in the measurement of smoking behavior and dependence, studies will report larger genetic effects. If so, then genetic analysis might help tailor prevention and treatment programs for smoking.
Primary balloon-expandable covered stents vs. primary bare-stents for mesenteric ischemia: patency and clinical outcomes

Purpose To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of primary balloon-expandable covered stents compared to primary balloon-expandable bare-stents for the endovascular management of chronic mesenteric ischemia. Materials and Methods A retrospective audit of patients undergoing primary endovascular management of mesenteric ischemia was performed (01/2006-12/2011). The cohort was divided into bare-metal stent group (BMG) and covered stent (0.035-inch platform, V-12, Atrium) group (CVG). Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) arteries (none in CVG) and angioplasty alone (small sample size) were excluded. Patency per artery was determined by imaging follow-up and clinical success (patency by clinical response). Results 111 primary endovascular procedures were found (18 IMA excluded). Technical success of SMA and CAx arteries was 99% (n=110/111). An additional 7 arteries (2 SMA, 5 CAx) in 6 patients were excluded (angioplasty alone). The remainder was: 15 (12 SMA, 3 CAx) arteries in 14 patients (CVG) and 88 (64 SMA, 24 CAx) arteries in 75 patients (BMG). Clinical success per patient for BMG vs. CVG was 87% (n=65/75) vs. 79% (n=11/14) (P=0.3933), respectively. Primary unassisted patency at 6, 9, 12 and 24 months for CVG vs. BMG were: 100%+/-0, 100%+/-0, 100%+/-0, and 100%+/-0 vs. 93%+/-4, 81%+/-6, 74%+/-8, and 45%+/-11, respectively (P Conclusion In patients with mesenteric ischemia, balloon-expandable covered stents have improved patency compared to balloon-expandable bare stents in the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery.
Trapezium Trabecular Morphology in Carpometacarpal Arthritis

Purpose In thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis, current evidence suggests that degenerative, bony remodeling primarily occurs within the trapezium. Nevertheless, the pathomechanics involved and the most common sites of wear remain controversial. Quantifying structural bone morphology characteristics with high-resolution computed tomography CT (micro-CT) infer regions of load transmission. Using micro-CT, we investigated whether predominant trabecular patterns exist in arthritic versus normal trapeziums. Methods We performed micro-CT analysis on 13 normal cadaveric trapeziums and 16 Eaton stage III to IV trapeziums. We computationally divided each specimen into 4 quadrants: volar-ulnar, volar-radial, dorsal-radial, and dorsal-ulnar. Measurements of trabecular bone morphologic parameters included bone volume ratio, connectivity, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness. Using analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni/Dunn correction, we compared osteoarthritic and normal specimen quadrant measurements. Results No significant difference existed in bone volume fraction between the osteoarthritic and normal specimens. Osteoarthritic trapeziums, however, demonstrated significantly higher trabecular number and connectivity than nonosteoarthritic trapeziums. Comparing the volar-ulnar quadrant of osteoarthritis and normal specimens collectively, this quadrant in both consistently possessed significantly higher bone volume fraction, trabecular number, and connectivity than the dorsal-radial and volar-radial quadrants. Conclusions The significantly greater trabecular bone volume, thickness, and connectivity in the volar-ulnar quadrant compared with the dorsal-radial and dorsal-ulnar quadrants provides evidence that the greatest compressive loads at the first carpometacarpal joint occur at the volar-ulnar quadrant of the trapezium, representing a consistently affected region of wear in both normal and arthritic states. Clinical relevance These findings suggest that trapezial trabecular morphology undergoes pathologic alteration. This provides indirect evidence that changes in load transmission occur with thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis development.
O-Alkyl dioleoylphosphatidylcholinium compounds: the effect of varying alkyl chain length on their physical properties and in vitro DNA transfection activity.

1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-3-ethylphosphocholine (EDOPC) has been previously shown be a highly effective DNA transfection reagent in vitro. To assess the effect of alkyl chain length on transfection efficiency, the O-methyl, O-propyl, O-hexyl, O-decyl, and O-octadecyl derivatives have been prepared from dioleoylphosphatidylcholine using the corresponding alkyl trifluoromethylsulfonate. The methyl, ethyl, and propyl derivatives formed liposomes which were very large and unilamellar. The ethyl and propyl derivatives were equally efficient at mediating transfection (even in the presence of serum) of BHK cells, but the chemically labile methyl derivative was a much weaker transfection agent. The O-decyl and O-octadecyl compounds, which assume the inverted hexagonal phase in excess water (as determined by X-ray diffraction), were almost inactive after manual agitation in both water and in saline; however, after sonication, these compounds exhibited good transfection activity. The O-hexyl derivative displayed novel behavi...
Depressive Symptoms, Trait Aggression, and Cardiovascular Reactivity to a Laboratory Stressor

Background Depression and anger/aggression-related traits are thought to promote coronary disease, at least in part, through their associations with stress-related cardiovascular processes. It is unclear whether the effects of these factors on cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) are redundant, additive, or synergistic.
Pericardial Fat Burden on ECG-Gated Noncontrast CT in Asymptomatic Patients Who Subsequently Experience Adverse Cardiovascular Events

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate whether pericardial fat has value in predicting the risk of future adverse cardiovascular outcomes.Background: Pericardial fat volume (PFV) and thoracic fat volume ...
Spatiotemporal chlorophyll‐a dynamics on the Louisiana continental shelf derived from a dual satellite imagery algorithm

A monthly time series of remotely sensed chlorophyll-a (Chlars) over the Louisiana continental shelf (LCS) was developed and examined for its relationship to river discharge, nitrate concentration, total phosphorus concentration, photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), wind speed, and interannual variation in hypoxic area size. A new algorithm for Chlars, tuned separately for clear and turbid waters, was developed using field-observed chlorophyll-a (Chlaobs) collected during 12 cruises from 2002 to 2007. The new algorithm reproduced Chlaobs, with ∼40% and ∼60% uncertainties at satellite pixel level for clear offshore waters and turbid nearshore waters, respectively. The algorithm was then applied to SeaWiFS and MODIS images to calculate long-term (1998–2013) monthly mean Chlars estimates at 1 km resolution across the LCS. Correlation and multiple stepwise regression analyses were used to relate the Chlars estimates to key environmental drivers expected to influence phytoplankton variability. The Chlars time series covaried with river discharge and nutrient concentration, PAR, and wind speed, and there were spatial differences in how these environmental drivers influenced Chlars. The main axis of spatial variability occurred in a cross-shelf direction with highest Chlars observed on the inner shelf. Both inner (<10 m depth) and middle-shelf (10–50 m depth) Chlars were observed to covary with interannual variations in the size of the hypoxic (O2 < 63 mmol m−3) area, and they explained ∼70 and ∼50% variability in interannual hypoxia size, respectively.
Dinuclear and hexanuclear iron(III) carboxylate clusters with a bis(bipyridine) ligand: supramolecular aggregation of [Fe2O2] units to give a [Fe6O6] ladder structure

The use of the bis-bipyridine ligand L (1,2-bis(2,2′-bipyridyl-6-yl)ethane) in iron(III) chemistry has yielded a variety of new dinuclear and hexanuclear iron complexes, the latter containing a ladder-like supramolecular architecture. Treatment of L with two equivalents of HBF4 yields [H2L][BF4]21, the doubly protonated ligand. The FeX3/NaO2CR/L (2∶4∶1) reaction system in MeCN gives [Fe2OX2(O2CR)2L] (X = Cl, R = Ph 2; X = Br, R = Ph 3; X = Cl, R = Me 4). The same FeCl3/NaO2CPh/L (2∶4∶1) reaction system but in a 1∶1 MeCN–water solution gives green [Fe2OCl2(O2CPh)L(H2O)2]Cl 5, and in a water solution gives brown [Fe6O6(O2CPh)3L3(H2O)2]Cl36. Treatment of a 1∶2 MeOH–acetone solution of the nitrate salt of 6 with an excess of NaNO3 gives brown-red [Fe2O(NO3)4L] 7. Reaction of [NEt4]2[Fe2OCl6] with L and NaNO3 (2∶2∶1) in MeCN gives orange-brown Na2[Fe2OCl6L] 8, whereas reaction with L and NaO2CPh (1∶1∶1) in MeCN gives red-green [Fe2OCl2L2]Cl29. Complexes 1, 2 and 5–7 were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The cation of 1 exists in a single-step conformation, with planar bpy units stabilized by the presence of intra-bpy hydrogen bonding and intermolecular hydrogen bonding with the anion. All the dinuclear complexes contain a [Fe2O]4+ unit bridged by one L and either zero, one or two carboxylate groups. Complexes 2–4 are bridged by two carboxylate groups, with the two terminal halide ligands in a cis conformation. Complex 5 contains only one bridging benzoate group, and octahedral geometry at each FeIII is completed with terminal Cl− and H2O ligands, with the Cl− ligands in a trans conformation. Complex 6 can be described as three [Fe2O2(O2CPh)L]+ units joined together to give a near-planar [Fe6O6]6+ ladder-like core. This chain of Fe2 units is terminated by water molecules. The cation can be prepared as a Cl−, Br−, NO3−, ClO4−, PF6−, or BF4− salt. Complex 7 contains four chelating NO3− ligands and no bridging carboxylate group. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies of 4 and 6 in the 5.00 to 300 K range reveal both complexes to have S = 0 ground states. The data for 4 were fitted by the appropriate theoretical expression for a FeIII2 complex and a molar fraction (p) of S = 5/2 paramagnetic impurity, giving J = −119 (1.5) cm−1, g = 1.96(2) and p = 0.0102(2), with temperature-independent paramagnetism held constant at 500 × 10−6 cm3 mol−1. The obtained J value is consistent with that predicted by a previously published magnetostructural relationship.
Variable wind direction effects on thermal blooming correction

Rotating or variable cross wind directions that normally occur in the atmosphere along the propagation path of a high power laser beam are important since they can result in significant reductions in both the amount of whole beam thermal blooming phase distortion as well as the growth of the small-scale blooming instabilities which often limit the effectiveness of atmospheric compensation. In this paper we describe a time-dependent, atmospheric propagation and compensation simulation code, APAC, which includes the effects of variable wind directions on blooming compensation. Simulation results are presented for a particular measured vertical wind profile which show that small-scale blooming instability effects are significantly reduced when the effects of the actual wind direction variations are included. A simple model has also been developed to calculate the number of waves of blooming phase delta(phi), to use as an appropriate scaling parameter for blooming with rotating winds, rather than the standard distortion parameter N(D) defined for the constant wind direction case.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Is Not Associated With Scleroderma-Like Changes in Nailfold Capillaries

Abstract Study objectives To determine whether primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is associated with scleroderma-like changes in nailfold capillaries. Design Blinded, prospective, case-control study. Setting University medical centers in Baltimore, MD. Patients Thirty-seven patients with PPH, 15 patients with scleroderma, and 13 healthy control subjects. Measurements Subjects underwent nailfold capillary videomicroscopy of the fourth digits of both hands. Capillary images were evaluated by two blinded, trained graders according to standardized criteria for the presence of scleroderma nailfold changes. Results The prevalence of scleroderma-associated nailfold changes in patients with PPH (1 of 37 patients) was dramatically lower than that in patients with scleroderma (9 of 15 patients; p Conclusion PPH is not associated with scleroderma-like vasculopathy of nailfold capillaries.
Managerial Innovation: Conceptions, Processes, and Antecedents

The expansive research on innovation in organizations has primarily followed a technological imperative, postulating that organizations organize their innovation efforts through research and development (R&D) activities. Theories of innovation are thus shaped mostly from the studies of technology-based innovations in the manufacturing sector, yet are applied in all contexts. This article advocates research on managerial innovations – new approaches to devise strategy and structure of tasks and units, modify the organization's management processes and administrative systems, motivate and reward organizational members, and enable organizational adaptation and change. We examine the conceptual development, generation and adoption processes, antecedents, and influences of managerial innovation on organizational conduct. By increasing an understanding of managerial innovation, this article aims to complement existing theories of innovation derived from the studies of technological innovations and thus help extend and advance theory and research on innovation process and outcome in organizations.
Audiogenic seizures in rats after severe prenatal and perinatal iodine depletion.

Offspring from rats depleted of iodine through pregnancy and lactation showed a high incidence (89%) of audiogenic convulsions. This abnormality persisted after the animals matured on a normal diet. Audiogenic seizures were rare (<2%) in controls.
Ultrafiltration of Skim Milk at Refrigerated Temperatures

Abstract Effects of temperature and membrane pore size on permeation flux rates and microbial quality of retentates and permeates during ultrafiltration of skim milk were investigated. Skim milk was ultrafiltrated at 15 and 45°C with either small pore (10,000 molecular weight cut-off) or large pore (50,000 molecular weight cut-off) membranes. Standard plate counts of the retentates obtained during ultrafiltration at 15°C were lower than standard plate counts at 45°C. Permeation flux rates were almost four times greater at 45 than at 15°C with both small and large pore membranes.
A Simple, Effective Lead-Acid Battery Modeling Process for Electrical System Component Selection

Electrical system capacity determination for conventional vehicles can be expensive due to repetitive empirical vehicle-level testing. Electrical system modeling and simulation have been proposed to reduce the amount of physical testing necessary for component selection [1, 2].
Shc coordinates signals from intercellular junctions and integrins to regulate flow-induced inflammation

Atherosclerotic plaques develop in regions of the vasculature associated with chronic inflammation due to disturbed flow patterns. Endothelial phenotype modulation by flow requires the integration of numerous mechanotransduction pathways, but how this is achieved is not well understood. We show here that, in response to flow, the adaptor protein Shc is activated and associates with cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions. Shc activation requires the tyrosine kinases vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and Src. Shc activation and its vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) association are matrix independent. In contrast, Shc binding to integrins requires VE-cadherin but occurs only on specific matrices. Silencing Shc results in reduction in both matrix-independent and matrix-dependent signals. Furthermore, Shc regulates flow-induced inflammatory signaling by activating nuclear factor κB–dependent signals that lead to atherogenesis. In vivo, Shc is activated in atherosclerosis-prone regions of arteries, and its activation correlates with areas of atherosclerosis. Our results support a model in which Shc orchestrates signals from cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions to elicit flow-induced inflammatory signaling.
The Impact of Electronic Monitoring on Hazard Communications

This research examines how monitoring electronic communications can influence the types and frequency of communication of potentially damaging information, which we term hazard communication. The results of a laboratory experiment indicate that individuals, when monitored, will alter their communication behavior by sharing less information and by communicating less. Individuals in the non-monitored condition engaged in more hazard communication, self-disclosing and reporting on observed behaviors more than individuals in a monitored condition. However, individuals in the monitored condition expressed significantly more denials of impropriety. The results suggest that individuals will alter their communications when monitored, in an attempt to present themselves in a manner they believe to be more in line with the expectations of the monitoring authority.
An Experimental Evaluation of Positive Behavior Support in a Community Preschool Program.

Although positive behavior support (PBS) has been established as an effective approach for resolving the challenging behaviors of many populations, little research has evaluated PBS with children u...
The influence of sex, gender, self-discrepancies, and self-awareness on anger and verbal aggressiveness among U.S. college students.

Abstract Among a sample of 445 U.S. college students, the authors examined the extent to which individual differences (e.g., sex, gender, self-discrepancies, self-awareness) explained anger tendencies and verbal aggressiveness. Regression analyses showed that (a) the tendency to repress anger (anger-in) was explained by masculinity, desire to be masculine, and public self-awareness, R 2 = .19, F(11, 433) = 8.44, p < .001; (b) the tendency to express anger (anger-out) was explained by sex, masculinity, and public self-awareness, R 2 = .17, F(11, 433) = 7.38, p < .001; and (c) willingness to be verbally aggressive was explained by sex, femininity, and private self-awareness, R 2 = .32, F(11, 433) = 16.94, p < .001. In addition, different types of individual difference variables accounted for anger tendencies and verbal aggressiveness across sex and gender categories, suggesting that anger and verbal aggressiveness may be driven by different psychological processes across types of participants.
SNP43 of CAPN10 and the risk of type 2 Diabetes in African-Americans: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Recently, an A-to-G variant in intron 3 (SNP43) of the calcium-activated neutral protease 10 gene (CAPN10) was identified as a possible type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene through positional cloning in Mexican-Americans. We conducted cross-sectional and prospective studies to evaluate the relation between SNP43 and type 2 diabetes and related traits in middle-aged African-American participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, a population-based longitudinal study. At baseline, 269 prevalent diabetes cases and 1,159 nondiabetic control subjects were studied. Those with the G/G genotype were more likely to have diabetes than those with the A/G or A/A genotype (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% CI 1.00–1.99, P = 0.05). In the prospective study, 166 of the control subjects developed incident diabetes over 9 years of follow-up. The incidence of diabetes for individuals with the G/G genotype did not differ significantly from those with at least one copy of the A allele (23.3 vs. 19.5 per 1,000 person years, P = 0.29). Pooling prevalent and incident diabetic cases together, individuals with the G/G genotype were ∼40% more likely to have diabetes than those without (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04–1.83, P = 0.03). Because of the high frequency of the G allele (0.88), ∼25% of the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in African-Americans may be attributed to the G/G genotype at SNP43 of CAPN10, although most of the subjects with the G/G genotype did not develop diabetes over the 9 years of follow-up. We conclude from this large prospective study that the G allele of SNP43 of CAPN10 or another allele or gene that is in linkage disequilibrium with it increases susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in African-Americans.
Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 by Triciribine Involves the Accessory Protein Nef

Triciribine (TCN) is a tricyclic nucleoside that inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication by a unique mechanism not involving the inhibition of enzymes directly involved in viral replication. This activity requires the phosphorylation of TCN to its 5′ monophosphate by intracellular adenosine kinase. New testing with a panel of HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus isolates, including low-passage-number clinical isolates and selected subgroups of HIV-1, multidrug resistant HIV-1, and HIV-2, has demonstrated that TCN has broad antiretroviral activity. It was active in cell lines chronically infected with HIV-1 in which the provirus was integrated into chromosomal DNA, thereby indicating that TCN inhibits a late process in virus replication. The selection of TCN-resistant HIV-1 isolates resulted in up to a 750-fold increase in the level of resistance to the drug. DNA sequence analysis of highly resistant isolate HIV-1H10 found five point mutations in the HIV-1 gene nef, resulting in five different amino acid changes. DNA sequencing of the other TCN-resistant isolates identified at least one and up to three of the same mutations observed in isolate HIV-1H10. Transfer of the mutations from TCN-resistant isolate HIV-1H10 to wild-type virus and subsequent viral growth experiments with increasing concentrations of TCN demonstrated resistance to the drug. We conclude that TCN is a late-phase inhibitor of HIV-1 replication and that mutations in nef are necessary and sufficient for TCN resistance.
Catechin Is Present as Metabolites in Human Plasma after Consumption of Red Wine

Flavonoids are components of fruits, vegetables and wines. An abundance of flavonoids in the diet is correlated with reduced heart disease mortality, suggesting that they act as protective nutrients. However, little is known about the absorption and metabolism of flavonoids after normal foods are consumed. This study measured the levels of one abundant flavonoid, (+)-catechin, and its metabolites in plasma after five male and four female volunteers consumed 120 mL of red wine (RW) one day and de-alcoholized red wine (DRW) on a separate day. Each wine sample contained 35 +/- 1 mg catechin (mean +/- SEM). Plasma levels of catechin and its metabolite 3'-O-methylcatechin (3'MC) were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the trimethylsilylated (TMS) derivatives. Glucuronide and sulfate conjugates were determined after enzymatic hydrolysis. Before RW or DRW consumption, plasma levels of catechin, 3'MC and all conjugates were <2 nmol/L. After 1 h, average levels of catechin, 3'MC and all conjugates increased to 91 +/- 14 nmol/L (RW) and 81 +/- 11 nmol/L (DRW). At 1 h, 21 +/- 1% of the metabolites were methylated and <2% of catechin and 3'MC were unconjugated. Catechin was present as both a sulfate conjugate and a conjugate containing both glucuronide and sulfate residues. 3'MC was present primarily as a glucuronide conjugate. At every time point, catechin was present almost exclusively as metabolites, and these levels were independent of ethanol. Therefore, if flavonoids are protective nutrients, the active forms are likely to be metabolites, which are far more abundant in plasma than the forms that exist in foods.
FOXO1 Mediates Vitamin D Deficiency–Induced Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle

Prospective epidemiological studies have consistently shown a relationship between vitamin D deficiency, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). This is supported by recent trials showing that vitamin D supplementation in prediabetic or insulin-resistant patients with inadequate vitamin D levels improves insulin sensitivity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying vitamin D deficiency-induced insulin resistance and DM2 remain unknown. Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is a primary defect in the majority of patients with DM2. Although sustained activation of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in skeletal muscle causes insulin resistance, a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and FOXO1 activation in muscle is unknown. We generated skeletal muscle-specific vitamin D receptor (VDR)-null mice and discovered that these mice developed insulin resistance and glucose intolerance accompanied by increased expression and activity of FOXO1. We also found sustained FOXO1 activation in the skeletal muscle of global VDR-null mice. Treatment of C2C12 muscle cells with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (VD3) reduced FOXO1 expression, nuclear translocation, and activity. The VD3-dependent suppression of FOXO1 activation disappeared by knockdown of VDR, indicating that it is VDR-dependent. Taken together, these results suggest that FOXO1 is a critical target mediating VDR-null signaling in skeletal muscle. The novel findings provide the conceptual support that persistent FOXO1 activation may be responsible for insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism in vitamin D signaling-deficient mice, as well as evidence for the utility of vitamin D supplementation for intervention in DM2.