cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An experimental study of comparative responses of blood pressure to different noxious stimuli

Abstract Although psychophysiologic responses of blood pressure have been studied extensively, the relative importance of the intensity and meaning of the psychological stimulus, as contrasted with intrinsic somatic factors affecting blood pressure change, remains unclarified. Accordingly, a systematic analysis of responsiveness to four relatively simple noxious stimuli was undertaken in 50 hypertensive patients. Normotensive subjects, with and without a family history of hypertension, were also studied. Automatic indirect blood pressure and pulse recording equipment was used. Hypertensive patients responded to psychological stimuli with marked increases in blood pressure equivalent to those resulting from the cold pressor test, but with significantly lesser effects on peripheral resistance. Neither degree nor systolic/diastolic ratio of pressor responses could be correlated clearly with the assumed intensity and direction of the emotional stimuli. The sex of the subject, and, to a lesser extent, the age significantly affected responses. Low basal values did not enhance reactivity; in fact certain data suggested a greater rise in systolic pressure with higher initial systolic values. Among normotensive individuals, those with a positive family history displayed enhanced responses to all tests, apparently consequent to an increased cardiac output. A self-administered psychological test based on adjective check lists (Clyde Mood Scale) failed to reveal differences either in patient or in doctor-patient attitudes between groups with different blood pressure responses. Significant differences, however, were displayed between patients of all types and volunteer subjects. A slight correlation between response of systolic blood pressure and anxiety was noted in hypertensive individuals following one of the stimuli. The results are interpreted to indicate that blood pressure responsiveness may be more specifically conditioned by certain intrinsic determinants than by the nature of the emotional stimulus.
Integration of MR Images Into Ultrasound for 3D Doppler Imaging of the Neurovascular Bundle in Prostate Radiation Therapy: A Pilot Study

Conclusions: Our prostate CBCT registration QA tool shows that the uncertainties in prostate alignment are around 2mm, mainly in AP direction. CBCT based IGRT implies therefore to consider PTV margins to take in account uncertainties of the registration, in addition of the intra-fraction margins. Author Disclosure: C. Blay: None. S. Antoine: None. C. Guillaume: None. D. Erwan: None. V. Romain: C. Partner; industrial. G. David: C. Partner; industrial. A. Oscar: None. H. Huazhong: None. H. Pascal: None. D. Renaud: None.
Leadership for today and tomorrow in health sciences librarianship

Promotes the important leadership role that academic librarians should play in medical and health sciences communities. This role includes teaching, technology, research support, outreach activities, and scholarly communication services.
MATERNAL LIFESTYLE STUDY (MLS): INTRAUTERINE GROWTH OF INFANTS EXPOSED TO COCAINE/OPIATES (C/O) IN UTERO. ▴ 1524

Intrauterine growth retardation has been reported in infants of drug abusing mothers. In the MLS Study involving 4 centers (Brown U, U Miami, U Tenn Memphis, Wayne State U), a large cohort of infants, all gestational ages(GA), were recruited to determine acute neonatal outcomes of in-utero drug exposure. From this cohort (n=11,236) we characterized the intrauterine growth of infants exposed (EXP) to C/O compared to non-exposed infants (NON). Exposure was defined as positive for C/O by maternal history or GC/MS meconium results. Marijuana, alcohol, or nicotine use was higher in the EXP group. Percentile estimates for birth weight (BW) and head circumference (HC) for each GA were determined for each group. The table shows the differences in BW and HC between EXP and NON (EXP minus NON) at 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles; negative values indicate EXP value < NON. BW and HC of EXP were less than the NON group after 33 weeks; differences in BW were significant (p<.01). These data suggest that differences in BW associated with C/O exposure become consistent and more evident toward the latter part of pregnancy.
Two rare forms of hepatocellular carcinoma metastases

An 80-year-old man with known metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, not on current treatment, was presented with bleeding gingival and penile masses. Bleeding from both sites was able to be controlled with local treatment and subsequent discontinuation of his clopidogrel. The gingival mass was biopsied and was found consistent with metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Owing to the concern of recurrent bleeding, the penile mass was not biopsied. Given the significant progression of his disease, the patient was discharged to hospice care.
A simple method for urine estrogen determination of nonpregnant women

A new method for quantitating urinary estrogen by gasliquid chromatography is described. A minimum of 50 cm3 of urine sample is required for the preliminary enzyme hydrolysis. The hydrolysate is extracted with a mixture of ether and ethyl acetate followed by multiple washes or rotary evaporation to eliminate interfering emulsions. The estrogen fractions are silylated, concentrated and chromatographed on a 3% OV-225 column. This method combines the advantages of several procedures while eliminating many of the adverse reactions previously encountered. The method is sufficiently sensitive to quantitate estrogens in the nanogram range.
Diffusivity in the NbTiAl ternary solid solution

Abstract Diffusivity in the solid solution β-phase of the ternary NbTiAl system has been evaluated using sandwich-like diffusion couples. The analysis of the concentration profiles has revealed that the diffusivity in the α-phase depends on the composition and correlates with the melting point of the alloy. The results have indicated that in this ternary solid solution titanium moves as fast as aluminum, despite the much higher melting point of Ti. This observation has been attributed to the strong bonding between Ti and Al atoms.
Structure and Electron Counting in Ternary Transition Metal Hydrides

A large number of ternary hydrides of transition metals and alkali or alkaline earth metals have been synthesized and structurally characterized in the last twenty years. These compounds exhibit a puzzling variety of compositions, transition metal coordination numbers, transition metal coordination geometries, and distribution of hydrides within and outside of the transition metal coordination sphere. Valence Bond (VB) concepts form a theoretical framework for understanding, at least partially, some of the dominant trends observed among various transition metal hydride structures. Extrapolation of these concepts suggests that synthesis of ternary metal hydrides with formal electron counts at the transition metal exceeding 18 electrons may be feasible.
Neutron Capture Cross Sections of the Silver Isotopes 107Ag and 109Ag from 2.6 to 2000 keV

Prompt neutron capture from highly enriched samples of the stable silver isotopes was measured at the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator neutron time-of-flight facility. Resonance peaks were par...
Influence of PCPA, shock level, and home-cage conditions on shock-induced aggression.

Abstract In a series of experiments, the effect of parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) on shock-induced fighting was assessed in rats raised and maintained under either a 12-hr alternating light-dark cycle (LD) or constant light conditions (LL). PCPA increased shock-induced aggression only in LL groups when testing was accomplished using a 2 mA shock; PCPA resulted in increased aggression in groups from the LD condition only when testing was done at 1 mA. A procedure that used castrated and intact cagemates to manipulate home-cage social experience provided evidence for a role for social experience in determining differences between LL and LD reared rats in shock-induced aggression. However, these data also suggested that home-cage social experience was not a factor in the lighting condition influence on the effect of PCPA on shock-induced aggression. Finally, a separate experiment demonstrated that diurnal rhythms in shock-induced aggression were disrupted by handling and vehicle injection in the control procedures, so the possible role of serotonin in diurnal rhythms of aggression behavior could not be assessed.
Cue reactivity in cocaine-dependent subjects: Effects of cue type and cue modality

Thirty cocaine-dependent subjects were enrolled into a cue-laboratory study to determine the specificity and sensitivity of this paradigm as a craving measure. Subjects experienced three cue types (i.e., cocaine, arousing, and neutral stimuli) in three cue modalities (i.e., audio, visual, and manual). Cue types were administered in different experimental sessions with a period of 2 to 3 days between sessions. Our results showed that subjective and physiological craving for cocaine was relatively specific for the cocaine cue as compared with either the arousing or the neutral cue. The relative sensitivities of the cue modalities in decreasing order was manual, audio, and visual. We suggest that a modified conditioned-cue paradigm could be a useful tool in the repeated assessment of craving during a clinical study.
How baseball outfielders determine where to run to catch fly balls

Current theory proposes that baseball outfielders catch fly balls by selecting a running path to achieve optical acceleration cancellation of the ball. Yet people appear to lack the ability to discriminate accelerations accurately. This study supports the idea that outfielders convert the temporal problem to a spatial one by selecting a running path that maintains a linear optical trajectory (LOT) for the ball. The LOT model is a strategy of maintaining "control" over the relative direction of optical ball movement in a manner that is similar to simple predator tracking behavior.
“Doing the month”: Confinement and convalescence of Chinese women after childbirth

Abstract Traditional custom in China stipulates that a woman should be confined to home for one full month of convalescence after giving birth. During this time she is expected to adhere to a broad set of extremely restrictive prescriptions and proscriptions collectively referred to as “doing the month”. This includes refraining from washing and all contact with water and wind, following a “hot” diet to remedy pregnancy-induced “hot/cold” imbalance, and observing taboos premised on belief in the polluting powers of placental blood. The specific rules and rationale are presented first from the ethnomedical folk perspective of those who do the month, are then analyzed according to the logic of classical Chinese medicine, and are finally appraised in light, of Western medical and nutritional knowledge. From the latter perspective, some of the practices are efficacious while others, which may have once been so, now appear dysfunctional. From the Chinese perspective, the practices taken together are considered efficacious for curing the body's imbalance but especially as a preventive therapy against ailments in later years. A direct bearing upon mental well-being and familial relationships is also recognized. The practices of doing the month persist in China despite socialism in the People's Republic of China and Westernization in Taiwan. This suggests that Western-type health professionals throughout the developing countries must remain cognizant and respectful of the indigenous beliefs and practices linking the events of reproduction and the health status of women. The original data upon which the study is based were gathered in interviews in Mandarin Chinese with laypersons, herbalists, and physicians in Taiwan and with physicians and laypersons from the People's Republic of China.
'Presynaptic astrocytes' in rat visual cortex.

Abstract We report here an unequivocal example of a ‘presynaptic’ astrocyte forming a synapse-like junction with a dendritic spine in layer I of the rat visual cortex.
An inventory model with expedited stockouts

SUMMARY The optimal reorder point and reorder quantity are calculated to minimize the sum of holding, set-up, and stockout costs, where the stockout cost is simply the expense of expediting the manufacturing lead time. It is argued that this cost model is applicable in many real-world manufacturing situations, and it has the great advantage of using cost coefficients which can be roughly estimated. In addition, formulas are given for the 'implied' and 'critical' charge for expediting, the latter being defined as the point below which it doesn't pay to carry safety (buffer) stock.
Conservation of a growth hormone-responsive promoter element in the human and mouse acid-labile subunit genes

During extrauterine life, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) circulate in a ternary serum complex with one IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) or IGFBP-5 protein and with a single acid-labile subunit (ALS). GH increases levels of this ternary complex; in mice, this effect is achieved in part by the ability of GH to stimulate mouse ALS (mALS) transcription through an interferon-gamma-activated sequence-like element (GLE) in the mALS promoter. To begin studying how GH regulates human ALS (hALS) gene expression, we cloned the hALS gene and found that it spans approximately 3.3 kb of DNA at chromosomal region 16p13.3. The hALS gene has two exons separated by a 1235-bp intron, which is found at the identical site in rat and mouse ALS genes. Sequence analysis reveals that the hALS 5'-flanking sequence is homologous to the mALS promoter, and that the GH-responsive GLE in the mALS promoter is conserved in both sequence and location in the hALS gene. The region spanning from -755 to -4 bp 5' to the hALS ATG translation start codon directs expression of a luciferase reporter gene in primary rat hepatocytes, and GH increases reporter expression in the presence of the native, but not a mutant, GLE in the hALS promoter. These data suggest that GH stimulates hALS and mALS gene expression by a similar mechanism, which involves at least in part a conserved GLE in the ALS promoter.
Using DCOM to support interoperability in forest ecosystem management decision support systems

Forest ecosystems exhibit complex dynamics over time and space. Management of forest ecosystems involves the need to forecast future states of complex systems that are often undergoing structural changes. This in turn requires integration of quantitative science and engineering components with socio-political, regulatory, and economic considerations. The amount of data, information and knowledge involved in the management process is often overwhelming. Integrated decision support systems may help managers make consistently good decisions concerning forest ecosystem management. Integrating computer systems using a system-specific or custom approach has many disadvantages. We compare a variety of current approaches, suggest characteristics that an approach should have, and propose that the Distributed Component Object Model is an approach that is very suitable for forest ecosystem decision support system integration.
Pharmacokinetics of Cefamandole in Patients with Renal Impairment

Cefamandole pharmacokinetics were investigated in 24 adult males with stable renal function and creatinine clearances of 0 to 139 ml/min. After intramuscular injection of 1.0 g of cefamandole, peak plasma concentrations were achieved between 1 and 2 h. Maximum plasma concentration and drug half-life increased as creatinine clearance decreased; i.e., with normal renal function the half-life was 1.49 +/- 0.10 h, and in anephrics the half-life was 11.48 +/- 1.91 h. The greatest increase in half-life occurred when the creatinine clearance was less than 20 ml/min. At these levels of renal impairment, there was significant variance in calculated half-life among patients. The maximum urine concentration and rate of cefamandole urinary excretion decreased as renal function declined. Evidence suggesting renal and nonrenal methods of drug elimination is presented. Hemodialysis resulted in increased cefamandole elimination.
Mobility Assisted Secret Key Generation Using Wireless Link Signatures

We propose an approach where wireless devices, interested in establishing a secret key, sample the channel impulse response (CIR) space in a physical area to collect and combine uncorrelated CIR measurements to generate the secret key. We study the impact of mobility patterns in obtaining uncorrelated measurements. Using extensive measurements in both indoor and outdoor settings, we find that (i) when movement step size is larger than one foot the measured CIRs are mostly uncorrelated, and (ii) more diffusion in the mobility results in less correlation in the measured CIRs. We develop efficient mechanisms to encode CIRs and reconcile the differences in the bits extracted between the two devices. Our results show that our scheme generates very high entropy secret bits and that too at a high bit rate. The secret bits, that we generate using our approach, also pass the 8 randomness tests of the NIST test suite.
C- and multiangle Ku-band synthetic aperture radar data for bare soil moisture estimation in agricultural areas

Abstract A sensitivity analysis of C-band (5.3 GHz) and Ku-band (14.85 GHz) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data to the bare soil moisture content of agricultural fields was conducted in this study. The C-band data were obtained with a 23° incidence angle, whereas the Ku-band data were obtained with 35°, 55°, and 75° incidence angles. The fields presented either a small-scale or an intermediate-scale periodic soil roughness components, associated with level-basin and furrow irrigation systems, respectively. For fields with a small-scale roughness component, the SAR data were sensitive to soil moisture, particularly at the C-band with a 23° incidence angle and Ku-band with a 35° incidence angle. For fields with a intermediate-scale roughness component, both C- and Ku-band data were nearly insensitive to soil moisture. By using a theoretical surface scattering model, this study also analyzed the effects of different soil roughness components [root mean square (RMS) height h, correlation length, and periodic row structure] in the SAR data. For fields with RMS height
The importance of thermal loading conditions to waste package performance at Yucca Mountain

Temperature and relative humidity are primary environmental factors affecting waste package corrosion rates for the potential repository in the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Under ambient conditions, the repository environment is quite humid. If relative humidity is low enough (<70%), corrosion will be minimal. Under humid conditions, corrosion is reduced if the temperature is low (<60 C). Using the V-TOUGH code, the authors model thermo-hydrological flow to investigate the effect of repository heat on temperature and relative humidity in the repository for a wide range of thermal loads. These calculations indicate that repository heat may substantially reduce relative humidity on the waste package, over hundreds of years for low thermal loads and over tens of thousands of year for high thermal loads. Temperatures associated with a given relative humidity decrease with increasing thermal load. Thermal load distributions can be optimized to yield a more uniform reduction in relative humidity during the boiling period.
Exercise-Induced Hypertension After Surgical Repair of Coarctation of the Aorta

To study exercise-induced hypertension after surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta, 30 patients aged 6 to 30 years (median 14) were exercised to exhaustion on a treadmill using the Bruce protocol. Twenty patients with hemodynamically insignificant heart disease served as controls. Systolic blood pressure was measured simultaneously in the arm and leg before and immediately after exercise. There was no significant difference between the control and coarctectomy groups with regard to age at exercise, duration of exercise, maximal heart rate or serum lactate after exercise. Blood pressure in the arm increased significantly after exercise in both groups (control group: 110 [range 90 to 140] to 135 [range 114 to 164] mm Hg, P P P P P r = 0.91, P This high correlation suggests that the residual obstruction across the site of the coarctectomy causes the observed postexercise systolic hypertension in the arm. Exercise testing with blood pressure measurements should be performed in all children after repair of coarctation of the aorta. In those whose postexercise systolic pressure in the arm exceeds 200 mm Hg, catheterization should be considered to measure central aortic pressure with exercise because reoperation, antihypertensive medication or restriction of severe physical effort may be necessary.
Electrochemical Detection of Single Molecules

The electrochemical behavior of a single molecule can be observed by trapping a small volume of a dilute solution of the electroactive species between an ultramicroelectrode tip with a diameter of ∼ 15 nanometers and a conductive substrate. A scanning electrochemical microscope was used to adjust the tip-substrate distance (∼10 nanometers), and the oxidation of [(trimethylammonio)methyl] ferrocene (Cp2FeTMA+) to Cp2FeTMA2+ was carried out. The response was stochastic, and anodic current peaks were observed as the molecule moved into and out of the electrode-substrate gap. Similar experiments were performed with a solution containing two redox species, ferrocene carboxylate (Cp2FeCOO-) and Os(bpy)32+ (bpy is 2,29-bipyridyl).
High-grade pelvic sarcoma after radiation therapy for low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma

A high-grade heterologous pelvic sarcoma arose in a 60-year-old woman 15 years after she received whole-pelvic radiation for a low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. This complication must be considered in determining therapy for low-grade endometrial sarcomas, which are usually inherently of indolent biological behavior.
Evidence of bias in NCAA tournament selection and seeding

We investigate bias in the selection and seeding decisions of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. Using data on 910 teams associated with the ten tournaments from 1999 to 2008, we test for bias toward teams from seven ‘major’ conferences and six ‘mid-major’ conferences, as well as for bias toward teams represented on the Committee. We find substantial support for the hypothesis of bias in favor of virtually all major and mid-major conferences in selection and/or seeding, as well as evidence of bias toward majors over mid-majors. We also find substantial evidence of bias toward teams with some type of Committee representation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medical record privacy: is it a facade?

Part of the job of healthcare providers is to manage patient information. Most is routine, but some is sensitive. For these reasons physicians' offices provide a rich environment for understanding complex, sensitive information management issues as they pertain to privacy and security. In this paper we present findings from interviews and observations of 15 offices in rural-serving southwest Virginia. Our work demonstrates how the current socio-technical system fails to meet the security needs of the patient. In particular, we found that the tensions between work practice and security, and between electronic and paper records resulted in insecure management of files.
Protein-Mediated Chromosome Pairing of Repetitive Arrays

Chromosomally integrated arrays of lacO and tetO operator sites visualized by LacI and TetR repressor proteins fused with GFP (green fluorescent protein) (or other fluorescent proteins) are widely used to monitor the behavior of chromosomal loci in various systems. However, insertion of such arrays and expression of the corresponding proteins is known to perturb genomic architecture. In several cases, juxtaposition of such arrays located on different chromosomes has been inferred to reflect pairing of the corresponding loci. Here, we report that a version of TetR-GFP mutated to disrupt GFP dimerization (TetR-A206KGFP or “TetR-kGFP”) abolishes pairing of tetO arrays in vivo and brings spatial proximity of chromosomal loci marked with those arrays back to the wild-type level. These data argue that pairing of arrays is caused by GFP dimerization and thus presents an example of protein-assisted interaction in chromosomes. Arrays marked with another protein, TetR-tdTomato, which has a propensity to form intramolecular dimers instead of intermolecular dimers, also display reduced level of pairing, supporting this idea. TetR-kGFP provides an improved system for studying chromosomal loci with a low pairing background.
Trends in Prevalence of Diabetes Among Delivery Hospitalizations, United States, 1993–2009

To describe recent trends in prevalence of pre-existing diabetes mellitus (PDM) (i.e., type 1 or type 2 diabetes) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among delivery hospitalizations in the United States. Data on delivery hospitalizations from 1993 through 2009 were obtained from the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Diagnosis-Related Group codes were used to identify deliveries and diagnosis codes on presence of diabetes. Rates of hospitalizations with diabetes were calculated per 100 deliveries by type of diabetes, hospital geographic region, patient’s age, degree of urbanicity of patient’s residence, categorized median household income for patient’s ZIP Code, expected primary payer, and type of delivery. From 1993 to 2009, age-standardized prevalence of diabetes per 100 deliveries increased from 0.62 to 0.90 for PDM (trend p < 0.001) and from 3.09 to 5.57 for GDM (trend p < 0.001). In 2009, correlates of PDM at delivery included older age [40–44 vs. 15–24: odds ratio 6.45 (95 % CI 5.27–7.88)], Medicaid/Medicare versus private payment sources [1.77 (95 % CI 1.59–1.98)], patient’s ZIP Code with a median household income in bottom quartile versus other quartiles [1.54 (95 % CI 1.41, 1.69)], and C-section versus vaginal delivery [3.36 (95 % CI 3.10–3.64)]. Correlates of GDM at delivery were similar. Among U.S. delivery hospitalizations, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing. In 2009, the prevalence of diabetes was higher among women in older age groups, living in ZIP codes with lower household incomes, or with public insurance.
Signal transmission in lobster olfactory receptor cells: functional significance of electrotonic structure analysed by a compartmental model.

Abstract The electrotonic structure of lobster olfactory receptor cells was evaluated using general purpose simulation software in a compartmental model derived from electron-microscopic reconstruction. The model with non-uniform membrane resistance (R m ) was used to (i) simulate current spread and (ii) determine if the electronic structure of the cell improves signal recognition in the soma. The odor-evoked conductance change in dendrites was calculated according to the Michaelis-Menten equation with the assumption that the outer dendritic segments function as independent stimulus detectors. The inflection point of the concentration-response function measured in the soma was shifted to lower concentrations relative to that measured in the ciliary (outer dendritic) arbor. The shift, which was greater for inputs with lower efficacy (represented in the model by smaller Hill coefficients) and for the dynamic phase of the response than for the steady-state phase, effectively increased the selectivity of the somatic response. Randomized input distributed uniformly to progressively more restricted areas of the ciliary arbor showed that stimulation of larger areas (presumably the entire ciliary arbor) decreased the statistical variability of the somatic response.
Employee benefits: Literature review and emerging issues

Many have noted the lack of human resource management research on employee benefits, which is surprising because employer-sponsored benefits are a primary concern of executives and employees alike. Moreover, of special interest to scholars, benefits provide a unique opportunity to examine fundamental theoretical and empirical questions about employee behavior and contemporary employment relationships. This paper provides a foundation for such research by providing an overview of the context from which U.S. employer-provided benefit programs evolved and the contemporary state of benefits research in human resource management. Propositions related to primary employee benefit research are provided.
On-Orbit Propellant Motion Resulting from an Impulsive Acceleration

In-space docking and separation maneuvers of spacecraft that have large fluid mass fractions may cause undesirable spacecraft motion in response to the impulsive-acceleration-induced fluid motion. An example of this potential low-gravity fluid management problem arose during the development of the shuttle/Centaur vehicle. Experimentally verified numerical modeling techniques were developed to establish the propellant dynamics, and subsequent vehicle motion, associated with the separation of the Centaur vehicle from the shuttle cargo bay. Although the shuttle/Centaur development activity has been suspended, the numerical modeling techniques are available to predict on-orbit liquid motion resulting from impulsive accelerations for other missions and spacecraft.
Influence of bombesin, CCK, secretin and CRF on corticosterone concentration in the rat.

The ingestion of food increases adrenoglucocorticoid secretion in humans and rats and influences the circadian periodicity of ACTH and corticosterone in rats fed on restricted schedules. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the brain-gut polypeptides CCK33 (10 U/kg), bombesin (10 micrograms/kg) and secretin (10 U/kg) on corticosterone concentrations in fed rats. The responses were compared to that of CRF (1 micrograms/kg). All experiments were begun at 10 a.m., 3 hours after the lights came on. The rats were given single, IP injections of peptide or vehicle (1 ml/kg) then sacrificed 0, 5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 minutes later. Corticosterone was measured fluorometrically. The control injection (vehicle) alone caused a mild stress response with corticosterone levels peaking between 10 and 15 minutes after the injection then returning to baseline. Both CCK33 and bombesin significantly increased corticosterone to approximately 2.5-fold above the control level in a fashion similar to that of CRF. In all three instances corticosterone levels peaked at 30 minutes post-injection. Secretin had no effect on corticosterone secretion. None of the peptides tested stimulated in vitro corticosterone output from isolated adrenal cells. These findings indicate that both CCK and bombesin cause pituitary-adrenal activation which may be related to the response of this system to food ingestion.
Effects of Natural Hail Damage on Ear Rots, Mycotoxins, and Grain Quality Characteristics of Corn

In 2009, two severe hail storms affected more than 400,000 ha of corn (Zea mays L.) during early reproductive stages (R1 to R3) in Iowa. Concerns were raised regarding marketability, increased ear rot disease, and associated mycotoxin contamination. To address these concerns, ear samples were collected within 48 h of combine harvest from 56 fields damaged by hail and 27 undamaged fields. Ears were visually assessed for kernel damage and ear rot severity. After shelling, test weight, moisture, protein, oil, starch, and density were determined before grain was ground and tested for deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone, and fumonisins using commercially available antibody-based lateral flow strip tests. Confirmation analyses on elevated samples was performed by gas chromatography for DON and high pressure liquid chromatography for zearalenone and fumonisin. Fusarium, Gibberella, and Cladosporium ear rots were the most prevalent diseases. Hail damage to kernels increased the risk of ear rot and mycotoxin contamination. The most prevalent mycotoxin detected was DON (mean 2.63 mg kg -1 ), followed by zearalenone (mean 0.53 mg kg -1 ) and fumonisin (mean 0.49 mg kg -1 ). Levels of DON were more than fourfold higher and ZEA levels were 10-fold higher in grain from hail-damaged fields compared to undamaged fields. In approximately 50% of the grain samples from hail damaged fields, DON and zearalenone levels in ethanol co-products would likely have been above FDA advisory levels and levels recommended by veterinarians, respectively. Preharvest scouting and screening of fields with suspected mycotoxins may be necessary, particularly with increased concerns about mycotoxin in grain end products.
The role of cell death during morphogenesis of the mammalian eye.

Serial sections of embryonic rat eyes were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, quantified (by counting pycnotic and viable nuclei), reproduced by camera lucida on wax plates, and moulded into reconstructions in order to study the normal progression of cellular death during morphogenesis. At least nine distinct necrotic loci (A through I) can be distinguished. Immediately following contact between the retina and surface ectoderm (day 11) degenerating cells were observed in (A) the ventral extent of the optic vesicle, beginning in the mid-retinal primordium and continuing ventrally in the optic stalk, (B) in the rostral optic stalk base, and (C) in the surface ectoderm encircling the early lens placode. No degeneration was observed in the dorsal half of the presumptive retina, in the entire pigment epithelium, or in the lens placode proper. During day 11.5 the lens placode thickens and forms a degenerating locus (D) in its ventral portion opposite the underlying pycnotic zone in the retina (A). During day 12 the ventral pycnotic zone (A) divides into two subunits (A1 and A2). Invagination of the lens displaces its marginal and ventral components (C and D) so that they come to occupy the lens pore area and presumptive corneal epithelium. Simultaneous invagination of the retinal rudiment juxtaposes the pigment epithelium which concurrently forms a necrotic area (E) adjacent ventrally to that in the retina (A1). Degeneration appears in the caudal optic stalk (I). The density of viable cells decreases adjacent to pycnotic areas in the retina and pigment epithelium and increases within these death centers. During day 13 the optic fissure forms within the subunits of the ventral pycnotic zone (A1 and A2). Degenerations are seen in the dorsal optic stalk (F) and in the walls of the optic fissure (G and H). Throughout these stages necrosis appears only in those portions of the eye rudiment where invagination is either retarded or completely absent. In part, these observations suggest that cell death serves (1) to retard or inhibit invagination within death centers, (2) to integrate the series of invaginations which mould the dorsal optic cup and optic fissure, (3) to assist formation of the pigment epithelium monolayer, and (4) to orient the lens vesicle within the eye cup. The spatio-temporal relationship between necrotic loci suggests that pycnotic cells in the retina may influence their production in the lens and pigment epithelium. Preliminary observations on the mouse, pig, and human substantiate those on the rat.
The futures of policing African states

The current organizational arrangements, cultures, and practices of policing in Sub‐Saharan African states, and likely future developments to more democratic forms of policing, are constrained by p...
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in mice regulates local and remote organ inflammatory injury induced by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion

Abstract Background & Aims: This study identified and characterized the hepatic expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) during hepatic ischemia and reperfusion in mice. In addition, the effects of exogenously administered and endogenous SLPI on liver and lung injury induced by hepatic ischemia and reperfusion were evaluated. Methods: C57BL/6 mice underwent 90 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia and 4 hours of reperfusion in the presence or absence of exogenous SLPI or neutralizing antibodies to SLPI. Results: Intravenous infusion of SLPI reduced liver and lung damage and diminished neutrophil accumulation in both organs. These effects were accompanied by reduced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and the CXC chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2. SLPI also suppressed activation of the transcription factor NF-κB in liver. Hepatic ischemia and reperfusion caused increased expression of SLPI messenger RNA and SLPI protein, which was found in hepatocytes. Treatment of mice with anti-SLPI enhanced serum levels of TNF-α and MIP-2 and increased hepatic neutrophil accumulation and amount of liver injury. Conclusions: These data indicate that SLPI has protective effects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury and suggest that endogenous SLPI functions to regulate the hepatic inflammatory response. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1999;117:953-961
Genome-wide genetic associations with IFNγ response to smallpox vaccine

Smallpox is a deadly and debilitating disease that killed hundreds of millions of people in the past century alone. The use of Vaccinia virus-based smallpox vaccines led to the eradication of smallpox. These vaccines are remarkably effective, inducing the characteristic pustule or “take” at the vaccine site in >97 % of recipients, and inducing a wide spectrum of long-lasting humoral and cellular immune responses. The mechanisms behind inter-individual vaccine-response variability are likely to involve host genetic variation, but have not been fully characterized. We report here the first smallpox vaccine response genome-wide association study of over 1,000 recent recipients of Dryvax®. The data presented here focus on cellular immune responses as measured by both production of secreted IFNγ and quantitation of IFNγ secreting cells by ELISPOT assay. We identified multiple significant SNP associations in genes (RASA1, ADRA1D, TCF7L1, FAS) that are critical components of signaling pathways that directly control lymphocyte IFNγ production or cytotoxic T cell function. Similarly, we found many associations with SNPs located in genes integral to nerve cell function; findings that, given the complex interplay between the nervous and immune systems, deserve closer examination in follow-up studies.
Identification and Resuscitation of the Trauma Patient in Shock

This article focuses on rapid diagnosis and treatment of the patient suffering from trauma-related shock, including early identification of patients at risk for occult hypoperfusion. Resuscitation strategies (delayed resuscitation, damage control resuscitation), end points of resuscitation, and the role of blood products and pro-coagulants for resuscitation are discussed.
Rescuing troubled vessels in Alzheimer disease.

Loss of the transcription factor Gax is at the center of blood vessel dysregulation in the brain and contributes to Alzheimer disease pathology (pages 959–965).
Living in two worlds: the development and transition of Mormon education in American society

Religious organisations have long relied on education to transmit cherished values, working within society to preserve their worldview. Therefore, when a religious education system is restructured, it can act as a barometer of change, revealing societal values and reflecting negotiated roles. Like other faiths, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Latter-day Saint or Mormon) has used education to shape its society. In its early history, the faith adopted an isolationist paradigm. Threatened by a Protestant-led common school crusade, Church leaders established a private school system, attempting to augment or even compete with public schools. However, during the early decades of the twentieth century, the programme was folded into the very public school system it was designed to replace. Teachers trained in the faith’s worldview replaced students nurtured in a Church-controlled environment. Accommodation and cooperation supplanted isolation and separation as Mormonism learned to live in two wor...
The economic burden of supportive care of cancer patients

Economic and regulatory healthcare policy is limited by the lack of population-based information on the cost of supportive care of cancer patients. The goal of this study was to estimate these costs and to explore the impact of these costs on policy decisions. We identified estimates of the cost of outpatient and inpatient supportive care from published reports in the literature. The range of these costs (from lowest to highest) is described for each supportive care condition. These estimates were supplemented by computing the cost of all hospitalizations for these conditions in Texas between June 2000 and December 2001. Medicare payments were used to estimate average reimbursement. Costs (not charges) were standardized to 2002 US dollars using the consumer price index for medical care and Medicare’s cost-to-charge ratio for Texas. Inpatient care for most conditions exceeded $7000 per episode. Our population-based estimates of the cost of care were similar to literature-based estimates, except in the case where conditions could be managed in the outpatient setting. Average Medicare payments were often far lower than the estimated cost of care. For example, the estimated cost of hospitalization for management of diarrhea was $6616 while the average Medicare payment was only $2809. Many supportive care interventions are quite expensive. In an environment focused on cost containment, a risk-based approach to expensive supportive care treatments is essential. Further study of the cost effectiveness of supportive care management strategies is indicated.
Effect of implant angulation and impression technique on impressions of NobelActive implants

Abstract Statement of problem How the configuration of the NobelActive internal conical connection affects implant impressions is uncertain. Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure the effect in vitro of closed and open tray impression techniques for NobelActive implants placed at various angulations. Material and methods Six NobelActive implants were placed in a master maxillary cast as follows: 0 degrees of angulation to a line drawn perpendicular to the occlusal plane in the first molar area, 15 degrees of angulation to a line drawn perpendicular to the occlusal plane in the first premolar area, and 30 degrees of angulation to a line drawn perpendicular to the occlusal plane in the lateral incisor area. Twelve open tray and 12 closed tray impressions were made. Occlusal, lateral, and frontal view photographs of the resulting casts were used to measure the linear and angular displacement of implant analogs. Statistical analysis was performed with a factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). Results No significant difference was found in the impressions made of NobelActive implants with the open or closed tray technique (linear displacement: F=0.93, P =.34; angular displacement: F=2.09, P =.15). In addition, implant angulation (0, 15, or 30 degrees) had no effect on the linear or angular displacement of impressions (linear displacement: F=2.72, P =.07; angular displacement: F=0.86, P =.43). Finally, no significant interaction was found between impression technique and implant angulation on NobelActive implants (F=0.25, P =.77; F=1.60, P =.20). Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, impression technique (open vs closed tray) and implant angulation (0, 15, and 30 degrees) had no significant effect on in vitro impressions of NobelActive implants.
Prenatal stimulation and postnatal testosterone affects infanticide in female rats.

Abstract Prenatal handling, prenatal stress, and early postnatal exogeneous testosterone were examined in female rats for their effects on rat pup-killing and pup retrieval. During each of the last 5 days of pregnancy, Long-Evans rats received either 3 minutes of handling, 45 minutes of restraint and intense illumination or remained untouched. Half of the offspring of each group received testosterone from Day 1 after birth to Day 30. In adulthood, animals that received handling prenatally and testosterone postnatally killed pups more rapidly than any other group and a larger proportion did so than in the control groups. Animals not manipulated at any time retrieved pups more rapidly and a larger proportion did so than the combined other groups. The study suggests that prenatal handling interacts with testosterone presented immediately postnatally to increase infanticide in female rats. A variety of perinatal manipulations seem to suppress pup retrieval.
Evidence for the Accumulation of Atmospheric Lead by Insects in Areas of High Traffic Density

The rise in concentration of atmospheric lead pollutants is causing increased concern among ecologists. An inventory of the sources of lead emission in the United States shows that 98% of the total emissions of lead result from the burning of leaded gasoline in internal combustion engines (Anonymous 1972).
Binding Site for Blood Coagulation Factor Xa Involving Residues 311–325 in Factor Va

Abstract Factor Va inactivation by activated protein C is associated with cleavages at Arg306, Arg506, and Arg679 with Arg306cleavage causing the major activity loss. To study functional roles of the Arg306 region, overlapping 15-mer peptides representing the sequence of factor Va residues 271–345 were synthesized and screened for anticoagulant activities. The peptide containing residues 311–325 (VP311) noncompetitively inhibited prothrombin activation by factor Xa, but only in the presence of factor Va. Fluorescence studies showed that VP311 bound to fluorescence-labeled 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl-Glu-Gly-Arg factor Xa in solution with a K d of 70 μm. Diisopropylphosphoryl factor Xa and factor Xa but not factor VII/VIIa or prothrombin bound to immobilized VP311 with relatively high affinity. These results support the hypothesis that residues 311–325, which are positioned between the A1 and A2 domains of factor Va and likely exposed to solvent, contribute to the binding of factor Xa by factor Va. Based on this hypothesis, it is suggested that cleavage by activated protein C at Arg306 in factor Va not only severs the covalent connection between the A1 and A2 domains but also disrupts the environment and structure of residues 311–325, thereby down-regulating the binding of factor Xa to factor Va.
OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OF VASCULITIS

Systemic necrotizing vasculitis is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels and often affects the eyes. Ocular manifestations of vasculitis may involve any part of the eye or orbit. The frequency of ocular involvement generally is dependent on the size and type of blood vessels affected by the vasculitis. This article reviews the major types of ocular inflammation and then addresses the ocular manifestations of specific systemic vasculitides.
Genetic Models of Human Vascular Disease

The use of genetic models has greatly assisted investigations of the natural history, mechanisms, and potential therapy for human vascular disease. In the past, genetic models of vascular disease were obtained through serendipity and/or selective breeding to obtain inbred lines that express the phenotype of interest. This approach has yielded several valuable models of atherosclerosis and hypertension. In the past several years, the advent of molecular techniques has enabled investigators to produce additional novel genetic models of disease that have further enhanced the study of vascular biology and medicine. Transgenic techniques and the techniques of homologous recombination have allowed researchers to alter the genotype of an animal in a precise manner and to study the resultant change in phenotype. More recently, techniques of in vivo gene transfer have also accelerated and enhanced the development of novel models. The application of these methodologies has resulted in important breakthroughs in our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of vascular diseases. In this review, we compare and contrast these technologies along with examples of their use in the studies of vascular biology and medicine.