cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vitamin A Supplementation Transiently Increases Retinol Concentrations in Extrahepatic Organs of Neonatal Rats Raised under Vitamin A–Marginal Conditions

BACKGROUND Vitamin A (VA; retinol) supplementation is recommended for children aged >6 mo in countries with high rates of malnutrition, but the distribution and retention of VA in body tissues have not been extensively explored. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the distribution and retention of VA in tissues of neonatal rats raised under VA-marginal conditions. METHODS Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats (n = 104; 63 males) nursed by mothers fed a VA-marginal diet (0.35 mg retinol equivalents/kg diet) were randomized and treated on postnatal day 4 with an oral dose of either VA (6 μg retinyl palmitate/g body weight) or canola oil as control. Pups (n = 4/group) were killed at 13 time points from 30 min to 24 d after dose administration. The total retinol concentration and mass were determined in all collected organs. RESULTS In the control group, plasma VA was marginal (0.8 μmol/L), whereas liver VA was deficient (<70 nmol/g). Nonetheless, the liver contained most (∼76%) of the total VA mass in the body, whereas extrahepatic nondigestive organs together contained ∼13%. White adipose tissue (WAT), which was nearly absent before postnatal day 12, contained only ∼1%. In VA-supplemented neonates, the mean total retinol concentrations in all organs were significantly greater than in control pups. However, this increase lasted for only ∼1 d in most extrahepatic tissues, with the exception of WAT, in which it lasted 18 d. CONCLUSIONS Extrahepatic organs in neonatal rats raised under VA-marginal conditions store relatively little VA, and the scarcity of adipose tissue may predispose neonates to a low-VA status. The effect of VA supplementation on VA content in most extrahepatic organs is transient. A more frequent supplementation along with other nutritional interventions may be necessary for maintaining a steady supply of retinol to the rapidly developing extrahepatic organs.
On the age of the deccan traps near Rajahmundry

It must be remembered, however, that practically all this palaeontological evidence in support of an eocene age for the Deccan trap comes from plant fossils; and the question naturally arises as to what dependence is to be placed upon fossil plants as a guide to geological age—how far they could be considered “absolute indicators of a geological horizon”. Whenever there has been a possible difference of opinion on the age of a bed as determined by the evidence of terrestrial fossil plants as against fossil marine animals, it is true that the geologist will always prefer the evidence of the latter and fix the age accordingly. But in a case like the age of the inter-traps where the decisive evidence of fossil marine animals is not available, it seems only reasonable to accept an age based on the verdict of the plant fossils, unless such a conclusion can be shown to be definitely unacceptable from the geological side.
Development and validation of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile - Preschool version

Objective The Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) is a validated instrument created to measure the oral health-related quality of life of school-aged children. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a preschool version of the COHIP (COHIP-PS) for children aged 2-5. Basic research design The COHIP-PS was developed and validated using a multi-stage process consisting of item selection, face validity testing, item impact testing, reliability and validity testing, and factor analysis. Participants A cross-sectional convenience sample of caregivers having children 2-5 years old from four groups completed item clarity and impact forms. Groups were recruited from pediatric health clinics or preschools/daycare centers, speech clinics, dental clinics, or cleft/craniofacial centers. Participants had a variety of oral health-related conditions, including caries, congenital orofacial anomalies, and speech/language deficiencies such as articulation and language disorders. Main outcome measure COHIP-PS. Results The COHIP-PS was found to have acceptable internal validity (a = 0.71) and high test-retest reliability (0.87), though internal validity was below the accepted threshold for the community sample. While discriminant validity results indicated significant differences across study groups, the overall magnitude of differences was modest. Results from confirmatory factor analyses support the use of a four-factor model consisting of 11 items across oral health, functional well-being, social-emotional well-being, and self-image domains. Conclusions Quality of life is an integral factor in understanding and assessing children's well-being. The COHIP-PS is a validated oral health-related quality of life measure for preschool children with cleft or other oral conditions.
Financial Innovations, Credit Default Swaps, and Syndicated Loans

Loan syndication suffers from two types of agency problems – an adverse selection problem (lead arrangers pass on bad loans to the participants) and a moral hazard problem (lead arrangers shirk on their costly monitoring duties). Therefore, a lead arranger has to take a big share of the loan to certify the quality of borrower and to credibly commit to its monitoring duty. I argue that the invention of the CDS provides an instrument to reduce these agency problems when participant lenders purchase CDS protections from lead arrangers, which then allows lead arrangers to take smaller shares of loans. The interest rate on loan and the premium on CDS can serve as a reconciliation mechanism to reduce adverse selection problem because if a lead arranger bluffs the quality of a borrower and under-charge loan interest rate and CDS premium, the lead arranger will suffer two immediate losses – lower interest and CDS incomes, which will not be a feasible long term strategy for institutions willing to maintain their reputations. In the event of borrower default and physical settlement is used, lead arrangers have to take the loans back and pay the face values of loans to participants. The monetary interest can provide lead arrangers enough incentives to monitor borrowers. Therefore, besides explicitly managing risk, participant lenders can use CDSs to “trade” the monitoring duty back to lead arrangers. Using the credit derivatives data from Y-9C and more than 10,000 loan facilities, I found strong evidence supporting the syndicate expansion hypothesis that CDS plays a significant role in expanding loan syndicates, reducing lead arrangers’ capital contributions in the syndicates resulting in large loans for borrowers. The paper thus provides empirical evidence to show how financial innovations can profoundly impact banking practices.
A phase II trial of gemcitabine (G), cisplatin (C), and nab-paclitaxel (N) in advanced biliary tract cancers (aBTCs): Updated survival analysis.

350Background: BTCs are often diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a poor prognosis. The standard therapy for aBTCs is the combination of GC. However, the median overall survival (mOS) is dismal...
Higher Mediterranean Diet Quality Scores and Lower Body Mass Index Are Associated with a Less-Oxidized Plasma Glutathione and Cysteine Redox Status in Adults.

Background Both systemic redox status and diet quality are associated with risk outcomes in chronic disease. It is not known, however, the extent to which diet quality influences plasma thiol/disulfide redox status. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of diet, as measured by diet quality scores and other dietary factors, on systemic thiol/disulfide redox status. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 685 working men and women (ages ≥18 y) in Atlanta, GA. Diet was assessed by 3 diet quality scores: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). We measured concentrations of plasma glutathione (GSH), cysteine, their associated oxidized forms [glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and cystine (CySS), respectively], and their redox potentials (EhGSSG and EhCySS) to determine thiol/disulfide redox status. Linear regression modeling was performed to assess relations between diet and plasma redox after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), sex, race, and history of chronic disease. Results MDS was positively associated with plasma GSH (β = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.03) and total GSH (GSH + GSSG) (β = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.03), and inversely associated with the CySS:GSH ratio (β = -0.02; 95% CI: -0.04, -0.004). There were significant independent associations between individual MDS components (dairy, vegetables, fish, and monounsaturated fat intake) and varying plasma redox indexes (P < 0.05). AHEI and DASH diet quality indexes and other diet factors of interest were not significantly correlated with plasma thiol and disulfide redox measures. Conclusion Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with a favorable plasma thiol/disulfide redox profile, independent of BMI, in a generally healthy working adult population. Although longitudinal studies are warranted, these findings contribute to the feasibility of targeting a Mediterranean diet to improve plasma redox status.
Introduction to Chemical Engineering Fluid Mechanics

Designed for introductory undergraduate courses in fluid mechanics for chemical engineers, this stand-alone textbook illustrates the fundamental concepts and analytical strategies in a rigorous and systematic, yet mathematically accessible manner. Using both traditional and novel applications, it examines key topics such as viscous stresses, surface tension, and the microscopic analysis of incompressible flows which enables students to understand what is important physically in a novel situation and how to use such insights in modeling. The many modern worked examples and end-of-chapter problems provide calculation practice, build confidence in analyzing physical systems, and help develop engineering judgment. The book also features a self-contained summary of the mathematics needed to understand vectors and tensors, and explains solution methods for partial differential equations. Including a full solutions manual for instructors available at www.cambridge.org/deen, this balanced textbook is the ideal resource for a one-semester course.
Financial Expertise and the Usefulness of Earnings: Evidence from the Cash Compensation of Chief Financial Officers

We investigate the relation between having a superior with financial expertise and the weight on earnings as a performance measure for the CFO. We find that financial expertise (defined as the existence of a finance committee, or a CEO with a financial background) is associated with a higher relative weight on earnings versus returns for the CFO. We also find this effect to be more pronounced in financially complex firms (defined as firms who have merger and acquisition activity, or gains/losses from foreign currency adjustments). Further, we find evidence that compensation relations for the CFO differ from those of the CEO. These results are consistent with financial expertise increasing the informativeness of accounting earnings as a performance measure for CFO's in financially compex firms. The results also suggest that the usefulness of earnings as a performance measure differs among executive officers and upon characteristics of the firm's governance structure. Our study therefore provides evidence that corporate governance and firm characteristics interact to influence the stewardship role of earnings.
Zinc Uptake by Brush Border Membrane Vesicles (BBMV) from Pre-Weanling Rat Small Intestine

Zinc (Zn) is required for normal growth and development. To provide for rapid growth, newborn animals absorb Zn to a higher degree than adult animals (1). However, research on the mechanisms behind this observation has been limited. The initial stage of Zn absorption involves transport of Zn across luminal brush border membranes. This process can be specifically investigated (in the absence of cellular and metabolic variables) through isolation of intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) (2). Results from studies of Zn uptake into BBMV from various ages of pre-weanling rat pups are presented in this study.
Neuroimaging Evidence of Diaschisis and Reorganization in Stroke Recovery

In general, two competing but not necessarily mutually exclusive models can explain the mechanisms underlying the often observed recovery of neurological and cognitive function (e.g., limb movement, speech production, language comprehension, perceptual skills) after stroke. One is that recovery essentially reflects resolution of a temporary cessation of function in brain tissue not directly destroyed by the stroke but nevertheless affected via deafferentation and a consequent “diaschisis.” The second is that recovery involves spared brain taking on functions previously performed by damaged brain tissue, for example, the cortical representation of the hand or other damaged sensory—motor regions extends into adjacent tissue, or the uninvolved hemisphere takes on the cognitive capacities of the infarcted side. Thus, the first model emphasizes changes associated with temporarily affected brain, whereas the second accentuates reorganization in noninvolved brain (“plasticity”).
Rapid Identification and Cloning of Sequence-Specific RNA Binding Proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a UV cross-linking approach to identify sequence-specific Ribonucleic acid (RNA) binding proteins in in vitro reconstitution assays. A typical result in the early stages in studies of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) biology is the identification of a region of a transcript that plays a pivotal role in the control of a posttranscriptional process. The next key focus of the study is determining the mechanism by which this RNA signal functions. It is likely that many RNA signals work through the sequence- or structure-specific assembly of protein–RNA complexes. This chapter provides an overview of approaches used to identify the protein binding site on the transcript. These methodologies provide a reasonably rapid and efficient strategy for the identification and molecular characterization of RNA binding proteins. The chapter discusses in detail about the preparation of extracts and preparation of RNAs. Analysis of UV cross-linked protein-RNA complexes, identification of protein–RNA complexes, and determination of RNA sequence requirements for protein binding is also discussed in detail. The chapter also highlights cloning complementary Deoxyribonucleic acids (cDNAs) for RNA binding proteins by northwestern screening.
Static and dynamic effects of customized insoles on attenuating arch collapse with pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Introduction Anthropometric changes to the feet with pregnancy may increase risk for musculoskeletal disease. Customized arch-supportive orthoses to prevent anthropometric changes could potentially provide an inexpensive means to prevent musculoskeletal impairments and improve quality of life for women during their post-reproductive years. The objective of this prospective, randomized controlled trial was to determine whether customized foot orthoses can prevent arch collapse during pregnancy. Materials and methods Seventy-two first trimester women (age 18–40) were randomized to wear either their usual footwear (control) or their usual footwear with custom-molded arch-supportive orthoses. Each participant in the customized orthosis group had orthoses customized by a certified orthotist. Baseline assessments were completed during the first trimester and follow-up assessments were completed approximately 8 weeks postpartum. The primary outcome measurements were static arch height index (AHI), arch drop, arch rigidity index, and center of pressure excursion index (CPEI). Results There were no statistically significant differences in the change in static foot structure or dynamic arch function between baseline and follow-up within either group. Comparing the customized orthosis and control groups, no significant differences were detected in change in AHI sitting (p = .44), AHI standing (p = .48), arch drop (p = .67), arch rigidity (p = .68) or CPEI (p = .77). Conclusions There was no difference in arch change when comparing women who were randomized to wear customized orthoses or self-selected footwear. The finding of no arch drop in either group may indicate that both groups supported their arches during the study period or that neither group was predisposed to lose arch height with pregnancy.
Outcomes of upper extremity access during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair.

Abstract Objective Upper extremity (UE) access is frequently used during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) to facilitate catheterization of downgoing vessels. Limitations include risk of cerebral embolization and of UE arterial or peripheral nerve injury. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of F-BEVAR using UE access. Methods We reviewed the clinical data of 334 consecutive patients (74% males; mean age 75 ± 8 years) treated by F-BEVAR for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms or pararenal aortic aneurysms between 2007 and 2016. Patients who underwent F-BEVAR with an UE approach for catheterization of the renal and/or mesenteric arteries were included in the study. End points were technical success, mortality, and a composite of access-related complications including cerebral embolization (stroke/transient ischemic attack), peripheral nerve injury, and axillary-brachial arterial complications requiring intervention. Results There were 243 patients (73%) treated by F-BEVAR with UE access, including 147 patients (60%) with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and 96 patients (40%) with pararenal aortic aneurysms. A total of 878 renal–mesenteric arteries were incorporated by fenestrations or branches with a mean of 3.6 ± 0.8 vessels per patient. All patients had surgical exposure of the brachial artery. The left side was selected in 228 (94%) and the right side in 15 (6%). The technical success of target vessel incorporation was achieved in 99% of patients (870 of 878). Arterial closure was performed using primary repair in 213 patients (88%) or bovine patch angioplasty in 29 (12%). Patch closure was required in 13% of patients (21 of 159) treated by 10- to 12F sheaths and 8% (7 of 83) of those who had 7- to 8F sheaths (P = .19). There were six deaths (2.5%) at 30 days or within the hospital stay, none owing to access-related complications. Major access-related complication occurred in eight patients (3%), with no difference between the 10- to 12F (6 of 159 [4%]) or 7- to 8F sheaths (2 of 83 [2%]; P = .45). Two patients (1%) had transient median nerve neuropraxia, which resolved within 1 year. One patient (0.5%) required surgical evacuation of an access site hematoma. There were no UE arterial pseudoaneurysms, occlusions, or distal embolizations. Five patients (2%) had strokes (three minor, two major), occurring more frequently with right side (2 of 15 [13%]) as compared with left-sided access (3 of 228 [1%]; P = .03). After a mean follow-up of 38 ± 15 months, there were no other access-related complications or reinterventions. Conclusions UE arterial access with surgical exposure was associated with a low rate of complications in patients treated with F-BEVAR. Closure with patch angioplasty is frequently needed, but there were no arterial occlusions, pseudoaneurysms, or distal embolizations requiring secondary procedures.
The DOWN Questionnaire: A Novel Screening Tool for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

Study Design:Case-control study.Objectives:Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord injury in adults aged over 55 years. However, since the onset is typically i...
Evaluation of appropriate use of bisphosphonates and denosumab in patients with cancer.

BackgroundNational guidelines recommend screening and treatment for cancer-related bone disease and continued monitoring of bone-modifying agents. It is unclear whether a standardized screening too...
Direct-Acting Antivirals Improve Overall Survival in Interventional Oncology Patients with Hepatitis C and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the impact of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and 12-week sustained virologic response (SVR12) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by interventional oncology (IO) therapies. Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed from 2005 to 2016 with HCC and receiving IO therapies. A total of 478 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients were age 29–90 years (mean 63.6 ± 9.4 years) and 78.9% (n =3 77) male. Two hundred and eighty-five (57%) patients had chronic HCV, 93 (33%) received DAAs, and 63 (68%) achieved SVR12. Liver function, tumor characteristics, and IO therapy including ablation, image-guided transcatheter tumor therapies (ITTT) (eg, chemoembolization and radioembolization), and combination locoregional therapy were assessed in analysis. Results Median overall survival (OS) of the cohort was 26.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.9–29.9). OS for ablation, combination locoregional therapy and ITTT, was 37.3 (CI 30.7–49.9), 29.3 (CI 24.2–38.0), and 19.7 months (CI 16.5–22.8), respectively (P Conclusions DAA use and SVR12 is associated with higher OS in patients with HCV-related HCC treated by IO therapies.
- D3WA+ - A Case Study of XAIP in a Model Acquisition Task for Dialogue Planning.

Recently, the D3WA system was proposed as a paradigm shift in how complex goal-oriented dialogue agents can be specified by taking a declarative view of design. However, it turns out actual users of the system have a hard time evolving their mental model and grasping the imperative consequences of declarative design. In this paper, we adopt ideas from existing works in the field of Explainable AI Planning (XAIP) to provide guidance to the dialogue designer during the model acquisition process. We will highlight in the course of this discussion how the setting presents unique challenges to the XAIP setting, including having to deal with the user persona of a domain modeler rather than the end-user of the system, and consequently having to deal with the unsolvability of models in addition to explaining generated plans.Quickview http://ibm.biz/d3wa-xaip
Founder Cognitions and New Venture Outcomes

How do entrepreneurs’ cognitions shape their ventures? While research has established that founders’ backgrounds and prior experiences shape their firms and firm outcomes with long-lasting conseque...
The origins of same/different discrimination in human infants

The ability to detect relational patterns shared by different objects, events, or ideas is a cornerstone of our higher reasoning ability. This characteristic of humans’ abilities may have its origins in a relational processing mechanism that allows us to abstract same/different representations using comparison. This article discusses research that investigates the nature of this ability and how it develops by exploring relational learning in infants and tracing its development over the first year of life. Delineating the conditions that promote relational learning in young infants allows for comparisons to relational learning in children and adults. More broadly, this research influences our understanding of human cognition and how it differs from that of other species.
Between Appropriation and Transmission: The Romantic Thread in Heidegger’s Existential Notion of Understanding

Vandevelde examines the place of Martin Heidegger in the reception and transmission of the ideas of early German Romanticism. He uses the key notion of “understanding” and brings out three points of contact between Heidegger and the romantics, which can be supported by textual evidence: (1) understanding as an ontological historical condition; (2) understanding as the element in which work, author, and interpreter find their identity; and (3) understanding as a carving out of the world into specific entities. In addition, he shows how the romantic ideas fill an explanatory gap in Heidegger’s development, making us understand more clearly how the philosophy of life of the early Heidegger could become an analytic of existence in Being and Time and a “history of being” in the 1930s.
Three-Day Dietary Manipulation in Multiple Sclerosis: Exercise and Fatigue Outcomes.

Background In persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), the effect of nutrition on exercise performance and fatigue remains unknown. The objective was to determine whether a 3-day diet high in triglycerides (FAT) compared with a 3-day diet high in carbohydrates (CARB) would improve fatigue and exercise performance in persons with MS. Methods A randomized controlled crossover design was incorporated to study FAT versus CARB on submaximal cycling endurance (60% of peak oxygen consumption), substrate utilization, and fatigue in 12 persons with mild-to-moderate MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 2.0-5.0) and 12 age- and sex-matched controls. Results There were no differences in cycling time between diets in either group (P = .29). The MS group had no changes in fatigue between diets (P = .64); the control group demonstrated increased total mental fatigue after FAT (P = .05). The control group increased carbohydrate oxidation by 24% at rest and 13% during exercise after CARB. Similarly, the control group significantly increased fat oxidation after FAT by 22% at rest and 68% during exercise (P = .01). These changes were not seen in the MS group. Compared with controls, persons with MS oxidized approximately 50% less fat during exercise after FAT (P = .05). Conclusions Neither CARB nor FAT altered submaximal exercise performance or baseline fatigue in the MS group. The results suggest that persons with MS are unable to adapt to dietary changes and oxidize fatty acids as efficiently as controls.
Leptographium terebrantis inoculation and associated crown symptoms and tree mortality in Pinus taeda

Abstract Leptographium terebrantis has been implicated as a contributing factor of P. taeda decline and mortality over the past several decades. We examined the potential of L. terebrantis to cause decline symptoms and determined the relationship between pathogen spread and the formation of new sapwood. The study was undertaken in a 13-y-old P. taeda plantation using artificial inoculations of fungal-colonized, sterilized toothpicks. We found that L. terebrantis was not only re-isolated from dying inoculated trees but caused decline symptomology and mortality at a high inoculum density. It was found that 20% mortality and severe growth loss among surviving trees occurred with L. terebrantis infection at the high density. At lower inoculum densities, trees produced a complete ring of new sapwood that appeared to sustain tree physiology. This suggests that management practices in P. taeda plantations which minimize bark beetle infestation and pathogen inoculum densities allow adequate sapwood function for sustained growth.
LABORATORY MANUAL: ANIMAL

The North American Lobster in the Classroom: A Teaching Manual for Grades 9––12 . By George Smith . 2009. George Smith Publishing (ISBN 9780974043449). 64 pp. plus CD. Three-ringed binder. $$30.00. This manual is meant to be a professional resource for high school biology teachers. Presented in a three-ring binder, the book is short but wide ranging, using professional scientists and popular scientific Web sites as its primary references. The topics include basic crustacean and American lobster ( Homarus americanus ) anatomy and taxonomy, neurophysiology and cell biology, and a variety of aspects concerning the lobster fishery. The CD that is included gives users digital access to all the figures in the text, which could be quite helpful to many biology teachers in grades 9––12. This manual covers a wide-ranging series …
Bolt-Load Retention Behavior of a Die Cast Magnesium-Rare Earth Alloy

Abstract : The need for improved understanding of new magnesium alloys for the automotive industry continues to grow as the application for these lightweight alloys expands to more demanding environments, particularly in drivetrain components. Their use at elevated temperatures, such as in transmission cases, presents a challenge because magnesium alloys generally have lower creep resistance than aluminum alloys currently employed for such applications. In this study, a new die cast magnesium alloy, MEZ, containing rare earth (RE) elements and zinc as principal alloying constituents, was examined for its bolt-load retention (BLR) properties. Preloads varied from 14 to 28 kN and test temperatures ranged from 125 to 175 deg C. At all test temperatures and preloads, MEZ retained the greatest fraction of the initial imposed preload when compared to the magnesium alloys AZ91D, AE42, AM50, and the AM50+Ca series alloys. The BLR behavior of MEZ did not show significant sensitivity to temperature within the range examined, whereas the other alloys displayed a clear decrease in bolt-load retention with increased temperature at a given preload. Retained bolt-load decreased for MEZ with increasing preload in a manner similar to the behavior of other alloys. The higher BLR can be attributed to the greater resistance to creep and arises mainly from the Mg-RE phases present at cell and grain boundaries and the relatively high solidus temperature (T(sub s) of MEZ. Additional means of improving BLR by varying geometrical dimensions in the bolted assembly for AZ91D and AM50 were investigated and no significant improvement was observed in the limited studies that were performed.
Cross-sectional study of factors influencing sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations in normally cycling premenopausal women.

Objective To assess the relationship between SHBG and 18 other hormonal and metabolic parameters in well characterized, normally cycling premenopausal women. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting University general clinical research center. Subject(s) A total of 319 young healthy women with ovulatory menstrual cycles. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Midfollicular serum SHBG concentrations. Result(s) In our final linear regression model, SHBG was negatively associated with bioavailable T and positively associated with adiponectin, associations that were independent from other parameters. SHBG was also positively associated with estrone sulfate, but only when taking into account confounding variables. Unexpectedly, there was no straightforward relationship between SHBG and insulin resistance according to homeostasis-model assessment. Conclusion(s) Our results highlight the link between androgen action, as reflected by bioavailable T, and circulating SHBG concentrations in all premenopausal women and speak to the importance of the relationship between SHBG and adiponectin, which is at least in part independent from androgen action. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT00393172.
Suckling Isn't Feeding, or Is It? A Search for Developmental Continuities

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the suckling behavior of infant rats and some of the recently developed techniques used to study it. It provides a basis for discussion of the relationship between suckling and later ingestive behavior. It is assumed that at least two possible states of affairs could exist: (1) either the suckling system and later ingestion are continuous and based on the same underlying neural structures and organization, with suckling merely undergoing changes that turn it into the adult ingestive system by the time of weaning; or (2) the adult ingestive system is built on a separate ingestive structure and has little in common with that of suckling. The chapter discusses the ways in which suckling behavior differs from later ingestive behavior and points out suggestive differences in the physiological controls and neural substrates of suckling and later ingestion. It shows that another ingestive system does exist in rat pups concurrently with suckling, and while it is not used by the infant during normal development, this system may represent the true forerunner of later ingestive behavior.
Closure of Tubular Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants and Small Children with the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II

Percutaneous closure of a tubular patent ductus arteriosus can be challenging in the infant and small child. In this report, we describe the successful closure of tubular patent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II in two patients, ages 3 months and 13 months.
Auditory EMG feedback during a sustained submaximum isometric contraction.

Abstract Two groups of male volunteers maintained a submaximum isometric contraction of the elbow flexors to exhaustion. During the endurance session, each subject was required to exert a force equal to 50% of his maximum voluntary strength and to rate subjectively the increasing intensity of pain resulting from the isometric pull. Continuous recordings of electromyographic activity of the biceps muscle were accomplished through standard surface electrode techniques. The experimental group was provided with direct auditory feedback of the EMG signals. Although endurance time did not increase when auditory EMG was provided, the level of muscle activity required to sustain the contraction was significantly reduced. These results suggested that auditory EMG provided a situation in which the endurance task was accomplished with greater efficiency.
Influence of myocardial isomyosins on cardiac performance and oxygen consumption.

Abstract There was 21% isomyosin V1 in the 12 month SHR (Spontaneous Hypertensive Rat) and 70% isomyosin V1 in the 6 month WKY (Wystar-Kyoto), nevertheless there was no difference in maximum developed pressure nor maximum dP dt in the isovolumically beating hearts of the two sets of animals. [Hearts were perfused with hypercalcemic perfusate in the presence of isoproterenol (10−7M)]. There was, however, a a 32% reduction in oxygen consumption per gram of dry weight per beat in the 12 month SHR as compared to the 6 mo WKY. Associated with a shift towards isomyosins V2 and V3 in the 6 and 12 month WKY and SHR there was no corresponding change in maximum dP dt nor developed pressure, but there was a conservation in oxygen consumption.
National Toxicology Program Experience With Dietary Restriction: Does the Manner in Which Reduced Body Weight Is Achieved Affect Tumor Incidence?:

The increasing body weights and the associated increased tumor incidences observed in recent long-term rodent bioassays may adversely affect study sensitivity for detecting rodent carcinogenicity. ...
Chemically Defined Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Medium for Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A chemically defined growth medium containing physiological concentrations of magnesium and calcium ions was utilized in a microdilution procedure for antimicrobial drug susceptibility testing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Determinations of growth end points were simplified by use of sodium citrate as a sole carbon source and bromothymol blue as a pH indicator. Growth of the test organisms was detectable by a change in the indicator color from green to blue after alkalinization of the medium due to citrate utilization. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of amikacin, carbenicillin, gentamicin, and tobramycin were determined on 100 recent clinical isolates of Pseudomonas. Parallel determinations using the microdilution procedure and a conventional tube-broth dilution technique incorporating Mueller-Hinton broth with identical magnesium and calcium content generally agreed within one twofold dilution. Modal minimal inhibitory concentrations for susceptible strains using the microdilution method were: amikacin, 6 mug/ml; carbenicillin, 50 mug/ml; gentamicin, 1.5 mug/ml; tobramycin, 1.5 mug/ml. This modified microdilution technique allowed rapid, definitive minimal inhibitory concentration determinations, using growth end points defined by a color indicator change.
Lessons learned from 416 cases of nipple discharge of the breast

Abstract Background For patients with nipple discharge (ND), surgical duct excision is often required to exclude underlying malignancy. Our objective was to define clinical predictors of malignancy and examine the utility of common preoperative studies. Study design We retrospectively identified 475 patients presenting with a chief complaint of ND from 1995 to 2005; 416 (88%) were eligible for review. Results Following standard evaluation (clinical breast examiation/mammogram/ultrasound), 129 of 416 (31%) were considered to have physiological ND and were managed expectantly, whereas 287 of 416 (69%) underwent further evaluation (cytology/ductography/magnetic resonance imaging) followed by biopsy ± surgery. Clinical features associated with pathological ND included bloody ND (adjusted odds ratio 3.7) and spontaneous ND (adjusted OR 3.2). Biopsy/surgery identified a causative lesion in 259 of 287 (90%), of which 37% were either malignant (n = 65) or high-risk (n = 30) lesions. The sole clinical predictor of malignant/high-risk lesion was a palpable mass (adjusted odds ratio 4.3). Preoperative evaluation identified 76 of 95 (80%) malignant/high-risk lesions, whereas 19 of 95 (20%) were identified by duct excision alone. Conclusions Although clinical stratification alone reliably identified patients with pathological ND, neither the clinical characteristics nor preoperative studies can reliably distinguish between benign and malignant pathology. Surgical duct excision remains the gold standard to exclude underlying malignancy.
Responses to intravenous and oral diltiazem in elderly and younger patients with systemic hypertension

Diltiazem concentrations and blood pressure, heart rate, PR interval and forearm vascular resistance responses to intravenous (25 and 50 mg) and oral (120 mg) diltiazem were compared in 13 elderly persons (mean age 68 ± 4 years) and 10 young persons (mean 30 ± 5 years) with essential hypertension. Diltiazem elimination was slower in the elderly. After a dose of 25 mg, clearance was 13 ± 4 ml/min/kg in the elderly and 23 ± 7 in the young (p < 0.05); after 50 mg, 16 ± 6 and 21 ± 12 ml/ min/kg (p < 0.05); and after oral administration, 22 ± 9 and 35 ± 14 ml/kg/min (p < 0.02). No age-related differences in volume of distribution (by model or area methods) were seen. Elimination half-lives were 4.5 ± 2.2 hours in the elderly and 3.8 ± 0.7 hour in the young persons (p < 0.01); 4.5 ± 1.6 and 3.3 ± 0.7 hours (p = 0.10); and 4.7 ± 1.5 and 3.3 ± 1.8 hours (p = 0.08) after 50, 25 and 120 mg. Maximal decreases in mean blood pressure were from 113 ± 14 to 91 ± 12 mm Hg (19%) in the elderly patients and from 108 ± 8 to 99 ± 9 mm Hg in the younger patients (8%) after 50 mg; from 106 ± 13 to 93 ± 14 mm Hg and from 109 ± 11 to 99 ± 13 mm Hg, respectively, after 25 mg; and from 113 ± 10 to 97 ± 10 mm Hg and from 109 ± 11 to 97 ± 8 after 120 mg orally. Heart rate increased transiently in only the young persons at the end of 50-mg infusions (from 77 ± 14 to 84 ± 8 beats/min, p < 0.05). After oral administration, heart rate decreased significantly in only the elderly (from 75 ± 10 to 65 ± 11 beats/ min at 3 hours after dosing, p < 0.01). Diltiazem (50 mg) produced third-degree heart block in 2 young. No second- or third-degree block occurred in the elderly. After 25-mg infusions, PR interval increased from 170 ± 22 to 219 ± 42 ms in the elderly (p < 0.01) and from 161 ± 12 to 214 ± 29 ms (p < 0.01) in the young patients. After 120 mg, peak increases were from 163 ± 21 to 183 ± 26 ms (p < 0.01) and from 164 ± 24 to 197 ± 27 ms (p < 0.01), respectively. Forearm vascular resistance changed significantly in only the elderly after 25 and 50 mg (from 11.2 ± 3.6 to 10 ± 3.5 U and from 16.6 ± 14 to 13.4 ± 9.5 U, respectively). In summary, slower clearance of diltiazem was found in elderly than in younger hypertensive persons, as were greater hypotensive effects. Reflex heart rate increases were seen in the younger patients and decreases in the elderly. PR prolongation was greater in the younger hypertensive persons.
Depletion of Phosphate in Active Muscle Fibers Probes Actomyosin States within the Powerstroke

Variation in the concentration of orthophosphate (Pi) in actively contracting, chemically skinned muscle fibers has proved to be a useful probe of actomyosin interaction. Previous studies have shown that isometric tension (Po) decreases linearly in the logarithm of [Pi] for [Pi] > or = 200 microM. This result can be explained in terms of cross-bridge models in which the release of Pi is involved in the transition from a weakly bound, low-force actin x myosin x ADP x Pi state to a strongly bound, high-force, actin x myosin x ADP state. The 200 microM minimum [Pi] examined results from an inability to buffer the intrafiber, diffusive buildup of Pi resulting from the fiber ATPase. In the present study, we overcome this limitation by employing the enzyme purine nucleoside phosphorylase with substrate 7-methylguanosine to reduce the calculated internal [Pi] in contracting rabbit psoas fibers to or = 100 microM. Below this [Pi], Po is approximately constant. These results indicate that the free energy drop in the cross-bridge powerstroke is approximately 9 kT. This value is shown to be consistent with observations of muscle efficiency at physiological temperatures.
GIS in the K‐12 Curriculum: A Cautionary Note

Two qualitative case studies, one focusing on K-12 teachers and the other on middle school students, explore key factors associated with using Geographic Information Systems in the classroom. In both studies, access to appropriate hardware is a critical barrier. Time is another critical barrier—time to learn the GIS software and time in the curriculum to incorporate GIS as a learning experience. In both case studies, learning the technology at the expense of learning spatial analysis was a danger, suggesting the need for conscious focus on the goal of using GIS to learn how to “do geography.”
Do nitrogen fertilizers stimulate or inhibit methane emissions from rice fields

In rice cultivation, there are controversial reports on net impacts of nitrogen (N) fertilizers on methane (CH 4 ) emissions. Nitrogen fertilizers increase crop growth as well as alter CH 4 producing (Methanogens) and consuming (Methanotrophs) microbes, and thereby produce complex effects on CH 4 emissions. Objectives of this study were to determine net impact of N fertilizers on CH 4 emissions and to identify their underlying mechanisms in the rice soils. Database was obtained from 33 published papers that contained CH 4 emissions observations from N fertilizer (28-406 kg N ha-1 ) treatment and its control. Results have indicated that N fertilizers increased CH 4 emissions in 98 of 155 data pairs in rice soils. Response of CH 4 emissions per kg N fertilizer was significantly (P 140 kg N ha-1 indicating that substrate switch from CH 4 to ammonia by Methanotrophs may not be a dominant mechanism for increased CH 4 emissions. On the contrary, decreased CH 4 emission in intermittent drainage by N fertilizers has suggested the stimulation of Methanotrophs in rice soils. Effects of N fertilizer stimulated Methanotrophs in reducing CH 4 emissions were modified by the continuous flood irrigation due to limitation of oxygen to Methanotrophs. Greater response of CH 4 emissions per kg N fertilizer in urea than ammonia sulfate probably indicated the interference of sulfate in the CH 4 production process. Overall, response of CH 4 emissions to N fertilizers was correlated with N-induced crop yield (r = +0.39; P < 0.01), probably due to increased carbon substrates for Methanogens. Using CH 4 emission observations, this meta-analysis has identified dominant microbial processes that control net effects of N fertilizers on CH 4 emissions in rice soils. Finally, we have provided a conceptual model that included microbial processes and controlling factors to predict effects of N fertilizers on CH 4 emissions in rice soils.
Poorer Quality Outcomes of Medicare-Certified Home Health Care in Areas With High Levels of Native American/Alaska Native Residents:

Objective: Compared with most other groups, many Native Americans or Alaska Natives (NA/AN) individuals are concentrated in rural areas, which typically have lower health service availability. We e...
Harvest of Planted Rainbow Trout of Catchable Size from Five Reaches of Henry's Fork, Idaho

Abstract Harvest of planted rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) of catchable size varied greatly in the study sections of the Henry's Fork. Returns to the creel of a single strain of rainbow trout were correlated with fishing effort. For the range of returns (low to high) from the Henry's Fork, it cost from about $109 to $7 to put a kilogram of hatchery trout in the creel. To maximize efficiency of catchable-trout programs, biologists should monitor catches from all unique reaches within a contiguous river system.
SHAPING OF THREE-MAN TEAMS ON A MULTIPLE DRL-DRH SCHEDULE USING COLLECTIVE REINFORCEMENT.

Five three-man teams were conditioned to a multiple DRL-DRH schedule during five daily sessions of 3 hr each. The teams were conditioned on the basis of their cumulative response rate regardless of the contributions of individual members. Two individually conditioned Ss were run under a similar schedule for comparison. Although all teams demonstrated some differentiation of response rate under the two legs of the schedule, this difference was not achieved as rapidly, nor was it as stable, as the differentiation in rates achieved in individually conditioned Ss. Team members displayed a variety of response rates as a result of collective team conditioning. Often, individual response rates interfered with obtainment of team reinforcement. The individual team members displayed little SD control in comparison with the individually conditioned Ss. In general the results suggest that collective reinforcement is highly inefficient in comparison with procedures employing individual feedback.
Augmented P2X response and immunolabeling in dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating skeletal muscle following femoral artery occlusion.

The responsiveness of sensory neurons to muscle metabolites is altered under the conditions of insufficient limb blood supply in some diseases, such as peripheral artery disease. The purpose of thi...
Interpreting muscle function in invertebrates.

A brief historical survey of muscle studies is given to show how fundamental knowledge based on the use of invertebrate muscles became divorced from a “mainstream” of investigation of muscle, with unfortunate consequences. The diversity of muscles is emphasized, and the complexity of individual muscles described. For invertebrates, the graded contraction is the all-important functional unit and its intimate nature is not yet understood. An hypothesis of graded contraction is presented, taking into account the excitation-contraction coupling sequence. The “fundamental” functional unit of muscle is a “diad” and the underlying volume of contractile material reached by activator released from it. The hypothesis involves the postulate of a parallel elastic element within each sarcomere, which becomes a series elastic element during graded excitation owing to unequal contraction of individual sarcomeres.