cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Readmissions and Adverse Events with Intensification of Antihypertensive Regimen on Hospital Discharge

The intensification of antihypertensive regimens on discharge in older adults hospitalized for noncardiac conditions is associated with an increased risk of readmission (number needed to harm [NNH] = 27) and medication-related serious adverse events (NNH = 63) within 30 days.
Chapter 42 – Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus was officially recognized as a unique risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 2011. Modern therapies extend the lifespan of lupus patients, but their risk for CVD is far greater than typical cardiovascular risk factors can explain. Imaging technologies have shown that subclinical manifestations of the disease in lupus patients begin long before symptoms are reported. This chapter considers the recent advances in research and therapeutic paradigms for atherosclerotic CVD in lupus patients and summarizes the same for other cardiac manifestations. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials for CVD intervention in lupus patients are lacking, but statins, antimalarials, immunoregulatory agents, antioxidants, and oral hypoglycemic agents have been explored. Here, relevant drug trials are reviewed and the research into disease biomarkers is discussed.
Modeling the nucleoporins that form the hairy pores

Sitting on the nuclear envelope, nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) control the molecular transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Without definite open or close states, the NPC uses a family of intrinsically disordered nucleoporins called FG-Nups to construct a selective permeability barrier whose functional structure is unclear. Experimental advances have offered high-resolution molecular knowledge of the NPC scaffold and docking of the unfolded FG-Nups, however, the 'hairy' barrier structure still appears as blurred lobes even under the state-of-the-art microscopy. Without accurate experimental visualization, the molecular mechanism for the NPC-mediated transport remains a matter of debate. Modeling provides an alternative way to resolve this long-standing mystery. Here, we briefly review different methods employed in modeling the FG-Nups, arranging from all-atom molecular dynamics to mean-field theories. We discuss the advantage and limit of each modeling technique, and summarize the theoretical insights that, despite certain controversy, deepened our understanding of the hairy pore.
Redox-Responsive H-Bonding: Amplifying the Effect of Electron Transfer Using Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

A new strategy to create highly redox-responsive H-bond dimers based on proton-coupled electron transfer is proposed that capitalizes on the importance of secondary H-bonds in determining overall binding strength in H-bond dimers. Electron transfer induced proton transfer across a H-bond can be used to significantly strengthen the overall binding by both creating strong ionic H-bonds and changing the secondary H-bonds from unfavorable to favorable. The viability and potency of this approach are demonstrated with an electroactive DAD (A = H-acceptor, D = H-donor) array, H(MQ+)H, paired with an electroinactive ADA array, O(NH)O. NMR titration of H(MQ+)H with O(NH)O in 0.1 M NBu4PF6/CD2Cl2 gives a Kassoc of 500 M-1, typical of DAD-ADA dimers. However, upon two-electron reduction in 0.1 M NBu4PF6/CH2Cl2, cyclic voltammetry studies indicate a 1.8 × 105 increase in binding strength, corresponding to a very large Kassoc of 9 × 107 M-1. The latter value is typical of DDD-AAA H-bond dimers, consistent with proton transfer across the central H-bond upon reduction.
The Philosopher's Corner: Taking Different Types of Knowledge Objects Seriously: A Step toward Generating Greater Value from IS Research

This paper presents the idea of knowledge object as the basis of a new way to think about knowledge in IS. An imagined 'epistemology for use' defines science in terms of creating and improving collections of knowledge objects. A taxonomy of knowledge objects identifies different types, but recognizes that terms such as theory and model are sometimes seen as overlapping with other terms in the taxonomy. Major parts of the taxonomy are discussed in separate sections related to non-abstract versus abstract knowledge objects, concepts, generalizations, methods and practices, and buzzwords. A discussion section looks at aspects of a deep understanding of any specific knowledge object, starting with the definition and including domain, synonyms, value-in-use, history, source, degree of abstraction, and degree of specificity. A brief concluding section suggests next steps for further development of the paper's ideas.
The Patient Reported Outcomes as a Clinical Tool (PROACT) Pilot Study: What Can be Gained by Sharing Computerized Patient-Reported Mental Health and Substance Use Symptoms with Providers in HIV Care?

Substance use and mental health (SU/MH) disorders are insufficiently recognized in HIV care. We examined whether conveying SU/MH screening results to patients and providers increased SU/MH discussions and action plans. Intervention participants completed a computerized patient-reported questionnaire before their HIV visit; screened positive on ≥ 1 measure: depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, at-risk alcohol use, or drug use; and reviewed screening results to decide which to prioritize with their provider. Screening results and clinical recommendations were conveyed to providers via medical record. A historic control included patients with positive screens but no conveyance to patient or provider. The patient-provider encounter was audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. For the overall sample (n = 70; 38 control, 32 intervention), mean age (SD) was 51.8 (10.3), 61.4% were male, and 82.9% were Black. Overall, 93.8% raised SU/MH in the intervention compared to 50.0% in the control (p < 0.001). Action plans were made for 40.0% of intervention and 10.5% of control encounters (p = 0.049). Conveying screening results with clinical recommendations increased SU/MH action plans, warranting further research on this intervention to address SU/MH needs.
A sensitive method to quantify HIV-1 antibodies in mucosal samples.

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant public health issue. In recent years, passive immunization with broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNabs) is being considered as a potentially efficacious approach for fighting HIV. One candidate that holds great promise is represented by the CD4-binding site targeted bNab capable of neutralizing over 90% of circulating HIV strains, VRC01. VRC01 along with its variants and clonal relatives – VRC01-LS and VRC07-523LS are currently being evaluated as vaccines in a number of clinical trials for HIV treatment and prevention. While mucosal areas of the body serve as major ports of HIV entry, reliable quantification of bNabs for pharmacokinetic and bioavailability analyses has been challenging due to low antibody concentrations in these samples. We developed an immunoassay on the Singulex platform which enables ultra-sensitive quantification of VRC01, VRC07, VRC01-LS and VRC07-523LS with a greater than 4-log linear dynamic range (LDR) and less than 120 pg/mL lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ). We implemented this assay to quantify VRC01 levels in rectal, cervical and oral mucosal samples in two passive immunization studies conducted with VRC01 – VRC 601 and VRC 602. Our assay was able to successfully quantify VRC01 levels in mucosal samples from all dosage groups (5 – –40 mg/kg) in these trials. VRC01 levels in a significant proportion of these samples (37% in oral and 25% in rectal mucosa) were below the lower limits of quantitation of other traditional immunoassays used for VRC01 quantification. We also measured VRC01 levels in sera from these trials and found that VRC01 measurements made using our assay exhibited excellent correlation (r2 = 0.9509) with measurements made previously using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our assay provides a reliable, sensitive and accurate method for quantification of clinically relevant bNabs and will help delineate antibody infiltration and bioavailability characteristics in complex biological matrices (CBM) such as mucosal tissues. This will in turn help determine clinical antibody threshold concentrations required to mediate protection against HIV acquisition and serve to inform dosing regimens and clinical trial design for future efficacy trials with these bNabs.
4CPS-301 Association of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors on clinical activity of firstline pembrolizumab for non-small cell lung cancer: 2 years of real world data

Background and importance The gut microbiome plays a dominant role in modulating the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and antibiotics (ATB) can induce dysbacteriosis, which may attenuate the clinical outcomes of ICIs, as shown in previous publications. Aim and objectives To investigate the predictive role of ATB and PPI on firstline pembrolizumab treatment in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with real world data. Material and methods Patients with metastatic NSCLC who received pembrolizumab as firstline treatment between July 2017 and January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, PD-L1 expression, responses and survival rates, and other baseline variables were examined. Administration of ATB or PPI within a window of 30 days before and after the start of pembrolizumab was also collected, based on the criteria used in previous publications. Clinical outcomes were compared according to ATB or PPI co-administration. Results 49 patients were included, 75.5% men, mean age 66.3±8.2 years, 53.1% expressed 50–75% PD-L1 and 46.9% expressed >75% PD-L1. 34.7% used ATB and 53.1% PPI. ATB compared with no ATB was associated with a shorter progression free survival (PFS) (median 12.1 vs 18.5 months, HR=0.46, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.06, p=0.068). No significant differences were observed in overall survival (OS) (HR=0.56, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.22, p=0,144). PPI compared with no PPI showed no significant differences in PFS (HR=0.98, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.21, p=0.953), but a significantly shorter OS (median 11.7 vs 17.9 months, HR=0.40, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.93, p=0.033). Multivariate analysis in all patients considering ATB, PPI, age and PD-L1 expression revealed that ATB were significantly associated with shorter PFS (HR=0.24, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.63, p=0.004) and shorter OS (HR=0.26, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.70, p=0.008). The use of PPI showed no significant differences in multivariate analysis. Conclusion and relevance The data suggested that ATB use in patients with metastatic NSCLC may be associated with poor outcomes in terms of PFS and may influence the efficacy of pembrolizumab. The impact of PPI showed better results for OS for the group that did not receive them. These data are in line with previous publications. More studies with a larger sample of patients would be necessary to confirm these results as our limited sample size could have compromised the statistical power. References and/or acknowledgements doi:10.1093/annonc/mdy103 doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.01.006 Conflict of interest No conflict of interest
The Transformative Learning Outcomes and Processes Survey: A Validation Study in the Workplace Context:

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Transformative Learning Outcomes and Processes Survey (TROPOS) in the workplace context. The results of a confirmatory fa...
Chapter 3 - Genetic screens for mutations affecting adult traits and parental-effect genes

Forward genetics remains an important approach for the unbiased identification of factors involved in biological pathways. Forward genetic analysis in the zebrafish has until now largely been restricted to the developmental period from zygotic genome activation through the end of embryogenesis. However, the use of the zebrafish as a model system for the analysis of late larval, juvenile and adult traits, including fertility and maternal and paternal effects, continues to gain momentum. Here, we describe two approaches, based on an F3-extended family and gynogenetic methods, that allow genetic screening for, and recovery of mutations affecting post-embryonic stages, including adult traits, fertility, and parental effects. For each approach, we also describe strategies to maintain, map, and molecularly clone the identified mutations.
Why do Nonprofits Have Taxable Subsidiaries

Nonprofit organizations operate taxable activities in two general ways: as unrelated businesses operated by the nonprofit or through controlled subsidiaries. Prior research and regulatory attention has focused on unrelated business activities, although taxable subsidiaries generate at least as much taxable revenue. We find that nonprofits place their taxable activities into subsidiaries when those taxable activities are relatively large, and when the taxable activities are relatively more risky. Nonprofits trade off possible benefits of the subsidiary form with the costs of reduced tax planning ability.
Stellar activity and calcium emission variability

Time series analysis of fluctuations of Ca II H and K chromo-spheric emission has provided us with much information concerning stellar activity. On all timescales, events which parallel solar behavior can be observed: activity cycles, on timescales of years; rotation of stars and evolution of active areas on timescales of days to weeks; flare-like phenomena on timescales as short as minutes.
Automatic Detection of Search Tactic in Individual Information Seeking: A Hidden Markov Model Approach

Information seeking process is an important topic in information seeking behavior research. Both qualitative and empirical methods have been adopted in analyzing information seeking processes, with major focus on uncovering the latent search tactics behind user behaviors. Most of the existing works require defining search tactics in advance and coding data manually. Among the few works that can recognize search tactics automatically, they missed making sense of those tactics. In this paper, we proposed using an automatic technique, i.e. the Hidden Markov Model (HMM), to explicitly model the search tactics. HMM results show that the identified search tactics of individual information seeking behaviors are consistent with Marchionini’s Information seeking process model. With the advantages of showing the connections between search tactics and search actions and the transitions among search tactics, we argue that HMM is a useful tool to investigate information seeking process, or at least it provides a feasible way to analyze large scale dataset.
An Assessment of the Efficacy of Ofloxacin Brands on Clinical Isolates of Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Staphylococcus Aureus

It is a common practice for clinicians to administer antimicrobial agents to patients suffering from bacterial infections without recourse to laboratory diagnosis which provides information on the antibiogram of the etiologic agents. This may result to the use of less efficacious drugs that might lead to long time hospitalization, death of patients and/or opportunity for bacterial species to develop resistant to some of these antimicrobial agents. This is the reason why, this study was carried out to determine the efficacy of five (5) brands of Ofloxacin; a typical floroquinolone antibiotic available in most pharmaceutical shops in Nigeria. Clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were exposed to twofold serial dilution of the antibiotic to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Result shows that the percentage strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae inhibited by the five brands of Ofloxacin investigated were 72, 74, 41, 68 and 76% respectively. Result also shows that the percentage strains of Staphylococcus aureus inhibited by the antimicrobial agent were 81, 85, 52, 79 and 85% respectively. Analysis of the result shows that the efficacy rate of Ofloxacin against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were 72 and 81% respectively. The result has shown that patients and health care providers can rely on this antimicrobial agent in the treatment of ailments associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus in this locality provided the efficacy of the brand to be used is tested.
Recognition of Subsurface Defects in Machined Ceramics by Application of Neural Networks to Laser Scatter Patterns

Laser scatter has shown promise as a method to characterize damage microstructural variations as well as a method to characterize surfaces in optical translucent ceramics. Because large volumes of data need to be handled (and sorted) quickly, automated pattern recognition methods using neural networks have been implemented to recognize differences in patterns. A He-Ne laser ({lambda}=0.632{mu}) has been used to obtain scatter patterns from hot pressed Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} with various microstructural variations. By use of a backpropagation neural network running on an IBM PC clone 486/33 machine, a correlation was established between subsurface microstructure and position in Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} ball bearings. The data were confirmed by destructive analysis.
The association of maternal and neonatal thrombocytopenia in high-risk pregnancies

In this study of 136 women with pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, placenta previa, or abruptio placentae, 21 mothers were noted to have thrombocytopenia. Seventeen of the 21 were in the pre-eclampsia group. Of the 21 thrombocytopenic mothers, nine were associated with thrombocytopenia in the children, seven children had normal platelet counts, and five had no counts performed. Eight of the nine thrombocytopenic neonates were associated with pre-eclampsia in the mother, and five of these were not believed to have disseminated intravascular coagulation as the etiology of the platelet defect. The results suggest that thrombocytopenia is common in high-risk pregnancies in both the mother and the baby. However, the etiology of the platelet defect cannot be easily explained on the basis of a hypercoagulable state.
FPGA design projects with animated problems

We present FPGA design projects where students solve problems in terms of devising algorithms to control real-time systems. They implement the control algorithms using FPGAs. The problems include control of a water tank, a traffic light, a monorail, a two-floor elevator, and a complex two-car elevator system. We developed a set of software applications that simulate and animate these problems, where an external FPGA observes and controls a simulated system in real-time via the computer serial communication.
Increased α2-adrenergic constriction of isolated arterioles in diffuse scleroderma

OBJECTIVE Vasospasm and ischemic organ injury are important in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). The present study was performed to determine whether SSc arterioles have an intrinsic disturbance in vasoconstrictor activity. METHODS Skin biopsy samples were obtained from the upper arm of 11 patients with diffuse SSc (clinically uninvolved skin) and 8 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Dermal arterioles were dissected from the biopsy sample and mounted in a myograph for continuous monitoring of arteriolar diameter. The resting internal diameter of control and SSc arterioles was similar (mean +/- SEM 164+/-15 micro and 166+/-18micro, respectively). RESULTS Dermal arterioles displayed no spontaneous constrictor activity in the absence of stimulation. Vasoconstriction in response to KCI, a receptor-independent activator of smooth muscle, or to phenylephrine, a selective alpha1-adrenergic receptor (alpha1-AR) agonist, was similar in control and SSc arterioles. However, constrictor responses to UK 14,304, a selective alpha2-AR agonist, were increased in SSc compared with control arterioles (maximal constriction responses of 25+/-5% and 67+/-4% [mean +/- SEM] in control and SSc arterioles, respectively; P = 0.000014). Mechanical denudation of the endothelium did not alter reactivity to alpha2-AR activation, indicating that the enhanced constriction in SSc was not mediated by changes in endothelial dilator activity. Indeed, in arterioles constricted with phenylephrine, the endothelial stimuli acetylcholine or bradykinin evoked endothelium-dependent relaxation that was similar in control and SSc arterioles. CONCLUSIONS Vascular smooth muscle in SSc arterioles displayed a selective increase in alpha2-AR reactivity. The endothelial dilator function appeared normal. Altered activity of smooth muscle alpha2-ARs may contribute to the vasospastic activity that is a prominent feature of the SSc disease process.
Pulmonary lymphangitic metastasis from breast cancer. Lymphocytic alveolitis is associated with favorable prognosis.

Background : More than 20 percent of patients with breast cancer have pulmonary lymphangitic spread at death. Previous reports have indicated that some patients may respond to aggressive chemotherapy that includes corticosteroids. Methods : Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was used to assess pulmonary infiltrates in 14 patients with infiltrating ductal breast cancer. All patients had received prior cytotoxic or hormonal therapy. Following a diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis by BAL or biopsy specimen, all patients received prednisone and chemotherapy. Results : BAL confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic tumor in 10 of 14 patients. The conditions of the remaining patients were diagnosed by one or more other bronchoscopy specimens. Patients were divided into two groups based on BAL lymphocyte percentage (10 percent is the upper limit of normal in our laboratory). Seven patients had >10 percent lymphocytes (high lymphs: 26 ±11.6 percent [mean±SD]) compared with seven patients with normal lymphocyte percentage (low lymphs: 4 ±1.9 percent, p Conclusion : In breast cancer patients with pulmonary lymphangitic metastasis, a lymphocytic alveolitis is associated with a better overall prognosis.
Initial oxidation of sulfide sites on a galena surface: Experimental confirmation of an ab-initio calculation

Abstract Mechanisms of sulfide mineral oxidation have been a subject of long-standing interest because of their importance in many industrial, geochemical and environmental processes. Atomic-esolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been applied to sulfide mineral oxidation, but interpretation of the results has been limited by a lack of independent electronic structure information. Becker and Hochella (1996) recently published ab-initio quantum calculations for galena (PbS) surfaces, predicting that for oxidation of S sites by atomic or molecular oxygen, oxidized sites should appear dark in STM images of occupied states, but bright in images of unoccupied states. This is because oxidation draws charge away from S atoms, thus creating a greater density of STM-imageable unoccupied states. This Scientific Comment reports experimental evidence in support of their calculation. Dual-bias STM imaging shows a few apparently oxidized dark sites in an occupied-states image, and bright sites in these locations in an unoccupied-states image, suggesting that the structures assumed by Becker and Hochella (1996) for calculation purposes are valid.
The NSFNET backbone network

The NSFNET Backbone Network interconnects six supercomputer sites, several regional networks and ARPANET. It supports the DARPA Internet protocol suite and DCN subnet protocols, which provide delay-based routing and very accurate time-synchronization services. This paper describes the design and implementation of this network, with special emphasis on robustness issues and congestion-control mechanisms.
A Fishbein-Ajzen model of intention to work following childbirth

Abstract This research identifies factors which influence college women's intention to work during the first 3 years following childbirth. It uses a model, derived from M. Fishbein and I. Ajzen (1975, Belief, attitude, intention, and behavior , Reading, MA, Addison-Wesley) as modified by P. M. Bentler and G. Speckart (1979, Psychological Review , 86 , 452–464), which proposes that intentions are a function of own work experience, vicarious experience with a working mother, subjective normative pressure, and attitudes. Data collected via a mailed questionnaire from 202 white women and analyzed using maximum likelihood estimation of structural equation parameters supported the fit of the model. Attitudes had the strongest influence on intentions.
Kinetics study on phase transformation from titania polymorph brookite to rutile

Abstract TiO 2 is a polymorphic material of great scientific interest due to its semiconductor properties and uses in heterogeneous photocatalysis. Understanding the stability of the polymorphs is important for designing TiO 2 -based photocatalysts and solar cells. Although the phase transformation of anatase→rutile has been well studied, there is only one published work on brookite→rutile to date. The brookite→rutile transformation has been studied in this work using natural material from the Magnet Cove igneous complex mechanically processed to several micrometers in size. The pure phase brookite is annealed from 800 to 900 °C without detection of the anatase polymorph. The transformation kinetics are described by both the standard first-order model, with an activation energy of E a =411.91 kJ/mol, and the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov (JMAK) model, with an activation energy of E a =492.13 kJ/mol. The rate parameter of the first-order model for the phase transformation is expressed as k =6.85×10 14 exp(−49,451/ T ) s −1 for the first-order model and k =4.19×10 18 exp(−59,189/ T ) s −1 using the JMAK model. The obtained activation energy is higher than that of brookite nano-crystals. Our results show that the JMAK model fits the kinetics data better than other models.
Experimental Study of Tensile Test of Line Fittings Steel under Low Temperature

The main mechanical properties of line fitting steel under low temperature is different from that under normal temperature．the experiments of line fitting steel(Q345R)under low temperature and the Variation of the mechanical properties (yielding strength、ultimate strength、elongation)with temperature is showed in the paper．
Monoclonal Antibody Recognition of Histidine-Rich Peptide Encapsulated Nanoclusters

Biological systems offer insights into approaches to the problems encountered in the synthesis of nanomaterials. Histidine-rich proteins have been implicated in the biomineralization of heme, copper, and zinc. We have used the repeating consensus sequence AHHAHHAAD from the histidine-rich protein II of Plasmodium falciparum to mediate the aqueous self-assembly of several metal sulfide, metal oxide, and zerovalent metal clusters. Additionally, the surface encapsulating histidine-rich epitope is recognized by a monoclonal antibody raised against HRP II.
Time-varying analysis-synthesis systems based on filter banks and post filtering

Perfect reconstruction (PR) time-varying analysis-synthesis filter banks are those in which the filters are allowed to change from one set of PR filter banks to another as the input signal is being processed. Such systems have the property that, in the absence of coding, they faithfully reconstruct every sample of the input. Various methods have been reported for the time-varying filter bank design; all of them, however, utilize structures for conventional PR filter banks. These conventional structures that have been applied in the past result in different limitations in each method. This paper introduces a new structure for exactly reconstructing time-varying analysis-synthesis filter banks. This structure consists of the conventional filter bank followed by a time-varying post filter. The new method requires neither the redesign of the analysis sections nor the use of any intermediate analysis filters during transition periods. It provides a simple and elegant procedure for designing time-varying filter banks without the disadvantages of the previous methods.
White light requirements for stimulation of plant growth by malformin.

Over a 3-day period, the minimum white fluorescent light intensity required for malformin-induced growth stimulation of etiolated and green cuttings of Phaseolus aureus was approximately 2.6 x 10(3) and 0.4 x 10(3) ergs/cm(2) . sec, respectively. High light intensities were unable to inhibit the ability of malformin to stimulate growth. Over 3 days, the minimum photoperiod for malformin-induced growth stimulation using etiolated and green cuttings and a light intensity of 13.5 x 10(3) ergs/cm(2) . sec was 4 hours and 1 hour, respectively. Malformin must be present in the area of growth stimulation during the time of light treatment. Those changes induced by light and required for malformin-induced growth stimulation were estimated to undergo almost complete decay within 1 hour in the dark. By manipulating the experimental technique, it was possible to stimulate the growth of green cuttings with malformin with a 10-min light treatment (13.5 x 10(3) ergs/cm(2) . sec). Although low light intensities and short photoperiods did not allow growth stimulation by malformin using etiolated cuttings, they prevented or alleviated growth inhibition induced by malformin in the dark.
Graduate Training and Prospects in Social Psychology

A survey of graduate departments of psychology indicates Ph.D. production far exceeds potential positions. Departments appear to be increasing the proportion of graduate training specifically oriented toward nonacademic placement. However prospective changes do not appear sufficient to serve the probable employment opportunities.
779-2 L-Arginine Does not Acutely Influence Endothelial Function in Either Resistance or Conduit Arteries of Dogs with Pacing Induced Congestive Heart Failure

Endothelial function is thought to be abnormal in CHF and this may be due to inadequate endothelial derived relaxing factor (EDRF). L-Arginine, a precursor of EDRF, is therefore postUlated to improve endothelial function in CHF. We studied the effect of L-Arginine (3 mM/min) on endothelial functions in the resistance and conduit arteries (1.8–2.2 mm in size) of dogs before (n = 12) and after (n = 6) inducing heart failure by rapid ventricular pacing, Endothelial function in resistance vessels was assessed by measuring resting and acetylcholine (Ach: 10-5 to 10-8 M) stimulated hind limb blood flow (HLBFI and vascular resistance (HLVR) using electromagnetic flow probe before a during intra-arterial L-arginine infusion (3 mM/min). Conduit arteries were studied by measuring isometric tension in a tissue bath system; the effects of serial doses of acetylcholine (10-5 to 10-8 M) a sodium nitroprusside (SNP: 10-5 to 10-8 M) were evaluated with (1 mM) awithout L-arginine in the bath. These effects were repeated in the presence L-NAME (10-5 to 10-8 M). L-Arginine did not influence the HLBF or HLVR at rest or following stimulation with Ach (peak % change in HLVR withfwithout arginine: control 71 ± 7 vs 68 ± 4, P = 0.24 a CHF 82 ± 6 vs 81 ± 3, p = 0.79) or SNP, both in the control or CHF dogs. While Ach had a significantly greater effect in the CHF rings compared to controls (34 vs 14%, p = 0.01), adding L-arginine did not affect developed isometric tension in rings from the conduit arteries before (peak change after Ach withfwithout arginine 16 ± 3% vs 10 ± 4%, p = 0.25) or while in heart failure (33 ± 8 to 36 ± 16%, p = 0.85). Further, L-arginine did not affect the response to L-NAME in either group of dogs (p = 0.65 in controls a p = 0.16 in CHF). These data suggest that L-arginine administration acutely does not influence endothelial function in either conduit or resistance arteries in normal or heart failure dogs.
Why edge inversion? Theoretical characterization of the bonding in the transition states for inversion in F n NH(3−n) and FnPH(3−n) (n = 0–3)

As first noted by Dixon et al. (J Am Chem Soc 108:2461–2462, 1986), heavily fluorinated pyramidal phosphorus compounds, e.g., F n PH(3−n) with n > 1, invert through a T-shaped transition state (edge inversion) rather than the D3h-like transition states (vertex inversion) found in the corresponding nitrogen compounds and less fluorinated phosphorus compounds. Subsequent studies by Dixon and coworkers established that this is a general phenomenon and has important chemical consequences. But what is the reason for the change in the structure of the transition state? Recent theoretical investigations have resulted in the discovery of a new type of chemical bond, the recoupled pair bond. In particular, it was found that recoupled pair bond dyads account for the hypervalency of the elements beyond the first row. In this paper, we show that recoupled pair bond dyads also account for the existence of the edge inversion pathway in heavily fluorinated phosphorus compounds and likely account for the presence of the lower energy inversion pathways in pyramidal compounds of other elements beyond the first row.
Fluorimetric assay for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity.

Abstract A fluorimetric assay for measuring terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity in purified and crude enzyme preparations has been developed. Etheno-substituted deoxynucleotides are shown to be substrates of the enzyme. The assay involves polymerization of the fluorescent nucleotide 1, N 6 -ethenodeoxyadenosine triphosphate (ϵdATP) on an oligodeoxynucleotide initiator, [poly(deoxyadenylic acid) with an average chain length of 50 residues] under the reaction conditions used in the standard radiometric assay. The incorporation of ϵdATP into polymer is quantitated by fluorescence after isolation and nuclease digestion of the product. The enzymological properties of etheno substrates were also determined. ϵdATP binds about twofold tighter than dATP to terminal transferase, but has a twofold-lower catalytic rate. However etheno substitution does not affect initiator binding. The fluorimetric assay is suitable for clinical analysis of terminal transferase in human leukemias, and may be a useful adjunct to recently developed immunochemical methods which detect protein, not activity.
Birth weight as a risk factor for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Increased birth weight previously has been reported to be associated with childhood acute leukemia although the etiologic importance of this finding remains unclear. To further assess birth weight and associated parameters as a risk factor for childhood leukemia, a casel control study was performed using children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) born in the state of Minnesota and diagnosed since 1969. Data obtained from birth registrations of 219 cases were compared with two control groups matched on date and county of birth (group I) or year of birth (group II). No significant differences were observed in mean birth weights of cases and controls. Statistically significant associations with birth weights greater than 3800 g were identified in cases diagnosed within the first 4 years of life. No associations were found between birth weight and ALL for case children diagnosed after 4 years of age. Factors that might be associated with increased birth weight, including maternal age, birth order, lengt...
Combining functional representation and structure-based models for smarter simulation

In the presented work, we combine structure-based models with functional representation in one common framework. The combined model explicitly represents the causal process descriptions (cpds) by which functions are achieved, and these cpds are used to guide simulation based on a set of simulation goals. We demonstrate on some examples how this functional approach of simulation can lead to savings in simulation time.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Partition and countercurrent distribution of erythrocytes and leukocytes from different species

Abstract 1. 1. The partition of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets from a number of different species in aqueous, dextran-polyethylene glycol 2-phase systems was studied. The partitition coefficients of these cells were found to be species dependent; they provide, in some cases, a method for the separation of leukocytes from erythrocytes by countercurrent distribution. 2. 2. The separability of red blood cells from white blood cells by countercurrent distribution is illustrated for rabbit and for rat. The partitition coefficients of their red and white cells are sufficiently different that a separation is feasible. Distribution curves of erythrocytes and leukocytes from these two species are presented as confirmation of the partition studies. Since red blood cells of different ages are separated by countercurrent distribution [11], it follows that by appropriate choice of phase system and species one can obtain red blood cells of different ages free of white blood cells in one operation. 3. 3. It is also shown that the sequence of partition coefficients for erythrocytes and platelets from a number of species is similar. This may be fortuitous or indicate a similarity of those surface properties which determine the partition of cells in these phase systems. 4. 4. Countercurrent distribution of white blood cells from lamb (and rabbit but not human) results in a 2-peak curve. Preliminary examination of the lamb cells in the different cavities of the extraction train indicates the presence of both granulocytes and lymphocytes under both curves. It is possible (although by no means established) that we have resolved two populations of granulocytes and two populations of lymphocytes. Among other possibilities is that intact and damaged leukocytes have been separated. Studies with white cells are being continued. 5. 5. A few remarks on phase systems and the possible relation between these and the cell characteristics which determine the partition of cells are included.
The sex knowledge and attitude test (SKAT)

The Sex Knowledge and Attitude Test (SKAT) was designed to measure knowledge, attitudes and degree of experience in a variety of sexual behaviors, and to be used as a teaching and research instrument. The SKAT has been administered to over 35,000 students, approximately two-thirds of whom have been medical students. SKAT has served two major objectives: to measure changes in knowledge and attitudes after a course or program in human sexuality and to demonstrate the deficiencies of medical and nursing education in preparing health professionals to aid patients with sexual problems. Additional types of research using the SKAT are suggested.
Eliminating institutional child abuse: A road too well traveled

The greatest pleasure life has to offer is the satisfaction that flows from … participating in a difficult and constructive undertaking. Bill Allen, Boeing1 The health of our children, in the United States and elsewhere, is in increasing jeopardy and, with it, the ability of child neurologists to provide access to proper diagnosis and treatment. Threats to the health of children are diverse and include increasing numbers of uninsured children; restriction of comprehensive care for children with chronic and disabling conditions; continuing undersupply of child neurologists and other pediatric subspecialists; inadequate numbers of qualified trainees; and inadequate funds for such training. But the biggest threat is more ominous: child abuse and neglect. I speak not only of intentional but also institutional abuse and neglect. The numbers are staggering. In 1995, 3 million reports of intentional child abuse or neglect were registered with protective service agencies in this country alone.2 Of the 1 million substantiated reports, 10% of children were taken from the home, but an astonishing 25% were provided no services of any kind. To make matters worse, an overwhelming majority of child protective service caseworkers lack formal training in social work. Intentional trauma or neglect is not a new problem. Both medical literature and public media report an increasing incidence that is too easily dismissed as a result of improved identification and reporting, as if this should give us comfort. Such explanations give the impression that the reality of a child’s life lost or damaged has given way to collecting statistics and convey a callous disregard for the fundamental issues underlying abuse and neglect. The current approach of many public leaders to this and other problems of childhood is nothing less than institutional child abuse . Institutional child abuse results from the impact of adverse policies in …
Experimental study on the release of Cl2 from NaCl upon OH radical uptake

Abstract An experimental study using a bead-filled flow tube system coupled to a high-pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer was performed to characterize the products and kinetic mechanism of the release of chlorine containing species by the heterogeneous reaction of OH radicals on a NaCl surface. Although only species corresponding to HCl were observed, the kinetic model and an experiment with O3 verified that Cl2, the sole product of the heterogeneous reaction, was converted to HCl in the presence of H. The yield of Cl2 per OH was determined to be 0.020 ± 0.002 and 0.022 ± 0.002 at 0 and 6% of relative humidity (RH), respectively. The XPS study indicated that the chlorine deficit caused by OH uptake was enhanced under wet conditions. An enhancement in Cl2 production was observed under wet conditions, which was consistent with the measured chlorine deficit in NaCl. Two reaction mechanisms were proposed to describe the heterogeneous uptake of OH by NaCl.
Superacid Chemistry on Mildly Acidic Water

The mechanism of proton transfer across water−hydrophobic media boundaries is investigated in experiments in which the protonation of gaseous n-hexanoic acid (PCOOH) upon collision with liquid water microjets is monitored by online electrospray mass spectrometry as a function of pH. Although PCOOH(aq) is a very weak base (pKBH+ < −3), PCOOH(g) is converted to PC(OH)2+ on pH < 4 water via a process that ostensibly retains some of the exoergicity of its gas-phase counterpart, PCOOH + H3O+ = PC(OH)2+ + H2O, ΔG < −22 kcal mol−1. The large kinetic isotope effects observed on H2O/D2O microjets, PC(OH)2+/PC(OH)OD+ = 88 and PC(OH)OD+/PC(OD)2+ = 156 at pD = 2, and their inverse dependences on pH indicate that PCOOH(g) hydronation on water (1) involves tunneling, (2) is faster than H-isotope exchange, and (3) is progressively confined to the outermost layers as water becomes more acidic. Proton transfers across steep water density gradients appear to be promoted by both dynamic and thermodynamic factors.
Synthesis of a poly(L-lysine)-calcium phosphate hybrid on titanium surfaces for enhanced bioactivity

Abstract Titanium has been a successful implant material owing to its excellent strength to weight ratio, toughness, and bioinert oxide surface. Significant progress has been made on the improvement of titanium's bioactivity by coating its oxide surface with calcium phosphates and bioactive molecules. Here, we report on the coating of titanium with a poly( l -lysine)-calcium phosphate hybrid material with a nanoscale texture. This hybrid coating was grown by first nucleating seed crystals of calcium phosphate, directly on the Ti surface and then exposing this surface to solutions containing Ca2+, PO43−, and poly( l -lysine). The resultant hybrid coating was characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. This material contained 14% by weight poly( l -lysine), and this organic component decreased greatly the dimensions of the surface features, thus enhancing surface area relative to the inorganic control. The highly textured hybrid material was more susceptible than the control to acidic and enzymatic degradation. The amino acid cysteine was covalently linked to the hybrid material, demonstrating the potential of this coating for further functionalization. These hybrid coatings may prove useful in enhancing the bioactivity of titanium.
Friction in surface-micromachined microengines

Understanding the frictional properties of advanced Micro-Electro- Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is essential in order to develop optimized designs and fabrication processes, as well as to qualify devices for commercial applications. We develop and demonstrate a method to experimentally measure the forces associated with sliding friction of devices rotating on a hub. The method is demonstrated on the rotating output gear of the microengine recently developed at Sandia National Laboratories. In-situ measurements of an engine running at 18300 rpm give a coefficient of friction of 0.5 for radial (normal) forces less than 4 {mu}N. For larger forces the effective coefficient of friction abruptly increases, suggesting a fundamental change in the basic nature of the interaction between the gear and hub. The experimental approach we have developed to measure the frictional forces associated with the microengine is generically applicable to other MEMS devices.
Bupropion and Cognitive–Behavioral Treatment for Depression in Smoking Cessation

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial examining the effects of an intensive cognitive-behavioral mood management treatment (CBTD) and of bupropion, both singularly and in combination, on smoking cessation in adult smokers. As an extension of our previous work, we planned to examine the synergistic effects of CBTD and bupropion on smoking cessation outcomes in general and among smokers with depression vulnerability factors. Participants were 524 smokers (47.5% female, M (age) = 44.27 years) who were randomized to one of four 12-week treatments: (a) standard, cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation treatment (ST) plus bupropion (BUP), (b) ST plus placebo (PLAC), (c) standard cessation treatment combined with cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression (CBTD) plus BUP, and (d) CBTD plus PLAC. Follow-up assessments were conducted 2, 6, and 12 months after treatment, and self-reported abstinence was verified biochemically. Consistent with previous studies, bupropion, in comparison with placebo, resulted in better smoking outcomes in both intensive group treatments. Adding CBTD to standard intensive group treatment did not result in improved smoking cessation outcomes. In addition, neither CBTD nor bupropion, either alone or in combination, was differentially effective for smokers with single-past-episode major depressive disorder (MDD), recurrent MDD, or elevated depressive symptoms. However, findings with regard to recurrent MDD and elevated depressive symptoms should be interpreted with caution given the low rate of recurrent MDD and the low level of depressive symptoms in our sample. An a priori test of treatment effects in smokers with these depression vulnerability factors is warranted in future clinical trials.
Glutamate dehydrogenase--malate dehydrogenase complex.

Abstract Kinetic and Sephadex gel filtration epxeriments indicate that in the presence of palmitoyl-CoA, glutamate dehydrogenase forms a complex with mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase. In this complex, palmitoyl-CoA is bound to glutamate dehydrogenase but is not bound to malate dehydrogenase. Consequently, palmitoyl-CoA inhibits glutamate dehydrogenase while glutamate dehydrogenase completely protects malate dehydrogenase activity against palmitoyl-CoA inhibition. In the absence of palmitoyl-CoA, interaction between these two enzymes is quite weak. However, if the two enzymes are incubated with the bifunctional crosslinker dimethyl 3,3′-dithiobispropionimidate and chromatographed on Sephadex G-200, about 46% of the malate dehydrogenase is eluted with glutamate dehydrogenase in the void volume. If glutamate dehydrogenase or crosslinker is omitted, then malate dehydrogenase is not found in the void volume or other early fractions from the column. This indicates that in the absence of palmitoyl-CoA the crosslinker prevents dissociation of the weak complex by forming a covalent bond between the two enzymes. Furthermore, if the two enzymes are incubated in polyethylene glycol, there is a marked increase in the amount of both enzymes precipitated.