cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intra-Articular Injection of Flumethasone Suspension in Normal Joints of Horses

SUMMARY Flumethasone suspension was injected on two successive occasions at seven day intervals into four intercarpal and three tibiotarsal joints of seven horses. The contralateral joint served as a control joint and was subjected to aspiration only. Clinically, the drug was well tolerated with no evidence of increased synovial fluid, local warmth or tenderness, or interference with normal range of joint motion. In three tibiotarsal joints there was reduced capsular distention. Analyses of synovial fluid samples from injected joints revealed a mild self-limiting microcrystalline induced synovitis. Aspiration of control joints resulted in minor changes in synovial fluid properties. Synovial membrane specimens obtained by punch-biopsy of injected joints of five of the horses revealed histological evidence of minor degenerative changes. Pathological changes were not present in specimens from control joints. RESUME Une suspension de Flumethasone fut injectee par deux fois a un intervalle de 7 jours dans 3 articulations tibio tarsiennes et dans 4 articulations carpiennes chez 7 chevaux. L'articulation symetrique servait de controle et ne subissait dans le meme temps qu'une aspiration de liquide synovial. Cliniquement la preparation fut bien toleree sans evidence d'un accroissement subsequent de liquide synovial, sans hyperthermie et sans modification de la fonction articulaire. Des analyses du liquide intra synovial au niveau des articulations traitees montrerent une legere synovite micro cristalline. Tandis qu'au niveau des articulations de controle les proprietes du liquide synovial n'etaient que tres peu modifiees. Des biopsies des capsules articulaires sur cinq chevaux temoignerent d'une legere alteration degenerative. Ces alterations n'existaient pas sur les membranes des articulations de controle. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Flumethason-Suspension wurde in 7-tagigen Intervallen je zwei Mal in vier intercarpale und 3 tibiotarsale Gelenke von sieben Pferden injiziert. Das gegenuberliegende Gelenk diente als Kontrolle und wurde nur einer Aspiration unterzogen. Klinisch wurde das Praparat gut ertragen ohne vermehrte Synovia, lokale Warme, Empfindlichkeit oder Beeintrachtigung der Beweglichkeit. Bei drei tibiotarsalen Gelenken wurde eine verminderte Kapselausdehnung festgestellt. Die Analyse von Synovia aus injizierten Gelenken ergab eine leichte, selbstheilende Synovitis, die der mikrokristallinen Suspension zugeschrieben wurde. Die Aspiration in den Kontrollgelenken ergab geringere Veranderungen in der Synovia. Biopsieproben aus der Synovialis injizierter Gelenke von 5 Pferden ergaben leichtgradige, degenerative Veranderungen. In den Kontrollgelenken fanden sich keinerlei pathologische Veranderungen.
Adenosine stress 64-and 256-row detector computed tomography angiography and perfusion imaging a pilot study evaluating the transmural extent of perfusion abnormalities to predict atherosclerosis causing myocardial ischemia

Background— Multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) is a robust method for the noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease. However, in its current form, CTA is limited in its prediction of myocardial ischemia. The purpose of this study was to test whether adenosine stress computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (CTP), when added to CTA, can predict perfusion abnormalities caused by obstructive atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— Forty patients with a history of abnormal single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) underwent adenosine stress 64-row (n=24) or 256-row (n=16) detector CTP and CTA. A subset of 27 patients had invasive angiography available for quantitative coronary angiography. CTA and quantitative coronary angiography were evaluated for stenoses ≥50%, and SPECT-MPI was evaluated for fixed and reversible perfusion deficits using a 17-segment model. CTP images were analyzed for the transmural differences in perfusion using the transmural perfusion ratio (subendocardial attenuation density/subepicardial attenuation density). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the combination of CTA and CTP to detect obstructive atherosclerosis causing perfusion abnormalities using the combination of quantitative coronary angiography and SPECT as the gold standard was 86%, 92%, 92%, and 85% in the per-patient analysis and 79%, 91%, 75%, and 92% in the per vessel/territory analysis, respectively. Conclusions— The combination of CTA and CTP can detect atherosclerosis causing perfusion abnormalities when compared with the combination of quantitative coronary angiography and SPECT. Received August 13, 2008; accepted March 17, 2009.
High density of cholinergic muscarinic receptors accompanies high intensity acetylcholinesterase-staining in layer IV of infant rat somatosensory cortex

In this study the laminar localization of binding sites for the muscarinic radioligand [3H]3-quinuclidinylbenzilate was studied in somatosensory cortex of infant rat. Using light autoradiographic techniques, [3H]QNB was found to be concentrated in layer IV. Atropine-pretreated pups showed evenly dispersed, nonspecific binding in all layers. We conclude that cholinergic muscarinic receptors are concentrated in layer IV of infant rat somatosensory cortex. It is also in this lamina that an acetylcholinesterase-rich pathway terminates.
Changes in the Freshwater Mussel Community of Lake St. Clair: from Unionidae to Dreissena polymorpha in Eight Years

To determine density changes in both the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, and native mussels, Unionidae, in Lake St. Clair, surveys were conducted in 1990, 1992, and 1994 and compared to a similar survey in 1986 when no D. polymorpha was found. Collection methods were the same each year; divers used the quadrat method to collect 10 replicate samples at 29 sites located throughout the lake. The total number of unionids collected declined from 281 in 1986, to 248 in 1990, 99 in 1992, and 6 in 1994, while the number of species collected in each of the four respective years was 18, 17, 12, and 5. The decline in the unionid community occurred gradually over this time period as the D. polymorpha population expanded from the southeast region of the lake to the northwest region. Mean density and biomass of D. polymorpha throughout the lake was 1,700 m−2 and 4.7 gDW m−2 in 1990, 1,500 m−2 and 3.5 gDW m−2in 1992, and 3,200 m−2 and 3.1 gDW m−2 in 1994. The density increase can be attributed to the expansion of the population into the northwest region, while the decrease in biomass was mostly a result of a decline in the weight per unit length. Mean biomass of the D. polymorpha population in 1994 was actually lower than the mean biomass of unionids in 1986; however, based on literature-derived filtering rates, the filtering capacity of the D. polymorpha population in 1994 was 12 times greater than the filtering capacity of the unionid community in 1986. This increase has likely led to reported changes in the Lake St. Clair ecosystem (increased water clarity, increased plant growth, and shifts in fish communities).
Differences in the Perceived Need for Assistive Services by Culturally Diverse Caregivers of-Persons With Dementia:

Various explanations have been advanced to explain why older members of ethnic minority groups in the United States tend to use proportionally fewer assistive social and medical services than nonminorities. One possibility is that culturally based differences in attitudes toward need for particular services affect the likelihood of use. Data were analyzed from 2,947 Black, His panic, and White caregiving dyads participating in the Demonstration Grants to States program. Hierarchical logistic regression models were estimated separately for three discretionary ser vices (adult day care, in-home respite, and meal services) and one nondiscretionary service (home health care). Hypothesized outcomes were observed in all of the service models tested
The band gap in linear polyenes

Abstract The band gap in the spectrum of long polyenes is considered. It is shown, using a bond alternation model within a single configuration self consistent field method, that the gap is determined largely by the difference in the exchange contribution to the ground and excited state energies. This model also predicts a N −1 contribution to the gap, but of the incorrect sign (when compared to SCF calculations of moderate length polyenes). Secondly, it is shown that the exciton model, when multiple excitations are taken into account, gives a N −1 contribution to the band gap, in contrast to the simplest exciton model.
Fractal analysis of noise buried time series signals with applications to exoplanet spectroscopy and bio-data

The shape of an exoplanet lightcurve is usually obtained by averaging the noise over multiple datasets. Fractal analysis has been demonstrated to be an effective tool for the detection of exoplanet transits using lightcurves summed over all wavelengths sensitive to the detector (G. Tremberger, Jr et. al, 2006 Proc SPIE Vol 6265). The detection of spectral features would depend on the extent to which the signal was buried in the noise. Different noise sources would have different fractal characteristics. Also, the signal strength could be discontinuous in time depending on the exoplanet's local atmospheric environment. Such a discontinuity is unlikely to be detected with time integrated data. The lightcurve noise and shape information were characterized with fractal dimension analysis of a noise buried time series signal. Computer simulation revealed that when the noise is three times that of the signal, the fractal algorithm could detect the signal at about the 87% confidence level. Application to noise buried time series datasets (HD 209458b lightcurve, HD149026b lightcurve) detected discontinuities consistent with the results obtained by averaging datasets. Extension to individual wavelength lightcurves would establish a detection limit for the existence of spectral features at wavelengths important for exoplanet study. Other applications such as pre-implantation genetic screening spectroscopy and spatially varied aneuploidy bio-data could use the same analysis principle as well.
Explicit design of FPGA-based coprocessors for short-range force computations in molecular dynamics simulations

FPGA-based acceleration of molecular dynamics simulations (MD) has been the subject of several recent studies. The short-range force computation, which dominates the execution time, is the primary focus. Here we combine: a high level of FPGA-specific design including cell-lists, systematically determined interpolation and precision, handling of exclusion, and support for MD simulations of up to 256K particles. The target system consists of a standard PC with a 2004-era COTS FPGA board. There are several innovations: new microarchitectures for several major components, including the cell-list processor and the off-chip memory controller; and a novel arithmetic mode. Extensive experimentation was required to optimize precision, interpolation order, interpolation mode, table sizes, and simulation quality. We obtain a substantial speed-up over a highly tuned production MD code.
An integrated zigbee transmitter and DC-DC converter on 0.18μm HV RF CMOS technology

A System-On-Chip (SOC) demonstrator integrating a low-noise IEEE 802.15.4 Transmitter and a DC-DC converter on a 0.18um High Voltage (HV) and RF CMOS process is presented in this paper. Noise isolation performance is critical to success of this type of SOC. A complete direct conversion transmitter was designed and various Quadrature VCO topologies were analyzed and compared based on the phase noise performance, device reliability, design robustness and image rejection. The final QVCO used in the transmitter has a FOM of 187dB, leading to an overall phase noise of −123dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset. The deep Nwell from HVCMOS process can be effectively used to provide isolation between the circuit blocks with measured results showing a sufficient noise isolation between the sensitive RF circuit and the switching 10MHz DC-DC converter.
Prepro-thyrotropin releasing hormone 178-199 immunoreactivity is altered in the hypothalamus of the Wistar-Kyoto strain of rat.

The rat prepro-thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) 178-199 is derived from prepro-TRH by the actions of the endopeptidases, prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) and PC2. PPTRH 178-199 attenuates the synthesis and secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting an inhibitory action on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function. This peptide also acts centrally to increase activity and decrease anxiety related behaviors. To elucidate the involvement of this peptide in these functions, we have compared the expression of PPTRH 178-199, PPTRH mRNA, and PC1 and PC2 mRNAs in the Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) and Wistar strains of rat. WKY rats have been shown to possess neuroendocrine abnormalities (HPA hyper-activity) and hyper-emotional behavioral characteristics. Immunohistochemical analysis of PPTRH 178-199 demonstrated significant strain differences in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and the parastrial nucleus (PSN). WKY rats had significantly greater numbers of immunoreactive (IR) cell body profiles (P<0.0005) than Wistar rats in the PVN and a significantly lower fiber density (P<0.002) in the PSN. Levels of PPTRH, PC1, and PC2 mRNA were not different between strains in any brain region examined. These data suggest that altered levels of PPTRH 178-199 in WKY rats could cause, at least in part, the hyper-activity of the HPA axis and the hyper-emotional behavioral characteristics seen in this rat strain. Such data fit with the hypothesis that PPTRH 178-199 is involved in the regulation of the HPA axis and behavior.
Copper(II) Complexes of Histamine and Cysteine Produced by Thiosulfate-Assisted Synthesis Using Copper(I) Cyanide. The in Situ Formation of the Thiocyanate Anion and the 2-Amino-2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic Acid Ligand

The reaction of both histamine (hista) and cysteine (cys) with aqueous CuCN/S2O32- produced Cu(II) ion. In the histamine case thiocyanate ion was also created leading to the production of Cu(SCN)2(hista)2. With cysteine, the 2-amino-2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (atca) ligand was created leading to the production of Cu(atca)2(H2O). The crystal structures of the two complexes are discussed, and pathways for the production of thiocyanate and the atca ligand are proposed.
How green‐claim strength and country disposition affect product evaluation and company image

Green advertising is defined as the advertising that emphasizes the environmental friendliness of the product. Attributes such as degradability, recyclability, lower pollution et cetera are considered to be environmentally friendly. The research reported in this article addresses how the strength of a green claim, for example, the extent of pollution reduction claimed in an advertisement for a new automobile and the consumer's country disposition, that is, the consumer's attitude toward the country of origin of the automobile, interactively affected the product evaluation in terms of its greenness and company image in terms of its green consciousness. Product evaluation and company image were more favorable for consumers with highly positive country disposition than for consumers with less positive country disposition when the green claim was moderate in strength. However, when the green claim was extremely low or extremely high in strength, the reverse was true. Theoretical rationale for these findings draws upon several areas of research, for example, latitude of acceptance/rejection, assimilation/contrast effects, social cognition, country of origin, and Heider's balance theory. Managerial implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of chronic oral digoxin therapy on ventricular function at rest and peak exercise in patients with ischemic heart disease.

The effect of chronic digoxin therapy on left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular volumes and cardiac output was assessed using multigated blood pool imaging both at rest and during supine exercise in 14 patients with known ischemic heart disease. Digoxin had no significant effect on ejection fraction at rest or at peak exercise. Neither exercise nor digoxin therapy had a significant influence on stroke volume index. Cardiac index was also not significantly influenced by digoxin either at rest (3.1 ± 1.15 without digoxin versus 2.9 ± 1.03 liters/min per m2 during digoxin therapy) or at peak exercise (5.1 ± 2.08 versus 5.1 ± 2.04 liters/min per m2, respectively), although the increase in heart rate resulted in a significant increase in cardiac index with exercise in each state (p <0.01). End-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes both tended to be smaller at rest after digoxin therapy than before, but this difference was not significant. In the eight patients with an ejection fraction at rest of less than 0.50 (range 0.15 to 0.47), both end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes increased significantly with exercise (p <0.05) irrespective of therapy with digoxin. Conversely, in the six patients with a well preserved (greater than 0.50) ejection fraction at rest, digoxin prevented the exerciseinduced increase in end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes, and at peak exercise end-systolic volume index was significantly smaller during digoxin therapy than before it (p <0.05). It is concluded that chronic digoxin therapy in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (1) does not have a significant deleterious functional effect on the nonfailing heart, and (2) does not result in a significant change in left ventricular function at rest, but that it (3) does provide improved ventricular function at peak exercise in patients with well preserved left ventricular function at rest.
Event-related brain potentials in intoxicated and detoxified alcoholics during visuospatial learning.

Event-related potentials and visuospatial learning performance were examined to understand the effects of chronic alcohol use on complex information processing. A total of 18 alcoholic male in-patients in an alcohol treatment program served as participants. Nine persons were seen at time of admission to the program while intoxicated (mean BAC=18.0 mg/dl). The second group of nine persons was seen detoxified after 4 weeks in the treatment program. Learning consisted of a paired-associated paradigm requiring participants to learn the distinct spatial positions of six, randomly presented “nonsense” shapes. The visuospatial learning performance of the intoxicated alcoholics was superior to that of the detoxified alcoholics. Evaluation of event-related potentials during the visuospatial learning task indicated that while both groups displayed greater right hemisphere amplitudes of P3, P2, N1, and N2-P3 components, the amplitudes of the latter three components were significantly greater in the intoxicated alcoholics. The overall results suggest that compared to the intoxicated alcoholic, the detoxified alcoholic may suffer a disruption in attentional mechanisms related to visuospatial information processing, providing support for a theory that alcohol ingestion serves to balance information processing in the chronic alcoholic.
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Heart Failure: Preclinical Studies to Determine Optimal Stimulation Parameters for Clinical Efficacy

Spinal cord stimulation with implantable devices has been used worldwide for decades to treat regional pain conditions and cardiac angina refractory to conventional therapies. Preclinical studies with spinal cord stimulation in experimental animal models of heart disease have described interesting effects on cardiac and autonomic nervous system physiology. In canine and porcine animals with failing hearts, spinal cord stimulation reverses left ventricular dilation and improves cardiac function, while suppressing the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias. In this paper, we present further canine studies that determined the optimal site and intensity of spinal cord stimulation that produced the most robust and beneficial clinical response in heart failure animals. We then explore and discuss the clinically relevant aspects and potential impediments that may be encountered in translating spinal cord stimulation to human patients with advanced cardiac disease.
Impact of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (1997) on Families of Color: Workers Share Their Thoughts:

Child welfare advocates concerned about the well-being of children of color are waiting to see what impact the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997 will have on this highly vulnerable group. Workers' perceptions of the impact of ASFA on children and families were the focus of this national survey. The results of the study indicate that children of color and their families may be among the groups who are most affected by the new legislation. Practice and policy implications are offered.
Willard Thrust and the Cache Allochthon, Utah

Recent mapping of the Willard thrust near Ogden, Utah, reveals a recumbent syncline overturned to the east, in Cambrian to Mississippian rocks beneath at least 10 sq mi of the Willard thrust. The syncline, together with widespread minor folds and sharp facies differences across the thrust in rocks from Precambrian to Pennsylvanian age, confirms eastward movement of the upper plate. These data are consistent with the concept that the Willard thrust is the westward extension of the Paris-Woodruff thrust and a part of the Cordilleran foldbelt of King. According to this interpretation, the Cache “uplift” of Eardley is a gently folded and downwarped portion of the allochthon, not a fault-bounded uplift within the craton. Both stratigraphic and structural data support the concept that the Willard thrust bends southward, west of the Wasatch Range, passing just west of Antelope Island, to connect with the Charleston-Nebo thrust exposed near Salt Lake City. The Willard would thus bisect Precambrian outcrops that form Eardley9s Northern Utah uplift; thick sections of unmetamorphosed Precambrian rocks forming the west half are allochthonous and have been thrust eastward over the crystalline basement in the east half.
The Benefits of Being There: Evidence from the Literature on Work

This study draws on the sociology of work to extend discussions of informational yield in ethnographic research. The authors examine the existing population of English-language workplace ethnographies and find that relative to interviews, observation and especially participant observation consistently yield more information. Participant observation provides greater informational yield as well as more detailed descriptions of workplace behaviors and group dynamics. Interviews, however, are more likely to provide information on basic organizational characteristics, such as organization size and product market conditions. The authors’ findings have important implications for university institutional review boards, which have in recent years made it increasingly difficult for projects based on participant observation to receive human subjects clearance. Our conclusions caution against bureaucratic and legalistic curtailments of embedded field observation.
Characters of finite quasigroups IV: products and superschemes

For finite loops (as for finite groups), the character table of a direct product is the tensor product of the character tables of the direct factors. This is no longer true for quasigroups. Although non-ℨ and ℨ-quasigroups may have the same character table, the character table of Q × Q determines whether a finite non-empty quasigroup Q lies in ℨ or not. A combinatorial interpretation of the tensor square of a quasigroup character table is obtained, in terms of superschemes, a higherdimensional extension of the concept of association scheme.
Cardiotoxicity of mitomycin A, mitomycin C, and seven N7 analogs in vitro.

The alkylating antitumor agents mitomycin A (MMA), mitomycin C (MMC), and sevenN7 analogs were compared in terms of their cardiotoxic and antitumor activity in vitro. Neonatal rat-heart myocytes were sensitive to five of the compounds studied, including MMA, 7-dimethylamidinomitosane (BMY-25282), 7-(N-methyl-piperazinyl)-mitosane (RR-194),N7-(4-iodophenyl)-MMC (RR-208), andN7-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-MMC (M-83) in order of descending molar potency. MMA and RR-208 possessed the greatest cytotoxic potency against 8226 human myeloma tumor cells in vitro. Two of the nine mitomycins studied, BMY-25282 and M-83, showed greater cytotoxic potency for heart cells. For these two agents, the ratio of the 50% inhibitory concentration in heart cells to that in 8226 myeloma cells was 50 and 32, respectively. For the other analogs, the tumor-cell cytotoxic potency was much higher (ranging from 200 to 7,000). For the nine mitomycin compounds, a correlation was found between heart-cell toxicity and low reduction potentials (E1/2 values) ranging from −0.16 to −0.37 V. Thus, as the reduction potential decreased (easier reducibility), the cardiotoxic potency in vitro increased (r = 0.81). In contrast, mitomycins with reduction potentials of higher than −0.37 V were much less potent cardiotoxins. Thus, mitomycin C (E1/2 = −0.45 V) was noncardiotoxic even when tested at concentrations 100-fold above those pharmacologically achievable in humans. Mitomycin C also failed to enhance doxorubicin (Adriamycin) cardiotoxicity in vitro. Importantly, no correlation was found between the reduction potential and the antitumor activity of the nine analogs (n = 0.51), in this small series.
Solution pH Alters Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Phosphatidylcholine Membranes: Relation between Interfacial Electrostatics, Intramembrane Potential, and Bending Elasticity

Solution pH affects numerous biological processes and some biological membranes are exposed to extreme pH environments. We utilized micropipette aspiration of giant unilamellar vesicles composed of 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine to characterize the effect of solution pH (2–9) on membrane mechanical properties. The elastic area compressibility modulus was unaffected between pH 3 and 9 but was reduced by ∼30% at pH 2. Fluorescence experiments utilizing the phase-sensitive probe Laurdan confirmed gel-phase characteristics at pH 2, explaining the reduction of membrane elasticity. The membrane bending stiffness, kc, increased by ∼40% at pH 4 and pH 9 over the control value at pH 6.5. Electrophoretic mobility measurements indicate that these changes are qualitatively consistent with theoretical models that predict the effect of membrane surface charge density and Debye length on kc, substantiating a coupling between the mechanical and interfacial electrical properties of the membrane. The effect of pH on intramembrane electrical properties was examined by studying the spectral shifts of the potentiometric probe di-8 ANEPPS. The intramembrane (dipole) potential (Ψd) increased linearly as the solution pH decreased in a manner consistent with the partitioning of hydroxide ions into the membrane. However, changes in Ψd did not correlate with changes in kc. These mechanical and electrical studies lead to the conclusion that the effect of pH on membrane bending stiffness results from alterations in interfacial, as opposed to intramembrane, electrostatics.
The plant activation of m-phenylenediamine by Tradescantia clone 03 and clone 4430 cells in liquid suspension culture

In this study, we expanded the use of the genus Tradescantia to investigate the plant activation of promutagens and further refine the methodology of the plant cell/microbe coincubation assay. Liquid suspension cell cultures of Tradescantia clone 03 and Tradescantia clone 4430 were used to activate the promutagen m-phenylenediamine into a mutagenic compound which was detected by Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 in the plant cell/microbe coincubation assay. Optimum treatment parameters were established for both plant cell lines. Optimum was defined as the lowest concentration or shortest time period that provided consistently positive results and high rates of revertants. Preliminary experiments with both cell lines defined 2.5 mumoles m-phenylenediamine per plate as the optimum concentration to be used in the determination of the optimal coincubation period and the optimal concentration of plant cells. These experiments also determined the optimal physiological stage at which both clones should be used in the coincubation assay. Differences were found in the optimal of coincubation (1h for clone 03, 2 h for clone 4430) and growth stage (mid-log for clone 03, mid- to late-log for clone 4430). Similar activation responses were seen for both clones when the concentration of plant cells (mg/ml) was varied. Under optimized conditions, clone 03 cells demonstrated an approximately 10% higher activation response than clone 4430.
Microwave, Photo- and Thermally Responsive PNIPAm−Gold Nanoparticle Microgels

Microwave-, photo- and thermo-responsive polymer microgels that range in size from 500 to 800 μm and are swollen with water were prepared by a novel microarray technique. We used a liquid−liquid dispersion technique in a system of three immiscible liquids to prepare hybrid PNIPAm-co-AM core−shell capsules loaded with AuNPs. The spontaneous encapsulation is a result of the formation of double oil-in-water-in-oil (o/w/o) emulsion. It is facilitated by adjusting the balance of the interfacial tensions between the aqueous phase (in which a water-soluble drug may be dissolved), the monomer phase and the continuous phase. The water-in-oil (w/o) droplets containing 26 wt% NIPAm and Am monomers, 0.1 wt% Tween-80 surfactant, FITC fluorescent dye and colloidal gold nanoparticles spontaneously developed a core−shell morphology that was fixed by in situ photopolymerization. The results demonstrate new reversibly swelling and deswelling AuNP/PNIPAm hybrid core−shell microcapsules and microgels that can be actuated by ...
Cellulose derived composites—A new method for materials processing

This research demonstrated for the first time a method for producing net shape polymer, ceramic and carbon composites using wood as a precursor. The conversion of wood to carbon has been practiced for centuries but the controlled thermal decomposition to form a monolithic carbon to be used as a template for composites as demonstrated by this research is a unique discovery. This was accomplished by thermal decomposition of wood under controlled conditions to produce a crack-free porous carbon monolith which was readily shaped by conventional methods. The shaped carbons have converted to carbon/polymer composites, carbon/carbon composites, ceramics, and ceramic composites without significant changes in dimensions. This research has demonstrated that composites derived from wood can eliminate several expensive processing steps. Specifically, no fiber lay-up or powder consolidation is required, and final grinding and polishing steps are minimized.
125: Apparent Disparity in Testing of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Plus Diabetes and/or Hypertension and Impact of Gender

APPARENT DISPARITY IN TESTING OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD), PLUS DIABETES AND/OR HYPERTENSION AND IMPACT OF GENDER Eileen Koski, Xiaohua Huang, Marsha Green, Harvey Kaufman, Herman Hurwitz, Richard Furlanetto, and Joseph Vassalotti . Quest Diagnostics Incorporated: Lyndhurst NJ, West Norriton PA, Madison NJ, Philadelpia PA, Chantilly VA, National Kidney Foundation and Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York NY This study represents a joint effort of Quest Diagnostics and the National Kidney Foundation to examine the relationship between CKD and two major diagnostic risk factors for CKD, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN), in US adults. This analysis is based on national data from the Quest Informatics Data Warehouse, specifically 3.4 million eGFR results in October 2006, and 2.8 million urinary albumin-creatinine ratio results (ACR) from November 2005 to October 2006. The analysis identified 629,761 patients with eGFR 70, possibly an artifact of older patients having already been diagnosed with CKD thus no longer screened with ACR. The study suggests a need for physician education to improve compliance with evidence-based guidelines in patients with CKD, and DM, HTN, or both, with added emphasis on women, particularly those with HTN.
Correlates of Homeless Episodes Among Indigenous People

This study reports the correlates of homeless episodes among 873 Indigenous adults who are part of an ongoing longitudinal study on four reservations in the Northern Midwest and four Canadian First Nation reserves. Descriptive analyses depict differences between those who have and have not experienced an episode of homelessness in their lifetimes. Multivariate analyses assess factors associated with a history of homeless episodes at the time of their first interview and differentiate correlates of “near homelessness” (i.e., doubling up) and “homeless episodes” (periods of actual homelessness). Results show that individuals with a history of homeless episodes had significantly more individual and family health, mental health, and substance abuse problems. Periods of homelessness also were associated with financial problems. Among the female caretakers who experienced episodes of homelessness over the course of the study, the majority had been homeless at least once prior to the start of the study and approximately one-fifth met criteria for lifetime alcohol dependence, drug abuse, or major depression. Family adversity during childhood was also common for women experiencing homelessness during the study.
Production of Carbon Monoxide and Gaseous Hydrocarbons in Seawater: Relation to Dissolved Organic Carbon

Carbon monoxide, ethylene, and propylene were produced in illuminated, cell-free distilled water or natural seawater systems to which dissolved organic matter produced by phytoplankton had been added. Methane and the higher saturated gaseous hydrocarbons were not produced. In the dark, little or no carbon monoxide and no hydrocarbons were produced in the distilled water systems; only carbon monoxide was produced in natural seawater, but less was produced than in the light.
Inherited hypercalciuric syndromes: Dent's disease (CLC-5) and familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria (Paracellin-1)

Dent's disease and familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) are inherited diseases in which hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, and renal failure are prominent features. Dent's disease resembles a Fanconi syndrome, with impaired reabsorption in the proximal tubule; FHHNC, with urinary loss of magnesium and calcium, is associated with impaired cation transport in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Gene mapping in families and positional cloning led in both cases to identification of the responsible gene. Dent's disease is associated with mutations that disrupt function of a voltage-gated chloride channel, CLC-5, expressed in subapical endosomes of the proximal tubule and in other nephron segments. Impaired function of this channel disturbs reabsorption of filtered proteins, as well as other transport functions of the proximal tubule, and leads, apparently indirectly, to hypercalciuria and renal failure. FHHNC results from mutations in paracellin-1, a tight-junction protein that appears to be important in conducting or regulating paracellular cation transport. Impaired function of paracellin-1 leads specifically to urinary losses of magnesium and calcium, but because transcellular transport is intact these patients do not have hypokalemia or salt wasting. Identification of both genes represent triumphs of a genetic approach to solving problems of pathophysiology.
NT5E Mutations That Cause Human Disease Are Associated with Intracellular Mistrafficking of NT5E Protein

Ecto-5′-nucleotidase/CD73/NT5E, the product of the NT5E gene, is the dominant enzyme in the generation of adenosine from degradation of AMP in the extracellular environment. Nonsense (c.662C→A, p.S221X designated F1, c.1609dupA, p.V537fsX7 designated F3) and missense (c.1073G→A, p.C358Y designated F2) NT5E gene mutations in three distinct families have been shown recently to cause premature arterial calcification disease in human patients. However, the underlying mechanisms by which loss-of-function NT5E mutations cause human disease are unknown. We hypothesized that human NT5E gene mutations cause mistrafficking of the defective proteins within cells, ultimately blocking NT5E catalytic function. To test this hypothesis, plasmids encoding cDNAs of wild type and mutant human NT5E tagged with the fluorescent probe DsRed were generated and used for transfection and heterologous expression in immortalized monkey COS-7 kidney cells that lack native NT5E protein. Enzyme histochemistry and Malachite green assays were performed to assess the biochemical activities of wild type and mutant fusion NT5E proteins. Subcellular trafficking of fusion NT5E proteins was monitored by confocal microscopy and western blot analysis of fractionated cell constituents. All 3 F1, F2, and F3 mutations result in a protein with significantly reduced trafficking to the plasma membrane and reduced ER retention as compared to wild type protein. Confocal immunofluorescence demonstrates vesicles containing DsRed-tagged NT5E proteins (F1, F2 and F3) in the cell synthetic apparatus. All 3 mutations resulted in absent NT5E enzymatic activity at the cell surface. In conclusion, three familial NT5E mutations (F1, F2, F3) result in novel trafficking defects associated with human disease. These novel genetic causes of human disease suggest that the syndrome of premature arterial calcification due to NT5E mutations may also involve a novel “trafficking-opathy”.
Allergy to laboratory animals: Epidemiologie, clinical, and physiologic aspects, and a trial of cromolyn in its management☆

A survey was conducted by personal interview with all identified subjects in a large medical center who had regular exposure to laboratory animals. Of 399 subjects, 59 (15%) had symptoms suggestive of allergy to laboratory animals. Such allergy was more likely to occur in subjects with previously known allergies, especially to domestic pets, and was most likely to become manifest within a few months of the first exposure. In the group with allergy to laboratory animals, nasal symptoms were invariably present and tended to precede pulmonary symptoms, which occurred in half of the group. Twelve subjects with pulmonary symptoms were challenged by exposure to laboratory animals and each had immediate bronchospasm by objective criteria. Half of these also had bronchospasm which persisted or recurred 5 hr or more after challenge. A double-blind controlled trial in 10 subjects with laboratory animal-induced bronchospasm showed that prior use of cromolyn offered considerable or complete protection against both immediate and late bronchospasm in all subjects but one.
Properties of the maximal correlation function

Abstract Sarmanov introduces the idea of maximal correlation function and applies it to his investigation of stationary Markov processes ( 1 , 2 , 3 ). We demonstrate some additional properties of the maximal correlation function as a measure of the dependence structure of stationary processes and present some applications of the maximal correlation function in generalizing applications of the usual correlation function to, for example, equivalent rectangular bandwidth and quadratic mean ergodicity.
The missing variable: Ultrasonic vocalizations reveal hidden sensitization and tolerance-like effects during long-term cocaine administration

Subtypes of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in rats are thought to reflect positive affect and occur with cocaine or amphetamine delivery. In contexts predicting forthcoming cocaine, pre-drug anticipatory USVs are initially minimal during daily sessions but gradually escalate over several weeks, presumably as the animal learns to expect and look forward to impending drug access. To gain more insight into motivational aspects of cocaine intake in animal models of drug dependence studies, it is important to compare experience-dependent changes in lever response rate, USVs, and locomotion during cocaine conditioning and extinction trials. To address whether cocaine-induced increases in lever responding and locomotor activity correspond with USV production. The study also determined whether short-term cocaine and context deprivation effects could be detected during conditioning or extinction. Rats underwent 20 days of 60-min sessions of self- or yoked administration of cocaine (0.75 mg/kg/infusion, i.v.), followed by 19 days of extinction training (8 weeks total, weekends off). Lever responding for cocaine and cocaine-induced locomotor activity increased across conditioning sessions. In contrast, the number of frequency modulated 50-kHz USVs evoked in response to cocaine infusion decreased with cocaine experience, suggesting perhaps tolerance to the rewarding properties of the drug. In addition, USVs but not lever pressing or locomotion are affected after brief periods of drug and/or drug context abstinence. Except for initial drug exposure, increased cocaine seeking during cocaine delivery could reflect either enhanced drug motivation or the development of drug tolerance, but not enhanced positive affect.
On simple characterizations of k-trees

k-trees are a special class of perfect elimination graphs which arise in the study of sparse linear systems. We present four simple characterizations of k-trees involving cliques, paths, and separators.
Evaluation of the Isoleucine Requirement of the Commercial Layer in a Corn-Soybean Meal Diet

Abstract An experiment was conducted with Hy-Line W36 hens to evaluate their Ile requirement in a corn-soybean meal diet. Five experimental diets were fed with Ile levels of 0.61, 0.58, 0.55, 0.52, and 0.49%. Supplemental amino acids (AA) were added to ensure that Ile was the first-limiting AA. Two diets with 0.55 and 0.52% Ile were also fed with higher levels of supplemental AA. A positive control (0.67% Ile) with only Met supplementation was fed, which had previously been shown to support maximum performance. All levels of Ile addition significantly increased egg production (EP), egg weight (EW), and egg contents (EC). Broken-line regression indicated a daily Ile requirement of 589.2, 601.2, and 601.4 mg per day for EP, EW, and EC, respectively, which indicated a requirement of 12.6 mg Ile per gram of EC.
Characterization of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates by molecular typing methods.

Summary Two groups of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates were examined by molecular typing methods. Detailed protocols for the technical procedures are described. By means of plasmid DNA profiles, plasmid DNA restriction enzyme digestion, as well as whole-cell DNA endonuclease digestions subjected to conventional agarose gel electrophoresis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, eight methicillin-susceptible S. aureus strains from three patients segregated into three different groups. Consecutive isolates from the same patient revealed identical fingerprints. Generally, good agreement between different molecular typing methods also was achieved in the investigation of 28 methicillin-resistant isolates. However, compared to whole-cell DNA restriction endonuclease analysis, plasmid DNA profiling (all but one strain had detectable plasmid DNA) showed a somewhat greater discriminatory ability. The techniques evaluated were reproducible and relatively easy to perform and provided valuable tools for studying the epidemiology of S. aureus in hospitals.
Self-diffusion of water and simple alcohols in single-walled aluminosilicate nanotubes.

Understanding transport phenomena of fluids through nanotubes (NTs) is of great interest in order to enable potential application of NTs as separation devices, encapsulation media for molecule storage and delivery, and sensors. Single-walled metal oxide NTs are interesting materials because they present a well-defined solid-state structure, precisely tunable diameter and length, as well as a hydrophilic and functionalizable interior for tuning transport and adsorption selectivity. Here, we study the transport properties of hydrogen-bonding liquids (water, methanol, and ethanol) through a single-walled aluminosilicate NT to investigate the influence of liquid−surface and liquid−liquid interactions and the effects of competitive transport of different chemical species using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The self-diffusivities (Ds) for all the three species decrease with increasing loading and are comparable to bulk liquid diffusivities at low molecular loadings. We show that the hydrogen-bond network...
OSMOTIC ACTIVITY OF TISSUES DURING FETAL AND POSTNATAL GROWTH

The osmotic pressure maintained by liver tissue of the white rat preceding birth is less than that of the maternal blood serum and shortly after birth approximates this level. Following birth osmotic pressure of liver tissue, continuing to increase, reaches after about 60 to 90 days the level found in the liver of mature animals and is then isotonic with solutions of sodium chloride with concentration slightly more than twice that isotonic with blood serum. Osmotic pressure maintained by kidney tissue pursues with growth a similar course but at a lower level and about 35 to 60 days after birth reaches that found in the mature animal being represented by isotonicity with a concentration of sodium chloride slightly less than twice that isotonic with blood serum. The tissues of the whole fetus are isotonic with sodium chloride solutions less concentrated than that isotonic with the maternal blood serum.
Exploring the Lived Experience of Trauma Among Obstetric Registered Nurses

Paper Presentation Objective To describe and analyze the lived experiences of obstetric registered nurses (RNs) encountering trauma while providing direct care. Design Hermeneutic phenomenology. Setting New York City. Sample Ten eligible obstetric nurses were recruited in using convenient, purposive, and snowball sampling. We also collected other data, including etymological history of the words, idiomatic phrases related to the phenomenon, and experiential descriptions in literature, biographies, diaries, art, and phenomenological literature. Methods Institutional review board approval and a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institute of Nursing Research were obtained prior to collecting data. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed based on van Manen's stages of reflective analysis to arrive at the essential meaning of the phenomenon. Results Though experiences with trauma varied, the most common experiences included maternal death, intrauterine fetal demise (IUFDs), and emergency cesarean. Seven essential themes were uncovered as follows: (a) an internal process , (b) being faced with the unexpected , (c) going through the motions , (d) feeling helpless , (e) engaging others , (f) a visceral imprint , and (g) a damaged person. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice Trauma is the emotional or psychological state of discomfort or stress resulting from an overwhelming event or series of events while providing direct care. Exposure to trauma has negative consequences for nurses, including mental, physical, and/or emotional health issues leading to problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), burnout, poor nursing care, and patient safety risk. For participants, trauma was an unforgettable, deeply personal, and complex experience. It is important that obstetric RNs and outsiders recognize that trauma is ever present in the obstetric specialty. The critical insight gained from this study provides valuable information to enrich our awareness about the vulnerability of obstetric nurses to trauma, to begin a conversation about how to improve the work environment for nurses, and to enhance the care they provide to their patients. We provide recommendations for practice, education, and research.