cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular prognostic factors in rectal cancer treated by radiation and surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the biologic significance of tumor response and the prognostic value of molecular markers in a group of patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative radiation therapy and radical surgery. METHODS: Microsatellite instability, microvessel count, and immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p53, p21, bcl-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor were performed in the preradiation biopsy specimen of 72 patients with rectal cancer treated by preoperative radiation therapy and radical curative surgery. Preoperative tumor stage by endorectal ultrasound was compared with pathology stage of the resected specimen. Mean follow-up was 50 months. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (39 percent) responded to radiation therapy. The response was complete in 8 (12 percent) and partial in 20 patients (27 percent). Tumors with positive nodes in the surgical specimen were less likely to have responded to preoperative radiation (P = 0.03). Only p21 expression was individually associated with response to radiation (56 vs. 30 percent; P = 0.03). Tumors that were p53-negative/p21-positive or p21-positive/bcl-2-positive were also more likely to respond to radiation (83 vs. 35 percent; P = 0.03 and 71 vs. 31 percent; P = 0.01, respectively). The tumor relapsed in 21 patients (29 percent): locally in 7 (10 percent) and distally in 14 (19 percent). Recurrence was associated with lack of response to radiation, female gender, distal tumor location, high proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index, and low microvessel count. Probability of survival was greater for patients with well or moderately differentiated tumors and tumors that responded completely to radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor response to radiation is associated with improved tumor control and overall survival rate, and p21 expression is a marker of tumor radiosensitivity in patients with rectal cancer. Furthermore, a high proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index and a low microvessel count in the preradiation biopsy specimen may be prognostic indicators for tumor recurrence.
Retracing Our Path.

As the seventh year of Behavior Analysis in Practice (BAP) comes to a close, it feels as if we are somewhat retracing our steps in attempts to define BAP’s mission as a journal. The journey to this place has seen a few iterations of mission, or at least outcomes of the mission. My first issue as editor revealed a haunting reality—most practicing behavior analysts never heard of the journal or did not care about the journal. Given that this was the very population BAP attempted to target, the data were eye-opening. As a result, my editorial team has made a radical transformation of the journal into an outlet that we feel practitioners cannot afford to ignore. Easy access options via Springer’s digital format and radically quick submission to publication timelines, BAP now delivers the field’s emerging research and practice like never before. Furthermore, regular issue features such as product reviews, field reports from the editors, and thought provoking Ask the Experts dialogue provide the BAP reader with a multifaceted intellectual and practical experience.
Inhibition of Rat Liver Arginase by an Intermediate in NO Biosynthesis, NG-Hydroxy-L-arginine: Implications for the Regulation of Nitric Oxide Biosynthesis by Arginase

NG-hydroxy-L-arginine, an intermediate in the biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO), has been found to be a uniquely potent competitive inhibitor of rat liver arginase. Among previously reported inhibitors of arginase and the eight arginine analogs tested herein, only NG-hydroxy-L-arginine was found to be strongly inhibitory. Significantly, the Ki (42 microM) for inhibition of rat liver arginase by NG-hydroxy-L-arginine was found to be 20-40-fold lower than the KM (1-1.7 mM) for its natural substrate, L-arginine. Since NG-hydroxy-L-arginine is the only known intermediate in the biosynthesis of NO from L-arginine, this finding may have significant implications for the regulation of NO levels in tissues or cells, such as liver or macrophages, which synthesize both NO and contain arginase.
An integrated microfluidic biochemical detection system for protein analysis with magnetic bead-based sampling capabilities

This paper presents the development and characterization of an integrated microfluidic biochemical detection system for fast and low-volume immunoassays using magnetic beads, which are used as both immobilization surfaces and bio-molecule carriers. Microfluidic components have been developed and integrated to construct a microfluidic biochemical detection system. Magnetic bead-based immunoassay, as a typical example of biochemical detection and analysis, has been successfully performed on the integrated microfluidic biochemical analysis system that includes a surface-mounted biofilter and electrochemical sensor on a glass microfluidic motherboard. Total time required for an immunoassay was less than 20 min including sample incubation time, and sample volume wasted was less than 50 μl during five repeated assays. Fast and low-volume biochemical analysis has been successfully achieved with the developed biofilter and immunosensor, which is integrated to the microfluidic system. Such a magnetic bead-based biochemical detection system, described in this paper, can be applied to protein analysis systems.
Two-dimensional strong cation exchange/porous layer open tubular/mass spectrometry for ultratrace proteomic analysis using a 10 μm id poly(styrene- divinylbenzene) porous layer open tubular column with an on-line triphasic trapping column

This study expands the capabilities for ultratrace proteomic analysis of our previous work by incorporating on-line sample desalting using a triphasic (reversed phase (RP)/SCX/micro-SPE) trapping column connected to a 3.2 m × 10 μm i.d. poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) (PS-DVB) porous layer open tubular (PLOT) column. To minimize extra sample handling steps, C18 RP packing was incorporated in the capillary tubing upstream of the SCX column for the on-line desalting. For the micro-SPE column, a 50 μm i.d. PS-DVB monolithic column was positioned downstream of the SCX column. High performance separation was achieved on the PLOT column at a mobile phase flow rate of 20 nL/min. The sensitivity and high resolution capability of the new multidimensional platform was evaluated using an in-gel tryptic digested sample of a cervical cancer (SiHa) cell line. For the injected amount of 1200 cells (~500 ng), over 2700 peptides covering greater than 850 unique proteins were identified from the triphasic SCX/PLOT/MS analysis of a single SDS gel section (>40 kDa). The 2D LC/MS platform demonstrated good separation performance, such that more than 85% of the identified peptides were detected from only one salt fraction. In a triplicate analysis of the above >40 kDa gel section, 4497 peptides and 1209 unique proteins were identified when applying stringent filtering criteria, with a false positive rate of 2.4%. When all three SDS-PAGE gel sections of the lysed SiHa cells were analyzed, 5047 peptides (false positive rate 1.8%) and 1857 unique proteins, including cancer related proteins such as MAP kinases, were identified.
Efficacy of roll stability control and lane departure warning systems using carrier-collected data.

INTRODUCTION: Large truck crashes have significantly declined over the last 10years, likely due, in part, to the increased use of onboard safety systems (OSS). Unfortunately, historically there is a paucity of data on the real-world efficacy of these devices in large trucks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the two OSSs, lane departure warning (LDW) and roll stability control (RSC), using data collected from motor carriers. METHOD: A retrospective cohort approach was used to assess the safety benefits of these OSSs installed on Class 7 and 8 trucks as they operated during normal revenue-producing deliveries. Data were collected from 14 carriers representing small, medium, and large carriers hauling a variety of commodities. The data consisted of a total of 88,112 crash records and 151,624 truck-years that traveled 13billionmiles over the observation period. RESULTS: The non-LDW cohort had an LDW-related crash rate that was 1.917 times higher than the LDW cohort (p=0.001), and the non-RSC cohort had an RSC-related crash rate that was 1.555 times higher than the RSC cohort (pCONCLUSIONS: The results across analyses indicated a strong, positive safety benefit for LDW and RSC under real-world conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results support the use of LDW and RSC in reducing the crash types associated with each OSS. Language: en
Imaging Liquids Using Microfluidic Cells

Chemistry occurring in the liquid and liquid surface is important in many applications. Chemical imaging of liquids using vacuum-based analytical techniques is challenging due to the difficulty in working with liquids with high volatility. Recent development in microfluidics enabled and increased our capabilities to study liquid in situ using sensitive techniques such as electron microscopy and spectroscopy. Due to its small size, low cost, and flexibility in design, liquid cells based on microfluidics have been increasingly used in studying and imaging complex phenomena involving liquids. This paper presents a review of microfluidic cells that were developed to adapt to electron microscopes and various spectrometers for in situ chemical analysis and imaging of liquids. The following topics will be covered, including cell designs, fabrication techniques, unique technical features for vacuum compatible cells (e.g., detection windows, device materials), and imaging with electron microscopy and spectroscopy. Challenges are summarized and recommendations for future development priority are proposed.
The effects of adiabatic and viscous heatings on plumes

The influences of viscous and adiabatic heatings on the transient development of plumes have been assessed by employing the time-dependent convection equations in the extended-Boussinesq limit. Both temperature-dependent and temperature- and pressure-dependent viscosities are employed. For constant thermal expansion of coefficient, the vigor of plume flows is diminished with larger magnitudes of the thermal expansivity. This effect is caused by the local domination of adiabatic decompression over viscous heating inside the developing plume for both the Cartesian and axisymmetric domains. For deep mantle flows a thermal expansivity decreasing with depth is required for thin plume structures to exist. Values of the thermal expansivity contrast, which can promote plume growth, are in accord with estimates from recent studies in seismic equation of state.
Increment–Decrement Life Table Estimates of Happy Life Expectancy for the U.S. Population

Using large nationally representative longitudinal data on changes in happiness and mortality and multivariate increment–decrement life tables, we assess length of quality life through cohort estimates of happy life expectancies. We examine population-based and status-based life expectancies in absolute term of years and relative term of proportions. We find that happy life expectancies exceed unhappy life expectancies in both absolute and relative terms for the overall population and population in each state of happiness at any given age. Being happy (as opposed to unhappy) at any age brings a longer life and more of the future life spent in happiness. We also examine social differentials in the estimates of happy life expectancy at each age by sex, race, and education. The educational gap in happy life expectancies is larger than the sex and race gaps. For the better educated, longer life consists of a longer happy life and shorter unhappy life in both years and proportions and regardless of happy or unhappy status at any given age.
Antiprotease activity in amniotic fluid in a family with a1 antitrypsin deficiency (a1-AT)

We studied a family in which a 21/2 years old child exhibited liver cirrhosis in association with a1-AT deficiency of the PiZZ genotype. The diagnosis was established in the proband at the time her mother was again pregnant and in her 8th month of gestation. Antiprotease activity was measured by the trypsin inhibitory method of Eriksson and by immunodiffusion techniques. Amniotic fluid was obtained from the PiZ heterozygote prior to delivery by needle puncture of the amniotic membrane. This fluid was contrasted with term amniotic fluid from 5 PiMM women and 5 fluids obtained during the l6-l8th weeks of gestation for diagnosis of other genetic diseases. The term control specimens had a trypsin inhibitory capacity = 0.031-0.106 mg/ml, first trimester fluids = 0.073-0.175 mg/ml. Immunodiffusion indicated that serum a1-AT was present in amniotic fluid, concentration = 0.293 ± 0.078 mg/ml. The child from the pregnancy under study had hepatic disease and was a PiZZ homozygote. Her amniotic fluid had antitrypsin activity 10% of controls (0.006 mg/ml). The feasibility of antenatal diagnosis is suggested.
Heat release rate: The single most important variable in fire hazard☆

Abstract Heat release rate measurements are sometimes seen by manufacturers and product users as just another piece of data to gather. It is the purpose of this paper to explain why heat release rate is, in fact, the single most important variable in characterizing the ‘flammability’ of products and their consequent fire hazard. Examples of typical fire histories are given which illustrate that even though fire deaths are primarily caused by toxic gases, the heat release rate is the best predictor of fire hazard. Conversely, the relative toxicity of the combustion gases plays a smaller role. The delays in ignition time, as measured by various Bunsen burner type tests, also have only a minor effect on the development of fire hazard.
The influence of stimulus repetition on the acoustic startle response and on responses of inferior colliculus neurons of mice.

The acoustic startle response (ASR) and discharges of single units in the inferior colliculus (IC) were evaluated as a function of the repetition rate and trial (stimulus 1-10 at each rate) of intense noise bursts in mice. The amplitude of the ASR was inversely proportional to both rate and trial. The mean number of discharges for the sample population of units of the central nucleus (ICC) and the external nucleus (ICX) were also inversely proportional to stimulus rate. However, only ICX units were inversely proportional to trial (i.e. as was the ASR). When response properties of individual units were examined, a variety of profiles was observed with regard to rate and trial sensitivity: units were either not sensitive to stimulus rate, inversely sensitive, directly sensitive, or complexly sensitive. Superimposed on these rate classifications were trial sensitivity, with some units being insensitive to trial, directly sensitive, or inversely sensitive. The incidence of response types differed in some respects between ICC and ICX and these differences were, in general, consistent with the mean responses of the neuronal populations.
Use of the FDTD method for time reversal: application to microwave breast cancer detection

The feasibility of microwave breast cancer detection with a time reversal algorithm is examined. This time reversal algorithm, based on the finite difference time domain method (FDTD), time reverses not only the recorded field, but also the medium. It compensates for the wave decay and therefore is suitable for lossy media. We present two-dimensional (2D) breast models and geometries, and assume knowledge of the system's response in the absence of tumor (distorted wave Born approximation). Our results illustrate the system's detection and localization abilities, and its robustness to dispersion and measurement noise. Good performance using a simple time reversal mirror shows that this method is a promising technique for microwave imaging, and encourages us to further examine its applicability to microwave breast cancer detection.
Despite ‘Welcome To Medicare’ Benefit, One In Eight Enrollees Delay First Use Of Part B Services For At Least Two Years

Much research has focused on the possible overuse of health care services within Medicare, but there is also substantial evidence of underuse. In recent years, Congress has added a “welcome to Medicare” physician visit and a number of preventive services with no cost sharing to the Medicare benefit package to encourage early and appropriate use of services. We examined national longitudinal data on first claims for Part B services—the portion of Medicare that covers physician visits—to learn how people used these benefits. We found that 12 percent of people, or about one in eight, who enrolled in Medicare at age sixty-five waited more than two years before making their first use of care covered by Part B. In part, this delay reflected patterns of use before enrollment, in that people who sought preventive care before turning sixty-five continued to do so after enrolling in Medicare. Enrollees with Medigap coverage, higher household wealth, and a higher level of education typically received care under Part...
In vitro inhibition of platelet function and coagulation by pentamidine isethionate.

Pentamidine isethionate is a trypanocidal drug used for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis. Hematological complications have occasionally been reported and include anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. We report here several qualitative abnormalities of in vitro platelet function and coagulation that have not been described previously. Platelets were exposed in vitro to concentrations of pentamidine isethionate ranging from 0.5 to 100 μg/ml of platelet-rich plasma. Clot retraction, platelet adhesiveness to glass beads, and platelet aggregation (adenosine 5′-diphosphate [ADP], thrombin, epinephrine, collagen, and ristocetin) were inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion. The addition of pentamidine isethionate after aggregation had been initiated with ADP reversed both primary and, to a lesser degree, secondary aggregation. Platelet factor 3 availability and serotonin uptake and release (using collagen as the releasing agent) were not inhibited. Serotonin release with 10 −4 M ADP was slightly inhibited. Pentamidine isethionate prolonged the thrombin time of plasma at concentrations of 5 μg/ml and greater. The prothrombin time was prolonged at concentrations greater than 10 μg/ml of plasma. The inhibition of aggregation was reversed by washing and resuspension in plasma or by the addition of calcium or magnesium ions.
Prevalence of celiac disease in a cohort of women with unexplained infertility

Several European studies have suggested a higher prevalence of celiac disease (CD) among infertile women (4% to 8%) compared with the general population (<1%). We screened a cohort of women with unexplained infertility in Northern California for the serum markers of CD, tissue transglutaminase and endomysium antibodies (EMA). Given that only one woman out of 121 (0.8%) screened positive for CD, it appears that CD is about as prevalent in this cohort of infertile women as in the general U.S. population (<1%).
Inhomogeneities due to thermocapillary flow in floating zone melting

Abstract Theoretical calculations have shown that radial inhomogeneities are produced by thermocapillary flow at low driving forces unless the zone travel rate is very low or the distribution coefficient is near unity. At intermediate driving forces the flow is probably oscillatory, which would produce striations. At large driving forces the flow is turbulent. For floating zone melting of silicon, the thermocapillary flow is not appreciably influenced by buoyancy at earth's gravity or by motion of the zone at the usual rates. Thermocapillary flow is probably also important in Czochralski growth of silicon and in floating zone melting with induction heating, unless effective heat shields are employed.
Continuous and pulsed observations in the quantum Zeno effect

The usual formulation of the quantum Zeno effect (QZE) uses a sequence of rapid observations to prevent change. The same effect can be achieved with continuous observation. For partial inhibition of change we provide a quantitative relation between pulsed (at intervals $\ensuremath{\delta}t$) and continuous (with response time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{O}$) observations: the slowdown is the same for $\ensuremath{\delta}t=4{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{O}.$ Including the continuous observer in the Hamiltonian gives an alternative view of the QZE, showing the appropriateness of the name ``dominated time evolution.'' Finally, the variation on the QZE in which a nonconstant sequence of projections can force change is also shown to be achievable by time-varying continuous observation.
The treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized clinical trial to be conducted by the American Urological Association

Through a large nationwide, multicenter, prospective, randomized and preferential clinical trial, the American Urological Association plans to evaluate the efficacy of watchful waiting, alpha-blockade, balloon dilation, and transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The study, to be conducted at 20 major urological centers in the United States, will primarily address the issue of long-term mortality after TURP and for the first time in any large clinical trial, will evaluate the effect of these management strategies on the patient's quality of life. Completion of the study should provide valuable information, now lacking in the urological literature, concerning the treatment of the most common urological disease of the aging male.
Extension of a theory of predictive behavior in young children to the effects of intertrial interval duration

Twenty-five 4- and 5-year-old children predicted the next event in a 100-trial single alternation sequence. Each child received a different 50:50 random sequence of long and short intertrial interval durations. A model based on a theory emphasizing attention and short term memory processes gave a detailed quantitative description of the data. Transition relative frequencies across long and short intertriai intervals were interpreted theoretically as revealing greater guessing rates following long intervals, thus confirming the hypothesized role of a fallible short term memory subject to decay or interference effects.
Comment [on Review of “The Genesis Strategy: Climate and global survival”]

Helmut E. Landsberg used his review (EOS, September 1976, pages 634–635) of my book, The Genesis Strategy: Climate and Global Survival (with Lynne E. Mesirow, Plenum, 1976), as a platform for a harangue on my professional values and personal style. Instead of keeping within the bounds of a substantive critique of the issues of climate and global survival raised in the book, he indulges in conjectures on such topics as how he thinks I spend my time in professional pursuits and speculates on how I might reform my ways if I ‘intend to contribute to further advancement of science.’ Ironically, to use Landsberg's own words, these ‘conjectures are elevated to facts.’ In any case, they have nothing to do with reviewing a book, and they prompted this rebuttal to set the record straight.
Primary Care Provider Training in Screening, Assessment, and Treatment of Adolescent Depression

Abstract Objective Adolescent depression is underrecognized and undertreated. Primary care providers (PCP) require training to successfully identify adolescents with depression. We examined the effects of a PCP training program in the screening, assessment, and treatment of adolescent depression (SAT-D) on adolescents' reports of PCP screening for adolescent depression at annual well visits and PCP SAT-D confidence and knowledge. Methods PCP (n = 31) attended one SAT-D training program consisting of a 60-minute SAT-D seminar and a 60-minute standardized patient session where PCP practiced SAT-D skills. A pre–post design evaluated effects of training on PCP depression screening practices as reported by 3 groups of adolescent patients at well visits (n = 582 before, n=525 at 2 to 8 months after training, n=208 at 18 to 24 months after training). A generalized linear mixed effects logistic regression controlled for provider and patient demographics that may have influenced depression screening. PCP SAT-D self-reported confidence and objectively tested knowledge were assessed at baseline, immediately after training, and at 4 to 6 months after training. Results On the basis of the regression analysis, PCP screening for adolescent depression increased significantly from pretraining (49%) to 2 to 8 months after training (68%, odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 2.10–3.68) and 18 to 24 months after training (74%, odds ratio 3.17, 95% confidence interval 2.16–4.67; both P Conclusions PCP SAT-D training resulted in significant increases in primary care screening for adolescent depression that were maintained up to 24 months after training. Future studies should determine if changes in PCP screening improve identification of adolescent depression and patient outcomes for adolescents with depression.
Evaluation of agronomic and energy traits of Wray sweet sorghum and the N39 × Wray hybrid

Abstract Recent emphasis on energy problems has stimulated efforts to identify crops capable of producing high yields of biomass that can be converted into ethanol. The sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] crop includes cultivars and hybrids that vary widely in the relative amounts of grain and stalks produced, and also in the sugar content of the stalks. N39 × Wray, a relatively sweet hybrid with good grain potential, and Wray, a cultivar with sweet stalks, were compared for their grain and sugar yields, alcohol production potential, and other related characters. The hybrid produced heavier seeds, more seeds per head, and more heads per ha than the Wray. This resulted in a grain yield of 6630 kg/ha, about 3.4 times that of Wray. Wray produced about 10% more biomass with the stalk sugars accounting for about 80% of the total alcohol potential as compared to 45% for the hybrid. The total alcohol production potential (stalk plus grain) was 1.11 times as great for the hybrid as for Wray.
Comparative studies of potential cancer biomarkers carbon-11 labeled MMP inhibitors (S)-2-(4′-[11C]methoxybiphenyl-4-sulfonylamino)-3-methylbutyric acid and N-hydroxy-(R)-2-[[(4′-[11C]methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]benzylamino]-3-methylbutanamide

Abstract (S)-2-(4′-[ 11 C]methoxybiphenyl-4-sulfonylamino)-3-methylbutyric acid ([ 11 C]MSMA) and N-hydroxy-(R)-2-[[(4′-[ 11 C]methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]benzylamino]-3-methylbutanamide ([ 11 C]CGS 25966), carbon-11 labeled matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors, have been synthesized for evaluation as new potential positron emission tomography (PET) cancer biomarkers. [ 11 C]MSMA was prepared by appropriate precursor (S)-2-(4′-hydroxybiphenyl-4-sulfonylamino)-3-methylbutyric acid tert -butyl ester, which was synthesized in eight steps from amino acid (L)-valine in 39.4% chemical yield. This precursor was labeled by [ 11 C]methyl triflate through O-[ 11 C]methylation method at the hydroxyl position of biphenol under basic conditions, followed by a quick acid hydrolysis and isolated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification to produce pure target compound [ 11 C]MSMA in 35-55% radiochemical yield, based on 11 CO 2 , decay corrected to end of bombardment (EOB), and 20-25 min synthesis time. [ 11 C]CGS 25966 was prepared in our previous work starting from amino acid (D)-valine. The biodistribution of [ 11 C]MSMA and [ 11 C]CGS 25966 were determined at 45 min post iv injection in breast cancer animal models MCF-7's transfected with IL-1α implanted athymic mice and MDA-MB-435 implanted athymic mice. The results showed the uptakes of [ 11 C]MSMA and [ 11 C]CGS 25966 in these tumors were 0.95 and 0.42%dose/g in MCF-7's transfected with IL-1α implanted mice, 0.98 and 1.53%dose/g in MDA-MB-435 implanted mice, respectively; the ratios of tumor/muscle (T/M) and tumor/blood (T/B) were 1.21 and 1.09 (T/M, MCF-7's), 0.99 and 0.84 (T/B, MCF-7's), 1.38 and 1.27 (T/M, MDA-MB-435), 1.27 and 1.95 (T/B, MDA-MB-435), respectively. The micro-PET images of [ 11 C]MSMA and [ 11 C]CGS 25966 in both breast cancer athymic mice were acquired for 15 min from a MCF-7's transfected with IL-1α and/or MDA-MB-435 implanted mouse at 45 min post iv injection of 1 mCi of the tracer using a dedicated high resolution ( 11 C]MSMA and [ 11 C]CGS 25966 might be unsuitable as PET tracers for cancer imaging.
Iron deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease: potential role for intravenous iron therapy independent of erythropoietin.

The prevalence of iron deficiency and its contribution to the anemia of end stage renal disease has been extensively studied, but much less is known about the role of iron deficiency in the pathogenesis of the anemia of chronic kidney disease in predialysis patients. All new hemodialysis patients entering a single hemodialysis unit between July 1999 and April 2002 were included in the study. The admission laboratory tests and the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) 2728 form were examined to determine the prevalence of erythropoietin use, anemia (Hb < 11 g/dl), and iron deficiency (ferritin < 100 ng/ml and transferrin saturation % < 20%). In a second part of the study, the effect of intravenous iron gluconate replacement in patients with stage III & IV chronic kidney disease was examined. Anemia was present in 68% of all patients starting hemodialysis. Iron deficiency was a common feature occurring in 29% of patients taking erythropoietin (49% of all patients) and 26% of patients without erythropoietin (51% of all patients). Following the administration of intravenous iron gluconate to four patients, there was a significant rise in hemoglobin levels from 10.6 ± 0.19 to 11.7 ± g/dl (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Iron deficiency is common in predialysis patients. Replenishing iron stores in anemic patients with chronic kidney disease significantly increases hemoglobin levels and should be considered as an integral part of the therapy for treating anemia in the predialysis population.
Catechol: A Minimal Scaffold for Non-Peptide Peptidomimetics of the i + 1 and i + 2 Positions of the β-Turn of Somatostatin

The design, synthesis, and evaluation of a series of catechol-based non-peptide peptidomimetics of the peptide hormone somatostatin have been achieved. These ligands comprise the simplest known non-peptide mimetics of the i + 1 and i + 2 positions of the somatostatin β-turn. Incorporation of an additional side chain to include the i position of the β-turn induces a selective 9-fold affinity enhancement at the sst2 receptor.
Aerosols in the atmosphere: calculation of the critical absorption/backscatter ratio.

The ratio of the absorption coefficient to the backscatter coefficient for which heating and cooling effects due to aerosols exactly balance at the earth9s surface has been calculated with the use of a radiative-convective atmospheric model. The results are compared with those obtained from several simpler mean radiative-transfer models.
Continuum model of optical phonons in a nanotube

The properties of nanotubes are of intense current interest due, in part, to the discovery of the carbon nanotube. In this paper, the optical phonons are modeled for a nanotube by treating the nanotube as a continuum medium. A quantization prescription is applied to facilitate the first determination of the quantum-mechanical normalizations of selected optical phonon modes. It is shown that normalization of the lowest azimuthal mode may be determined analytically. The deformation potentials describing carrier optical-phonon scattering are readily determined from these normalized continuum modes.
Numerical Behavior of Some Western Spruce Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Populations in Washington and Idaho

The numerical behavior of populations of the western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, was analyzed by using life table data from north-central Washington and central Idaho. The survival rate of instars IV through VI was lowest at budworm densities below ca. 10 4th instars per m2 of foliage. This rate was fairly stable (0.2 to 0.6) across higher densities (10 to 40 per m2 of foliage). The survival rate of pupae from predation increased from ca. 0.2 among the least dense populations to ca. 0.8 among the most dense ones. Survival among the remaining pupae was systematically lower among the populations in Washington than among those in Idaho. The survival rate of eggs and instars I to III was not a function of budworm egg density, place, year, or host species. When density was low, observed egg density was sometimes greater than the ability of resident females to produce eggs. Conversely, at high densities observed egg density was always lower than the egg-laying potential of resident, emerging females. Adult female behavior, together with a generally positive relation between density and subsequent survival during the large larval and pupal stages, may profoundly influence the population dynamics of this pest.
Replisome Fate upon Encountering a Leading Strand Block and Clearance from DNA by Recombination Proteins

Replication forks that collapse upon encountering a leading strand lesion are reactivated by a recombinative repair process called replication restart. Using rolling circle DNA substrates to model replication forks, we examine the fate of the helicase and both DNA polymerases when the leading strand polymerase is blocked. We find that the helicase continues over 0.5 kb but less than 3 kb and that the lagging strand DNA polymerase remains active despite its connection to a stalled leading strand enzyme. Furthermore, the blocked leading strand polymerase remains stably bound to the replication fork, implying that it must be dismantled from DNA in order for replication restart to initiate. Genetic studies have identified at least four gene products required for replication restart, RecF, RecO, RecR, and RecA. We find here that these proteins displace a stalled polymerase at a DNA template lesion. Implications of these results for replication fork collapse and recovery are discussed.
Quantum Spin Fluctuations in Quasi-One-Dimensional Chlorine-Bridged Platinum Complexes

We report experimental and theoretical studies of spin dynamic process in the quasi-one-dimensional chlorine-bridged platinum complex, [Pt{sup II}(en){sub 2}][Pt{sup IV}(en){sub 2}Cl{sub 2}](ClO{sub 4}){sub 4}, where en = ethylenediamine, C{sub 2}N{sub 2}H{sub 8}. The process manifests itself in collapsing of the hyperfine and superhyperfine structures in the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum and non-statistical distribution of spectral weight of the Pt isotopes. More surprisingly, it is activated only at temperatures below 6 K. We interpret the phenomenon in terms of quantum tunneling of the electronic spin in a strong electron-electron and electron-phonon coupling regime. This is modeled using a non-adiabatic many-body approach, in which polarons and solitons represent local spin-Peierls regions in a strongly disproportional charge-density-wave background and display intriguing spin-charge separation in the form of pinned charge and tunneling spin fluctuations. 24 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
An echocardiographic left ventricular wall area index for functional detection of myocardial injury in hemodynamically unloaded hearts

Functional assessment of the left ventricle is affected by loading conditions. Detection of rejection-mediated myocardial injury in a heterotopic heart transplant model is a challenge for the echocardiographer because the heart is in an unloaded state. We examined the relationship of a novel left ventricular (LV) wall area index (LVWAI) and serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels. The LVWAI, based on prior methods of determining LV mass, was defined as the difference between epicardial and endocardial areas divided by the epicardial area. The biphasic morphometric response of LVWAI reflected changes in the cTnT levels and allowed echocardiographic detection of myocardial injury in hemodynamically unloaded hearts.
Estrogen and Progesterone Modulation of the Pituitary Response to LRF in the Cyclic Rat

The pituitary response to synthetic LH-releasing factor (LRF) has been measured following administration of progesterone (P) or estradiol benzoate (EB) in amounts known to retard or advance ovulation in 4- and 5-day cyclic rats. Charles River CD rats, treated with P or EB SC in oil 3 hr to 2 days earlier and anesthetized with pentobarbital (35 mg/kg, ip) at 1345 hr, were given LRF (75 ng/100 g) via external jugularvein cannula at 1500 hr. Serum LH was measured by radioimmunoassay of samples collected at 0, 10, 30,and 60 min. Administration of P (1 mg/100 g) at noon on diestrus-1 (D-l) converted 4-day cycles to artificial 5-day cycles with a 24-hr delay in ovulation. Theresponsiveness of the pituitary to LRF on day 3 of the extended cycle was significantly less than that of untreated rats in proestrus and was equivalent to that of natural 5-day D-3 animals. By contrast, 5-day cycles were shortened to 4 days with 24-hr advance in ovulation by P (1 mg/rat) at noon on D-3 of the artificial cycle, or by EB (15...
Continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation as a bridge to transplantation or destination therapy: Racial disparities in outcomes

Background There is a paucity of data assessing racial disparities in outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. This may be due to the relatively low percentage of African American (AA) patients at a given center. Given the high proportion of AAs in our patient population, we sought to evaluate outcomes of LVAD implantation in AAs vs Caucasians. Methods We stratified 88 LVAD patients by AA or Caucasian race. Variables were compared using 2-sided t -tests, chi-square tests, Cox proportional hazards models, and log-rank tests to determine whether a difference existed between AAs and Caucasians and whether race was a significant independent predictor of outcome. Results AAs represented 36.4% (32 of 88) of our LVAD patients. The two groups did not differ significantly in the incidence of hypertension, diabetes, or chronic renal insufficiency, reoperation rates, pre-operative body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, or right ventricular function. Compared with Caucasians, AAs were significantly younger (48.6 vs 54.8 years, p = 0.019), and had a significantly higher mean body surface area ( p = 0.009) and a higher rate of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (61% vs 39%, p = 0.008). No significant difference was found in 30-day ( p = 0.12), 180-day ( p = 0.166), or 360-day ( p = 0.18) survival. Analysis by univariate Cox proportional hazard models (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]) showed race was not an independent predictor of 30-day (4.5 [0.56–35.94], p = 0.157), 180-day (3.9 [0.48–31.95], p = 0.2), or 360-day survival (1.8 [0.6–5.71], p = 0.286). Age and pre-operative renal failure were the only independent predictors of survival at 30 days (1.1 [1.02–1.19], p = 0.019; 4.99 [1.24–20], p = 0.023, respectively), 180 days (1.09 [1–1.18], p = 0.041; 4.14 [0.99–17.39], p = 0.05), and 360 days (1.05 [1–1.1], p = 0.044; 2.52 [0.94–6.75], p = 0.05). Analysis by a multivariate logistic regression model showed age and chronic renal failure were no longer statistically significant for survival at 30, 180, and 360 days. Conclusions Although multiple studies have demonstrated that AAs experience worse outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting, heart transplantation, and valve surgery, we did not find similar results in our LVAD population. More rigorous pre-operative LVAD workup, including an evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, along with more intense post-operative follow-up, may explain improved outcomes in AAs after LVAD implantation compared with other cardiac surgical procedures, although additional analysis is required.
Alloxan-induced diabetes in young vs old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

Young and old, male and female, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), were subjected to severe alloxan diabetes. Young and old diabetic SHR became emaciated with reduced heart weights and blood pressure. SHR developed progressively worsening hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia with age. Diabetic old SHR were unable to mobilize glucose or lipid, i.e., trigycerides, free fatty acids, or total cholesterol, as effectively as their younger counterparts. BUN levels were lower in older SHR and even lower in diabetic old SHR. Older SHR secreted supranormal quantities of corticosterone; young SHR secreted subnormal quantities. Old, diabetic SHR developed extensive myocardial fibrosis, cerebral edema, gonadal atrophy and extensive intimal hyalin fibrosis of the gonadal arteries, and calcification of the medium-sized testicular arteries. The genetic programming of hypertension in SHR may affect the variety of degenerative changes which develop in young vs old SHR during severe diabetes.
The Role of Mentoring and Supervisor Support for State IT Employees' Affective Organizational Commitment:

This article assesses the effects of psychosocial and career mentoring, leader—member exchange (LMX), and gender on the affective organizational commitment (AOC) of information technology (IT) employees working in one state government. Few studies have examined the relationship between mentoring and associated antecedents of the AOC of IT employees, and none has examined these relationships for public-sector workforces. The research finds that when both psychosocial and career mentoring are considered, only psychosocial mentoring was significant in predicting the AOC of state government IT employees. When considering just LMX, it was significant in predicting AOC. Neither psychosocial mentoring nor career mentoring was significant in predicting AOC if LMX is also considered. No gender differences were found for any of the variables examined.
Theories about 'theories': where is the explanation? Comment on Waxman and Gelman.

Waxman and Gelman [1] raise a central issue in cognitive development: whether all knowledge emerges from data. Their answer is ‘no’ – even in early development, the emergence of knowledge depends on rudimentary theories and data. Waxman and Gelman present four arguments to support their ‘child-as-both’ (CB) position. Their arguments, however, have a crucial limitation: no explanation is offered for how these theories come about or what the simpler components of these theories are. Consequently, in contrast to alternative accounts [2], CB fails to explain emergence of the very phenomena it enlists as supportive evidence.
Calcium lignosulfonate adsorption and desorption on Berea sandstone

This paper describes adsorption and desorption studies carried out with calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) on Berea sandstone. Circulation experiments were performed to determine CLS adsorption isotherms and the effects of CLS concentration, temperature, salinity, brine hardness, and injection rate on adsorption density. Flow-through experiments were performed to assess the reversibility of CLS adsorption and the influence of postflush rate, brine concentration, brine hardness, brine pH, and temperature on the desorption process. Results indicate that CLS adsorption isotherms on Berea sandstone follow the Freundlich isotherm law. The results presented in this paper on the effects of CLS adsorption and desorption on Berea sandstone show that: (1) increasing CLS concentration and salinity increases CLS adsorption density; (2) increasing temperature will decrease adsorption density; (3) increasing injection rate of CLS solution will slightly decrease CLS adsorption density; (4) postflush rate and salinity of brine have a large impact on the CLS desorption process; (5) the adsorption and desorption process are not completely reversible; and (5) temperature and pH of the postflush brine have little effect on desorption.
A comprehensive approach to monitoring volcano deformation as a window on the eruption cycle

[1] Since the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, volcanologists have made considerable progress toward predicting eruptions on the basis of precursors that typically start a few days to several months in advance. Although accurate eruption prediction is by no means routine, it may now be possible in some cases to extend the effective warning period by anticipating the onset of short-term precursors. Three promising indicators of deep magmatic processes are (1) deep, long-period earthquakes and tremor that indicate the ascent of magma through the crust, (2) magmatic CO2 emission rate as a proxy for magma supply rate, and (3) relatively broad, generally aseismic surface uplift caused by magmatic intrusions. In the latter case it is essential to sample the deformation field thoroughly in both time and space to adequately constrain source models. Until recently, this has been nearly impossible because high-precision sensors could not be deployed in sufficient numbers, nor could extensive geodetic surveys be conducted often enough. Advances in instrumentation, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), and telecommunications are helping to overcome these limitations. As a result, comprehensive geodetic monitoring of selected volcanoes is now feasible. A combination of InSAR, large-aperture GPS surveys, microgravity surveys, and dense arrays of continuous GPS stations, strain meters, and tiltmeters can reveal both spatial and temporal patterns of ground deformation throughout the eruption cycle. Improved geodetic monitoring of many of the world's volcanoes would be a major stride toward better understanding of magmatic processes and longer-term eruption forecasts.
The Benzo[c]phenanthridine Alkaloid, Sanguinarine, Is a Selective, Cell-active Inhibitor of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-1

Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is a dual specificity phosphatase that is overexpressed in many human tumors and can protect cells from apoptosis caused by DNA-damaging agents or cellular stress. Small molecule inhibitors of MKP-1 have not been reported, in part because of the lack of structural guidance for inhibitor design and definitive assays for MKP-1 inhibition in intact cells. Herein we have exploited a high content chemical complementation assay to analyze a diverse collection of pure natural products for cellular MKP-1 inhibition. Using two-dimensional Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics, we identified sanguinarine, a plant alkaloid with known antibiotic and antitumor activity but no primary cellular target, as a potent and selective inhibitor of MKP-1. Sanguinarine inhibited cellular MKP-1 with an IC50 of 10 microM and showed selectivity for MKP-1 over MKP-3. Sanguinarine also inhibited MKP-1 and the MKP-1 like phosphatase, MKP-L, in vitro with IC50 values of 17.3 and 12.5 microM, respectively, and showed 5-10-fold selectivity for MKP-3 and MKP-1 over VH-1-related phosphatase, Cdc25B2, or protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B. In a human tumor cell line with high MKP-1 levels, sanguinarine caused enhanced ERK and JNK/SAPK phosphorylation. A close congener of sanguinarine, chelerythrine, also inhibited MKP-1 in vitro and in whole cells, and activated ERK and JNK/SAPK. In contrast, sanguinarine analogs lacking the benzophenanthridine scaffold did not inhibit MKP-1 in vitro or in cells nor did they cause ERK or JNK/SAPK phosphorylation. These data illustrate the utility of a chemical complementation assay linked with multiparameter high content cellular screening.