cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of weight loss with improved disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A retrospective analysis using electronic medical record data.

Background: Objective: To evaluate the association between weight loss and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of RA patients seen at routine clinic visits at an academic medical center, 2012-2015. We included patients who had ≥2 clinical disease activity index (CDAI) measures. We identified visits during follow-up where the maximum and minimum weights occurred and defined weight change and CDAI change as the differences of these measures at these visits. We defined disease activity improvement as CDAI decrease of ≥5 and clinically relevant weight loss as ≥5 kg. We performed logistic regression analyses to establish the association between improved disease activity and weight loss and baseline BMI category (≥25 kg/m2 or <25 kg/m2). We built linear regression models to investigate the association between continuous weight loss and CDAI change among patients who were overweight/obese at baseline and who lost weight during follow-up. Results: We analyzed data from 174 RA patients with a median follow-up of 1.9 years (IQR 1.3-2.4); 117 (67%) were overweight/obese at baseline, and 53 (31%) lost ≥5 kg during follow-up. Patients who were overweight/obese and lost ≥5 kg had three-fold increased odds of disease activity improvement compared to those who did not (OR 3.03, 95%CI 1.18-7.83). Among those who were overweight/obese at baseline, each kilogram weight loss was associated with CDAI improvement of 1.15 (95%CI 0.42-1.88). Our study was limited by using clinical data from a single center without fixed intervals for assessments. Conclusion: Clinically relevant weight loss (≥5 kg) was associated with improved RA disease activity in the routine clinical setting. Further studies are needed for replication and to evaluate the effect of prospective weight loss interventions on RA disease activity.
Control of TCP muscles using Takagi–Sugeno–Kang fuzzy inference system

Abstract Inspired by nature, many types of artificial muscles or actuators have been developed for mechatronic systems. Twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) muscles are some examples that are made from nylon or polyethylene. The muscles contract over 20% strokes under considerable load. There are limited studies available on the modeling and control of these muscles for practical use. In this paper, we show discrete-time modeling and control of the force of the muscles. Prediction error method (PEM) was used for parameter estimation of discrete-time state space models to find the order of the model. Then, proportional–integral (PI) controller was demonstrated as a classical controller to regulate the force of the muscles. To increase the speed of actuation, a Takagi–Sugeno–Kang (TSK) controller was employed as a fuzzy controller. Our experimental results demonstrate how the muscle can be controlled in practical settings and shows the superiority of TSK over the PI controller. We anticipate that the model and controllers will add new knowledge for the use of the twisted and coiled polymer muscle in mechatronic system.
The Use of Surface Acoustic Waves to Study Small Fatigue Cracks in 7075-T651 Aluminum and 4340 Steel

SAW-NDE techniques make it possible to utilize interactions between acoustic waves and small surface cracks to obtain important information about fatigue behavior during crack growth measurements, such as crack depth and opening behavior below the surface.
Natriuretic Peptides in Acute and Chronic Coronary Artery Disease

In addition to their diagnostic and prognostic utility in patients with congestive heart failure, recent data have demonstrated that B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal- pro (NT-pro)BNP are associated with adverse cardiovascular events in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Several mechanisms may lead to the elevations seen in plasma levels of these markers in patients with coronary artery disease, including increased left-ventricular wall tension, ischemia, and natriuretic peptide synthesis within atherosclerotic plaues. Despite the robust and consistent association seen in multiple cohorts of ACS patients between elevated levels, and BNP and NTproBNP and mortality and incident heart failure, data defining the optimal treatment strategy for these high-risk patients are limited. Future work is needed to identify the role of BNP and NT-proBNP in the development of ACS risk scores with traditional clinical factors and other biomarkers, and to evaluate the efficacy of different therapeutic measures in improving the prognosis of patients with elevated levels of these peptides.
The role of CCK-like peptides in appetite regulation.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the role of CCK-like peptides in appetite regulation. The very high concentrations of CCK peptides in the brain is not consistent with transfer of the peptides from the periphery and, thus, is consistent with CCK synthesis in neuronal and in gut mucosal tissues. Immunohistochemical studies are required to define the cellular elements within the brain that contain CCK immunoreactivity. The chapter discusses the physiological dose levels for the classically defined functions of CCK peptides, that is, their effect on gall bladder contraction and release of pancreatic enzymes. However, the effects of peripheral administration of these peptides on regulation of satiety are achieved only at levels greatly in excess of the physiological range achieved in response to feeding. Thus, endogenous peripheral CCK alone would appear not to be the physiological satiety factor.
Development of an online hub for OSC outreach efforts

This UA/NASA Space Grant project centralizes the outreach efforts for College of Optical Science students using a new online hub, developed to collect, organize, and disseminate educational activities. Optical Sciences plays a role in many of the innovative technologies transforming our society, making outreach of utmost importance to attract students to the emerging field. Outreach activities at the University of Arizona’s College of Optical Sciences (OSC) help inspire these future innovators. This website provides on-demand training for students unfamiliar with leading demonstrations and inspiration for experienced instructors looking for something new. It emphasizes scientific literacy, effective scientific communication, and serves as a free and accessible resource for STEM classrooms. The online hub offers students new to outreach an opportunity to familiarize themselves with resources before performing outreach. Although OSC offers a semester-long outreach course that provides face-to-face training, it has the burden of class time and tuition for students. The online hub is freely available, easily accessible, and self-directed by the user’s interests. Multimedia lesson plans provide instructions for effectively presenting to students and document materials required for each activity. Clear objectives are provided to guide the instruction and evaluate the students’ knowledge and interest in optics. Ongoing outreach events are utilized during the academic year to “beta-test” the website. While an online hub greatly enhances the many outreach activities already available to students within the College of Optical Sciences, an online resource has the added benefit of being an accessible resource to teachers, students, and communities around the world.
Unified Business Intelligence Ecosystem: A Project Management Approach to Address Business Intelligence Challenges

The purpose of this paper is to explore a concept that improves the success rate of Business Intelligence projects by looking at it as an ecosystem rather than standalone project. This paper discusses the importance on Business Intelligence (BI) initiatives and today's challenges in implementing them. The concentration is on using proven practices of project management to reduce the failure rates of the Business Intelligence projects by evaluating currently existing Information Technology (IT) project process, Business Intelligence frameworks and a Project Vulnerability process in order to adopt some of the best project management practices that works for Business Intelligence projects. The paper studies currently existing processes and introduces a new concept which henceforth will be termed as ‘Unified Business Intelligence Ecosystem’ framework (UBIE). This research is based on various project management frameworks, those are proven to increase the efficiency of projects, and far-ranging sources of research on nature of Business Intelligence projects, personal observations and real-world Business Intelligence consulting experience. Research limitations/implications: Business Intelligence is a constantly developing field. Partial standardization and extensive availability and access to Business Intelligence resources has created many definitions and buzz words in the industry. The assumptions described in this research might seem arguable given the reader's experience in this field. Originality/value: The paper presents a different perspective to view and manage Business Intelligence projects. It encourages to interpret Business Intelligence projects as an ecosystem by combining technical, business and management aspect rather than separate, standalone entity. The aim of this research paper is to achieve Business Intelligence success by customizing Project Management (PM) practices to fit the unique need of Business Intelligence projects. Acronyms Business Intelligence — BI Project Management — PM Data Science — DS Information technology — IT Unified Business Intelligence Ecosystem — UBIE Responsibility, Accountability, Consulted, Informed — RACI.
Pretreatment Tattoo Marking of Suspicious Axillary Lymph Nodes: Reliability and Correlation with Sentinel Lymph Node

Tattooing is an alternative method for marking biopsied axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) before initiation of treatments for newly diagnosed breast cancer. Detection of black ink-stained nodes is performed under direct visualization at surgery and is combined with sentinel node (SLN) mapping procedures. Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who underwent fine or core-needle biopsy of suspicious ALNs were recruited. The nodal cortex and perinodal soft tissue was injected with 0.1–1.0 ml of Spot™ (GI Supply) black ink under ultrasound guidance. Intraoperatively, black stained nodes were removed along with SLNs, noting concordance between the two. Sixty-six evaluable patients were enrolled (2013–2017). Nineteen received surgery first (Group 1) and 47 neoadjuvant therapy (NAT, Group 2). The average number of nodes tattooed was 1.16 for Group 1 and 1.04 for Group 2. The average interval from tattoo to surgery was 21 days (range 1–62) for Group 1 and 148 days (range 71–257) for Group 2. The tattooed node(s) were visually identified at surgery and corresponded to the sentinel lymph node(s) in 98.5% of cases (18/19 in Group 1 and 47/47 in Group 2). Of the 14 patients in Group 2 whose nodes remained positive following NAT, the tattooed node was the SLN associated with carcinoma. Tattooing is an alternative method for marking biopsied ALNs. Tattooed nodes coincided with SLNs in 98.5% of cases. This technique is advantageous, because it allows for fewer procedures and lower costs compared with other methods.
Orientation of the round window membrane: A normative study of inner ear anatomical orientation using 2D projections of 3D volumes

Introduction Orientation of the Round Window Membrane (RWM) is an important metric to establish if utilized as a potential access for targeted delivery of magnetically guided nanomedicines to the inner ear. Orientation with respect to an internal reference frame (such as the planes defined by the semicircular-canals [SCC]) may provide an internally consistent basis if the basis is orthogonal and consistent (from patient to patient). Materials and methods Utilizing a micro computed tomography (CT), 20 temporal bones are scanned for anatomical information. The scanned data sets are loaded into an imaging program to provide volumetric reconstruction and segmentation. Volumetric models of the anatomical relationships between the inner ear SCC and the RWM are utilized to get normative projection angle information and are statistically analyzed. Results Micro-CT shows low to moderate reliability for reproducibility, intraobserver, and interobserver measurements; in addition, it provides mean values (±SD) for the various measured angles. The combined mean angular values for surface orientation of the RWM, with respect to the SCC basis (quasi-orthogonal spherical coordinate system), was 57.0° ± 20.9°as measured from the line defining the posterior SCC plane in the direction of the line defining the superior SCC plane. An angle of 65.2° ± 19.1° was measured for an angle away from the line defining the horizontal SCC plane.
The evolution of the PO.DAAC: Seasat to SWOT

Abstract The Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center (PO.DAAC) has been distributing satellite oceanographic data, including altimetry data, since the early 1980s. While it started by mailing magnetic storage tapes, PO.DAAC now distributes terabytes of data accessible within seconds, which will exponentially increase with future missions, such as the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. This paper will describe (1) the history of data accessibility through Pilot Ocean Data System (PODS) and the Seasat oceanographic satellite mission, (2) the present data accessibility and technological advances of PO.DAAC distributing data for TOPEX/Poseidon, the Jason series, and many other oceanographic missions through various tools and services and (3) the future paradigm of cloud services at PO.DAAC, ushered in by the large data volumes of the SWOT mission.
Limitations of Free Light Chain Assays caused by the Matrix Effect.

BACKGROUND Serum free light chain (FLC) assays are used clinically to measure the concentration of κ and λ FLC in patients with suspected or diagnosed plasma cell proliferative disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated a loss of linearity in low concentration ranges of these assays. We hypothesized that this result could be caused by a matrix effect. METHODS Recovery studies were performed for κ and λ FLC in both serum and saline using the Freelite assay (Binding Site) on a Cobas c502 system (Roche). Samples were analyzed either at the recommended dilution or undiluted. Follow-up studies were performed in varying matrices ranging from 0% to 100% saline. Retrospective patient data were analyzed to assess the impact on reported κ FLC, λ FLC, and κ/λ ratio. RESULTS FLC in a serum matrix demonstrated underrecovery relative to samples diluted in saline for both κ and λ FLC. Of 255 patient samples with λ FLC measured undiluted (λ FLC <6.0 mg/L), an unexpected gap was observed in patient results between 2.0 and 6.0 mg/L. In addition, 23 patients measured serially with λ FLC between 2.0 and 6.0 mg/L demonstrated dramatic changes in κ/λ ratio, with no changes in κ FLC, likely because of the matrix effect. CONCLUSIONS The κ and λ Freelite assays exhibit a matrix effect when samples are tested undiluted, which has the potential to affect the κ/λ ratio. Consequently, our laboratory has stopped reporting λ FLC <6.0 mg/L.
Epidemiology and evolution of poytviruses infecting cucurbits

Abstract Cucurbits crops are grown worldwide as a rich source of nutrients in the human diet. The production of cucurbits is significantly threatened by plant viruses that affect plant growth and fruits. More than 90 viruses can infect cucurbits, and approximately 15 of them belong to the genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae. The most prevalent potyviruses that threaten cucurbit production worldwide includes papaya ring spot virus type W (PRSV-W), watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), and zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). PRSV-W is transmitted by 32 aphid species, WMV by 43, and ZYMV by 26, while 10 aphid species can transmit all three potyviruses. Currently, 24 complete genomes for PRSV, 96 for WMV and 62 for ZYMV have been reported from various countries. A new potyvirus zucchini tigre mosaic virus (ZTMV) has recently been reported to infect cucurbits in few countries. In this chapter, the symptomatology, transmission and evolution of these four potyviruses are discussed.
Infrastructures of Suffering: Trauma, Sumud and the Politics of Violence and Aid in Lebanon

This article traces the infrastructures of suffering under the governance of humanitarian psychiatry to explore how material conditions of war and aid have shaped the politics of trauma and sumud[steadfastness] in Lebanon. Based on 29 months of ethnographic fieldwork undertaken from 2011 to 2013, I look at the expert, economic, and techno-political assemblages of trauma and sumudduring the July War in 2006 and the Syrian refugee crisis in 2011. Mental health experts faced unexpected difficulties in diagnosing war trauma during the July War. This led political actors to claim that these difficulties reflected a general absence of suffering from war and a sign of Lebanese resilience, drawing on economies of sumudin postwar reconstruction. The Syrian refugee crisis however radically transformed the politics of suffering in Lebanon. A new political economy of trauma emerged where the Lebanese now competed with other aid communities to have their past suffering recognised as traumatic. Comparing the relations between violence, aid, and suffering in both instances serves to contextualise and historicise suffering beyond a particular discourse or event. It also serves to highlight the contingencies of suffering rather than its internal and psychic elements.
Determination of the Larmor Frequency for Highest Transmit Efficiency in the Head

MRI scanners with higher B0 fields typically provide a stronger Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) which results in MRI images with their resolution or shorter acquisition time [1] . Stronger B0 fields require higher operating frequencies of the B1 field, and the shorter wavelengths cause in homogeneities in the B1 field distribution due to scattering and interference in the tissues. At higher B0 RF fields are limited to not cause excessive absorption of power in the tissues. Specifically, electric fields induce currents in conductive tissues causing heat dissipation which raise local temperature potentially leading to patient discomfort and even tissue damage. Hence, local Specific Absorprtion Rate (SAR) and temperature are limited.
The effect of observers on behavior and the brain during aggressive encounters

Abstract What effect does an audience have on an animal’s behavior and where is this influence registered in the brain? To answer these questions, we analyzed male cichlid fish fighting in the presence of audiences of various compositions and measured expression of immediate early genes in the brain as a proxy for neural activity. We hypothesized their behavior would change depending on who was watching them. We measured behavioral responses from both the “watchers” and the “watched” during aggressive encounters and found that males fighting in the presence of an audience were more aggressive than males fighting without an audience. Depending on the nature of the audience, immediate early gene expression in key brain nuclei was differentially influenced. Both when an audience of larger males watched fighting males, and when they were watching larger males fighting, nuclei in the brain considered homologous with mammalian nuclei known to be associated with anxiety showed increased activity. When males were in the presence of any audience or when males saw any other males fighting, nuclei in the brain known to be involved in reproduction and aggression were differentially activated relative to control animals. In all cases, there was a close relationship between patterns of brain gene expression between fighters and observers. This suggests that the network of brain regions known as the social behavior network, common across vertebrates, are activated not only in association with the expression of social behavior but also by the reception of social information.
Comprehensive phenotyping of sensory neurons using an ex vivo somatosensory system

In adults, primary sensory neurons exhibit pronounced diversity in many phenotypic traits including peripheral response properties, somal spike shape, neurochemical content, and laminar distribution of projections in the spinal dorsal horn. While these traits are correlated with sensory submodality type, single traits are not sufficient to accurately characterize individual neurons. We have recently developed a novel mouse ex vivo somatosensory preparation that allows the examination of multiple traits for individual cutaneous sensory neurons. Here we describe the results from our initial studies of adult and neonatal mice employing this preparation. Adult mice were anesthetized and perfused with chilled oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF). The spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), several attached dorsal cutaneous nerves (DCNs), and skin were isolated and placed in a chamber with a circulating bath of oxygenated aCSF. Sensory neuron somata were impaled, their cutaneous mechanical response properties were determined, and then one soma/ganglion was injected with Neurobiotin (NB). Spinal cord sections containing the cell's central projections were reacted with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated avidin and visualized using diaminobenzidene. DRG sections were reacted with primary antisera for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and the NB-stained somata were visualized using avidin-FITC. In these initial studies, neonatal cutaneous sensory neurons are found to be virtually miniature replicas of the their adult counterparts. These findings challenge long-held beliefs that the laminar distribution of the central projections and somal spike properties of cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) undergo delayed maturation during the first 2-3 weeks of postnatal development.
Chemical Variation in Vesuvianite

Microprobeanalyses of 44 vesuvianite specimens of different color, morphology, and occurrence indicate the chemical variation of the species. Vesuvianites can be divided into four types, based on chemistry and color; most vesuvianites can be assigned to one of these types with confidence. Type 1 vesuvianites contain ≈ 2 atoms of Mg, 2.5 atoms of Mg, variable (divalent?) Fe, and <0.5 atoms of Ti. In color they are yellow, yellow-brown, or yellow-green. Type 3 vesuvianites contain divalent Fe, 0.5 to 1.5 atoms of Ti and close to 18 atoms of Si (full occupancy of tetrahedral sites). They are yellow, brown, red-brown, or black. Type 4 vesuvianites are manganoan or cuprian; the studied samples are from Pajsberg, Sweden, Franklin, New Jersey, and Telemark, Norway. In color they are red-brown, purple, blue (“cyprine”), or green. Iron and much of the Mn is apparently trivalent.
IMPACT OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC OSCILLATION ON MIDDLE EASTERN CLIMATE AND STREAMFLOW

Interannual to decadal variations in Middle Eastern temperature, precipitationand streamflow reflect the far-field influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), a dominant mode of Atlantic sector climate variability. Using a new sea surface temperature (SST) based index of the NAO and availablestreamflow data from five Middle Eastern rivers, we show that the first principal component of December through March streamflow variability reflects changes in the NAO. However, Middle East rivers have two primary flooding periods.The first is rainfall-driven runoff from December through March, regulated on interannual to decadal timescales by the NAO as reflected in local precipitation and temperature.The second period, from April through June, reflects spring snowmelt and contributes in excess of 50% of annual runoff.This period, known locally as the khamsin, displays no significantNAO connections and a less direct relationship with local climatic factors, suggesting that streamflow variability during this period reflects land-cover change, possibly related to agriculture and hydropower generation, and snowmelt.
CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein-β Is a Mediator of the Nutrient-sensing Response Pathway That Activates the Human Asparagine Synthetase Gene

Transcription from the human asparagine synthetase (AS) gene is increased in response to either amino acid (amino acid response) or glucose (unfolded protein response) deprivation. These two independent pathways converge on the same set of genomic cis-elements within the AS promoter, which are referred to as nutrient-sensing response element (NSRE)-1 and -2, both of which are absolutely necessary for gene activation. The NSRE-1 sequence was used to identify the corresponding transcription factor by yeast one-hybrid screening. Based on those results, electrophoretic mobility shift assays for individual CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP) family members were performed to test for supershifting of complexes by specific antibodies. The results indicated that of all the family members, C/EBPβ bound to the NSRE-1 sequence to the greatest extent and that the absolute amount of this complex was increased when extracts from amino acid- or glucose-deprived cells were tested. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, mutation of the NSRE-1 sequence completely prevented formation of the C/EBPβ-containing complexes. In contrast, mutation of the NSRE-2 sequence did not block C/EBPβ binding. Overexpression in HepG2 hepatoma cells of the activating isoform of C/EBPβ increased AS promoter-driven transcription, whereas the inhibitory dominant-negative isoform of C/EBPβ blocked enhanced transcription following amino acid or glucose deprivation. Collectively, the results provide both in vitro and in vivo evidence for a role of C/EBPβ in the transcriptional activation of the AS gene in response to nutrient deprivation.
¿De la sartén a fuego? La cuestión de la adopción del fair use como solución al sistema de límites al derecho de autor en México

En la actualidad, en el campo del derecho de autor, la mayor parte de la doctrina que estudia el derecho continental considera que los limites a los derechos exclusivos no son efectivos a la hora de proteger los derechos de los usuarios y procurar un adecuado acceso a las obras por parte del publico. Para algunos autores, una solucion podria ser adoptar un sistema igual o similar al del fair use del derecho norteamericano. Como la falta de flexibilidad es vista como uno de los grandes defectos del sistema de limites en el derecho continental, la flexibilidad del fair use, que sin duda es una virtud, es sumamente atractiva pues permite estudiar, caso por caso, si un uso no autorizado es permisible por causas de interes general o de defensa de derechos fundamentales. Sin embargo, es necesario analizar si el fair use es una verdadera solucion o, por el contrario, sus defectos desaconsejan su adopcion. De esta forma se puede determinar si efectivamente a la hora de aplicar el fair use pesa mas la garantia de derechos fundamentales o la proteccion del interes general, o bien, si son las cuestiones de indole meramente economica las que tienen mas peso; critica que tambien se hace al derecho de autor continental. Cabe valorar si aplicar un sistema que en apariencia otorga mas flexibilidad realmente solucionara algo o simplemente continuara siendo parte del problema.
The flow of a polythermal glacier: McCall Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A

We have analyzed the flow of polythermal McCall Glacier in Arctic Alaska. Using measurements of surface velocity from the 1970s and 1990s, together with measurements of ice thickness and surface slope, we have investigated both the present flow and seasonal and long-term flow variations. Our analysis of the present flow reveals that (i) longitudinal stress coupling is important along the entire length of the glacier, and (ii) there is significant basal sliding beneath a 2 km long section of the lower glacier. This sliding exists year-round and it accounts for more than 70% of the total motion there. We have developed a numerical model which shows that such a sliding anomaly causes an asymmetric decrease in ice thickness. Accompanying this decrease in thickness is a decrease in surface slope at the center of the anomaly and an increase in slope up-glacier from it. Both effects are reflected in the observed surface profile of McCall Glacier.The longitudinal stress-coupling length of McCall Glacier is three times the ice thickness, almost twice that typical of temperate glaciers. This is a direct effect of lower strain rates, which themselves are associated with the smaller mass-balance gradients of Arctic and continental glaciers. Long-term variations in surface velocity between the 1970s and 1990s are explained solely by the effects of changes in glacier geometry on the deformational flow contribution. This means that long-term variations in the spatial patterns of longitudinal stresses and basal sliding must have been small. Seasonally, Velocities reach their annual minimum in spring and increase during the short summer nick season by up to 75% above mean winter values. However, the extra motion associated with the period of elevated velocities is only about 5% of the total annual motion. The speed-up is due to an increase in basal sliding. This implies that most of the glacier bed is at the melting point. The zone a affected by the melt-season speed-up extends well up-glacier of any moulins or other obvious sources for melt water at the bed.
Radioprotective and tumor antiangiogenic effect of the novel synthetic superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic compounds

We have developed and tested several synthetic superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic metalloporphyrin compounds to determine their ability to protect/ameliorate radiation-induced (RT) normal tissue injury, and, at the same time, to produce significant anti-tumor activity. In rats with R3230 AC mammary adenocarcinoma tumors, a significant inhibition of tumor growth was observed after intraperitoneal administration of 6mg/kg of manganese(III) tetrakis (N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl) porphyrin (MnTE-2PyP). Furthermore, rats that received MnTE-2PyP had a significant inhibition of the postradiation tumor regrowth. Animals pretreated with MnTE-2PyP (6mg/kg intraperitoneal) 24h before implantation of R3230 mammary adenocarcinoma show a significant inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. MnTE-2-PyP significantly delayed development of RT-induced lung injury in rats after 28Gy of right hemithoracic irradiation. The magnitude of the change in breathing rate is, on average, reduced by 30%, indicating the ability of MnTE-2PyP to significantly reduce the severity of RT-induced lung injury. Six months after the treatment, a significant increase in hydroxyproline content per gram of dry or wet lung was observed in animals receiving radiation only. Administration of 6mg/kg of MnTE-2-PyP before RT resulted in a significant reduction in hydroxyproline content. Furthermore, we have found a significant association between the radioprotective effect of MnTE-2-PyP and changes in plasma levels of transforming growth factor-β. This association suggests a possible role of SOD mimetics in activation/regulation of cytokines that are involved in development of radiation-induced lung injury. This new strategy of utilizing a single compound with antitumor activity to simultaneously protect normal tissues could allow a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor without increasing the risk of complications, and could further improve breast-conserving cancer therapy.
Hybrid optomechanical cooling by atomic Λ systems

We investigate a hybrid quantum system consisting of a cavity optomechanical device optically coupled to an ultracold quantum gas. We show that the dispersive properties of the ultracold gas can be used to dramatically modify the optomechanical response of the mechanical resonator. We examine hybrid schemes wherein the mechanical resonator is coupled either to the motional or the spin degrees of freedom of the ultracold gas. In either case, we find an enhancement of more than two orders of magnitude in optomechanical cooling due to this hybrid interaction. Significantly, based on demonstrated parameters for the cavity optomechanical device, we identify regimes that enable the ground state cooling of the resonator from room temperature. In addition, the hybrid system considered here represents a powerful interface for the use of an ultracold quantum gas for state preparation, sensing and quantum manipulation of a mesoscopic mechanical resonator.
It's My World? Exploring Black and White Perceptions of Personal Control

A positive sense of control over one's life is essential for maintaining health and well-being. Those with a strong sense of control believe changes in their social world are responsive to their choices, actions, and efforts. In contrast, a sense of powerlessness or fatalism is on the other end of the continuum. There is little research that explores how race and gender relate to feelings about personal control. To examine their effects on perceptions of personal control, we analyze data from the American Changing Lives Survey, 1986. Controlling for race and gender in the full model led to results that failed to reveal the complexity of relationships when compared with results of analyses among the subgroups. Some key factors distinct for the various groups were, for white men, functional health, positive support from friends and relatives, and having people to share their feelings with; for black men, age and visiting mental health facilities; for white women, visiting medical care facilities, the number of children, tobacco, and having someone to call for help; and, for black women, being involved with organizations (groups, clubs, and churches) and religion. When there are no significant racial or gender differences, examining models simultaneously stratified by race and gender introduced a more dynamic and multidimensional relationship between the control and dependent variables than was previously understood.
OH radical formation from the gas-phase reactions of O3 with methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone

Abstract The OH radical formation yields from the gas-phase reactions of O 3 with methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone have been determined from the amounts of cyclohexanone plus cyclohexanol formed when the reactions were carried out in the presence of sufficient cyclohexane to scavenge > 95% of the OH radicals formed. The OH radical formation yields obtained were 0.20 −0.13 +0.10 from methacrolein and 0.16 ± 0.08 from methyl vinyl ketone. Because of the possibility of indirect formation of OH radicals from the reaction of the HO 2 radical with O 3 , these cited OH radical formation yields must strictly be regarded as upper limits to the direct formation yields of OH radicals from the reactions of O 3 with methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone.
Iron and manganese superoxide dismutases

Abstract Fe and Mn SDs are enigmatic metalloproteins for several reasons: They are found in strict anaerobes as well as aerobes. In some cases the Fe and Mn ions appear to be interchangeable while in others they are not. In some organisms the Mn-protein is strongly induced by O2 while in others the Fe-protein is induced. The two distinct types of proteins are structurally related as judged from published amino acid sequences. The Fe-protein appears to have a non-covalently associated organic co-factor bound near the iron (see below). Recently, the three dimensional structures of FeSD from E. coli and Ps. ovalis have been elucidated in the laboratories of M. Ludwig and G. Petsko. The FeSD molecule is composed of a dimer of identical subunits related within the crystal by a dyad axis. The distance between the Fe atoms is 18 A and each is close to the subunit interface. Access to the Fe appears to be from a region near the interface. Each monomer has two distinct structural domains, connected by a single strand and the Fe is bound at the interface of the two domains receiving two ligands from each. The Fe is surrounded by four ligands from the protein and probably a water molecule. The geometry, at 3 A resolution has the appearance of a flattened pyramid. According to present interpretations of the electron density map the four protein ligands are His-26, residue 69, and residues 148 and 152. The spectral properties of the protein would appear to exclude tyrosine as a ligand to the Fe. A region of unconnected electron density is found in the region of the molecule separating the two domains and about 6 A from the Fe. This is a dominant feature in FeSD from both sources and may represent an organic co-factor. To date we have not isolated and identified this material. We are involved in a program to correlate structural functional properties of the FeSD from E. coli. The presentation will be concerned with redox probes of the Fe, steady state and transient kinetic studies of superoxide dismutation, and relations between anion inhibition and binding to the Fe. If time allows a comparison will be made between the mechanism of FeSD action and the weak superoxide dismutase activity of Fe-EDTA.
The effect of physician characteristics on clinical behavior: Cesarean section in New York State

Abstract This study examines 65,784 obstetric deliveries occuring in 1986 in New York State, attended by 1740 different physicians. Cesarean section rates, and rates of reporting of dystocia and fetal distress, are calculated by physicians' year of graduation from medical school, U.S. or foreign medical graduate (FMG), physician sex, board certification, and professional appointment. Probit regressions are estimated, in which the dependent variable is whether an individual delivery is vaginal or cesarean section. Crude cesarean section rates, cross-tabulations, and probit regressions all show physician characteristics to influence cesarean section rates significantly. FMGs are significantly more likely to deliver by cesarean section, both overall and when all other relevant factors are controlled for. Cesarean section rates by FMGs vary somewhat according to U.S. vs non-U.S. birthplace, and country or area where educated. Unlike others, the authors fail to find more recently graduated physicians to have higher cesarean section rates. Indeed, their rates for dystocia are significantly lower, when other factors are controlled for. Women physicians have a slightly lower cesarean section rate overall when other factors are controlled for, but a higher rate for dystocia. Board certified obstetricians have significantly higher, and physicians with professorial appointments lower cesarean section rates, though the direction of causation is not always clear. The authors conclude that the effect of physician characteristics on clinical behavior is a fruitful line of inquiry, and that in particular the results pertaining to FMGs warrant further investigation.
Influence of harmaline on the ability of pargyline to alter catecholamine metabolism in rats

When pargyline hydrochloride (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected into rats 48 hr before the measurement of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, the oxidation of [14C]phenylethylamine (type B MAO) and of [14C]-serotonin (type A MAO) was inhibited. Neither type A nor type B MAO was inhibited 48 hr after the injection of harmaline hydrochloride (30mg/kg, i.p.) a short-acting, reversible, highly selective inhibitor of type A MAO. When harmaline was given just before pargyline, it prevented the inhibition of type A MAO by pargyline but not the inhibition of type B MAO. Pargyline alone elevated epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine concentrations in brain regions and norepinephrine concentration in heart. The concentration of dopamine metabolites (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid) was decreased. Pretreatment with harmaline prevented all of these effects of pargyline. The findings suggest that inhibition of type A MAO is involved in the inhibition of catecholamine metabolism by pargyline, since harmaline pretreatment did not prevent inhibition of type B MAO and would not be expected to alter any other possible actions of pargyline. These findings support the idea that type A MAO is primarily responsible for the oxidation of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in rat brain and of norepinephrine in rat heart.
Molecular Models of Alkyl Carboxylic Acids and Amines

Molecular models of alkyl carboxylic acids and amines are discussed. The molecules added to the JCE Featured Molecules library this month include butanoic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, butyla...
Polyp and medusa of Dipurena bicircella n. sp. (Hydrozoa: Corynidae) from Northern California

The polyp and medusa of Dipurena bicircella n. sp., a metagenic hydrozoan from Northern California, USA, is described. The arrangement of capitate tentacles of the polyp, in two alternating cycles or circlets, is unique to the genus Dipurena as well as to the family Corynidae. Medusae released in the laboratory attained sexual maturity in 2 weeks. The adult medusa can be distinguished from other medusae of the genus by means of 2 gonad rings, a slight terminal nematocyst cluster on each tentacle, and a relatively small size (about 2 mm in bell height). The polyp was not found in association with sponges, as is the case with some of the other polyps of the genus Dipurena. The medusa is not yet known from the plankton.
Effects of Off-Frequency Detection in Brief-Tone Audiometry

Many studies of auditory temporal integration by pathological ears have used listeners with an abrupt high-frequency hearing loss. While this configuration may lend itself to use of the listener as...
BMP-5 deficiency alters chondrocytic activity in the mouse proximal tibial growth plate

The role of bone morphogenetic protein-5 (BMP-5) in regulating chondrocytic activity during endochondral ossification was examined in the mouse proximal tibial growth plate. Short ear mice homozygous for the SEA/Gn point mutation in the coding region for BMP-5 (King, J. A. et al. Dev Biol 166:112122; 1994) and heterozygous long ear littermates were examined at 5 and 9 weeks of age (n = 9/group, four groups). Animals were injected with oxytetracycline to estimate the rate of growth and with bromodeoxyuridine to identify proliferative chondrocytes. Age-related changes in chondrocytic stereological and kinetic parameters were compared by image analysis of 1-microm-thick growth plate sections. The number of proliferative chondrocytes did not vary with age in either genotype, but proliferative phase duration increased significantly (approximately 67%) with age in the long ear mice, whereas no change was detected in the short ear mice. The number of hypertrophic chondrocytes increased significantly (approximately 27%) in the short ears, whereas this number decreased significantly (approximately 40%) in the long ears. There was a small, but significant, increase in hypertrophic phase duration (approximately 45%) in short ear mice, but no change was detected in the long ears. These results indicate that BMP-5 deficiency prevents age-related decelerations in chondrocytic proliferation and initiation of hypertrophic differentiation, suggesting a role of BMP-5 in inhibiting these processes.
Serotonergic and dopaminergic distinctions in the behavioral pharmacology of (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

Abstract Rationale After decades of social stigma, hallucinogens have reappeared in the clinical literature demonstrating unique benefits in medicine. The precise behavioral pharmacology of these compounds remains unclear, however. Objectives Two commonly studied hallucinogens, (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), were investigated both in vivo and in vitro to determine the pharmacology of their behavioral effects in an animal model. Method Rabbits were administered DOI or LSD and observed for head bob behavior after chronic drug treatment or after pretreatment with antagonist ligands. The receptor binding characteristics of DOI and LSD were studied in vitro in frontocortical homogenates from naive rabbits or ex vivo in animals receiving an acute drug injection. Results Both DOI- and LSD-elicited head bobs required serotonin2A (5-HT2A) and dopamine1 (D1) receptor activation. Serotonin2B/2C receptors were not implicated in these behaviors. In vitro studies demonstrated that LSD and the 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, ritanserin, bound frontocortical 5-HT2A receptors in a pseudo-irreversible manner. In contrast, DOI and the 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, ketanserin, bound reversibly. These binding properties were reflected in ex vivo binding studies. The two hallucinogens also differed in that LSD showed modest D1 receptor binding affinity whereas DOI had negligible binding affinity at this receptor. Conclusion Although DOI and LSD differed in their receptor binding properties, activation of 5-HT2A and D1 receptors was a common mechanism for eliciting head bob behavior. These findings implicate these two receptors in the mechanism of action of hallucinogens.
Optimum body sizes at different ambient temperatures: an energetics explanation of bergmann's rule

Abstract A model is presented of optimum body sizes at different ambient temperatures. Selection is considered to optimize the difference between foraging profit per time and maintenance energy costs per time, scaled to body size. Two different scaling functions are considered: one maximizes the amount of activity that an individual can perform, and the other maximizes the length of time an individual can survive on the profit gained in a given period of foraging. With both scaling functions, optimum size increases as ambient temperature decreases.
Study of ionic liquid as effective additive for minimum quantity lubrication during titanium machining

Abstract The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of ionic liquid (IL), a low melting point salt, as a lubricant additive for minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) implementation during titanium machining. Herein 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM-PF6), a prototypical IL, has been used as an MQL cutting fluid additive. It is found that IL-based MQL can effectively reduce the tool wear by 60% when compared to dry cutting and 15% more than MQL without BMIM-PF6. It is also found that IL-based MQL results in the smallest cutting forces, largest saw-tooth/shear band spacing, and best surface finish.
Horizontal central ridge of the lamina cribrosa and regional differences in laminar insertion in healthy subjects.

Purpose To assess the general morphology and position of the lamina cribrosa (LC) in healthy subjects using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Methods Serial horizontal and vertical B-scans of the optic nerve head (interval between images, approximately 30 μm) were prospectively obtained using EDI-OCT for both eyes of each healthy subject. After delineation of the anterior laminar surface, mean and maximum LC depths were measured in 11 equally spaced horizontal B-scans, and the depth of the anterior LC insertion was measured at 32 points along its circumference (reference plane, Bruch's membrane edges) for one randomly selected eye of each subject. Three-dimensional (3D) images of the anterior laminar surface and the peripapillary sclera were reconstructed from serial horizontal EDI-OCT B-scans to assess the 3D morphology of the anterior laminar surface. Results Among the 61 eyes (61 subjects) enrolled, 31 were excluded because of poor LC image quality, and 30 were included for analysis (mean age, 40 ± 18 [range, 21-78] years). Both mean and maximum LC depth profiles showed an elevation in the central area and a depression in the superior and inferior midperiphery of the LC. The anterior LC insertion was more posteriorly located in the superior and inferior than in the nasal and temporal regions. Three-dimensional LC images showed a bowtie-shaped horizontal central ridge of the LC. Conclusions The LC has a central ridge ranging from the temporal to the nasal insertion areas and inserts more posteriorly in the superior and inferior than in the nasal and temporal regions. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the significance of these findings in the pathophysiology of glaucoma.