cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns and prediction of behavior problems during the toddler and preschool periods in preterm children

There are few studies of behavior problems in preterm children prior to 2 years old and the changes that occur over time. The aims of this study were to examine the patterns and prediction of behav...
Clinical Trials: Handling the Data

Clinical trials play an important role in establishing the efficacy of different surgical interventions. It is important to understand the methodological considerations that are inherent to the design, analysis, and reporting of surgical trials. This chapter reviews the essentials that surgical investigators need to know in order to handle data from clinical trials.
190 – Stroke Units

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses stroke units, with a particular focus on the acute care model of stroke units. Stroke units come in two general types, reflecting the wide variety of approaches to caring for stroke patients: acute care units devoted to the emergent management of stroke patients and rehabilitation units that focus on the early integration of the medical and rehabilitation needs of stroke patients. Acute stroke units (ASUs) come in many styles. The most common type is an intermediate-care facility of four to six beds. Cardiac telemetry, frequent blood pressure checks, and intensive nursing care are typically provided but facilities are not available for patients needing ventilatory support or intracranial pressure monitoring. One of the major benefits of ASU care is a decline in the number of medical complications of stroke. Other benefits of ASU care that could contribute to the improvement in outcomes include standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols, patient and family education about stroke, and early initiation of rehabilitation.
Optimal communications with infinite impulse response matched filters

Abstract Optimal communication waveforms matched to a large and practically important class of filters are investigated and shown to be chaotic. Filters of this class are defined by an infinite impulse response (IIR) and a transfer function comprising a finite number of distinct stable poles. This class contains many of the most popular and widely used filter families, including Butterworth, Chebyshev (type I), and Bessel. For such a filter, a matched basis function is derived and convolved with a random binary sequence to construct a communication waveform. It is shown that this waveform is chaotic in the sense that it is deterministic and characterized by a positive Lyapunov exponent. This result supports a recent conjecture that optimal communication waveforms matched to stable IIR filters are chaotic, and it further establishes that chaos is fundamental to modern communication theory.
Target sites: general

Abstract Target organs are the organs where the major toxicity is elicited by chemicals. This chapter provides resources on general organ toxicity and serves as a prelude to the more in-depth coverage of organ-specific resources provided in later chapters. A selection of books and journal articles addressing organ toxicity is provided, along with international organizations devoted to the toxicology of particular organ systems. In addition, an assortment of open access databases, which provide full-text information on chemicals that cause directed toxicity to specific organs, has been compiled.
Policies and Procedures: Key Considerations

The creation of policies and procedures is vital to the foundation of your simulation center. Creating policies and procedures establishes clear delineation of job responsibilities, system (simulation center) responsibilities, and customer service expectations. Most facilities find that the creation of policies and procedures also help with establishing processes which will lead to consistency of practices. In addition to human resource (HR) benefits that policies and procedures offer, you will find that if they are clearly written and easy to follow, they can serve as a useful training tool for new staff to follow and a good resource for existing staff to reference. Many programs struggle with where to start, what should be included, what should be excluded in the creation of their policies and procedures.
Why they marched: untold stories of the women who fought for the right to vote: by Susan Ware, Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press, 2019, 345 pp., $26.95

After years of neglectful silence, the story of the struggle for American women’s suffrage has now become a drumbeat. A roundtable of experts, recently convened by the editors of the Journal of Ame...
Urethral Lengthening and Reimplantation for Neurogenic Incontinence in Children

We describe our experience with a urethral lengthening-reimplantation operation for the correction of incontinence in 13 myelomeningocele children, 11 of whom had failed to achieve continence on a program of intermittent clean catheterization. The procedure involves lengthening the urethra by formation of a bladder tube, which is reimplanted back into the bladder through a submucosal tunnel. This procedure allows a catheter to be passed but prevents urine from leaking. All of the operated cases are included. All of the children are out of diapers and socially dry. Followup ranged from 8 to 36 months and the problems encountered are described.
Pulse-to-pulse evolution of optical properties in ultrafast laser micro-processing of polymers

Polymers were one of the first materials to be processed by ultrafast lasers. However, the nature of absorption for near-infrared laser beams is not fully understood, and therefore it remains challenging to process polymeric materials with high energy efficiency. In this study, the pulse-to-pulse evolution of optical properties (reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance) of polypropylene (PP), which is an important polymeric material widely used in many industrial applications, is determined by performing time-resolved measurements for a wide range of pulse energies. The goal is to differentiate between linear and nonlinear absorption in different laser-matter interaction regimes and select the processing condition that yields the highest energy efficiency. The experiment is performed by recording the reflection and transmission of each laser pulse in an ellipsoidal mirror-based setup, which enables the collection of scattering reflection with nearly full coverage. Absorption is calculated from the experimental data, and a model consisting of linear and nonlinear absorption is used to analyze the results. It is found that PP undergoes a dramatic morphological change from pulse to pulse, which is accompanied by changes in optical properties, that is, the tuning of the laser condition to fully utilize the laser energy. Their results could help increase energy efficiency in ultrashort-pulsed laser processing of polymers toward the high-throughput operation.
Evaluation of a Hand-Held Meter for Cowside Evaluation of Blood Beta-Hydroxybutyrate and Glucose Concentrations in Dairy Cows

Ketosis, defined as blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations greater than 1,400 umol/1, is an important problem in dairy herds. Prompt and accurate detection of ketosis may lessen its negative effects on milk yield and reproduction, and may help prevent subsequent displaced abomasum. Cowside tests are necessary for prompt diagnosis and treatment of ketosis; however, existing cowside urine or milk ketone tests are limited by their relatively low sensitivity (about 80%) compared to blood BHBA (the gold standard test for ketosis). Cowside blood glucose tests have not been commonly used but could be useful in helping clinicians determine if glucose treatments are indicated for early lactation cows with an unknown diagnosis or that have already been treated for ketosis. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the correlation of BHBA and glucose results from the hand-held meter with laboratory analysis results, and to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the hand-held meter for determining BHBA and glucose concentrations above established cut-points.
How a New Bond Issuance Affects the Liquidity of a Bond Portfolio

Previous research describing corporate bond liquidity tends to focus on the effects on liquidity of factors such as bond age, bond credit risk, size of issuance, and regulation of trading. The article notes that many firms issue bonds when previous bonds are still outstanding and also examines how the new bond issuance affects the liquidity of the preexisting corporate bonds. One might expect the liquidity of the preexisting bonds to improve because of the greater quantity of very similar bonds outstanding or the increase in public information about the firm. However, investment bankers may aggressively market the new issuance, which may diminish the liquidity of the preexisting bonds. The article concludes that the former effect dominates and that the improvement in liquidity is more significant when newly issued bonds offer a longer maturity than preexisting bonds. TOPICS:Fixed income and structured finance, credit risk management, legal/regulatory/public policy, exchanges/markets/clearinghouses Key Findings ▪ The liquidity of preexisting bonds tends to increase when a new bond issuance by the firm becomes available. ▪ The increase in liquidity as a result of a new bond issuance tends to be stronger when its maturity is longer relative to that of preexisting bonds. ▪ When the liquidity of preexisting bonds increases in response to a new issuance, the effect is temporary and diminishes over time.
Graves' disease patients with iron deficiency anemia: serologic evidence of co-existent autoimmune gastritis.

BACKGROUND Graves' disease (GD) has been associated with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Atrophic gastritis leads to IDA and has been associated with autoimmune thyroid disease. This study prospectively determined the prevalence of atrophic gastritis markers and the relationship between these markers and markers of IDA in GD subjects. METHODS Newly diagnosed GD patients (90) and controls (41) were studied. Of the newly diagnosed GD patients, 65 were consecutively enrolled and identified with GD irrespective of anemia, 25 had GD and IDA. Thyroid function, hematologic indices, and atrophic gastritis markers [parietal-cell antibodies (PCab), Helicobacter pylori antibodies (H. pylori ab), mean serum gastrin levels] were examined. RESULTS GD patients presenting with IDA were twice as likely (64% vs. 32%, P=0.049) to harbor PCabs when compared to all other GD subjects. Unselected GD subjects (n=65) had significantly higher PCab (37% vs. 7%, P<0.001) compared to controls. Gastrin levels were significantly elevated in all GD subjects compared to controls (105 vs. 39 pg/ml, P<0.0001). This difference was magnified in PCab+ subjects (202 vs. 64 pg/ml, P=0.003). In all GD subjects, PCabs were associated with increased gastrin levels (202 vs. 75 pg/ml, P=0.0004) and lower ferritin levels (52 vs. 95, P=0.05). In GD anemic subjects, PCabs were associated with lower mean corpuscular volume (75 vs. 81, P=0.001). Gastrin levels correlated inversely with ferritin levels in all GD subjects and positively with TIBC in GD anemic subjects. CONCLUSIONS A significant subset of patients presenting with GD may suffer from IDA due to concurrent autoimmune atrophic gastritis.
Dietary sugar intake and risk of Alzheimer's disease in older women.

BACKGROUND Despite some reports of cardiometabolic disorders associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), limited studies have been conducted to examine the association between excessive sugar intake (a risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders) and AD risk. AIM The purpose of our study was to evaluate if excessive sugar intake has a significant long-term effect on the risk of AD. METHODS A population sample of 37,689 participants, who enrolled in the United States (US) Women's Health Initiative - Dietary Modification Trial (WHI-DM) in 1993-2005 and its extended observational follow-up study through 1 March 2019, were analyzed. Dietary sugar intake was measured using food frequency questionnaires. AD was classified by reports using a standard questionnaire. A dietary pattern that explained the maxima variations in sugar intake was constructed using reduced rank regression (RRR) technique. Associations of RRR dietary pattern scores and sugar intake (g/day) by quartiles (Q1 through Q4) with AD risk were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with adjusting for key covariates. RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 18.7 years, 4586 participants reported having incident AD. The total incidence rate (95% confidence interval [CI]) of AD was 6.5 (6.3-6.7) per 1000 person-years (PYs). The incidence rates (95% CI) of AD by total sugar intake were 6.2 (5.8-6.6), 6.4 (6.0-6.8), 6.6 (6.3-7.0), and 6.9 (6.5-7.3) per 1000 PYs among those in quartiles (Q) 1 to Q4 (toward higher sugar consumption) of total sugar intake, respectively (test for trend of AD incident rates, p < 0.001). Individuals in Q4 of total sugar intake had a 1.19 higher risk of incident AD than those in Q1 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.34, p = 0.01). An estimated increase of 10 g/day in total sugar intake (about 2.4 teaspoons) was associated with an increased AD risk by 1.3-1.4%. Of six subtypes of sugar intake, lactose was significantly associated with AD risk. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that excessive total sugar intake was significantly associated with AD risk in women. Of six subtypes of sugar intake, lactose had a stronger impact on AD risk.
The role of mucosal blood flow in the pathogenesis and healing of peptic ulcer

In recent years there has been a considerable increase in our knowledge of the role of mucosal blood flow in the pathogenesis of experimental acute gastroduodenal mucosal injury and in the healing of human gastric ulcer. Improved techniques to measure mucosal blood flow in man and in animals have played a major role in this advance. A relationship between acid back diffusion and mucosal blood flow has been demonstrated by these techniques.
THE GRADUATE THESIS

This chapter discusses the implications of a graduate thesis and the technique required to produce it. A thesis is a document that records the research efforts in graduate program, and the results of them. It should be built on a complete library search, the original research or professional project, and the syntheses made by the presenter. Success depends on the knowledge of what others have concluded from their studies, meticulous work with the research, and efforts to give a clear, accurate perspective to the entire study. When these points have been given appropriate attention, the other criterion for success is communication—the writing itself. Most graduate schools furnish information on requirements in a catalog and in a guide for preparing theses and dissertations. Thesis requirements include time restraints, committee composition, and technical details such as margins, type face, spacing, and the kind of paper required. An attempt to pursue graduate research and produce a thesis without a written proposal is like taking a trip through unfamiliar territory without a road map. Working out hypotheses, objectives, justification, literature, and methods for the proposal may sharpen the perception of the subject.
NMDA receptor subunit mRNA expression by projection neurons and interneurons in rat striatum

N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are enriched in the neostriatum and are thought to mediate several actions of glutamate including neuronal excitability, long-term synaptic plasticity, and excitotoxic injury. NMDA receptors are assembled from several subunits (NMDAR1, NMDAR2A-D) encoded by five genes; alternative splicing gives rise to eight isoforms of subunit NMDAR1. We studied the expression of NMDA receptor subunits in neurochemically identified striatal neurons of adult rats by in situ hybridization histochemistry using a double- labeling technique. Enkephalin-positive projection neurons, somatostatin-positive interneurons, and cholinergic interneurons each have distinct NMDA receptor subunit phenotypes. Both populations of striatal interneurons examined express lower levels of NMDAR1 and NMDAR2B subunit mRNA than enkephalin-positive neurons. The three striatal cell populations differ also in the presence of markers for alternatively spliced regions of NMDAR1, suggesting that interneurons preferentially express NMDAR1 splice forms lacking one (cholinergic neurons) or both (somatostatin-positive neurons) alternatively spliced carboxy-terminal regions. In addition, somatostatin- and cholinergic-, but not enkephalin-positive neurons express NMDAR2D mRNA. Thus, these striatal cell populations express different NMDAR-subunit mRNA phenotypes and therefore are likely to display NMDA channels with distinct pharmacological and physiological properties. Differences in NMDA receptor expression may contribute to the relative resistance of striatal interneurons to the neurotoxic effect of NMDA receptor agonists.
Integrated Guidance and Control for Combined Command/Homing Guidance

This paper describes an integrated design approach for a tactical missile which derives guidance commands from both a strapdown terminal homing seeker and a fixed-based radar system. To deal with initial errors between the fixed-based radar and missile reference systems, a separate navigation filter is designed which estimates any misalignments using the fixed-based radar measurement of the missile position and outputs of the IMU on board the missile. Simulation results indicate that small miss distances can be achieved without the need for accurate alignment of the missile prior to launch.
Molecular analysis of metastasis in a polyomavirus middle T mouse model: the role of osteopontin

Introduction In order to study metastatic disease, we employed the use of two related polyomavirus middle T transgenic mouse tumor transplant models of mammary carcinoma (termed Met and Db) that display significant differences in metastatic potential.
Genetic Location of a Mutant of Bacteriophage T4 Deficient in the Ability to Induce Endonuclease II

Reciprocal three-factor crosses and the use of a partial revertant of a putative ribonucleotide reductase mutant of Escherichia coli B/5 as indicator have made it possible to map denA (deficient in endonuclease II) between nrd-11 (ribonucleotide reductase gene B) and amM69 (gene 63) on the bacteriophage T4 chromosome.
Compressive Sensing Based Probabilistic Sensor Management for Target Tracking in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of sensor management for target tracking in a wireless sensor network (WSN). To determine the set of sensors with the most informative data, we develop a probabilistic sensor management scheme based on the concepts developed in compressive sensing. In the proposed scheme where each sensor transmits its observation with a certain probability via a coherent multiple access channel (MAC), the observation vector received at the fusion center becomes a compressed version of the original observations. In this framework, the sensor management problem can be cast as the problem of finding the probability of transmission at each node so that a given performance metric is optimized. Our goal is to determine the optimal values of the probabilities of transmission so that the trace of the Fisher information matrix (FIM) is maximized at any given time instant with a constraint on the available energy. We consider two cases, where the fusion center has i) complete information and ii) only partial information, regarding the sensor transmissions. The expression for FIM is derived for both cases and the optimal values of the probabilities of transmission are found accordingly. With nonidentical probabilities, we obtain the results numerically while under the assumption that each sensor transmits with equal probability, we obtain the optimal values analytically. We provide numerical results to illustrate the performance of the proposed probabilistic sensor management scheme.
The Insurance Policy as Thing

Insurance policies are a type of contract. But characterizing them only as contracts misses much of the richness of the insurance arrangement, policyholder-insurer relations, and the degree to which insurance policies, which are heavily standardized, are designed to perform a particular function. Because of their mass standardization and deployment to address particular risk management issues, insurance policies are in many respects like products or chattels. Insurers and the insurance trade press in fact frequently speak of a line of insurance "products" or a new "product" being introduced to address an emerging risk. Appreciating this aspect of the insurance policy can assist courts in construing policies and resolving coverage disputes, particularly where the language at issue is unclear or problematic if literally applied. Building on prior scholarship, this article develops the notion of the insurance policy as a "thing" as well as a contract and provides examples of the interpretative value of deploying this additional perspective.
Two distinct mechanisms for negative regulation of the Wee1 protein kinase.

Abstract The Wee1 protein kinase negatively regulates the entry into mitosis by catalyzing the inhibitory tyrosine phosphorylation of the Cdc2 protein. To examine the potential mechanisms for Wee1 regulation during the cell cycle, we have introduced a recombinant form of the fission yeast Wee1 protein kinase into Xenopus egg extracts. We find that the Wee1 protein undergoes dramatic changes in its phosphorylation state and kinase activity during the cell cycle. The Wee1 protein oscillates between an underphosphorylated 107 kDa form during interphase and a hyperphosphorylated 170 kDa version at mitosis. The mitosis-specific hyperphosphorylation of the Wee1 protein results in a substantial reduction in its activity as a Cdc2-specific tyrosine kinase. This phosphorylation occurs in the N-terminal region of the protein that lies outside the C-terminal catalytic domain, which was recently shown to be a substrate for the fission yeast Nim1 protein kinase. These experiments demonstrate the existence of a Wee1 regulatory system, consisting of both a Wee1-inhibitory kinase and a Wee1-stimulatory phosphatase, which controls the phosphorylation of the N-terminal region of the Wee1 protein. Moreover, these findings indicate that there are apparently two potential mechanisms for negative regulation of the Wee1 protein, one involving phosphorylation of its C-terminal domain by the Nim1 protein and the other involving phosphorylation of its N-terminal region by a different kinase.
Starch–methylcellulose–whey protein film properties

Summary Four % (wt/wt) aqueous solutions were prepared at corn starch:methylcellulose:whey protein isolate (CS:MC:WPI) ratios of 2:2:2, 1:2:3, 2:1:3, 2:2:0, 1:2:0 and 2:1:0. Glycerol (gly) was used as a plasticiser at CS–MC–WPI:gly ratios of 2:1, 2.5:1 and 3:1. CS–MC–WPI blend films were stronger than CS–WPI films and had lower oxygen permeability (OP) than MC–WPI films. The highest tensile strength (TS) of blend films was 8.01 ± 3.41 MPa, at CS:MC:WPI ratio of 2:2:0 and CS–MC–WPI:gly ratio of 3:1. Lowest OP value was 45.05 ± 7.24 cm3 μm m−2 per day kPa−1, at CS:MC:WPI ratio of 2:2:2 and CS–MC–WPI:gly ratio of 3:1. OP values were predictable based on relative amounts of components. However, TS and elastic modulus properties of the CS–MC–WPI blend films did not reflect the relative amounts of the components. All of CS–MC–WPI films were translucent indicating some degree of immiscibility among the CS, MC and WPI. These results indicate the influence of complex molecular interactions among the components.
A new eyedrop dispensing bottle.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a new eyedrop dispensing container that allows administration of eyedrops while the head of the patient is in the usual upright position. METHODS: An eyedrop dispensing container with a dip tube extending to the bottom, an automatic venting mechanism, and an angulated dispensing tube was developed. RESULTS: The problem of unwanted efflux of fluid was solved by incorporating the automatic venting mechanism. The final design includes an adjustable, angulated dispensing tube and “single structure” construction incorporating the cap. A removable cheek rest is also provided. The design allows eyedrops to be instilled while the patient’s head is in the upright position and even when spectacles are being worn. A prototype 15-ml bottle delivered an eyedrop volume of 19.7 ± 1.2 μl (mean ± SD) (n = 75). CONCLUSION: This new eyedrop bottle should allow precise self-administration of eyedrops by a patient in front of a mirror, without a need to change head position.
Evolvable hardware solutions for extreme temperature electronics

Temperature and radiation tolerant electronics, as well as long life survivability are key capabilities required for future NASA missions. Current approaches to electronics for extreme environments focus on component level robustness and hardening. Compensation techniques such as bias cancellation circuitry have also been employed. However, current technology can only ensure very limited lifetime in extreme environments. This paper presents a novel approach, based on evolvable hardware technology, which allows adaptive in-situ circuit redesign/reconfiguration during operation in extreme environments. This technology would complement material/device advancements and increase the mission capability to survive harsh environments. The approach is demonstrated on a prototype chip, which recovers functionality at 250/spl deg/C. Besides the applications that provide adaptive reconfiguration, evolutionary algorithms can be used to automatically design (fixed) circuits for high temperatures. While simulations show that conventional AND gate design fails at high temperatures such as 320/spl deg/C, evolution is able to synthesize AND gate circuits operating accurately at this temperature.
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single oral doses of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in healthy volunteers.

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor. This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study was the first evaluation of tofacitinib in humans. The objectives were to characterize the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics of escalating single tofacitinib doses in healthy subjects. Tofacitinib (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 60, and 100 mg) or placebo was administered as oral powder for constitution. For each dose, 7-9 subjects were randomized to tofacitinib and 3-5 subjects to placebo. Ninety-five males and females (age range 19-45) completed the study. Forty-nine treatment-emergent all-causality adverse events (AEs) were observed; nausea and headache were the most frequently reported. Tofacitinib PK was characterized by rapid absorption (time to peak serum concentration [Tmax ] 0.5-1 hour), rapid elimination (mean terminal half-lives 2.3-3.1 hours), and dose-proportional systemic exposures (peak serum concentration [Cmax ] and area under the serum concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity [AUC0-∞ ]). No appreciable correlation was observed between tofacitinib dose and lymphocyte subset counts. Single-dose tofacitinib up to 100 mg in healthy subjects had a safety profile of mostly mild AEs, and no deaths, serious AEs, severe AEs or discontinuations due to AEs.
Terminating the Physician‐Patient Relationship

background. This continues our series of articles addressing the many medicolegal aspects that impact the practice of dermatology. Because the physician-patient relationship is the cornerstone of every medical malpractice action, the proper termination of that relationship is very important. methods. A format of an initial discussion of legal concepts followed by hypothetical and a review of actual cases was chosen to enhance interactive learning. The subject matter is based on a review of medicolegal literature and actual recorded case law. results. Once a physician-patient relationship has been established, improper termination of that relationship may constitute abandonment. conclusion. Any termination of the physician-patient relationship must be reasonable in view of the patients' access to alternate medical care and medical problems and should be properly communicated to the patient.
Some Uses and Potentials of Qualitative Methods in Planning

Planners use methods borrowed from many disciplines. These are usually modified and adapted to meet planner's needs to acquire and sift through many diverse information sources helpful in dealing w...
The Bound[less] Sea: Wilderness and the United States Exploring Expedition in the Fiji Islands

AbstractThe United States Exploring Expedition, which circumnavigated the world and surveyed the South Sea from 1838 to 1842, marked an important moment in Americans' changing perceptions of the Pa...
The effect of supplemented media on the growth in vitro of bi- and trinucleate pollen

Abstract Casein hydrolysate (CH) was added to pollen cultures to study the metabolic differences between binucleate pollen from Petunia hybrida Hort. Vilm.-Andr., and trinucleate pollen from Zea mays L., Silene dioica (L) Clairv., and Brassica cam pestris L. The time at which the CH supplement becomes effective supports the hypothesis that, while binucleate pollen starts its growth autotrophically, and switches later to heterotrophic nutrition, trinucleate pollen grows heterotrophically from the start.
Combination Calcium Channel Blocker Therapy in the Treatment of Hypertension

Effective control of blood pressure is usually achieved only with the use of two or more antihypertensive medications. The treatment options for hypertension are numerous, and the number of possible combinations large. The selection of a specific combination drug regimen has often been linked to the perceived need for diuretic therapy as first- or second-step therapy; thus, the popularity of such drug combinations as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor/diuretic, an angiotensin-receptor blocker/diuretic, or a beta blocker/diuretic. Rational alternatives exist, including an ACE inhibitor/calcium channel blocker (CCB) or a dihydropyridine CCB/b blocker combination. Traditionally, recommendations have advised against the use of combination therapy with two drugs from the same therapeutic class. However, because of the different binding and pharmacologic characteristics of CCBs, a rationale exists for combining different agents in this class in the management of hypertension and/or symptomatic coronary artery disease. In the treatment of either hypertension or angina, combination CCB therapy can prove uniquely successful.
Frequency-domain optical image reconstruction in turbid media: an experimental study of single-target detectability.

An experimental study of the detectability of an object embedded in optically tissue-equivalent media by frequency-domain image reconstruction is presented. The experiments were performed in an 86-mm-diameter cylindrical phantom containing an optically homogeneous cylindrical target whose absorption and scattering properties presented a 2:1 contrast with the background medium. The parameter space explored during experimentation involved object size (15-, 8-, and 4-mm targets) and location (centered, 20-mm off-centered, and 35-mm off-centered) variations. Image reconstruction was achieved with a previously reported regularized least-squares approach that incorporates finite-element solutions of the diffusion equation and Newton’s method solutions of the nonlinear minimization problem. Also included during image formation were image enhancement schemes—(1) total variation minimization, (2) dual meshing, and (3) spatial low-pass filtering—which have recently been added. Quantitative measures of image quality including the size, location, and shape of the heterogeneity along with errors in its recovered optical property values are used to quantify the image reconstructions. The results show that a near 22:1 ratio of tissue thickness relative to detectable object size has been achieved with this approach in the laboratory conditions and parameter space that have been investigated.
Characterization of autonomic receptors in the rat sublingual gland by biochemical and radioligand assays.

The autonomic receptors of the rat sublingual gland were characterized by radioligand binding and by specific functional responses involving the release of K+ and the generation of cyclic AMP in vitro. Both muscarinic cholinergic and alpha2-adrenergic receptors were present in moderately high density in the sublingual gland, as judged by the binding of the specific radioligands 3H-QNB and 3H-clonidine (Bmax in pmol/g tissue=18.4±2.4 and 9.9±1.3, respectively). By contrast, although alpha1 and beta-adrenergic receptors were detected, they were not present in large numbers. The Bmax (pmol/g tissue) for the binding of 3H-prazosin and 3H-DHA were, respectively, 3.2±0.6 and 3.6±0.4. Stimulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors with carbamylcholine (2×10−5 M) caused a net release of K+ from sublingual slices incubated in an enriched, oxygenated Krebs Ringer bicarbonate medium of 35±7% after 10 min of incubation. Norepinephrine, phenylephrine, clonidine and isoproterenol did not induced K+ release from the slice preparation, but actually reduced the basal or unstimulated release of K+. As in the submandibular and parotid glands, the release of K+ from sublingual slices had two components, a passive efflux and an active uptake which depended on the activation of an ouabain-sensitive Na+, K+ ATPase. The release of K+ was also dependent on the presence of Ca2+ (2.7 mM) in the incubation medium. Stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors with isoproterenol (10−5 M) caused a 9-fold increase in the content of glandular cyclic AMP (from 4.0±0.6 to 36.0±2 pmol/mg/10 min). A similar increase was observed with norepinephrine (10−4 M) in the presence of phentolamine (10−4 M). Clonidine at concentrations of 10−5 and 10−4 M reduced the cyclic AMP content to below basal levels. The rat sublingual gland has functional cholinergic receptors and can release K+ in vitro in the presence of cholinergic agents. In contrast to the other major salivary glands, it has a low density of alpha1-adrenergic receptors and fails to release K+ upon stimulation with alpha1-agonists. The functional significance of a low density of beta-adrenergic receptors is still unclear, although there is a definite glandular cyclic AMP response upon stimulation with isoproterenol. Abundant alpha2-adrenergic receptors in the sublingual gland are apparently negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase.
LINKING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS: PINE RIDGE RESERVATION, SOUTH DAKOTA

Much of the literature on the economic benefits associated with investments in transportation infrastructure focuses on locations with at least some measure of private-sector economic activity. The focus here is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, an area with extremely limited private economic activity and a transportation network with limited connectivity and accessibility. The study was one of a series sponsored by FHWA to examine linkages between transportation improvements and economic development in rural areas. The Pine Ridge study established a framework for analyzing these linkages and focused the analysis on tourism, a key sector that both offers great potential for economic development and is dependent on improvements in transportation infrastructure. The analysis estimated the potential benefits of the tourism sector and identified the transportation improvements that would be needed to support this sector. It was found that, assuming implementation of a suite of supportive i...
Steroid catabolism in marine and freshwater fish

Steroids play important roles in regulating many physiological functions in marine and freshwater fish. Levels of active steroid in blood and tissues are determined by the balance between synthetic and catabolic processes. This review examines what is known about pathways of catabolism of steroids, primarily sex steroids, in marine and freshwater fish. Cytochrome P450 (P450) isoforms present in hepatic microsomes catalyze steroid hydroxylation to metabolites with lower or no activity at estrogen or androgen receptors. Important pathways of steroid catabolism to readily excreted metabolites are glucuronidation and sulfonation of hydroxyl groups. Estradiol, testosterone, DHEA and hydroxylated metabolites of these and other steroids readily form glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in those fish species where these pathways have been examined. Little is known, however, of the structure and function of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and sulfotransferase (SULT) enzymes involved in steroid conjugation in fish. Glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of steroids may be transported into and out of cells by organic anion transporter proteins and multi-drug resistance proteins, and there is growing evidence that these proteins play important roles in steroid conjugate transport and elimination. Induction or inhibition of any of these pathways by environmental chemicals can result in alteration of the natural balance of steroid hormones and could lead to disruption of the endocrine system. Recent studies in this area are presented, with particular focus on phase II (conjugative) pathways.
Expression and function of transforming growth factor-β isoforms and cognate receptors in the rat urinary bladder following cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

Numerous proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the reorganization of lower urinary tract function following cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis. The present study investigated the functional profile of three pleiotropic transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoforms and receptor (TβR) variants in the normal and inflamed (CYP-induced cystitis) rat urinary bladder. Our findings indicate that TGF-β (1, 2, and 3) and TβR (1, 2, and 3) transcript and protein expression were regulated to varying degrees in the urothelium or detrusor smooth muscle following intermediate (48 h; 150 mg/kg ip) or chronic (75 mg/kg ip; once every 3 days for 10 days), but not acute (4 h; 150 mg/kg ip), CYP-induced cystitis. Conscious, open-outlet cystometry was performed to determine whether aberrant TGF-β signaling contributes to urinary bladder dysfunction following intermediate (48 h) CYP-induced cystitis. TβR-1 inhibition with SB505124 (5 μM) significantly (p ≤ 0.001) decreased voiding frequency and increased bladder capacity (2.5-fold), void volume (2.6-fold), and intercontraction intervals (2.5-fold) in CYP-treated (48 h) rats. Taken together, these results provide evidence for 1) the involvement of TGF-β in lower urinary tract neuroplasticity following urinary bladder inflammation, 2) a functional role of TGF-β signaling in the afferent limb of the micturition reflex, and 3) urinary bladder TβR-1 as a viable target to reduce voiding frequency with cystitis.
Variations in infant mortality rates among counties of the United States: The roles of public policies and programs

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the causes of the rapid decline in the infant mortality rate in the United States in the period after 1963. The roles of four public policies are considered: Medicaid, subsidized family planning services for low-income women, maternal and infant care projects, and the legalization of abortion. The most striking finding is that the increase in the legal abortion rate is the single most important factor in reductions in both white and nonwhite neonatal mortality rates. Not only does the growth in abortion dominate the other public policies, but it also dominates schooling and poverty.
Role of the postsynaptic α2-adrenergic receptor subtypes in catecholamine-induced vasoconstriction

Catecholamines induce direct vasoconstriction mediated by postsynaptic alpha-adrenergic receptors (alpha-ARs) of both the alpha(1) and alpha(2) type. To evaluate the contribution of each alpha(2)-AR subtype (alpha(2A), alpha(2B), and alpha(2C)) to this function, we used groups of genetically engineered mice deficient for the gene to each one of these subtypes and compared their blood pressure (BP) responses to their wild-type counterparts. Blood pressure responses to a bolus of norepinephrine (NE) were assessed before and after sequential blockade of alpha(1)-ARs with prazosin and alpha(2)-ARs with yohimbine. The first NE bolus elicited a brief 32 to 44 mm Hg BP rise (p < 0.001 from baseline) in all six groups. Prazosin decreased BP by 23 to 33 mm Hg in all groups, establishing a new lower baseline. Repeat NE at that point elicited lesser but still significant (p < 0.001) brief pressor responses between 32% and 45% of the previous BP rise in five of the six groups. Only the alpha(2A)-AR gene knockouts differed, responding instead with a 20-mm Hg fall in BP, a significant change from baseline (p < 0.001) and different from the pressor response of their wild-type counterparts (p < 0.001). The addition of yohimbine produced no further BP change in the five groups, but it did produce a small 7. 5-mm Hg fall (p < 0.05) in the alpha(2A)-AR knockouts. Norepinephrine bolus during concurrent alpha(1) and alpha(2)-AR blockade produced significant (p < 0.001) hypotensive responses in all subgroups, presumably attributable to unopposed stimulation of beta(2)-vascular wall ARs. We conclude that the alpha(2)-AR-mediated vasoconstriction induced by catecholamines is attributable to the alpha(2A)-AR subtype because mice deficient in any one of the other subtypes retained the capacity for normal vasoconstrictive responses. However, the alpha(1)-ARs account for the major part (as much as 68%) of catecholamine-induced vasoconstriction.
5,9,23‐triacontatrienoic acid, principal fatty acid of the marine spongeChondrilla nucula

The marine spongeChondrilla nucula contains 34% 30∶3Δ5,9,23 in its total fatty acids. This nonmethylene-interrupted polyunsaturated acid, unknown in other living organisms, occurs mainly as an ester in phosphatidylethanolamine.
Atoms-First Curriculum: A Comparison of Student Success in General Chemistry

We present an evaluation of the impact of an atoms-first curriculum on student success in introductory chemistry classes and find that initially a lower fraction of students obtain passing grades in the first and second quarters of the general chemistry series. This effect is more than reversed for first-quarter students after one year of instruction experience with the atoms-first curriculum, yet challenges with the second quarter remain. This study involves more than 8000 students over five years, with two-fifths of them taught using the atoms-first approach. It provides a cautionary example for the adoption of this approach.
Capillary zone electrophoresis separation of tryptophan and its metabolites, including quinolinic acid

Capillary zone electrophoresis with UV absorbance detection was used to separate tryptophan and ten of its metabolites. Run buffers of pH 4.0-10.0 were evaluated for their effect on resolution; a pH 9.6 buffer was found to give optimum separation of all components. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which prevents complexation of some analytes with polyvalent cations, was included in the run buffer to insure good peak shape and reproducible mobilities. The resulting method was used to detect the presence of quinolinic acid in a urine sample.
Part of the Gulf of Mexico became greener after oil spill

[1] Biological changes have been observed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico since the April–July 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the largest offshore spill event in U.S. history. To overcome the difficulty of lack of sufficient field sampling data for a region-wide impact assessment, Hu et al. used multiyear satellite measurements of ocean phytoplankton's “glow” under sunlight to document the surface ocean's biological changes. They observed that during August 2010, several weeks after the leaking oil well was capped, an area stretching more than 11,000 square kilometers in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico was especially green, caused by increased phytoplankton biomass. The area was greener than it had been during any previous August since 2002. The researchers' analyses of ocean circulation and other oceanographic and environmental data indicate that the increased greenness was probably caused by the oil spill. Their findings highlight the unique value of satellite technology in observing changes in the ocean as well as the need for an integrated and sustained ocean observing system. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL047184, 2011)
Calibration and error analysis of a picosecond pulse waveform measurement system at NBS

The primary system used at NBS, Boulder, CO, to measure fast (picosecond-nanosecond range), repetitive, electrical pulse parameters consists essentially of a wide-band (dc-18 GHz) sampling oscilloscope interfaced to a minicomputer. This paper describes the major calibration and analysis techniques used to reduce the effects of errors inherent in this system, both deterministic and random in nature.
Offset Stream Technology Test-Summary of Results

Statistical jet noise prediction codes that accurately predict spectral directivity for both cold and hot jets are highly sought both in industry and academia. Their formulation, whether based upon manipulations of the Navier-Stokes equations or upon heuristic arguments, require substantial experimental observation of jet turbulence statistics. Unfortunately, the statistics of most interest involve the space-time correlation of flow quantities, especially velocity. Until the last 10 years, all turbulence statistics were made with single-point probes, such as hotwires or laser Doppler anemometry. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) brought many new insights with its ability to measure velocity fields over large regions of jets simultaneously; however, it could not measure velocity at rates higher than a few fields per second, making it unsuitable for obtaining temporal spectra and correlations. The development of time-resolved PIV, herein called TR-PIV, has removed this limitation, enabling measurement of velocity fields at high resolution in both space and time. In this paper, ground-breaking results from the application of TR-PIV to single-flow hot jets are used to explore the impact of heat on turbulent statistics of interest to jet noise models. First, a brief summary of validation studies is reported, undertaken to show that the new technique produces the same trusted results as hotwire at cold, low-speed jets. Second, velocity spectra from cold and hot jets are compared to see the effect of heat on the spectra. It is seen that heated jets possess 10 percent more turbulence intensity compared to the unheated jets with the same velocity. The spectral shapes, when normalized using Strouhal scaling, are insensitive to temperature if the stream-wise location is normalized relative to the potential core length. Similarly, second order velocity correlations, of interest in modeling of jet noise sources, are also insensitive to temperature as well.