cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mean Arterial Pressure in Very Low Birth Weight (801 to 1500 g) Concordant and Discordant Twins During the First Day of Life

OBJECTIVE: To determine retrospectively mean arterial pressure (MAP) for stable and unstable concordant and discordant very low birth weight (VLBW: 801 to 1500 g) twins during the first 24 hours of life. BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality are much higher for extremely low birth weight (ELBW ≤800 g) than for VLBW twins. Recently, we reported MAP trends and reference values in concordant and discordant ELBW twins. No comparable information is available for VLBW infants. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We studied 48 sets of concordant and 40 sets of discordant (birth weight difference ≥20%) consecutively born VLBW twins. Stable patients were defined as having umbilical cord hemoglobin ≥14 g/dl, nonacidotic blood gases, never treated for hypotension and survived at least 7 days. MAPs (Torr) were measured by oscillometry in 3163 and by transducer via umbilical artery in 2028 instances. RESULTS: Concordant and discordant twins were similar in demographics, history of twin–twin transfusion (TTTX), antenatal steroids, chorioamnionitis, pre-eclampsia, cesarean delivery, cord hemoglobin, normal head ultrasounds or I to II intracranial hemorrhage (97 and 99%) and neonatal mortality (4 and 5%), but were different in incidence of preterm labor (83 and 58%), birth weight (1227 and 1509 g) and gestational age (GA) (30 and 32 weeks). In all, 66 (69%) concordant twins and 61 (76%) discordant twins were stable. Stable concordant twins, whether small or large, had comparable MAP on admission that increased to 24 hours. Twins of ≤32 weeks GA had lower MAP throughout than those of ≥33 weeks GA. Although their mean birth weights were similar (1262 and 1274 g), 23 stable concordant males had significantly higher MAP than 43 concordant females. Stable discordant twins were divided into 31 small (1241 g) and 30 large (1845 g); their MAPs were different (p<0.05): 35 and 39 (admission), 35 and 39 (1 hour), 36 and 46 (6 hours), 38 and 41 (12 hours), 40 and 41 (18 hours) and 42 and 42 (24 hours) Torr. In all, 88% of small discordant twins were IUGR and 91% of large discordant twins had normal growth. TTTX syndrome occurred in 12 monochorionic sets. Nine of 12 donors were IUGR while 10 of 12 recipients had normal growth. Four of 12 donors had grades III to IV intracranial hemorrhage, eight donors and all 12 recipients had normal ultrasounds. Although their cord hemoglobin levels were similar, donor and recipient MAPs were higher than in any other group and, opposite to concordant and discordant twins, their values decreased from birth to 24 hours. CONCLUSION: In stable concordant, stable discordant, and small and large discordant twins, MAP correlates with birth weight, GA and postnatal age, and increases during the first 24 hours. In recipient and donor twin–twin transfusion infants, MAP is higher throughout and declines over time.
The effect of carbidopa on plasma and muscle levels of L-dopa, dopamine, and their metabolites following L-dopa administration to rats.

Administration of L-dopa (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) (200 mg/kg p.o.) to rats produced elevated plasma and muscle concentrations of both L-dopa and 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD). This effect was potentiated by simultaneous administration of carbidopa (25 mg/kg p.o.). Both L-dopa and 3-OMD accumulated in muscle after administration of L-dopa with or without carbidopa. Elevated dopamine levels were detected in both muscle and plasma after treatment with L-dopa alone. Concurrent administration of carbidopa only diminished dopamine levels in plasma, and the duration of raised dopamine levels in muscle was increased. Carbidopa administration had no effect on the elevated plasma concentrations of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) caused by L-dopa administration. In muscle, carbidopa treatment tended to prolong the duration of raised metabolite levels. Muscle appears to accumulate L-dopa at a site where decarboxylation is not totally prevented by concurrent carbidopa administration, and where dopamine is not degraded as actively as in other tissues. The muscle sink for L-dopa may influence the plasma profile of the amino acid, which has implications for the therapeutic response to L-dopa in Parkinson's disease.
Orthodontists in the United States.

Abstract 1. 1. There are approximately 1,351 dentists in the continental United States who report that they practice orthodontics either full time or in conjunction with general dentistry. 2. 2. Orthodontic practitioners represent only 2 per cent of all dentists in the United States. 3. 3. One or more orthodontists are located in each of the forty-eight states and the District of Columbia. North Dakota has the smallest absolute number (one) while New York has the largest (208). 4. 4. The concentration of orthodontists (orthodontist per 100,000 population) is highest in California and Nevada (2.5) and lowest in Mississippi (0.1) and is influenced, among other factors, by the per capita income of the state. 5. 5. Half of the orthodontists in the United States practice in twelve states, the majority of which are on the Eastern seaboard and the West Coast. 6. 6. The major proportion of orthodontic practitioners maintain only a single office-location; but about 17 per cent of them maintain two or more office-locations in adjoining cities or adjacent states. More of the older practitioners tend to have multiple office-locations. 7. 7. The highest concentration of orthodontic practitioners (orthodontists per 100,000 population) is found in the larger cities of 1,000,000 or more population, while the lowest concentration is encountered in cities having fewer than 10,000 population. 8. 8. More than 84 per cent of the orthodontic practitioners report that they are in exclusive practice of the specialty. 9. 9. Fewer than 15 per cent of the orthodontic practitioners hold the certificate of the American Board of Orthodontics. 10. 10. About 36 per cent of the orthodontic practitioners report that they have had university graduate training in the specialty.
Factors impacting survival in children with renal cell carcinoma

Purpose Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an uncommon tumor in the pediatric population. We examined a large national cancer database to determine outcomes for children with RCC and to identify variables affecting long-term survival.
Actomyosin solubility and skeletal muscle cell emptying of horseshoe crab.

Abstract 1. 1. A method has been adapted to produce sarcolemmae from horseshoe crab muscle which is thought to depend on the association of contractile proteins to form a water-soluble complex. This can be extracted from cell segments leaving the membrane behind. 2. 2. The solubility of actomyosin is dependent on the degree of purity, ionic strength, concentration and the presence of substances such as divalent cations and ATP. Impure preparations of actomyosin exhibit elevated solubilities at the low ionic strength and concentration used in cell membrane extraction.
Viral sensors: diversity in pathogen recognition.

Summary: Innate sensors of viral infection detect viral products and initiate the signal cascades that lead to the antiviral response. Several proteins have been identified to play a role in this process, mostly members of the Toll-like receptor and retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptor families. These receptors have been demonstrated to function in part by recognizing a diverse yet unique repertoire of nucleic acid substrates. Upon recognition of their ligands, these sensors activate distinct signaling pathways that lead to the secretion of type I interferon and inflammatory cytokines. It remains to be seen, however, if these sensors are redundant or whether each serves a unique function. In this work, we review the current knowledge of viral sensors, speculate on how they may function in vivo, and explore the potential reasons for their diversity.
Media and Metanoia: Documentary ‘Impact’ Through the Lens of Conversion

How do contemporary understandings of religious conversion and formation shed light on the “impact” and “effectiveness” of social change media? This paper evaluates three case studies, public television documentaries produced in the mid-1990s, to reflect on their social effect. Contemporary conversion theory provides a nuanced perspective with which to interpret the nature and circumstances under which social documentary—media created specifically so as to have a social effect—may in fact be said to have an “impact.” Innumerable media theorists have discredited market models where the uncritical television viewer gets off her couch straightaway and goes out to join a social movement in the same manner as she might buy a new brand of toothpaste, and yet an expectation of being able to demonstrate (often quantifiable) “results” insistently follows documentarians and public television outreach professionals. This “high-impact” model may be seen to be analogous to a “Road to Damascus” view of instant and permanent religious conversion, likewise discounted yet tenacious. It is an illuminating exercise to consider the operations of documentary media from the perspective of developmental conversion theorists such as Rambo, Tippett, Fowler, Lovland and Stark, and others. In this light, it is possible to understand both how these documentary case studies did create certain very particular kinds of change, as well as why most social documentaries, in truth, do not.
Genealogy of regulation of human sex and adrenal function, prostaglandin action, snapdragon and petunia flower colors, antibiotics, and nitrogen fixation : functional diversity from two ancestral dehydrogenases

Metabolism of steroid hormones by dehydrogenases is an important mechanism for regulating steroid hormone action. Analysis of recently reported amino acid sequences of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 3 alpha, 20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reveals that they are descended from a common ancestor. Unexpectedly, this superfamily of dehydrogenases has other interesting relatives: 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, proteins found in nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and enzymes important in the synthesis of antibiotics. The novel lineage of these proteins and the actions of flavonoids in regulating gene transcription in nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mammals provide new insights into the evolution of regulation of gene transcription by intercellular signals in multicellular animals.
Extensional tectonics and mid-Paleozoic massive sulfide occurrences in Europe

The age and lithologic settings of mid-Paleozoic massive sulfide deposits in Central Europe and southwest Iberia are suggestive of extensional tectonic environments. This inference is supported by the facies configurations of contemporaneous clastic sediments, the presence of deepwater lithologies and pelagic faunas, and marked mafic-felsic bimodalism in associated volcanic rocks. The massive sulfide deposits of the Moravia-Silesia area, Rammelsberg, Meggen, and other deposits appear to have formed in the same tectonic environment: one dominated by crustal extension. The important massive sulfide deposits of the southwest Iberian province formed somewhat later, but appear to be related to a phase of crustal extension initiated in late Devonian time. These two sets of rifting (sensu latu) events correlate in time with Caledonide collision in the north and subsequent Acadian collision further south. The postulated extensional events thus may relate directly to these collisions. All the areas under consideration were subsequently affected by Hercynian compressional events. The high potash granites associated with Hercynian collisions are largely the products of crustal melting and consequently have associated with them ore deposits characterized by lithophile elements such as tin, tungsten and uranium. A significant fraction of the Paleozoic metallogeny of Europe can thus be understood in terms of extensional tectonic events followed by compressional events less than 100 m.y. later.
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF DRAG ON A SINGLE TUBE AND ON A TUBE IN AN ARRAY UNDER TWO-PHASE CROSS FLOW

Abstract In this work, the drag coefficient and the void fraction around a tube subjected to two-phase cross flow were studied for a single tube and for a tube placed in an array. The drag coefficients were determined by measuring the pressure distribution around the perimeter of the tube. Single tube drag data were taken when the tube was held both rigidly and flexibly. The test tube was made of acrylic and was 2.2 cm in diameter and 20 cm in length. In the experiments, liquid Reynolds number ranged from 430 to 21,900 for the single tube and liquid gap Reynolds number ranged from 32,900 and 61,600 for the tube placed in a triangular array. Free stream void fraction was varied from 0 to 0.4. At low Reynolds numbers, the ratio of two-phase to single-phase drag coefficient is found to be a strong function of ϵ Gr/Re2. However, at high Reynolds numbers only void fraction is the important parameter. Empirical correlations have been developed for the ratio of two-phase drag on a single tube and on a tube placed in an array.
Bordering on the modern: power, practice and exclusion in Astana

State-led urban development projects, especially in non-democratic settings, are conducive to a top–down analytic that focuses on state planners and architects. The goal of this article is to explore how we might decentre this narrative and jointly consider elite and non-elite narratives, through an analysis of discourses of modernity as enacted in and through these statist urban projects. Deploying a practice-based analytic, I explore how notions of ‘modernity’ are performed and enacted through the exclusionary practices of elites and non-elites alike. Taking the case of Kazakhstan's new capital city, Astana, I examine how the state-led urban modernisation agenda simultaneously draws upon and re-inscribes a set of interlocking popular geographic imaginaries (Soviet/modern, urban/rural, north/south), and demonstrate how ordinary citizens are not just passive spectators, but active participants in the political drama of state- and city-building.
Biphasic effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on in vitro angiogenesis.

Although the existence of an increasing number of angiogenesis-regulating cytokines is well documented, the response elicited by combinations of these cytokines is largely unknown. Using an in vitro model in which microvascular endothelial cells can be induced to form capillary-like tubes within three-dimensional collagen or fibrin gels, we have investigated the effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis. Endothelial cell invasion and capillary lumen formation were inhibited by TGF-beta 1 at relatively high concentrations (5-10 ng/ml), while lower concentrations (100 pg/ml-1 ng/ml) of TGF-beta 1 potentiated the effect of bFGF- and VEGF-induced invasion. The optimal potentiating effect was observed at 200-500 pg/ml TGF-beta 1. At invasion-potentiating doses of TGF-beta 1, lumen size in fibrin gels was markedly reduced compared to that in cultures treated with bFGF alone. These results show that TGF-beta 1 exerts a biphasic effect on bFGF- and VEGF-induced angiogenesis in vitro. Our studies support the notion that the nature of the angiogenic response elicited by a specific cytokine is contextual, i.e., depends on the presence and concentration of other cytokines in the pericellular environment of the responding endothelial cell.
Neural grafting in human disease versus animal models: Cautionary notes

Over the past two decades, research on neural transplantation in animal models of neurodegeneration has provided provocative in sights into the therapeutic use of grafted tissue for various neurological diseases. Although great strides have been made and functional benefits gained in these animal models, much information is still needed with regard to transplantation in human patients. Several factors are unique to human disease, for example, age of the recipient, duration of disease, and drug interaction with grafted cells; these need to be explored before grafting can be considered a safe and effective therapeutic tool.
Dielectrophoretic capture and genetic analysis of single neuroblastoma tumor cells.

Our understanding of the diversity of cells that escape the primary tumor and seed micrometastases remains rudimentary, and approaches for studying circulating and disseminated tumor cells have been limited by low throughput and sensitivity, reliance on single parameter sorting, and a focus on enumeration rather than phenotypic and genetic characterization. Here we utilize a highly sensitive microfluidic and dielectrophoretic approach for the isolation and genetic analysis of individual tumor cells. We employed fluorescence labeling to isolate 208 single cells from spiking experiments conducted with 11 cell lines, including 8 neuroblastoma cell lines, and achieved a capture sensitivity of 1 tumor cell per 106 white blood cells. Sample fixation or freezing had no detectable effect on cell capture. Point mutations were accurately detected in the whole genome amplification product of captured single tumor cells but not in negative control white blood cells. We applied this approach to capture 144 single tumor cells from 10 bone marrow samples from patients suffering from neuroblastoma. In this pediatric malignancy, high-risk patients often exhibit wide-spread hematogenous metastasis, but access to primary tumor can be difficult or impossible. Here we used flow-based sorting to pre-enrich samples with tumor involvement below 0.02%. For all patients for whom a mutation in the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase gene had already been detected in their primary tumor, the same mutation was detected in single cells from their marrow. These findings demonstrate a novel, non-invasive, and adaptable method for the capture and genetic analysis of single tumor cells from cancer patients.
Neuroendocrine mediated effects of electromagnetic-field exposure: possible role of the pineal gland

Abstract Reports from recent epidemiological studies have suggested a possible association between extremely low frequency (ELF; including 50- or 60-Hz) electric- and magnetic-field exposure, and increased risk of certain cancers, depression, and miscarriage. ELF field-induced pineal galnd dysfunction is a possible etiological factor in these effects. Work in our laboratory and elsewhere has shown that ELF electromagnetic-field exposure can alter the normal circadian rhythm of melatonin syntheis and release in the pineal gland. Consequences of reduced or inappropriately timed melatonin release on the endocrine, neuronal, and immune systems are discussed. Laboratory data linking ELF field exposure to changes in pineal circadian rhythms in both animals and humans are reviewed. The authors suggest that the pineal gland, in addition to being a convenient locus for measuring dyschronogenic effects of ELF field exposure, may play a central role in biological response to these fields via alterations in the melatonin signal.
Hemorrhage in mice produces alterations in intestinal B cell repertoires

Abnormalities in immune response play a major role in the increased susceptibility to infection after hemorrhage and trauma. Infections occurring after injury often originate in the intestine. In order to determine the effects of hemorrhage on intestinal B cell function, we examined hemorrhage-induced alterations in available (clonal precursors) and actual (plasma cells) B cell repertoires among intestinal lamina propria and Peyer's patch cells. Hemorrhage resulted in complete suppression of the increase in levan-specific lamina propria and Peyer's patch plasma cell numbers following oral immunization with this bacterial polysaccharide antigen. The absolute frequency of clonal precursors specific for levan among lamina propria B cells decreased by more than twofold following hemorrhage. These results demonstrate that hemorrhage produces marked alterations in intestinal B cell repertoires, which may contribute to postinjury abnormalities in host defenses.
Analysis and Computational Algorithm for Queues with State-Dependent Vacations I: G/M(n)/1/K

In this paper we study a queueing system with state-dependent services and state-dependent vacations, or simply G/M(n)/1/K. Since the service rate is state-dependent, this system includes G/M/c and G/M/c/K queues with various types of station vacations as special cases. We provide a recursive algorithm using the supplementary variable technique to numerically compute the stationary queue length distribution of the system. The only input requirement is the Laplace-Stieltjes transform of the interarrival distribution as well as the state-dependent service rate and state-dependent vacation rate. In a subsequent companion paper, we study its dual system M(n)/G/1/K queue with state-dependent vacations.
Genomic distribution of CHD7 on chromatin tracks H3K4 methylation patterns

CHD7 is a member of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding domain family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes. De novo mutation of the CHD7 gene is a major cause of CHARGE syndrome, a genetic disease characterized by a complex constellation of birth defects (Coloboma of the eye, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanae, severe Retardation of growth and development, Genital abnormalities, and Ear abnormalities). To gain insight into the function of CHD7, we mapped the distribution of the CHD7 protein on chromatin using the approach of chromatin immunoprecipitation on tiled microarrays (ChIP-chip). These studies were performed in human colorectal carcinoma cells, human neuroblastoma cells, and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells before and after differentiation into neural precursor cells. The results indicate that CHD7 localizes to discrete locations along chromatin that are specific to each cell type, and that the cell-specific binding of CHD7 correlates with a subset of histone H3 methylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me). The CHD7 sites change concomitantly with H3K4me patterns during ES cell differentiation, suggesting that H3K4me is part of the epigenetic signature that defines lineage-specific association of CHD7 with specific sites on chromatin. Furthermore, the CHD7 sites are predominantly located distal to transcription start sites, most often contained within DNase hypersensitive sites, frequently conserved, and near genes expressed at relatively high levels. These features are similar to those of gene enhancer elements, raising the possibility that CHD7 functions in enhancer mediated transcription, and that the congenital anomalies in CHARGE syndrome are due to alterations in transcription of tissue-specific genes normally regulated by CHD7 during development.
Endometrial ablation: where have we been? Where are we going?

Endometrial ablation (EA) is targeted destruction of the endothelial surface of the uterine cavity. The procedure was originally designed as a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy for the symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding unrelated to structural pathology of the uterus, that was not responsiv
Thermally assisted magnetization reversal in the presence of a spin-transfer torque

We propose a generalized stochastic Landau-Lifshitz equation and its corresponding Fokker-Planck equation for the magnetization dynamics in the presence of spin-transfer torques. Since the spin-transfer torque can pump a magnetic energy into the magnetic system, the equilibrium temperature of the magnetic system is ill defined. We introduce an effective temperature based on a stationary solution of the Fokker-Planck equation. In the limit of high-energy barriers, the law of thermal agitation is derived. We find that the N\'eel-Brown relaxation formula remains valid as long as we replace the temperature by an effective one that is linearly dependent on the spin torque. We carry out the numerical integration of the stochastic Landau-Lifshitz equation to support our theory. Our results agree with existing experimental data.
Physics and engineering issues associated with edge localized mode control in ITER

The mitigation or suppresion of large edge localized modes (ELMs) is a critical issue for successful operation of ITER. In recent years, a concerted worldwide effort has emerged to develop efficient and reliable ELM mitigation and suppression techniques that can be scaled to the full range of ITER regimes and more generally to burning plasmas in a generic fusion reactor design. These techniques include the use of small-ELM or ELM-free regimes, the repetitive triggering of ELMs by external means, and the suppression of ELMS with non-axisymmetric fields. The extrapolation of all of these techniques to ITER is highly uncertain due to outstanding physics issues. However, two techniques have emerged as the preferred methods for use in ITER: ELM pacing using pellet injection and the use of edge resonant magnetic perturbations for ELM suppression. This paper discusses the issues related to ELM control in ITER, provides a general introduction to various ELM control techniques, and a more detailed discussion of the physics and engineering requirements of the two preferred techniques for ELM control in ITER.
Sulfonated diiron complexes as water-soluble models of the [Fe-Fe]-hydrogenase enzyme active site.

A series of diiron complexes developed as fundamental models of the two-iron subsite in the [FeFe]-hydrogenase enzyme active site show water-solubility by virtue of a sulfonate group incorporated into the −SCH2NRCH2S- dithiolate unit that bridges two FeI(CO)2L moieties. The sulfanilic acid group imparts even greater water solubility in the presence of β-cyclodextrin, β-CyD, for which NMR studies suggest aryl-sulfonate inclusion into the cyclodextrin cavity as earlier demonstrated in the X-ray crystal structure of 1Na·2 β-CyD clathrate, where 1Na = Na+(μ-SCH2N(C6H4SO3–)CH2S-)[Fe(CO)3]2, (Singleton et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.2010, 132, 8870). Electrochemical analysis of the complexes for potential as electrocatalysts for proton reduction to H2 finds the presence of β-CyD to diminish response, possibly reflecting inhibition of structural rearrangements required of the diiron unit for a facile catalytic cycle. Advantages of the aryl sulfonate approach include entry into a variety of water-soluble derivatives fr...
Structural characterization of bidentate carboxylate derivatives of copper(I) bistriphenylphosphine

The complexes (Ph3P)2Cu(carboxylate) (carboxylate = acetate (1), hippurate (2), vinyl acetate (3), fluorenate (4)) have been prepared and their solid-state structures determined crystallographically. The copper(I) center in all four structures exhibits a distorted tetrahedral geometry, with varying degrees of asymmetric bidentate binding of the carboxylate ligand. For example, in complex 2 the hippurate ligand displays the greatest extent of asymmetry with the two CuO bond distances differing by 0.234(6) A. The structures of all four derivatives were each shown to be the same both in the solid-state and in dichloromethane solution based on infrared spectroscopy. The magnitude of Δ (va(CO2−)-vs(CO2−)) in these copper(I) derivatives, determined to be quite similar to the corresponding ionic values, is used as constituting a diagnosis for asymmetric bidentate binding of the carboxylate ligand. Although all four complexes are structurally quite similar, only the fluorenate derivative which affords a resonance-stabilized carbanion upon carbon dioxide extrusion undergoes the decarboxylation reaction. Crystal data for 1: space group P21/c, a = 18.085(5), b = 10.977(2), c = 17.979(5) A, β = 115.62(2)°, Z= 4, R =3.91%. Crystal data for 2: space group P1, a = 9.96(2), b = 14.68(3), c = 14.96(3) A , a = 115.46(14), β = 97.54(16), η = 102.31(15)°, Z = 2, R=5.84%. Crystal data for 3: space group P1, a = 12.755(3), b = 13.125(2), c = 12.572(2) A, α = 118.85(1), β = 105.85(1), η = 97.65(1)°, Z = 2, R =4.08%. Crystal data for 4: space group P1, a = 11.554(1), b = 15.217(2), c = 15.285(2) A, α = 63.71(1), β = 79.08(1), η = 75.20(1)°, Z = 2, R = 7.6%.
Biomimetic aryl hydroxylation derived from alkyl hydroperoxide at a nonheme iron center. Evidence for an FeIV=O oxidant

Many nonheme iron-dependent enzymes activate dioxygen to catalyze hydroxylations of arene substrates. Key features of this chemistry have been developed from complexes of a family of tetradentate tripodal ligands obtained by modification of tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA) with single α-arene substituents. These included the following: −C6H5 (i.e., 6-PhTPA), L1; −o-C6H4D, o-d1-L1; −C6D5, d5-L1; −m-C6H4NO2, L2; −m-C6H4CF3, L3; −m-C6H4Cl, L4; −m-C6H4CH3, L5; −m-C6H4OCH3, L6; −p-C6H4OCH3, L7. Additionally, the corresponding ligand with one α-phenyl and two α-methyl substituents (6,6-Me2-6-PhTPA, L8) was also synthesized. Complexes of the formulas [(L1)FeII(NCCH3)2](ClO4)2, [(Ln)FeII(OTf)2] (n = 1−7, OTf = -O3SCF3), and [(L8)FeII(OTf)2]2 were obtained and characterized by 1H NMR and UV−visible spectroscopies and by X-ray diffraction in the cases of [(L1)FeII(NCCH3)2](ClO4)2, [(L6)FeII(OTf)2], and [(L8)FeII(OTf)2]2. The complexes react with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH) in CH3CN solutions to give iron(III...
Disabling Hip Osteoarthritis and Cardiovascular Pathology: Presence and Impact

Objective: This study examined: 1) the extent to which cases with disabling end-stage hip osteoarthritis would exhibit co-occurring cardiovascular health conditions; 2) the pre and post-surgical impact of the presence of one or more of these health conditions on walking ability. Methods: First, a frequency analysis of the various cardiovascular health conditions listed among 1000 end-stage hip osteoarthritis cases was conducted. Second, a sub-sample of 823 uncomplicated surgical cases was specifically examined. Third, a matched sub-sample of 60 cases with and without cooccurring cardiovascular conditions were compared as regards pain, and their ability to functional physically before and after surgery. Results: Almost 50% of cases initially examined had one or more cardiovascular conditions. Among the 10 categories listed, the most common was high blood pressure, found in 28% cases. Significant (p < .05) associations between having one or more cardiovascular comorbidities and high body mass indices were observed, and co-occurring cardiovascular disease independently predicted walking capacity before and after surgery. Key conclusions: Patients with disabling hip osteoarthritis may exhibit high rates of comorbid cardiovascular health conditions. Those presenting with one or more of cardiovascular condition, may have poorer mobility, both before and after surgery than those with no cardiovascular conditions.
Geographic Analysis of Forest Health Indicators Using Spatial Scan Statistics

Geographically explicit analysis tools are needed to assess forest health indicators that are measured over large regions. Spatial scan statistics can be used to detect spatial or spatiotemporal clusters of forests representing hotspots of extreme indicator values. This paper demonstrates the approach through analyses of forest fragmentation indicators in the southeastern United States and insect and pathogen indicators in the Pacific Northwest United States. The scan statistic detected four spatial clusters of fragmented forest including a hotspot in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain region. Three recurring clusters of insect and pathogen occurrence were found in the Pacific Northwest. Spatial scan statistics are a powerful new tool that can be used to identify potential forest health problems.
Enhancement of metabolic activity in the diencephalon of monkeys performing working memory task: A 2-deoxyglucose study in behaving rhesus monkeys

The 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) method was used to study the effect of working memory processing on local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) in the diencephalon of the rhesus monkey. Monkeys were given [14C]2-DG while performing either one of three tasks that engaged working memory (WORK group) or one of two control tasks (CONT group) that used associative or non associative processes. The tasks of the WORK group---spatial delayed response, spatial delayed alternation, and delayed object alternation---are alike in that the information guiding a correct response changes from trial to trial and only the accurate record of the preceding response (or cue) is relevant for each successive trial. The CONT group, in contrast, performed on either a visual pattern discrimination test, in which the correct stimulus--response association was invariant across all trials and all test sessions, or on a sensorimotor task in which there was no explicit memory requirement. LCGU was examined in five diencephalic regions: the mammillary bodies, the anteroventral and anteromedial thalamus, and the parvocellular and magnocellular components of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus. Comparisons across the two groups showed that mean LCGU in the anterior and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei was significantly elevated (by 12--16%) in the WORK group relative to the CONT group. Mean LCGU in the mammillary bodies also was higher in the WORK group than in the CONT group, but this difference was not significant. The present findings suggest that the anterior and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei represent diecephalic components of a neural network processing working memory. Together with our previous report on the enhancement of metabolic activity in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus, these results show that working memory has a wide-ranging influence on cerebral metabolism and emphasize the cooperative, rather than dissociable, roles of the hippocampus and medial thalamus in this function.
A Test of Multiple Achievement Goal Benefits in Physical Education Activities

The independent and combined effects of achievement goals for physical education activities were investigated. Both dispositional goal orientations as well as perceived motivational goal climate were assessed, and the paper evaluated four different hypotheses for multiple goal benefits (additive, interactive, specialized, and selective hypotheses). It was hypothesized that students may benefit most from endorsing both task and ego orientations in their fitness activities, especially depending on their perceptions of the motivational climate. However, benefits of pursuing multiple goal orientations were not found. Instead, students reported putting forth more effort, enjoying their fitness activities more, feeling more competent in the activity, and persisting after the semester when they endorsed a task orientation or perceived the motivational climate to be task oriented.
Treatment of arsenic in Bangladesh well water using a household co-precipitation and filtration system.

Abstract Laboratory and field tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a household filtration process and investigate the effects of phosphate and silicate on the removal of arsenic from Bangladesh groundwater by ferric hydroxides. Fe/As ratios of greater than 40 (mg/mg) were required to reduce arsenic to less than 50 μg/L in Bangladesh well water due to the presence of elevated phosphate and silicate concentrations. The household filtration process included co-precipitation of arsenic by adding a packet (approximately 2 g) of ferric and hypochlorite salts to 20 L of well water and subsequent filtration of the water through a bucket sand filter. A field demonstration study was performed to test the treatment system in seven households in Bangladesh in March and April 2000. Experimental results obtained from the participating families proved that the household treatment process removed arsenic from approximately 300 μg/L in the well water to less than 50 μg/L. The participating families liked this simple and affordable process and used it to prepare clean water for drinking and cooking. A larger scale field test is currently underway.
Comparative microsatellite analysis in discerning origin of disseminated tumor: The case of a patient with malignant ascites and a history of multiple tumors

Abstract The origin of metastatic carcinoma is now always easily resolved on the basis of conventional clinical and pathological parameters, particularly in patients with more than 1 primary tumor. When 1 of the tumors is a renal cell carcinoma, the clinical picture is further confounded by the tendency of these tumors to be locally silent, to metastasize to unusual sites, and to disseminate long after removal of the primary tumor. We compared tumors for loss (ie, deletion) of loci on chromosomal arms 3p, 5q, 11q, and 18q in a patient with a malignant ascites fluid, a remote history of renal and colonic neoplasms, and a strong clinical suspicion of disseminated gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. DNA from microdissected tumors and normal tissues was subjected to polymerase chain reaction-based microsatellite analysis. Even though the clinical picture suggested a gastrointestinal origin, comparison of genetic alterations clearly showed that the malignant ascites represented recurrence of the renal cell carcinoma. The malignant ascites and the primary renal cell carcinoma showed identical patterns of allelic loss at all loci tested. In contrast, the malignant ascites and colonic adenoma showed discordant patterns of allelic loss. Comparative microsatellite analysis provides a rapid genetic approach for discerning the origin of metastatic tumor spread. This may be a useful diagnostic adjunct when tumor origin is not clear on clinical or morphological grounds. In some instances, it may even provide a reasonable alternative to an extensive and costly conventional work-up.
An improved photoelectronic counter for colloidal particles, suitable for size-distribution studies

Abstract We have described an improved photoelectronic counter employing right angle light scattering, with a new optical system in which stray light has been reduced to an extremely low level. Studies of various light sources show that the ribbon-filament tungsten lamp with its uniformity, stability, and large area, is most suitable for this instrument. Test of sulfur aerosols made by spraying monodisperse sulfur sols showed that particles of l.0μ diameter can just be detected. Spores of Bacillus globigii (about 0.8 × 1.2 μ) produced by a spray-type generator were easily counted, but lower humidities decreased the intensity of the scattered light until these particles did not register. The effect is attributed to absorption of water by the particles which increases their scattering at high humidities. Design considerations influencing the determination of particle-size distribution of aerosols with this photoelectronic counter are discussed, and electronic circuits are described, capable of counting those pulses within a predetermined and adjustable size range. Measurements on the optical system indicate that for larger spherical particles, the pulses will be characteristic of particle diameter within 5–10%. For smaller particles the accuracy is limited by the signal-to-noise ratio.
The synaptic and circuit mechanisms underlying a change in spatial encoding in the retina

Components of neural circuits are often repurposed so that the same biological hardware can be used for distinct computations. This flexibility in circuit operation is required to account for the changes in sensory computations that accompany changes in input signals. Yet we know little about how such changes in circuit operation are implemented. Here we show that a single retinal ganglion cell performs a different computation in dim light--averaging contrast within its receptive field--than in brighter light, when the cell becomes sensitive to fine spatial detail. This computational change depends on interactions between two parallel circuits that control the ganglion cell's excitatory synaptic inputs. Specifically, steady-state interactions through dendro-axonal gap junctions control rectification of the synapses providing excitatory input to the ganglion cell. These findings provide a clear example of how a simple synaptic mechanism can repurpose a neural circuit to perform diverse computations.
A geometric interpretation for the interacting-boson-fermion model

Abstract A geometric oriented approach for studying the interacting-boson-fermion model for odd-A nuclei is presented. A deformed single-particle hamiltonian is derived by means of an algebraic Born-Oppenheimer treatment. Observables concerning spectrum and transitions are calculated for the case of a single-j fermion coupled to a prolate core boson number and arbitrary deformation.
Reshaping Cancer Learning Through The Use Of Health Information Technology

ABSTRACT: In this paper I describe Kaiser Permanente's experience with health information technology (IT) in cancer care. Health IT holds the potential to accelerate learning in cancer care by comp...
An immersive physical therapy game for stroke survivors

We report a system for gamifying physical therapy for stroke survivors that provides a fully immersive 3D environment. The system consists of a Kinect, an Oculus Rift immersive goggle and a pair of haptic gloves. The Kinect is used to provide bodily gesture for the game as well as to record data to allow assessment of therapy progress regarding body postures. The haptic gloves operate as a controller for the player's in-game hands as well as to record data that provides therapy progress regarding finger flexibility.
Adenylate Cyclase of Osteoblast-Like Cells from Rat Osteosarcoma Is Stimulated by Calcitonin as well as Parathyroid Hormone

Isolated bone cells are often described according to the presence of PTH- and calcitonin (CT)-sensitive adenylate cyclase activities. Osteoblasts are thought to be cells with PTHsensitive adenylate cyclase but without CT response, and osteoclasts are thought to be CT-sensitive cells. We have studied the adenylate cyclase of a cloned bone cell line (UMR-106) derived from a rat osteosarcoma and used as a model of osteoblastic cells. Cells maintained in continuous culture for over 2 yr contain adenylate cyclase responsive to CT as well as PTH. The stimulatory effects of both hormones are dependent on hormone concentration, time, and the guanine nucleotide GTP. PTH and CT may activate the same adenylate cyclase in UMR-106 cells, since the stimulatory effects of the two hormones are not additive when combined at concentrations giving maximal activity. The β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol also stimulates adenylate cyclase in these cells. Unlike late passages of UMR-106 cells, cells of earlier passages (<50) s...
The evaporation of Ibuprofen from Ibuprofen-starch mixtures using simultaneous TG-DTA

Abstract The variation of the activation energy (Eact) is reported for the evaporation of Ibuprofen-starch binary mixtures in nitrogen atmosphere. It is shown that all the features of Ibuprofen and starch are still present in the mixtures. That is, the loss of water from the starch, melting of the Ibuprofen, the evaporation of the Ibuprofen, and the degradation of the starch, appearing in this order as the heating mode is progressed. The temperature range for the evaporation of Ibuprofen is moved to a higher temperature as the Ibuprofen content in the mixture is increased. This is reflected in the energy of evaporation associated with each binary mixture. The kinetic analysis of the starch degradation is also affected in that the temperature range for the degradation increases with the Ibuprofen content. This again is reflected in an analysis of the activation energy as a function of the original Ibuprofen content in the mixture. The cause of this effect is discussed in the paper.
Environmental effects on seed dry weight and carbohydrate composition as related to expansive growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit

Abstract Cucumbers (‘M-27’), planted into 11-1 pots, were cultured outdoors until anthesis. During fruit development, plants were exposed to nocturnal temperature treatments of 12–29 °C by transferring them into dark constant temperature rooms from 20:00 to 08:00 h the next day. Other treatments imposed during fruit development included drought stress, the withholding of water until predawn leaf water potentials reached −0.6 MPa, and 50% full sunlight by placing plants under a canopy of plastic netting. Expansive growth rates of cucumber fruit, as measured by changes in fruit diameter, were most rapid under high nocturnal temperatures (24 or 29 °C), full sunlight and regular irrigation. Seeds with the highest dry weights were extracted from 5.1 cm diameter fruit which developed under high nocturnal temperatures, the combination of high nocturnal temperature plus 50% full sunlight, or under drought stressed conditions. The concentrations of sucrose, fructose and glucose were significantly lower, while raffinose was higher in seed tissues from the treatments which resulted in the highest seed dry weights. High nocturnal temperatures, 24 °C or higher, resulted in a depletion of stachyose and sucrose concentrations within phloem sap collected from excised peduncles, 1 h after transfer into the light, compared with the 12 or 15 °C nocturnal temperature treatments.
The Role of Affect in Public Support and Opposition to Wolf Management

Individuals process information through two systems: the experiential system, containing affect and emotion, and the analytic system, containing logic and normative rules. Both are involved in deci...
Entropic Selectivity Analysis of a Series of Polypyrrolones for Gas Separation Membranes

A series of 6FDA/PMDA−TAB polypyrrolone copolymers has been shown to exhibit performance lying on or above the so-called O2/N2 upper bound membrane separation tradeoff limit. Further analysis of diffusion in these high performance materials can potentially guide future structural enhancements, which may lead to improved separation properties. This work compares and analyzes diffusion in this attractive family of hyperrigid polymers using entropic and energetic selectivities. When the polymer structure and penetrant sizes are examined, possible polymer matrix configurations can be discussed with regard to the entropy of the molecules in the normal and activated states. This analysis extends to O2/CH4 and N2/CH4 entropic selectivities, which corroborate the trend observed with the O2/N2 gas pair, but the changes are more pronounced due to the larger difference in penetrant size.