cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Considerations for optimal iron use for anemia due to chronic kidney disease

Abstract Background: Availability of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) has improved the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Iron deficiency is the most common cause of resistance to rHuEPO therapy, contributing to ineffective erythropoiesis and hematocrit/hemoglobin values below the recommended target range (33%–36%/11–12 g/dL). IV iron supplementation is necessary to meet increased iron demands from stimulation of erythropoiesis and chronic blood loss; however, questions remain as to the optimal supplementation strategy to maintain appropriate yet safe iron status. Treatment guidelines for anemia management have been developed through the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-K/DOQI). Objective: This review presents the basis of need for the NKF-K/DOQI guidelines and includes detailed information concerning iron physiology, metabolism, iron preparations, and evaluation of iron status. Methods: This review was based on a MEDLINE search and complemented by references from the NKF-K/DOQI guidelines (whose review extended beyond MEDLINE). References focusing on normal iron physiology and metabolism, alterations in iron physiology in patients with CKD, laboratory evaluation methods, and strategies for iron supplementation were obtained from MEDLINE and reviewed for content. Results: Controversy over appropriate use of iron supplementation has led to disparity in accepted practice procedures. Oral iron (ferrous salts and polysaccharide iron complex) and IV iron preparations (iron dextran, sodium ferric gluconate, and iron sucrose) are available. Problems with oral iron supplementation include limited absorption and patient noncompliance. Although most available data on IV iron use in the United States are specific to iron dextran preparations, published information based on clinical use of sodium ferric gluconate and iron sucrose products has been promising. The use of chronic IV iron administration to sustain iron stores has been more widely accepted to prevent development of absolute and functional iron deficiency. Conclusions: Although iron therapy is commonly warranted in patients with CKD, questions remain as to the most favorable supplementation strategy to optimize therapy through improvements in hematocrits, efficient use of rHuEPO, and maintenance of appropriate and safe iron levels. Clinicians will need to devise strategies based on the compilation of information from clinical experience and the available literature. Clinical practice guidelines devised by the NKF-K/DOQI have provided a useful tool for the medical community using both these resources.
mda-7/IL-24: multifunctional cancer-specific apoptosis-inducing cytokine.

“Differentiation therapy” provides a unique and potentially effective, less toxic treatment paradigm for cancer. Moreover, combining “differentiation therapy” with molecular approaches presents an unparalleled opportunity to identify and clone genes mediating cancer growth control, differentiation, senescence, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Subtraction hybridization applied to human melanoma cells induced to terminally differentiate by treatment with fibroblast interferon (IFN-β) plus mezerein (MEZ) permitted cloning of melanoma differentiation associated (mda) genes. Founded on its novel properties, one particular mda gene, mda-7, now classified as a member of the interleukin (IL)-10 gene family (IL-24) because of conserved structure, chromosomal location, and cytokine-like properties has become the focus of attention of multiple laboratories. When administered by transfection or adenovirus-transduction into a spectrum of tumor cell types, melanoma differentiation associated gene-7/interleukin-24 (mda-7/IL-24) induces apoptosis, whereas no toxicity is apparent in normal cells. mda-7/IL-24 displays potent “bystander antitumor” activity and also has the capacity to enhance radiation lethality, to induce immune-regulatory activities, and to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Based on these remarkable attributes and effective antitumor therapy in animal models, this cytokine has taken the important step of entering the clinic. In a Phase I clinical trial, intratumoral injections of adenovirus-administered mda-7/IL-24 (Ad.mda-7) was safe, elicited tumor-regulatory and immune-activating processes, and provided clinically significant activity. This review highlights our current understanding of the diverse activities and properties of this novel cytokine, with potential to become a prominent gene therapy for cancer.
Fibrinolysins from Fibrin Clots

THREE fibrinolytic agents have been encountered in fibrin clots. The first was described as lytic factor in an earlier communication1. It was extracted with borate from trypsin-digested clots. It has since been found that extraction can be carried out successfully with 0.9 per cent sodium chloride and other salt solutions. Active preparations contained a 17-ketogenic steroid and were inactivated by β-glucuronidase and by heating at 56° C for 30 min. The inhibitory effect of potent lytic factor on the clotting of fibrinogen by thrombin or aqueous clot extract1 was very marked. An amount of 0.0004 ml. prevented fibrin formation, while with 0.0002 ml. only a partial clot was produced. With recalcified oxalated plasma different reactions were observed. One-hundredth ml. of the same preparation induced formation of a complete clot in 30–35 sec; with 0.05–0.08 ml. partial clots formed in the same time interval, while 0-15 ml. prevented clotting entirely. The lytic activity of the factor was strongly inhibited by serum, even after the serum had been treated with 0.2 N sodium hydroxide to destroy glucuronides and then neutralized with hydrochloric acid.
Desorption kinetics of radiocesium from subsurface sediments at Hanford Site, USA

Abstract The desorption of 137 Cs + was investigated on sediments from the United States Hanford site. Pristine sediments and ones that were contaminated by the accidental release of alkaline 137 Cs + -containing high level nuclear wastes (HLW, 2 × 10 6 to 6 × 10 7 pCi 137 Cs + /g) were studied. The desorption of 137 Cs + was measured in Na + , K + , Rb + , and NH 4 + electrolytes of variable concentration and pH, and in presence of a strong Cs + -specific sorbent (self-assembled monolayer on a mesoporous support, SAMMS). 137 Cs + desorption from the HLW-contaminated Hanford sediments exhibited two distinct phases: an initial instantaneous release followed by a slow kinetic process. The extent of 137 Cs + desorption increased with increasing electrolyte concentration and followed a trend of Rb + ≥ K + > Na + at circumneutral pH. This trend followed the respective selectivities of these cations for the sediment. The extent and rate of 137 Cs + desorption was influenced by surface armoring, intraparticle diffusion, and the collapse of edge-interlayer sites in solutions containing K + , Rb + , or NH 4 + . Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed HLW-induced precipitation of secondary aluminosilicates on the edges and basal planes of micaceous minerals that were primary Cs + sorbents. The removal of these precipitates by acidified ammonium oxalate extraction significantly increased the long-term desorption rate and extent. X-ray microprobe analyses of Cs + -sorbed micas showed that the 137 Cs + distributed not only on mica edges, but also within internal channels parallel to the basal plane, implying intraparticle diffusive migration of 137 Cs + . Controlled desorption experiments using Cs + -spiked pristine sediment indicated that the 137 Cs + diffusion rate was fast in Na + -electrolyte, but much slower in the presence of K + or Rb + , suggesting an effect of edge-interlayer collapse. An intraparticle diffusion model coupled with a two-site cation exchange model was used to interpret the experimental results. Model simulations suggested that about 40% of total sorbed 137 Cs + was exchangeable, including equilibrium and kinetic desorbable pools. At pH 3, this ratio increased to 60–80%. The remainder of the sorbed 137 Cs + was fixed or desorbed at much slower rate than our experiments could detect.
The electrical resistivity of ThRu2

Abstract A simple procedure is given for fitting experimental electrical resistivity data to the parallel resistor model. The procedure is applied to the C-15 compound ThRu 2 .
Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation in patients with malignancy.

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is now accepted as the treatment of choice for subgroups of patients with acute respiratory failure. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation has traditionally not been considered in the management strategy of patients with malignancy; however, this mode of ventilatory support may be appropriate in some specific situations. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation is the preferred initial mode of ventilatory support in patients with hematologic malignancies or after bone marrow transplantation who develop acute respiratory failure. In these patients, NIPPV should be initiated early; severe respiratory distress and altered mental status require conventional mechanical ventilation. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation should be considered in select patients with cancer who develop respiratory failure and have a do-not-intubate code status. In rare instances, NIPPV may have a role in treating patients with advanced cancer who have intractable dyspnea; ...
Incorporation of carbon dioxide into soybean oil and subsequent preparation and studies of nonisocyanate polyurethane networks

Epoxidized soybean oil was effectively converted to carbonated soybean oil (CSBO) containing five-membered cyclic carbonates by reaction with carbon dioxide in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide as catalyst at 110°C in high yield. CSBO could easily react with di- or tri- primary amines to give the corresponding nonisocyanate polyurethane networks (NIPUs). A model reaction between CSBO and n-butylamine showed the effective ring opening of five-membered cyclic carbonate moieties in the triglyceride molecules by the amine to form β-hydroxyurethane systems. NIPUs were further characterized by the three techniques of solvent extraction, dynamical mechanical analysis, and limited tensile testing. The data from these methods confirmed the network character of all materials and also showed how the levels of extractables, Tg, and mechanical properties varied with type of amine and, in the case of ethylenediamine, the effect of stoichiometry. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 883–891, 2004
Molecular aggregation of rhodamine 6G probed by optical and electrochemical techniques

Abstract Emission spectra of rhodamine 6G (R6G) aggregates were observed at 77 K both in water and in alcohols. The temperature behavior of emission and excitation spectra, and their excited state lifetimes illustrated that the transition moment of the lower exciton component, μ, for rhodamine 6G aggregates in alcohols is greater than that in water, but the nonradiative rate, rNR (in alcohol) ⪢ rNR (in water). Cyclic voltammetry analysis revealed that the structural disposition of R6G aggregates in water tends to decrease the pKa of the quaternary amine group in rhodamine 6G, which then promotes large changes of current—voltage signal in the reduction of free H+ and oxidation of its counterion, Cl−.
Where people look when watching movies: Do all viewers look at the same place?

Magnification around the most important point of a movie scene (center of interest-COI) might aid people with visual impairments that cause resolution loss. This will be effective only if most people look at the same place when watching a movie. We recorded the eye movements of 20 normally sighted subjects as each watched six movie clips, totaling 37.5min. More than half of the time the distribution of subject gaze points fell within an area statistic that was less than 12% of the movie scene. Male and older subjects were more likely to look in the same place than female and younger subjects, respectively. We conclude that the between-subject agreement is sufficient to make the approach practical.
The effectiveness of legislation, education, and loaners for child safety in automobiles

This study investigated efforts designed to encourage use of infant automobile restraints. The effectiveness of education and modeling, with and without a leaner program, was evaluated. Participants in the study were low-income, Hispanic parents. Findings indicate education, modeling, and a loaner program lead to moderate increases in the number of infants who are provided a safe first ride home from a hospital.
Esophageal Sarcoidosis: A Review of Cases and an Update

Sarcoidosis is a chronic disorder that can virtually affect any organ system in the body. Histologically, it is characterized by the presence of T lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytes, and noncaseating granulomas. Most commonly affected are the intrathoracic structures, with 90% of the reported cases involving the lungs. Esophageal involvement in sarcoidosis is extremely rare. Dysphagia is the most common presentation in these patients and can be attributed to various mechanisms such as direct esophageal wall infiltration, extrinsic compression, cranial neuropathy, and brainstem involvement. A thorough online literature review revealed only 23 reported cases of esophageal involvement in sarcoidosis. This paper reviews these reported cases in detail along with newer diagnostic and treatment options, including direction of future therapy.
Analysis of probability and energy of nanometre CMOS circuits in presence of noise

Motivated by the necessity to consider probabilistic approaches to future designs, probability and switching energy characteristics of probabilistic CMOS (PCMOS) circuits are analysed. Using 90 and 65 nm processes, detailed analytical models for the probability of correctness (p) of these circuits are developed and verified through circuit simulations.
Antibodies to tumor necrosis factor alfa attenuate hepatic necrosis and inflammation caused by chronic exposure to ethanol in the rat.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, a pivotal cytokine involved in inflammation, is produced primarily by Kupffer cells in the liver. It has been shown that inactivation of Kupffer cells prevents alcohol-induced liver injury; therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if neutralizing anti-TNF-alpha antibody is also effective. Male Wistar rats were exposed to ethanol (11 to 12 g x kg(-1) x d[-1]) continuously for up to 4 weeks via intragastric feeding using an enteral feeding model. Before ethanol exposure, polyclonal anti-mouse TNF-alpha rabbit serum was injected (2.0 mg/kg intravenously). There were no significant differences in body weight, mean ethanol concentration, or cyclic patterns of ethanol in urine when ethanol- and ethanol plus antibody-treated groups were compared. Expression of TNF-alpha and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) messenger RNA (mRNA), determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, was three- to four-fold higher in livers of ethanol-treated rats than in those of rats fed an ethanol-free, high-fat control diet. In addition, MIP-2 levels were also elevated when detected by Northern blot analysis. Anti-TNF-alpha antibody did not affect expression of mRNA for interleukin (IL) 1alpha, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta1, or TNF-alpha. However, MIP-2 mRNA expression, which is regulated by TNF-alpha, was decreased significantly by anti-TNF-alpha antibody treatment. Serum aspartate transaminase levels were elevated in ethanol-treated rats to 136 +/- 12 IU/L after 4 weeks but only reached 90 +/- 5 IU/L (P < .05) in rats treated with anti-TNF-alpha antibody. The hepatic inflammation and necrosis observed in ethanol-fed rats were attenuated significantly by antibody treatment, and steatosis was not. These results support the hypothesis that TNF-alpha plays an important role in inflammation and necrosis in alcohol-induced liver injury and that treatment with anti-TNF-alpha antibody may be therapeutically useful in this disease.
Influence of lactic acid and modified atmosphere on thermal destruction of Listeria monocytogenes in crawfish tail meat homogenate

Precooked homogenized crawfish tail meat was inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, treated with lactic acid, and packaged in various atmospheres for D value determinations at 60C. D 60 values using 0.0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0% lactic acid (LA) treated meat were 4.68, 4.41, 3.46, and 2.49 min, respectively, LA increased sensitivity of L. monocytogenes to heat but this was not solely due to a reduction of pH. Sensory analyses of odor, color, taste, and texture of uninoculated whole crawfish tail meat demonstrated no significant differences (P>0.05) between LA treated samples and controls. D 60 values for the bacterium in crawfish tail meat homogenate packed in air, O 2 , CO 2 , or N 2 were 10.58, 9.22, 11.68, or 12.97 min, respectively, which were not significantly different (P>0.05). When 1% LA was added, significant decreases (P 0.05) D 60 values for crawfish tail meat treated with 1% LA and packed in air, O 2 , CO 2 , or N 2 were 3.44, 3.88, 3.48, or 3.08, respectively. These results show that heat treatments of 60C were lethal to L. monocytogenes in packaged crawfish tail meat homogenate regardless of package atmosphere. Additionally, LA increased the lethality of heat to the bacterium in all tested package atmospheres
A model for high-energy heavy-ion collisions

Abstract A model is developed for high-energy heavy-ion collisions that treats the variation across the overlap region of the target and projectile in the amount of energy and momentum that is deposited. The expression for calculating any observable takes the form of a sum over a series of terms, each one of which consists of a geometric, a kinematic, and a statistical factor. The geometrical factors for a number of target projectile systems are tabulated.
Kinetics, equilibrium and inhibition in the Hansson histochemical procedure for carbonic anhydrase: A validation of the method

Quantitative analysis has been made of the reactions underlying the Hansson histochemical method for carbonic anhydrase, with a view toward resolving controversies that have arisen regarding its application and specificity. The basic event is the loss of CO2 from the surface of solutions containing HCO3(-), PO42(-) and cobalt at pH 6-8. Displacement of the equilibria H2CO3 in equilibrium CO2 to the right elevates the pH, and at 6.8 a cobalt precipitate is formed. When tissue containing carbonic anhydrase is floated on the surface, the loss of CO2 and elevation of pH is accelerated at the enzyme site, leading to increased cobalt deposits. These are converted to cobalt sulphide for visualization. Study of the changes of pH and CO2 equilibria during the reaction point strongly to the fact that enzymic activity is being measured by the cobalt localization. This activity is reduced or abolished by appropriate concentrations of acetazolamide (or other sulphonamide inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase) and the powerful inorganic inhibitor, cyanate (CNO-) ion.
the changing significance of race and class in an African‐American community

The post—civil rights era has witnessed the growth of the black middle class and increased class stratification in African-American communities. This article examines how state-sponsored reforms associated with civil rights era activism restructured political power in an African-American community, shifting the focus of neighborhood activism from institutions and strategies that emphasized a race-based definition of political interests and identity toward those privileging the discourse and claims of the black middle class. It argues that civil rights era reforms disproportionately empowered middle-class homeowners, enabling them to translate economic gains into political power and, in the process, to rearticulate the significance of race and class in community politics. [African-American communities, black middle class, race and class, black class stratification]
Extracting rent from ocean resources: Discussion of a neglected source

Abstract Recently initiated national, regional, and global efforts to control ocean dumping rely on prohibition and regulation by permit. The paper proposes and examines an alternative control instrument, an international tax to regulate ocean dumping. Section I provides a brief overview of ocean dumping and existing control instruments. Section II builds the rationale for the proposed tax scheme. The first supporting argument is couched in terms of the efficient allocation of environmental resources. Following a necessary digression on the economic nature of common property resources, the paper demonstrates that a tax scheme can lead to a significant improvement in resource allocation, permitting higher environmental standards at lower real cost. The second supporting argument views the assimilative capacity of the oceans as an economic resource from which rent could be extracted by the international community. A tax would alter the current situation in which the rent is appropriated by ocean dumpers.
D-elliptic sheaves and odd Jacobians

Abstract We examine the existence of rational divisors on modular curves of D -elliptic sheaves and on Atkin–Lehner quotients of these curves over local fields. Using a criterion of Poonen and Stoll, we show that in infinitely many cases the Tate–Shafarevich groups of the Jacobians of these Atkin–Lehner quotients have non-square orders.
Drosophila by the dozen

A report of the 48th Annual Drosophila Research Conference, Philadelphia, USA, 7-11 March 2007.
Intangible Factors Leading to Success in Research: Strategy, Innovation and Leadership

At the heart of research is the scientific process, which includes identifying a knowledge gap, execution of experiments, and finally, presentation of scientific data. Identifying a systematic way to undertake research is important; however, equally important are intangible factors, including strategy, innovation and leadership, in determining the outcome of any research project. These intangible factors, although often unspoken, are the essence of success in research. Strategy determines the direction of research and the ability to respond to acute changes in the field to ensure a competitive advantage. Innovation involves generating novel ideas, and at the heart of innovation is the ability to create a positive work environment. Leadership is the ability to exercise influence so as to create change; empowerment and the ability to create leaders at every level are central to effective leadership. Collectively, defining and implementing aspects of these intangible factors will strengthen any research endeavor.
Where are they? The inclusion of African-American men in empirical studies of type 2 diabetes self-care management

Background: African-American Men experience higher rates of serious complications of diabetes, due in part to poor disease management. Yet it is unclear to what extent research been devoted to type 2 diabetes management in this population. Purpose: A need exists to clarify the extant literature on self-care management (SCM) practices of African-American Men with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature and methodological quality scoring (MQS) using the Garrard matrix method was performed. Low scores (0-1) indicate low representation of African-American men; highest score (3) indicate high inclusion of African-American men in the samples. The search targeted articles focused on type 2 diabetes self-care management, and which included samples of African-American Men. Each publication was reviewed and assigned a MQS by the researchers, who reached 100% concordance with the MQS. Results: Initial screening yielded 122 articles, but only 41 met full study inclusion criteria. These studies represent a combined sample size of 9,171 participants of which less than one-third (3,007; 32.8%) were clearly identifiable as African-American men. Only 7 studies had samples consisting 100% of African-American Men. Mixed methods approaches were used least ( n = 9 studies), followed by quantitative approaches ( n = 15 studies). Qualitative approaches was most commonly used ( n = 17 studies). Most ( n = 24) studies scored low (0 to 1 score), indicating low-level of inclusion of African-American Men in their sample. Discussion: In spite of the growing body of literature on managing type 2 diabetes, there is a paucity of information focused on a high-need and high-risk group - African-American Men. The exclusion of this population can result in adverse health consequences, given the high comorbidities associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Conclusion: Including more African-American Men in self-care management studies can help determine the factors affecting research participation among this group as well as to further understand the complexity that these men face regarding managing their diabetes.
Numerical Studies of Cyclogenesis Events during the Second Intensive Observation Period (IOP-2) of GALE

Abstract A research version of the Navy Operational Regional Atmospheric Prediction System (NORAPS) is used to study cyclogenesis events during the second Intensive Observation Period of the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE). From 1200 UTC 26 January to 0000 UTC 29 January 1986, two cyclogeneses occurred over the East Coast of the United States. NORAPS analyses reveal that the first cyclone develops rapidly due to the superposition of upper-level jet streak forcing over a shallow surface system associated with a well-developed coastal front. Large latent heat release around the cyclone center is considered to be a contributing factor for the rapid deepening of the first cyclone between 0000UTC and 1200 UTC 27 January. Small static stability at low levels coupled with a new upper-level trough-jet system is considered to be an important factor for the formation of the secondary cyclone off the East Coast at 1800 UTC 27 January. NORAPS predicted the two cyclogenesis events fairly well up to 0000 UTC...
Low-dose interleukin 2 to reverse alopecia areata.

Cytokines have long been postulated to play a role in alopecia areata (AA), and antigen-specific scalp T cells from patients with extensive AA have been found to have an intrinsic defect in the production of TH1 cytokines such as interferon gamma and interleukin 2 (IL-2).1,2 In the interesting study presented by Castela et al,3 5 patients with extensive AA were treated with low-dose IL-2, and 4 of the 5 patients attained considerable hair regrowth. This was accompanied by an increase in regulatory T (Treg) cells; cells defined by the expression of CD4, CD25, and transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) in skin biopsy specimens; and no significant change in circulating Treg cells. Adverse effects in this study were reported to be minimal. The investigators in the Department of Dermatology at University Hospital in Nice, France, continue to enroll research participants and list this study as a clinical trial on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01840046). Dysfunctional Treg cells have been identified and characterized in autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, suggesting that normal Treg function is important to the prevention of autoimmune disease. In the mouse model for AA, the C3H/HeJ mouse, a low level of skin CD4+CD25+ Treg cells has been found in the skin, and in this same model, injection of CD4+CD25+Treg cells was found to prevent the induction of AA by CD4+CD25– T cells as well as CD8+ T-cell–induced localized hair loss.4-6
Multi-channel pulse oximetry for wearable physiological monitoring

Pulse oximetry is a widely accepted clinical method for noninvasive monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Significant improvements aimed at curbing motion artifacts and improving reliability in detecting sufficiently strong photoplethysmographic signals are required to reduce errant measurements before the pulse oximeter can be considered for wider mobile applications. The present work describes the development of a wearable multi-channel reflectance pulse oximeter to investigate if a motion artifact-free signal can be obtained in at least one of the multichannels at any given time. Pilot findings provided a proof of concept to support the hypothesis that photoplethysmograms acquired concurrently from independent channels in a multi-channel pulse oximeter sensor respond differently to motion artifacts, thus laying the foundation for future development of robust active noise cancellation and data fusion based algorithms to mitigate the effects of motion artifacts.
Acoustic emission monitoring of ZB-1 intermediate scale vessel test☆

A program to develop the use of acoustic emission (AE) flaw detection methods for continuous surveillance of reactor pressure boundaries is in process in the United States. Evaluation of laboratory developed relationships for data verification and interpretation was performed by participation in a German intermediate scale vessel (ZB-1) test. The test sequence consisted of repeated blocks of a hydrostatic test followed by two sets of cyclic loading at different R-ratios. Testing was performed in cooperation with the German Materialprufungsanstalt at the Grosskraftwerk facility in Mannheim, West Germany. This paper discusses preliminary results obtained during the first half of the test which was performed at 70°C. The AE system detected crack growth from machined flaws and also spontaneous crack growth in a fabrication weld. AE signals from cracking were consistently high amplitude and occurred at or near peak load. Crack growth rates estimated from AE data were consistent with values derived from crackopening-displacement gauges. The test produced unique and important data needed to develop reliable application of AE methods for continuous monitoring of reactor pressure systems.
Private Narratives and Infant Views: Iconizing 1970s Militancy in Contemporary Argentine Cinema

This article analyses the connections between the subjective turn in the representation of militancy, iconicity, and historical examination in Infancia clandestina, a recent Argentine film that portrays the 1970s armed struggle through a child’s lens. Breaking with the leading interpretation that praises the movie because of its original exposition of left-leaning violence, I contend that this coming-of-age story fits within a version of militancy that originated in the mid-1990s and that has become quite common since the advent of the Kirchner administration in 2003. This particular version relies on a privatized and archaic image of activism that is at the core of the global iconization of 1970s militancy. An analysis of the filmic use of an infant perspective and of anime-style cartoons illuminates how contemporary Argentine cinema both registers and participates in this iconizing process.
Recent life stressors and biological markers in newly admitted psychotic patients

The association of recent life stressor severity to putative biological markers of stress was examined in 34 newly admitted patients with acute psychosis. Of the biological variables examined, only pretreatment admission serum cortisol was correlated with stressor severity. Pretreatment serum prolactin, plasma homovanillic acid (HVA), and methoxyhydroxyphenethylglycol were not associated with severity of recent life stressors. We controlled for clinical and psychosocial variables that might affect the relationship of stressor severity to biological markers, and found that duration of psychotic symptoms was negatively correlated with stressor severity; however, when both cortisol and duration were entered in a stepwise multiple regression analysis, only pretreatment admission cortisol remained significantly and positively correlated with stressor severity. These findings suggest that serum cortisol may be a useful biological marker when investigating the relationship of life stress to episode onset. In addition, pretreatment HVA was correlated with early neuroleptic response but not with stressor severity, suggesting that HVA has value as a predictor of response independent of recent life stressors.
Modeling Elderly Eye Injuries in Automobile Crashes

Eye injuries have been shown to be greater in the elderly population as a possible cause of this greater incidence. Three separate impact scenarios simulating a foam particle (30 m/s), a streering wheel (15 m/s), and an air bag (67 m/s), were applied to a finite element eye model in order to reveal the effects of aging on the eye when subjected to blunt trauma. The lens stiffness of the model was varied according to human lens stiffness values determined for each age group. The computational eye model demonstrated that increased risk was associated with the increasing stiffness of the lens, producing up to a 120% larger stress in the ciliary body.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Morphological equilibration of rippled and dimpled crystal surfaces: the role of terrace-width fluctuations

Abstract The surface diffusion-mediated decay of unidirectional and bidirectional sinusoidal modulations of a solid surface below its roughening temperature was studied by kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. The characteristic decay time for bidirectional modulations with wavelength λ was found to scale as λ3, in agreement with a prediction of Rettori and Villain and in contrast to the classical relaxation theory of Mullins for surfaces above the roughening temperature. The characteristic decay time for unidirectional modulations was found to have approximately the classical λ4 dependence, but a different temperature dependence. The results are explained in terms of terrace-width fluctuations and a “terrace pinch-off” mechanism that short circuits step-step entropic repulsion as the driving force for surface relaxation. A simple model is developed that accounts for the temperature and wavelength dependencies of the simulation results, with no adjustable parameters. Implications for the interpretation of experimental data are discussed.
Effects of permeant cations on K+ channel gating in nerve axons revisited.

An increase in extracellular potassium ion concentration, K o , significantly slows the potassium channel deactivation rate in squid giant axons, as previously shown. Surprisingly, the effect does not occur in all preparations which, coupled with the voltage independence of this result in preparations in which it does occur, suggests that it is mediated at a site outside of the electric field of the channel, and that this site is accessible to potassium ions in some preparations, but not in others. In other words, the effect does not appear to be related to occupancy of the channel by potassium ions. This conclusion is supported by a four-barrier, three-binding site model of single file diffusion through the channel in which one site, at most, is unoccupied by a potassium ion (single-vacancy model). The model is consistent with current-voltage relations with various levels of K o , and, by definition, with multiple occupancy by K+. The model predicts that occupancy of any given site is essentially independent of K o (or K i ). The effects of extracellular Rb+ and Cs+ on gating are strongly voltage dependent, and they were observed in all preparations investigated. Consequently, the mechanism underlying these results would appear to be different from that which underlies the effect of K+ on gating. In particular, the effect of Rb+ on gating is reduced by strong hyperpolarization, which in the context of the occupancy hypothesis, is consistent with the voltage dependence of the current-voltage relation in the presence of Rb+. The primary, novel, finding in this study is that the effects of Cs+ are counterintuitive in this regard. Specifically, the slowing of channel deactivation rate by Cs+ is also reduced by hyperpolarization, similar to the Rb+ results, whereas blockade is enhanced, which is seemingly inconsistent with the concept that occupancy of the channel by Cs+ underlies the effect of this ion on gating. This result is further elucidated by barrier modeling of the current-voltage relation in the presence of Cs+.
Upending the Status Quo: Cognitive Complexity in U.S. Supreme Court Justices Who Overturn Legal Precedent

Studies of reasoning by majority and minority members show that group members in the majority think more about the trade-offs associated with alternative decision outcomes than do group members in the minority, who are more single-minded in support of their own position. However, prior work has not examined whether this holds when decision makers change the status quo. The authors compared the integrative complexity of U.S. Supreme Court justices writing on behalf of either a majority or a minority in decisions to either uphold or overturn legal precedent. As predicted, justices writing on behalf of decisions to uphold precedent exhibited greater integrative complexity than did justices writing on behalf of decisions to overturn precedent, but this effect was stronger for the authors of majority than minority opinions.
Inhibitor κB Kinase 2 Is a Myosin Light Chain Kinase in Vascular Smooth Muscle

Rationale:Myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation determines vascular contractile status. In addition to the classic Ca2+-dependent MLC kinase (MLCK), another unidentified kinase(s) also contributes to MLC phosphorylation in living cells. Inhibitor κB kinase 2 (IKK2)–deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts demonstrate abnormal morphology and migration, suggesting that IKK2 may be involved in MLC phosphorylation. Objective:Therefore, we tested whether IKK2 is an MLCK in living cells and the role of IKK2 in mediating vasoconstriction and blood pressure regulation. Methods and Results:In the present study, we showed that recombinant IKK2–phosphorylated MLC and intact myosin in vitro, and the kinetic parameters were comparable with those of the classic MLCK. Overexpression of IKK2 increased cellular MLC phosphorylation level, and pharmacological inhibition of IKK2 markedly decreased vascular smooth muscle cell MLC phosphorylation, suggesting that IKK2 is an MLCK in living cells. IKK2 inhibitors dose- and time-...
Incisor morphology reflects diet in caviomorph rodents

Rodents are important components of most modern ecosystems. Understanding their roles in paleocommunities requires robust methods for inferring diet and other autecological characteristics. This pilot study tests whether a relationship between incisor morphology and diet exists among extant rodents that might be used to infer diets of extinct species. We focused on 11 genera of caviomorph rodents classified in 3 dietary categories: fruit–leaf, fruit–seed, and grass–leaf. For each genus 6 variables describing morphology of the upper incisor were measured on 5 specimens. Data were analyzed using a series of stepwise discriminant analyses. Discriminant analyses correctly predicted diets of nearly all training cases (,95%) using 4 incisor characteristics. Five additional species (1 caviomorph and 4 noncaviomorph), treated as unknowns, also were classified correctly. Jackknife analyses correctly predicted diets of approximately two-thirds of training cases. Our study indicates that incisor morphology is related to diet in extant caviomorph rodents. Incisor data therefore might be useful for inferring diets of extinct species.
Validation of creatinine-based estimates of GFR when evaluating risk factors in longitudinal studies of kidney disease

Whereas much research has investigated equations for obtaining estimated GFR (eGFR) from serum creatinine in cross-sectional settings, little attention has been given to validating these equations as outcomes in longitudinal studies of chronic kidney disease. A common objective of chronic kidney disease studies is to identify risk factors for progression, characterized by slope (rate of change over time) or time to event (time until a designated decline in kidney function or ESRD). The relationships of 35 baseline factors with eGFR-based outcomes were compared with the relationships of the same factors with iothalamate GFR (iGFR)-based outcomes in the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK; n = 1094). With the use of the AASK equation to calculate eGFR, results were compared between time to halving of eGFR or ESRD and time to halving of iGFR or ESRD (with effect sizes expressed per 1 SD) and between eGFR and iGFR slopes starting 3 mo after randomization. The effects of the baseline factors were similar between the eGFR- and iGFR-based time-to-event outcomes (Pearson R = 0.99, concordance R = 0.98). Small but statistically significant differences (P < 0.05, without adjustment for multiple analyses) were observed for seven of the 35 factors. Agreement between eGFR and iGFR was somewhat weaker, although still relatively high for slope-based outcomes (Pearson R = 0.93, concordance R = 0.92). Effects of covariate adjustment for age, gender, baseline GFR, and urine proteinuria also were similar between the eGFR and iGFR outcomes. Sensitivity analyses including death in the composite time-to-event outcomes or using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation instead of the AASK equation provided similar results. In conclusion, the data from the AASK provide tentative support for use of outcomes that are based on an established eGFR formula using serum creatinine as a surrogate for measured iGFR-based outcomes in analyses of risk factors for the progression of kidney disease.
Short range electronic distortion and the density dependent dielectric function of simple gases

Abstract The coefficient defining the density expansion of the dielectric function of a simple gas are expressed as thermal averages of products of two-body adiabatic polarizabilities. To allow this description a superposition form has been introduced for the three -body polarizability: this approximation leads to results which reduce to the well-known Kirkwood, dipole-induced-dipole (DID) theory only when the pair polarizabilities are replaced by their long range (dispersional) form. When non -DID effects are retained, i.e., when ab initio (e.g., Hartree-Fock) pair polarizabilities are used, significant corrections are found, but the triplet contributions are still small except at very high densities and pressures. In particular, we evaluate the second and third dielectric virial coefficients for room temperature helium, and compare our calculated values with those obtained in recent DID treatments. The marked differences found in the resulting density dependence of the Clausius-Mossotti function, and the relative insensitivity to the choice of interaction potential, are discussed in terms of short range electronic distortion.
Inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase 1 haplotypes and association with mycophenolate mofetil gastrointestinal intolerance in pediatric heart transplant patients

Ohmann EL, Burckart GJ, Chen Y, Pravica V, Brooks MM, Zeevi A, Webber SA. Inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase 1 haplotypes and association with mycophenolate mofetil gastrointestinal intolerance in pediatric heart transplant patients. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14: 891–895. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: MMF, the most commonly used adjuvant immunosuppressant in pediatric heart transplantation, has frequent GI adverse events. SNPs in inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase I (IMPDH1) may contribute to MMF GI intolerance. Phased haplotypes may have more utility than individual SNPs in candidate gene association studies for complex traits. This study defined common IMPDH1 haplotypes and investigated whether these haplotypes influence MMF GI intolerance in 59 pediatric heart recipients. Genotypes were assessed by Taqman analysis of IMPDH1 rs2288553, rs2288549, rs2278293, rs2278294, and rs2228075, and haplotypes were inferred using Arlequin 3.01 software. GI intolerance was defined as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or abdominal pain requiring MMF dose holding for > 48 h or MMF discontinuation. GI intolerance occurred in 21 patients (35.6%). Ten IMPDH1 haplotypes were identified in this population. In univariable analyses, one haplotype was strongly associated with MMF GI intolerance with 59.1% of carriers of this haplotype experiencing MMF GI intolerance compared to 21.6% of non-carriers (p = 0.005). In this study, we identify a common IMPDH1 haplotype associated with MMF GI intolerance in a population of pediatric heart transplant patients. This haplotype of interest did not demonstrate stronger association with MMF GI intolerance than an individual IMPDH1 SNP.
Derivation and Determination of a Human Prostatic Epithelial Index

The approximate percentage of epithelium (Iepith) in a sample of human prostate tissue can be estimated by assaying the specific activity of epithelial marker enzymes, β-glucuronidase or arginase. There is a good correlation between epithelial density and β-glucuronidase activity per unit of tissue protein.
Evaluation of normal-sized ovaries associated with primary peritoneal serous carcinoma for possible precursors of ovarian serous carcinoma.

Abstract Objective Three groups of "high-risk" ovaries have previously been studied for possible precursors of ovarian carcinoma: ovaries removed prophylactically from women at high risk, normal ovaries contralateral to a unilateral ovarian carcinoma, and normal ovarian tissue found adjacent to primary ovarian carcinomas. No data are available for a fourth high-risk group: normal-sized ovaries from women with primary peritoneal serous carcinoma. Methods Grossly normal-sized ovaries from 26 patients with primary peritoneal serous carcinoma were compared to normal-sized ovaries from 75 controls. Controls were divided at the median age for age matching. Cortical inclusions, surface epithelial invaginations (clefts), surface papillary proliferation, and calcifications were examined. Results Case versus control comparisons showed, respectively, inclusions in 92% and 68% of patients, clefts in 54% and 59%, and papillomatosis in 35% and 16%. For each profile of ovary on one section, cases versus controls, respectively, had a mean number of inclusions of 5.55 and 3.97, size of the largest inclusion of 1.28 and 1.27 mm, and depth of the deepest cleft of 1.04 and 0.9 mm. After controlling for age, correcting for multiple comparisons and using two-sided chi square, there were no significant differences between cases and controls in all the parameters measured. In comparing the two control groups, the only significant finding was that the young group displayed deeper clefts than the older group (2.06 versus 0.9 mm, respectively). Conclusion Grossly normal-sized ovaries from women with primary peritoneal serous carcinoma display no significant differences in inclusions, clefts, papillomatosis, and calcifications in comparison to age-matched controls.
INFLUENCE OF SODIUM ERYTHORBATE ON COLOR DEVELOPMENT, FLAVOR AND OVERALL ACCEPTABILITY OF FRANKFURTERS CURED WITH REDUCED LEVELS OF SODIUM NITRITE

Frankfurters were cured with various levels of sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate and evaluated by a consumer taste panel. Color, flavor and overall acceptability decreased with decreasing nitrite concentrations. Flavor and acceptability of frankfurters were increased by the use of erythorbate but only at low (below 52 ppm) concentrations of sodium nitrite.