cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Arterial Disease—What Do We Need to Know?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) results from progressive narrowing of arteries secondary to atherosclerosis and is defined as an Ankle Brachial Index of <0.9. PAD is highly prevalent and is an increasing burden on both the economy and the patient, especially given the rapid shift in demographics in the United States. Despite its prevalence and association with cardiovascular disease, PAD is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. This may, in part, be related to lack of recognition from the physician's side or paucity of evidence from clinical trials. It has been shown that medical therapy approved for cardiovascular disease is effective in the treatment of PAD and decreases cardiovascular events. Various revascularization strategies are also available for improving symptoms and quality of life in these patients, yet they are underutilized. In an attempt to increase its recognition, PAD has been considered a coronary artery disease equivalent. This article reviews the diagnosis and management of PAD. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Fat-free mass change to weight change ratio during refeeding following lung transplantation.

Malnutrition occurs frequently prior to lung transplantation (LTR), but patients gain weight after LTR. The study aimed to determine the ratio changes of fat-free mass (AFFM): changes of body weight (ABW) during refeeding. A total of 37 LTR patients were measured for weight and FFM and body fat by bioimpedance analysis at 1 month post-LTR, then annually for 3 years. Linear regressions determined the ratio ΔFFM:ΔBW during refeeding. ΔFFM was: year-1=1.822+0.389* ΔBW, r 2 =0.397; yr-2=0.611+0.246* ΔBW, r 2 =0.441; yr-3=-0.17+0.208 * ΔBW, r 2 =0.319. Refeeding during year-1 in thin subjects resulted in a ratio ΔFFM:ΔBW of 0.389, whereas the change in ratio ΔFFM:ΔBW during year-2 and 3 was 0.246 and 0.208, respectively. Refeeding resulted in a larger ratio ΔFFM:ΔBW in thin subjects versus normal and overweight subjects. Thus, refeeding in underweight LTR patients is geared to normalizing depleted FFM, whereas later FFM gains were similar to FFM gains in normal and overweight subjects.
Charge Correlations and Dynamical Instabilities in the Multifragment Emission Process.

A new, sensitive method allows one to search for the enhancement of events with nearly equal-sized fragments as predicted by theoretical calculations based on volume or surface instabilities. Simulations have been performed to investigate the sensitivity of the procedure. Experimentally, charge correlations of intermediate mass fragments emitted from heavy ion reactions at intermediate energies have been studied. No evidence for a preferred breakup into equal-sized fragments has been found.
Physiological ecology of the clonal corallimorpharian Corynactis californica

For clonal taxa, the reduced genetic variability associated with clonal proliferation is hypothesized to reduce the ability to respond to variable conditions, unless a general-purpose genotype (GPG) confers success in multiple environments. In this study, Corynactis californica (Carlgren 1936) from the subtidal of California was used as a model system to test the hypothesis that clones dampen fluctuations in fitness through a GPG that facilitates phenotypic plasticity. To achieve this goal, tissue composition, respiration, excretion, and growth were compared among clones of C. californica at one site, and a reciprocal transplant experiment was used to test the response of clones to differing conditions at two sites. All experiments were completed at Santa Catalina Island (N 33°25′, W 118°30′) between April and September 1991. Clones at a single site differed significantly in multiple traits, varying as much as 1.6-fold in protein content, 3.4-fold in respiration, and 3.5-fold in excretion. Interestingly, while tissue growth was the most labile trait (differing up to 35.4-fold among clones), polyp fission rates were not significantly different among clones, in part because fission continued even though tissue growth was unable to restore polyp size in between divisions. Partial energy budgets revealed that the majority (47–90%) of the daily energy expenditure was accounted for by respiration, 13–47% by growth, and 0.3–14% by excretion. In the transplant experiment, reaction norms revealed strong effects of the environment on some traits but not others, notably with growth differing between sites in a pattern that differed among clones, and excretion differing between sites; neither respiration nor fission were affected by transplantation. Partial energy budgets revealed that the energy allocation to respiration varied between sites in a pattern that differed among clones, and a similar trend was evident for tissue growth. Together, these results demonstrate that clones of C. californica have markedly different phenotypes and exploit phenotypic plasticity to maintain relatively constant fission rates, even though tissue growth varies greatly among clones and between environments. While these findings support the GPG hypothesis for clones of C. californica—at least based on relative fitness achieved through asexual proliferation—this conclusion depends on the extent to which polyps are successful when they have low rates of tissue growth.
On the structure of the LiH dimer and its negative ion

Abstract Ab initio calculations are presented on the structure of the lithium hydride dimer and its negative ion. The most interesting finding of this study is that the anion, resulting primarily from the binding of an electron in the large dipole field (≈ 14.8 debye) of linear LiHLiH, is stable with respect to the neutral dimer. Similar results are predicted for the alkali halide dimers [(MX)2]. We suggest that the appearance potential for MX− production via the dissociative attachment process, e− + (MX)2 → MX− + M + X, may be due to the linear form of the dimers. In earlier work by Ebinghaus, it was assumed that the appearance potential for MX− production from this reaction is due to the cyclic form of the dimers.
Conversion of two distinct Rhodopseudomonas capsulata isolates to the glycerol-utilizing phenotype

Previous studies employing a single strain of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas capsulata have demonstrated that this organism, which normally is not capable of growth on glycerol, can gain glycerol-utilizing ability through mutational events. We have examined other strains of R. capsulata of divergent geographic origin, and have found that they could also be converted to a glycerol-catabolic phenotype. Mutant derivatives were found to express high constitutive levels of glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) and glycerokinase (GK) which were barely detectable in the parental strains. These results suggest that the ability to utilize glycerol after undergoing a gain of function mutation is a widespread property of R. capsulata.
The role of temperature in survival of the polyp stage of the tropical rhizostome jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana

Abstract The life cycle of the tropical jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana involves alternation between a polyp (=scyphistoma) and a medusa, the latter usually resting bell-down on a sand or mud substratum. The scyphistoma and newly strobilated medusa (=ephyra) are found only during the summer and early fall in South Florida and not during the winter, while the medusae are found year around. New medusae originate as ephyrae, strobilated by the polyp, in late summer and fall. Laboratory experiments showed that nematocyst function, and the ability of larvae to settle and metamorphose change little during exposure to temperatures between 15°C and up to 33°C. However, tentacle length decreased and ability to transfer captured food to the mouth was disrupted at temperatures ≤18°C. Unlike temperate-zone species of scyphozoans, which usually over-winter in the polyp or podocyst form when medusae disappear, this tropical species has cold-sensitive scyphistomae and more temperature-tolerant medusae.
Clonal endurance and clonal burst size: novel indices of helper T cell heterogeneity.

This report presents a method for examining the behavior of individual antigen-responsive helper T cell precursors (pHTL), following their repeated encounter with antigen. In our model system, lymph node cells from mice immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) are cultured in vitro under limiting dilution conditions, using responder cell doses chosen to ensure that each culture well contains, at the outset, at most a single KLH-reactive helper T cell precursor. Those wells which in fact did receive a KLH-reactive pHTL are identified by the accumulation of the helper T cell product, interleukin 3 (IL 3), during a 6-day culture interval. The lymphocytes generated during this culture interval are washed, divided into replicate aliquots, and then further cultured (with and without additional KLH) to see if the original pHTL has generated cells which are capable of further lymphokine production. Using this approach, we found a surprising amount of variation from clone to clone in two measurements. Clones differed greatly in “endurance”, that is in the ability of progeny cells to continue to secrete IL 3 in the absence of additional antigenic stimulation. Among 148 clones tested, 90 were found not to continue lymphokine secretion in antigen-free secondary cultures, while IL 3 production among the other 58 clones varied from 1 to 128 arbitrary units. Individual clones also varied greatly with respect to their ability to secrete additional IL 3 in response to additional antigen, and in “burst size”, that is in the number of new, antigen-responsive helper cell precursors which they can generate during the initial culture interval; 43% of the clones produced no new pHTL, while others produced as many as 800 new pHTL cells in an 8-day period. Neither measure correlates strongly with the amount of lymphokine originally produced by the initial “parental” pHTL. This method will allow us to examine the factors which influence the allocation of clonal progeny cells into lymphokine producing effectors and antigen-sensitive “memory” T cells.
On the need to assess cancer risk in populations environmentally and occupationally exposed to virus and chemical agents in developing countries

Evidence exists that exposure to poultry oncogenic viruses may produce elevated cancer mortality in human populations, particularly excesses of cancer of lung and excesses of cancer of lymphopoietic tissues. To date, this potential risk is unknown in populations from the developing countries. This paper suggests the need to assess cancer risk in populations of developing countries with reported environmental exposure to chicken meat products and eggs; the need to assess risk of cancer in populations inoculated with vaccines from infected chicken embryos; and the need to assess risk of cancer in occupational populations highly exposed to poultry oncogenic viruses, and with potential concurrent exposure to chemical agents known or suspected to be carcinogens.
Feed Me! Rethinking Traditional Modes of Library Access and Content Delivery

At their core, XML feeds are content-delivery vehicles. This fact has not always been highlighted in library conversations surrounding RSS and ATOM. The authors have looked to extend the conversation by offering a proof of concept application using RSS as a means to deliver all types of library data: PDFs, docs, images, video—to people where and when they need it. The model of distribution enabled by Web feeds gives libraries a new option in sprinkling our content into all corners of the Web.
Understanding the educational attainment of sexual minority women and men

National studies have not analyzed sexual identity disparities in high school completion, college enrollment, or college completion in the United States. Using Add Health data, we document the relationship between adult sexual orientation and each of these outcomes. Many sexual minority respondents experienced disadvantages in adolescent academic achievement, school experiences, and social environments. This translates into educational attainment in complex, gendered ways. We find that the socially privileged completely heterosexual identity predicts higher educational attainment for women, while for men it is often a liability. Mostly heterosexual and gay identities are educationally beneficial for men but not women. There are college completion disparities between gay and mostly heterosexual women and their completely heterosexual counterparts. Bisexual respondents, especially women, have particularly problematic outcomes. Adolescent experiences, attitudes, and social contexts explain some of these differences. From adolescence through college, sexual minority groups, but especially females, need intervention to reduce substantial educational disparities.
Recent developments in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Publication of updated and revised papers based on the proceedings of Research Conference on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as a supplement to The American Journal of Medicine affords the opportunity to communicate some important steps forward in the understanding of this elusive syndrome. While outbreaks of what was very likely CFS occurred in the 1930s and were studied by the US Public Health scientists in the 1950s, it was not until the past decade that substantial progress has been made in defining chronic fatigue, undertaking and expanding basic and clinical research, conducting surveillance and case controlled studies, and developing management strategies for use by clinicians in practice. The 1988 working case definition of CFS developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was an important step forward, but it did not effectively distinguish CFS from other types of unexplained chronic fatigue. Therefore, in 1993 the CDC convened an international chronic fatigue study group that developed a revised definition of CFS that clearly separates it from cases of idiopathic chronic fatigue. CFS was defined as self-reported persistent or relapsing fatigue lasting .6 consecutive months. In addition, $4 of the following symptoms had to be proven present: (1) impaired memory or concentration, (2) sore throat, (3) tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes, (4) muscle pain, (5) multijoint pain, (6) new headaches, (7) unrefreshing sleep, and (8) post-exercise malaise. Conferences on CFS in 1989, 1990, 1992, and 1994 helped disseminate advances in research, but there remained a great deal of uncertainty about CFS among private practitioners and academic clinicians, particularly among specialists in infectious diseases. In 1995, CDC published The Facts About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, an excellent summary for clinicians on what was known about CFS, and in 1996 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Information for Physicians. Progress continues to be made in defining CFS, in research as to its pathophysiology, and in patient management. The 1996 Research Conference included a number of state-of-the-art and research papers that provide clinicians with the most comprehensive update available on CFS. The issue that now faces us most urgently is how to translate our current understanding of this disorder into improved care of the affected patient. The significant advances since 1990 in research related to CFS, as illustrated in this supplement, bode well for the eventual development of effective treatment. For patients who suffer from CFS this cannot come soon enough.
Fostering the Literacy of indigenous Elementary School-Age Children

Abstract Purpose: In this article, we describe the existing literacy research with school-age children who are indigenous. The lack of data for this group of children requires speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to use expert opinion from indigenous and non-indigenous people to develop culturally sensitive methods for fostering literacy skills. Method: We describe two available curricula developed by indigenous people that are available, which use authentic materials and embed indigenous stories into the learning environment: The Indian Reading Series and the Northwest Native American Reading Curriculum. We also discuss the importance of using cooperative learning, multisensory instruction, and increased holistic emphasis to create a more culturally sensitive implementation of services. We provide an example of a literacy-based language facilitation that was developed for an indigenous tribe in Kansas. Conclusion: SLPs can provide services to indigenous children that foster literacy skills through storyte...
Molecular imaging, targeted therapeutics, and nanoscience.

The recent emergence of "molecular imaging" as an academic discipline has set the stage for an evolutionary leap in diagnostic imaging. Recent advances in nuclear, ultrasound, optical, and magnetic resonance imaging have generated interest in molecular imaging across all modalities and across various academic, industrial, and governmental agencies. In this perspective, examples of the progress and the prospects for the future of molecular imaging and linked targeted therapeutics are reviewed.
Origin and evolution of planetary atmospheres: An introduction to the problem

Abstract Planetary atmospheres have their birth in certain physical and chemical events in the primitive solar nebula. These events involve irreversible volatile retention through condensation and accretion of planetesimals and giant planets whose volatile inventory can survive the subsequent dissipation of the nebula. Clues to these earliest processes are inferred not without difficulty from the observed volatile compositions of present-day planetary and satellite atmospheres, meteorites and comets. The origins of terrestrial-type atmospheres appear to have involved outgassing of the solid planet with compositions and rates intimately connected to the late growth and thermal evolution of the planet itself. Subsequent evolutionary processes such as escape of certain light elements and cometary and meteoritic infall appear to be of general significance; others such as atmosphere- hydrosphere-crust interactions and development and influence of living organisms are highly specific. Our knowledge of these highly specific areas is largely restricted to the last 3.8 billion years on earth and is based upon analyses of the geologic record which are not presently available for Venus, Titan or the pre-Archean earth and are only available in a superficial way for Mars. In this introductory paper we attempt to draw an integrated picture of the atmospheric evolutionary process being careful to define the outstanding problems, to differentiate theory from fact, and to emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of a priori and a posteriori approaches to these problems.
Treatment of nephrosis with ACTH and cortisone.

Summary Among eleven children who were treated with ACTH or cortisone or with both drugs (a total of five ACTH courses and seventeen cortisone courses), one was cured (the period of observation covers more than three years); five children were in remission with loss of edema and diminished albuminuria. Five children failed to respond to the treatment. In one patient treated with cortisone convulsions occurred. Onze enfants nephrotiques furent traites par l'ACTH ou la Cortisone ou par l'assoeiation des deux medicaments (au total 5 administrations d'ACTH et 17 de Cortisone). Les resultats furent. les suivants: Une guerison (la duree pendant laquelle le malade a ete suivi est superieure a 3 ans); cinq remissions se traduisant par l'absence d'œdemes et une diminution de l'albuminurie; cinq echecs du traiternent. Chez un malade traite par la Cortisone, on a pu noter la survenue de convulsions.
Marihuana and shock induced aggression in rats

Abstract Rats treated with marihuana extract to yield 1- Δ 9 THC doses of 0.25 and 0.50 mg/kg fought more than controls in a shock-induced aggression situation. A dose of 0.12 mg/kg was ineffective, while doses of 1.00 and 2.00 suppressed fighting. When animals were familiarized with the test situation, the drug, or both, increases in aggression were not produced by the drug.
Robustness of perturbation analysis estimators for queueing systems with unknown distributions

Sample-path-based stochastic gradient estimators for performance measures of queueing systems rely on the assumption that a probability distribution of the random vector of interest (e.g., a service or interarrival time sequence) is given. In this paper, we address the issue of dealing with unknown probability distributions and investigate the robustness of such estimators with respect to possibly erroneous distribution choices. We show that infinitesimal perturbation analysis (IPA) can be robust in this sense and, in some cases, provides distribution-independent estimates. Comparisons with other gradient estimators are provided, including experimental results. We also show that finite perturbation analysis (FPA), though only providing gradient approximations, possesses some attractive robustness properties with respect to unknown distribution parameters. An application of FPA estimation is included for a queueing system performance optimization problem involving customers with real-time constraints.
Analysis of liquid metal embrittlement from a bond energy viewpoint

Absorption induced embrittlement of solid metals by certain liquid metals is analyzed through an Engel-Brewer calculation of the solid-liquid interaction energy, and of the effect of the latter in reducing fracture surface energy. The reduction in fracture surface energy is estimated by comparison of the electronic contribution to the solid-liquid interaction energy with solid-solid bond energy for some 40 liquid-solid couples. Regular solution theory is used to estimate mutual solubility as the relative difference in parameter values. Embrittlement can be predicted by using reduction in fracture surface energy and solubility parameter difference as critical variables. The effect of solute additions to the liquid on the degree of embrittlement is interpreted via the same two variables; the principal effect of solutes is to modify solubility relationships at the solid-liquid interface.
Self-Aligned Memristor Cross-Point Arrays Fabricated with One Nanoimprint Lithography Step

We demonstrate a technique to fabricate memristor cross-point arrays using a self-aligned, one step nanoimprint lithography process that simultaneously patterns the bottom electrode, switching material film and the top electrode. Since this process does not require overlay alignment, the fabrication complexity is greatly reduced and the throughput is significantly increased. The critical interfaces are exposed to much less contamination and thus under better chemical control. With this technique, we fabricated arrays of TiO2-based memristive devices (junction area 100 nm by 100 nm) that did not require electrical forming and were operated with nanoampere currents.
The effect of intensive plasma water exchange by hemofiltration on hemodynamics and soluble mediators in canine endotoxemia

High volume hemofiltration (HVHF) (200 ml/kg/h) improves hemodynamics in experimental septic shock but is difficult to apply clinically. Accordingly, we studied whether less intensive HVHF (80 ml/kg/h) can still improve hemodynamics in experimental septic shock. We also investigated its effect on the serum concentrations of several inflammatory mediators, including endothelin (ET-1), endotoxin (LPS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and 6-keto prostaglandin F(1alpha) (6-kepto PGF(1alpha)). Sixteen anesthetized dogs were connected to a continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) (filtration: 80 ml/kg/h) or sham circuit and endotoxin (0.5 mg/kg) was infused intravenously over 5 min. Hemodynamic variables were measured at baseline and at 15, 45, 90, and 180 min. The major hemodynamic finding was that endotoxin-induced hypotension was significantly attenuated by intensive CVVH (p < 0.04). Changes in cardiac output and right ventricular ejection fraction were equal in both groups. ET-1 levels, but not LPS, TNF-alpha, or 6-keto PGF(1alpha), were lower during CVVH (p = 0.042). Endotoxin or TNF-alpha were not found in the ultrafiltrate. Median clearances of ET-1 and 6-keto PGF(1alpha) during intensive CVVH were 8.8 and 25.9 ml/m, respectively. We conclude that intensive CVVH attenuates the early component of endotoxin-induced hypotension and reduces serum concentrations of endothelin-1. The effect of CVVH on blood pressure is not explained by convective clearance of the mediators in question.
Bilateral Lobar Transplantation Utilizing Living Related Donors

: As the recipient list for patients requiring lung transplantation continues to increase, cadaveric donor lung availability has remained static. Our experience with utilizing lobes from living related donors for bilateral pulmonary transplantation in 20 patients has yielded a 75% survival at 1 year follow-up. Morbidity and mortality have been predominately due to infection. Rejection episodes have been mild and unilateral and have responded to augmented corticosteroids. Pulmonary function tests in the recipients tend to improve steadily during the first year postoperatively, and the patients have excellent functional capacity. There have been no significant complications in the donors. On the basis of our clinical experience, we have found that bilateral lobar transplantation utilizing living related donors has resulted in organ availability that can be lifesaving in critically ill patients and can provide a good alternative in certain noncritical, deteriorating patients.
Two-photon image correlation spectroscopy and image cross-correlation spectroscopy

Image correlation spectroscopy (ICS) was developed as an imaging analog of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) optimized for measuring the aggregation state of fluorescently labeled macromolecules on the surface of biological cells. Ics was first implemented on a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and entails spatial autocorrelation analysis of fluorescence fluctuations within an image sampled from an area of the cell. Spatial and temporal autocorrelation analysis of image time series enables measurement of both the molecular dynamics and aggregation state of the imaged molecules. The parallel nature inherent in the collection of multiple fluctuations in an imaging scheme improves the signal to noise ratio of the correlation analysis, which enhances dynamic measurements for slowly moving species in membrane systems. We outline our development of two-photon ICS and describe recent applications of the method for measurements of flow, diffusion and aggregation behavior of green fluorescent protein/integrin receptor constructs in living cells. We also describe the use of two-photon excitation to perform two-color image cross-correlation spectroscopy to measure the dynamics and colocalization of non-identical species labeled with different fluorophores.
Using the internet to supplement core curriculum in ob–gyn training

Abstract Purpose: Medical student clinical rotations and resident training historically have been times for applying concepts learned in the basic sciences to the actual delivery of health care. Unfortunately, the explosion in clinical knowledge and the ever-expanding requirements of the clinical core curriculum have created a challenge to ensure the quality of the educational content that has been delivered to students. The advent of the Internet and students’ easy access to online information have added a new dimension to this problem. Method: We have developed a web site that allows educators to supervise and manage health information content accessed via the Internet. The web site uses a new search portal technology to provide assisted access to trusted sites and content that is appropriate for the topic under discussion for a given lecture or patient or both. Launching directly from an online version of the lecture notes, or from a case, the portal brings back trusted content dynamically from any word or phrase on the page. Results: The site allows monitoring of the topics on which students and residents seek information and which they may have neglected for a given case or lecture. This is an evolving project. Conclusion: We hope that this portal will be a useful tool for students and educators. As other sites and content are developed by trusted institutions as well as by our own faculty, we believe these technologies will become an important supplement to the existing training in obstetrics and gynecology.
Ionic mechanisms and Ca2+ regulation in airway smooth muscle contraction: do the data contradict dogma?

In general, excitation-contraction coupling in muscle is dependent on membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization to regulate the opening of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and, thereby, influenc...
On the Equality of the Proton-Proton and Proton-Neutron Interactions

A comparison of the 1S proton-proton interaction and the 1S proton-neutron interaction has been made recently by Breit, Hoisington, Share, and Thaxton. It is the purpose of this letter to add a remark to the subject. With the meson type of potential, [C x e^(-lambda x r)]/r x lambda, a variational calculation has been made of the binding energy of H3 of high accuracy (error <0.1 percent).
Curbing corruption for higher growth: The importance of persistence

Abstract There is a view in the literature that curbing corruption is concurrently growth augmenting. We present evidence that such is not always the case: independent of its indirect effects, a drop in corruption is growth augmenting only if there has been a persistent decline in corruption in the past.
Detection of non-maternal components of gestational choriocarcinoma by PCR-based microsatellite DNA assay

Abstract Objective. Gestational and non-gestational choriocarcinomas have distinctly different tissues of origin, parental genotypes, natural histories, and responses to therapy. Our objective was to develop a convenient, fast, and reliable assay that would, using only patient tissue, allow separation of gestational from non-gestational choriocarcinomas. Method. Benign and malignant tissues, preserved in paraffin blocks and separated by microdissection, were examined using a commercial PCR-based tissue identity assay (ABI AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus Kit and ABI 377 DNA sequencer) to detect genetic profiles of 9 microsatellite markers, along with X and Y chromosome markers. Cases included 6 choriocarcinomas. Controls included eight non-germ cell reproductive tract tumors and two hydatidiform moles. Results. The microsatellite markers identified the five choriocarcinomas diagnosed on clinical and histological grounds as gestational, to be of genetically non-maternal (androgenic) origin. The neoplasm previously classified as a non-gestational choriocarcinoma was demonstrated to be of maternal origin, as were the non-germ cell reproductive tract tumors. Samples from hydatidiform moles contained either androgenic markers only or a mix of maternal and androgenic markers, as previously seen in complete and partial moles, respectively. Conclusion. A commercially available microsatellite DNA diagnostic assay is a quick and convenient way to discriminate between gestational and non-gestational choriocarcinoma.
UHV-STM study of single-walled carbon nanotubes applied to the GaAs(110) and InAs(110) surfaces

In this study, ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) were used to probe the physical and electrical properties of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) deposited onto semiconducting GaAs and InAs platforms. Isolated nanotubes were applied to the II1-V( 110) surface in situ via an UHV-compatible dry contact transfer (DCT) process. Subsequent STM observations indicate a substrate-dependent SWNT orientation, with individual nanotubes exhibiting a tendency to align in the direction, parallel to surface sublattice rows, while STS measurements confirm the Type I and Type II energy band alignments of the GaAs/SWNT and InAs/SWNT systems, respectively. Additionally, the electronic character of a naturally occurring intramolecular semiconducting/metallic SWNT junction is profiled.
Open Partial Nephrectomy for Tumor in a Solitary Kidney: Experience With 400 Cases

Purpose: We present a series of 400 patients with tumor in a solitary kidney who underwent open surgical partial nephrectomy performed by a single surgeon (ACN) with a primary focus on postoperative long-term kidney function.Materials and Methods: A total of 400 patients with sporadic nonfamilial kidney tumors in a solitary kidney underwent open partial nephrectomy between 1980 and 2002. In 323 patients (81%) the contralateral kidney had been surgically removed, while the remaining 77 (19%) had a congenital solitary kidney. Renal insufficiency was present preoperatively in 184 patients (46%). Adverse risk factors for partial nephrectomy were present in a large percent of patients. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were evaluated at a mean followup of 44 months.Results: In the overall series 5 and 10-year cancer specific survival was 89% and 82%, respectively. Surgical complications occurred in 52 patients (13%), most commonly urinary leakage. Early postoperative renal function was achieved in 39...
The Unusual Phenotype of the Mu Opioid Receptor S4.54A Mutant:An Exploration of Structural Origins using Conformational Memories

A targeted gene therapy strategy has recently been reported that makes novel use of a μ-opioid receptor (MOR) S4.54A mutant at which the classical opioid antagonist, naloxone, becomes a partial agonist (Chen et. al, 2007, Kao et. al, 2010, Portoghese et. al, 2003). To probe the molecular origins of naloxone becoming a partial agonist in the S4.54A mutant, we use the Monte Carlo/simulated annealing technique, Conformational Memories (CM; Whitnell et. al, 2007) along with the recently published MOR crystal structure (Manglik, et. al, 2012) to study the effects of the mutant MOR on the shape of transmembrane helix 4 (TMH4) and the receptor as a whole. The MOR crystal structure shows that S4.54 faces lipid and is part of a small hydrogen bonding network which includes S3.30, Y3.34, S4.54 and G4.57. Here the lipid facing Y3.34 hydroxyl interacts with the polar sidechain of S4.54 and S3.30 forms a hydrogen bond with the backbone carbonyl of G4.57. Extracellular to the hydrogen bonding network is P4.59 in the MOR, which provides an extracelluar kink in TMH4. CM calculations revealed that the S4.54A MOR TMH4 straightens so that its extracellular end is closer to TMH5 rather than TMH3, as seen in the crystal structure. In addition, the proline kink in the S4.54A mutant (MT) is not as pronounced when compared with WT and the hydrogen bonding network between TMH3 and TMH4 is not intact in the S4.54A MT. using Glide (Schrodinger, 2011), we docked naloxone in both the WT MOR crystal structure and the S4.54A MT MOR structure. Results show that the receptor packs differently in the S4.54A MT such that naloxone sits higher in the binding pocket, thus allowing it to become a partial agonist.
Chromosomal organization of the inducible and constitutive prostaglandin synthase/cyclooxygenase genes in mouse.

Two distinct prostaglandin synthase/cyclooxygenase (PGS/COS) enzymes have recently been recognized. One (EC 1.14.00.1) is largely constitutive and has been characterized in a variety of species, whereas the other (also known as TIS10) is inducible by mitogens and inhibitable by glucocorticoids. Along with activation of phospholipase A2, the latter PGS/COS is likely to mediate ligand-induced prostaglandin production in a variety of cell types. The two enzymes have similar gene structures and activities. There is accumulating evidence that PGS/COX activity may play a role in inflammatory diseases. For example, PGS/COX expression is upregulated in inflammatory joint diseases and is genetically controlled. As part of an effort to examine genetic factors regulating PGS/COX expression and the possible involvement of the enzymes in mouse models of inflammatory disorders, we report here the chromosomal mapping of the genes for the constitutive and regulated PGS/COX enzymes. We will refer to the constitutive enzyme as Pgs-1 and the inducible enzyme as Pgs-2. 14 refs., 1 tab.
Sexual Harassment at Work: A Review of Research and Theory:

In this article, sexual harassment is defined, power-dominance theory is used to explain its occurrence, and six recent epidemiological studies are reviewed. Suggestions are made for the delivery of services to victims and for including information on resources for victims in the curricula of schools of social work.
Graduated Drivers License Programs and Rural Teenage Motor Vehicle Fatalities

CONTEXT: Graduated drivers license (GDL) programs have been shown to reduce motor vehicle fatalities among 15- to 17-year-olds. However, the 20 most rural states have been the least likely to enact more stringent GDL policies. PURPOSE: Estimate the relationship of GDL programs and the number of traffic fatalities among 15- to 17-year-olds on rural interstate and noninterstate roadways. METHODS: Analysis of 1992-2002 Fatality Analysis Reporting System data and a compendium of state laws using a conditional negative binominal regression model with full fixed effects to control for unobservable differences across states and years. FINDINGS: Overall, GDL programs were associated with a 7.8% reduction in rural traffic fatalities among 15- to 17-year-olds. Virtually all of this reduction took place on noninterstate roadways. The most stringent GDL programs were associated with a nearly 22% reduction in this age group and were the only programs associated with reductions in fatalities among 15- to 17-year-old drivers. CONCLUSIONS: Rural states should consider enacting stringent GDL programs. Had the 19 of the 20 most rural states without such programs all adopted the most stringent GDL programs in 2002, the analysis suggests that 64 traffic deaths among 15- to 17-years-olds could have been prevented. Language: en
Radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy for intracranial meningiomas.

Object The authors report the evolution of linear accelerator (LINAC)–based radiosurgery in the treatment of patients with intracranial meningiomas. They describe the technical aspects as well as clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods The authors performed a retrospective review of 161 patients harboring 194 intracranial meningiomas treated with various types of stereotactic irradiation at their institution between May 1991 and July 2002. Clinical and radiological follow-up data (mean follow-up period 32.5 months, range 6–125 months) were obtained in 128 patients (79.5%) with 156 meningiomas (80.4%). There were 88 women and 40 men whose mean age was 57.2 years (range 18–87 years). Stereotactic irradiation was the primary treatment in 44 patients, and 84 patients underwent resection prior to radiosurgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was used to treat 79 lesions and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) was used to treat 77. The mean dose for SRS was 1567 cGy (range 1200–2285 cGy) prescribed...
The Partial Substrate Dethiaacetyl-Coenzyme A Mimics All Critical Carbon Acid Reactions in the Condensation Half-Reaction Catalyzed by Thermoplasma acidophilum Citrate Synthase

Citrate synthase (CS) performs two half-reactions: the mechanistically intriguing condensation of acetyl-CoA with oxaloacetate (OAA) to form citryl-CoA and the subsequent, slower hydrolysis of citryl-CoA that generally dominates steady-state kinetics. The condensation reaction requires the abstraction of a proton from the methyl carbon of acetyl-CoA to generate a reactive enolate intermediate. The carbanion of that intermediate then attacks the OAA carbonyl to furnish citryl-CoA, the initial product. Using stopped-flow and steady-state fluorescence methods, kinetic substrate isotope effects, and mutagenesis of active site residues, we show that all of the processes that occur in the condensation half-reaction performed by Thermoplasma acidophilum citrate synthase (TpCS) with the natural thioester substrate, acetyl-CoA, also occur with the ketone inhibitor dethiaacetyl-CoA. Free energy profiles demonstrate that the nonhydrolyzable product of the condensation reaction, dethiacitryl-CoA, forms a particularly stable complex with TpCS but not pig heart CS.
Explaining the Variability of Apartment Rents

The research reported here uses regression analysis to analyze rent variations in a sample of apartment data from the Phoenix metropolitan area. Many of the variables used in hedonic price studies of houses are found to be significant in explaining variations in apartment rent. There are differences between hedonic studies of houses and apartments particularly with respect to common area features or amenities. The analysis of various submarkets also produced interesting results. Various uses can be made of the results of this and similar studies by appraisers (market-derived adjustments), property managers (setting rents) and feasibility analysts (the design of apartment projects).
Mechanism of an unusual decarboxylative cyclization

Abstract The mechanism of an unusual decarboxylative cyclization from 5-methoxy-1-(2-carboxyphenyl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxopyridine-2-carboxylic acid (diacid) to 3-methoxypyrido[1,2- a ]indole-2,10-dione (ketone) has been investigated. 13 C-labeling has demonstrated that the carbonyl carbon of the ketone arises exclusively from the anthranilic acid carboxyl of the diacid. A zwitterionic mechanism has been proposed.
Loss of memory in ‘dirty’ superfluid 3He

Abstract The transition between the A and B superfluid phases of 3He is first order, and the A-phase has been known to supercool far into the region where the B-phase is thermodynamically stable. The extent of the supercooling strongly depends on whether the cooling originates from above, or from below the normal-to-superfluid transition. For the latter, the supercooling has a ‘memory’ of the prior warming history. We have studied the nucleation of the B-phase for pure 3 He and for a superfluid constrained to a dilute silica aerogel of 98% porosity. Interestingly, we have found that the nucleation of the aerogel B-phase shows, unlike the pure case, no memory, even though large supercooling of the aerogel A-phase is observed.
Observation of velocity-tuned multiphoton Doppleron resonances in laser-cooled atoms

An atomic beam of Li was transversely cooled using an intense standing-wave radiation field. A dramatic change in the transverse velocity distribution was observed. Structure in the resulting velocity distribution was found to be due to velocity-tuned multiphoton ``Doppleron'' resonances. The force due to seven-photon resonances is clearly resolved in the data. The data are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Bandit bounds from stochastic variability extrema

Abstract In the consideration of bandit problems with general rewards and discount sequences, we compare an arm to one whose reward distribution may be one of two degenerate distributions. For the general multi-armed case, the latter problem provides an upper bound on the optimal return. In the case of two arms with the second known and regular discounting, consideration of the two-point distribution provides a sufficient condition for stopping. We interpret these results in the context of the value of information. The results, and others in the literature, suggest that bandit thresholds (or indices) may be monotonic with respect to ordering of distributions in the convex sense.
Understanding Older Adults’ Motivators and Barriers to Participating in Organized Programs Supporting Exercise Behaviors

Little is known about older adults' perceptions of organized programs that support exercise behavior. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 older adults residing in King County, Washington, who either declined to join, joined and participated, or joined and then quit a physical activity-oriented program. We sought to explore motivators and barriers to physical activity program participation and to elicit suggestions for marketing strategies to optimize participation. Two programs supporting exercise behavior and targeting older persons were the source of study participants: Enhance(®)Fitness and Physical Activity for a Lifetime of Success. We analyzed interview data using standard qualitative methods. We examined variations in themes by category of program participant (joiner, decliner, quitter) as well as by program and by race. Interview participants were mostly females in their early 70s. Approximately half were non-White, and about half had graduated from college. The most frequently cited personal factors motivating program participation were enjoying being with others while exercising and desiring a routine that promoted accountability. The most frequent environmental motivators were marketing materials, encouragement from a trusted person, lack of program fees, and the location of the program. The most common barriers to participation were already getting enough exercise, not being motivated or ready, and having poor health. Marketing messages focused on both personal benefits (feeling better, social opportunity, enjoyability) and desirable program features (tailored to individual needs), and marketing mechanisms ranged from traditional written materials to highly personalized approaches. These results suggest that organized programs tend to appeal to those who are more socially inclined and seek accountability. Certain program features also influence participation. Thoughtful marketing that involves a variety of messages and mechanisms is essential to successful program recruitment and continued attendance.
Dip-pen nanolithography of optically transparent cationic polymers to manipulate spatial organization of proteolipid membranes

Herein we report on an approach to use dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) to rapidly prototype nano- and microscale cationic polymer structures that guide the transport of lipid molecules in a fluid membrane. An atomic force microscope (AFM) tip is used to transfer poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDAC) to a silica surface that templates the self-assembly of a phospholipid bilayer. Based on AFM and high-resolution optical microscopy data, DPN-generated PDAC structures are optically transparent and composed of up to three molecular layers of polyelectrolyte. We demonstrate that patterns can juxtapose mobile and immobile ligands in a supported lipid bilayer that simultaneously engages the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and adhesion receptors on the cell surface. In principle, DPN-generated polyelectrolyte structures have important applications in investigating supramolecular protein assemblies in living cells.
Generalized asymptotic description of the propagated field dynamics in Gaussian pulse propagation in a linear, causally dispersive medium

As the initial pulse envelope width of an input Gaussian pulse-modulated harmonic wave is increased above the characteristic relaxation time of a single resonance Lorentz model dielectric, the classical asymptotic description of the propagated field becomes increasingly inaccurate at a fixed propagation distance and must then be generalized in order to become uniformly valid with respect to the initial pulse width. The required generalization results in a modified complex phase function that depends not only upon the dispersive medium parameters and the propagation distance, but also upon the initial pulse width. The resultant modified asymptotic description of Gaussian pulse propagation is shown to be uniformly valid in the initial pulse width. The modified asymptotic description presented here reduces to the classical asymptotic result presented in an earlier paper [Phys. Rev. E 47, 3645 (1993)] in the limit of an input ultrashort Gaussian pulse. In the opposite limit of a very broad input pulse, the modified asymptotic description reduces to that obtained with the well-known quasimonochromatic or slowly varying envelope approximation. Furthermore, the modified asymptotic description provides a clear description of the transition from the ultrashort limit to the quasimonochromatic regime for Gaussian pulse propagation.