cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in health care access indicators in an urban, low-income community.

Objectives. This study examined factors associated with gender differences in health insurance coverage and having a usual source of medical care. Methods. In-person interviews were conducted with a community sample of 695 residents of Central Harlem, New York City. Predictors of the 2 outcome variables and the interaction of key variables with gender were analyzed via logistic regression. Results. No strong patterns emerged to explain gender differentials in having insurance coverage and having a usual provider. However, women employed full time had increased odds of insurance coverage, whereas employment had no similar effect among men. Public assistance evidenced a strong relationship with insurance coverage among both men and women. Socioeconomic factors and health insurance were important independent predictors of having a usual source of health care for men but had little effet among women. Conclusions. Expanding the availability of both public insurance and affordable private coverage for men living in low-income communities is an important means of reducing gender disparities in access to health care. Public assistance is an important means of enabling access to health care. Public assistance is an important means of enabling access to health care for men as well as women.
Reductions by Lithium Aluminum Hydride

Lithium aluminum hydride is a useful and convenient reagent for the selective reduction of various polar functional groups. It is used in diethyl ether solution, less commonly in higher boiling ethers, following the conventional procedures for syntheses employing the Grignard reagents, which the hydride closely resembles in its general pattern of behavior. The reaction proceeds with extraordinary rapidity and is relatively free of side reactions. The types of organic compounds reduced by lithium aluminum hydride and the nature of the products are detailed in this chapter. Functional groups not reduced are discussed. Keywords: lithium aluminum hydride; reduction; aldehydes; ketones; epoxides; esters; carboxylic acids; amides; nitrile; halogen compounds; double bonds; heterocyclic nitrogen compounds; experimental procedures
NEW TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH TO STUDY ROTATOR CUFF PATHOLOGY

Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is a crucial surgical procedure, but has unacceptable mechanical failure rates between 25–60%. Examining supplemental synergistic interventions, such as biological augmentations (ex: growth factors) to improve fibrocartilage formation rather than scar tissue formation, would make tears more amenable to surgical repair. Due to the large number of agents and application methods (and times), improved techniques are needed for assessing RCR in animals. In particular, high-resolution real-time imaging is needed to guide tissue engineering in animal models. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is well suited for this role, with resolutions 25 × greater than any clinical imaging modality and an ability to identify organized collagen with polarization sensitive techniques. For example, it can determine severe collagen depletion in visually normal tendons. The images here show the first OCT and PS-OCT of the rotator cuff in male Wistar rats. The structure of the supraspinatus tendon, enthesis, and humerus are well defined. For histological comparison, this sample was stained with both Masson's Trichrome, to expose any structural abnormalities, and Picrosirius Red, to determine collagen content using a polarization filter. OCT studies offer the potential of understanding RCR failure mechanisms and potential tissue altering agents, substantially impacting outcomes.
Thrombophilia in childhood

Much progress has been made in the understanding of pediatric thrombophilia in the last decade, but many unanswered questions still exist. The incidence of thrombophilia in childhood, though low, may be on the rise because of increases in the occurrence of acquired risk factors and increased detection resulting from improved imaging techniques. In this article, we will first review normal hemostasis and understand why healthy children are relatively “protected” from thrombotic events. We will then familiarize the reader with the various risk factors for thrombophilia, both inherited and acquired, and their mechanism of action in causing disease. Finally, we will give recommendations for laboratory evaluation and guidelines for administering and monitoring anticoagulant therapy with unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparins, and oral anticoagulants.
Hume on the Distinction of Reason

This paper concerns Hume’s treatment of the distinction of reason in the Treatise, I.i.7. Many scholars have claimed that there is a tension between his account of the distinction of reason and his commitment to his so-called separability principle. I explain why Hume’s account of the distinction of reason is fully consistent with the principle, and show how other discussions, both critical of and sympathetic to Hume, fail to appreciate the radicalness of his position. I evaluate Hume’s bold position and compare it to earlier positions (Aquinas) and current positions (Donald Davidson).
Complementary and alternative medications for women's health issues.

Women often seek alternative treatment options such as herbs, dietary supplements, and vitamins and minerals to treat women’s health issues across the lifespan. Women may use complementary and alternative supplements for dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and symptoms of menopause. In general, there is a deficit of well‐designed, randomized, controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine for these indications, which makes it difficult to provide evidence‐based recommendations. This review outlines the evidence for efficacy and safety that is currently available for dietary supplement use by women to manage health conditions specific to the female patient.
Cultural Adaptation as a Sense-Making Experience: International Students in China

China has recently become one of the world’s largest receiving countries of international students. While China has practiced its open-door policy for the past 30 years, its sociocultural structure and practices may still be mostly unfathomable to the rest of the world. The goal of the present research is to find how international students perceive and identify with the Chinese sociocultural structure. Drawing upon a group of international students’ self-reports in China, this article examines what dimensions of the Chinese sociocultural structure international students may most (or least) likely identify with. In contrast to most existing studies on culture learning and intercultural adaptation, this article demonstrates that international students’ cultural adaptation is a subjective, sense-making, and culture-specific experience in China.
Early HIV detection: a community mental health role.

This paper documents the changing need for early detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and proposes a role for community mental health centers (CMHCs). Ignorance of HIV infection status can result in greater risk of medical complications and denies the individual the opportunity to take the steps necessary to prolong life and prevent further transmission of the virus Individuals who know they are infected can obtain good medical care, avoid infection, avoid becoming pregnant, behave responsibly and plan their lives appropriately. Advances in specific therapeutics now make it important for infected individuals to know their HIV status well before becoming overtly ill. The social history, sexual history, drug use history, and physical and mental status of each client will provide important clues regarding infection status. Reluctance to refer for testing because of concerns about level of stress. liability and confidentiality should be tempered by a policy of referring for testing whenever any indication of infection arises.
Aging and Remote Memory Declines: Preliminary Findings

Abstract Relatively little research has examined the effect of aging upon remote memory, especially among individuals who have entered their 10th decade of life. The present study examined whether remote memory deteriorates in a group of 132 neurologically normal men and women ranging in age from 50 to 97. Remote memory was measured with a modification of the Presidents Test. The data revealed that higher levels of education corresponded with better remote memory. Additionally, age-related differences in memory occurred only in men, with those aged 90 years and older showing significantly worse remote memory than other age groups. Potential explanations and implications of these data are delineated.
CELLS OF THE BLOOD AND COELOMIC FLUIDS OF TUNIGATES AND ECHINODERMS

in various groups of invertebrate animals present a surprising degree of variety and complexity. Since these cells as a whole seem to correspond to the cells of the blood, the free cells of lymphoid tissue, and the wandering cells in the tissues of verte? brates, a clearer understanding of their structure and activities is not only of much intrinsic interest but may also be expected to throw much light on the unsolved prob? lems pei taining to such cells in vertebrates. The present paper describes some of the features of these cells in two important groups of animals, the echinoderms and the tunicates, the latter showing many fea? tures which lead us to believe them not far removed from the ancestors of the verte? brates.
Phosphonic Acid Monolayers for Binding of Bioactive Molecules to Titanium Surfaces

Two different phosphonic acid monolayer films for immobilization of bioactive molecules such as the protein BMP-2 on titanium surfaces have been prepared. Monolayers of (11-hydroxyundecyl)phosphonic acid and (12-carboxydodecyl)phosphonic acid molecules were produced by a simple dipping process (the T-BAG method). The terminal functional groups on these monolayers were activated (carbonyldiimidazole for hydroxyl groups and N-hydroxysuccinimide for carboxyl groups) to bind amine-containing molecules. The reactivity of the surfaces was investigated using trifluoroethylamine hydrochloride and BMP-2. Each step of the surface modification procedure was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.
Update on the MA.17 extended adjuvant trial

For women with early breast cancer, a substantial risk of relapse remains after surgical resection of the primary tumor, despite adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant endocrine therapy with tamoxifen has been used for many years in the treatment of hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) disease, but exposure to the agent is limited to 5 years due to an unfavorable risk:benefit profile in later years. Despite the beneficial carry-over effects of tamoxifen, the majority of breast cancer recurrences and deaths occur after completion of adjuvant tamoxifen, that is, more than 5 years after initial diagnosis. Hence, additional endocrine therapy could greatly improve outcomes for women with HR+ early breast cancer, but until recently, no agent had been shown to provide a significant benefit over no further treatment. The first interim analysis of the NCIC CTG MA.17 trial showed that the third-generation aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, significantly reduced the risk of relapse, including distant metastases, compared with placebo in women who remained disease-free for up to 3 months after completion of standard adjuvant tamoxifen. On the basis of these results, the trial was stopped and unblinded. Final analysis confirmed these findings and also showed that letrozole significantly improved overall survival in patients with node-positive disease at diagnosis. Retrospective analysis of MA.17 data has shown that the benefit achieved with letrozole increases with the duration of therapy, at least up to 48 months, raising important questions regarding the optimal duration of extended adjuvant letrozole. Additional retrospective analyses investigating the impact of estrogen- and progesterone-receptor status on response to therapy, and whether letrozole is effective following a prolonged treatment-free interval after stopping tamoxifen, are ongoing, and will help to optimize the use of letrozole in women who have completed tamoxifen.
In vivo germination and host specificity of Nosema algerae in mosquitoes

Abstract Of five species of mosquitoes tested, Anopheles stephensi and A. albimanus were the most susceptible, A. quadrimaculatus and Culex pipiens were relatively unsusceptible and A. atroparvus was almost completely refractory to Nosema algerae. Spore germination percentages differed in the larval midguts of the five species of mosquito but not in the order which would explain the susceptibility differences. Neither midgut pH difference nor differences in passage rate through the midgut were sufficient to explain the observed differences in spore germination percentages.
Kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures in Sprague-Dawley rats and the effect of dietary taurine (TAU) supplementation or deficiency.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received TAU supplementation (1.5% in drinking water) or TAU deficient diets for 4 weeks to test for a possible neuroprotective role of TAU in KA-induced (10 mg/kg s.c.) seizures. TAU supplementation significantly increased serum and hippocampal TAU levels, but not TAU content in temporal cortex or striatum. TAU deficient diets did not attenuate serum or tissue TAU levels. Dietary TAU supplementation failed to decrease the number or latency of partial or clonic-tonic seizures or wet dog shakes, whereas a TAU deficient diet decreased the number of clonictonic and partial seizures. This study does not support previous observations of an anticonvulsant effect of TAU against KA-induced seizures. KAtreatment decreasedα2-adrenergic receptor binding sites and TAU content in the temporal cortex across all dietary treatment groups, supporting previous evidence of severe KA-induced damage and neuronal loss in this brain region.
Building the invisible wall : updating the chlamydial peptidoglycan anomaly

The existence of peptidoglycan (PG) in chlamydiae has long been debated. Genome sequencing of members of the Chlamydiaceae family and Protochlamydia amoebophila has uncovered a nearly complete pathway for PG synthesis in these organisms. The recent use of microarray and proteomic analysis methods has revealed that PG synthesis genes are expressed primarily during reticulate body development and division. Furthermore, key genes in the chlamydial PG synthesis pathway encode functional PG synthesis enzymes, some of which provide the basis for the susceptibility of chlamydiae to PG inhibitors. Recent studies shed light on how the construction of a cell wall in chlamydiae is taking shape and why the wall is being built.
Environmental policy and Japanese society: part II. lessons about Japan and about policy

This paper analyzes Japanese environmental policy to draw lessons about Japanese society and about environmental policy. It critically examines three myths about Japan: the myth of consensus, the myth of centralization, and the myth of rational policy. The paper then discusses the implications of Japan's experiences for the relationship between environmental quality and economic growth, the problems of an administrative system to compensate pollution victims, and the difficulties in establishing a system for environmental impact assessment. Part I of the essay, appears on p. 191 of this journal, examined successes and failures of Japanese environmental policy.
Highly-automated computer-aided diagnosis of neurological disorders using functional brain imaging

We have implemented a highly automated analytical method for computer aided diagnosis (CAD) of neurological disorders using functional brain imaging that is based on the Scaled Subprofile Model (SSM). Accurate diagnosis of functional brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease is often difficult clinically, particularly in early stages. Using principal component analysis (PCA) in conjunction with SSM on brain images of patients and normals, we can identify characteristic abnormal network covariance patterns which provide a subject dependent scalar score that not only discriminates a particular disease but also correlates with independent measures of disease severity. These patterns represent disease-specific brain networks that have been shown to be highly reproducible in distinct groups of patients. Topographic Profile Rating (TPR) is a reverse SSM computational algorithm that can be used to determine subject scores for new patients on a prospective basis. In our implementation, reference values for a full range of patients and controls are automatically accessed for comparison. We also implemented an automated recalibration step to produce reference scores for images generated in a different imaging environment from that used in the initial network derivation. New subjects under the same setting can then be evaluated individually and a simple report is generated indicating the subject's classification. For scores near the normal limits, additional criteria are used to make a definitive diagnosis. With further refinement, automated TPR can be used to efficiently assess disease severity, monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment efficacy.
Infection of rabbits with bovine immunodeficiency-like virus.

Abstract New Zealand White rabbits, which had been prepared for inoculation by intraperitoneal treatment with thioglycollate, were inoculated intraperitoneally with bovine immunodeficiency-like virus (BIV). Infected materials from various sources were used including cultured cells and culture fluids, peripheral blood leukocytes from infected cattle and spleen tissue tissue from previously infected rabbits. Virus isolations and serological responses detected by western blotting provided clear evidence that infections had been established in inoculated rabbits and that the spleen was an important site of BIV infectivity. These results indicate that rabbits may be a useful species when testing for BIV infectivity in materials too toxic or highly contaminated to be inoculated directly into cell cultures. Furthermore, rabbits may also be useful in testing effects of coinfections with other bovine viruses on progression of BIV infection and for the initial evaluation of therapeutic regimens designed to suppress or eliminate BIV infections.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis resulting from community exposure to Canada goose droppings: when an external environmental antigen becomes an indoor environmental antigen.

Background In the past, hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been attributed to occupational, agricultural, or home environmental exposure. Objective This report describes the first case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to community exposure to droppings from Canada geese migrating through a suburban environment. Methods Clinical and serologic information was used in making the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Results Serologic analysis demonstrated precipitating antibodies against goose droppings and against an extract made from washings from a filter taken from the patient's office. These studies also showed that the antigens in the office filter were goose dropping antigens. Conclusion Hypersensitivity pneumonitis can result from exposure to goose dropping antigens in the community that enter buildings through ventilation systems. This represents a new form of an old disease.
Electron-induced chain reactions: Diazo transfer from p-nitrophenyl azide to selected methylene carbon acids

Abstract The electrochemical reduction of p -nitrophenyl azide (ArN 3 ) in DMF-0.1 M (n-Bu) 4 NClO 4 in the presence of certain methylene carbon acids (R 2 CH 2 ) causes a chain reaction that results in diazo transfer from ArN 3 to R 2 CH 2 . The final products of this reaction, ArNH 2 and the corresponding diazoalkane, R 2 C=N 2 , are formed in nearly quantitative yield when R=COOMe and COOEt. The propagation cycle involves the rate-determining attack of R 2 CH − , the chain-carrying species, on ArN 3 ( k =5.6×10 −2 M −1 s −1 for R=COOEt at 22°C), followed by relatively rapid proton transfer from R 2 CH 2 to ArNH − . The scope and limitations of this reaction have been examined.
Medical Ultrasonics: Diagnostic Applications of Ultrasound

Current research on the use of low-power ultrasound as a diagnostic tool is reviewed. Ultrasonic waves can be used to investigate soft tissue structures which are opaque to light or invisible to X rays. Continuous-wave techniques can picture absorbing or reflecting areas in tissue specimens. Doppler frequencies related to the motion of the heart have also been investigated. Pulse reflection techniques can detect the small echoes reflected from interfaces between and within tissue structures. Radar scanning tecnhiques are used to form reflection pictures of accessible tissues. The significance of such pictures of the breast, bowel, eye, extremities, kidney, liver, and neck areas in the living human is being studied. The position and velocity of the walls of the heart during the cardiac cycle also can be recorded.
Chromatin-dependent cooperativity between site-specific transcription factors in vivo.

Accessing binding sites in DNA wrapped around histones in condensed chromatin is an obstacle that transcription factors must overcome to regulate gene expression. Here we demonstrate cooperativity between two transcription factors, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and nuclear factor 1 (NF1) to bind the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter organized as regular chromatin in vivo. This cooperativity is not observed when the promoter is introduced transiently into cells. Using RNA interference to deplete NF1 protein levels in the cells, we confirmed that NF1 promotes binding of GR to the promoter. Furthermore, we observed a similar synergism between GR and NF1 binding on the endogenous 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase promoter, also regulated by GR and NF1. Our results suggest that the chromatin architecture of the promoters does not permit strong association of GR in the absence of NF1. Therefore we propose that cooperativity among DNA binding factors in binding to their cognate recognition sites in chromatin may be an important feature in the regulation of gene expression.
Resonantly enhanced multiphoton-ionization photoelectron spectroscopy of krypton and xenon: Experiment and theory.

Angular distributions for energy-resolved photoemitted electrons from resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) via the two-photon allowed 6p[j=1/2${]}_{\mathit{J}=0}$, 6p[3/2${]}_{2}$, 6p'[1/2${]}_{0}$, 6p'[3/2${]}_{2}$, 7p[1/2${]}_{0}$, 7p[3/2${]}_{2}$, and 7p[5/2${]}_{2}$ states and the three-photon allowed 7s[3/2${]}_{1}$, 8s[3/2${]}_{1}$, 9s[3/2${]}_{1}$, 5d[3/2${]}_{1}$, 5d'[5/2${]}_{3}$, and 5d'[3/2${]}_{1}$ states of xenon and the three-photon allowed 5s[3/2${]}_{1}$, 6s[3/2${]}_{1}$, 4d[3/2${]}_{1}$, 4d[5/2${]}_{3}$, and 4d[7/2${]}_{3}$ states of krypton are reported. In one case, two-photon resonant, three photon ionization [(2+1) REMPI] of the 6p'[1/2${]}_{0}$ state of xenon, a dramatic laser-power dependence (power \ensuremath{\sim}1.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{10}$ to \ensuremath{\sim}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{10}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$), was observed. The measured angular distributions for electrons leaving either ion core ${(}^{2}$${\mathit{P}}_{1/2}$ or $^{2}$${\mathit{P}}_{3/2}$) are compared with those calculated from multichannel quantum-defect theory.Reasonable agreement is obtained in reproducing the general features of the angular distributions for the p and d states in the rare gases. However, discrepancies are observed for some of the s states. Comparison of the measured and calculated branching ratios for leaving either ion core also shows good agreement for the p and d states, but shows that there are inadequacies in the theory for describing the s states. We also report the photoelectron energy and angular distributions for the (4+1) REMPI process via the 6p[1/2${]}_{0}$ and 6p[3/2${]}_{2}$ states of xenon. Photoelectrons due to above-threshold ionization, (4+2), resonantly enhanced via the four-photon allowed 6p[1/2${]}_{0}$ state, are also observed.
Multilevel feature-based fuzzy fusion for target recognition

ABSTRACT Information fusion includes the integration of feature data, expert knowledge. and algorithms. For example, in automatic target recognition (ATR) features of size, color, and motion can be fused to assess the combination of multi-modal information. A neurofuzzy fusion of features captures the multilevel language content of sensory information by fusingneural network data analysis with rule-based decision making. Additionally, the neurofuzzy architecture can effectively fusecoarse and fine abstracted feature data at the content level for decision making. In this paper, we investigate a multilevelneuro-fuzzy feature-based architecture for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) target recognition.Keywords: Sensor Fusion, Target Recognition, Classification, Identification, Neurofuzzv 1. INTRODUCTION Humans and machines interact for specific tasks such as the identification (ID) of a target. When the human looks at atarget, they typical search fur target features such as size, shape. color, form, and motion [1.2]. Cognition, the act of
A four-pole power-combiner design for far-infrared and submillimeter spectroscopy

Abstract The far-infrared and submillimeter portions of the electromagnetic spectrum provide a unique view of the astrophysical processes present in the early universe. Micro-Spec ( μ -Spec), a high-efficiency direct-detection spectrometer concept working in the 450–1000-μm wavelength range, will enable a wide range of spaceflight missions that would otherwise be challenging due to the large size of current instruments and the required spectral resolution and sensitivity. This paper focuses on the μ -Spec two-dimensional multimode region, where the light of different wavelengths diffracts and converges onto a set of detectors. A two-step optimization process is used to generate geometrical configurations given specific requirements on spectrometer size, operating spectral range, and performance. The canonically employed focal-plane constraints for the power combiner were removed to probe the design space in its entirety. A new four-stigmatic-point optical design solution is identified and explored for use in far-infrared and submillimeter spectroscopy.
(2S*,5R*)-2,5-Dimethyl-1,4-bis-(pyridin-2-ylmeth-yl)piperazine.

The title compound, C18H24N4, resides on a crystallographic inversion centre, so that the asymmetric unit comprises one half-mol­ecule. The piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation, with the mean planes of the two equatorial pyridine rings parallel to each other and separated by 2.54 (3) A. No classical hydrogen bonds are observed.
Remotely accessible computer network laboratory with hands-on experience

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a remotely accessible and platform-independent computer network laboratory. We have integrated two network standards namely IPKVM and VLAN to create a flexible and expandable laboratory system for remote students. Students located at remote sites were able to seamlessly conduct hands-on experiments and collaborate with their classmates. A survey was conducted among the students who enrolled in the “Introduction to Computer Networks laboratory” course at Illinois Institute of Technology. The results show that students can complete the lab experiments efficiently, and the remote framework does not impose any barrier in conducting experiments and consequently does not degrade the quality of their education. The system developed in our institution can be used for other laboratory courses such as computer networking security and system administration.
Digital libraries: the systems analysis perspective

Purpose – This column seeks to examine the role of libraries in the description, organization, and accumulation of critical research data.Design/methodology/approach – This is an opinion column, but the literature was briefly examined to understand the trends for this area.Findings – Libraries have an important role in data curation and preservation regarding the research data output of a university.Practical implications – There is a very important opportunity for libraries to take the lead in the important area of data curation and preservation regarding research data.Originality/value – Libraries can play a vital role in establishing orderly policies and procedures surrounding the curation, preservation, and organization of important research data, which is an emerging area at research institutions, but is becoming an acute need.
Extended combination therapy of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma.

Nineteen children with biopsy-proven rhabdomyosarcoma were selected for a 1-2-year study utilizing surgery, supervoltage, and electron-beam radiation therapy, and combination chemotherapy with vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and dactinomycin. At the time of diagnosis, 4 patients had localized tumor, 9 had regional spread of tumor, 5 had extensive spread of tumor, and 1 had bone marrow involvement. Complete response to therapy was seen in 17 patients, 2 had partial response followed by progressive disease, and 4 died with disease at 15, 11, 8, and 6 months respectively. Eleven patients were free of disease for 4-49 months; 2 had extension of disease at 2 and 4 months. Two patients were just entered on the study and response data is being investigated currently. This approach of extended combination therapy of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma was well tolerated and offers an alternative to radical surgery in the growing child.
Protein methylation during the development of rat brain

Summary The activities of protein methylase I and III are high in the fetal rat brain and decrease rapidly after birth. On the other hand, protein methylase II activity increases slowly during the first 10 days of life and rapidly thereafter. Within 40 days after birth, the levels of all three protein methylase activities reach values corresponding to those of the adult brain. Results obtained for in vivo protein methylation indicate that the H 2 SO 4 -soluble protein is methylated at high rate in fetal brain; this rate then decreases rapidly after birth. Therefore, protein methylation might be involved in the development of the central nervous system.
Breeding Birds in Riparian and Upland Dry Forests of the Cascade Range

We quantified breeding bird abundance, diversity, and indicator species in riparian and upland dry forests along 6 third- to fourth-order streams on the east slope of the Cascade Range, Washington, USA. Upland dry forest on southerly aspects was dominated by open ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and dry Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) plant associations. Upland mesic forest on northerly aspects was dominated by closed-canopy Douglas-fir or dry grand fir (Abies grandis) plant associations. Riparian overstory vegetation was dominated by black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) plant associations with a prominent hardwood tree and shrub component. We quantified bird assemblages, diversity, and abundance from parallel point transects on riparian and adjacent dry and mesic upslope forests. We detected 80 bird species from >12,000 point-transect observations during 1998–1999. Eighteen species accounted for 75% of all detections. Species richness and evenness were similar in all 3 forest types, with approximately 35 species and high evenness (0.85) in each forest type. Bird species assemblages differed among dry, mesic, and riparian forest types, with the greatest differences between riparian and both dry and mesic upland forests. Riparian forest had the greatest number (9) of strong characteristic, or indictor, species among the 3 forest types. Upland mesic forest was characterized by 7 indicator species. Upland dry forest had 4 indicator species. Our results indicate that current standards and guidelines for riparian buffers zones would allow for avian refuge and corridor functions along these streams. Forest managers could use our indicator species to predict and monitor shifts in upland forest species composition from thinning and prescribed burning practices that are used to reduce fuels in uplands and to reduce continuity of fire effects between riparian and upland zones.
PERICARDIAL FAT DOESN'T IMPACT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ABLATION OUTCOMES

The impact of pericardial fat as assessed by CT scan on outcomes after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is not known. We performed pericardial fat volume (PFV) assessment by volume rendering method from CT scans of all consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation at our institute. Baseline
Carbohydrate-fat exchange and regulation of hepatic cholesterol and plasma lipoprotein metabolism in the guinea pig

Adult female guinea pigs were fed semipurified diets containing increasing concentrations of saturated fat (2.5%, 7.5%, 15%, and 25% wt/wt) to determine effects of exchanging fat-carbohydrate calories on lipoprotein metabolism. Plasma very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) did not vary but plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations increased with increasing fat calories. LDL cholesterol values were 42 +/- 25, 61 +/- 17, 92 +/- 25, and 98 +/- 21 mg/dL (mean +/- SD, n = 5), respectively. The relative proportion of cholesteryl ester increased and triacylglycerol (TAG) decreased for VLDL, LDL, and HDL as dietary fat increased. Plasma lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity was positively correlated with HDL cholesteryl ester content. Hepatic cholesterol and TAG concentrations were highest in animals fed 25% fat (P < .01). Hepatic apolipoprotein (apo) B/E receptor maximal binding capacity (Bmax) was 30% higher in animals fed 2.5% and 7.5% fat as compared with those fed 15% and 25% fat (P < .01) and inversely correlated with plasma LDL (r = -.85, P < .01). In contrast, HDL binding to guinea pig hepatic membranes exhibited a significant positive correlation with dietary fat quantity (r = .98, P < .001), consistent with a dose-response with increasing fat calories. The activity of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase was not affected by the amount of dietary fat, whereas the activity of acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) was significantly increased in animals fed 25% fat (P < .05). Hepatic free-cholesterol and ACAT activity exhibited a positive correlation for all dietary groups (r = .75, P < .001). These results demonstrate that exchange of saturated dietary fat for carbohydrate calories results in significant modifications in the regulation of metabolic pathways that determine plasma LDL concentrations and hepatic cholesterol homeostasis.
Validation of surrogate estimates of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in children and adolescents.

Objectives To compare insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function measured by the euglycemic and the hyperglycemic clamp, with simple estimates of insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function in youth. Study design We measured insulin sensitivity with a euglycemic clamp and first- and second-phase insulin secretion with a hyperglycemic clamp in 156 AA and white youths. Estimates of insulin sensitivity (fasting insulin level [IF], the ratio of fasting glucose [GF] to IF [GF/IF], homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin sensitivity [HOMA IS], and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI]) and estimates of pancreatic β-cell function (IF, the ratio of IF to GF [IF/GF], and homeostasis model assessment estimate of pancreatic β-cell function [HOMA %B]) were derived from fasting measurements. Results In the total group, ISEu correlated strongly with IF (r = −0.92), GF/IF (r = 0.92), HOMA IS (r = 0.91), and QUICKI (r = 0.91) (P<.01). First-phase and second-phase insulin secretion correlated with IF, IF/GF, and HOMA %B (first-phase insulin secretion: r = 0.76, 0.79, 0.82; second-phase insulin secretion: r = 0.83, 0.86, 0.86, respectively; P<.01). Conclusions Simple estimates of insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function using fasting insulin and glucose levels serve as surrogate measures of insulin sensitivity and secretion in nondiabetic youths. The validity of these conclusions in children with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus remains to be determined.
Cooperative synthesis of control and display augmentation

The cooperative control synthesis technique, previously developed to synthesize control augmentation so as to optimize the human operator's subjective rating, is extended to the synthesis of display augmentation for closed-loop manual control tasks. The procedure allows for simultaneously augmenting the display dynamics as well as plant or controlled element dynamics via feedback, and explicitly includes task-related and pilot-centered requirements in the design objectives. Connections are made between the proposed technique and classical manual control theory, and the new methodology is demonstrated by considering a compensatory tracking task for a generic controlled element. Analytical evaluations of the various control and display augmentation results and comparisons with the results of previous experimental studies are discussed.
Pore fluid effects on shear modulus in a model of heterogeneous rocks, reservoirs, and granular media

[1] To provide quantitative measures of the importance of fluid effects on shear waves in heterogeneous reservoirs, a model material called a “random polycrystal of porous laminates” is introduced. This model poroelastic material has constituent grains that are layered (or laminated), and each layer is an isotropic, microhomogeneous porous medium. All grains are composed of exactly the same porous constituents and have the same relative volume fractions. The order of lamination is not important because the up-scaling method used to determine the transversely isotropic (hexagonal) properties of the grains is Backus averaging, which, for quasi-static or long-wavelength behavior, depends only on the volume fractions and layer properties. Grains are then jumbled together totally at random, filling all space, and producing an overall isotropic poroelastic medium. The poroelastic behavior of this medium is then analyzed using the Peselnick-Meister-Watt bounds (of Hashin-Shtrikman type). We study the dependence of the shear modulus on pore fluid properties and determine the range of behavior to be expected. In particular, we compare and contrast these results to those anticipated from Gassmann's fluid substitution formulas and to the predictions of Mavko and Jizba for very low porosity rocks with flat cracks. This approach also permits the study of arbitrary numbers of constituents, but for simplicity, the numerical examples are restricted here to just two constituents. This restriction also permits the use of some special exact results available for computing the overall effective stress coefficient in any two-component porous medium. The bounds making use of polycrystalline microstructure are very tight. Results for the shear modulus demonstrate that the ratio of compliance differences R (i.e., shear compliance changes over bulk compliance changes when going from drained to undrained behavior, or vice versa) is usually nonzero and can take a wide range of values, both above and below the value R = 4/15 valid for low porosity, very low aspect ratio flat cracks. Results show that the overall shear modulus in this model can depend relatively strongly on mechanical properties of the pore fluids, sometimes (but rarely) more strongly than the dependence of the overall bulk modulus on the fluids.
Mechanistic Insights into the Kinetics of HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Protein-facilitated tRNA Annealing to the Primer Binding Site

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase uses human tRNALys,3 as a primer to initiate reverse transcription. Prior to initiation, the 3′ 18 nucleotides of this tRNA are annealed to a complementary sequence on the RNA genome known as the primer binding site (PBS). Here, we show that the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein (NC) enhances this annealing by approximately five orders of magnitude in vitro, decreasing the transition state enthalpy from approximately 20 kcal mol−1 for the uncatalyzed reaction to 13 kcal mol−1 for the NC-catalyzed process. Moreover, the annealing follows second-order kinetics, consistent with the nucleation of the intermolecular duplex being the rate-limiting step. This nucleation is preceded by melting of a small duplex region within the original structure, and is followed by much faster zipping of the rest of the 18 base-pair (bp) duplex. A tRNA mutational analysis shows that destabilization of the tRNA acceptor stem has only a minor effect on the annealing rate. In contrast, addition of bases to the 5′ end of tRNA that are complementary to its single-stranded 3′ end interferes with duplex nucleation and therefore has a much larger effect on the net reaction rate. Assuming that the apparent transition free energy of the annealing reaction, is a sum of the melting (ΔGm) and nucleation (ΔGnuc) free energies, we show that NC affects both ΔGm and ΔGnuc. We estimate that ten to 100-fold of the overall rate enhancement is due to NC-induced destabilization of a 4 bp helix in the PBS, while the additional factor of 103–104 rate enhancement is a result of NC-facilitated duplex nucleation. The apparently similar effectiveness of wild-type and SSHS NC, a mutant that lacks the zinc finger structures, in facilitating the tRNA annealing reaction is most likely the result of the mutual cancellation of two factors: SSHS NC is less effective than wild-type NC as a duplex destabilizer, but more effective as a duplex nucleating agent.
Routine and Strategic Maintenance Efforts: Behavioral Patterns, Variations Associated with Relational Length, and the Prediction of Relational Characteristics

The goal of the present study was to examine the patterns of relationships between routine and strategic maintenance enactment. Data were collected from 189 individuals in a romantic relationship. Results indicated that positivity and sharing tasks were more often performed routinely than strategically. Second, moderate to strong, positive correlations were found among the strategic use of maintenance behaviors, and also moderate to strong, positive correlations among the routine use of maintenance behaviors. However, virtually no relationships emerged between the routine and strategic use of maintenance. Next, both strategic and routine maintenance efforts were important in predicting satisfaction and commitment, but routine maintenance was slightly more important in predicting both satisfaction and commitment. Finally, three significant, positive correlations were found between the length of the relationship and routine maintenance performance (network, conflict management, and sharing tasks), and one s...
Functional Interaction of an Orai1 Pore Residue with the Inactivation Domain of STIM1

The Inactivation Domain of STIM1 (IDSTIM: aa 470-491) was described as necessary for Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI) of CRAC channels in three early reports (Mullins et al. 2009, Derler et al. 2009, Lee et al. 2009). We revisited the role of IDSTIM in light of the observation that STIM1:Orai1 ratio is a critical determinant of CDI (Scrimgeour et al. 2009, Hoover et al. 2011).We measured CRAC currents activated by a truncated STIM1 (aa 1-469), which lacks IDSTIM, in HEK cells transfected at higher STIM1:Orai1 ratios than were used previously. We observed limited but significant inactivation for STIM1(1-469) + Orai1 under these conditions (∼1/3 of the extent seen with WT STIM1 + Orai1). The inactivation supported by STIM1(1-469) was sensitive to extracellular [Ca2+] and to intracellular BAPTA but not EGTA.How does IDSTIM triple the extent of CDI? We first considered the possibility that IDSTIM increases local [Ca2+]. Open probability and single-channel conductance determined by analysis of monovalent current noise were identical for STIM1(1-469) and WT STIM1, arguing against a model in which IDSTIM enhances inactivation indirectly by increasing local [Ca2+] near the inner pore mouth.We next looked for a functional interaction between IDSTIM and the Orai1 pore. Like STIM1(1-469), the Orai1 inner pore mutation W76A also supported inactivation to ∼1/3 of the WT extent when studied at a high STIM1:Orai1 ratio. While the mutations STIM1(1-469) and W76A reduced CDI to similar extents when studied individually, no additional reduction of inactivation was seen when STIM1(1-469) was co-expressed with Orai1 W76A. Together, these data suggest that IDSTIM and Orai1 residue W76 act in concert to boost CDI to a maximal level for a given local [Ca2+].
FDG PET evaluation of head and neck cancer: value of imaging the thorax.

Background Patients with primary tumors of the head and neck have been reported to have a high rate of synchronous primary tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract. This study was performed to determine whether inclusion of the thorax in the scan volume would be diagnostically useful for positron emission tomography (PET) with [F-18] fluorodeoxy-D-glucose (FDG) in patients with primary tumors of the head and neck. Methods FDG PET scans from the midcranium to the diaphragm were obtained on 56 patients with a variety of head and neck tumors on initial examination before definitive therapy. PET findings in the chest were correlated with results of all other imaging studies, biopsy results, and clinical follow-up. Results In nine studies (16%), areas of increased FDG uptake in the chest were seen and were judged to be tumors. Six of these probably were false-positive results, although one of these six may have been unconfirmed true positives. Of the three confirmed true-positive studies, two were obvious from other routine studies. In only one case did the PET study reveal a significant lesion not found by means of routine evaluation, resulting in a case-finding yield of 2%. If the unconfirmed possible true-positive results are included, the case-finding yield increases to 4%. Conclusions No compelling indication was seen for including the chest in PET studies of patients with head and neck cancer. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 22: 105–110, 2000.
A rapid microcentrifuge procedure for purification of Cryptosporidium sporozoites

A Percoll® centrifugation procedure is described that separates sporozoites of Cryptosporidium parvum from intact and empty oocysts in just 3 min. A mixture of newly excysted sporozoites, intact and empty oocysts, are resuspended in a Percoll® solution with a specific gravity of 1.04. The mixture is centrifuged in 1.5 ml tubes in a microfuge at 5,000 x g for 3 min. The pellet contains intact oocysts, empty oocysts float atop of Percoll®, and sporozoites layer out in a buffy coat immediately above the pellet.
DEVELOPMENT OF APPROXIMATE METHODS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF PATCH DAMPING DESIGN CONCEPTS

Abstract This paper develops three approximate methods for the analysis of patch damping designs. Undamped natural frequencies and modal loss factors are calculated using the Rayleigh energy method and modal strain energy technique, respectively, without explicitly solving high order differential equations or complex eigenvalue problems. Approximate Method I is developed for sandwich beams assuming that damped mode shapes are given by the Euler beam eigenfunctions. The superposition principal is then used to accommodate any arbitrary mode shape, which may be obtained from modal experiments or the finite element method. In Method II, the formulation is further simplified with the assumption of a very compliant viscoelastic core. Finally, Method III considers a compact patch problem. The modal loss factor is then expressed as a product of terms related to material properties, layer thickness, patch size and patch performance. Approximate Methods II and III are also extended to rectangular plates. Formulations are verified by conducting analogous modal measurements and by comparing predictions with those obtained using the Rayleigh–Ritz method (without making any of the above mentioned assumptions). Several example cases are presented to demonstrate the validity and utility of approximate methods for patch damping design concepts.