cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The incidence of intraoperative hypotension in moderate to high risk patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: A retrospective multicenter observational analysis.

Abstract Study objective Intraoperative hypotension is associated with perioperative morbidity. We undertook this project to describe the incidence of hypotension (defined as mean arterial pressure Design Retrospective, observational study. Setting This study was in the intraoperative setting. Patients We studied 22,109 adult patients ASA 3 and 4 patients, undergoing surgeries ≥180 min, with arterial line monitoring, from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. Interventions None. Measurements Our primary measurement was the number of minutes of primarily invasive mean arterial blood pressure below 65 mmHg. Additionally, we collected patient medical history data as classified by the Elixhauser Comorbidity Enhanced ICD-9-CM/ICD-10 CM Algorithm. Additional study variables included age, gender, BMI, preoperative blood pressure, ASA physical status classification, presence of absence of vasopressor infusion (phenylephrine, norepinephrine, vasopressin), estimated blood loss, amount of PRBCs administered, and surgical procedure type, characterized by body region on the basis of primary anesthesiology Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code. Main results The mean duration of MAP Conclusion There continues to be a significant burden of hypotension (defined as MAP
P7 Relationship Between Sodium Consumption and Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure In Adults

Background Unhealthy eating habits is a top contributor to chronic disease burden in United States. Per American Heart Association, excessive sodium intake can raise blood pressure. Objective To determine correlation between sodium consumption and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in adults from 2009 to 2014. Study Design, Setting, Participants Cross-sectional study which examined dietary intake of sample population derived from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Study participants surveyed for sodium intake (mg/day) and physical examinations were conducted where systolic and diastolic BP were recorded. Inclusion criteria included adults age 18-55 years. Our dataset contained 29,404 participants; of these, 11,441 participants met our inclusion criteria and constitute our study sample (2,424 missing data). Amongst these, 5,529 (48.33%) were men and 5,912 (51.67%) were women. In our study sample, the mean age was 35.90 (SD = 11.25). Our study sample constituted 16.05% Mexican Americans, 9.92% other Hispanics, 38.60% Non-Hispanic White, 21.70% Non-Hispanic Black, and 13.73% other Race - including Multi-Racial. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Exposure variable is the consumption of sodium (mg per day). Outcome measure is average systolic and diastolic BP results collected from participants. Spearman Correlation along with regression analysis to quantitatively define the strength of association between sodium consumption vs systolic and diastolic BP. Results Mean sodium intake 3057.04 mg (SD 1688.58, IQR 1945). Mean systolic BP 118.42 mmHg (SD 18.36, IQR 22.0) and mean diastolic BP 65.78 mmHg (SD 14.98, IQR 17.33). No statistically significant correlation and linear relationship found between sodium intake and systolic BP or sodium intake and diastolic BP in both men and women. Conclusions There is no association between dietary sodium intake and systolic BP and diastolic BP. This may be due to the size of our sample, use of medications and the fact that the sodium intake was only based on 1 day. Average daily sodium intake was noted to be higher than the recommended daily allowance of 2300 mg/day.
Resolution of Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia Following Heart Transplant

Introduction Liver abnormalities are common in patients with advanced heart failure. Chronically elevated right sided pressures and resulting hepatic congestion can cause progressive parenchymal changes including nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) and fibrosis. Liver dysfunction and/or liver nodularity on imaging necessitates transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) to assess for irreversible liver damage. Little is known about post-heart transplant (HT) liver architecture changes. We present a patient with nodular liver parenchyma due to NRH who experienced resolution of NRH after HT. Case Report A 43 year old man with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, ejection fraction of 15%, and severely depressed right ventricular function was evaluated for HT. Liver function tests (LFT) were abnormal (AST 46, ALT 35, total bilirubin 1.6, alkaline phosphatase (AP) 141) and ultrasound revealed liver nodularity. Right heart catheterization (RHC) revealed elevated pressures (right atrium (RA) 18 mmHg, pulmonary artery (PA) 69/30 mmHg). TJLB had zone 3 sinusoidal dilation and congestion, stage 1 fibrosis, and NRH. 10 months post-HT, LFTs remained elevated (AST 41, ALT 71, total bilirubin 0.8, AP 121) while RHC showed improvement (RA 8 mmHg, PA 35/8 mmHg). Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) was notable for hepatic stiffness (3 kPa) consistent with stage 1-2 fibrosis. Repeat TJLB showed minimal zone 3 fibrosis (stage 1) without NRH. 32 months post-HT, LFTs were improved (AST 42, ALT 49, total bilirubin 1.1, AP 65), repeat MRE showed slight reduction in stiffness (2.8 kPa), and RHC pressures were stable (RA 11 mmHg, PA 39/21 mmHg). Summary This case shows that congestive hepatopathy induced NRH may resolve after HT. NRH, characterized by focal liver regeneration without evidence of fibrosis, results from dysfunctional hepatic blood flow. Liver regions receiving normal or increased blood flow hypertrophy and form nodules while hypoperfused areas atrophy. Clinically, NRH can lead to portal hypertension and associated complications. TJLB in HT candidates allows closer examination of parenchymal injury. The goal of TJLB is to differentiate reversible liver injury from permanent damage, as the latter is a contraindication to HT. There is a paucity of information about post- HT parenchymal changes and prospective case series are needed to characterize hepatic recovery following HT.
The Dynamic Continuum of Nanoscale Peptide Assemblies Facilitates Endocytosis and Endosomal Escape

ABSTRACT Considerable number of works have reported alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enabled intracellular targeting by peptide assemblies, but little is known how these substrates of ALP enters cells. Here we show that the nanoscale assemblies of phosphopeptides, as a dynamic continuum, cluster ALP to enable caveolae mediated endocytosis (CME) and eventual endosomal escape. Specifically, fluorescent phosphopeptides, as substrates of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), undergo enzyme catalyzed self-assembly to form nanofibers. As shown by live cell imaging, the nanoparticles of phosphopeptides, being incubated with HEK293 cells overexpressing red fluorescent protein-tagged TNAP (TNAP-RFP), cluster TNAP-RFP in lipid rafts to enable CME, further dephosphorylation of the phosphopeptides form the peptide nanofibers for endosomal escape inside cells. Inhibiting TNAP, cleaving the membrane anchored TNAP, or disrupting lipid rafts abolishes the endocytosis. Moreover, decreasing the formation of peptide nanofibers prevents the endosomal escape. As the first study establishing a dynamic continuum of supramolecular assemblies for cellular uptake, this work not only illustrates an effective design for enzyme responsive supramolecular therapeutics, but also provides mechanism insights for understanding the dynamics of cellular uptakes of proteins or exogenous peptide aggregates at nanoscale.
Transformation techniques for Drosophila cell lines.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on techniques for transforming Drosophila cell lines. The chapter shows how individual lines differ substantially in their transfectabilities by hydroxyapatite-DNA. They may also differ in their precise medium requirements, in their susceptibilities to the toxins used for selection, in superficial and changeable properties like surface adherence, and in the precise catalog of expressed genes. Drosophila cell lines can be maintained in a variety of media: Schneider's medium, D-22, and M3, all of which are now commercially available. The chapter emphasizes on the use of M3 because most cell lines adapt readily to growth in M3 supplemented with 5–10% fetal calf serum (FCS). Some lines require additional supplementation with a mixture of bactopeptone (BP) and extra yeast extract (YE). Because there is substantial clone-to-clone variation in the expression of a transformed plasmid, and because bulk selection of a transfected population generally leads to the retention of only the fastest-growing transformed clone within the starting population, it is frequently useful to clone cells just after transfection.
Dual diagnosis: a review of etiological theories.

The etiology of the high prevalence of substance use disorders in patients with severe mental illness (schizophrenia or biopolar disorder) is unclear. We review the evidence of different theories of increased comorbidity, organized according to four general models: common factor models, secondary substance use disorder models, secondary psychiatric disorder models, and bidirectional models. Among common factor models, evidence suggests that antisocial personality disorder accounts for some increased comorbidity. Among secondary substance use disorder models, there is support for the supersensitivity model, which posits that biological vulnerability of psychiatric disorders results in sensitivity to small amounts of alcohol and drugs, leading to substance use disorders. There is minimal support for the self-medication model, but the accumulation of multiple risk factors related to mental illness, including dysphoria, may increase the risk of substance use disorder. Secondary psychiatric disorder models remain to be convincingly demonstrated. Bidirectional models have not been systematically examined. Further clarification of etiologic factors, including the identification of subtypes of dual diagnosis, may have implications for developing more effective prevention efforts and treatment.
THE FRACTAL DIMENSION OF GROWTH PERIMETERS

The fractal dimension dG of cluster perimeters generated by a recently proposed ‘butterfly’ growth walk is considered. In the long-range limit of the walk on a percolation cluster, dG appears to be equal to the fractal dimension of the singly connected bonds: dG= 1/v. The new relation for chemical dimension dl is proposed: dl =df/(df-dG). In the short-range limit the ‘butterfly’ walk on a Euclidean lattice appears to be in the same universality class as a random walk. The dynamic aspect of the growth walk is discussed and the continuously tunable spectral dimension is obtained. Both short-and long-range limits of this diffusion process are different from the random diffusion on percolation.
The Chemical Composition and Distribution of Interstellar Grains

The chemical composition of interstellar grains is derived here on the basis of (1) the cosmic abundance of the elements; (2) the wavelength dependence of extinction and polarization; (3) the average total extinction; (4) the ratio of polarization to extinction; (5) the predominantly dielectric character of grains in the visible spectral region; and (6) infrared spectral characteristics of grains. It is indicated that the major portion of the grains, by mass, consist of core-mantle particles in the 0.1 μm size range, whose cores consist largely of silicates and whose mantles are a solid mixture of O, C, and N with H in a heterogeneous combination of simple and complex molecules with frozen free radicals. A minor constituent of the solid particles exist in the form of very small uncoated particles generally less than 10 -6 cm in size whose precise composition is not certain. Inferences of the core-mantle model with respect to spatial distribution are consistent with the proposition that growth of the mantles occurs in the galactic shock region predicted by the density-wave theory. Estimates of the total visual extinction toward the galactic center and the consequent estimates of the total amount of far infrared radiation are shown to depend critically on the grain model. Variations of the ratio of far ultraviolet to visual extinction are correlated with the conditions for growth of mantles on the bare small particles which are generally prevented from accreting mantles primarily because of their extreme temperature fluctuations produced by the ultraviolet photons in the radiation field.
A decoupling based direct method for power system transient stability analysis

This paper proposes a decoupling based direct method to analyze the post-contingency transient stability for a general multi-machine power system. A linear decoupling transformation is used to construct the same number of independent single machine infinite bus (SMIB) power systems as oscillation modes. Each SMIB system carries stability information regarding one oscillation mode of the original system at the equilibrium. Then, the transient energy function method is applied on all decoupled SMIB systems to calculate stability margins, the smallest of which indicates the stability margin of the original system. Case studies on an IEEE 9-bus power system and a WECC 179-bus power system demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
INFLUENCE OF OSMOTIC PRESSURE ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE REITER TREPONEME

Abstract Hardy, Paul H., Jr. (Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.) and E. Ellen Nell. Influence of osmotic pressure on the morphology of the Reiter treponeme. J. Bacteriol. 82: 967–978. 1961.—Spherical bodies similar to those that develop spontaneously in cultures of treponemes, and which have been considered by many investigators to represent one stage in a complex life cycle of these organisms, can be produced rapidly with the Reiter treponeme by merely altering the medium in which the organisms are suspended. Osmotic pressure appears to be the major factor responsible for this effect, as shown by the observation that treponemes suspended in NaCl solutions of 0.15 to 0.10 m retain their spirochetal morphology, whereas organisms suspended in more dilute salt solutions rapidly become spherical. Moreover, the concentration of salt appears to influence both the rate and extent of sphere formation. Further evidence that osmotic pressure is primarily involved is demonstrated by the selectivity of the conditions under which spheres form. Treponemes suspended in various 0.3 osmolal solutions either retain their spiral shape or form spheres, depending upon the nature of the solute. Viability studies of suspensions containing predominantly spherical forms, which have developed spontaneously or have been artificially induced, have failed to produce evidence that the resulting growth of treponemes came from the spheres. It is concluded, therefore, that the naturally occurring spheres probably arise as the result of an osmotic imbalance which develops between the cells and their environment, and that the spheres represent degenerative forms rather than an intermediate stage in a life cycle.
Statistical Considerations in Caries Models: Reaction Paper:

In his conference presentation, Proskin discussed the concepts of validity and reliability of caries models, and reviewed the Proskin-Chilton-Kingman procedure for using models to assess the clinical efficacy of a therapeutic agent. He presented a generally positive view of caries models as substitutes for clinical studies under certain conditions. In this reaction paper I propose a stronger definition of validity, and discuss conceptual and practical requirements that caries models must meet before they can be used in place of clinical studies. Meeting these requirements may depend on obtaining new clinical data; making greater use of existing clinical data; and a willingness to adopt a limited set of standardized models for demonstrating clinical efficacy.
Using spreadsheets to simulate neural networks

The field of neural networks is an active research area in artificial intelligence for solving problems ranging from image recognition to financial systems. Unfortunately, the solution to such problems using neural networks is often complex and highly mathematical. In teaching neural networks, spreadsheets are excellent tools for visualizing the problem as well as for describing the proposed scientific solution.
Transitional Commercial Law: The Way Forward

This Article seeks to examine the impelling need for the creation of international rules to govern international commerce, the motivations thereof, and international experience in that regard. No nation is immune from the need to craft solutions of an international nature to govern its interactions with others. This need extends across the spectrum from systems as evolved as the United States to those of some African nations. Distrust can only be overcome in the presence of rules that are formulated by the international community. The following pages examine these issues in the context of two international instruments: the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods ("CISG") and the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment ("CIIME").
Memoir of a Jersey Girl

Carolyn Heilbrun famously observed that women of the early 20th century had no models for their public lives, no way to learn the “tone of voice in which to speak with authority.” One is reminded of Jean Elshtain's classic study of the tyranny of gender stereotyping as “public” men and “private” women (Elshtain 1981). The mentoring project at APSA invites us, men and women together, to break down the unspoken barrier between our personal stories and our professional persona. As Heilbrun said, we can't be authentic mentors if we don't “tell the truth about (our) own lives” (Heilbrun [1988] 2002, 25). The trouble is that facts are mute. “Facts need testimony to be remembered,” articulate witnesses with sufficient imagination to make the experiences of modern life understandable (Arendt [1969] 1972, 6). Yet to be useful, as well as authentic, imagination must at least attempt to be truthful. Accordingly, please indulge me while I commit an act of public disclosure and do what my mother always said a lady should never do—talk about herself. Doing so is bad manners and, besides, no one really wants to hear it, she said. I plead guilty to the former, but about the latter I have my doubts. Mentoring in political science is based on the premise that other people need to see reflections of their own careers and lives in yours and vice versa. So at least in this specific context, self-referential writing, the dreaded pronoun “I” may be forgiven.
Supervisors' Experiences of the Contributions of the Second Supervisee in Triadic Supervision: A Qualitative Investigation.

A qualitative study was conducted to investigate supervisors' experiences of the contributions made by the second supervisee in triadic supervision. In-depth, open-ended interviews were conducted with 6 supervisors in a counselor education program. Participants viewed the second supervisee as a source of valuable information and insights for both the supervisor and the supervision peer and promoted the latter's learning and growth. The second supervisee's presence enhanced certain supervision activities or allowed new activities to be used. The addition of a second supervisee in triadic supervision changes the dynamics from those of individual supervision to something more similar to group supervision.
Ontogeny of zeta (ζ), the opioid growth factor receptor, in the rat brain

Opioid growth factor (OGF), [Met5]enkephalin, serves as an inhibitory influence on the developing nervous system and is especially targeted to cell proliferative events. OGF interacts with the zeta (ζ) opioid receptor to perform its function. Using [3H]-[Met5]enkephalin, the ontogeny of the ζ receptor in the whole brain and cerebellum of rats was explored. Specific and saturable binding was recorded at the earliest time sampled, prenatal day 15 (E15). In the whole brain, binding capacity (Bmax) was two-fold greater at E15 than at E18 adn E20. The quantity of ζ receptor appeared to increase in the first postnatal week, reaching a maximum on postnatal day 8. Binding decreased the remainder of the 2nd week and between postnatal days 15 and 25 binding was no longer recorded. In the cerebellum, binding capacity increased from E20 to the 2nd postnatal week, reaching a maximum on postnatal days 8–10. The Bmax receptor decreased precipitously on postnatal day 11, being 5.4-fold lower than on postnatal day 10. Between postnatal days 21 and 30, no binding was observed. The binding affinities of the whole brain and cerebellum were 2.3 and 2.7 nM, respectively, and no differences between ages could be observed. The binding affinities of the whole brain and cerebellum postnatal day 6 increased body weight, the Bmax of the ζ receptor in the whole brain and cerebellum (but not the Kd), and increased the number of layers of germinal cells in the cerebellum. These results define the temporal expression of the ζ receptor in the rat brain, as well as some regulatory properties, and support the concept that the ζ opioid receptor is primarily related to the proliferation of cells in the nervous system.
Antarctic Projects Stymied by the Shutdown

The U.S. federal government shutdown coincided with the beginning of the Antarctic austral summer research window, and many scientists told Eos they are deeply concerned about the impacts on research there. John Priscu, a lead principal investigator with the Whillans Ice Stream Subglacial Access Research Drilling (WISSARD) project in West Antarctica, said the government shutdown “threw us a curve that I did not anticipate or plan for.” Pricsu, who has spent 30 seasons working in Antarctica under federal funding, said that a hole in the project's long-term data set “will have a major impact on the models we are developing to examine climate-induced changes” in Antarctic ecosystems.
Herpetofaunal communities of the leeward slopes and coasts of St. Vincent: A comparison of sites variously altered by human activity

Like other Lesser Antillean islands, human-modified habitats are prevalent on much of St. Vincent, especially in coastal regions. Eighteen terrestrial species of reptiles and amphibians are known to occur on the island. Some species demonstrate considerable versatility, and are found in both altered and relatively natural habitats. Others, however, are restricted to one extreme or the other. To better understand the composition of herpetofaunal communities, we surveyed seven sites on the leeward side of the island, chosen to represent different degrees of human alteration. We found the highest diversity index in an urban area, where introduced species prevailed. Endemic species were more abundant in more natural sites. Three species, Eleutherodactylus johnstonei, Anolis griseus, and A. trinitatis, were at all sites.
Atmospheric concentrations and deposition of polychorinated biphenyls to the Hudson River Estuary.

The first estimates of atmospheric deposition fluxes of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to the Hudson River Estuary are presented. Concentrations of PCBs were measured in air, aerosol, and precipi...
Structure of c(4×2) Superlattice in Alkanethiolate Self-Assembled Monolayers

Molecular dynamic simulations have been used to elucidate the c(4×2) superlattice structure of CH3(CH2)n-1S− chains self-assembled on Au{111}. This superlattice of a (√3×√3)R30° overlayer has been ...
Space-time switching in fiber optic packet-switched networks

While fiber optic packet switched networks can make use of the advantages provided by optics for transmission of messages, it is not possible to provide an efficient storage mechanism at intermediate nodes for data that remains in optical format. Hence, it is necessary to avoid conversion to electronic format for temporary storage at intermediate nodes when they face output port contention. As a result, in order to maintain fast packet switching, optical packets must be continuously moved until they reach their destination. In such bufferless networks, if two or more packets coming into a node simultaneously request the same output port, one of the requests can be satisfied and the others must be sent out through other available ports. The addition of time switching, to the usual space switching using this deflection routing technique, allows temporal reordering of packets so as to reduce the contention for spatial channels. In this paper we present the performance enhancement due to space-time switching in bufferless packet switched networks.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vibrational spectra of porphyrin aggregates in Langmuir monolayers observed with a Raman microscope

Abstract A Raman microscope has been used to investigate spread monolayers at air-water interfaces. Spectra are presented for a mixed monolayer system comprising 4-(1-hexadecyloxy)analine and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[4-(1-octyloxy) phenyl]porphinato copper (CuTOOPP) in a respective 3.6:1 molar ratio. The laser excitation was confined to an area 2.5 μm in diameter, and resonance enhancement mechanisms allowed chromophore-selective investigations to be made. The Raman frequencies observed for the porphyrin chromophore showed no dependence on surface pressure, indicating that there were porphyrin aggregate domains in the monolayers even at low surface pressures (below 1 mN m −1 ). Conversely, Raman band intensities did show dependence on the surface pressure suggesting that the excited-state properties of the aggregates were perturbed upon monolayer compression.
The Abbé Grégoire and the French Revolution: The Making of Modern Universalism – By Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall

The role Abbe Gregoire played during the French Revolution and its aftermath is well known to students of the period. From an obscure background, Gregoire rose to prominence as an intellectual and ...
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer Resistant to Anthracycline and Taxane

Breast cancer is the most common noncutaneous malignancy among every major ethnic group of women in the United States. Anthracyclines and taxanes are the most active and widely used chemotherapeutic agents for breast cancer, but the increased use of these agents at an early stage of disease often renders tumors resistant to these drugs by the time the disease recurs, thereby reducing the number of treatment options for metastatic disease. Moreover, even when these agents can be used in the metastatic setting, treatment failure occurs in most cases, and as a result the 5-year survival rates of patients with metastatic breast cancer are low. This outcome underscores the need for new, effective treatments of metastatic breast cancer and has led to investigation of novel ways to overcome the problem of drug resistance. This article reviews the current treatment options for breast cancer resistant to anthracycline and taxane and provides recommendations for disease management. Published sources for this review were found by searching PubMed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) and congress Web sites.
Diogenites as asteroidal cumulates: insights from orthopyroxene trace element chemistry

Eucrite, howardite, and diogenite members of the achondrite meteorites are considered by many to be genetically related. Therefore, each provides a piece of the puzzle for reconstructing magmatic processes on the eucrite parent body (EPB). The interpretation of the magmatic history of the diogenites (orthopyroxenites) is compromised to a great extent because the magmatic major element signature of orthopyroxene has been reset and some minor elements such as Al have been compromised by coupled substitution mechanisms. As a further test of the models for the origin of diogenites, we have analyzed a suite of twenty-one diogenites (≈160 individual analyses) for minor and trace elements using ion microprobe techniques. The concentrations of incompatible elements are low in the orthopyroxenes analyzed, while their variability in the orthopyroxenes is both extensive and consistent. The range of averages in Yb varies by a factor of 16 from Ellemeet to LEW 88679. Over this suite of diogenites, Zr varies by a factor of 117 and Y varies by a factor of 151. This variability exceeds the range noted by previous INAA studies of orthopyroxene separates. These incompatible trace elements exhibit a strong positive correlation with Ti. The consistent incompatible element variability among diogenites, limited textural evidence for subsolidus exsolution modification, and the expected slower diffusion rates of the REE, Ti, and Y relative to Fe-Mg indicate that the trace elements in the diogenitic orthopyroxene may reliably preserve the magmatic history of the diogenites. Based on the incompatible trace element systematics of Y and Yb, over 90% crystallization is necessary to explain the variation in concentrations from Peckelsheim (most depleted) to LEW 88679 (most enriched) assuming constant D's. Over 70% crystallization of orthopyroxene is required if DY and DYb increase by a factor of three over the same suite of diogenites. Based on terrestrial analogs, it appears highly unlikely that a single basaltic magma will produce such a mono-mineralic orthopyroxene cumulate horizon with 70–90% crystallization of the parental melt. Two models that potentially explain this extensive incompatible element variability are: (1) the melts from which the diogenites formed are normative orthopyroxene enriched and normative plagioclase depleted or; (2) the suite of diogenites represent multiple basaltic melts with distinctly different incompatible element enrichments. Melt compositions that were back-calculated from the orthopyroxene data indicate that the diogenites crystallized from melts that had a wider range in incompatible elements than that exhibited by the main group eucrites. If the assumptions made in the calculation of these melts compositions are correct, this may be interpreted to mean that either many of the diogenites are not fractional crystallization products of eucritic melts or that the eucritic melts that were parental to the incompatible element enriched diogenites have not yet been sampled.
Comparison of fortified calf serum, serum substitutes and fetal calf serum with or without extenders for propagation of cell cultures for virus plaque assays

Two studies comparing sewage-isolated and laboratory stock viruses were conducted to determine if alternative forms of serum or serum extenders could be used in place of fetal bovine serum without a significant loss of viral titer. In the first study, BGM cells were grown in standard MEM-L15 medium which was supplemented with Nuserum, Sigma serum replacement (CPSR-1), HyClone defined iron supplemented calf bovine serum, fetal bovine serum (FBS) or FBS supplemented with either SerXtend or Mito serum extenders. Comparison of virus titers showed that CPSR-1 gave the best overall results and was comparable to FBS. Of the serum extenders, only SerXtend improved virus recovery from sewage samples. In the second study, all sera were tested with and without SerXtend. In these experiments, SerXtend enhanced virus sensitivity of the BGM cell line grown in the HyClone serum but reduced the sensitivity of those cultured in Sigma serum. In both series, the growth of BGM cells was monitored for 12 weeks and all test products were shown to support long-term cell growth.
Analytical study of vacuum-sublimation in an initially partially filled frozen porous medium with recondensation

Abstract Analytical solutions are developed for vacuum-sublimation in an initially partially filled, frozen, semi-infinite porous medium. Since the porous medium is partially filled, the vapor generated at the sublimation interface will convect into both the dried and frozen regions. The mass transfer of vapor through the porous medium is modeled by the application of Darcy's and Fick's laws. Recondensation of vapor occurs when the vapor convects into the frozen region. The sublimation interface temperature, pressure and vapor concentration are obtained in addition to the interface position. Moreover, the effects of vapor recondensation and the significant system parameters on the non-dimensional interface position are studied. The results show the increased sublimation rate when the vapor recondenses in the frozen region.
Regulatory Role of the C-Terminus of the ε Subunit from the Chloroplast ATP Synthase†

The ATP synthases from chloroplasts and Escherichia coli are regulated by several factors, one of which is the epsilon subunit. This small subunit is also required for ATP synthesis. Thylakoid membranes reconstituted with CF1 lacking the epsilon subunit (CF1-epsilon) exhibit no ATP synthesis and very high ATP hydrolysis. Either native or recombinant epsilon restores ATP synthesis and inhibits ATP hydrolysis. Previously, we showed that truncated epsilon, lacking the last 45 C-terminal amino acids, restored ATP synthesis to membranes reconstituted with CF1-epsilon but was not an efficient inhibitor of ATP hydrolysis. In this paper, we show that this truncated epsilon is unable to inhibit ATP hydrolysis when Mg(2+) is the divalent cation present, both for the enzyme in solution and on the thylakoid membrane. In addition, the rate of reduction of the disulfide bond of the gamma subunit by dithiothreitol is not decreased by truncated epsilon, although full-length epsilon greatly impedes reduction. Thylakoid membranes can synthesize ATP at the expense of proton gradients generated by pH transitions in the dark. Our reconstituted membranes are able to produce a limited amount of ATP under these "acid-bath" conditions, with approximately equal amounts produced by the membranes containing wild-type epsilon and those containing truncated epsilon. However, the membranes containing truncated epsilon exhibit much higher background ATP hydrolysis under the same acid-bath conditions, leading to the conclusion that, without the C-terminus of epsilon, the CF1CFo is unable to check unwanted ATP hydrolysis.
Population frequencies of alternative male phenotypes in tree lizards : geographic variation and common-garden rearing studies

Tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus) vary in throat fan (dewlap) color. Earlier, we described five dewlap types (Orange, Orange-Blue, Yellow, Yellow-Blue, and Blue), and reported that only males had blue in the dewlap and that presence or absence of a discrete blue patch was correlated with male alternative reproductive phenotypes in a central Arizona population. Here, with a modified scheme characterizing two dewlap elements, background color (orange, yellow, blue) and blue patch occurrence, we assessed: (1) sexual, annual, and geographic variation in the frequencies of dewlap elements; (2) simple habitat correlates; and (3) the effects of laboratory rearing regime on dewlap type. Within a population, frequencies of males and females expressing orange or yellow backgrounds did not differ, suggesting that control of background is similar in the sexes. Within several populations, frequencies of the dewlap elements did not differ across years (and probably generations), indicating that phenotype frequencies are relatively stable. Among five populations frequencies of background colors varied, as did frequencies of male types (blue patch present or absent). Dewlap frequencies did not correlate with habitat (boulders or mesquite trees), although few populations were sampled. In male and female offspring reared from eggs to sexual maturity in a common-garden laboratory study, background color frequencies in both sexes and blue patch frequencies in males differed among offspring from different populations. Offspring frequencies matched respective parental population frequencies. Results suggest that among-population variation in frequencies of the two dewlap elements are mediated by differences in genetics, in maternal effects, or both. Thus, differences in male behavior functionally linked to the blue patch also may be controlled by genetic or maternal effects.
The effect of covalently immobilized rhIL-1ra-ELP fusion protein on the inflammatory profile of LPS-stimulated human monocytes

The objective of this research was to investigate whether immobilized anti-inflammatory cytokines will signal changes in the inflammatory profile of cultured monocytes. A fusion protein of recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist and elastin-like peptide (IL-1ra-ELP) was expressed in Escherichia coli. THP-1 human monocytes were cultured on either carboxyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), or SAMs with either covalently immobilized or soluble IL-1ra-ELP. LPS-stimulated monocytes exposed to either soluble or immobilized IL-1ra-ELP were prevented from cell differentiation, showed attenuated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and had increased production of anti-inflammatory and pro-wound healing cytokines. These results suggest that immobilized anti-inflammatory cytokines have the potential to be immunomodulatory biomaterials.
Antianginal and anti-ischemic efficacy of immediate-release nisoldipine in chronic stable angina pectoris.

Abstract A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study tested peak and trough efficacy of immediate-release nisoldipine (20 mg twice daily) added to existent β-adrenergic blocking therapy. Patients were randomized with a history of chronic stable angina, while receiving a stable regimen of a β-blocking agent, with exercise test-induced angina in association with 1 mm horizontal or downsloping ST-segment depression and exercise test reproducibility of ± 15%. Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring (48-hour) was performed at 3 of 5 centers (44 patients). Efficacy was achieved in 53 patients (26 taking immediate-release nisoldipine/placebo in sequence and 27 taking placebo/immediate-release nisoldipine in sequence). Total exercise time increased compared with placebo at peak, but only a trend was seen at trough. Time to 1 mm ST-segment depression at peak and trough and ambulatory electrocardiographic parameters were also improved. Adverse effects were mild. This trial confirms that immediate-release nisoldipine when added to existent β-blocker therapy is an active antianginal and anti-ischemic agent, but that the immediate-release formulation loses its antianginal effect at the end of its dosing interval (9 to 14 hours). This drug is therefore being examined in a new extended-release formulation (Coat-Core).
Lightweight spacecraft propulsion system selection

Various methods of significantly reducing the mass of planetary spacecraft propulsion systems were addressed. Because of the Space Shuttle Challenger accident, the availability of the Space Transportation System for planetary missions may be limited. Mounting a future planetary mission with lower-energy launch vehicles will require a significant reduction in the spacecraft mass. Smaller launch vehicles for planetary missions were considered. In this study, the assumed payload capability for the planetary missions were considered. In this study, the assumed payload capability for the planetary missions was restricted to the Delta and the Atlas-Centaur launch vehicles. Several propulsion and propulsion-related technologies for spacecraft mass reduction were investigated; ion, arcjet, resistojet, and Magneto-Plasma-Dynamic propulsion and earth-storable high-energy propulsion system thrusters were candidates. The propulsion-related technologies included a start-basket Propellant Management Device, a nitrogen tetroxide diaphragm, and a solid-cryogen cooler. Xenon-ion propulsion allowed the greatest mass reduction.
Coupling constant thresholds in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics: II. Two cluster thresholds inN-body systems

We extend the analysis of absorbtion of eigenvalues for the two body case to situations where absorbtion occurs at a two cluster threshold in anN-body system. The result depends on a Birman-Schwinger kernel for such anN-body system, an object which we apply in other ways. In particular, we control the number of discrete eigenvalues in the ħ→0 limit.
Comparison of Lanczos methods and moment methods in calculating nuclear level densities.

Special distribution methods have been used to make nuclear level-density calculations with full inclusion of two-body forces. The demands on computer time are large, however, and the information obtained in the very lowest energy region is not as extensive as would be desirable. We present calculations of the level density of $^{20}\mathrm{Ne}$ obtained with an alternative, but closely related, procedure based on the Lanczos algorithm. In addition, we discuss the possibility of accelerating the calculation of the moments for conventional spectral distribution calculations. Very encouraging results for both the Lanczos technique and the revised moment algorithm are obtained; some remaining problems are examined.
Dexamethasone suppression of ACTH release: effect of the interval between steroid administration and the application of stimuli known to release ACTH.

Dexamethasone was given to female rats by intraperitoneal injection (400 μg/100 g) or in the overnight drinking water (20 μg/ml). ACTH release was studied by measuring the plasma corticosterone response 20 min after the application of various stimuli. Four hr after the injection of dexamethasone the response to a tourniquet about the calf was inhibited; the response to urethane, gut stretch, hemorrhage or 50 mU/100 g vasopressin was partially inhibited but there was no inhibition of the response to 500 mU/100 g vasopressin. Overnight dexamethasone markedly reduced the response to all stimuli except 500 mil vasopressin. The relationship between the time of injection of dexamethasone and the application of the stimulus was tested by stimulating ACTH release with ip urethane. Ten hr after injection of dexamethasone there was complete suppression of ACTH release in response to urethane, but this suppression largely disappeared at 24 hr. It is concluded that the inhibition of ACTH release by large doses of dex...
Fast automatic correction of motion artifacts in shoulder MRI

The ability to correct certain types of MR images for motion artifacts from the raw data alone by iterative optimization of an image quality measure has recently been demonstrated. In the first study on a large data set of clinical images, we showed that such an autocorrection technique significantly improved the quality of clinical rotator cuff images, and performed almost as well as navigator echo correction while never degrading an image. One major criticism of such techniques is that they are computationally intensive, and reports of the processing time required have ranged form a few minutes to tens of minutes per slice. In this paper we describe a variety of improvements to our algorithm as well as approaches to correct sets of adjacent slices efficiently. The resulting algorithm is able to correct 256x256x20 clinical shoulder data sets for motion at an effective rate of 1 second/image on a standard commercial workstation. Future improvements in processor speeds and/or the use of specialized hardware will translate directly to corresponding reductions in this calculation time.
Saccharin induces morphological changes and enhances prolactin production in GH4C1 cells.

The artificial sweetener saccharin inhibits binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to cultured rat pituitary tumor cells (GH4C1 cells). Saccharin also causes morphological alterations in these cells, resulting in pronounced elongation, stretching, and firmer attachment of cells to the culture dishes. These alterations in cell shape are similar to those observed after treatment of GH4C1 cells with EGF and with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), both of which enhance prolactin (PRL) production in these cells. After assaying for PRL in saccharin-treated cultures, it was observed that this sweetener is also capable of stimulating PRL production two-to sixfold in a dose-dependent manner. Enhancement of PRL production can be observed at 0.5 mM saccharin, yet this is 10 times less than the saccharin concentration required to alter cell shape. These effects of saccharin on cell morphology and on PRL production are reversible in GH4C1 cell cultures. When added to cultures along with maximal concentrations of EGF or TRH, the effects of saccharin on PRL production are additive, suggesting that the actions of saccharin are mediated by a somewhat different pathway from that of the peptide hormones. Pulse labeling studies indicate that the enhancement of PRL production is highly specific inasmuch as saccharin was found to decrease the overall rate of protein synthesis in these cells. Saccharin also causes a decrease in the rate of DNA synthesis under these treatment conditions. Mitomycin C, which similarly inhibited DNA synthesis, had no effect on cell morphology or PRL production.
Adolescent Pregnancy Diagnosis and Outcomes: A Six-Year Clinical Sample

Abstract Study Objective To explore pregnancy diagnosis, outcome choice, and time to referral appointment for adolescents. Design A descriptive study using retrospective chart review and clinical logs of all positive pregnancy tests between January 2000 and December 2005. Setting Adolescent clinic in a hospital-based academic center. Participants 625 pregnant teens were identified. Thirteen teens (2%) were lost to follow-up. Exclusion criteria included teens with advanced pregnancy, 22 weeks gestation or older at initial pregnancy diagnosis (n=11). Interventions All pregnant teens participated in a multidisciplinary tracking program. Main Outcome Measures Outcome choice and time interval to prenatal or termination appointment. Results The 601 pregnant teens had a mean age of 18.2 years with a range of 13 to 23 years. Pregnancy outcomes indicate 48.2% (N=290) opted to continue their pregnancy and entered prenatal care, 45% (N=275) chose to terminate, and 6% (N=36) experienced a miscarriage. Adolescents who continued their pregnancy presented with a mean gestational age of 7.98 weeks versus 7.20 weeks for teens choosing to terminate ( P ≤ 0.001). They also had a significantly longer time interval to their referral site, averaging 24 days until a prenatal appointment, compared to 17 days for a termination ( P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Over the six-year study period, the number of adolescent pregnancies diagnosed within this clinical site remained constant. Adolescents who chose to continue their pregnancy were more likely to present later for diagnosis and experienced a longer wait time to their referral appointment for prenatal care. Pregnant adolescents may delay entry into timely reproductive health services.