cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Standard methods for heat capacity measurements on a Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System

Abstract The commercial availability of the Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) by Quantum Design has significantly increased access to heat capacity measurements on a wide variety of materials. Although the PPMS can routinely measure the heat capacities of thermally conducting materials with high accuracy, specialized sample mounting techniques must be used for insulating powders, and the analysis of first order transitions also requires non-standard methods. The concern is that many users are not aware of these constraints when measuring the heat capacity of a diverse array of materials, and therefore, the heat capacity data reported in the literature can be unreliable. In this paper, we provide an extensive and critical review of the heat capacity data reported in the literature measured using the Quantum Design PPMS. The purpose is to provide a de facto standard for sample mounting and data analysis methods suitable for the reporting of accurate thermodynamic data.
Remuneration systems of community health workers in India and promoted maternal health outcomes: a cross-sectional study

This study assessed the association of remuneration systems of paid-for-performance Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and salaried Anganwadi workers (AWWs) on seven maternal health outcomes in four states in India: Andhra Pradesh (AP), Chhattisgarh, Odisha (Orissa), and Uttar Pradesh (UP). The cross-sectional study surveyed mothers of children aged 6–23 months. A total of 3455 mothers were selected via multistage cluster sampling. The seven health outcomes related to the community health worker (CHW) visits were: institutional delivery, complete immunization, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, timely introduction of complementary feeding, continued breastfeeding during child’s illness, handwashing, and awareness of Nutrition and Health Days (NHDs). The results varied by state. Mothers who received ASHA visits were significantly less likely to have an institutional delivery, timely introduction of complementary feeding, awareness of Nutrition and Health Days (NHDs), proper handwashing, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months in at least one of the four states. Conversely, AWW’s home visits were positively predictive of the following health outcomes in certain states: complete immunization for index child, continued breastfeeding during the child’s illness, handwashing, and awareness of NHDs. ASHAs’ home visits were not more strongly associated with health outcomes for which they were paid than outcomes for which they were unpaid. AWWs’ home visits were positively associated with awareness of NHDs, and associations varied for other recommended health behaviors. Further research could elucidate the causes for successes and failures of CHW programs in different states of India.
Irritant-evoked activation and calcium modulation of the TRPA1 receptor.

The transient receptor potential ion channel TRPA1 is expressed by primary afferent nerve fibres, in which it functions as a low-threshold sensor for structurally diverse electrophilic irritants, including small volatile environmental toxicants and endogenous algogenic lipids1. TRPA1 is also a ‘receptor-operated’ channel whose activation downstream of metabotropic receptors elicits inflammatory pain or itch, making it an attractive target for novel analgesic therapies2. However, the mechanisms by which TRPA1 recognizes and responds to electrophiles or cytoplasmic second messengers remain unknown. Here we use strutural studies and electrophysiology to show that electrophiles act through a two-step process in which modification of a highly reactive cysteine residue (C621) promotes reorientation of a cytoplasmic loop to enhance nucleophilicity and modification of a nearby cysteine (C665), thereby stabilizing the loop in an activating configuration. These actions modulate two restrictions controlling ion permeation, including widening of the selectivity filter to enhance calcium permeability and opening of a canonical gate at the cytoplasmic end of the pore. We propose a model to explain functional coupling between electrophile action and these control points. We also characterize a calcium-binding pocket that is highly conserved across TRP channel subtypes and accounts for all aspects of calcium-dependent TRPA1 regulation, including potentiation, desensitization and activation by metabotropic receptors. These findings provide a structural framework for understanding how a broad-spectrum irritant receptor is controlled by endogenous and exogenous agents that elicit or exacerbate pain and itch. Electrophiles activate the transient receptor potential ion channel TRPA1 by a two-step cysteine modification mechanism, which stabilizes a cytoplasmic loop that controls gating and calcium permeability.
Countercation-Controlled Nuclearity of Zr/Hf Peroxo Oxalates

Understanding fundamental differences between zirconium and hafnium chemistry contributes to our fundamental understanding of the periodic table, and leads to devising necessary separations for hig...
Abstract TP362: Stroke Order Set Utilization Improves Performance Measures and Decreases Length of Stay

Introduction: Stroke quality programs aim to ensure patients receive evidence based care by measuring patient outcomes and adherence to core measures. Site specific stroke order sets embedded in EH...
Comparative plasma proteomics in muscle atrophy during cancer-cachexia and disuse: The search for atrokines

Skeletal muscle atrophy is common across a variety of pathologies. Underlying mechanisms of atrophy differ between pathologies, and in many conditions, circulating factors are tied to muscle atrophy. Therefore, we sought to identify alterations to the plasma proteome across divergent forms of muscle atrophy, disuse and cancer cachexia, as potential mediators of atrophy. C57BL6/J mice were assigned to Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC)-induced cachexia, disuse by hindlimb unloading (HU), or control (CON). Plasma samples were submitted for discovery proteomics and targets of interest confirmed by immunoblot. Considerably more peptides were altered in plasma from LLC (91) than HU (9) as compared to CON. Five total proteins were similarly modulated in HU and LLC compared to CON, none reached criteria for differential expression. Serum Amyloid A1 (SAA) was 4 and 6 Log2 FC greater in LLC than CON or HU, respectively, confirmed by immunoblot. Recent reports suggest SAA is sufficient to induce atrophy via TLR. Therefore, we assessed TLR2,4, and IL-6 mRNAs in hindlimb muscles. TLR mRNAs were not altered, suggesting SAA effects on atrophy during LLC are independent of TLR signaling. However, we noted > 6-fold induction of IL-6 in soleus of HU mice, despite minimal shift in the plasma proteome, indicating potential localized inflammation in atrophying muscle. Furthermore, paraoxonase 1 (PON1) was highly repressed in LLC mice and largely undetectable by immunoblot in this group. Our data suggest SAA and PON1 as potential novel atrokines for cancer cachexia and indicate localized inflammation in atrophying muscles independent of the plasma proteome.
The library as a liminal space: Finding a seat of one's own

Abstract Although library seating plays an undeniable role in the use and arrangement of multifunctional spaces, it rarely is the sole focus of scholarly inquiry. However, we were able to study the topic more extensively after furniture was moved and integrated into another building during an initial phase of an ongoing renovation project at our academic library. We conducted a written snapshot survey of patrons in the main circulating stacks, asking them about their primary use of library space, but more specifically about their furniture preferences, including type and location. Ninety percent of respondents indicated that they actively sought out a particular type of seating. These and other data collected have potential implications for evaluating the cost effectiveness of furnishings and the optimal use of existing spaces.
The cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) of Ecuador including the description of five new species, a new subtribe, four new synonymies, and fifteen new records.

The known cicada fauna of Ecuador is identified. Durangona exechopyga n. sp., Calyria chaetoacontia n. sp., Calyria xiphion n. sp., Carineta coronida n. sp., and Carineta tiarata n. sp. are described as new. The subtribe Plautillina Distant, 1905h rev. stat. is formed for the genera Plautilla Stal, 1865 and Onoralna Boulard, 1996 within the Zammarini Distant, 1905b. Zammara erna Schmidt, 1919 n. syn., Orellana brunneipennis Goding, 1925 n. syn. and Orellana pulla Goding, 1925 n. syn. are reported to be junior synonyms of Zammara intricata Walker, 1850 and Coata facialis var. Jacobi 1907a n. syn. is shown to be unavailable and a junior synonym of Coata facialis Distant 1906b. The first records of Fidicinoides besti Boulard & Martinelli, 1996, Fidicinoides brunnea Boulard & Martinelli, 1996, Fidicinoides descampsi Boulard & Martinelli, 1996, Fidicinoides ptychodiropeda Sanborn 2020b, Ariasa bilaqueata (Uhler, 1903), Guyalna bicolor (Olivier, 1790), Guyalna dyticamazona Sanborn, 2020b, Calyria fenestrata (Fabricius, 1803), Taphura boulardi Sanborn, 2011a, Carineta lichiana Boulard, 1986a, Carineta peruviana Distant, 1905c, Carineta producta Walker, 1858b, Carineta rufescens (Fabricius, 1803), Herrera concolor Sanborn, 2019b and Toulgoetalna tavakiliani Boulard, 1982 are provided. The new records represent the first records for Ariasa Distant 1905d, Calyria Stal, 1862, the tribe Parnisini Distant, 1905e, and Toulgoetalna Boulard, 1982, in Ecuador. The record for Calyria fenestrata is the first known specific locality for the species. An additional first record of Fidicinoides besti is provided for Colombia to expand the known distribution of this species. Previous records of Zammara calochroma Walker, 1858a, Dorisiana semilata (Walker, 1850), Carineta bilineosa Walker, 1858b, Carineta fasciculata (Germar, 1821), and Selymbria stigmatica (Germar, 1834) are considered to be misidentifications of Dorisiana metcalfi Sanborn & Heath, 2014 (= Cicada viridis Olivier, 1790), C. maculosa Torres, 1848, C. pilifera Walker, 1858a, and S. ecuadorensis Sanborn, 2019a, respectively, so that Z. calochroma, D. semilata, C. bilineosa, C. fasciculata, and S. stigmatica are removed from the cicada fauna of Ecuador. In addition, Chilecicada occidentis (Walker, 1850) is removed from the Ecuadorian cicada fauna as the species is restricted to Chile. The currently known Ecuadorian cicada fauna is comprised of 98 species from 24 genera, nine tribes and three subfamilies.
Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) in bipolar and unipolar depression

Abstract Unipolar and bipolar depression are virtually indistinguishable at the behavioral level, yet likely show meaningful differences in underlying pathophysiology. Resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) has provided a methodological window into the pathophysiology of mood disorders at the level of neurocircuitry, with greater potential for methodological standardization and generalizability than traditional task-based approaches. In this chapter, we review the existing rsfMRI literature on unipolar and bipolar depression, in an attempt to synthesize findings and probe both the overlap and divergence in neurocircuit function underlying these disorders. Existing rsfMRI studies of unipolar and bipolar depression converge upon disrupted functional connectivity within neural networks supporting self-referential (default mode network), affective and reward (salience network), and executive control (frontoparietal control network) functions. Unipolar depression is distinguished from bipolar depression by increased default mode and decreased salience network within-network functional connectivity. In contrast, bipolar depression is distinguished from unipolar depression by more diffuse disruptions in cortico-striatal-limbic-subcortical and somatosensory functional connectivity. Challenges to the interpretation of rsfMRI and implications for future intervention development are discussed.
Der heiße Urknall

In einem expandierenden Universum wird die Materie verdunnt, wenn das Volumen des Universums groser wird.
Differences in antibiotic prescriptions between direct-to-consumer telehealth and telehealth in the emergency department:

BackgroundTelemedicine, which allows physicians to assess and treat patients via real-time audiovisual conferencing, is a rapidly growing modality for providing medical care. Antibiotic stewardship...
LOCAL INFILTRATION ANAESTHESIA IN SPINE SURGERY

1. Local infiltration anaesthesia with procaine solution and adrenalin is the preferred anaesthesia for most spine operations including fusions, laminectomies, and combined procedures. 2. Local infiltration anaesthesia with procaine should be preceded by the administration of a barbiturate as a mild sedative, but primarily to prevent procaine reactions. 3. The introduction of the procaine solution through drill holes reduced or eliminated endosteal pain caused by the motor saw or osteotome, when cutting full-thickness tibia! grafts. 4. It is suggested, by the last two cases in this series, that equal amounts of the solution, 0.5 per cent. procaine with adrenalin is as satisfactory an anaesthetic agent for infiltration anaesthesia as 1-per-cent. procaine with adrenalin. 5. In a recent series of fifty-four spine operations from 1939 to 1942 the incidence of complications was satisfactorily low.
Identifying nonlinear dynamic systems using neural nets and evolutionary programming

Nonlinear system behavior is not always well characterized by linearized system models, especially if the system is chaotic. This research studies the use of a neural network algorithm structure to model two nonlinear systems, a quadratic system and a chaotic system. An evolutionary programming approach is employed to train the neural nets so that the training process might better avoid selecting weighting parameters that represent a local minimum rather than a global minimum. This training approach is compared with the more standard backpropagation technique. >
Using reasoning patterns to help humans solve complex games

We propose a novel method for helping humans make good decisions in complex games, for which common equilibrium solutions may be too difficult to compute or not relevant. Our method leverages and augments humans' natural use of arguments in the decision making process. We believe that, if computers were capable of generating similar arguments from the mathematical description of a game, and presented those to a human decision maker, the synergies would result in better performance overall. The theory of reasoning patterns naturally lends itself to such a use. We use reasoning patterns to derive localized evaluation functions for each decision in a game, then present their output to humans. We have implemented this approach in a repeated principal-agent game, and used it to generate advice given to subjects. Experimental results show that humans who received advice performed better than those who did not.
Cysteine mutants of light chain-2 form disulfide bonds in skeletal muscle myosin.

Multiple disulfide bonds form in recombinant myosin light chain-2 mutants that contain an engineered cysteine at positions 2, 73, or 94, in addition to the endogenous cysteines at residues 126 and 155 (Saraswat, L.D., and Lowey, S. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 1977). By replacing one of the native cysteines with an alanine, mutants with a single pair of thiols were created: Cys2/Cys155, Cys2/Cys126, Cys73/Cys155 and Cys94/Cys155. Oxidation of these mutants resulted in a fast migrating band on nonreducing SDS gels, which was attributed to an intramolecular disulfide bond. To determine if disulfide formation could also occur when the light chains (LC) are bound to the myosin heavy chains, LCs were added to myosin which had been depleted of its native LC2 by an immunoadsorbent. When the reconstituted myosin was reacted with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) in the absence of divalent cations, intramolecular disulfide bonds formed in the mutant and wild type LCs, but the LCs did not remain bound to the myosin heavy chains. Addition of magnesium ions prevented LC dissociation, but intramolecular disulfide bonds no longer formed. Instead, mutants containing cysteines in the NH2-terminal domain formed intermolecular disulfide bonds between the two heads of myosin. The ability to cross-link the heads demonstrates the existence of close head/head interactions in the myosin molecule, a feature that may be essential for regulation.
Studying the effects of personalized language and worked examples in the context of a web-based intelligent tutor

Previous studies have demonstrated the learning benefit of personalized language and worked examples. However, previous investigators have primarily been interested in how these interventions support students as they problem solve with no other cognitive support. We hypothesized that personalized language added to a web-based intelligent tutor and worked examples provided as complements to the tutor would improve student (e-)learning. However, in a 2 x 2 factorial study, we found that personalization and worked examples had no significant effects on learning. On the other hand, there was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest across all conditions, suggesting that the online intelligent tutor present in all conditions did make a difference in learning. We conjecture why personalization and, especially, the worked examples did not have the hypothesized effect in this preliminary experiment, and discuss a new study we have begun to further investigate these effects.
Cyclical Behavior of the Tidal Inlet at Nauset Beach, Chatham, Massachusetts

Study of historical data concerning shoreline forms and change on southeastern Cape Cod over the past 200 years revealed a cyclical pattern of change in the barrier beach system off Chatham, Massachusetts, with a period of approximately 150 years. Based on the observed patterns and deductions concerning the processes controlling those patterns, predictions of breaching of the barrier beach and new inlet formation were provided to local coastal resource managers, reducing the negative impacts accompanying the formation of the new inlet when it eventually occurred.
Traveling Standard Lamp Calibration Checks on Dobson Ozone Spectrophotometers during 1981–83

Calibrated standard lamps were sent to 87 Dobson spectrophotometer observatories during 1981–83 to check on the calibration level of Dobson instruments in the global total ozone station network. Data received from 78 stations indicated that 21 instruments required recalibration. Since completion of the tests, instruments in Peru and Thailand have been recalibrated. Arrangements are under way to conduct international comparisons of Dobson instruments in Melbourne, Australia, in late 1984. Participating countries will be Australia, India, Japan, and the United States.
Counseling in Audiology, or Learning to Listen

Because of a "technology explosion," audiologists have more options than ever in providing for their patients' hearing needs. However, relatively few individuals with hearing loss seek out amplification, and those who do frequently report dissatisfaction with the quality of their interactions with audiologists. Most audiologists did not have coursework in counseling in their graduate programs, which may account for patient complaints. As part of a course development evaluation of an audiology counseling course, a preliminary study was conducted to examine two student learning objectives: to learn how to differentiate between content messages and affective messages and to learn how to respond to each type of message appropriately. Pre- and postcourse data collected from two cohorts of audiology graduate students indicated that (a) before taking the course, students were likely to provide informational responses to personal adjustment comments (a type of "communication mismatch"), and (b) at the end of the ...
Suggestion of concomitant changes of electric power consumption and childhood leukemia in Greece

Over a 14-year period (1976–89) 679 deaths from childhood leukemia were registered in Greece and the corresponding mortality over this period declined by almost 70%, with no evidence of differentia...
Implementation of a Hybrid Approach to Improve Resident Performance on the American Board of Podiatric Surgery In-training Exam

The American Board of Podiatry Surgery (ABPS) examination is given after completion of residency training. Successfully passing this test is pivotal for the practice of podiatric medicine. Traditionally, preparation for this exam consists of in-person lectures given by surgical faculty and the self-study method of reading podiatric manuals. A new method will be introduced using hybrid modules with corresponding online examinations. The results from this new technique will be compared to previous scores to assess whether or not this method is advantageous.
GRP94-associated Enzymatic Activities RESOLUTION BY CHROMATOGRAPHIC FRACTIONATION

GRP94 (gp96), which performs established functions as a molecular chaperone and immune system modulator, has been reported to display a number of intrinsic enzymatic activities, including ATP hydrolysis, protein phosphorylation, and aminopeptidase. In observing that GRP94 co-purified with bacterial β-galactosidase through multiple chromatographic steps, we have examined the hypothesis that the reported enzymatic activities of GRP94 may reflect co-purification of contaminant enzymes, rather than intrinsic catalytic functions. In subjecting GRP94 to increasingly stringent chromatographic purification, we report that a GRP94 carboxyl-terminal directed protein kinase activity could be separated from GRP94 by heparin affinity chromatography. Analysis of the kinase substrate specificity indicates that this kinase is distinct from casein kinase II, which is known to co-purify with GRP94. Electrophoretically pure GRP94 displayed low, but significant levels of aminopeptidase activity. Further purification of GRP94 by anion exchange and heparin affinity chromatography yielded resolution of GRP94 from the aminopeptidase activity. Furthermore, exhaustive trypsinolysis of GRP94 preparations displaying aminopeptidase activity yielded complete proteolysis of GRP94 but did not affect aminopeptidase activity. These results are discussed with respect to current models for GRP94 function and the role of such co-purifying (poly)peptides in the generation of GRP94-dependent cellular immune responses.
Chemotactic attraction between hemocytes of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica, and bacteria

Abstract Experiments were conducted to ascertain whether there is chemotactic attraction by Bacillus megaterium and Micrococcus varians, both Gram-positive species, and Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, both Gram-negative species, for hemocytes of the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica. It was ascertained quantitatively that oyster hemocytes are attracted to live E. coli, B. megaterium, and M. varians but not to heat-killed bacteria. Furthermore, oyster cells are not attracted to either live or heat-killed V. parahaemolyticus. It is concluded that the chemoattractant is some molecule emitted by living vegetative cells of certain Gram-positive as well as Gramnegative bacteria.
Pregnancy After Cardiac Transplantation: Principles of Nursing Care

The number of cardiac transplants for chronic end-stage disease, congenital heart disease, and primary pulmonary hypertension has increased during the past 20 years. Decreased symptoms, decreased incidence of rejection, and greater tolerance of medical regimens have improved the quality of life for heart transplant recipients. Women of childbearing age who have undergone cardiac transplantation may now consider pregnancy. The principles of nursing care for pregnant women who have undergone heart transplantation are presented in this article. A case report of pregnancy after cardiac transplantation is included.
Comparison Of Shock Structure Solutions Using Independent Continuum And Kinetic Theory Approaches

A vehicle traversing the atmosphere will experience flight regimes at high altitudes in which the thickness of a hypersonic shock wave is not small compared to the shock standoff distance from the hard body. When this occurs, it is essential to compute accurate flow field solutions within the shock structure. In this paper, one-dimensional shock structure is investigated for various monatomic gases from Mach 1.4 to Mach 35. Kinetic theory solutions are computed using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method. Steady-state solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations and of a slightly truncated form of the Burnett equations are determined by relaxation to a steady state of the time-dependent continuum equations. Monte Carlo results are in excellent agreement with published experimental data and are used as bases of comparison for continuum solutions. For a Maxwellian gas, the truncated Burnett equations are shown to produce far more accurate solutions of shock structure than the Navier-Stokes equations.
Proteome–genome complexity as a metric of refractory disease

Treatment decisions for refractory diseases are frequently challenging because the benefits of disease-free survival and relief of symptoms must be balanced against the severity and frequency of side effects. A precise measure of disease resistance would therefore be valuable when assessing possible treatment strategies. In recent years there has been much interest in the modeling of proteomes and genomes as a means of identifying major pathways of disease causation. We suggest that these analyses may offer the additional benefit of quantifying refractory.
Influence of psychosocial development and life events on the health practices of adults.

The purpose of this study was to examine variables believed to contribute to healthy life-styles of adults. Psychosocial development and the presence of stressors (i.e., life changes) were selected...
A coupled solid/fluids mixture theory that suffices for diffusion problems

In this paper, I begin with the general formulation of mixture theory by Bowen and present the derivation of a minimal set of field equations, constitutive relations, and material parameters suitable for the solutions of meaningful diffusion problems. The specific results are for a single solid and two fluids, and they may be extended to any number of fluids. I allude to the results of three problems, viz. (1) the injection of a fluid into a geological formation saturated with another fluid, (2) the drainage of two dissimilar fluids from a geological formation due to in-situ fluid pore pressures, and (3) the process of squeezing a sponge dry, in order to illustrate the general applicability of the derived theory.
Vapor phase addition method to investigate the monomer transport at the latex particle interface

Abstract In emulsion polymerization, monomer can be transferred into the polymer particles either by the diffusion from the aqueous phase or by the collision between the monomer droplets and the polymer particles. To investigate only the diffusional monomer transfer rate at the latex particle interface, a vapor phase addition method was developed. In this method, monomer is transferred from a separate reservoir to the aqueous phase, and then into the latex particles. Because there are no monomer droplets in the aqueous phase, the monomer transfer occurs only by diffusion. The vapor and the water phase resistances were minimized to the extent that the particle interfacial resistance dominated. Using this method, overall mass transfer coefficient of the particle-water interphase, K wp , can be calculated using conventional mass transfer expressions. For example, vinyl acetate monomer mass transfer coefficient, for monodisperse polystyrene latex particles stabilized with ionic surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate, was determined. K wp , was found to be independent of the agitator speed in the range of 400–500 rpm. The calculated value of K wp was in the order of 10 −7 cm/min.
X-matrices as a platform for studying multipartite entanglement

We derive an algebraic formula for the genuinely multipartite entanglement of a N-qubit X state. The entanglement dynamics of a N-qubit GHZ-state is a decoherence scenario. We also show that the mixedness of a state limits its entanglement, and the critical mixedness, beyond which no X-state is entangled, increases with the number of qubits.
Phenomenology, methods and experimental program for fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactors (FHRs)

Abstract Due to their combination of high-temperature coated-particle fuel, molten salt coolant and related materials requirements, fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactors (FHRs) exhibit different thermal hydraulic, neutronic and structural mechanics phenomena compared to conventional and more extensively studied other advanced nuclear reactor concepts. This paper highlights key phenomena unique to FHRs, and reviews general issues for developing, verifying, and validating evaluation models for FHR technology that may apply to other advanced reactors. System response codes that are appropriate to predict the behavior of FHRs under steady-state operation and licensing basis events are identified, along with experimental data needs to validate these codes. FHR materials requirements are highlighted, and the missions and licensing program for an FHR test reactor, providing ultimate validation data and proof of concept before a commercial prototype is built, are presented. This review draws upon information compiled in a series of four white papers based on FHR experts workshops held in 2012 in the U.S.
Microseparations of cesium and barium in glass

A chemical micro-separation of Cs and Ba in complex glass with a high lanthanide content is presented. High purity silica, with and without Cs and Ba fortification, was subjected to identical dissolution, microseparation, and analysis as a control glass matrix. Dissolution was performed with hot concentrated nitric and hydrofluoric acids followed by fluoride complexation with boric acid, evolution of excess boric acid as methyl borate, and finally conversion to soluble nitrate species in 3 M nitric acid. Separation was performed with a miniature gas pressurized extraction chromatography system using a column packed with Eichrom Sr resin™. High purity 3 M nitric acid was used to rinse Cs through the column and high purity 1% acetic acid was used to strip Ba from the resin. Quantitative recovery of both Cs (99.5 ± 0.7%) and Ba (99.1 ± 2.0%) was achieved in the lanthanide glass matrix and no statistically significant difference was observed in Cs or Ba recovery in the control high purity silica.
Localization of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in the retinal pigment epithelium and visual receptors cells

Abstract The activities of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and other enzymes of the γ-glutamyl cycle, a series of reactions that catalyzes the synthesis and utilization of glutathione, were studied in the rabbit retina. Histochemical studies demonstrated that γ-glutamyl transpeptidase is localized in the visual receptor cells and the retinal pigment epithelium. Rat and mouse retinas revealed similar localizations of transpeptidase. These findings are in accord with the view that γ-glutamyl transpeptidase is involved in the transport of amino acids between the retinal pigment epithelium and the avascular visual receptor cells.
Management of Severe Urethral Complications of Prostate Cancer Therapy

Purpose: We present our management of urethral stenosis and rectourinary fistula resulting from prostate cancer therapy. We concentrated on cases refractory to minimally invasive treatment, such as dilation, urethrotomy, and urinary and/or fecal diversion.Materials and Methods: In our prospectively collected urethral reconstruction database we identified patients who underwent reconstruction of urethral stenosis or rectourinary fistula who also received prior treatment for prostate cancer. We documented demographics, prostate cancer pretreatment characteristics, prostate cancer therapy type, urethral reconstruction type and success.Results: A total of 48 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 16 with rectourinary fistula and 32 with urethral stenosis. Urethral complications followed prior radical prostatectomy, brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy, cryotherapy, thermal ablation and any combination of these procedures. Stenosis repair was successful in 23 of 32 cases (73%) and it differed litt...
Comparison of AOTF, grating, and FTS imaging spectrometers for hyperspectral remote sensing applications

In this paper we compare the performance for effluent gas detection of three types of imaging spectrometers. The spectrometers compared are the grating and Fourier Transform (FTS) for their wide implementation and the Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) for its unique feature of spectral tunability. The analysis is performed in the thermal emission region of spectra using Raytheon developed software simulation and modeling tools. The paper concludes with a proposed system design and architecture considerations for an AOTF-based hyperspectral and polarimetric imaging sensor for airborne and spaceborne platforms.
Formation and Control of Agglomerates in Alumina Powder

High-purity alumina powder with submicrometer particle size was colloidally dispersed and classified in either water or ethanol to remove agglomerates from as-received powder. After the slurries were dried, fine alumina particles cohered to form agglomerates, which were “hard” when formed in a water slurry, and “soft” in an ethanol slurry. Firing of the powder compacts with “hard” agglomerates resulted in inhomogeneous microstructures, and homogeneous microstructures were formed with “soft” agglomerates. The reasons for their formation are discussed and experimentally confirmed. In the case of water slurry, a small amount of transition alumina reacted with water at low pH. After drying, alumina gels were formed and acted as a strong binder between α-alumina particles to form “hard” agglomerates.
Effect of catecholamines and angiotensin on cyclic AMP in rat aorta and tail artery.

Abstract The effect of catecholamines and angiotensin on 3 H-cyclic AMP levels and on adenyl cyclase activity in the rat aorta and tail artery was investigated in order to study the role of cyclic AMP in vascular smooth muscle contraction. The results are consistent with the concept that vasodilatation is associated with an increase and vasoconstriction with a decrease, in 3 H-cyclic AMP levels in vascular smooth muscle. Vasoactive drugs probably influence the 3 H-cyclic AMP level by changing adenyl cyclase activity. However, the link between alterations in amounts of cyclic AMP and vascular smooth muscle contraction is not yet known.
Evidence for a reexcitability gap in man after treatment with type I antiarrhythmic drugs

The intention of this study was to determine whether type IA antiarrhythmic drugs cause a disparity between refractoriness and repolarization, and if so, its magnitude. We simultaneously measured monophasic action potential duration (MAPD) and effective refractory period (ERP) at a right ventricular site in 11 patients without overt right ventricular disease. The pacing protocol, which included sinus rhythm and a 600 and 400 msec cycle length of ventricular drive, was performed at baseline and after the intravenous administration of 15 mg/kg of procainamide in nine patients, and of 10 mg/kg of quinidine in two patients. Despite trivial changes in sinus rates, drug therapy caused a 10% to 17% increase in MAPD and ERP that shortened with decreasing drive cycle lengths. At baseline there was a small gap (10 to 13 msec) between MAPD and ERP in sinus rhythm and with a 600 or 400 msec drive. However, the type IA drug caused a significant widening of this gap that was most profound in sinus rhythm (45 msec) and that shortened but was not abolished with a 600 and 400 msec drive (28 and 29 msec, respectively). The disparity was caused in one third of cases by postrepolarization refractoriness. Type I drugs increase the difference between repolarization and refractoriness, and this effect is partially reversed with increases in heart rate. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
On the solution of integral equations with strongly singular kernels

Some useful formulas are developed to evaluate integrals having a singularity of the form (t-x) sup-m ,m greater than or equal 1. Interpreting the integrals with strong singularities in Hadamard sense, the results are used to obtain approximate solutions of singular integral equations. A mixed boundary value problem from the theory of elasticity is considered as an example. Particularly for integral equations where the kernel contains, in addition to the dominant term (t-x) sup -m , terms which become unbounded at the end points, the present technique appears to be extremely effective to obtain rapidly converging numerical results.
Novel stimulatory role for insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 in prostate cancer cells.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is a complex system composed of 2 mitogenic ligands, IGF-I and -II, 2 receptors, IGF-1R and IGF-2R, and 6 binding proteins, IGFBP-1 to -6. The IGFBPs exert their actions through their regulation of IGF bioavailability for IGF receptors. In addition, some IGFBPs have also been found to have direct cellular actions independent of IGFs. IGFBP-2 is a major IGFBP in the prostate and in seminal fluid. IGFBP-2 levels, which are elevated in many malignancies, are markedly increased in prostate cancer, and show a positive correlation with prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate tumor aggressiveness. We investigated the potential role of IGFBP-2 in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer by evaluating its ability to stimulate growth and the expression and activity of the nuclear enzyme, telomerase. We found IGFBP-2 to have a modest suppressive effect on the growth of primary cultures of normal prostate epithelial cells and a potent IGF-antagonistic effect in these cells, similar to previous reports on the inhibitory nature of this molecule. Surprisingly, IGFBP-2 had a potent stimulatory effect on growth of LAPC-4 prostate cancer cells, an effect that was more pronounced in the absence of androgens. IGFBP-2 growth stimulation of LAPC-4 cells was completely blocked by MAP-kinase inhibitors and partially blocked by PI3-kinase inhibitors. IGFBP-2 stimulation of LAPC-4 cell growth seen in serum-free conditions was lost in the presence of 10% FBS. IGFBP-2 also had a growth stimulatory effect on DU 145 prostate cancer cells. IGFBP-2 significantly stimulated telomerase activity in LAPC-4 cells in the absence of androgens. In addition, IGFBP-2 significantly stimulated hTERT expression and telomerase activity in DU 145 cells. Thus, we demonstrated an inhibitory effect of IGFBP-2 on non-malignant prostate cells, but showed it to be stimulatory for prostate cancer cells in a MAP-kinase and androgen-modulated process. In conclusion, IGFBP-2 may play a role in the progression, but not in the initiation of the prostate cancer disease process, suggesting the existence of a molecular switch transitioning IGFBP-2 from a growth inhibitor to a pro-carcinogenic molecule. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The comparative efficacy and toxicity of second‐line drugs in rheumatoid arthritis results of two metaanalyses

We performed 2 metaanalyses of placebo-controlled and comparative clinical trials to examine the relative efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate (MTX), injectable gold, D-penicillamine (DP), sulfasalazine (SSZ), auranofin (AUR), and antimalarial drugs, the second-line drugs most commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For the efficacy study, we applied a set of inclusion criteria and focused on trials which provided information on tender joint count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or grip strength. We found 66 clinical trials that contained 117 treatment groups of interest, and for each drug, we combined the treatment groups. For each outcome, results showed that AUR tended to be weaker than other second-line drugs. The results of the 3 outcome measures were synthesized into a composite measure of outcomes, and AUR was significantly weaker than MTX (P = 0.006), injectable gold (P < 0.0001), DP (P < 0.0001), and SSZ (P = 0.009) and was slightly, but not significantly, weaker than antimalarial agents (P = 0.11). We also found heterogeneity among antimalarial agents, in that patients treated with chloroquine did better than those treated with hydroxychloroquine. We found little difference in efficacy between MTX, injectable gold, DP, and SSZ. A power analysis showed that a trial should contain at least 170 patients per treatment group to successfully differentiate between more effective and less effective (e.g., AUR) second-line drugs. None of the reported interdrug comparative trials we reviewed were this large. For the toxicity study, our inclusion criteria captured RA trials which reported the proportion of patients who discontinued therapy because of drug toxicity and the total proportion who dropped out. We found 71 clinical trials that contained 129 treatment groups. The average proportion who dropped out and the average proportion who dropped out because of drug toxicity were computed for each drug. Overall, 30.2% of the patients in these trials dropped out; 50% of them did so because of drug toxicity. Injectable gold had higher toxicity rates (P < 0.05) and higher total dropout rates (P < 0.01) than any other drug; 30% of goldtreated patients dropped out because of side effects versus 15% of all trial patients. Antimalarial drugs and AUR had relatively low rates of toxicity; the rate for MTX was imprecise because of discrepancies between trials. Thus, of the commonly used second-line drugs, AUR is the weakest, and injectable gold is the most toxic. Agents introduced in the future will be compared with these drugs. If a curative drug is not found, large multicenter trials or data synthesis from multiple drug trials may be necessary to identify new treatment regimens that have promise.
Glycemic control and cardiovascular mortality.

Purpose of reviewDiabetes mellitus is associated with several-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events, including death, yet whether treatment of hyperglycemia can reduce this risk remains controversial.Recent findingsEpidemiologic associations between hyperglycemia and cardiovascular risk have
Particle-in-Cell Code Analysis of Charging Hazards and Wake Studies Experiment

The Charging Hazards and Wake Studies (CHAWS) experiment characterized the ion current collection to a negatively biased Langmuir probemounted in the wake of the Wake Shield Facility (WSF) during the STS-60 and STS-69 (CHAWS I and II) missions. A three-dimensional particle-in-cell code is applied in analysis of the three data categories: high-voltagewake (> 100V ), low-voltagewake (< 100V ), and data obtainedwhen the shield was inverted and the probe pointing into the plasma  ow (ram-oriented data). The high-voltageanalysis  nds that the code underpredicts the data by about a factor of two when the code inputs are the detector measurement of plasma density and ion temperature, assuming that all of the plasma ions were O+ and assuming that the electron temperature was 1.5 times the ion temperature. Analysis in the other two categories allowed identi cation of the input error. The low-voltage analysis rules out lowMach number  ow, which contributes disproportionately to the current, demonstrating that it was composed of H+ (rather than ionized contamination from the Shuttle/WSF or turbulent O+ ) and not present in quantities signi cant enough to invalidate the all O+ assumption of the code. The ram-oriented data analysis, in conjunctionwith space charge limited collection theory and InternationalReference on the Ionosphere, 1990 version (IRI-90), prediction, suggests that the CHAWS detectors underestimated the ambient plasma density and thereby reconciles the high-voltagecode–data comparison. Other signi cant  ndings of this work include location of O+ collection turn-on voltages, the possibility that electron heating (Te 5Ti ) occurred in the ram direction, and the code demonstration of wake-side collection insensitivity to Te, con rming its orbit motion limited nature.
Effect of dietary supplementation of soybeans on experimental metastasis of melanoma cells in mice

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of soybean protein isolate (SPI) on experimental metastasis of B16BL6 murine melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice. Four groups of mice were fed a basal AIN‐93G diet or the basal diet supplemented with 10%, 15%, or 20% SPI for two weeks before and after the intravenous injection of 0.75 × 10s cells. At necropsy the number of tumors that developed in the lungs and their cross‐sectional area were determined, and tumor volume was calculated. In the control group, 12 of the 15 mice had ≥11 lung tumors. In contrast, only 3 or 4 of the 15 mice fed the SPI diets had ≥11 tumors. The incidence of metastasis was 93%, 60%, 53%, and 53%, and the median number of lung tumors was 53, 2, 2, and 1 in mice fed the basal, 10%, 15%, and 20% SPI diets, respectively. Tumor cross‐sectional area and tumor volume of SPI groups were significantly decreased compared with the controls. These results demonstrate that dietary supplementation of ...
Predicting physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents: A test of the information, motivation, behavioral skills model

Most adolescents do not meet national recommendations regarding physical activity and/or the intake of fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to explore whether variables in the information, motivation, behavioral skills (IMB) model of health promotion predicted physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake in 404 adolescents from 2 high schools in the Southwest United States using structural equation modeling (SEM). The SEM models included theoretical constructs, contextual variables, and moderators. The theoretical relationships in the IMB model were confirmed and were moderated by gender and race. Interventions that incorporate cognitive-behavioral skills building may be a key factor for promoting physical activity as well as fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents.
Ecological constraint and the evolution of sexual dichromatism in darters

It is not known how environmental pressures and sexual selection interact to influence the evolution of extravagant male traits. Sexual and natural selection are often viewed as antagonistic forces shaping the evolution of visual signals, where conspicuousness is favored by sexual selection and crypsis is favored by natural selection. Although typically investigated independently, the interaction between natural and sexual selection remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate whether sexual dichromatism evolves stochastically, independent from, or in concert with habitat use in darters, a species-rich lineage of North American freshwater fish. We find the evolution of sexual dichromatism is coupled to habitat use in darter species. Comparative analyses reveal that mid-water darter lineages exhibit a narrow distribution of dichromatism trait space surrounding a low optimum, suggesting a constraint imposed on the evolution of dichromatism, potentially through predator-mediated selection. Alternatively, the transition to benthic habitats coincides with greater variability in the levels of dichromatism that surround a higher optimum, likely due to relaxation of the predator-mediated selection and heterogeneous microhabitat dependent selection regimes. These results suggest a complex interaction of sexual selection with potentially two mechanisms of natural selection, predation and sensory drive, that influence the evolution of diverse male nuptial coloration in darters.