cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of early and later physical therapist services for older adults with back pain

Abstract Background context The timing of physical therapy (PT) services and its association with later function and pain are not clear, especially in older adults. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of patients receiving early or later PT services with those not receiving PT among older adults presenting to primary care for a new visit for back pain. Study design/setting Prospective cohort study using the Back Pain Outcomes Using Longitudinal Data registry. Patient sample A total of 3,705 adults 65 years and older with a new visit for back pain were included. Outcome measures The outcome measures were Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Pain Numerical Rating Scales, and EuroQol-5D. Methods We studied two phases of PT utilization: early (0–28 days) and later (3–6 months). At baseline, we selected the participants with complete 12 months of patient-reported outcomes and electronic medical record data. Early PT was defined as initiating PT less than or equal to 28 days from the index visit for back pain. The no early PT group consisted of patients with no PT, no injections, no surgery, and no chiropractic within 28 days. We restricted the later phase analysis to patients with pain greater than 2 of 10 and an RMDQ score greater than 4 to create a subsample of patients with continuing clinically important back pain. We defined later PT as initiating PT between 3 and 6 months after the index visit. The no later PT group consisted of patients without any PT during this time. We used propensity score matching followed by multiple linear regression to estimate the mean difference in outcome. Sensitivity analysis examined clinically important change and dose of PT use among the early PT group. Results The early PT group had better functional status with an adjusted mean RMDQ of 1.1 points less than the no early PT group (95% confidence interval: –2.2, –0.1) and less back pain of –0.5 (–0.9, –0.1) at 12 months. There was no difference between early PT groups at 3 and 6 months. The odds of a 30% improvement in function or pain were not different between these matched groups at 12 months, but the early PT group had increased odds of a 50% improvement in function at 12 months (odds ratio: 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 2.40). There was no difference between later groups at 12 months. Greater dose of PT use within the early PT group was associated with better functional status (p= .01). Conclusions We found that among older adults presenting to their primary care providers for a new episode of back pain, early referral to PT resulted in no or minimal differences in pain, function, or health-related quality at 3, 6, or 12 months compared with a matched group that did not receive early PT. Secondary analysis show that patients initiating early PT may be somewhat more likely to experience 50% improvement in function at 12 months.
Violence and Men's Health

A combination of biology and culture makes men more susceptible to death and injuries from violence, and makes them more likely to commit the violence that causes death and injury in others. As medical practitioners become more comfortable addressing behavioral issues in their patients' lives, they can also address violence. In the office, documenting a behavioral history that includes violence makes it possible for a practitioner to assess the patient's risk for future violence, to determine appropriate interventions, and to counsel for prevention. Out of the office, practitioners can help decrease communities' tolerance for violence as a method to resolve disputes.
Vapor pressure of indium chloride and some implications for the In-Se system

The optical absorbance of the vapor over InCl in the ultraviolet spectrum was measured. Comparison with the published vapor pressure yields a Beer’s law constant of 0.00143 atm-cm for the 267.6 nm peak, and a 1273 K optical path. The spectrum is found to match unidentified peaks found in a recent study of the In-Se system. The amount of InCl in the In-Se samples of the recent study was calculated and was found to be by weight and of negligible influence on the partial pressures obtained there. However, on the basis of the results obtained here and on those from the recent study of the In-Se system, it appears likely that the published partial pressure of the subselenide over 33.3 at.% Se (In-Se) is in error and is actually that of an InCl impurity.
Effect of synthetic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone on pituitary and serum levels of luteinizing hormone of intact and median eminence lesioned male rats.

Des rats mâles intacts ou ayant une lesion du ME ont recu une seule injection intrajugulaire de LRF synthetique. Les variations de taux de LH hypophysaire et serique (en fonction du temps et de la dose reponse) montrent que le LRF controle la secretion (la decharge et la synthese) du LH hypophysaire.
Leptin-based therapeutics

Leptin, a pluripotent adipokine, has been discovered as a hormone controlling energy balance in hypothalamic neuroendocrine centers. In addition, recent studies provided ample evidence that leptin can be produced by cells other than adipocytes, and that the hormone can regulate many physiological processes other than energy balance and appetite. In this context, it is not surprising that both leptin excess as well as leptin insufficiency have been implicated in various pathologies. Consequently, despite initially disappointing results with recombinant leptin as the drug for obesity management, new leptin receptor modifiers have been developed and emerged as potential treatment modalities for numerous metabolic, immunological and neoplastic diseases. The major focus of this paper is a systematic review of current experimental leptin-based therapies, including pharmacological advantages and limitations of each prodrug category.
A conserved kinase cascade for MAP kinase activation in yeast

Mitogen-activated protein kinases are regulators of proliferation and differentiation in many eukaryotes. Studies during the last year have revealed that functionally distinct signal pathways in yeast use related protein kinase cascades for mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. These cascades act as intracellular signaling modules that are likely to be conserved from yeast to mammals.
A KINETIC MODEL OF THE EPOXIDATION OF ETHYLENE

Abstract A generalized kinetic model was proposed to describe the kinetics and the deuterium kinetic isotope effect of the epoxidation of ethylene on silver catalysts. The model assumed that ethylene and oxygen adsorbed on different sites, and took into account the overall stoichiometry of the reaction. From the model, it was concluded that the rate of reaction was not limited by the rate of adsorption of oxygen, in spite of the low sticking coefficient of oxygen, and that deuterium labelling of ethylene could result in changes in the surface concentrations of intermediates. This latter point needs to be considered in interpreting kinetic isotope effects in the formation of each of the products.
Collective dynamics in a model of sliding charge-density waves. II. Finite-size effects.

The unusual finite-size effects exhibited by a class of models of sliding charge-density-wave (CDW) conductors are examined within the context of an automaton model we have developed which allows us to probe close to threshold in large systems. We demonstrate the existence of two distinct parts of the finite-size regime, and describe the nature of each subregime. We present evidence for unusual finite-size scaling, whereby finite-size effects are not simply driven by the divergence of the velocity-velocity correlation length ξ. Finally, we compare simulations of sliding CDW's with experimental data to suggest that finite-size effects may be present in real CDW conductors
A property of partial sums of regression least squares residuals and its applications

Abstract For a class of regression models, the sum of the sequence of partial sums of least squares residuals is shown to be zero. Simple and higher order polynomial regression models are included in the class for which this property holds. The result is applied to derive properties of the sample path behavior of residual partial sum processes. It is also applied to show the singularity of the Bayes-type statistic derived to test for one-sided change at unknown time in the intercept parameter of a regression model.
Low temperature photo-induced reactions in green leaves and chloroplasts

Abstract 1. Swiss chard leaves, spinach leaves and spinach chloroplasts at liquid nitrogen temperatures exhibit photo-induced absorbance changes with maxima at 556–557, 680–682 and 703–705 nm. Experiments reported indicate that the 556 nm peak is due to the α-band of cytochrome b559. The peak at 680 nm is attributed to P680, the photoactive center of photosystem II, and the peak at 703 nm is attributed to P700. 2. Laser-induced oxidation of cytochrome b559 has a half-time of 4.6 msec. Laser oxidized P680 has two reductive phases, one having a half-time of 30 μsec and the other of 4.5 msec. P700 has only one reductive phase with a half-time of approx. 30 μsec. The kinetics strongly suggest that P680 is the primary oxidant of cytochrome b559 at low temperatures. 3. The slow reductive phase of P680 and oxidation of cytochrome b559 tended to have equal and approximately constant rates between 80 and 220°K.
A Constructivist's Perspective on Functional Contextualism.

First, the effects of constructivism are not as obvious because constructivism is not a theory of learning. Nor is it a model for designing instruction. Rather, it is fundamentally an epistemology that has affected the way that educators in the past decade conceive of learning. As an ontology, it has significantly affected the fields of art and sociology for more than 60 years. More than a decade ago, I tried to articulate constructivist models of design, but I soon discovered that such a concept is oxymoronic. One can argue that it is impossible to directly and empirically demonstrate the effectiveness of constructivism. That was not its intention, despite the claims of many designers who claim to be constructivist.
Sequential stopping rules for the regenerative method of simulation

We consider the estimation via simulation of confidence intervals for steady-state response variables for stochastic systems which have a regenerative stochastic structure. Sequential stopping rules are investigated which allow the ratio of the width to the midpoint of an estimated confidence interval to be specified ahead of time. We prove that the resulting confidence intervals are valid asymptotically as the relative width decreases to zero. For various relative widths we empirically investigate the validity of the confidence intervals obtained when the stopping rules are applied to the simulation of queuing systems having a regenerative stochastic structure. For the queuing systems and response variables considered, a relative width of 0.05 is found to be sufficiently small to yield valid confidence intervals in almost all cases. In addition, we empirically compare the sequential stopping rules with a fixed stopping rule.
Critique and Disclosure: Critical Theory Between Past and Future

By Nikolas Kompridis MIT Press, 2007 (2006). Pp. 337. ISBN 978–0–262–11299–4. $37.50 (hbk). The philosophical and social writings of Jurgen Habermas have prompted intense interest on the part of nu...
Synthesis of the new metalloligands [η6-(PPh2)xC6H6−x]Cr(CO)2(L) [x = 1,2; L = CO and PR3] and some rhodium(I) complexes

Abstract Transmetallation of {η 6 -1,4-(Bu n 3 Sn) 2 C 6 H 4 }Cr(CO) 2 (PBu n 3 ) with n BuLi followed by treatment with diphenylchlorophosphine afforded as the major product {η 6 -1,4-(PPh 2 ) 2 C 6 H 4 }Cr(CO) 2 (PBu n 3 ) ( 4 ) and a minor amount of {η 6 -1-(SnBu n 3 )-4-(PPh 2 )C 6 H 4 }Cr(CO) 2 (PBu n 3 ) ( 5 ). Treatment of {η 6 -1,4-(PPh 2 ) 2 C 6 H 4 }Cr(CO) 2 (L) ( 9 , L = CO; 4 , L = PBu n 3 ) with [(CO) 2 RhCl] 2 liberated carbon monoxide and gave the heterobimetallic coordination polymers {[η 6 -1,4-(PPh) 2 C 6 H 4 ]Cr(CO) 2 L]Rh(CO)Cl} n ( 10a , L = CO; 10b , L = PBu 6 3 ). Coordination of both PPh 2 substituents to rhodium led to hindered rotation about the Cr-(η 6 -arene) axis (ΔG ‡ = 11.7 ± 0.1 kcal mol −1 for 10b , estimated from the 31 P DNMR spectra). The transmetallation chemistry was also used to prepare {η 6 -(PPh 2 )C 6 H 5 }Cr(CO) 2 (L) ( 8a , L = CO; 8b , L = PPh 3 ] in excellent yields.
Glyoxylate cycle enzymes and catalase in digitonin-fractionated mitochondria inTurbatrix aceti

The subcellular localization of the glyoxylate cycle enzymes, isocitrate lyase and malate synthase, and the peroxisomal marker, catalase, was examined in 14-day-old cultures of the nematodeTurbatrix aceti. Glyoxylate cycle enzymes co-sedimented with selected mitochondrial enzymes during rate sedimentation. Two separate enzyme peaks were resolved after isopycnic centrifugation on a sucrose gradient: glyoxylate cycle enzymes, isocitrate lyase and malate synthase, and the Krebs cycle markers, fumarase and citrate synthase, banded at a density of 1.214 g/cm3 while catalase consistently sedimented at 1.197 g/cm3. Electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria with similar morphology were the only recognizable organelles in both enzyme peaks. Notably, organelles resembling microbodies (glyoxysomes) were not present. The compartmentation of these enzymes within the mitochondria was examined by sequentially disrupting organelle membranes with varying concentrations of digitonin. The complete release of isocitrate lyase and malate synthase occurred concomitantly with the loss of matrix material from the mitoplasts. Citrate synthase was concurrently released, although to a lesser extent, while fumarase and catalase remained associated with disrupted membrane fragments at the highest concentration of digitonin used. Thus, glyoxylate cycle enzymes and catalase appear to be localized withinT. aceti mitochondria and not within glyoxysomes as generally found in other eucaryotes.
Henry W. Blair's Campaign to Reform America: From the Civil War to the U.S. Senate. By Gordon B. McKinney. (Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 2013. Pp. vii, 246. $50.00.)

This well‐crafted biography of Henry W. Blair places the New Hampshire politician at the center of late nineteenth‐century political debates about moral reform. Building on well‐known scholarship e...
AN UNUSUAL MITOTIC MECHANISM IN THE PARASITIC PROTOZOAN SYNDINIUM SP

Syndinium and related organisms which parasitize a number of invertebrates have been classified with dinoflagellates on the basis of the morphology of their zoospores. We demonstrate here that with respect to chromosome structure and chemistry as well as nuclear division, they differ fundamentally from free-living dinoflagellates. Alkaline fast green staining indicates the presence of basic proteins in Syndinium chromosomes. Chromatin fibers are about 30 A thick and do not show the arrangement characteristic of dinoflagellate chromosomes. The four V-shaped chromosomes are permanently attached at their apexes to a specific area of the nuclear membrane through a kinetochore-like trilaminar disk inserted into an opening of the membrane. Microtubules connect the outer dense layer of each kinetochore to the bases of the two centrioles located in a pocket-shaped invagination of the nuclear envelope. During division kinetochores duplicate, and each sister kinetochore becomes attached to a different centriole. As the centrioles move apart, apparently pushed by a bundle of elongating microtubules (central spindle), the daughter chromosomes are passively pulled apart. During the process of elongation of the central spindle, the cytoplasmic groove on the nuclear surface which contains the central spindle sinks into the nuclear space and is transformed into a cylindrical cytoplasmic channel. A constriction in the persisting nuclear envelope leads to the formation of two daughter nuclei.
Self-stimulation of the MFB following parabrachial lesions

It has been reported previously that the parabrachial region supports robust self-stimulation. In the present study, we determined whether lesions of the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) influence the rewarding effect of medial forebrain bundle (MFB) stimulation. In 10 rats, stimulation electrodes were aimed at the lateral hypothalamus and/or ventral tegmental area and a lesioning electrode aimed at the PBN. Rate-frequency curves were collected at each of three stimulation currents at each electrode, before and after lesioning. Four rats showed virtually no change in the frequency required to sustain half-maximal performance following lesioning, and two showed some postlesion decreases. Only two rats showed substantial postlesion increases in required frequency; the lesions in these subjects damaged the region ventral to the superior cerebellar peduncle, just caudal to the decussation of the peduncle, but spared the PBN. Thus, the reward effectiveness of MFB stimulation does not appear to be altered substantially following PBN lesions but may decrease following damage to the neighboring pedunculopontine region.
Spectroscopic studies of Lewis acid-base complexes Part 7. Vibrational spectra and normal coordinate calculations for trimethylphosphine-gallium halide complexes

Abstract Raman and infrared spectra of normal and deuterated species of trimethylphosphine-gallium tribromide and trimethylphosphine-gallium triiodide complexes have been obtained from microcrystalline solids, mulls and KBr discs. Assignments are made and confirmed by normal coordinate analyses. For completeness, the calculations are extended to include minor revisions to the results from the chloride complex previously published.
The Impact of H2 Addition on Dechlorinating Microbial Communities

ABSTRACT Laboratory-scale column experiments were performed to investigate the effects of membrane-supplied H2 on tetrachloroethene (PCE) dechlorination and microbial community composition. Columns were filled with aquifer material from one of two TCE-contaminated sites and fed a PCE-spiked anaerobic minimal medium for approximately 1 year. For each experiment, one or more experimental columns were supplied with H2 via gas-permeable hollow-fiber membranes with one control column not receiving any H2. After approximately 1 year of operation, aquifer material samples were collected along the length of the columns. Bacterial communities in the samples were analyzed by amplifying the highly variable V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene and separating amplicons using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Microbial community profiles in H2-fed (continuous or pulsed delivery) columns were compared with those in untreated control columns and microbial community profiles were also compared with dechlorination profile...
Constructing a multichannel electrocardiography system from a few standardized, high-level components

Multichannel systems for electrocardiography must be able to reliably measure and store large numbers of simultaneous low-frequency analog signals, while providing high gain, protection against defibrillation, and adequate electrical isolation. In the past, these specifications have been unique enough to force investigators to build up their systems from thousands of basic electronic components, like commercial integrated circuit amplifiers, power supplies, and analog-to-digital converters. It can take years to design, build, and debug a cardiac mapping system from basic components. The long development time and the need for specialized training to design from basic components forced some investigators to buy complete mapping systems or simply to avoid multichannel mapping. However, there is now another approach for these investigators. Recent advances in electronics, most notably the advent of high-speed open-industry bus standards, have made it possible to construct multichannel systems from just a few high-level off-the-shelf (standardized) components. The off-the-shelf approach can be used by most investigators without specialized training. This article describes the high level components of an off-the-shelf mapping system and the selection of those components for a particular application.
Combining Ability and Heterosis for Forage Yield among Elite Alfalfa Core Collection Accessions with Different Fall Dormancy Responses

Understanding genetic parameters of populations that are being considered for inclusion into plant-breeding programs provides critical knowledge to enhance economic traits of interest. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic parameters influencing forage yield for nine populations selected from the USDA National Plant Germplasm System alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) core collection that possessed high-yield potential and differing fall dormancy response. Forage dry matter yields of 36 diallel hybrids, their 9 parents, and 6 commercial checks were harvested three times in each of 2 yr from seeded plots near Las Cruces, NM. Variation among hybrids for forage yield was primarily attributed to general combining ability effects, which were 5.6 times greater than specific combining ability effects. More than 70% of the hybrids performed similarly to the best commercial check. Fourteen hybrids exhibited significant mid-parent heterosis (MPH), and seven hybrids exhibited significant high-parent heterosis (HPH). The frequency of hybrids showing significant MPH was twofold greater for hybrids generated between parents with different fall dormancy response as compared with hybrids generated from parents with similar fall dormancy response. Eight of the nine top-yielding hybrids were derived from populations that originated from Peru and Argentina. All hybrids with significant positive HPH involved a population from South America.
Purification of fly head cholinesterase

Abstract A cholinesterase from the housefly head was purified by butanol solubilization, ammonium sulphate, and acetone fractionations and Sephadex G-200, DEAE-cellulose, Sepharose 6-B, and DEAE-Sephadex A-50 gel chromatography. The enzyme was purified about 1300 times and had a specific activity of 739 (units per mg.) Its molecular weight was estimated to be 209,000 by Sepharose 6-B gel filtration. With acetylthiocholine, a K m of 0.014 m M and a turnover number of 123,800 was obtained at 25°C. and p H 8.0. Disc electrophoresis revealed that two interconvertible enzymatic forms existed in the purified enzyme.
Effect of metal and metalloid contaminated sediment on the spatial distribution of asiatic clams (Corbicula fluminea)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of metal and metalloid contaminated sediment on the movement and spatial distribution of asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) populations in the laboratory. One hundred clams were randomly placed in one meter diameter pools containing sediment collected from three sites of varying levels of metal contamination. The location of each clam was determined on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Ripley's L(t) function was used to measure the randomness or clustering of clams in experimental pools. There was no significant evidence of clustering of clam locations throughout the experiment. Further, sediment type had no significant effect on the distribution of clams in the pools, which suggests that clams were moving independently of one another. This information allowed us to estimate whether individual clams move sufficient distances to escape from patches of contaminated sediment of different sizes. Simulation results showed that after 150 weeks, clams can effectively escape from smaller contaminated patches of sediment (25-, 50-, and 100-cm radius), while less than 50% of clams could escape from a contaminated patch of 200-cm radius. These simulations suggest that an avoidance of contaminated sediment will not result in effective escape from moderately sized patches of contaminated sediment (>100-cm radius).
Skin color and autonomic nervous system measures.

Abstract A study has been performed in 50 subjects, 25 white and 25 black, measuring skin color (PI), basal skin resistance (SR) and amplitude of the galvanic skin response (GSR), and resting heart rate (HR) and the heart rate response (HRR) induced by a startle tone. A multiple correlation matrix revealed a statistically significant relationship between PI and SR and also GSR; between HR and HRR, and between SR and GSR. Analysis of the group differences revealed that blacks had significantly lower (darker) PI values, higher SR, greater GSR, and a higher HR and HRR. It is unclear from this study whether race or the intensity of skin color influenced the measured physiological responses.
Generation of backward terahertz waves in GaSe crystals

We have observed a backward-propagating terahertz wave by mixing two coherent infrared beams in two GaSe crystals. For the 47 mm long crystal, the output wavelength can be tuned in the wide range of 167.6 to 2060??m (0.146 to 1.79 THz), whereas the output peak power reaches 217 W. The corresponding power conversion efficiency is ?0.03%.
Superplastic behavior of an Al-4wt.T% Ti alloy processed by the powder metallurgy route

Abstract The superplastic behavior of an Al-4wt.% Ti alloy processed using rapid solidification powder metallurgy was investigated. The peak value of the strain rate sensitivity index increased with temperature and grain size. The drop in flow stress with increasing grain size and anomalously high activation energy for flow at low strain rates are explained in terms of a grain size and temperature dependent threshold stress for superplastic flow. The origin of the threshold process is interpreted to be the inhibition of grain boundary migration by the particles during superplastic flow. An increase in the activation energy for flow was observed at temperatures close to the melting point of aluminum.
Anticancer therapy with Hydrea: Comparative study of daily vs, intermittent oral dosage

No significant difference can be demonstrated in this evaluation between daily doses and intermittent doses of Hydrea in either subjective or objective response. Although a slightly better result was obtained by the daily dose in patients with malignant melanoma, colonrectum carcinoma, sarcoma, and ovarian cancer. No significant increase in longevity was noted by the intermittent dose over the daily dose. Because the difference between the two methods of administration is so slight, the intermittent method recommends itself because of the superior hematopoietic picture that can be maintained following its implementation.
Synaptic vesicle glutamate uptake in epileptic (EL) mice

The ATP-dependent glutamate uptake system of synaptic vesicles was investigated in epileptic (EL) mice to determine whether glutamate uptake activity correlates with seizure susceptibility or development. Given the focal seizure onset, glutamate uptake activity was measured in four separate brain regions: cerebrum (minus hippocampus), hippocampus, cerebellum, and brain stem. The EL values were compared to those of age-matched controls; DDY and ABP/LeJ (ABP) mice. The glutamate uptake specific activity for EL cerebrum was significantly higher than that for the control mice (approx. 400 days old), but was not elevated prior to seizure onset (46 days old). No difference in glutamate uptake was observed between the strains in the other brain regions. We conclude that increased synaptic vesicle glutamate uptake is brain-region specific (cerebrum) and is associated with the development or maintenance, rather than the initial cause, of seizures in the EL model of epilepsy.
Assessing Ethnicity in Preconception Counseling: Genetics—What Nurse Practitioners Need to Know

Purpose To define and discuss five genetic disorders Tay-Sachs, sickle cell anemia, Canavan's dis-ease, thalassemia, and cystic fibrosis (CF)—and to explain the importance of the nurse practitioner's (NP's) assessment of clients' ethnicity during preconception counseling, which should address these genetic conditions. Data Sources Review of literature from professional journals, professional organizations' Web sites, guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the National Institute of Health Consensus Statement, and the authors' professional clinical experience. Conclusions The goal of preconception counseling is to identify potential or actual medical, psychological, or social conditions that may affect the mother or fetus. NPs are often the health care providers that initiate preconception counseling to women in varied primary care settings. NPs must be familiar with ethnicity-related inheritable conditions in order to provide appropriate client information and education and to implement testing and, when needed, referral for genetic counseling to individuals and families at risk for genetic disorders such as Tay-Sachs, Canavan's disease, CF, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia. Implications for Practice NPs providing health care to women of child-bearing age should assess the client's use of contraception and intent for future pregnancy. Preconception counseling when indicated should be initiated to all women to increase their potential for healthy pregnancy outcomes. Although a comprehensive personal, family, medical, and psychoso-cial history and initiation of folic acid are the mainstays of preconception counseling, assessment for risk of ethnicity-related genetic conditions must also be included in prepregnancy health care.
Reoperative Cardiac Surgery After Long-term Ventricular Support Therapy

The use of investigational passive support devices continues to be evaluated in the treatment of heart failure. One concern with this technology is the future need for a reoperation such as coronary artery bypass surgery, placement of a left ventricular assist device or cardiac transplantation. In this report, we describe our experience with two patients who required reoperation after long-term use of a passive ventricular support device.
Comparison of Maximal Isometric Hip Abductor Muscle Torques Between Hip Sides

A posturally induced "stretch weakness" of the right hip abductor muscles has been reported in many healthy right-handed persons in the literature. The purpose of this study was to test for differences in the maximal isometric hip abduction torque produced between hip sides across multiple hip abduction angles. The torques were measured on 40 healthy right-handed individuals using a specialized torque-testing table at hip abduction angles of -10, 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 degrees. Statistical analysis of the results did not demonstrate a specific "weakness" of the right hip abductor muscles at the hip angle used to clinically test them. The results, however, did demonstrate statistically significant differences in the torque-hip angle slopes across hip sides. We hypothesized that these slope differences may result from muscle adaptation to lengths imposed by standing posture. We discuss how manual muscle testing procedures may bias the likelihood of encountering stretch weakness in muscles that are habitually maintained at near-maximal elongation.
Mediators of the relationship between social support and positive health practices in middle adolescents.

Abstract Introduction This correlational study developed and tested theory to better understand positive health practices (PHPs) in middle adolescents. It tested theoretic relationships postulated between PHPs and (a) social support (SS), (b) optimism, and (c) loneliness, and between SS and the variables of optimism and loneliness. Optimism and loneliness were tested as possible mediators in the relationship between SS and PHPs. Method A convenience sample of 204 middle adolescents was obtained. Participants completed a demographic sheet and four instruments. Results There were statistically significant positive relationships between SS ( r = .44) and optimism ( r = .54) with PHPs. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between loneliness ( r = −.39) and PHPs. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between optimism ( r = .63) and SS. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between loneliness ( r = −.76) and SS. Optimism was found to partially mediate the relationship between SS and PHP; loneliness did not. Discussion Findings contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge base regarding health practices in middle adolescents.
87 Correlates of sexual behaviors among white and asian high school students in the us

Abstract PURPOSE: To assess factors associated with sexual behaviors among White and Asian high school students in the US. Data on Asian adolescents is very limited; understanding similarities and differences of correlates for sexual behaviors of Asians and Whites is critical for developing culturally sensitive HIV prevention and sexual education programs for Asian minorities in the US. METHODS: A total of 5407 White and 603 Asian high school students (grades 9–12) were included. The 1999 national school-based Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was used. RESULTS: Median age for both White and Asian students in the sample was 16; both groups included 48.7% males. White students reported significantly higher rates of sexual intercourse (45.4%) than Asian students (26.3%). Rates of communication with physicians about teen pregnancy, AIDS, and issues related to sexually transmitted diseases were also significantly lower among Asians (11.9%) than Whites (23.0%). However, among sexually experienced students, there were no significant differences between these two races in the rate of multiple lifetime sexual partners (59.8%), sexual intercourse in the past 3 months (26.3%), condom use (59.6%), pregnancy rate (9.7%), and use of alcohol or drugs prior to sexual intercourse (31.4%). Among sexually active students, a higher proportion of Asians (13.2%) than Whites (5.9%) reported a history of sexual intercourse before age eleven. CONCLUSION: Although Asian students report a lower prevalence of sexual behavior than Whites, the findings suggest that once students become sexually active, the behaviors of Asian students are as risky as those of White students, and Asian students initiate sex earlier than White students. This study underscores the need for HIV/STD prevention among Asians. To develop effective intervention programs, researchers should investigate how cultural values affect sexual behavior among sexually active versus non-active Asian adolescents.
Women's Anti-Imperialism, “The White Man's Burden,” and the Philippine-American War Theorizing Masculinist Ambivalence in Protest

During the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), the Anti-Imperialist League was the organizational vanguard of an anti-imperialist movement. Research on this period of U.S. imperialism has focused on empire building, ignoring the gendered activity of anti-imperialists in the metropole. The author outlines the constitutive relationship between gendered structures and experience that informed anti-imperialists' “contentious politics,” using archival sources of the Anti-Imperialist League and anti-imperialist debates in newspapers. The author shows how anti-imperialist leaders informally included women's monetary donations, labor, networks, and reputations while formally excluding their full membership. Finally, the author shows how masculinist ambivalence, or the pattern of the gendered inclusions/exclusions of anti-imperialists, explains the incremental transformations and reproductions of gendered structures in anti-imperialists' contentious politics. The author suggests masculinist ambivalence has theore...
Changes in earth's dipole

The dipole moment of Earth's magnetic field has decreased by nearly 9% over the past 150 years and by about 30% over the past 2,000 years according to archeomagnetic measurements. Here, we explore the causes and the implications of this rapid change. Maps of the geomagnetic field on the core-mantle boundary derived from ground-based and satellite measurements reveal that most of the present episode of dipole moment decrease originates in the southern hemisphere. Weakening and equatorward advection of normal polarity magnetic field by the core flow, combined with proliferation and growth of regions where the magnetic polarity is reversed, are reducing the dipole moment on the core-mantle boundary. Growth of these reversed flux regions has occurred over the past century or longer and is associated with the expansion of the South Atlantic Anomaly, a low-intensity region in the geomagnetic field that presents a radiation hazard at satellite altitudes. We address the speculation that the present episode of dipole moment decrease is a precursor to the next geomagnetic polarity reversal. The paleomag- netic record contains a broad spectrum of dipole moment fluctuations with polarity reversals typically occurring during dipole moment lows. However, the dipole moment is stronger today than its long time average, indicating that polarity reversal is not likely unless the current episode of moment decrease continues for a thousand years or more.
Naval open systems architecture

For the past 8 years, the Navy has been working on transforming the acquisition practices of the Navy and Marine Corps toward Open Systems Architectures to open up our business, gain competitive advantage, improve warfighter performance, speed innovation to the fleet and deliver superior capability to the warfighter within a shrinking budget1. Why should Industry care? They should care because we in Government want the best Industry has to offer. Industry is in the business of pushing technology to greater and greater capabilities through innovation. Examples of innovations are on full display at this conference, such as exploring the impact of difficult environmental conditions on technical performance. Industry is creating the tools which will continue to give the Navy and Marine Corps important tactical advantages over our adversaries.
Expression of Human MUC1 During Early Pregnancy in the Human MUC1 Transgenic Mouse Model

Embryo implantation involves direct interaction of the blastocyst with the luminal epithelium of the receptive uterus. MUC1, a transmembrane mucin expressed at the apical surface of uterine epithelia, acts as a barrier to microbial infection and enzymatic attack. Loss of MUC1 is believed to be a prerequisite for a functionally receptive uterus across many species. Human and murine MUC1 regulation by steroid hormones displays important differences. Estrogen (E2) stimulates MUC1 expression in mice, and progesterone (P4) antagonizes E2 action in this regard. MUC1 expression is severely reduced during the receptive uterine state in mice. In contrast, human MUC1 expression is maximal at the receptive or midluteal phase, when P4 levels are high. No information is available regarding regulation of human MUC1 in vivo at the site of embryo attachment. Our aim was to better understand regulation of human MUC1 during early pregnancy in vivo. For this purpose, we used a transgenic mouse carrying full-length human MUC1 gene (Tg(MUC1)79.24Gend) as well as endogenous MUC1 as a model system. Human MUC1 was detected by real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry during early pregnancy. Our data indicate that human MUC1 persists at reduced (20% relative to Day 1 postcoitum) levels in receptive-phase uteri, including the site of embryo attachment. In contrast, mouse MUC1 was much more severely (>98% relative to Day 1 postcoitum) reduced in the same context. These observations are consistent with distinct regulation between the human and mouse genes. Because these genes are expressed in the same transcriptional context (i.e., mouse uterine epithelia), structural differences between human and murine genes must account for these differences in MUC1 regulation.
Initial note on the placebo effect of machines.

To test for a possible placebo effect associated with an electronic machine, arm electrodes were attached to subjects with instructions suggesting either an improvement or an impairment in the performance of a simple sensory-motor task. Although no current was used, the performance of those subjects who expected improvement due to the current was significantly better than the performance of those subjects expecting an impairment of performance. It was not possible, however, to produce reliably an impairment of performance. The results tentatively suggest tile possibility of an effect resembling that obtained from the therapeutic use of inert substances.
Arthroplasty in the Valgus Knee: Comparison and Discussion of Lateral vs Medial Parapatellar Approaches and Implant Selection

Constrained implants are frequently used for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with moderate and severe genu-valgum (>10˚). This deformity presents corrective challenges for ligament release. The lateral-parapatellar approach has been advocated as an alternative to the traditional medial-parapatellar approach. Claimed advantages include better access for release of tight ligamentous structures, without requirement for release of the medial-collateral ligament. We present our comparative experience of the use of an unconstrained knee-replacement prosthesis inserted by the lateral-parapatellar approach in comparison to a constrained-knee prosthesis inserted via the medial-parapatellar approach. 49 primary total knee-replacements in 48 (6 males, 42 females) patients were performed; 32 through a lateral-parapatellar approach (group L) using an unconstrained-prosthesis and 17 through a medial-parapatellar approach more often requiring a constrained-prosthesis (group M). Mean preoperative valgus angle was 18.5 (range 11-34˚). Patient demographics (p=0.7) and valgus correctability were similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the mean post-operative valgus angle. This was 4.2˚ (range 1-9.5˚) using the lateral-parapatellar approach and 5.3˚ (range 0.3-10˚), p=0.12, using the medial-parapatellar approach. Transient common peroneal injury occurred in 2 patients, both group L, in the presence of valgus angles of greater than 20˚. To date no joints have been revised, or are unstable. The use of a lateral-parapatellar approach, appropriate soft tissue release, and an unconstrained PCL-preserving implant, yielded in all cases a stable, well aligned knee arthroplasty. This represents a viable alternative to the constrained-prosthesis using a medial-parapatellar approach in patients with moderate and severe genu-valgum.
Arthrofibrosis After Surgical Fixation of Tibial Eminence Fractures in Children and Adolescents

BackgroundTibial eminence fractures are rare injuries in children and adolescents. Displaced fractures require reduction and fixation. Operative stabilization can be accomplished with either open or arthroscopic reduction and fixation. Whereas loss of extension has been reported, there are no reports in the literature that quantify loss of motion or provide guidance for treatment.PurposeTo report a series of patients who developed knee stiffness after operative treatment for displaced tibial eminence fractures.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsReview of medical records and imaging studies of pediatric patients with displaced tibial eminence fractures who developed arthrofibrosis after surgical intervention.ResultsThirty-two patients were identified. Twenty-four required reoperation for loss of flexion (n = 9), loss of extension (n = 4), or both (n = 11). Manipulation under anesthesia resulted in distal femoral fractures and subsequent growth arrest in 3 patients. Twenty-nine patients we...
Voltage binning under process variation

Process variation is recognized as a major source of parametric yield loss, which occurs because a fraction of manufactured chips do not satisfy timing or power constraints. On the other hand, both chip performance and chip leakage power depend on supply voltage. This dependence can be used for converting the fraction of too slow or too leaky chips into good ones by adjusting their supply voltage. This technique is called voltage binning [4]. All the manufactured chips are divided into groups (bins) and each group is assigned its individual supply voltage. This paper proposes a statistical technique of yield computation for different voltage binning schemes using results of statistical timing and variational power analysis. The paper formulates and solves the problem of computing optimal supply voltages for a given binning scheme. Categories and Subject Descriptors B.7.2 [Integrated Circuits]: Design Aids General Terms Algorithms, Design, Theory
Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Utilization of Nursing Home Services

Introduction: Few studies have examined the effects of smoking on nursing home utilization, generally using poor data on smoking status. No previous study has distinguished utilization for recent from long-term quitters.
Expression of CCL5 (RANTES) and CCR5 in prostate cancer.

Background Expression of the inflammatory chemokine CCL5 (RANTES) by tumor cells is thought to correlate with the progression of several cancers. CCL5 was shown to induce breast cancer cell migration, mediated by the receptor CCR5. A CCR5 antagonist was demonstrated to inhibit experimental breast tumor growth. Recently, CCL5 and CCR5 mRNA expression was reported in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues. Herein, we characterized CCL5 and CCR5 expression in cultures of PCa cells and explored possible functions of CCL5 in PCa progression. Methods Quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to examine CCL5 expression in prostate cell lines. CCR5 expression was measured by flow cytometry. Proliferation and invasion assays were performed to determine potential functions of CCL5 and CCR5 in PCa. Results Expression of CCL5 mRNA and protein was found in human PCa cell lines (PC-3; DU-145; LNCaP) and primary prostate adenocarcinoma cells. CCL5 and CCR5 were also detected in human PCa tissues. CCR5 expression was demonstrated on the cell surface of PCa cells, as well as in intracellular pools. Incubation with CCL5 (10–100 ng/ml) induced PCa cell proliferation, and the CCR5 antagonist TAK-779 inhibited CCL5-induced proliferation. CCL5 was found to stimulate PCa cell invasion, and TAK-779 blocked the effects of CCL5. Conclusions In light of evidence that inflammation influences the pathogenesis of PCa, these results suggest that inflammatory chemokines, such as CCL5, expressed by prostate cells may act directly on the growth and survival of PCa cells. Chemokine receptor antagonists may thus block autocrine mechanisms of PCa progression. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
In Vivo Transfection of Adult Eastern Oysters Crassostrea virginica

The eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica provides a commercially valuable industry along the eastern and Gulf coasts of the United States. Recently this industry has been damaged by disease problems, creating an interest in the use of gene transfer (transfection) to improve disease resistance. We transfected adult oysters with two genes, red-shifted green fluorescent protein (rsGFP), commonly used as a reporter gene, and the lytic peptide cecropin B (cepB), known to have antimicrobial properties. Oysters were transfected by injecting DNA mixed with SuperFect™ reagent (Qiagen Inc.) into the adductor muscle sinus. Oysters were assigned to three groups of 15: the first was injected with rsGFP complexed with transfecting reagent: the second was injected with cepB complexed with transfectlng reagent; and the third was injected with saline (control group). Hemolymph was collected at 4 and 10 d after injection. DNA was extracted for analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and hemocytes were examined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy for detection of green fluorescence due to rsGFP expression. The rsGFP gene was detected by PCR in hemocytes from 14 of 15 oysters at day 4, and in 15 of 15 oysters at day 10. The cepB gene was detected by PCR in 12 of 15 oysters at day 4 and in 14 of 15 oysters at day 10. No oysters from the control group were positive for either gene at days 4 or 10. Green fluorescence was detected by flow cytometry at significantly higher levels (P < 0.05) in oysters injected with rsGFP than in other oysters at day 4, but not at day 10. This report indicates the ability to introduce DNA into adult eastern oysters with subsequent gene expression. Future work will involve developing these techniques for enhanced disease resistance in oysters.