cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Video with Wide-Field SPecular Microscopy

The addition of a high-sensitivity video camera and recording system has augmented and simplified the use of the wide-field specular microscope. In the noncontact mode, the tape is replayed and the clearest image frozen for analysis. When used as a contact instrument, video recording as the cornea is scanned allows examination of broad areas for endothelial pathologic involvement.
Sulfuric acid-layered ultrafine particles potentiate ozone-induced airway injury.

Urban air pollution in the United States is composed of a complex mixture of particles and gases. Among the most prominent products of the atmospheric pollutants are sulfur oxides and ozone. In this report, we use two exposure protocols to examine the interaction between exposure to these two pollutants. In the first exposure regimen, guinea pigs were exposed to sulfuric acid (pure sulfuric acid mist or sulfuric acid layered on ZnO) for 1 h. Each exposure is followed 2 h later by another exposure to 0.15 ppm ozone for 1 h. Pulmonary function parameters were measured immediately after the ozone exposure. In guinea pigs that were exposed to 300 ng/m3 pure sulfuric acid mist, subsequent exposure to 0.15 ppm ozone did not produce additional change in pulmonary functions. In guinea pigs that were exposed to 84 μg/m3 sulfuric acid layered on ZnO, subsequent exposure to 0.15 ppm ozone produced more than additive alterations in vital capacity and diffusing capacity. In the second exposure regimen, guinea pigs wer...
B-cell suppression by anti-IgM antibody: Humoral and cellular analyses

Abstract Neonatal administration of anti-μ antiserum to C3H/St mice effected a reduction not only in the number of B cells but also the density of membrane Ig, μ, and δ receptors on the remaining positive cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Profound depression in B-cell function obtained as evidenced by decreased spontaneous Ig-secreting cells (μ
Biaxial deformation of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-4V/TiC composites by transformation-mismatch superplasticity

Abstract Gas-pressure bulge forming of unreinforced Ti-6Al-4V and TiC-reinforced Ti-6Al-4V was performed while cycling the temperature around the allotropic transformation range of the alloy (880–1020 °C). The resulting domes exhibited very large strains to fracture without cavitation, demonstrating for the first time the use of transformation-mismatch superplasticity under a biaxial state of stress for both an alloy and a composite. Furthermore, much faster deformation rates were observed upon thermal cycling than for control experiments performed under the same gas pressure at a constant temperature of 1000°C, indicating that efficient superplastic forming of complex shapes can be achieved by transformation-mismatch superplasticity, especially for composites which are difficult to shape with other techniques. However, the deformation rate of the cycled composite was lower than for the alloy, most probably because the composite exhibits lower primary and secondary isothermal creep rates. For both cycled materials, the spatial distribution of principal strains is similar to that observed in domes deformed by isothermal microstructural superplasticity and the forming times can be predicted with existing models for materials with uniaxial strain rate sensitivity of unity. Thus, biaxial transformation-mismatch superplasticity can be modeled within the well-known frame of biaxial microstructural superplasticity, which allows accurate predictions of forming time and strain spatial distribution once the uniaxial constitutive equation of the material is known.
And so we asked ourselves — about teacher centers

(1978). And so we asked ourselves — about teacher centers. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 17, Staff Development: New Directions, pp. 248-257.
Employing a Conservation of Resources Framework to Examine the Interactive Effects of Work Domain Support and Economic Impact on Work–Family Conflict

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactive effects of work domain support (i.e., family supportive supervisor perceptions and family supportive organizational perceptions) and economic effect on work–family conflict using a conservation of resources theoretical approach. The authors collected survey data from 195 participants using multiple convenience sampling methods. As they had predicted, work domain support was related to diminished work interference with family. Further, the interaction of family supportive supervisor perceptions and economic impact significantly predicted work interference with family. The nature of the significant interaction implies that when an employee perceives him- or herself to be negatively affected by the state of the current economic climate, supervisor support is especially important for diminished work interference with family. This finding speaks to the need for supervisors to be even more supportive of employees' work–family issues, given current eco...
School Effects, Academic Performance, and School Crime: Some Inescapable Realities of Viewing Schools from the Inside.

Ethnographic studies yield information and knowledge not accessible by more conventional research methods, the author argues.
Cylindrical Axis, Not Epicondyles, Approximates Perpendicular to Knee Axes

Background The transepicondylar axis (TEA) is often used as a surrogate for the flexion-extension axis, ie, the axis around which the tibia moves in space, because of a belief that both axes lie perpendicular to the mechanical axis. However, studies suggest the cylindrical axis (CA), defined as a line equidistant from contact points on the medial and lateral condylar surfaces from 10o to 120o flexion, more closely approximates the axis around which the tibia moves in space.
The Effects of Race and Social Dominance Orientation in Simulated Juror Decision Making1

Recent mock-jury research often has found no evidence that White jurors are more likely to convict and impose harsher sentences on Black compared to White defendants. Drawing on social dominance theory (Sidanius & Pratto, 1999), this paper argues that this apparent null effect reflects that different racial biases shown by White jurors varying in social dominance orientation (SDO) cancel each other out. A mock-jury study (n = 70) found no main effect for defendant race, but evidence for a crossover interaction with high SDO individuals showing an anti-Black bias and with low SDO individuals showing a pro-Black bias in their guilty judgments and sentence recommendations. The discussion argues race is still a critical factor in White jurors’ decision making. There is a substantial amount of evidence suggesting that the U.S. criminal justice system produces differential outcomes for different racial/ethnic groups. With only few exceptions (Daudistel, Hosch, Holmes, & Graves, 1999), archival research has established that members of racial minority groups are more likely to be arrested, and more likely to be convicted and to receive harsher sentences than comparable White Americans (for reviews, see Kennedy, 1997; Sidanius & Pratto, 1999). These differences are most apparent in capital-murder cases (Gross & Mauro, 1989), but also have been documented for felonies and misdemeanors (Dane & Wrightsman, 1982). Given these findings, it is surprising that social psychological research on juror decision making has produced findings that are rather mixed if not inconsistent with the racial inequalities identified earlier. Even though there are oftencited papers showing that White jurors are biased against minority defendants (e.g., Bernard, 1979; Johnson, Whitestone, Jackson, & Gatto, 1995; Sweeney & Haney, 1992; Ugwuegbu, 1979), there are numerous counterexamples showing either no effect (e.g., McGuire & Bermant, 1977; Skolnick & Shaw, 1997) or even an anti-White bias (McGowen & King, 1982; Poulson, 1990; Shaw &
Improving ventricular-arterial coupling during resuscitation from shock: effects on cardiovascular function and systemic perfusion.

Background: Efficacy of circulation depends on interactions between the heart and the vascular system. Ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) has been described as an important determinant of cardiovascular function during resuscitation from shock. However, no prospective studies examining VAC and systemic perfusion have been performed. VAC is measured by the ratio of afterload (aortic input impedance [E a ]) to contractility (end-systolic elastance [E es ]). Lowering E a /E es is associated with better VAC and improved myocardial work efficiency. Our hypothesis was that optimizing VAC during resuscitation results in improved myocardial work efficiency while simultaneously improving systemic perfusion. Methods: This was a prospective study in a consecutive series of critically injured patients. Hemodynamic variables, including E a , E es , and myocardial work efficiency were evaluated by constructing ventricular pressure-volume loops at the bedside during resuscitation. After pulmonary artery catheterization and adequate fluid resuscitation, left ventricular power output and E a /E es were optimized with inotropic agents and/or afterload reduction. Efficiency was calculated as stroke work/total left ventricular energy expenditure. Tissue perfusion was estimated by calculating base deficit clearance per hour. Results: Twenty-three patients were studied over a 9-month period. Fifteen patients required inotropic support or afterload reduction. Improvements were seen in E a /E es (from 1.0 ± 0.4 to 0.6 ± 0.2 mm Hg/mL/m 2 , p = 0.0004), and left ventricular power output (from 280 ± 77 to 350 ± 81 L/min/m 2 . mm Hg, p = 0.003) with resuscitation. A concomitant improvement in myocardial efficiency (from 70% ± 8.0% to 77% ± 5.0%, p = 0.0001) and base deficit clearance (from 0.1 ± 0.4 to -0.2 ± 0.1 mEq/L/h, p = 0.006) was seen. Conclusion: Improved ventricular-arterial coupling during resuscitation is associated with improved myocardial efficiency and systemic tissue perfusion. Perfusion can be improved at lower energy cost to the heart by focusing on thermodynamic principles during resuscitation.
Integrated Knowledge Management System (IKMS)

Noblis, a not-for-profit organization, has extensive experience in the development of knowledge management systems (KMSs), and has recently developed a KMS for the Department of Homeland Security to address a specific need in the chemical threat area. While this KMS does not include a risk assessment model, it possesses the attributes required for the incorporation of such a model. It can also be expanded to include other threat agents as well (e.g., biological). The secured, web- enabled KMS includes an advanced search engine which provides powerful search capabilities. The index server allows for a complete integration with the Web application server and other components, providing substantial control over access to indexed documents. The KMS also incorporates a Noblis proprietary knowledge management module which operates on text to retrieve more complicated concepts than what can be extracted using common search tools. This paper sheds some light on the architecture of this KMS, and it also presents and discusses the architecture for an integrated knowledge management system (IKMS).
Prophylactic tamsulosin (Flomax) in patients undergoing prostate 125I brachytherapy for prostate carcinoma: Final report of a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic tamsulosin (Flomax) in reducing the urinary symptoms in patients undergoing 125 I prostate implantation (PI) for prostate adenocarcinoma. Methods and Materials This is a single-institution, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial for patients undergoing PI for prostate adenocarcinoma comparing prophylactic tamsulosin versus placebo. Eligibility criteria included patients not taking tamsulosin or other α-blockers treated with PI. The patients were randomly assigned to either tamsulosin (0.8 mg, orally once a day) or matched placebo. All patients started the medication 4 days before PI and continued for 60 days. The American Urologic Association (AUA) symptom index questionnaire was used to assess urinary symptoms. The AUA questionnaire was administered before PI for a baseline score and weekly for 8 weeks after PI. Patients were taken off the study if they developed urinary retention, had intolerable urinary symptoms, or wished to discontinue with the trial. Results One hundred twenty-six patients were enrolled in this study from November 2001 to January 2003 (118 were evaluable: 58 in the tamsulosin arm and 60 in the placebo group). Pretreatment and treatment characteristics were comparably matched between the two groups. The urinary retention rate was 17% (10 patients) in the placebo group compared with 10% (6 patients) in the tamsulosin group (p = 0.3161). Eighty-eight percent (14 patients) of those who developed urinary retention experienced it within 2 weeks after the PI. Intolerable urinary symptoms were reported equally (10 patients in each group) with 70% occurring in the first 2 weeks after PI. There was a significant difference in mean AUA score in favor of tamsulosin at Week 5 after PI ( p = 0.03). Conclusions Prophylactic tamsulosin (0.8 mg/day) before prostate brachytherapy did not significantly affect urinary retention rates, but had a positive effect on urinary morbidity at Week 5 after PI.
Sensitivity of surveillance cultures for the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a nursing-home-care unit

This study compared the sensitivity of nasal culture alone versus multiple-site cultures and single versus duplicate sampling for the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-colonized individuals in a nursing-home population. Repeat culture of 68 specimens collected from 35 colonized subjects yielded identical results for 57 specimens, (84%), and 89% of the colonized residents (31 of 35) were identified by the first culture of multiple sites. A single nares culture detected 27 (77%) of 35 (first screen) and 29 (83%) of 35 (second screen) residents colonized with MRSA at any site. The most cost-effective screening would consist of a nasal culture only or combined with a gastrostomy tube site, if applicable. To identify all colonized individuals, however, it would be necessary to culture more than one specimen from multiple sites on each resident.
Antibody mediated destruction of keratocytes infected with herpes simplex virus

The ability of complement-dependent antibody to mediate destruction of rabbit corneal cells infected with the RE and KOS strains of HSV-1 was examined. Three sources of target cells were used: BHK-21, a monitor of surface antigen expression and cell lysis; SIRC, a continuous cell line of rabbit corneal origin; stromal keratocytes, grown from the middle layer of excised rabbit corneas. Rabbits were infected intrastromally with the RE strain, which causes a high incidence of stromal keratitis, and sacrificed at designated times. Results showed that all three cell types, infected with either HSV strain, expressed surface antigens and were susceptible to lysis by antibody produced during the course of stromal disease. Cr-release assays showed that cytolytic antibody appeared as early as 5 days postinfection and reached maximum by day 14–20. Findings suggest a direct relationship between the in vitro demonstration of complement dependent cytolysis of infected stromal cells and the disease process in experiment...
Test results of the US-LCT pool-boiling coils in the International Fusion Superconducting Magnet Test Facility (IFSMTF)

The international Large Coil Task (LCT) designed, built, and successfully tested six different toroidal-field coils. Included in the torus are two pool-boiling coils designed and fabricated by US firms, General Dynamics/Convair Division (GD) and General Electric/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (GE). Both coils were instrumented for studies of electromagnetic, mechanical and thermodynamic properties and performed well and met design specifications. The authors summarize the complete test results, including the extended-condition test in which both coils demonstrated capability for operation beyond design points. The highlights of all major experiments since April 1987 that involved the GD or GE coils are presented in tabular form. In the extended-condition tests, both coils operated stably at 100% design current and above 9 T, even with bath temperature higher than 4.3 K. The mechanical behavior of both coils was generally in good agreement with calculations. Both coils were also safely discharged several times in the extended-condition tests. All results indicate that the technology developed for these two pool-boiling LCT coils can be directly applied for future large-scale applications. >
Mutations in the human SC4MOL gene encoding a methyl sterol oxidase cause psoriasiform dermatitis, microcephaly, and developmental delay

Defects in cholesterol synthesis result in a wide variety of symptoms, from neonatal lethality to the relatively mild dysmorphic features and developmental delay found in individuals with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. We report here the identification of mutations in sterol-C4-methyl oxidase–like gene (SC4MOL) as the cause of an autosomal recessive syndrome in a human patient with psoriasiform dermatitis, arthralgias, congenital cataracts, microcephaly, and developmental delay. This gene encodes a sterol-C4-methyl oxidase (SMO), which catalyzes demethylation of C4-methylsterols in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. C4-Methylsterols are meiosis-activating sterols (MASs). They exist at high concentrations in the testis and ovary and play roles in meiosis activation. In this study, we found that an accumulation of MASs in the patient led to cell overproliferation in both skin and blood. SMO deficiency also substantially altered immunocyte phenotype and in vitro function. MASs serve as ligands for liver X receptors α and β (LXRα and LXRβ), which are important in regulating not only lipid transport in the epidermis, but also innate and adaptive immunity. Deficiency of SMO represents a biochemical defect in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, the clinical spectrum of which remains to be defined.
After Newtown — Public Opinion on Gun Policy and Mental Illness

The loss of life in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012 has prompted a national conversation about guns and mental illness. Public opinion surveys can help policymakers understand Americans' attitudes toward both violence-prevention proposals and mental illness.
Identifying behavioral markers of disordered Internet sports gambling

Objective: To identify patterns of sports gambling that discriminate sports bettors with self-reported gambling-related problems from sports bettors without such difficulties.Methods: Secondary data analysis of the actual betting behavior observed during the first 2 years of a longitudinal study of 47,134 subscribers to an Internet sports gambling site. This sample included the gambling behavior of 679 bettors who self-reported the reason for closing their accounts during that period. We contrasted the behavior of those who closed their accounts because of gambling-related problems (n = 215, 32%) to the behavior of other account closers (ACs) who were either not satisfied with the service (n = 113, 17%) or no longer interested in betting (n = 351, 52%).Results: Exploratory multivariate discriminant function analyses identified a sub-group of approximately half the ACs with gambling-related problems who exhibited a homogeneous and distinct pattern of sports-betting behavior. Compared to other ACs, this sub...
Indicated biological effect from the 9 July 1962 high altitude nuclear test

An influence of the 9 July 1962 high altitude nuclear test on the reproductive responses in DROSOPHILA cultures was indicated by the occurrence of simultaneous minimas in progeny curves. Progeny from cultures grown in magnetic fields disclosed less deviation from a four generation mean value than did progeny from control cultures. It is suggested that the magnetic fields deflected a portion of the increased 9 July radiation from the test region. Based on limited data,the possibility exists that a protective effect may have been transferred to first generation flies grown out of the magnetic fields.
QuRiNet: A wide-area wireless mesh testbed for research and experimental evaluations

Research in wireless mesh networks have been growing in recent years. Many testbeds have been created to study networking protocols in wireless mesh networks. In this work, we describe QuRiNet, an outdoor wide-area wireless mesh network deployed in a natural reserve. We describe various research efforts that have been leveraging the QuRiNet testbed. Several interesting measurement data are reported in addition to their impact due to various network configurations and technological variations. Mesh nodes in QuRiNet are powered by solar panels, running with multiple radios. QuRiNet provides the backbone for transporting ecological and environmental data from the field to the labs. The goal of deploying QuRiNet is to create a research platform for advance wireless mesh networking research. Physical link distances in QuRiNet range from hundreds to thousands of meters. QuRiNet has been used for experimental research studies including: channel assignment, network monitoring, and mobility studies.
Atomic diffusion effects on the coherent storage of an image using a gradient echo memory in a warm atomic vapor

We experimentally study the effect of atomic diffusion on the quality of an image stored in the long-lived ground state coherence of a warm atomic ensemble using a gradient echo memory.
The S-Curve Dynamics of US-Hong Kong Commodity Trade

Abstract It has been proved theoretically that correlation coefficients between future values of the trade balance and current exchange rate is positive where as those correlation coefficients between past values of the trade balance and the current exchange rate is negative, hence the S-Curve pattern. In this paper we tested the empirical validity of the curve using annual data from the period 1978–2006 of 104 industries that trade between the US and Hong Kong. We found evidence of the S-Curve in 34 industries. Included among the 34 industries one could see small and large industries as well as durable and non-durable ones.
(-)[125I]pindolol binding to human peripheral lung beta-receptors.

Abstract Beta-adrenergic receptors in human peripheral lung were characterized by biochemical and radioligand assays employing binding of the beta-antagonist (-)[ 125 I]pindolol to plasma membrane preparations. The specific binding of (-)[ 125 I]pindolol reached equilibrium by 45 min with an initial rate constant of 0.0282 min −1 . Binding was reversible with a kinetic dissociation rate constant of 0.0146 min −1 . The calculated kinetic K d (dissociation constant) was 430 pM which agreed very well with the K d of 394 pM obtained by Scatchard analyses of equilibrium binding data. Computer analyses of equilibrium binding experiments revealed a similar K d of 336 ± 24 pM. The binding capacities calculated by computer analyses (155 ± 7 fmol/mg protein) and Scatchard analyses (1013 fmol/mg protein) were also in close agreement. By all three methods (kinetic, Scatchard, and computer analyses), the data were most compatible with a single (-)[ 125 I]pindolol binding site. Analyses of equilibrium binding data from ten different human lungs revealed values for the K d ranging from 79 to 360 pM (mean, 136 pM), and for the receptor concentration ranging from 58 to 196 fmol/mg protein (mean, 118 fmol/mg protein). The displacement of (-)[ 125 I]pindolol binding by various agents exhibited stereoselectivity and the expected rank order of potency predicted for interactions with beta-receptors. Isoproterenol induced a rapid and dose-related increase in cyclic AMP that was prevented by specific beta-antagonists. Approximately 70% of the beta-receptors were found to be of the beta 2 -subtype by both radioligand binding and biochemical assays. Thus, (-)[ 125 I]pindolol appears to be an excellent ligand for characterizing human lung beta-receptors since accurate and reproducible results can be obtained with this radioligand using limited tissue sample quantities.
Upload any object and evolve it: Injecting complex geometric patterns into CPPNS for further evolution

Ongoing, rapid advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology are making it inexpensive for lay people to manufacture 3D objects. However, the lack of tools to help nontechnical users design interesting, complex objects represents a significant barrier preventing the public from benefitting from 3D printers. Previous work has shown that an evolutionary algorithm with a generative encoding based on developmental biology-a compositional pattern-producing network (CPPN)-can automate the design of interesting 3D shapes, but users collectively had to start each act of creation from a random object, making it difficult to evolve preconceived target shapes. In this paper, we describe how to modify that algorithm to allow the further evolution of any uploaded shape. The technical insight is to inject the distance to the surface of the object as an input to the CPPN. We show that this seeded-CPPN technique reproduces the original shape to an arbitrary resolution, yet enables morphing the shape in interesting, complex ways. This technology also raises the possibility of two new, important types of science: (1) It could work equally well for CPPN-encoded neural networks, meaning neural wiring diagrams from nature, such as the mouse or human connectome, could be injected into a neural network and further evolved via the CPPN encoding. (2) The technique could be generalized to recreate any CPPN phenotype, but substituting a flat CPPN representation for the rich, originally evolved one. Any evolvability extant in the original CPPN genome can be assessed by comparing the two, a project we take first steps toward in this paper. Overall, this paper introduces a method that will enable non-technical users to modify complex, existing 3D shapes and opens new types of scientific inquiry that can catalyze research on bio-inspired artificial intelligence and the evolvability benefits of generative encodings.
A theoretical analysis of the reaction between hydrogen atoms and isocyanic acid

Using BAC-MP4 potential-surface parameters, supplemented by an MP2 normal-mode analysis at one transition state, and statistical theoretical methods, we have computed thermal rate coefficients for the reactions, and Over the entire temperature range considered, 300 K < T < 3300 K, reaction (2) is the dominant product channel. The theoretical predictions are in excellent agreement with the experimental results available for k2 and k−1, the rate coefficient for the reverse of reaction (1). Modified Arrhenius expressions are given for k1, k−1, and k2. In addition, we identify and discuss a weakness in utilizing a Hartree-Fock normal-mode analysis in the prediction of k2. The present result for k2 is much smaller than that used in the initial modeling of the RAPRENOx process. The implications of this are discussed.
Public Information and Inflation Expectations: Microeconometric Evidence from a Natural Experiment

Abstract Governments provide public information to reduce information imperfections. Do households rely on public signals to inform themselves about market conditions? To identify the importance of public information in households' price expectations, we take advantage of a unique natural experiment in Ecuador where the published inflation rate had been different from the correct rate over a period of fourteen months due to a software error. We find that the public signal about prices plays an important role in households' price expectations, and the change in price expectations affects their savings choices. The effect is stronger for better-educated and older people.
A speech program in an experimental college for the disadvantaged

(1969). A speech program in an experimental college for the disadvantaged. The Speech Teacher: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 115-119.
Phase equilibria in the CsUO system in the temperature range from 873 to 1273 K

Abstract Portions of the cesium-uranium-oxygen system have been investigated between 873 and 1273 K and a phase diagram has been constructed using our data and the data of other workers in the field. A consistent set of measured and estimated thermodynamic data for cesium uranates has been used to calculate the equilibrium cesium partial pressure and the equilibrium oxygen partial pressure over two and three phase regions in the CsUO system. For a given temperature, the equilibrium cesium partial pressure in a two phase region decreases as the equilibrium oxygen partial pressure increases.
Trends in the use of second trimester maternal serum screening from 1991 to 2003

Purpose: To identify trends in the utilization of second trimester maternal serum screening, follow-up amniocenteses, and the detection of Down syndrome–affected pregnancies between 1991 and 2003. Methods: We reviewed all triple and quadruple maternal serum screening tests referred to the University of Connecticut screening laboratory from women with singleton pregnancies. For each calendar year, the total number of tests, proportion to women aged 35 or older, number of follow-up amniocenteses, and the number of prenatally and postnatally diagnosed Down syndrome cases were recorded. Results: A total of 109,469 women received screening. In 1991, the proportion of older women who received screening was 58% of that present in the Connecticut population but by 2003 this had increased to 83% (P < 0.001). In Down syndrome screen-positive pregnancies, there was no significant change in the rate of amniocentesis utilization (average 73%), but in false-positives, there was a decline from 70% in 1991 to 27% in 2003 (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Increased use of maternal serum screening by older women, use of second trimester ultrasound, and improvements in screening methodology have resulted in sharply reduced numbers of amniocenteses in unaffected pregnancies.
Guidelines for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major independent risk factor for stroke. AF is most commonly associated with nonvalvular cardiovascular disease and is especially frequent among the elderly. The annual risk for stroke in patients with AF is approximately 5% with a wide range depending on the presence of additional risk factors. For patients who cannot successfully be converted and maintained in normal sinus rhythm (NSR), antithrombotic therapy is an effective method for preventing stroke. The 2 drugs which are indicated for stroke prophylaxis in patients with AF are warfarin and aspirin. For primary prevention, warfarin reduces the risk of stroke approximately 68%. Aspirin therapy is less effective, resulting in a 20 to 30% risk reduction. Combination therapy with aspirin and low intensity warfarin adjusted to an International Normalised Ratio (INR) of 1.2 to 1.5 has not been shown to be superior to standard intensity warfarin with a target INR of 2.0 to 3.0. In patients with AF and a prior history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), the absolute risk reduction with warfarin is even greater because of the high risk of stroke in this population. In contrast, aspirin has not been shown to significantly reduce the risk of stroke in patients with AF when used for secondary prevention. When appropriately managed, warfarin is associated with a low risk of major bleeding. In controlled trials of highly selected patients, the annual rate of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) with warfarin was approximately 0.3%. Studies have shown that specialty anticoagulation clinics can achieve similar low rates of major bleeding. However, these results cannot be extrapolated to the general population. Factors which have been identified as predictors of bleeding include advanced age, number of medications and most importantly, the intensity of anticoagulation. INR values above 4.0 have been associated with an increased risk of major bleeding while values below 2.0 have been associated with thrombosis. Slow careful dosage titration, regular laboratory monitoring and patient education can substantially reduce the risk of complications. In patients with AF, antithrombotic therapy has been shown to be cost effective. For high risk patients, warfarin is the most cost-effective therapy, provided the risks for bleeding are minimised. In contrast, aspirin is the most cost-effective agent for low risk patients. Current practice guidelines for stroke prophylaxis recommend warfarin (target INR 2.5: range 2.0 to 3.0) for AF patients at high risk for stroke including those over 75 years of age or younger patients with additional risk factors. Aspirin should be reserved for low risk patients or those unable to take warfarin. Although these recommendations are strongly supported by the clinical trial evidence, studies show that many patients are not receiving appropriate antithrombotic therapy. In particular, warfarin is underutilised in high risk elderly patients. Additional studies are needed to identify barriers that prevent implementation of the clinical trial findings into clinical practice.
Health maintenance antecedents among older citizens in rural and urban communities

Abstract The evidence is clear that rural older people in most nations are less physically healthy than their urban counterparts. Research suggests that such differences may be due more to lifestyle characteristics, biological factors and environmental conditions than to access to, or utilization of, medical services. Utilizing a statewide sample of Idaho residents this study compares the characteristics of those people associated with a disease prevention/health maintenance model and those associated with the medical or disease oriented model. Results show some clear differences in characteristics between people utilizing the two models of health care.
Stereoselectivity of 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylate malonyltransferase toward stereoisomers of 1-amino-2-ethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid

Abstract A malonyltransferase isolated from mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) hypocotyls catalyzed the malonylation of both 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and d -amino acids. The possibility that ACC was recognized by the enzyme as a d -amino acid was investigated by examining the efficiencies of the four stereoisomers of 1-amino-2-ethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (AEC) serving as substrates of malonyl-transferase and as inhibitors of ACC malonyltransferase. Although all four isomers were malonylated by the enzyme and competitively inhibited the malonylation of ACC to N-malonyl-ACC, (1R,2S)-AEC and (1R,2R)-AEC, both of which have an R-configuration as a d -amino acid, had lower Km and Ki values (0.1 to 0.2 m m ) than their enantiomers, (1S,2R)-AEC (Km and Ki values were about 1 m m ) and (1S,2S)-AEC (Km and Ki values were higher than 10 m m ), which have an S-configuration as an l -amino acid. Similarly, (R)-isovaline (2-amino-2-methylbutanoic acid), which has an R-configuration as a d -amino acid, inhibited more effectively the enzymatic conversion of ACC to malonyl-ACC than did (S)-isovaline, which has an S-configuration as an l -amino acid. In mungbean hypocotyls (1R,2S)-AEC and (1R,2R)-AEC were also more efficiently converted into malonyl conjugates and more efficiently inhibited the conversion of radioactive ACC into malonyl-ACC than their enantiomers, although the differences in efficiency among stereoisomers were smaller in hypocotyls than in enzymatic reactions. These results suggest that ACC is recognized by the enzyme as a d -amino acid.
“The crux and the magic”: The Political History of Boston Magnet Schools, 1968–1989 1

This study analyzes public perceptions of Boston's magnet school program. Typically evaluated in terms of their impact on racial integration, magnet schools also were designed to improve the tarnished image of the Boston school system. While promoting voluntary integration at a handful of schools, the magnet program struggled to change the reputation of public education in the city. Boston's magnet schools found themselves perched precariously between conflicting and equally-problematic perceptions. To the extent that they were perceived to be elite enclaves, Boston magnet schools became potent symbols of inequality. To the extent that magnet schools were not perceived to be academically superior, they could never encourage integration nor become symbols of the potential of Boston public schools. Illustrating the dilemma presented by these contradictory perceptions, the history of Boston magnet schools suggests that efforts towards racial integration must be intertwined with campaigns for increasing educa...
Buoyancy Regulation by Hatchery and Wild Coho Salmon during the Transition from Freshwater to Marine Environments

Abstract One aspect of diadromy that has received little attention is buoyancy regulation in fish moving between freshwater and marine environments. Because of density differences between the two water types, fish must alter their whole-fish density (WFD) or they will become positively (float) or negatively (sink) buoyant as they change environments. This idea was first suggested over 80 year ago but has been largely overlooked by the scientific community. To explore how fish regulate buoyancy during this important transition, I measured WFD and lipid levels and estimated swim bladder volumes (SBVs) of juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch collected from freshwater and marine environments. These fish exhibited increased WFD with increasingly dense environments, suggesting active buoyancy regulation. Most of the WFD increase was attributable to decreases in SBV, although hatchery coho salmon also exhibited decreased lipid levels with increasing WFD. Hatchery coho salmon had significantly higher lipid l...
Pertussis-toxin-sensitive Gα subunits selectively bind to C-terminal domain of neuronal GIRK channels: evidence for a heterotrimeric G-protein-channel complex

Abstract Neuronal G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir3; GIRK) channels are activated by G-protein-coupled receptors that selectively interact with PTX-sensitive (Gαi/o) G proteins. Although the Gβγ dimer is known to activate GIRK channels, the role of the Gαi/o subunit remains unclear. Here, we established that Gαo subunits co-immunoprecipitate with neuronal GIRK channels. In vitro binding studies led to the identification of six amino acids in the GIRK2 C-terminal domain essential for Gαo binding. Further studies suggested that the Gαi/oβγ heterotrimer binds to the GIRK2 C-terminal domain via Gα and not Gβγ. Gαi/o binding-impaired GIRK2 channels exhibited reduced receptor-activated currents, but retained normal ethanol- and Gβγ-activated currents. Finally, PTX-insensitive Gαq or Gαs subunits did not bind to the GIRK2 C-terminus. Together, these results suggest that the interaction of PTX-sensitive Gαi/o subunit with the GIRK2 C-terminal domain regulates G-protein receptor coupling, and may be important for establishing specific Gαi/o signaling pathways.
Six-DOF Nanomanipulation Tools for Nanoscale Device Prototyping and Fabrication

With the progress of instrumentation in nanoscale visualization, tremendous sicentific dicoveries and understanding has been made. A great breakthrough in nanotechnology came with the inventions of scanning tunneling microscope in 1982 and atomic force microscope in 1986. These revolutionary inventions opened the nanoworld to scientists and engineers by visualizing it with atomic resolution. However, the lack of efficient nanomanipulation capability has become a bottleneck for creating devices using nanocomponents both in the research community and industry. This paper presents the stateof- the-art of nanomanipulation concepts, manipulator designs, manipulator systems. Such an approach has certain advantages over existing designs which have such limitations as device sizes orders of magnitude too large for in situ applications and further device miniaturization restricted due to the adverse effect of physical scaling laws.
Comments on "Potential human cancer risks from exposure to PCBs: a tale of two evaluations".

In “Potential Human Cancer Risks From Exposure to PCBs: A Tale of Two Evaluations,”1 R. Golden, J. Doull, W. Waddell, and J. Mandell addressed three primary concerns with the Toxicological Profile ...
Opening the field of integrin biology to "biased agonism".

See related article, pages 1269–1279 Integrins are α- and β-subunit heterodimeric receptors that mediate divalent cation-dependent cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion through tightly regulated interactions with ligands central to inflammation, immunity, hemostasis, and tumor metastasis.1 Integrins have been viewed to function within a 2-state model. In response to cell activation signals, integrins switch from a low-affinity to a high-affinity ligand-binding state. These inactive and active integrin conformations have been corroborated structurally.2 In this issue of Circulation Research , Wolf and coworkers3 have mapped a novel interaction site within the ligand-binding I-domain of the αM-subunit. Taken with the synthesis herein, these data provide tantalizing evidence that the 2-state model of integrin activation and deactivation may be oversimplified. Recruitment of circulating leukocytes in inflammation requires multistep adhesive and signaling events mediated, in part, by members of the β2-integrin family, LFA-1 (αLβ2, CD11a/CD18), Mac-1 (αMβ2, CD11b/CD18), p150,95 (αMβ2, CD11c/CD18), and αDβ2 (CD11d/CD18).4 Mac-1 is the most abundant β2-integrin on neutrophils and monocytes and is a highly promiscuous receptor, capable of binding a broad repertoire of ligands (Figure, A) and facilitating key leukocyte functions including migration, coagulation, proteolysis, phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and signaling.5–9 Elegant structural studies by several groups have begun to elucidate the molecular basis for such broad ligand recognition by Mac-1. A subset of integrin α-subunits, including αM of Mac-1, contains an inserted domain (I domain) of ≈200 amino acids that is implicated in ligand binding. The αMI-domain contributes broadly to the recognition of ligands by αMβ …
Photocatalytic decomposition of water at semiconductor electrodes

Although semiconductor electrodes have been studied for a long time, the problem of photocorrosion made them of limited use in practical devices. The discovery that TiO2 is stable in an illuminated electrochemical cell brought a great new interest to this topic. The photoelectrolysis of water to provide the useful fuel hydrogen was shown to be possible using a TiO2 anode. However, the efficiency of hydrogen production in sunlight has been low because TiO2 is a poor absorber of visible light. A number of techniques for improving the response are now being tried. A number of new semiconductors with smaller band gaps, such as Fe2O3, WO3 and p-GaP are being studied. Dye sensitization has only received limited attention, but decomposition problems have again occurred. Formation of heterostructures between stable wide band gap materials and corrosion-prone small band gap semiconductors needs further work, as does the area of increasing the visible light response through impurity doping.
Gold-catalyzed oxide nanopatterns for the directed assembly of Ge island arrays on Si

The heteroepitaxial growth of Ge on Au-patterned Si(001) is investigated using in situ spectromicroscopy. Patterning of a hydrogen-terminated Si surface with a square array of Au dots followed by brief exposure to air leads to the spontaneous, local oxidation of Si. The resulting oxide nanopattern limits the surface migration of Au during annealing up to 600 °C, resulting in complete preservation of the Au pattern. Subsequent deposition of Ge induces a redistribution of Au across the surface even as the oxide nanopattern persists. As a result, the oxide pattern drives the growth of Ge islands into an ordered assembly, while Au decorates the surfaces of the Ge islands and modifies their shape.
Transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor confers tumor suppressor activity in murine renal carcinoma (Renca) cells.

Objectives. To demonstrate that the introduction of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) type II receptor (TβR-II) decreases tumorigenicity in an aggressive murine renal carcinoma line, Renca. These cells do not express TβR-II. Because the presence of TβR-II in benign epithelial cells is ubiquitous, the ability to restore tumor suppressor activity in the Renca cell line with its introduction would elucidate the role of TβR-II as a tumor suppressor gene. Methods. Renca cells were stably transfected with a retrovirus-mediated TβR-II expression vector. In vitro sensitivity to growth inhibitory effect of TGF-β was assessed by the 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. For in vivo testing, xenograft tumors were produced by subcutaneous injection of tumor cells into immunodeficient nude mice. The tumorigenicity of these TβR-II transfected cells was tested. Wild-type Renca cells and cells transfected with the control vector were also tested for comparison. Results. Expression of TβR-II mRNA was evident in Renca cells after transfection with the TβR-II construct. In vitro sensitivity to the growth inhibitory effect of TGF-β was restored. This effect of TGF-β was reversible with a neutralizing antibody specific for the extracellular domain of TβR-II. Xenografts grown from TβR-II transfected cells were significantly smaller, weighed less, and developed tumors later than those developed from wild-type Renca cells and those transfected with the control vector. Conclusions. We conclude that TβR-II is a central mediator of tumorigenicity in Renca cells. As with other tumor suppressor genes, the loss of TβR-II expression allows for the development of an aggressive phenotype.
Using response surface methodology to link force structure budgets to campaign objectives

Effective and timely execution of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Program Objective Memorandum (POM) and Joint Warfare Capability Assessment (JWCA) process requires objective measures of how Air Force programs support the Defense Planning Guidance (DPG) and the Chairman’s Program Assessment (CPA). Using Factor Analysis (FA) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM), this paper presents a modeling approach that provides metrics which link expenditures to campaign level measures of outcome. Specifically, various alternative force structures are evaluated with regard to their combat capability as measured in terms of theater level campaign objectives (CO).
Isopropyl alcohol poisoning from cast application. A case report.

Cast treatment has been a mainstay of fracture management for decades. In an age when surgical treatment is thought to be first-line therapy for many fractures, cast treatment is often considered to be the conservative mode of care. Cast treatment is not, however, without its own risks of complication. One of the recognized complications from cast application is thermal injury. In order to minimize this risk, isopropyl alcohol is often applied to fiberglass casts during the curing stage. We present a rare case of transcutaneous isopropyl alcohol poisoning in a child undergoing cast management of a femoral fracture. The parents of the child were informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and they consented. Our institutional review board exempts case reports from the approval process. A 3.5-year-old boy was admitted with a chief complaint of pain in the left thigh. He had been sitting in a shopping cart that overturned, causing the left thigh to become trapped underneath the cart. The child was admitted to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a spiral fracture of the left femoral shaft. Closed fracture reduction and application of a hip spica cast with the boy under general anesthesia was recommended. The child was taken to the operating room the evening of admission. After induction of oral endotracheal general anesthesia, a closed reduction of the fracture was performed, after which a fiberglass spica cast was applied. The period of anesthesia was unremarkable, and stable vital signs were recorded throughout …