cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Establishing a recommended duration of blood glucose monitoring in nondiabetic patients following orthopaedic surgery.

Previous studies have demonstrated that blood glucose (BG) levels should be monitored for at least 1 week after orthopaedic surgery in diabetic patients, but no study has determined how long nondiabetic patients should be monitored. As postoperative elevations in BG have deleterious effects, determining a duration for monitoring the BG of nondiabetic patients after major orthopaedic surgery is needed to detect hyperglycemic events, create comprehensive protocols for nondiabetic orthopaedic patients, and reduce adverse outcomes. A retrospective study was conducted including consecutive patients who underwent a major orthopaedic surgery at a community hospital. A BG level of 150 mg/dl was the cutoff used to define hyperglycemia according to our institutional guidelines. A χ2 , analysis of variance, and subgroup analysis were performed separately. Greater than 67% of nondiabetic patients experienced a high BG level (>150 mg/dl) after surgery. We found that nondiabetic patients reached their postoperative maximum BG level at 20 h, which was sooner compared to diabetic patients. We discovered more than 92% of nondiabetic patients reached a maximum BG levels within the first 72 h of hospitalization, while the BG levels after this period were found to be within normal limits in greater than 87% of cases. We propose that BG management be instituted in nondiabetics from the preoperative period to 72 h after surgery, including patients who are same-day discharges. There may not be a need to continue inpatient BG monitoring beyond the first 72 h for nondiabetic hospitalized patients with extended hospitalizations.
Mapping and Modelling Land Use Change: an Application of the SLEUTH Model

Sleuth is a cellular automaton model of urban growth and land use change. The model uses two tightly coupled cellular automata models, one for urban growth and the second for land use change. It includes self-modification of control parameters, and has a self-calibrating capacity built into the computer code for the model. Over a decade of model development, refinement, sensitivity testing and experiment has now gone into the model, and Sleuth has accumulated over 100 applications in the USA and worldwide. In this chapter, the theme of why the land use component of the model has been less applied and tested than the urban growth part is examined. The impact of the inclusion of land use in the model on the processes involved is discussed. Two revisions of the model are thought desirable beyond additional testing: one allowing land transition probabilities to change as a function of time, and one allowing change within urban areas.
Apiose and the Glycosides of the Parsley Plant

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses apiose and the glycosides of the parsley plant. The parsley plant contains in its seeds, stems, and leaves at least two glycosides, the aglycons of which are two differently substituted flavones. The carbohydrate portion of the usually predominating glycoside is composed of D-glucose and a remarkable branched-chain aldopentose named “apiose.” The second glycoside, which usually occurs in smaller proportion, probably carries these two sugars in its structure, but the evidence for this view is so indirect that it requires substantiation. The two glycosides have never been fully separated and studied as pure chemical individuals. The crystalline mixture of glycosides from parsley, consists principally or possibly the whole of two glycosides. The customary formulas of apiose osazones contain no asymmetric carbon atom.
Longitudinal relations among exuberance, externalizing behaviors, and attentional bias to reward: the mediating role of effortful control

The present study examined the associations between temperamental exuberance during toddlerhood (20 months), attention bias towards reward at the end of kindergarten (76 months), and externalizing behaviors across the kindergarten year. Moreover, we examined the role of effortful control at 48 months on the relation between early exuberance and attention bias. Attention bias towards reward was positively predicted by exuberance, negatively predicted by effortful control, and positively related to externalizing problems. Finally, the longitudinal path between exuberance and attention bias to reward was mediated by effortful control – such that higher toddler exuberance led to increased attention bias towards reward by way of lower effortful control. These results extend the attention bias and socioemotional functioning literature and have implications for the identification of children at risk for behavioral problems.
Chapter 22 Autonomic testing

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a variety of available approaches for testing the autonomic nervous system and their technical and methodological limitations. The discussion is complete but not exhaustive, and the focus is on techniques that have been used in clinical contexts or show particular promise for clinical use. The current understanding of the clinical relevance of autonomic dysfunction followed the development of autonomic testing and its application to clinical populations. It is now apparent that autonomic testing predicts prognosis in patients with diabetes, identifies some patients with asymptomatic myocardial ischemia, and correlates with fatigue and impaired exertional capacity in a variety of medical and neurological disorders. Several simple clinical tests can also be performed in the EMG laboratory. Simply measuring the blood pressure response to sitting and standing is perhaps the most informative clinical test of autonomic function. Skin wrinkling and pressor response to ice water immersion or handgrip are other simple tests that can provide a rapid screening of autonomic function as well.
Unfolding study of a trimeric membrane protein AcrB

The folding of a multi-domain trimeric α-helical membrane protein, Escherichia coli inner membrane protein AcrB, was investigated. AcrB contains both a transmembrane domain and a large periplasmic domain. Protein unfolding in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and urea was monitored using the intrinsic fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The SDS denaturation curve displayed a sigmoidal profile, which could be fitted with a two-state unfolding model. To investigate the unfolding of separate domains, a triple mutant was created, in which all three Trp residues in the transmembrane domain were replaced with Phe. The SDS unfolding profile of the mutant was comparable to that of the wild type AcrB, suggesting that the observed signal change was largely originated from the unfolding of the soluble domain. Strengthening of trimer association through the introduction of an inter-subunit disulfide bond had little effect on the unfolding profile, suggesting that trimer dissociation was not the rate-limiting step in unfolding monitored by fluorescence emission. Under our experimental condition, AcrB unfolding was not reversible. Furthermore, we experimented with the refolding of a monomeric mutant, AcrBΔloop, from the SDS unfolded state. The CD spectrum of the refolded AcrBΔloop superimposed well onto the spectra of the original folded protein, while the fluorescence spectrum was not fully recovered. In summary, our results suggested that the unfolding of the trimeric AcrB started with a local structural rearrangement. While the refolding of secondary structure in individual monomers could be achieved, the re-association of the trimer might be the limiting factor to obtain folded wild-type AcrB.
Multicamera video summarization from optimal reconstruction

We propose a principled approach to video summarization using optimal reconstruction as a metric to guide the creation of the summary output. The spatio-temporal video patches included in the summary are viewed as observations about the local motion of the original input video and are chosen to minimize the reconstruction error of the missing observations under a set of learned predictive models. The method is demonstrated using fixed-viewpoint video sequences and shown to generalize to multiple camera systems with disjoint views, which can share activity already summarized in one view to inform the summary of another. The results show that this approach can significantly reduce or even eliminate the inclusion of patches in the summary that contain activities from the video that are already expected based on other summary patches, leading to a more concise output.
Superconductivity and charge-density-wave order in Nao3CoO2-1.3H2O

Na0.3CoO2 1.3H2O progressively changes its properties with ambient temperature ageing from two-gap, layered superconductivity to charge-density-wave order as the number of O vacancies in the layers increase. The charge-density-wave order was theoretically predicted on the basis of band-structure calculations, independently of knowledge of the specific-heat measurements.
Development of an in vitro human placenta model by the cultivation of human trophoblasts in a fiber-based bioreactor system.

The in vitro human trophoblast culture system is of significant importance in the study of human placenta development and its role as the transport organ between maternal and fetal circulations in ...
The Dynamics of Slack Marine Cables

Abstract : Cables are employed in a wide variety of marine and offshore operations. Common examples include moorings, power supply, salvage operations and umbilicals. Most of the computer models developed to date assume that the tension in the cable elements is above a threshold level such that the vibrational behavior of the cable is essentially that of a taut string. For many applications in which catenary effects are important, and umbilical applications where the cable tension may be required to be small, a significant amount of cable slack may be realized. Examples of slack cable applications include deep water moorings, horizontal cable segments between vertical legs of a cable array, the downstream vertical leg of a multiple-leg cable array, and guy lines of deep water guyed towers and semisubmersible platforms. Design analysis of cable structures such as these using conventional taut cable techniques could lead to incorrect conclusions and to inappropriate selection of the required cables. Keywords include: Marine cables; Slack cables; Cable dynamics; and Ocean engineering.
Failure Modes of Composite Sandwich Beams

The overall performance of sandwich structures depends in general on the properties of the facesheets, the core, the adhesive bonding the core to the skins, as well as geometrical dimensions. Sandwich beams under general bending, shear and in-plane loading display various failure modes. Their initiation, propagation and interaction depend on the constituent material properties, geometry, and type of loading. Failure modes and their initiation can be predicted by conducting a thorough stress analysis and applying appropriate failure criteria in the critical regions of the beam. This analysis is difficult because of the nonlinear and inelastic behavior of the constituent materials and the complex interactions of failure modes. Possible failure modes include tensile or compressive failure of the facesheets, debonding at the core/facesheet interface, indentation failure under localized loading, core failure, wrinkling of the compression facesheet, and global buckling.
Control of Myoglobin Electron-Transfer Rates by the Distal (Nonbound) Histidine Residue

Changing the distal histidine (H64) of sperm-whale myoglobin into any of the following residuesvaline, leucine, methionine, glycine, or phenylalaninecauses a dramatic improvement in the reversibility (electron-transfer kinetics) and reproducibility of the direct electrochemistry. Cyclic voltammograms of native or wild-type recombinant myoglobin are irreversible (in the electrochemical sense) and critically dependent on the condition of the sample and electrode. By contrast, the H64 mutants display quasi-reversible electrochemistry much more typical of results obtained with true electron-transfer proteins. The difference in activity correlates sharply with alterations to the distal-pocket H-bonding network, which in the native protein comprises the H2O that is coordinated to Fe(III), the Ne of H64, and the “lattice” extending from arginine-45 to the heme periphery. It is proposed that this H-bond network increases the electron-transfer activation energy by coupling the displacement of Fe(III)-coordinated H...
Aging and visual search: Automatic and controlled attentional bias to threat faces☆

Using a visual search paradigm, we investigated how age affected attentional bias to emotional facial expressions. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants searched for a discrepant facial expression in a matrix of otherwise homogeneous faces. Both younger and older adults showed a more effective search when the discrepant face was angry rather than happy or neutral. However, when the angry faces served as non-target distractors, younger adults' search was less effective than happy or neutral distractor conditions. In contrast, older adults showed a more efficient search with angry distractors than happy or neutral distractors, indicating that older adults were better able to inhibit angry facial expressions. In Experiment 3, we found that even a top-down search goal could not override the angry face superiority effect in guiding attention. In addition, RT distribution analyses supported that both younger and older adults performed the top-down angry face search qualitatively differently from the top-down happy face search. The current research indicates that threat face processing involves automatic attentional shift and a controlled attentional process. The current results suggest that age only influenced the controlled attentional process.
Prostate imaging may not be necessary in nonpalpable carcinoma of the prostate

Abstract Objectives Stage T1c carcinoma of the prostate is defined as a nonpalpable carcinoma (NPC-P) that is not visible by imaging and is identified by needle biopsy performed because of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence of normal findings on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and/or endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging (EMRI) among patients with NPC-P, as well as to investigate the value of differentiating patients with Stage T1c disease from all other patients with NPC-P. Methods The records of 2211 patients diagnosed with prostate carcinoma between 1988 and 1995 were reviewed to identify 291 men with NPC-P. TRUS and EMRI reports were analyzed with regard to the presence and laterally of hypoechoic nodules or low-signal areas reported on T2-weighted images, respectively. Ninety percent of patients (n = 262) had at least six prostate biopsies, 185 patients (64%) underwent both TRUS and EMRI, 224 (77%) had TRUS, and 251 (86%) had an EMRI study. Results Results were considered normal in 101 (47%) of 214 patients undergoing TRUS, in 58 (23%) of 249 undergoing EMRI, and in 22 (12%) of 185 undergoing both TRUS and EMRI. For the side of the prostate with positive biopsy results, correlation with imaging abnormalities was better for EMRI than for TRUS (39% versus 24%). There was no significant difference in mean PSA value, distribution of Gleason score, or unilateral versus bilateral positive biopsy results among patients with normal versus abnormal findings on both TRUS and EMRI. Conclusions (1) Only 12% of men with NPC-P have no TRUS or EMRI abnormalities, fulfilling the criteria for Stage T1c prostate carcinoma. (2) Those patients with Stage T1c disease do not differ from patients with NPC-P up-staged by TRUS or EMRI, with regard to pretreatment PSA levels, Gleason scores, and the probability of having bilateral rather than unilateral positive biopsy results. (3) The value of classifying patients with NPC-P into Stage T1c versus higher stages of prostate carcinoma on the basis of imaging should be questioned.
The lie algebraic structure of the set of one–particle fermion operators

The manifold of one-particle operators has a rich group structure. It is the Lie algebra of the complex Lie group GL(2s,), (2s = dimension of one-particle spin orbital basis) realized as second-quantized operators acting in fermion fock space. This representation is reduced by the subspaces referring to N particles (N = 0, 1, 2,…). One can associate families of coherent states within each of these subspaces with real forms, Gr, of GL(2s,). These families have isotropy groups, Hr, which are associated with subgroups of these real forms (isotropy groups are the groups of transformations that leave a state invariant). The cosets GL(2s,)/Hr can be given an exponential parameterization that labels the coherent states. This label space is a complex vector space which is in correspondence with the nonlinear manifold of coherent states in the hilbert space ℋN. These complex variables can be made time dependent, and by utilizing the time-dependent variation principle one can obtain a nonlinear approximation to the time-dependent Schrodinger equation which has the form of classical equations of motion in a generalized phase space = Grc/Hrc. This classical dynamics can be given a Hilbert space description, where the Hilbert space is a subspace of square integrable holomorphic functions f: ↦ → and is isomorphic with ℋN. Different pairs {Gr,Hr} are associated with different families of coherent states. Some examples of these constructions are given, and the structure of the approximate time evolution is discussed and related to time-dependent approximation schemes and generalized random phase approximations (RPA).
WARPnet: clean slate research on deployed wireless networks

In this demo we present the Wireless Open-Access Research Platform for Networks (WARPnet), a research testbed aimed at performing experiments at the network level. The platform is designed to support not only conventional research areas but also new modalities like cooperative coding and network coding. It is based on the Virtex-4 FPGA, which provides the resources to implement novel MIMO physical and MAC layer algorithms. Additionally, the platform adds an orthogonal wireless backdoor network that allows remote programming, control and monitoring of the nodes.
Economic implications of the prophylactic use of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in the setting of acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) has been shown to improve coronary artery patency and reduce the rates of recurrent myocardial ischemia and its sequelae in selected patients when used within 24 hours of acute myocardial infarction. The economic implications of prophylactic IABP use are unknown. We obtained hospital bills for 102 patients enrolled in the Randomized IABP Trial (56%) and converted charges to costs using each hospital′s Medicare cost report. In-hospital costs for patients who had 48 hours of IABP were compared with those of patients who did not. The costs of angiographic and clinical complications were determined. Small differences in clinical and angiographic characteristics existed between patients in the economic substudy and the overall population, but overall angiographic and clinical outcomes were comparable. Costs for patients who had IABP versus control patients were similar: mean $22,357 ± $14,369 versus $19,211 ± $8,414, median (25th and 75th percentiles) $17,903 ($15,787, $22,147) versus $17,913 ($15,144, $21,433), p=0.45. Hospital costs were higher with the development of recurrent ischemia: mean $23,125 ± $7,690 versus $20,416 ± $12,449, median $21,069 ($17,896, $26,885) versus $17,492 ($14,892, $20,998) p=0.02. Patients who had an adverse clinical event (death, stroke, reinfarction, and emergency revascularization) also had higher hospital costs: mean $25,598 ± $10,024 versus $19,790 ± $12,045, median $21,877 ($18,380, $28,049) versus $17,364 ($14,773, $20,779), p=0.002. The prophylactic use of IABP in patients at high risk of infarct artery reocclusion within 24 hours of acute myocardial infarction provides sustained clinical benefit without substantially increasing hospital costs. We compared in-hospital costs for 96 patients randomized to receive 48 hours of prophylactic intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) within 24 hours of acute myocardial infarction with those of 86 patients randomized to standard treatment. Costs were similar between groups—median $17,903 versus $17,913, p=0.45—and ischemic complications were significantly reduced with this approach.
Direct observations of collisional effects on the internal energy distribution of propynal following collisionless infrared multiphoton pumping

Abstract IR-visible double resonance is used to study vibrational relaxation in propynal following infrared multiphoton absorption. Under collisionless conditions the ν6 vibrational manifold (driven mode) does not equilibrate with the lower vibrational levels of nondriven modes. Collisions induce either intramolecular or intermolecular energy transfer.
Transplantation: is donor T-cell engraftment a biomarker for tolerance?

The link between chimerism and tolerance is well established. In a rhesus macaque study, Ramakrishnan et al. show that the type of chimerism might have an important effect on tolerance to kidney allografts, pointing to a critical role of donor T-cell production for success. These findings could directly impact clinical efforts to induce tolerance to allografts.
Toxicity of three drug solvents.

N,N-dimethylformamide was approximately 10 times as toxic, and N,N-dimethylacetamide (in 50% aqueous solution) was approximately 312 times as toxic as propylene glycol when single doses were administered intraperitoneally in mice. The LD50 values were respectively 1122, 3236, and 11,400 mg/kg.
Subwavelength confinement of THz radiation in tapered plasmonic slot waveguides

We experimentally characterize the confinement of terahertz radiation in tapered slot waveguides. Both the transverse and axial field components exhibit strong lateral confinement. An antisymmetric axial field distribution is observed across the output gap.
Physiological effectors of hyperglycemic neurohormone biosynthesis in an insect

Biosynthesis of hypertrehalosemic hormone (HTH) by isolated corpora cardiaca (CC) from Blaberus discoidalis cockroaches was measured for the 3-week period following adult ecdysis using an in vitro bioassay based on the incorporation of [3H]tryptophan. Synthetic rates for both males and females were highest following the molt and declined with age. Rates of HTH secretion and levels of stored HTH followed a similar pattern. We found no neural or endocrine brain effects or photophase influence on HTH synthesis. Synthesis was unaffected by treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone or the juvenile hormone analog methoprene. In starved insects, HTH synthesis doubled and secretion increased 66% relative to fed controls.
Dealing cards in poker games

This paper proposes a new protocol for shuffling and dealing cards, that is designed specifically for games of mental poker. Our protocol takes advantage of two features of poker games that are overlooked by generic card-shuffling protocols: 1) cards in poker games are dealt in rounds, with betting in-between, rather than all at once and 2) the total number of cards dealt in a game of poker is small (it depends on the number of players but is typically less than half the deck). With these observations in mind, we propose a protocol that spreads the computational cost of dealing cards more evenly across rounds. Compared to protocols that shuffle the whole deck upfront, our approach offers a dramatic decrease in latency and overall computational cost. Our protocol is fair, private and robust. It is ideally suited for resource-constrained devices such as PDAs.
Spanish needles (Bidens pilosa L.) as a wild food resource

Spanish needles (Bidens pilosa L.) is a common and pestiferous weed in nearly all tropical and subtropical areas. While it is primarily regarded as a subject for eradication, it has usefulness as a cover crop and fodder and source of nectar for honeybees. It is employed to some extent in native medicine and as food. Culinary trials ofB. pilosa var. radiata in South Florida indicate that the young shoots of this and other varieties might well be more widely eaten as cooked greens.
Ready or not: How do we accelerate the developmental readiness of leaders?

A theory of leader developmental readiness is examined comprised of leaders' motivation and ability to develop. Early theory-building and testing suggests leaders' motivation to develop is promoted through interest and goals, learning goal orientation, and developmental efficacy; while leaders' ability to develop is promoted through self-awareness, self-complexity, and meta-cognitive ability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulin, Leptin, and Tumoral Adipocytes Promote Murine Pancreatic Cancer Growth

Background Obesity accelerates development and growth of human pancreatic cancer. We recently reported similar findings in a novel murine model of pancreatic cancer in congenitally obese mice. The current experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of diet-induced obesity on pancreatic cancer growth.
Searching for core area growth

Until recently the world economy was focused on four core areas: in western Europe, North America, the Soviet Union, and Japan. Beyond them was the periphery. The economic growth of the periphery depended on core-periphery trade. Since the existing core areas were too few to absorb the periphery's potential production, much of the periphery was producing below capacity. Currently more core areas are coming into existence in Brazil, South Korea, and India. They promote economic development by enlarging the market for peripheral products, drawing resources from the remaining periphery, and providing competition to existing core areas. Latent potentials for core area growth exist in the Near East and southern Africa, but their realization presumes political settlements. The west European core area has expanded onto the Iberian Peninsula and may expand soon beyond the erstwhile Iron Curtain.
Retinal light distribution for circular apertures in Maxwellian view.

The effect of size of pupil of the eye upon the intensity distributions in retinal images of circular apertures observed in Maxwellian view is treated theoretically. Diffraction images of a small source of light are formed in the pupil and are governed by circular apertures whose angular diameters are of the order of minutes of arc. Quantitative data are presented to illustrate the manner in which sharpness of the retinal image of the aperture is increased by increasing the number of diffraction rings that are admitted to the eye. Amplitude and intensity distributions are included for a given diameter of aperture together with various sizes of pupil (including some annular pupils), and for various diameters of aperture together with one size of pupil. Equations are presented for calculating intensity distributions as modified by the Stiles-Crawford effect or by the effect of defocused eyes.
The Future of Space Plasma Simulation

Space plasma simulation is a subject which is in its infancy, but which is already having an important impact on space science. Its growth is being spurred onward by the continuing increase in capacity (speed and memory) of computers and by advances in the sophistication of numerical models. These advances are making it possible to simulate more realistic situations using more complex models. Already significant three-dimensional MHD calculations of the magnetosphere and its interaction with the solar wind have been carried out. In addition multi-dimensional particle simulations are illuminating many of the microscopic physics processes which go on (instabilities, saturation levels and wave nonlinearity, shock structure, etc.). Notwithstanding these advances, the surface has only been scratched; many challenges and opportunities are provided by simulation both for the space physicist and the model builders (also for computer designers). In MHD models more physics need to be included (Hall effect, gyroviscosity, accurate models of boundaries, how do we put microscopic physics effects into macroscopic codes, etc.). For model builders correct treatments of systems containing a large range of important space and time scales, magnetic field strengths, Alfven wave velocity, etc. present real challenges. What are the best ways to diagnose these complex models and obtain meaningful information? What quantities should be looked at? How should they be displayed? A discussion of the promises, the prospects, and the challenges of the above topics will be given with examples taken from recent work.
Nutritional Adequacy of Self–Selected Low–Fat Diets

Abstract To identify areas for nutrition interventions, nutrient intakes were examined in a cross-sectional sample of West Virginians. A random sample of adults (N=788, ages 18–74) completed one 24-hour recall over the telephone. Trained interviewers, using the University of Minnesota Nutrition Data System (vs.2.9), conducted the recalls. Forty-two percent of the sample had consumed a lower fat diet (≤30% of Calories) on the day recalled. Consumption of a lower fat diet resulted in significantly lower caloric intakes (1677 kcal lowfat vs. 2130 kcal high fat , p=.002) due to carbohydrate substitution for fats. Lower–fat eaters consumed significantly more carbohydrate, 63% of kcal lowfat vs. 45% of kcal high fat and less fat, 22% of kcal lowfat vs. 39% of kcal high fat , than higher fat eaters, p lowfat vs. 16 gm high fat . P=.01), vitamin C (103mg lowfat vs. 84mg high fat p=.02), and folate intakes (299 μg lowfat vs. 251 μg high fat , p=.001) were the only nutrients that were higher in persons consuming a low fat diet. Nutrients that were significantly less in the lower–fat eaters were saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, sodium, vitamin E, vitamin B12, calcium, and zinc. Only vitamin E was below the RDA in lower fat eaters. Calcium and zinc intakes were below the RDA in both higher fat and lower fat eaters. There were no differences between the groups for vitamin A, B-6, or iron. Overall, consumption of a low fat diet was associated with positive increases in nutrients except for vitamin E, calcium, and zinc. The latter two were problematic in both groups regardless of fat intake. Progress has been made toward reducing the population fat intake; however, over half still do not meet recommendations. As lower fat diets are adopted, food sources of vitamin E, calcium, and zinc need reinforced in our low fat diet messages.
Six Degrees of Separation among US Researchers

Funding from the government agencies has been the driving force for the research and educational institutions particularly in the United States. The government funds billions of dollars every year to lead research initiatives that will shape the future. In this paper, we analyze the funds distributed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), a major source of research funding in the States, to understand the collaboration patterns among researchers and institutions. Using complex network analysis, we interpret the collaboration patterns at researcher, institution and state levels by constructing the corresponding networks based on the number of grants collaborated. We further analyze the directorates to identify the differences in collaboration trends between disciplines.
Effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha on parathyroid hormone-induced increases in osteoblastic cell cyclic AMP.

Tumor necrosis factor α (10−10–10−8M) had no effects on cyclic AMP production by the osteoblastic osteosarcomal cells, Saos-2 and G292, or normal rat calvarial cells. The cytokine did, however, inhibit the parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced effect on cyclic AMP in the Saos-2 and normal rat osteoblastic cells. This inhibitory effect did not occur on prostaglandin E2-induced cyclic AMP increases in the osteoblastic cells. Interleukin-1 (10 U/ml −100 U/ml) did not produce any effect on basal levels or PTH-induced cyclic AMP increases in these cells.
A Comparative Examination of Reasons for and Uses of Uncertainty and Topic Avoidance in First and Remarriage Relationships

This study comparatively examined patterns of uncertainty and topic avoidance within marriage relationships focusing on both individuals in first marriages and remarriages. Ninety-nine participants in first marriages and 76 participants in remarriages completed a survey measuring uncertainty and topic avoidance in their marriages. Analysis revealed people in remarriages have higher uncertainty than those in first marriages, but engage in topic avoidance at similar levels to those in first marriages. Uncertainty was a significant predictor of topic avoidance for those in both first marriages and remarriages. Implications of these findings are discussed.
A flexible model for economic operational management of grid battery energy storage

To connect energy storage operational planning with real-time battery control, this paper integrates a dynamic battery model with an optimization program. First, we transform a behavioral circuit model designed to describe a variety of battery chemistries into a set of coupled nonlinear differential equations. Then, we discretize the differential equations to integrate the battery model with a GAMS (General Algebraic Modeling System) optimization program, which decides when the battery should charge and discharge to maximize its operating revenue. We demonstrate the capabilities of our model by applying it to lithium-ion (Li-ion) energy storage operating in Texas' restructured electricity market. By simulating 11 years of operation, we find that our model can robustly compute an optimal charge-discharge schedule that maximizes daily operating revenue without violating a battery's operating constraints. Furthermore, our results show there is significant variation in potential operating revenue from one day to the next. The revenue potential of Li-ion storage varies from approximately $0–1800/MWh of energy discharged, depending on the volatility of wholesale electricity prices during an operating day. Thus, it is important to consider the material degradation-related “cost” of performing a charge-discharge cycle in battery operational management, so that the battery only operates when revenue exceeds cost.
Lobeline and cytisine reduce voluntary ethanol drinking behavior in male C57BL/6J mice.

Abstract Brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been implicated in the rewarding effects of ethanol and other drugs of abuse. The present study examined the effects of two important nicotinic ligands that target nAChRs, on ethanol consumption in drinking-in-the-dark or continuous access two-bottle choice drinking procedures in C57BL/6J mice. Nicotinic alkaloids such as lobeline or cytisine were administered via subcutaneous (s.c.) injections about 25 min before offering ethanol solutions. Pretreatment with lobeline (4 or 10 mg/kg, s.c.) or cytisine (1.5 or 3 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly reduced ethanol drinking-in-the-dark (g/kg) post 2-h and 4-h treatment, relative to control. In continuous access drinking procedure, pretreatment with lobeline (4 or 10 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly reduced ethanol consumption post 1-h, 2-h, 4-h and 12-h treatment and pretreatment with cytisine (0.5, 1.5 or 3 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly reduced ethanol consumption across 4-h post treatment, relative to control. Neither lobeline nor cytisine significantly affected water or sucrose solution (10% w/v) intake during drinking-in-the-dark or continuous drinking procedures, relative to control. These findings provide evidence that nAChR-mediated signaling plays a critical role in ethanol drinking behavior in mice and nicotinic ligands have therapeutic potential for cessation of binge-like ethanol drinking and dependence in humans.
Simple Butyrate Esterase Stain for Monocytes

The esterases used to identify monocytes are best demonstrated using alpha-naphthyl butyrate as substrate. However, the reagents commonly used for this stain are time-consuming to prepare and are unstable. This report describes a quick, easy, and reproducible staining method using stable reagents which are readily available commercially but which may also be prepared in the laboratory.
Influence of uracil photohydrate formation on the conformational properties of heterodinucleoside monophosphates

The structural properties of uracil photohydrates at the monomer and dimer level in aqueous solution have been examined in detail by nmr spectroscopy. Based on such evidence, the absolute configurations of the two diastereomers have been assigned, and the conformational perturbations induced by photohydration have been evaluated. In all instances, photohydration shifts the /sup 2/E reversible /sup 3/E puckering equilibrium of the sugar ring of the uridylyl fragment towards /sup 2/E (from 12 to 18%). Significant base-base interactions were observed in both hydrated dimers despite the loss of the planar ..pi..-system in the uracil fragment. In addition, the rate of photohydration for a particular dimer pair is shown to be inversely dependent on the amount of base stacking in the parent dimer. This latter parameter has also been correlated with the ratio of the two possible diastereomers formed in the reaction and is associated with a preferential attack at one face of the pyrimidine base ring. The possible biological significance of the above-mentioned conformational aspects is discussed.
Viriditoxin induces swelling and atpase by activation of calcium transport in liver mitochondria.

Abstract Viriditoxin activates ATP hydrolysis (ATPase) and swelling in rat liver mitochondria. The monocarboxylic ionophore of divalent cations, A23187, inhibits both activities at low concentrations of viriditoxin, but does not inhibit the ATPase induced by viriditoxin at concentrations above 2.5 × 10 −5 M. However, the monocarboxylic ionophore of monovalent cations, monensin, has no effect on the viriditoxin induced ATPase, but inhibits the valinomycin induced activity. Viriditoxin may facilitate the active transport of membrane bound calcium into the matrix of mitochondria
Effects of amphetamine and pilocarpine on eating behavior in rats with chronically low acetylcholinesterase levels.

Abstract This study was designed to examine the effects of amphetamine, a sympathomimetic, and pilocarpine, a cholinomimetic, on the eating behavior of normal rats and rats with chronically low acetylcholinesterase levels induced by treatment with diisopropyl fluorophosphate. Amphetamine reduced the food intake of both groups significantly, but to a similar degree. In contrast, pilocarpine reduced the food intake of experimental subjects to a much lesser extent than that of normal subjects. These results offer support for the hypothesis that a reduction in sensitivity of cholinergic receptors may underlie tolerance development to anticholinesterase agents.
Breast cancer and incarcerated women: risk, prevention, and coping in prison

As the US and European correctional systems concentrate on incapacitation and punishment, healthcare for incarcerated women continues to suffer. Female inmates, who frequently experience histories of abuse, a substandard quality of life, and limited access to medical attention before entering the system, additionally possess risk factors associated with breast cancer. These women typically do not seek treatment or preventative services while living in mainstream society and therefore have an increased need for healthcare education and services upon entering the correctional system. This analysis examines the limited existing knowledge concerning correctional healthcare, reveals breast cancer rates among incarcerated women, and addresses the challenges of prevention, treatment, and coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer while in prison. Eight recommendations are proposed.
The effect of constant light on the estrous cycle and behavior of the female rat

Abstract Twenty-four intact female rats were housed either in constant light or under cycling light conditions. Females in cycling light showed 4-day estrous cycles with the estrous vaginal condition on about 20 per cent of daily vaginal smears. These females were sexually receptive on about one-fourth of daily behavioral tests, showing lordosis during vaginal proestrus and estrus. The estrous cycle was disrupted by constant light. Females in constant light displayed persistent vaginal estrus (complete vaginal cornification) on nearly half of all smears. Females in constant light were sexually receptive on 40.1 per cent of tests conducted between 30–60 days exposure to constant light, on 59.8 per cent of tests between 120–150 days exposure, and on 73.3 per cent of tests between 150–183 days exposure. When receptivity was displayed, mean Lordosis Quotients did not differ between the two groups. Nor did the groups differ in rejection of attempted mounts by the male. However, females in constant light displayed total rejection of the male on fewer tests than did females in cycling light, which ordinarily reject the male except during heat. Females in constant light showed lordosis during all vaginal conditions.
Changes in Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy

Women's experiences of partner violence, both before and during pregnancy, are described using a convenience sample of women recruited from prenatal clinics. Included were an “index group” of women who told their clinicians that they had been physically abused during pregnancy, and a “comparison group” of women who told their clinicians that they had not been physically abused during pregnancy (even though later more detailed assessment found that some of these comparison women had experienced such violence). The women averaged 27 years of age, with 83% being high school graduates, 26% being married, and 66% having had previous children. The Conflict Tactics Scales 2 assessed rates of partner violence victimization of the women and their male partners, including psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion. Injuries also were assessed. Results showed that comparison men were physically assaulted at significantly higher rates than were their female partners, both before and during pregnancy (even though these victimization rates were much lower than those seen among the index couples). Index women experienced higher rates of psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion than did their male partners, and these women were significantly more likely than their male partners to be injured. Pregnancy onset was associated with significant increases in the rates of psychological aggression among both the index and comparison couples. In addition, the index women experienced a significantly increased rate of sexual violence victimization during pregnancy. However, pregnancy was not associated with significant increases in the rates of physical assault or violence-related injuries among the index or comparison couples.
Synthesis of partially non-peptidic neurotensin mimetics

Abstract The synthesis of partially non-peptidic mimetics for NT(8–13) is described. The sequence Arg8Arg9Pro10 of NT(8–13) was replaced by an appropriately substituted indole-2-carboxylate as the non-peptidic equivalent.
Can Urine Dipstick be Used as a Surrogate for Serum Creatinine in Emergency Department Patients Who Undergo Contrast Studies

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a complication associated with contrasted computed tomography (CT). Elevated creatinine (Cr) is often used to screen for CIN. This study evaluates dipstick urinalysis (Udip) detection of Cr > 1.5 mg/dL. If sufficiently sensitive, Udip results could then be incorporated into future rapid screening protocols for patients undergoing contrast studies. This retrospective record review evaluated all Emergency Department patients over 2 years with documented Udip and serum creatinine results. Patient demographics and pertinent past medical history were also collected. Data were collected on 2421 patient visits, with 241 having Cr > 1.5 mg/dL (9.9%). There were 923 patient visits with a negative Udip (38.1%). Sensitivity and negative predictive value for abnormal Udip in detecting elevated creatinine were 85.5% and 96.2% (p 1.5 mg/dL, but each reported at least one of the following at triage: prior renal disease, hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, or age > 60 years. Udip is a sensitive screening test, but alone is not accurate enough to predict patients at potential risk for CIN (Cr > 1.5 mg/dL). However, combining Udip results with risk factor screening may allow a rapid method for predicting which patients may safely undergo contrast CT scanning in the ED, but this needs prospective evaluation.
Effect of body fat on exercise hemodynamics in sedentary older men

Morbid obesity is often associated with cardiac dilatation and left ventricular dysfunction. The present study investigated whether a similar relationship exists between mild and moderate obesity and left ventricular reserve function in 28 middle aged and older men (58.6± 6.1 years, mean± SD). Subjects had a body mass index of 26.4± 2.9 kg/m2, a percent body fat determined by hydrodensitometry ranging from 9.5% to 33.8%, and were carefully screened to exclude cardiovascular disease. Left ventricular function was assessed by gated blood pool scans at rest and during exhaustive upright cycle exercise. There were no significant relationships between resting or exercise cardiac volumes or ejection fraction with percent bodyfat; however, peak work rate/kg correlated inversely with percent body fat (r=− 0.68, p<0.0001). Heart rate reserve, defined as heart rate at peak work rate minus resting heart rate, declined significantly with increasing percent body fat (r=− 0.47, p=0.01). End diastolic volume index reserve also tended to decline with increasing percent body fat, but stroke volume index and cardiac index reserve were maintained because the decrease in end systolic volume index from rest to maximal exercise was greatest in those subjects with highest percent body fat (r=− 0.41, p=0.03). Therefore, rest and exercise left ventricular function are not related to percent body fat in healthy older men. However, older more obese men have a smaller increase in heart rate and end diastolic volume and a greater decrease in end systolic volumefrom rest to peak effort as a mechanism to augment exercise cardiac output. (Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 6: 257–265, 1994)