cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements as part of a national nutrition survey

Since 1960 the National Center for Health Statistics has conducted seven national health examination surveys. All surveys included anthropometry. As the relations between various chronic diseases and body composition have been recognized, there has been considerable interest in assessing body composition in health examinations on the basis of nationally representative probability samples. I focus on considerations that influenced the decision to include bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in a national nutrition survey. Tetrapolar, single-frequency (50 kHz) BIA was included in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) for persons aged > or = 12 y, resulting in > 17000 resistance and reactance measures in non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Mexican American subjects. The usefulness of these data in producing national reference distributions for lean body mass and fat mass, however, is currently limited by the uncertain availability of generalizable, valid, reliable, cross-validated prediction equations for various age, sex, and racial-ethnic groups.
Hydrazine and Its Derivatives

Hydrazine (diamide), N2H4, a colorless liquid having an ammoniacal odor, is the simplest diamine and unique in its class because of the N—N bond. Hydrazine and its simple methyl and dimethyl derivatives have endothermic heats of formation and high heats of combustion. Hence these compounds are used as rocket fuels. Other derivatives are used as gas generators and explosives. Hydrazine, a base slightly weaker than ammonia, forms a series of useful salts. As a strong reducing agent, hydrazine is used for corrosion control in boilers and hot-water heating systems; also for metal plating, reduction of noble-metal catalysts, and hydrogenation of unsaturated bonds in organic compounds. Hydrazine is also an oxidizing agent under suitable conditions. Having two active nucleophilic nitrogens and four replaceable hydrogens, hydrazine is the starting material for many derivatives, among them foaming agents for plastics, antioxidants, polymers, polymer cross-linkers and chain-extenders, as well as fungicides, herbicides, plant-growth regulators, and pharmaceuticals. Hydrazine is also a good ligand; numerous complexes have been studied. Many heterocyclics are based on hydrazine, where the rings contain from one to four nitrogen atoms as well as other heteroatoms. The many advantageous properties of hydrazine assure continued-commercial utility. Hydrazine is available in anhydrous form as well as aqueous solutions, typically 35, 51.2, 54.4, and 64 wt % N2H4 (54.7, 80, 85, and 100% hydrazine hydrate). The commercially feasible processes involve partial oxidation of ammonia (or urea) using hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide. Most hydrazine is produced by some variation of the Raschig process, which is based on the oxidation of ammonia using alkaline hypochlorite. Hydrazine is toxic and readily absorbed by oral, dermal, or inhalation routes of exposure. Keywords: Hydrazine; Alkylhydrazines; Hydrazones; Azines; Raschig process; Ketazine process; Urea; Propellants; Chemical blowing agents; Agriculture; Explosives; Water treatment; Pharmaceuticals
A kinetic study of acrylamide polymerization initiated by 4.4′‐azo‐bis‐4‐cyanopentanoic acid in aqueous solution

A dilatometer was constructed to study the free radical polymerization kinetics of acrylamide below 0.1 M monomer. The polymerization was initiated by 4.4′-azo-bis-4-cyano-pentanoic acid in aqueous solution at 25°C. The fkd value, calculated from dilatometric and viscometric data for a test with initial concentration [M] = 0.093 M and [I] = 2.09·10−3M, was 2.81·10−8 sec−1. Comparison with an extrapolated literature value for kd at 25°C indicated an efficiency value, f, equal to 0.65. Both fkd and f were comparable in magnitude to results of other cited investigations. The results of a 3/2 order dependency of polymerization rate on [M] substantiated the apparent tendency of acrylamide concentration exponents to increase above 1.0 below 0.1 M monomer. A cage effect theory was offered as an explanation for this phenomenon.
Pre-existing diabetics: relationship between glycemic control and emotional status in pregnancy.

Due to the paucity of information regarding the emotional status of pregnant diabetic women, we sought to determine the impact of pre-existing diabetes on the relation between the level of glycemic control and emotional well-being during pregnancy. English-speaking women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (N = 100) and nondiabetic controls (N = 132) were compared for maternal characteristics and test results on the Profile of Mood States-Bipolar form. It is a 72-item, self-administered Likert scale measuring six bipolar subjective mood states representing both positive and negative aspects. Patients were stratified according to level of glycemic control. The number of glucose determinations were categorized as: mild and severe hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and normoglycemia. An Average Mood Disturbance score was calculated to measure the level of association between the total psychological profile and categories of glucose determinations. In two of the six subscales (hostility and anxiety) of the Profi...
Microassay of thiamine and its phosphate esters after separation by paper chromatography.

Abstract Thiamine and its mono- and pyrophosphate esters (0–1 μg) were separated by paper chromatography, converted to their respective thiochromes, and measured fluorometrically. Excellent recoveries of added thiamine and thiamine phosphate from protein-containing mixtures were achieved by HCl extraction.
Of forks and ends.

Abstract The Keystone Symposium on Molecular Mechanisms of DNA Replication and Recombination was held on 7–13 January 2002 in Snowbird, UT, USA.
Age and Volume Effects on Liquid Swallowing Function in Normal Women

Understanding the nature of swallowing in persons without swallowing problems is a prerequisite to evaluating the nature and extent of dysphagia in persons with compromised swallowing. In order to ...
Medical errors related to discontinuity of care from an inpatient to an outpatient setting.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of medical errors related to the discontinuity of care from an inpatient to an outpatient setting, and to determine if there is an association between these medical errors and adverse outcomes.
A combination fluorescence assay and Folin-Ciocalteau phenol reagent assay for the detection of paralytic shellfish poisons

Paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) profiles of crude shellfish extracts were determined by linear gradient elution from a Bio-Rad AG-50-X4 strong cation-exchange resin mini-column. STX, GTX2 and GTX3 were detected by fluorescence assay. NeoSTX and GTX1/GTX4 were detected with a Folin-Ciocalteau phenol reagent assay. The major toxicity associated with extracts of Mytilus edulis and Mya arenaria collected during a 1972 red tide off Hampton, New Hampshire, was due to the presence of GTX1/GTX4, with some activity associated with neoSTX, GTX2 and GTX3. STX was also present. Correlations to mouse toxicity are provided.
Prevalence and risks for bacterial vaginosis in women who have sex with women.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent vaginal infection in reproductive age women, and has been consistently associated with adverse outcomes related to the upper genital tract, and with increased risk of HIV acquisition.1–3 Of 3739 women enrolled between 2001 and 2004 in a nationally representative sample of the US civilian noninstitutionalized population, almost 1 in 3 (29.2%; 95% CI, 27.2–31.3) had BV by Gram stain of vaginal fluid.4,5 Microbiologically, BV is characterized by depletion of hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli that characterize normal vaginal flora, with profound overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria.6 However, the cause of BV remains elusive, and various studies have reported a diversity of risks for this common condition, including demographic (black race), hormonal (no hormonal contraception), and sexual behavioral (unprotected sex with men, sex with women, anal sex) characteristics.6,7 For unknown reasons, women who have sex with women have a high prevalence of BV (25%–52%).4,8 In a pilot study, we previously reported risks for prevalent BV in this population, which included higher lifetime number of female sex partners, shared use of a vaginally inserted sex toy, and oral-anal sex with a female partner. We also found that women with BV were highly likely to have sex partners who also had BV. While these findings supported the general concept that BV may be sexually transmitted in this group of women, more complete assessment of recent sexual risk was needed. With this objective, we assessed risks for BV at the enrollment visit in lesbian and bisexual women enrolled in a prospective study of vaginal flora. In addition to measuring the contribution of previously recognized risk factors for BV, including race, smoking, and douching, we used comprehensive computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) to assess behavioral risks. CASI has been shown to yield significantly higher rates of disclosure for same-sex behavior and undesirable social behaviors when compared directly with self-administered questionnaires.9–12 CASI provides other benefits, including standardized delivery of survey content, eliminating variation in interviewer or day, and computer-controlled branching, automated consistency, and range checking.
Hyperdiagnostics: postcolonial utopics of race-based biomedicine.

The expansion of biomedical research into countries outside the United States and Western Europe is positing new biological links between populations based on race. This expansion includes six international projects occurring in Barbados, premised on the idea that the population is genetically representative of other black people. Based on ethnographic research tracking one such study, a genetics of asthma project, this article explores the ways Caribbean meanings of ethnicity and illness are reworked as Barbadian state medical practitioners become involved in facilitating the international genetics research on race and disease. As the state attempts to participate in an imagined future of genetic medicine, the hyperspecificity of genetic technologies create new medical meanings of race and disease. These changes rely on a paradoxical response by medical practitioners toward the high technology American genetic research as both authoritative and inapplicable, creating unexpected etiologies of illness and ...
Decreased Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Cortisol Responses to Stress in Healthy Adults Reporting Significant Childhood Maltreatment

Background Preclinical research findings suggest that exposure to stress and concomitant hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation during early development can have permanent and potentially deleterious effects. A history of early-life abuse or neglect appears to increase risk for mood and anxiety disorders. Abnormal HPA response to stress challenge has been reported in adult patients with major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. Methods Plasma adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and cortisol reactivity to the Trier Social Stress Test were examined in healthy adults ( n = 50) without current psychopathology. Subjects with a self-reported history of moderate to severe childhood maltreatment (MAL) ( n = 23) as measured by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were compared with subjects without such a history (CTL) ( n = 27). Results Compared with CTLs, MAL subjects exhibited significantly lower cortisol and ACTH baseline-to-peak deltas. A significant group effect was seen in the (repeated measures) cortisol response to the stress challenge, reflecting lower concentrations among MAL subjects. A significant group × time effect characterized the relatively blunted ACTH response of the MAL group. Emotional neglect (−.34, p = .02) and sexual abuse (.31, p = .03) strongly predicted maximal cortisol release. Conclusions In adults without diagnosable psychopathology, childhood maltreatment is associated with diminished HPA axis response to a psychosocial stressor. Possible explanations for the finding are discussed.
Simultaneous plasma observations with DE-1 and DE-2

Abstract Two unique aspects of the Dynamics Explorer 1 and 2 orbits have made possible the acquisition of new information on the acceleration of ions and electrons in the auroral regions. These unique features are that, (1) the coplanar polar orbits of DE-1 and DE-2 provided measurements of temporal variations when DE-1 was near perigee and the two satellites passed sequentially through the same region of the low-altitude auroral oval, and (2) at magnetic conjunctions the high- and low-apogee coplanar orbits of DE-1 and DE-2 provided simultaneous measurements of auroral particles at two altitudes nearly along the same field line. Although the actual number of excellent conjunctions (both spatial and magnetic) was somewhat limited, a significant number of meaningful correlative data sets was obtained with several surprising results. Included in these results were a determination of the temporal stability of inverted-V events, the inference of field-aligned potential differences between high (10,000 to 20,000 km) and low (∼ 1000 km) altitudes over the auroral oval, and the comparison of auroral potential differences determined by three different methods. A systematic deficit in the potential drops determined by one of the methods (the ion beam energy) was used to infer the existence of ion heating, perhaps by a two-stream instability between two or more ion beam species, which are accelerated to the same energy but to different velocities.
Resist roughness bi-modality as revealed by two-dimensional FFT 2D analysis

LER/LWR performance is currently considered as one of the major stumbling blocks complicating progress in the semiconductor technology. Line edge scans show that low frequency components clearly dominate the LER Power Spectral Density (PSD), thus implying a large characteristic length (>100-500 nm) phenomenon as the major LER source. Most of the theoretical analyses aimed to identify the origin of the LER were focused on the combined effect of exposure and CAR action statistics, and failed to explain the origin of this limit, which resulted in suggestions that there is more than just one phenomenon involved in LER generation. Depth profiling experiments were performed for a broad set of Polymer-PAG-Base combinations. Depth profiling PSD spectra have demonstrated that higher RMS values and correspondingly higher PSD amplitudes are associated with tighter PSD spectrum shifted towards lower frequencies (larger sizes of roughness features), which is very typical for all the cases investigated. The set of the PSD spectra obtained exhibit a pronounced bi-modal structure, indicating that there are at least two clearly noticeable independent roughness-controlling mechanisms.
Effect of Processing on Certain Antinutrients in Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)

Four Nigerian cultivars of cowpeas were analyzed for raffinose, stachyose, phytic acid, tannins, and trypsin inhibitory activity after dehulling, cold-soaking, hot-soaking, and cooking as ewa-ibeji and moin-moin (two popular Nigerian cowpea foods). Dehulling decreased stachyose and removed the tannins. Hot-soaking caused a significant reduction in stachyose and trypsin inhibitory activity. Ewa-ibeji and moin-moin contained similar quantities of antinutrients, except for tannins which were absent in moin-moin.
Cerebral imaging in the asymptomatic preoperative bronchogenic carcinoma patient: Is it worthwhile?

The issue of screening for cerebral metastatic disease in the preoperative bronchogenic carcinoma patient remains unsettled and changes with advancing technology. A prospective nonrandomized study was designed to compare contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography (CT) after several clinical situations suggested improved sensitivity for the former study. Patients with clinically operable disease and normal neurologic examinations were referred for both enhanced cerebral CT and MRI studies. Forty-two patients were entered and completed the enhanced CT scan; only 30 tolerated the MRI. The demographic data and histology of the patients appeared fairly typical for a series of operative candidates. No unsuspected metastatic lesion was found in this selected and low-risk group. We conclude that neither MRI nor enhanced CT scan is indicated in the asymptomatic bronchogenic carcinoma patient due to expense and lack of positive findings. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated more subtle benign pathology, but this study did not allow comparison of the two techniques in detection of metastatic disease.
What are all the best sphere packings in low dimensions

We describe what may beall the best packings of nonoverlapping equal spheres in dimensionsn ≤10, where "best" means both having the highest density and not permitting any local improvement. For example, the best five-dimensional sphere packings are parametrized by the 4-colorings of the one-dimensional integer lattice. We also find what we believe to be the exact numbers of "uniform" packings among these, that is, those in which the automorphism group acts transitively. These assertions depend on certain plausible but as yet unproved postulates. Our work may be regarded as a continuation of Laszlo Fejes Toth's work on solid packings.
The Inherent Spiritual and Theological Drama of Therapy

Therapists need to include the spiritual dimension in their understanding of persons, not as ancillary, but as integrative. Acknowledging that many spiritualities exist, the author locates himself in the Christian tradition and operates from a Christian spirituality. The author utilizes coherence therapy to complement the spiritual dimension and illustrates their convergence in a case study.
Molecular weight dependent tissue accumulation of dextrans: In vivo studies in rats

The effects of molecular weight (Mr) on the serum and urine pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of dextrans, potential macromolecular carriers for drug delivery, were studied in rats. A single 5 mg/kg dose of fluorescein-labeled dextrans (FDs) with a Mr, of 4000 (FD-4), 20 000 (FD-20), 70 000 (FD-70), or 150 000 (FD-150) was administered into the tail vein of separate groups of rats. At different times after the administration of each FD, animals were sacrificed, and blood, urine, and various tissues were obtained. The concentrations of FDs in the samples were subsequently determined by using a sensitive and specific high performance size exclusions chromatographic method. Among the tissues studied, high accumulation of dextrans was found only in the liver (liverserum AUC ratios ≤ 29) and spleen (spleen:serum AUC ratios ≤ 10), with high concentrations in these tissues persisting even at the last sampling time (96 h). In contrast, the serum concentrations of the studied FDs were not measurable beyond 12 h. The serum and urine kinetics and the liver, spleen, and kidney accumulation of FDs demonstrated a significant degree of Mr dependency. The total and renal clearance of FDs consistently decreased with an increase in Mr. However, the effects of Mr on the tissue accumulation of dextrans was tissue dependent. For the liver, the tissue:serum AUC ratios increased from 0.346 for FD-4 to 15.2 for FD-20 and 28.8 for FD-70, while a further increase in Mr to 150 kDa (FD-150) resulted in lowering the ratio to 8.59 in this tissue. For the spleen, the ratios increased from 0.095 for FD-4 to 9.56 for FD-150. For the kidneys, an opposite Mr dependency was observed, as the ratios decreased from 3.49 for FD-4 to 0.003 for FD-150. The data presented here may be used for optimal design of dextran-drug conjugates for delivery to specific tissues such as the liver.
Origin of dielectric loss and thermally stimulated depolarization in lithium borate glasses

Abstract Lithium borate glasses (like many other glasses) show dispersion effects in the conductance and capacitance, as well as a large dielectric loss peak that has the same activation energy as the electrical conductivity. A corresponding peak is observed in the thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC). By studying the effects of varying the electrode (silver painted and sputtered) and of varying the sample dimensions, it is shown that these various dispersion effects originate entirely in electrode blocking rather than in a bulk process as had often been claimed. A simple electrical model, in which the electrode is represented by a blocking capacitor, suffices to explain the general features of the various dispersion phenomena. No other dielectric loss peak originating in a bulk process is observed.
Modeling sickle hemoglobin fibers as one chain of coarse-grained particles

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder most commonly found in people of African descent and it is caused by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS) in the patient’s red blood cells (RBCs). In the deoxygenated state, the defective hemoglobin tetramers polymerize forming stiff fibers which distort the cell and change its biomechanical properties. Because the HbS fibers play a vital role in the formation of the sickle-shaped RBC, the material properties and biomechanical behaviors of polymerized HbS fibers is a subject of intense research interest. Here, we introduce a solvent-free coarse-grain molecular dynamics (CGMD) model to simulate a single hemoglobin fiber as a chain of coarse-grained particles. A finitely extensible nonlinear elastic (FENE) potential is applied between consecutive particles. Meanwhile, a FENE-type bending potential is employed to model the bending resistance of HbS fibers. The parameters of the potentials are identified via comparison between the simulation results and the experimentally measured values of bending rigidity of single HbS fibers. The Langevin thermostat is employed to control the system temperature. This model will greatly facilitate future studies on the HbS polymerization, fiber bundle and gel formation as well as the interaction of between the HbS fiber bundles and the RBC membrane. In addition, the model can be easily adapted to study other filamentous protein assembles.
TNF-mediated inflammation represses GATA1 and activates p38 MAP kinase in RPS19-deficient hematopoietic progenitors

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is an inherited disorder characterized by defects in erythropoiesis, congenital abnormalities, and predisposition to cancer. Approximately 25% of DBA patients have a mutation in RPS19, which encodes a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Upregulation of p53 contributes to the pathogenesis of DBA, but the link between ribosomal protein mutations and erythropoietic defects is not well understood. We found that RPS19 deficiency in hematopoietic progenitor cells leads to decreased GATA1 expression in the erythroid progenitor population and p53-dependent upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in nonerythroid cells. The decrease in GATA1 expression was mediated, at least in part, by activation of p38 MAPK in erythroid cells and rescued by inhibition of TNF-α or p53. The anemia phenotype in rps19-deficient zebrafish was reversed by treatment with the TNF-α inhibitor etanercept. Our data reveal that RPS19 deficiency leads to inflammation, p53-dependent increase in TNF-α, activation of p38 MAPK, and decreased GATA1 expression, suggesting a novel mechanism for the erythroid defects observed in DBA.
The value of CT scanning in radiation therapy treatment planning: a prospective study.

Abstract We report the results of a prospective study in which we assessed the value of computed tomography (CT) scanning in planning radiation therapy for 77 patients. First, conventional studies were performed, treatment fields were designed and simulated and, where appropriate, computer generated treatment plans drawn up. Then a CT scan was performed to delineate the location of the tumor and adjacent uninvolved tissues. The treatment goals and plans were reevaluated and changed when necessary. Forty of the 77 patients (52 %) had their treatment changed as a result of the CT scan. Of these, four (5 % ) had a change of treatment modality. Thirty-two patients (42%) had changes in the radiotherapy technique because of inadequate tumor coverage (in 24 patients (31 %) part of the tumor was outside one or more of the fields and in the other 8 patients (10 %) the tumor coverage was marginal). Field changes resulting only from considerations of normal tissue coverage were made for 4 of these patients (5%). In total, normal tissue coverage was affected in 36 patients (47%). When the significance of these changes was evaluated, CT scanning was judged to be of major value for 28 of the 77 patients (36%) and of minor value in a further 12 patients (16%).
Infrared absorption of RbCl: Ag + and RbBr: Ag + : A theoretical treatment

A general model for $〈110〉$ off-center substitutional impurities in alkali-halide crystals is developed. It assumes a defect with a different mass from the ion it replaces and also with formal core-core short-range forces between the defect and its nearest neighbors different from those in the pure crystal. An absorption spectrum was calculated and three parameters, corresponding to the changes of the spring constants between the impurity and its nearest neighbors, were adjusted in order to fit absorption-band positions observed by Nolt and by Kirby, Hughes, and Sievers for RbCl: ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ at low frequencies. In a following paper this model has been used in conjunction with a very simple one-parameter-model version of lattice anharmonicity to predict a Raman scattering spectrum for RbCl: ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$.
Stiffening of the Femoral Head Due to Intertrabecular Fluid and Intraosseous Pressure

The mechanical properties of cancellous bone, as measured from bone plug samples, have been widely documented. However, few tests have been attempted to explore the effects the intertrabecular contents may have on the load bearing capabilities. In this study, canine femoral heads were subjected to dynamic compressive strain cycles. The femoral heads were tested intact, as well as with disrupted boundary conditions of the continuous, intraosseous fluid space. A significant reduction in mechanical stiffness was observed when the fluid compartment boundary was disrupted by drilling a hole part way into the femoral neck. A finite element model of a typical femoral head showed that the stiffness change was not due to removal of material from the neck, hydraulic effects notwithstanding. Refilling the hole in the neck with saline solution and sealing the boundary restored the stiffness to the intact baseline level. However, an increase in the fluid pressure did not cause a statistically significant increase in the stiffness of the femoral head.
Effect of Substrate Temperature on the Formation Mechanism of Cold-Sprayed Aluminum, Zinc and Tin Coatings

When describing the cold-spray process, one of the most widely used concepts is the critical velocity. Current models predicting critical velocities take the temperature of the sprayed particles explicitly into account, but not the surface temperature (substrate or already deposited layers) on which the particle impacts. This surface temperature is expected to play an important role, since the deformation process leading to particle bonding and coating formation takes place both on the particle and the substrate side. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of the substrate temperature on the coating formation process. Experiments were performed using aluminum, zinc, and tin powders as coating materials. These materials have a rather large difference in critical velocities that gives the possibility to cover a broad range of deposition velocity to critical velocity ratio using commercial low-pressure cold-spray system. The sample surface was heated and the temperature was varied from room temperature to a high fraction of the melting point of the coating material for all three materials. The change in temperature of the substrate during the deposition process was measured by means of a high speed IR camera. The coating formation was investigated as a function of (1) the measured surface temperature of the substrate during deposition, (2) the gun transverse speed, and (3) the particle velocity. Both single particle impact samples and thick coatings were produced and characterized. Both the particle-substrate and interparticle bonding were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy.
Is there a close spatial relationship between faults and plutons

Abstract Using spatial relationships between individual plutons and faults to support genetic correlations between faulting and magmatism is meaningless since even random magmatic or tectonic processes will result in some plutons adjacent to faults. Our initial analyses of populations of faults and Carboniferous plutons in the Armorican Massif, France and faults and Alleghanian plutons in the southern Appalachians, USA indicate that plutons have broad distributions with respect to faults but with a tendency for plutons to occur away from faults. Maxima of integrated pluton areas occur at 1/4 (Appalachians) and 1/2 (Armorican) of the distance between the average fault spacing in these orogens. Although there is a great need for statistical evaluations of relationships between populations of igneous bodies and structures in a wide variety of settings and crustal depths, our initial studies suggest that faults do not preferentially channel magma during ascent or emplacement and that these are relatively unfocused processes within orogenic belts.
Low‐Molecular‐Weight Heparins in Thrombosis and Cancer: Emerging Links

Heparin as well as low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) have polypharmacological actions at various levels. Earlier studies focused on the plasma anti-Xa and anti-IIa pharmacodynamics (PD) for the different LMWHs. Other important PD parameters for heparin and LMWHs might explain the diverse clinical impacts of this class of agents in thrombosis and beyond: the release of the vascular tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), inhibition of key matrix-degrading enzymes, and other mechanisms. There is much evidence for the key role of LMWHs in hypercoagulation in thrombosis and cancer, angiogenesis, and inflammatory disorders. Many cancer patients reportedly have a hypercoaguable state, with recurrent thrombosis due to the impact of cancer cells and chemotherapy or radiotherapy on the coagulation cascade. Studies have demonstrated that unfractionated heparin (UFH) or its low molecular weight fractions interfere with various processes involved in tumor growth and metastasis. Clinical trials have suggested a clinically relevant and improved efficacy of LMWHs, as compared to UFH, on the survival of cancer patients with deep vein thrombosis. Our laboratory has demonstrated a significant role for LMWHs and for LMWH-releasable TFPI on the regulation of angiogenesis, tumor growth, and tumor metastasis; we have also seen potent inhibition of matrix-degrading enzymes by LMWHs but not by TFPI. The antiangiogenesis effect of LMWHs or non-anticoagulant LMWH derivatives was shown to be reversed by anti-TFPI. Thus, modulation of tissue factor/VIIa noncoagulant activities by LMWH-releasable TFPI and the inhibitory effects on matrix-degrading enzymes beside the anticoagulant efficacy have provided an expanded clinical utility for LMWHs in angiogenesis-associated disorders, including human tumor growth and metastasis.
Investigating Teacher Efficacy: Comparing Preservice and Inservice Teachers with Different Levels of Experience

Teacher efficacy represents a powerful influence on the behaviors of teachers due to its impact on instructional choice, effort, and persistence. Yet few studies have been conducted examining differences in efficacy among groups of teachers with varying levels of experience, including those still engaged in teacher preparation programs. This study was conducted to examine such differences through a comparison of teacher efficacy among groups of preservice and inservice teachers with various levels of experience using the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale. The results demonstrated that experienced teachers held the highest general teaching efficacy as well as the highest efficacy with regards to domain-specific areas such as student engagement and classroom management. No statistically significant differences were noted among preservice teachers and novice teachers.
Phase I Trial of Cisplatin in Combination with Glutathione

We treated 16 patients in a phase I trial of escalating doses of intravenous cisplatin in combination with the chemoprotectant glutathione given every 21 days. Forty-three of 44 cycles (98%) were evaluable, 85% of cycles were given on time, and the median number of cycles per patient was 2. Dose-limiting nephrotoxicity was reached at a dose of 175 mg/M2 of cisplatin. Other toxicities included ototoxicity in 7 patients (44%) and grade 3 to 4 nausea and vomiting in 15 evaluable cycles (34.9%). Myelosuppression was infrequent. An increase to 175% of standard cisplatin dose intensity is attainable with the administration of glutathione; however, toxicity is substantial and the number of tolerated cycles is limited. Alternatives to the single bolus dose schedule studied in the present trial should be explored in order to better define the clinical utility of glutathione in combination with high-dose cisplatin.
The pathophysiology of emotional blunting: implications for heterogeneity of schizophrenia

In a series of studies, we examined the clinical, cognitive and biological correlates of emotional blunting (EB). The concept of emotional blunting, considered a core feature of schizophrenia by Kraepelin and Bleuler, closely parallels the current concepts of negative and deficit symptoms in schizophrenia. We found that emotionally blunted schizophrenic patients presented with more severe overall symptomatology, exhibited poor response to treatment, and stayed longer in the hospital than nonblunted schizophrenic patients. When both groups were exhibiting emotional blunting, even patients satisfying the inclusion criteria for research diagnosis of mania fared as poorly as schizophrenic patients. We were, however, unable to replicate the previously reported association between negative symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. The correlation between emotional blunting scores and AIMS scores was only 0.093 (N=29, p=O.32), with emotionally blunted patients having a mean AIMS score of 8.3 (SD-5.3), compared to the mean AIMS score of 6.6 (SD-6.2) (t=0.78, ns) in nonemotionally blunted patients.
Memory Mechanisms: A common cascade for long-term memory

Genetic, behavioral and electrophysiological approaches are beginning to unravel the mechanism of memory; cAMP-mediated gene expression appears to be universally required for establishing long-term memory.
Balloon-Facilitated Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy Tube Placement: Preliminary Report of a Novel Technique

Objective: To describe a novel technique for percutaneous tracheotomy (PT) that could be an alternative to current dilational techniques. Design: An observational animal study of PT was performed using the Seldinger guide wire technique with a tracheostomy tube preloaded onto a dilational balloon catheter. A small skin incision was done with an 11-blade scalpel, but no blunt subcutaneous tissue dissection was performed. Setting: Animal laboratory in a university hospital. Subjects: Seven adult pigs (approximate weight, 16 to 21 kg). Measurements and results: Successful tracheostomy was accomplished in all seven pigs without apparent complication. Vital signs and oximetry results remained unchanged throughout the procedure. The mean duration of the procedure was 5.5 min from tracheal puncture to ventilation. Conclusion: This novel procedure is a simple and effective means of PT tube placement without subcutaneous tissue dissection and could potentially have decreased complications when compared to the standard methods of PT currently employed in humans. Human studies are pending.
Multiple small cavernous angiomas of the brain with increased intracranial pressure

Small vascular malformations of the central nervous system are generally considered cryptic, or silent, because they are an incidental but frequent finding at autopsy. When they are symptomatic, these malformations have been associated with intracranial hemorrhage or seizures. The patient reported here had multiple small cavernous angiomas associated with a syndrome resembling pseudotumor cerebri. The increased intracranial pressure apparently was produced by multifocal areas of cerebral edema without associated hydrocephalus.
Alignment of fibrillin molecules in elastic microfibrils is defined by transglutaminase-derived cross-links.

Microfibrils were extracted from human amnion in the form of a beaded filament and analyzed for the presence of transglutaminase-derived cross-links using acrylonitrile derivatization. The cross-li...
Low stress and superplastic creep behavior of Zn-22 Pct Al eutectoid alloy

The temperature, grain size, and stress dependence of steady-state strain-rates were investigated for Zn-22 pct Al eutectoid alloy using double shear type specimens. Tests were performed on specimens of grain size from 1.3 m to 3.7 μm over a range of temperature from 450 to 525 K. The applied stresses were in the range between 10−1 and 4.0 x 101 MPa with the resulting true strain-rates ranging from 10−7 to 10−2s−1. The alloy exhibited two distinct regions of constant stress dependence with stress exponents 1 and 2.2. The transition stresses between these two regions were between 3 × 10−1 and 7 x 10−1 MPa. The true activation energies associated with these regions were found to be 95.9 ±2.1 and 69.9 ±2.1 kJ/mol, respectively. The grains remained equiaxed following large deformation, although there is evidence of excessive grain growth and “grain clustering.” Specimens deformed in both regions showed few or no dislocations within the grains. There was no evidence of subgrain formation or dislocation pile-up at the grain boundaries. It is possible that dislocations found during deformation were annihilated when stress was withdrawn or lost during thin foil preparation. There was clear evidence of primary stage in both regions. However, it is suggested that whereas the primary stage in Region II is due to dislocation multiplication process, at low stresses the primary stage in Region I may be due to elastic bowing of the existing dislocations in the structure. At low stresses Nabarro-Herring diffusional creep was found to be the rate controlling mechanism. At intermediate stresses, superplastic creep was found to be the dominant mechanism. The transition between these two mechanisms, as well as Coble creep and the ranges of manifestation for superplastic creep, are analyzed and the importance of the preexponential term A, in the dimensionless relation:γκT/DGb = A(b/d) p(Τ/G)n and the role of the concurrent grain growth are emphasized.
Realistic interactions and exchange effects in the inelastic scattering of protons

Abstract The long-range part of the Hamada-Johnston potential has been used as an effective interaction in a microscopic description of the inelastic scattering of protons. Knock-on exchange amplitudes are found to be smaller than when earlier phenomenological interactions were used, but are still very important. The contributions from interaction with the valence nucleons in nuclei with simple configurations are much smaller than the observed cross sections; core polarization effects are very strong.
The content of mother stereotypes

Although there is considerable empirical support for the existence of social stereotypes about different types of mothers, the content of those stereotypes is less clear. The purpose of this study was to identify the content of stereotypes related to different “types” of mothers. Stereotyped attributes of married mothers, stepmothers, divorced mothers, and never married mothers were generated by several samples and combined into one list. A subsequent sample was asked to indicate the percentage of each type of mother possessing each characteristic. The content of mother stereotypes was examined, and the results discussed in light of effects on social interactions, the self-image of women, and future attempts to assess family-related stereotypes.
Contribution of increased mitochondrial free Ca2+ to the mitochondrial permeability transition induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide in rat hepatocytes

Previously, we showed that the oxidant chemical, tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), induces a mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in intact hepatocytes, causing lethal cell injury. Here, we investigated the role of mitochondrial free Ca2+ in t-BuOOH cytotoxicity to 1-day-cultured rat hepatocytes using confocal microscopy of autofluorescence and parameter-indicating fluorophores. t-BuOOH (100 micromol/L) caused an early increase of mitochondrial free Ca2+, as assessed by confocal microscopy of Rhod-2 fluorescence. Increased mitochondrial Ca2+ was followed by onset of the MPT, as evidenced by permeation of cytosolic calcein into mitochondria and loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential-indicating dye, tetramethylrhodamine methylester. Preincubation with an intracellular Ca2+ chelator (BAPTA-AM and its derivatives) partially blocked the late phase of mitochondrial NAD(P)H oxidation after t-BuOOH, but failed to prevent the early oxidation of mitochondrial NAD(P)H. Ca2+ chelation also prevented the increase of mitochondrial Ca2+, generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), onset of the MPT, and subsequent cell death. Confocal images showed that protection occurred when loading of the Ca2+ chelator was predominantly mitochondrial. The antioxidant, desferal, also diminished increased mitochondrial Ca2+ after t-BuOOH and prevented cell death. We conclude that oxidative stress induced by t-BuOOH enhances mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, leading to increased matrix Ca2+, increased ROS formation, onset of the MPT, and cell death.
NF-κB suppresses ROS levels in BCR–ABL + cells to prevent activation of JNK and cell death

NF-κB suppresses ROS levels in BCR–ABL + cells to prevent activation of JNK and cell death
Lung morphometry with hyperpolarized 129Xe: Theoretical background

The 3He lung morphometry technique, based on MRI measurements of hyperpolarized 3He gas diffusion in lung airspaces, provides unique information on the lung microstructure at the alveolar level. In vivo 3D tomographic images of standard morphological parameters (airspace chord length, lung parenchyma surface-to-volume ratio, and number of alveoli per unit volume) can be generated from a rather short (several seconds) MRI scan. The technique is based on a theory of gas diffusion in lung acinar airways and experimental measurements of diffusion-attenuated MRI signal. The present work aims at developing the theoretical background of a similar technique based on hyperpolarized 129Xe gas. As the diffusion coefficient and gyromagnetic ratio of 129Xe gas are substantially different from those of 3He gas, the specific details of the theory and experimental measurements with 129Xe should be amended. We establish phenomenological relationships between acinar airway geometrical parameters and the diffusion-attenuated MR signal for human and small animal lungs, both normal lungs and lungs with mild emphysema. Optimal diffusion times are shown to be about 5 ms for human and 1.3 ms for small animals. The expected uncertainties in measuring main morphometrical parameters of the lungs are estimated in the framework of Bayesian probability theory. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME OF COMPLEX HYPOSPADIAS REPAIRS

ABSTRACT Purpose: Repeated attempts at surgical repair of hypospadias may leave the penis scarred, hypovascular and shortened. We report on the clinical outcomes of our repaired complex hypospadias cases, often referred to as hypospadias cripples. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the records of 137 children and young adults from January 1980 through December 2002 who were referred to us after multiple unsuccessful hypospadias repairs. The records of 11 patients were inadequate. The ages of the remaining 126 patients ranged from 14 months to 35 years. The number of prior surgical procedures ranged from 2 to 23. Of the 126 cases 98 (78%) were repaired in a single stage (group 1) and 28 (22%) underwent multistage repairs (group 2). Results: Major complications occurred in 17 cases (17%) in group 1 and in 2 (7%) in group 2. Major complications included repair breakdown, stricture, diverticulum and multiple fistulas. Minor complications occurred in 9 (9%) cases in group 1 and in 4 (14%) in group 2. Minor complications included a single small urethrocutaneous fistula, skin tethering, inclusion cysts and glandular irregularity. Urethral substitution using skin grafts and/or bladder mucosa resulted in a high complication rate of 32% and 37%, respectively, whereas use of buccal mucosa resulted in a 15% complication rate. Conclusions: Preoperative psychological counseling and discussion with other parents or patients were helpful. We no longer use free skin grafts and/or bladder mucosa for urethral substitution. Waterproofing the urethral tube was performed using either a dartos or tunica vaginalis flap. When the quality of the tissues was poor or severely scarred a 2-stage repair was performed. When resurfacing the penis local skin flaps may be insufficient or unreliable, and rotation of scrotal skin flaps or burial of the penis in the scrotum (Cecil-Culp) offers dependable skin coverage.
A PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF PSYCHOLINGUISTICS AND PIAGET'S THEORY TO READING INSTRUCTION

Both the Piagetian theory of the learning process and a psycholinguistic interpretation of the reading process are integrated in and reflected by the reading program that is presented in this paper. Because of this, a brief interpretation of the reading process and of Piaget's theory is necessary to understand and appreciate the reading program. Each component of the program will be explained and interpreted from Piagetian perspectives. Finally, evaluative data attesting to the success of the program will be presented.
EVIDENCE FOR PROSTAGLANDINS AND LEUKOTRIENES AS MEDIATORS OF PHASE I OF ESTROGEN ACTION IN IMPLANTATION IN THE MOUSE.

The inhibition of the cyclooxygenase and/or the lipoxygenase pathways by indomethacin or nordihydroguaiaretic acid during Phase I of estrogen action interfered with estriol-induced initiation of implantation, but not uterine macromolecular uptake and water imbibition. This inhibition of implantation was completely reversed by supplementation with prostaglandin E2 or leukotriene C4- These results suggest that estrogen-induced initiation of implantation in a progesterone-primed uterus is mediated via prostaglandins and leukotrienes as components of Phase I of estrogen action.
Theories of melodrama: A feminist perspective

(1983). Theories of melodrama: A feminist perspective. Women & Performance: a journal of feminist theory: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 40-48.
The Ground-based Scanning Radiometer: A tool for arctic atmospheric research

The University of Colorado (CU) Center for Environmental Technology (CET) has developed a Ground- Based Scanning Radiometer (GSR) and deployed it during two important Arctic Experiments relevant to climate research. The first was the Arctic Winter Radiometric Experiment during March-April 2004 and the second was the Radiative Heating in Underexplored Bands Campaign (RHUBC) in February-March 2007. This paper summarizes some of the design details of the instrument and gives new results from both campaigns