cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associations between serum antibody levels to periodontal pathogens and early-onset periodontitis.

Background: The role of antibodies to periodontal microorganisms in the development of periodontal tissue destruction is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies to 6 periodontal microorganisms and clinical subtypes of varying severity of earlyonset periodontitis (EOP) in young African American adults. Methods: The study group consisted of 159 African Americans aged 19 to 25 years (mean 22 years) and included 97 cases with EOP and 62 controls with no clinical signs of EOP. These subjects were selected from a nationally representative sample of adolescents who received an oral examination as part of the National Survey of Oral Health of United States Children in 1986-1987. The group was examined clinically a second time 6 years later and blood samples were collected. Serum levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM reactive to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, Eike...
Effect of rate of administration on subjective and physiological effects of intravenous cocaine in humans.

Abstract The rate hypothesis of psychoactive drug action holds that the faster a drug reaches the brain and starts to act, the greater its reinforcing effects and abuse liability. A previous human study using a single cocaine dose confirmed the rate hypothesis for subjective responses, but found no rate effect on cardiovascular responses. We evaluated the rate hypothesis in 17 experienced cocaine users (7 [all men] provided complete data; 6 participated in only 1–2 sessions) by administering IV cocaine at each of three doses (10, 25, 50 mg) and injection durations (10, 30, 60 s) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, escalating dose design. Heart rate, blood pressure, and positive (e.g., rush, high) and negative (e.g., feel bad, anxious) subjective effects (100-mm visual analogue scales) were measured for 1 h after dosing. Peak change from baseline, time to peak, and area under the time–response curve were evaluated with repeated measures mixed linear regression analyses, allowing use of data from all sessions for all subjects, including non-completers. Both dose (mg) and infusion rate (mg/s) significantly influenced most subjective and cardiovascular variables. Analysis of the interaction suggested that dose had a stronger impact than rate. Rate had a stronger influence on positive subjective effects than on negative subjective effects or cardiovascular variables. These findings provide support for the rate hypothesis as it applies to both subjective and cardiovascular effects of IV cocaine administration in humans.
Statistical detection of the mid-Pleistocene transition

Statistical methods have been used to show quantitatively that the transition in mean and variance observed in delta O-18 records during the middle of the Pleistocene was abrupt. By applying these methods to all of the available records spanning the entire Pleistocene, it appears that this jump was global and primarily represents an increase in ice mass. At roughly the same time an abrupt decrease in sea surface temperature also occurred, indicative of sudden global cooling. This kind of evidence suggests a possible bifurcation of the climate system that must be accounted for in a complete explanation of the ice ages. Theoretical models including internal dynamics are capable of exhibiting this kind of rapid transition.
Designing Products for Optimal Collaborative Performance With Application to Engineering-Based Poverty Alleviation

Collaborative products are created by combining components from two or more products to result in an additional product that performs previously unattainable tasks. The resulting reduction in cost, weight, and size of a set of products needed to perform a set of functions makes collaborative products useful in the developing world. In this paper, a method for designing a set of products for optimal individual and collaborative performance is introduced. This is accomplished by: (i) characterizing the collaborative design space of the product set and collaborative product, (ii) defining areas of acceptable Pareto offset, (iii) identifying the combinations of designs that fall within the defined areas of acceptable Pareto offset for each product, and (iv) selecting the optimal set of product designs. An example is provided to illustrate this method and demonstrate its usefulness in designing collaborative products for both the developed and developing world. We conclude that the presented method is a novel, and useful, approach for balancing the inherent trade-offs between the performance of collaborative products and the product sets used to create them.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Folate assay: A comparison of radioassay and microbiological methods

Abstract Folate mono- and polyglutamate standards were assayed by a microbiological method and by four commercially available radioassay methods to evaluate the usefulness of radioassay techniques for the quantitation of naturally occurring folates. Folate monoglutamates exhibited different responses in the radioassay procedures, depending on the one-carbon constituent and oxidation state. Folate polyglutamates exhibited an increased response that varied depending on the folate concentration. The varied responses of folate mono- and polyglutamates in the radioassay procedures make this technique unsuitable for the determination of the mixture of folate derivatives that are normally encountered in biological extracts.
The Birth of Americanism: “Westward the Apocalyptic Candlestick”

The papal condemnation of Americanism in 1899 and the allegation that Americanism was a practical preface to Modernism has given rise to a considerable amount of literature attempting to determine just what Americanism was. This literature has been unsuccessful, however, in detecting any unity in the apparently isolated and unconnected liberal actions and opinions of the Americanists. These studies give the impression that the Americanists never defined what they were promoting, and that their only program was a series of unconnected actions and opinions which signified a certain “liberalism.” Opinions and actions relative to the Church's relation to social questions, to the problem of Catholic schools, German nationalism within American Catholicism, the founding of the Catholic University of America, and participation in the interdenominational World Parliament of Religions would appear to have little in common. In this light it has been concluded that Americanism was primarily a matter concerning a troublesome French Church.
Modified delta gap equation for quick evaluation of mixed metabolic Acid-base disorders.

An 82 year-old male patient with past medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, COPD, diabetes mellitus (Type 2), chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease and recently treated diarrhea was brought to the emergency department (ED) from home after he vomited, aspirated and developed severe respiratory distress. He was emergently intubated on arrival to ED. Shortly after intubation, he became hypotensive, bradycardic and went into cardiac arrest. During ACLS, the patient required a total of 17 minutes of CPR and 2 shocks. He received 2 liters of normal saline solution intravenously and multiple doses of epinephrine, sodium bicarbonate and calcium gluconate. He was also started on amiodarone and epinephrine infusions. Blood tests were obtained before the cardiac arrest, with a limited panel collected immediately after the patient regained circulation. These values are shown in Table 1.
X-ray microscopy using FELs: possibilities and challenges

X-ray microscopy is often discussed as one of the experiments that would benefit from the development of x-ray free-electron lasers. We outline the source characteristics required for several different x-ray microscopy experiments, including possible approaches towards atomic resolution imaging. X-ray FELs would help many but not all of these experiments; those that would benefit the most include experiments that are extremely demanding of a high total flux of coherent x rays; experiments that require snapshot imaging at nanosecond or faster timescales; and pump-probe experiments that require synchronization of an x-ray and a UV laser pulse. In all of these experiments, caution must be taken with regard to radiation and thermal damage.
Strength increase of silica glass fibers by surface stress relaxation: A new mechanical strengthening method

Abstract Pristine silica glass fiber is well known to become mechanically weaker when heat-treated in the presence of water vapor. However, the same fiber was found to become stronger if heat-treated while held under a sub-critical tensile stress at a temperature far below the glass transition temperature. The added strength of the stress-treated fiber was nearly equal to the applied tensile stress. This added strength was attributed to the formation of a compressive stress layer on the surface of the glass, created by a surface stress relaxation process that occurred while being held under the tensile stress. The presence of the surface compressive stress was confirmed by observing the bending of the fiber when 1) a tensile-stressed fiber was sliced and 2) a bending-stressed fiber was released from the stress. In the present paper we demonstrate that even though heat-treatment of a silica glass fiber in water vapor weakens the glass, a tensile stress application during the heat-treatment can increase the strength of silica glass fibers. Silica glass fibers with estimated strengths of ~ 7–8 GPa were produced, exceeding that of other fibers previously reported to have a maximum strength of ~ 5.5 GPa at room temperature in air. This new glass strengthening method does not require glass to be of a minimum thickness, as in tempering, or a glass containing alkali ions, as in ion-exchange.
Improving the health of African American men: experiences from the Targeting Cancer in Blacks (TCiB) Project

Abstract Background: African-American men lack knowledge of cancer facts and risk factors, and their personal attitudes and beliefs along with health care system interactions are barriers to cancer prevention. This paper highlights cancer prevention information from men in the Southeastern United States. Methods: This community-based participatory research project surveyed 12,444 Black adult residents in Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee and in Atlanta and Decatur, Georgia regarding their cancer prevention knowledge, attitudes and practices. A sample (928) of 1407 men's responses was analyzed for education and income differences. Results: Analyses found no significant differences in cancer prevention practices between men with high income and high education versus those with lower income and lower education level, but did show significant differences between education and income groups in cancer prevention knowledge and attitudes. Conclusions: Income and education are not equal predictors of cancer pre...
Could composite interactions be detected at √s = MZ?

Abstract In models in which both light fermions and technifermions are composite objects with common constituents, the couplings of the massive electroweak gauge bosons to light quarks and leptons can differ from their standard model counterparts. We consider the effects of the modified gauge boson couplings on low energy neutral current phenomenology and on the properties of the Z boson. We show that precise measurements at LEP and SLC of the total width of the Z, ratio of leptonic to hadronic partial widths, and left-right and forward-backward asymmetries should probe compositeness scales of 1–2.5 TeV.
COLLEGE STUDENTS' PERCEPTION OF MEN AS VICTIMS OF WOMEN'S ASSAULTIVE BEHAVIOR '

Sutnmary.-Recent reviews have indicated that women assault male partners as frequently as men assaulr women. This study explored college students' awareness and acceptance of this fitling 371 subjects responding to a survey (91 men, 280 women) indicated that, while 138 were aware of the finding, 242 regardless of gender accepted the finding that men are frequent victims of women's assaults in intimate relationships.
Strength and reliability of fiber-reinforced composites: Localized load-sharing and associated size effects

The statistical aspects of the failure of large 3-D unidirectional fiber reinforced composites are studied numerically and analytically. A 3-D lattice Green's function model is used to calculate the stress field, damage evolution, and Failure in composites under ''Local Load Sharing'' (LLS) conditions in which the stress from broken fibers is transferred predominantly to the nearby unbroken fibers. Failure by local accumulation of a critical amount of damage, and the associated decrease in ultimate strength with increasing composite size, is explicitly demonstrated. Weakest-link statistics are then employed to investigate size effects and reliability. An intrinsic ''link'' in LLS is found which has the same Gaussian distribution function for strength as a bundle in Global Load Sharing (GLS) (no local stress concentrations) of the same size. The size of the link is found to be comparable to the critical cluster of fiber damage observed in the simulations. Then, using known results for the GLS probability distribution function, analytic asymptotic results for the strength and reliability of large composites in LLS are derived. The strength distribution shows excellent agreement with the Monte Carlo simulation results for both the median strength and high reliability tail of the distribution. The implications of these results on the expected strength and reliability of moderate-size composites components is discussed, with applications to a Ti-MMC and a SiC/SiC CMC. Finally, the application of these results to modeling of composite failure by the Finite Element Method is presented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Low intensity Balmer emissions from the interstellar medium and geocorona

Galactic and non-galactic components of the diffuse H-alpha and H-beta night sky emissions were resolved with a Fabry-Perot spectrometer. The non-galactic component of both lines accounts for most of the emission at galactic latitudes greater than 30 deg. The intensities of the galactic component yield values for the average ionization rate per hydrogen atom that are between 10 to the minus 15th power and 10 to the minus 14th power s sup minus 1 assuming steady state ionization.
Ultrastructure of dermatofibroma.

Eight dermatofibromas were studied by electron microscopy. The essential cell was the fibroblast, characterized by a well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), a distinct Golgi zone and large numbers of cytofilaments. The fibroblast of the dermatofibroma was engaged in collagen production and fat storage. The ability of fibroblasts to phagocytize was clearly demonstrated by phagocytosis of white blood cells after the intralesional injection of blood. Since fat storage and phagocytosis of cell fragments, generally regarded as characteristic of histiocytes in light microscopy, were found to occur in fibroblasts in our ultrastructural investigation it is concluded that all dermatofibromas, even those showing phagocytosis and formerly referred to as histiocytomas, are composed of fibroblasts.
VERBAL FLUENCY, FREE RECALL, AND PAIRED-ASSOCIATE LEARNING SPEED.

This study investigated the relation between performance in paired-associate learning and other verbal skills (verbal fluency to word and nonsense stimuli, recall of a word list). Ss learned two li...
Physicochemical properties of nitrate aerosols: implications for the atmosphere.

As aerosols, such as sea salt and mineral dust, are transported through the atmosphere they undergo heterogeneous reactions with nitrogen oxides to form nitrate salts. The nitrate salt can have quite different physicochemical properties than the original aerosol, resulting in an aerosol that will markedly differ in its climate impact, heterogeneous chemistry, and photoactivity. In this Feature Article, we will review some aspects of the importance of aqueous nitrate aerosols as well as describe a new multi-analysis aerosol reactor system (MAARS) that is used to measure the physicochemical properties of these atmospherically relevant aerosols. Here we show measurements of the hygroscopic properties, cloud condensation nuclei activity, and FTIR extinction of nitrate salt aerosol. In particular, we have measured the hygroscopic growth of 100 nm size-selected nitrate particles including NaNO3, Ca(NO3)2, Mg(NO3)2, and a 1:1 mixture of Ca(NO3)2 and Mg(NO3)2 as a function of relative humidity (RH) at 298 K. Using Kohler theory, we have quantified the water content of these particles with increasing RH. FTIR extinction measurements of the full size distribution of each of the nitrate aerosols are analyzed to yield information about the local solvation environment of the nitrate ions and the long-wavelength light scattering of the particles at different RH. Furthermore, we have measured and compared the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of CaCO3, a large component of mineral dust aerosol, and Ca(NO3)2, a product of atmospherically aged CaCO3 through reaction with nitrogen oxides, at supersaturations from 0.1% to 0.9%. These quantitative physicochemical data are needed if we are to better understand the chemistry as well as the climate effects of atmospheric aerosols as they are entrained, transported, reacted, and aged in the atmosphere. Our studies here focus on aqueous nitrate salts, the products of the reaction of nitrogen oxides with sea salt and mineral dust aerosol.
A study on lateral speed estimation methods

The estimation of vehicle lateral speed, a critical variable for vehicle stability control, four-wheel-steering and other advanced dynamic control systems, is studied in this paper. We presented three different approaches, one each from three categories: transfer function approach, state-space approach, and kinematics approach. The first two methods rely on a vehicle dynamic (bicycle) model, and the last approach is based on the kinematics relationship of measured signals. The basic formulation of all three methods assumed that the road bank angle is negligible, and thus needs to be enhanced by a road bank angle estimation algorithm to work satisfactorily when the road bank is significant. The performance of these three (enhanced) methods are investigated using simulation and experimental data. For the experimental verification, we present four cases: nominal (high friction, flat road), banked road, low-friction, and low-friction-near-spin. Weakness of the three estimation algorithms is discussed.
Optimization of chemical-shift-based polarization gradients in 1H NMR spin-diffusion experiments on polymer blends with chemically similar constituents

Abstract Proton CRAMPS (combined rotation and multiple-pulse spectroscopy) spectra of glassy partially aromatic polymers seldom display more than two bands (aromatic and aliphatic). This paper addresses the question of how, using the few spectral differences in the CRAMPS spectra of two polymers, one can optimize the preparation of a chemical-shift-based polarization gradient in a proton spin-diffusion experiment designed to probe domain size and stoichiometry in a blend of these materials. The criterion adopted for optimizing the gradient is that maximal changes in lineshape, rather than intensity, shoulld accompany the spin-diffusion process. Large lineshape changes are associated with those initial conditions where, in the absence of spin diffusion between homopolymers but after spin diffusion within each monomer, the signs of polarizations associated with each polymer are opposite. This condition often forces one to work with small spin-diffusion integrals relative to the Boltzmann-equilibrium signal. Model calculations are used to illustrate the method and selected data for a blend of two dominantly aromatic polymers are presented. The dissipation of the initially imposed aromatic/aliphatic polarization gradient can be followed in the blend over 2.5 orders of magnitude, and this is enough to obtain information on both the size of domains and their stoichiometry, although extraction of the latter information requires further assumptions. The sensitivity of this method is also considered in the case where the contrast in lineshapes between phases diminishes. Also examined are other phenomena encountered when one works with small signals such as magnetic-susceptibility and -field inhomogeneity effects and background signals. Finally, a comparison is made of the relative merits of using a proton versus a 13 C spectral readout in these experiments.
An analysis and optimization of the pseudo-current method

Abstract The pseudo-current method proposed by B. Marder for eliminating charge conservation errors in electromagnetic particle-in-cell codes has been analyzed and extended. The new method has been shown to be effective and efficient in removing high frequency, short wavelength errors caused by the choice of charge deposition algorithms. To maintain the physical properties of the electromagnetic field the choice of the free parameter in the originally proposed method has been restricted. It is found that the parameter should be homogeneous spatially and that an error minimization technique can be used to determine its value. A comparison is made between this adaptive pseudo-current method and the effects of spatial smoothing on the transverse and longitudinal components of the electromagnetic field.
MOLECULAR HYDROGEN FORMATION CATALYZED BY POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM

We present an alternate model for the formation of molecular hydrogen in the interstellar medium (ISM) where polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) cations may play a key role as catalysts. The mechanism involves the chemical trapping of H atoms on the periphery of the PAH carbon skeleton and the subsequent release of H2 through dissociative recombination of the hydrogenated ion with an electron. The estimated rate coefficient of H2 production using this process compares well with a widely accepted value of 3 × 10–17 cm3 s–1 for H2 formation on grains in the diffuse ISM. It is inferred that PAHs can contribute significantly to the formation of molecular hydrogen, especially in environments where the classical process of H adsorption on grains is impeded by high UV fluxes as in diffuse clouds and photon-dominated regions.
Liquid-vapor critical point of physisorbed films☆

Abstract A tutorial overview is presented concerning the problem of the liquid-vapor critical point of physically adsorbed films. Emphasis is placed on the behavior of atoms and spherical molecules adsorbed on graphite. The critical temperatures are interpreted in terms of a theory based on “realistic” interactions. These deviate from Lennard-Jones form and include the substrate-mediated contribution. The role of the periodic potential in suppressing a critical point is discussed briefly.
Multi-session extension of the joint-detection framework in fMRI

Modern cognitive experiments in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) involve the repetition of the same paradigm over several short sessions (or runs) since long fMRI acquisitions usually place the subject in an uncomfortable situation and generate motion artifacts. Also, shorter sessions enable to better control the subject's cognitive state and guarantee his attention during task. The Joint Detection-Estimation (JDE) framework which aims at detecting evoked activity and estimating hemodynamic responses jointly, has been developed so far to treat each session independently and then build average contrasts of interest as already done in other packages (SPM, FSL). Here, we extend JDE to the multi-session context by proposing a new hierarchical Bayesian modeling including an additional layer to describe the link between session-specific and mean evoked activity. In contrast, the HRF shape to be estimated in each region is assumed constant across sessions. Our results on simulated and real multi-session datasets show that the proposed extension outperforms its ancestor both in terms of activated areas and HRF recovery.
On Death and the Continuity of Life: A Psychohistorical Perspective

Unlimited technological violence and absurd death have replaced sexual repression as an urgent theme for contemporary man. Psychoanalytic theory, developed during the late Victorian era, must be re...
Cryogenic test of a superconducting half-wave resonator for the acceleration of heavy ions

Abstract We present the results of cryogenic tests on a superconducting half-wave resonator for the acceleration of heavy ions. The resonator was built out of OFHC copper and electroplated with 1.5 μm of Pb without chemical polish of the Pb surface. Measured properties include a low level Q of 4 × 108 and a power dissipation of 6 W at 4 MV/m giving an energy gain of 1 MV per unit change to a particle of velocity 0.16 c.
Models in search of a brain

Mental localization efforts tend to stress the where more than the what. We argue that the proper targets for localization are well-specified cognitive models. We make this case by relating an existing cognitive model of category learning to a learning circuit involving the hippocampus, perirhinal, and prefrontal cortices. Results from groups varying in function along this circuit (e.g., infants, amnesics, and older adults) are successfully simulated by reducing the model's ability to form new clusters in response to surprising events, such as an error in supervised learning or an unfamiliar stimulus in unsupervised learning. Clusters in the model are akin to conjunctive codes that are rooted in an episodic experience (the surprising event) yet can develop to resemble abstract codes as they are updated by subsequent experiences. Thus, the model holds that the line separating episodic and semantic information can become blurred. Dissociations (categorization vs. recognition) are explained in terms of cluster recruitment demands.
Molecular mechanisms of osteolytic bone metastases.

BACKGROUND Breast carcinoma commonly metastasizes to the skeleton in patients with advanced disease to cause bone destruction and the associated pain, hypercalcemia, fracture, and nerve-compression syndromes. In this scenario, the bone destruction is mediated by the osteoclast. Tumor-produced parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), a known stimulator of osteoclastic bone resorption, is a major mediator of the osteolytic process. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), which is abundant in bone matrix and is released as a consequence of osteoclastic bone resorption, may promote breast carcinoma osteolysis by stimulating PTHrP production by tumor cells. METHODS Stable breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell lines were constructed that expressed mutant TGFβ receptors, Smad proteins, or estrogen receptor (ER)-α and were used to determine the role of TGFβ in modulating tumor production of PTHrP. These stable cell lines were applied to a mouse model of human breast carcinoma metastases to the bone to dissect the molecular mechanisms responsible for osteolytic bone metastases. RESULTS TGFβ promoted the development and progression of osteolytic bone metastases by inducing tumor production of PTHrP, the effect of which was mediated through the Smad signaling pathway. PTHrP stimulated osteoclastic bone resorption by increasing osteoblast production of the receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B (RANK) ligand and decreasing osteoblast production of osteoprotegerin (OPG). A constitutively active ER-α mutation (Tyr537Asn), identified from a human bone metastases, when it was expressed in human breast carcinoma cells, caused increased production of PTHrP. TGFβ significantly enhanced the ER-α-mediated transcriptional activity induced by ER-α (Tyr537Asn), and this resulted in further stimulation of PTHrP production. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate a central role for TGFβ in the pathogenesis of osteolytic bone metastases from breast carcinoma by 1) the induction of PTHrP through the Smad signaling pathway and 2) the potentiation of ER-α-mediated transcription induced by a constitutively active ER-α. Understanding the mechanisms of osteolysis at a molecular level will generate more effective therapeutic agents for patients with this devastating complication of cancer. Cancer 2000;88:2892–8. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Method development and validation for the determination of various sulfur-containing anions and other anions in the corrosion process by capillary ion electrophoresis with indirect detection.

A method of capillary ion electrophoresis with indirect detection is developed for the simultaneous determination of the sulfur-containing anions S 2O4 2‐, S2O3 2‐, SO4 2‐, SO3 2‐, and S2‐ and other anions (Cl‐, Br ‐, NO2 ‐, NO3 ‐, (COO)2 2‐, F‐, and PO4 3‐) in the corrosion process. The effects of pH, tetradecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, chromate, 2-[n-cyclohexylamino]-ethane sulfonate, calcium gluconate, and acetonitrile on the migration and resolution of the anions and the stability of sulfur-containing anions are systematically investigated. The detection limits, repeatability, and linearity for the anions are comparatively studied at 374, 274, and 254 nm, and the results show that 374 nm is the optimal length. The simultaneous multiwavelength detection at 374, 254, 214, and 195 nm can assist in confirming the identification of UV-absorbing anions.
A fully integrated 96GHz 2×2 focal-plane array with On-Chip antenna

A fully integrated 96GHz 2×2 focal-plane array (FPA) direct conversion imager in 0.18µm SiGe BiCMOS (f T /ƒ max =200/180GHz) employing four integrated antennas with Dicke switches and LO generation/distribution is presented. The PLL plus tripler achieves a locking range of 92.67–98.2GHz and phase noise of −93dBc/Hz at 96GHz measured at 1MHz offset. The 3.5×3mm2 chip achieves an average responsivity and NEP of 285MV/W and 8.1fW/√Hz, respectively, across 86–106GHz band and an NETD of 0.48K. The chip consumes 695mW from 1.8V/2.5V supplies.
Role of Milrinone in the Management of Congestive Heart Failure

Milrinone is a bipyridine derivative with positive inotropic and vasodilating properties. The intravenous form of the drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term management of congestive heart failure (CHF). The FDA has requested additional mortality data prior to approval of the oral form. Milrinone produces positive inotropic and vasodilating effects through unknown mechanisms, and causes a dose-dependent increase in cardiac index and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. It is extensively absorbed following oral administration with an elimination half-life of approximately 1.5-2 hours and a corresponding duration of action of 3-6 hours. Its major route of elimination is renal (83 percent). The intravenous dose is 50 micrograms/kg given over ten minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.375-0.75 micrograms/kg/min titrated to the desired hemodynamic response. The average effective oral dosage is 7.5-10 mg four to six times daily. Milrinone is most effective in the short-term management of CHF where the majority (60-80 percent) of patients have symptomatic and hemodynamic improvement as well as increases in exercise duration. However, many patients do not derive long-term benefit from milrinone therapy. Available evidence suggests that milrinone does not arrest the natural progression of CHF, and some investigators feel it may actually worsen CHF and shorten patients' length of survival. Milrinone has been generally well tolerated with a low risk of major organ toxicity. The most common adverse reactions with intravenous milrinone include ventricular arrhythmias (12 percent) and supraventricular arrhythmias (4 percent).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Crystal Structure of the Zinc-binding Transport Protein ZnuA from Escherichia coli Reveals an Unexpected Variation in Metal Coordination.

Abstract Bacterial ATP-binding cassette transport systems for high-affinity uptake of zinc and manganese use a cluster 9 solute-binding protein. Structures of four cluster 9 transport proteins have been determined previously. However, the structural determinants for discrimination between zinc and manganese remain under discussion. To further investigate the variability of metal binding sites in bacterial transporters, we have determined the structure of the zinc-bound transport protein ZnuA from Escherichia coli to 1.75 A resolution. The overall structure of ZnuA is similar to other solute-binding transporters. A scaffolding α-helix forms the backbone for two structurally related globular domains. The metal-binding site is located at the domain interface. The bound zinc ion is coordinated by three histidine residues (His78, His161 and His225) and one glutamate residue (Glu77). The functional role of Glu77 for metal binding is unexpected, because this residue is not conserved in previously determined structures of zinc and manganese-specific transport proteins. The observed metal coordination by four protein residues differs significantly from the zinc-binding site in the ZnuA transporter from Synechocystis 6803, which binds zinc via three histidine residues. In addition, the E. coli ZnuA structure reveals the presence of a disulfide bond in the C-terminal globular domain that is not present in previously determined cluster 9 transport protein structures.
A second example of the blood type "rhG".

Summary A second example is reported of a blood that is rh′ (C) negative and Rho (D) negative while reacting strongly with anti-Rho′ (CD) serum. The blocking of both rh′ (C) and Rho (D) by an eluate prepared from this unique blood suggests that the Rh factors Rho (D), rh′ (C), and G are in reality antigenic components of a single Rh molecule. Resume Les auteurs decrivent un second exemple de sang negatif quant aux facteurs rh′ (C) et Rho (D) mais qui reagit fortement avec les serumstest anti-Rh′, (anti-CD). Le bloquage aussi bien de rh′ (C) que de Rho (D) par un eluat prepare a partir de ce sang unique suggere que les facteurs Rho (D), rh′ (C), et rhGne sont en realite que des composants antigeniques d'une seule et meme molecule Rh. Zusammenfassung Mnlaslich von Routineuntersuchungen wurde eine rh′ (C)- und Rho (D)-negative Blutprobe gefunden, welche mit Anti-Rho′-(CD)-seren kraftig positiv reagierte. Es handelt sich um den zweiten Fall einer Blutprobe mit dem Rhesusantigen rhG. Da Antikorpereluate dieser Blutprobe die Rhesusantigene rh′ (C) und Rho (D) blockierten, ist die Annahme naheliegend, das die Antigene rh′ (C), Rho (D) und rhG Antigenkomponenten eines einzelnen Rh-molekuls darstellen.
All-trans-Retinoic Acid Rapidly Induces Glycine N-methyltransferase in a Dose-Dependent Manner and Reduces Circulating Methionine and Homocysteine Levels in Rats

Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) regulates the methyl group supply for S-adenosylmethionine-dependent transmethylation reactions. Retinoids have been shown to perturb methyl group metabolism by increasing the abundance and activity of GNMT, thereby leading to the loss of methyl groups. Previous studies used pharmacologic doses (30 micro mol/kg body weight) of various retinoids administered daily for a total of 10 d. Here, we examined the dose- and time-dependent relationships between all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) administration and induction of GNMT, as well as determining additional indices of methyl group and folate metabolism. For the dose-response study, rats were administered 0, 1, 5, 10, 15 or 30 micro mol ATRA/kg body weight for 10 d. For the time-course study, rats were given 30 micromol ATRA/kg body weight for 0, 1, 2, 4, or 8 d. A significant increase (105%) in GNMT activity was observed with doses as low as 5 micromol/kg body weight, whereas maximal induction (231%) of GNMT activity was achieved at 30 micromol/kg body weight. Induction of hepatic GNMT by ATRA was rapid, exhibiting a 31% increase after a single dose (1 d) and achieving maximal induction (95%) after 4 d. Plasma methionine and homocysteine concentrations were decreased 42 and 53%, respectively, in ATRA-treated rats compared with controls. In support of this finding, the hepatic activity of methionine synthase, the folate-dependent enzyme required for homocysteine remethylation, was elevated 40% in ATRA-treated rats. This work demonstrates that ATRA administration exerts a rapid effect on hepatic methyl group, folate and homocysteine metabolism at doses that are within the therapeutic range used by humans.
The Impact of Depression on Dual Tasking Among Patients With High Fall Risk

Depression predicts fall risk among older adults, and this relationship may be partially explained by depression-associated executive dysfunction, relevant to navigating demanding environments. This pilot study examined timed stepping accuracy under simple and complex dual-task conditions, using an instrumented walkway based on the Trail Making Test. Participants were balance-impaired older adults, either with (n = 8; major depressive disorder [MDD]) or without (n = 8; nondepressed [ND]) MDD. After accounting for comfortable gait speed and age, the MDD group was significantly slower than the ND group on the walkway with the highest cognitive demand and demonstrated greater dual-task cost, both of which were correlated with performance on traditional measures of executive functioning. No group differences were observed on the walkway with the least cognitive demand. Balance-impaired older adults with MDD demonstrate increased stepping accuracy time under cognitively demanding conditions, reflecting executive dysfunction and an additional contribution to increased fall risk.
Uncovering Pathways of Design Thinking and Learning: Inquiry on Intellectual Development and Learning Style Preferences

The purpose of this study was to explore thought development and learning styles using the Perry scheme of intellectual development and Kolb's experiential learning theory (ELT). One hundred thirty-nine beginning, intermediate, and advanced interior design and architecture students were empirically assessed using the measure of intellectual development, the measure of designing, and the learning style inventory, respectively. The study objectives were to examine thought development and learning styles of interior design and architecture students, determine whether differences exist between design students and normative data, and explore relationships between thought development and learning styles. Supporting previous research using the Perry scheme, students were found in the positions of dualism and multiplicity with global thought development proving more advanced than design thinking. Furthermore, overall thought development appeared significantly higher in the sample than in normative data on college students. Supporting the ELT, the study uncovered the presence of all learning styles with preference toward diverging and accommodating learning noted. In addition, the concrete experience preferences of design students appeared significantly higher in the sample than in normative data on college students. Results indicated no association between learning style and global or discipline-specific thought development level; however, qualitative data provide insights into the ways design students approach thinking and learning.
Constitutional Politics and Balanced Budgets

Unbalanced budgets have sparked decades of debate among legislators, scholars, and the public at large. Although the controversy has abated somewhat in recent years, many continue to believe that Congress has a tendency to pursue a level of public debt that is both inefficient and unfair. Foremost among those who criticize the federal budgeting process are fiscal constitutionalists, a group of public choice scholars who believe the constitutional constraints are the only means by which the public will obtain protection from legislative fiscal irresponsibility. This article explores the public choice argument for a balanced budget amendment and argues that it may not be the best means to the preferred ends.
The continuing development of shoulder replacement: "reaching the surface".

It is an enormous honor to be asked to give this lecture, particularly when looking at the roll call of my predecessors. Like most of them, I became fascinated by the life and work of Sir Robert Jones (1857 to 1933). He was the nephew of the famous doctor Hugh Owen Thomas. After qualifying as a doctor in 1878, Jones moved to the forefront of hyperspecialism in surgery, as he only did orthopaedics from 1905 onward. He had a multifaceted career. Because he had been appalled at the high rate of industrial injury, he developed a casualty service for workers at the Manchester Ship Canal and saved many lives. He was the founder of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital, Director General of Military Orthopaedics at that time, and a founder of the British Orthopaedic Association, hence this eponymous lecture. He was obviously extremely forward-thinking and was a pioneer of day surgery. In a publication in 1908, Robert Jones discussed his eight rules for tendon transplantation and concluded, “All my hospital transplantations are treated as outpatients and return to their homes on the day of operation and no difficulties of any kind arose there from.”1 In his synopsis of Robert Jones' life, Mercer Rang said, “Most of all he is remembered because he was liked and popularity provides opportunities denied other men.”1 What a wonderful tribute to a great man. The title of this lecture, “The Continuing Development of Shoulder Replacement,” was chosen because I consider shoulder replacements, like all joint replacements, to be “unfinished business.” We have come a long way, but we certainly have a long journey ahead of us. Themistocles Gluck, born in 1853 in Jassy, Romania, was the first surgical pioneer to record a shoulder replacement, performed with use of an ivory prosthesis, …
Intracellular Ca2+ transients in mouse soleus muscle after hindlimb unloading and reloading

The objective of this study was to determine whether altered intracellular Ca(2+) handling contributes to the specific force loss in the soleus muscle after unloading and/or subsequent reloading of mouse hindlimbs. Three groups of female ICR mice were studied: 1) unloaded mice (n = 11) that were hindlimb suspended for 14 days, 2) reloaded mice (n = 10) that were returned to their cages for 1 day after 14 days of hindlimb suspension, and 3) control mice (n = 10) that had normal cage activity. Maximum isometric tetanic force (P(o)) was determined in the soleus muscle from the left hindlimb, and resting free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), tetanic [Ca(2+)](i), and 4-chloro-m-cresol-induced [Ca(2+)](i) were measured in the contralateral soleus muscle by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Unloading and reloading increased resting [Ca(2+)](i) above control by 36% and 24%, respectively. Although unloading reduced P(o) and specific force by 58% and 24%, respectively, compared with control mice, there was no difference in tetanic [Ca(2+)](i). P(o), specific force, and tetanic [Ca(2+)](i) were reduced by 58%, 23%, and 23%, respectively, in the reloaded animals compared with control mice; however, tetanic [Ca(2+)](i) was not different between unloaded and reloaded mice. These data indicate that although hindlimb suspension results in disturbed intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, changes in tetanic [Ca(2+)](i) do not contribute to force deficits. Compared with unloading, 24 h of physiological reloading in the mouse do not result in further changes in maximal strength or tetanic [Ca(2+)](i).
Anticardiolipin antibody in vascular parkinsonism

Vascular parkinsonism (VP) is characterized by predominantly lower body involvement with gait impairment and postural instability, often without tremor, and by relative levodopa unresponsiveness. Neuroimaging studies demonstrate multiple infarcts or ischemic changes in periventricular white matter. Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACLA) are associated with hypercoagulable states and increased stroke risk. Review of our Movement Disorders Clinic records identified 44 individuals with a diagnosis of VP. ACLA have been obtained in 22 of these patients (mean age, 78.3 years; mean Mini-Mental Status Exam score, 25.8). Gait disturbance was the initial clinical feature in 82% of the patients, and levodopa responsiveness was present in 18% of those treated. In 9 of the 22 (40.9%), ACLA immunoglobulin G was positive. No significant differences in clinical features or risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and clinical stroke) were evident between ACLA+ and ACLA- groups. Since the presence of ACLA in individuals with stroke is usually treated by full-scale anticoagulation with warfarin, our findings raise the question whether such treatment should also be used in persons with VP who are ACLA positive.
Clenbuterol in the horse: urinary concentrations determined by ELISA and GC/MS after clinical doses

Clenbuterol is a beta2 agonist/antagonist bronchodilator marketed as Ventipulmin and is the only member of this group of drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in horses. Clenbuterol is a class 3 drug in the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) classification system; therefore, its identification in postrace samples may lead to sanctions. Recently, the sensitivity of postrace testing for clenbuterol has been substantially increased. The objective of this study was to determine the 'detection times' for clenbuterol after administration of an oral clinical dose (0.8 g/kg, b.i.d.) of Ventipulmin syrup. Five horses received oral clenbuterol (0.8 g/kg, b.i.d.) for 10 days, and urine concentrations of clenbuterol were determined by an enhanced enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) test and gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis by two different methods for 30 days after administration. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, urine concentrations of apparent clenbuterol, as measured by ELISA, averaged about 500 ng/mL, dropping to about 1 ng/mL by day 5 posttreatment. However, there was a later transient increase in the mean concentrations of apparent clenbuterol in urine, peaking at 7 ng/mL on day 10 postadministration. The urine samples were also analysed using mass spectral quantification of both the trimethylsilyl (TMS) and methane boronic acid (MBA) derivatives of clenbuterol. Analysis using the TMS method showed that, at 24 h after the last administration, the mean concentration of recovered clenbuterol was about 22 ng/mL. Thereafter, clenbuterol concentrations fell below the limit of detection of the TMS-method by day 5 after administration but became transiently detectable again at day 10, with a mean concentration of about 1 ng/mL. Derivatization with MBA offers significant advantages over TMS for the mass spectral detection of clenbuterol, primarily because MBA derivatization yields a high molecular weight base peak of 243 m/z, which is ideal for quantitative purposes. Therefore, mass spectral analyses of selected urine samples, including the transient peak on day 10, were repeated using MBA derivatization, and comparable results were obtained. The results show that clenbuterol was undetectable in horse urine by day 5 after administration. However, an unexpected secondary peak of clenbuterol was observed at day 10 after administration that averaged approximately 1 ng/mL. Because of this secondary peak, the detection time for clenbuterol (0.8 g/kg, b.i.d. x 10 days) is at least 11 days if the threshold for detection is set at 1 ng/mL.