cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on Hepatic δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthetase

Abstract Optimal conditions for the measurement of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity were determined by means of a radiochemical assay. When the results obtained with this assay were compared with the commonly used colorimetric methods for determining δ-aminolevulinic acid, it was demonstrated that under identical conditions, the two assays yielded identical results. δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity in the mitochondria was increased 6- to 10-fold upon disruption of the mitochondria by either sonication or freezing and thawing. The addition of exogenous coenzyme A and a succinyl-CoA-generating system was necessary to assay the enzyme in the disrupted mitochondria. Activity in the sonicated mitochondria was linear with time and with enzyme concentration provided that less than 200 µg of protein was added to the incubation mixture. Using the activities measured with sonicated mitochondria as a source of enzyme, it was determined by assays of microsomes, sonicated mitochondria, and supernatant fractions that δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase is localized exclusively in the mitochondria. The δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity present in either the microsomal or the supernatant fractions is due to mitochondrial contamination as determined by the presence of the mitochondrial markers glutamic and succinic dehydrogenases in these fractions. δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthetase appears to be partitioned between the inner mitochondrial membrane and the matrix, i.e. it is less tightly bound to the inner membrane than is succinic dehydrogenase, an inner membrane marker, and more tightly bound than isocitric or glutamic dehydrogenases, matrix markers. No increase in δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity was observed during porphyria when the enzyme was assayed under optimal conditions with dilute suspensions of sonicated mitochondria as a source of enzyme and [14C]succinate as substrate. However, δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity was elevated during porphyria when intact mitochondria were used as the source of enzyme with [14C]succinate as substrate. Alternately, when either α-keto[14C]glutarate or [14C]citrate were used as substrates, an increase in δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity was observed in both intact and sonicated mitochondria. These results suggest that the increased rate of heme synthesis observed during experimental porphyria may result from an increased activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase in the intact mitochondria rather than from an actual increase in the amount of enzyme present.
Computerized Reminders Reduce the Use of Medications during Shortages

Medication shortages pose serious problems in health care. This study examines the impact of a computer-based reminder in addressing a national methylprednisolone shortage. An alert was designed and implemented in a computerized order entry platform at a children's hospital. The alert informed physicians of the shortage and provided an alternative prescribing pathway. Data regarding the number and type of parenteral corticosteroid prescriptions were collected for a one-month period before and after the alert was implemented. The alert resulted in a 55% relative reduction in methylprednisolone use and an average reduction of more than three orders each day. Dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, the recommended alternative medications, increased in use by 12% and 49%, respectively. The alert resulted in a $36,552 annualized cost reduction to the institution. Similar alert applications have great potential for effectively altering physician prescribing behavior.
Influence of lattice oxygen stoichiometry on the mechanism of methane oxidation in SOFC anodes

Abstract There is growing interest in developing oxide materials for direct hydrocarbon solid oxide fuel cell anodes. In addition to electronic and ionic conductivities, the electrocatalytic activity of these materials is a critical requirement for a high performance anode. In this paper, we present evidence for the important role of variable lattice oxygen stoichiometry and anode geometry in dictating the activity and reaction mechanism of La 0.75 Sr 0.25 Cr 1 − x Mn x O 3 − δ -based anodes for CH 4 oxidation. Total oxidation of CH 4 is favored by low oxygen vacancy concentration and availability of reducible B-site cations. The non-linear dependence of electrode polarization resistance with current density is attributed to dynamic changes in lattice oxygen vacancy concentration. The relatively high open circuit potential of porous anodes compared with thin films is attributed to an increase in secondary reactions of the fuel within the porous anode.
Unwinding of DNA by actinomycin D binding.

Abstract By converting enzymically cyclic λ DNA to the covalently closed form in the presence of actinomycin D, and subsequently determining the degree of superhelicity of the DNA after the removal of the ligand, it is shown that in the binding region studies (up to 0.034 actinomycin bound per DNA nucleotide), actinomycin D unwinds the DNA helix by an angle identical to the unwinding angle of ethidium. This result supports the intercalating model of Muller and Crothers 2 .
Chiral organochlorine pesticides in the atmosphere

Abstract We measured the enantiomeric fractions (EF) of various organochlorine pesticides in air samples from Indiana, Arkansas, and Louisiana collected in 2002–2003. Enantiomeric fractions for o,p′ -DDD are reported here for the first time, and they suggest preferential depletion of one enantiomer over the other, with a mean value of 0.44. For the chlordanes, the EFs followed the same trends as reported in previous studies. EF values for trans -chlordane (TC) were slightly below 0.5, and values for cis -chlordane (CC) were slightly above 0.5. For cis -heptachlor epoxide (HEPX), the EF values averaged 0.65, indicating a clear preferential depletion of the (−)-enantiomer. For TC and CC, no clear distinction could be made between the values measured among the three sites, suggesting that it is not possible to use these EF values as “source signatures”. For HEPX, the Indiana site had significantly higher EF values than did the Arkansas site; this difference may reflect differences in the historic use of heptachlor in these two regions.
Sex Differences in Familiality Effects on Neurocognitive Performance in Schizophrenia

Background Numerous studies have documented that patients with schizophrenia show neurocognitive impairments, which are also heritable in schizophrenia families. In view of these findings, the current investigation tested the hypothesis that neurocognitive performance of schizophrenia probands can predict the neurocognitive performance of their unaffected family members. Methods Participants (n=1967; schizophrenia=369; first-degree relatives=1072; community comparison subjects=526) in the Consortium on the Genetics of Schizophrenia were administered the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery. Results Consistent with prior work, probands showed significant neurocognitive impairment, and neurocognitive ability was significantly heritable across domains. On average, unaffected relatives did not differ from community comparison subjects in their neurocognitive performance. However, in six of seven domains, proband scores predicted the performance of their unaffected siblings. Male, but not female, proband performance was predictive of their unaffected relatives’ (siblings and mothers) performance, most consistently in face memory and spatial processing. Conclusions Using a novel approach in which individual probands are paired with their respective unaffected relatives within each family, we found that male proband performance predicted both sister and brother performance, an effect that was most powerfully observed for face memory and spatial processing. Results suggest that the familial transmission of sexually dimorphic neurocognitive domains, in which a particular sex tends to show a performance advantage over the other, may not itself be sex specific in schizophrenia families.
No place to nest or bask: Effects of human disturbance on the nesting and basking habits of yellow-blotched map turtles (Graptemys flavimaculata)

Considerable recent attention has focused on how human disturbance alters the behaviour of imperiled taxa. Data on such impacts are common for waterfowl, marine mammals, and some large game animals. However, little is known about how human disturbances affect reptiles, perhaps because most reptiles are secretive and are not commonly seen by the public. We studied the impact of human disturbances on the nesting and basking behaviour of the yellow-blotched map turtle (Graptemys flavimaculata) on the Pascagoula River in southeastern Mississippi, USA. We found that both nesting and basking behaviour of map turtles were altered by human recreational activities. Turtles attempting to nest commonly abandoned their attempts upon the approach of a boat and, prior to nesting, numerous individuals waited several hours near the beach without emerging. Basking turtles frequently dove into the water upon the approach of a boat and some did not return to bask. Anglers in small boats that remained in the vicinity of basking sites caused the most disturbances, whereas personal water crafts (jet skis) caused fewer disturbances. Our data suggest that interruption of nesting activities may have an especially severe impact on the viability of this population through changes in numbers of clutches females are able to lay and altering the microhabitat females select for their nests.
Enhancement of in vitro chemotherapeutic activity by dimethylsulfoxide.

The effects of the differentiation-inducing polar solvent dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on thein vitro response of murine hepatocarcinoma cells tocis-platinum, BCNU, and melphalan were investigated using the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and cell survival assays. Growth of cells in medium containing 2 per cent DMSO enhanced drug-induced SCEs and cell kill. In order for the enhancement to occur, cells had to be exposed to DMSO for at least 48 h prior to drug treatment. The presence of DMSO during drug treatment did not affect cell response to the three chemotherapeutic agents. The enhancenent of chemosensitivity was eliminated within 24 h of DMSO removal. These data suggest that the differentiation-inducing polar solvents may provide antineoplastic benefits when administered in combination with standard chemotherapeutic agents.
Impact of Conditioning Regimen on Outcome of 2-Year Disease-Free Survivors of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Hodgkin Lymphoma

Abstract Background Autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard of care for patients with relapsed HL and the long-term outcomes for survivors 2 years after ASCT have not been well described. No prospective trials have compared the effect of different conditioning regimens on outcomes. Patients and Methods We searched the Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group database to identify patients with HL who received ASCT from 1984 to 2007. Patients were conditioned with either CBV (cyclophosphamide, carmustine, and etoposide) or BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan). Results At a median follow-up of 8 (range, 2-26) years, 225 patients were alive and disease-free 2 years after ASCT. Analysis was limited to these patients. At 5 years, the progression-free survival (PFS) was 92% for BEAM and 73% for CBV ( P = .002) and the overall survival (OS) was 95% for BEAM and 87% for CBV ( P = .07). At 10 years, the PFS was 79% for BEAM and 59% for CBV ( P = .01) and the OS was 84% for BEAM and 66% for CBV ( P = .02). Conclusion Patients with HL who are disease-free and alive 2 years after ASCT have favorable outcomes. We observed lower risk of progression and longer survival associated with use of BEAM vs. CBV. Patients in the BEAM group received a transplant in more recent years so we cannot exclude the possibility that the superior outcomes seen in the BEAM group are because of better supportive care, use of peripheral blood stem cell grafts, or improvements in salvage therapies before transplantation.
Ochratoxin Production by the Aspergillus ochraceus Group and Aspergillus alliaceus

Ochratoxin A is a toxic and carcinogenic fungal secondary metabolite; its presence in foods is increasingly regulated. Various fungi are known to produce ochratoxins, but it is not known which species produce ochratoxins consistently and which species cause ochratoxin contamination of various crops. We isolated fungi in the Aspergillus ochraceus group (section Circumdati) and Aspergillus alliaceus from tree nut orchards, nuts, and figs in California. A total of 72 isolates were grown in potato dextrose broth and yeast extract-sucrose broth for 10 days at 30°C and tested for production of ochratoxin A in vitro by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Among isolates from California figs, tree nuts, and orchards, A. ochraceus and Aspergillus melleus were the most common species. No field isolates of A. ochraceus or A. melleus produced ochratoxin A above the level of detection (0.01 μg/ml). All A. alliaceus isolates produced ochratoxin A, up to 30 μg/ml. We examined 50,000 figs for fungal infections and measured ochratoxin content in figs with visible fungal colonies. Pooled figs infected with A. alliaceus contained ochratoxin A, figs infected with the A. ochraceus group had little or none, and figs infected with Penicillium had none. These results suggest that the little-known species A. alliaceus is an important ochratoxin-producing fungus in California and that it may be responsible for the ochratoxin contamination occasionally observed in figs.
Rapid Calculation of Theoretical Cosmic Microwave Background Angular Power Spectra

We have developed a fast method for predicting the angular power spectrum Cl of the cosmic microwave background given cosmological parameters and a primordial power spectrum of perturbations. After precomputing the radiation temperature and gravitational potential transfer functions over a small subspace of the total model parameter space, the rest of the model space (six or more cosmological parameters and arbitrarily many primordial power spectrum parameters) is reached via rapid analytic and semianalytic approximations that are highly accurate on all angular scales for which linear perturbation theory applies. A single power spectrum can be calculated in ~1 s on a desktop computer. We discuss applications to cosmological parameter estimation.
Nucleophilicities of metal ion bound hydroxide

Abstract The nucleophilic capability of metal ion bound hydroxide often exceeds by many powers of ten that which might be predicted on the basis of its proton basicity. It is shown that proton basicity of metal ion bound hydroxide, as measured by the pKa of the conjugate water ligand, when appropriately scaled, is an excellent gauge of hydroxide nucleophilicity. Experimental results may be interpreted by the derived equation log ( k OH k ) = s(3·8 − 0·24 p K a ) , where kOH is the rate constant for nucleophilic attack by free hydroxide and k the rate constant for bound hydroxide in the same reaction, the substrate of which exhibits a sensitivity, s, to a change in nucleophilicity. Sensitivities vary little, exhibiting values of 1·04 and 0·75 for the reactions of metal ion bound hydroxide with propionic anhydride and CO2, respectively. Thus the variation of log k depends on only about 0·2 pKa, rather than 1·0 pKa as seems to have been expected. The soft dependence of log k on pKa permits observation of metal ion bound hydroxide as a nucleophile when present in only modest concentration in neutral solutions. If the Zn(II) bound hydroxide in carbonic anhydrase functions as a nucleophile in CO2 hydration, nearly 7 log units of the rate over that expected for unbound hydroxide at pH 7·5 are accounted for by the considerations of this paper, but about 5·6 log units remain to be accounted for by features not present in small metal ion complexes.
High-resolution imaging of medial temporal lobe subfield structure and function in mild cognitive impairment

MMSE1⁄428.58) from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a clinical-pathological cohort study of aging and dementia, were scanned using restingstate functional MRI. Financial literacy was assessed using a series of questions imbedded as part of an ongoing decision making study. A 4 mm radius spherical seed region of interest (ROI) was prescribed in the posterior cingulate cortex (x1⁄40, y1⁄4-53, z1⁄426) after removal of 6 head motion parameters, white matter signal, global mean signal, and cerebrospinal fluid as nuisance variables. Results: After adjusting for age, education, sex, and global cognition, and correcting for multiple comparisons, analyses revealed significant associations (AlphaSim cluster level p<0.05, voxelwise p<0.004) such that functional connectivity values between the posterior cingulate and the right ventromedial prefrontal cortex (t1⁄44.7917), left postcentral gyrus (t1⁄43.3051), right precuneus (t1⁄43.5919), and right postcentral gyrus (t1⁄43.5262) were positively associated with higher financial literacy. Interestingly, functional connectivity values between the posterior cingulate and left caudate were inversely associated with financial literacy (t1⁄4-3.7011). Conclusions: Greater financial literacy is associated with stronger functional connectivity between anterior and posterior regions typically associated with the Default Mode Network. Financial literacy may also be associated with functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate and basal ganglia structures, although this relationship is less clear. Results suggest specific functional brain network properties may be associated with differing levels of financial literacy among older adults.
Inexpensive objective lenses for indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Inexpensive aspheric +14- and + 18-diopter photographic accessories are useful objective lenses in indirect ophthalmoscopy. They are sold as +10 and +20 macro lenses. They can also be used to photograph the external eye with a 35-mm camera and primary lens.
A real-time algorithm for the (n 2 − 1)-puzzle

Abstract A real-time algorithm for the (n2 − 1)-puzzle is designed using greedy and divide-and-conquer techniques. It is proved that (ignoring lower order terms) the new algorithm uses at most 5n3 moves, and that any such algorithm must make at least n3 moves in the worst case, at least 2n 3 3 moves on average, and with probability one, at least 0.264n3 moves on random configurations.
Cool as helium

Owing to peculiar properties, helium has taken both the main and supporting roles in scientific discoveries over the years. Christine Herman explores just what makes it such a cool element.
Design and performance of a new continuous-flow sample-introduction system for flame infrared-emission spectrometry: Applications in process analysis, flow injection analysis, and ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A new sample introduction system for the analysis of continuously flowing liquid streams by flame infrared-emission (FIRE) spectrometry has been developed. The system uses a specially designed purge cell to strip dissolved CO2 from solution into a hydrogen gas stream that serves as the fuel for a hydrogen/air flame. Vibrationally excited CO2 molecules present in the flame are monitored with a simple infrared filter (4.4 μm) photometer. The new system can be used to introduce analytes as a continuous liquid stream (process analysis mode) or on a discrete basis by sample injection (flow injection analysis mode). The key to the success of the method is the new purge-cell design. The small internal volume of the cell minimizes problems associated with purge-cell clean-out and produces sharp, reproducible signals. Spent analytical solution is continuously drained from the cell, making cell disconnection and cleaning between samples unnecessary. Under the conditions employed in this study, samples could be analyzed at a maximum rate of approximately 60/h. The new sample introduction system was successfully tested in both a process analysis- and a flow injection analysis mode for the determination of total inorganic carbon in Waco tap water. For the first time, flame infrared-emission spectrometry was successfully extended to non-volatile organic compounds by using chemical pretreatment with peroxydisulfate in the presence of silver ion to convert the analytes into dissolved carbon dioxide, prior to purging and detection by the FIRE radiometer. A test of the peroxydisulfate/Ag+ reaction using six organic acids and five sugars indicated that all 11 compounds were oxidized to nearly the same extent. Finally, the new sample introduction system was used in conjunction with a simple filter FIRE radiometer as a detection system in ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography. Ion-exchange chromatograms are shown for two aqueous mixtures, one containing six organic acids and the second containing six mono-, di-, and trisaccharides.
Paclitaxel in the treatment of patients with angiosarcoma of the scalp or face.

BACKGROUND Angiosarcomas are rare tumors. Based on a complete response observed in a patient with angiosarcoma of the scalp treated with paclitaxel in a Phase II trial, the authors treated a cohort of patients with angiosarcoma of the scalp or face with paclitaxel as single agent. METHODS The authors identified nine patients with angiosarcoma of the scalp or face treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center with paclitaxel between January 1992 and December 1998. Various paclitaxel schedules were used over 1, 3, and 24 hours. RESULTS Of the 9 patients, 8 had major responses (4 partial responses and 4 clinical complete responses) and 1 had a minor response, for a major response rate of 89%. The median duration of response was 5 months (range, 2–13 months). Neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy were the most frequent dose-limiting toxicities. No deaths were attributed to therapy. CONCLUSIONS Paclitaxel as a single agent has substantial activity against angiosarcoma of the scalp or face, even in patients previously treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Further investigation is warranted to define the optimal treatment dose and schedule. Cancer 1999;86:2034–7. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Generating thec *5-connected graphs

A planar 3-valent 3-connected graph is said to becyclically n-connected provided it is possible to separate two circuits by cutting edges, and at leastn edges must be cut to do so. The graph is said to bestrongly cyclically n-connected provided it is cyclicallyn-connected and any separation of two circuits by cutting edges leaves one component consisting of just a simple circuit. We give a method of generating all strongly cyclically 5-connected graphs by certain types of facet splitting.
Sulfur Dioxide: Episodic Injection Shows Evidence for Active Venus Volcanism

Pioneer Venus ultraviolet spectra from the first 5 years of operation show a decline (by more than a factor of 10) in sulfur dioxide abundance at the cloud tops and in the amount of submicron haze above the clouds. At the time of the Pioneer Venus encounter, the values for both parameters greatly exceeded earlier upper limits. However, Venus had a similar appearance in the late 1950's, implying the episodic injection of sulfur dioxide possibly caused by episodic volcanism. The amount of haze in the Venus middle atmosphere is about ten times that found in earth's stratosphere after the most recent major volcanic eruptions, and the thermal energy required for this injection on Venus is greater by about an order of magnitude than the largest of these recent earth eruptions and about as large as the Krakatoa eruption of 1883. The episodic behavior of sulfur dioxide implies that steady-state models of the chemistry and dynamics of cloud-top regions may be of limited use.
Crustal structure of the Borderland‐Continent Transition Zone of southern California adjacent to Los Angeles

We use data from the onshore-offshore component of Los Angeles Region Seismic Experiment (LARSE) to model the broad-scale features of the midcrust to upper mantle beneath a north-south transect that spans the continental borderland in the Los Angeles, California, region. We have developed an analysis method for wide-angle seismic data that consists primarily of refractions, lacks near-offset recordings, and contains wide gaps in coverage. Although the data restrict the analysis to the modeling of broad-scale structure, the technique allows one to explore the limits of the data and determine the resolving power of the data set. The resulting composite velocity model constrains the crustal thickness and location and width of the continent-Borderland transition zone. We find that the mid to lower crust layer velocities of the Inner Borderland are slightly lower than the corresponding layers in the average southern California crust model, while the upper mantle velocity is significantly higher. The data require the Moho to deepen significantly to the north. We constrain the transition zone to initiate between the offshore slope and the southwest Los Angeles Basin. If the Inner Borderland crust is 22 km thick, then the transition zone is constrained to initiate within a 2 km wide region beneath the southwest Los Angeles Basin, and have a width of 20–25 km. The strong, coherent, and continuous Pn phase suggests the Moho is coherent and laterally continuous beneath the Inner Borderland and transition zone. The Inner California Borderland seems to be modified and thickened oceanic crust, with the oceanic upper mantle intact beneath it.
Tuning the Sonic Playing Field: Teaching Ways of Knowing Sound in First Year Writing

Abstract In recent years there has been a call within composition to include sound, among other modes, such as word and image in writing. Some of this call relies on a movement to multimodal composition in order to capture both the richness of rhetorical possibility and the reality of communities of practice, and some is in response to a perceived shift in writing due to digital media tools and environments. Regardless of the impetus for including the auditory realm in the composition classroom, it is important for the field of composition and rhetoric to develop further pedagogies of sound so that students are not simply offered the opportunity to produce diverse texts, but instead, are invited to enter “the playing field.” In order to do this I first explore an approach to teaching auditory rhetoric based on ways of knowing sound from an acoustics and musicology perspective, then I consider a phenomenological approach based on listening, and finally I construct a model of “tuning the sonic playing field” that draws on the literal, material practice of tuning as a metaphor for how sound may be taught in composition. The “tuning” approach to teaching sound draws on attention, embodiment, listening, and negotiation. Rather than simply offering students opportunities to use sound in rhetorically sensitive ways, this final approach asks instructors to become “attuned” to how different auditory epistemologies influence students’ ability to design and compose in sound.
Two-component approach for thermodynamic properties in diluted magnetic semiconductors

We examine the feasibility of a simple description of Mn ions in III-V diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS's) in terms of two species (components), motivated by the expectation that the Mn-hole exchange couplings are widely distributed, especially for low Mn concentrations. We find, using distributions indicated by recent numerical mean field studies, that the thermodynamic properties (magnetization, susceptibility, and specific heat) cannot be fit by a single coupling as in a homogeneous model, but can be fit well by a two-component model with a temperature dependent number of ``strongly'' and ``weakly'' coupled spins. This suggests that a two-component description may be a minimal model for the interpretation of experimental measurements of thermodynamic quantities in III-V DMS systems.
Quadratic response of the intermediate state to a transverse alternating magnetic field

The response or susceptibility of the intermediate state in a transverse cylinder of indium to a small alternating magnetic field perpendicular to both the static magnetic field and the axis of the cylinder is studied as a function of frequency, size, resistivity and temperature. The response is quadratic as a second harmonic signal is generated in a pickup coil axial to the static magnetic field. At sufficiently low frequencies the quasi-static limit is attained. At intermediate frequencies the signal is eddy-current damped, and at higher frequencies the signal is dependent on the structure of the intermediate state.
Synthesis and characterization of bi- and trinuclear molybdenum carbonyl compounds obtained by ligand exchange reactions of [Et4N]3[Mo3(Co)9(OMe)3]

The complex [Et4N]3[Mo3(CO)9(OMe)3] (1) has been synthesized by adding the photochemically generated Mo(CO)5THF adduct to a 6-fold excess of Et4NOH in methanol. Complex 1 has been shown to undergo ...
Mortality associated with hormone replacement therapy in younger and older women

OBJECTIVE: To assess mortality associated with hormone replacement in younger and older postmenopausal women. DESIGN: A comprehensive search of medline, cinahl, and embase databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials of hormone replacement therapy from 1966 to September 2002. The search was augmented by scanning selected journals through April 2003 and references of identified articles. Randomized trials of greater than 6 months’ duration were included if they compared hormone replacement with placebo or no treatment, and reported at least 1 death. MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes measured were total deaths and deaths due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, or other causes. Odds ratios (OR) for total and cause-specific mortality were reported separately for trials with mean age of participants less than and greater than 60 years at baseline. MAIN RESULTS: Pooled data from 30 trials with 26,708 participants showed that the OR for total mortality associated with hormone replacement was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87 to 1.12). Hormone replacement reduced mortality in the younger age group (OR, 0.61; CI, 0.39 to 0.95), but not in the older age group (OR, 1.03; CI, 0.90 to 1.18). For all ages combined, treatment did not significantly affect the risk for cardiovascular or cancer mortality, but reduced mortality from other causes (OR, 0.67; CI, 0.51 to 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Hormone replacement therapy reduced total mortality in trials with mean age of participants under 60 years. No change in mortality was seen in trials with mean age over 60 years.
Electrical Engineering Hall of Fame: Charles F. Kettering [Scanning our Past]

In 1958, the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) selected Charles F. Kettering as the recipient of the Edison Medal. He was cited "for invention, research, and development in the broad fields of industry, engineering, transportation, medicine, education, energy, and power resulting in service to all mankind. "He was elected a Fellow of the AIEE in 1914. Remembered especially for his early work on electric self-starters for automobiles, he received 185 patents for inventions in several fields and also became known for his philanthropy later in life.
Effective Risk Stratification of Patients on the Basis of Myocardial Perfusion SPECT Is Dependent on Appropriate Patient Selection

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is commonly used in risk assessment, as an abnormal scan predicts a multifold increase in cardiac risk. Recent studies have showed that application of the appropriate use criteria (AUC) sharpens the prognostic value of SPECT-MPI, while inappropriate use is clinically ineffective and may lead to unnecessary downstream invasive testing and revascularization procedures. In this review, we will discuss recent literature examining the impact of appropriate use on the prognostic value of SPECT-MPI and downstream decision-making. We will also discuss the implications of appropriate use on cost-effectiveness of MPI.
Development of a work-force retention program.

The increasing demand for pharmacy services and the continued shortage of pharmacists have illuminated the need for creating a work-force retention program as part of work-force planning efforts. Group Health Cooperative (GHC), located in Washington state, with services concentrated in the Puget
Reaction Behavior of Phosphorus in CaO-SiO2-FeOx Low Basicity Slag

For investigating the reaction behavior of phosphorus in CaO–SiO2–FeOx low basicity slag, the CaO–SiO2–FeOx slag containing various amount of CaO particles was heated at 1623K and 1673K, respectively for 10 to 600s, and the products formed at the interface of the CaO particles and molten slag were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The research results showed that the solid solution containing P2O5 increased with the increasing of the heating temperature, and the formation of condensed phase was promoted by increasing the holding time and the CaO solid proportion.
Postnatal behavioral alterations resulting from prenatal administration of d1-alphamethylparatyrosine

We have previously reported that injection of d1-alphamethylparatyrosine methylester (AMPT) into the yolk sac of fertilized chicken eggs prior to incubation results in dose-related increases in the specific activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) at 29 days postnatally. We now report that injection of 10.0 and 33.3 mg/kg of AMPT prior to incubation results in dose-related increases in acquisition rates of 2 operant responses. Between 1 and 3 weeks of postnatal age, we observed a dose-related decrease in latency to perform a detour response and, at 55–60 days of postnatal age, an increased rate of acquisition of a key peck response in an autoshaping paradigm. We could not discern any significant alteration in several measures of unconditioned behaviors in an open field situation at 3 weeks of postnatal age. Our data support the contention that early catecholamine (CA) depletion can produce long-term alterations in postnatal behavior.
US Policy for Disease Control among Imported Nonhuman Primates

In 1990, in response to the occurrence of Ebola virus (subsequently identified as subtype Reston) infection among cynomolgus monkeys imported from the Philippines, the United States implemented strict disease control measures for handling nonhuman primates during transit and quarantine and initiated importer facility compliance inspections. Disease control measures emphasized protection of workers from exposure, use of containment facilities and procedures, measures to prevent spread of infection among animals, and laboratory testing of animals that die or become ill during quarantine. From 1991-1995, no outbreaks of filovirus infection occurred, and only one other disease outbreak (caused by Mycobacterium species) was recognized. In April 1996, Ebola virus (subtype Reston) infection was identified in another group of cynomolgus monkeys imported from the Philippines. The disease control measures implemented since the first Ebola virus (subtype Reston) outbreak appeared to work well. Currently, the 27 registered importer facilities import approximately 8500 nonhuman primates annually, and mortality rates are <1.0%. Importer facilities receive regular inspections, and compliance with disease control measures and disease reporting is excellent.
Reliability and Construct Validity of Ipsative and Normative Forms of the Learning Style Inventory

Assessment of learning style provides a framework within which individual differences for specific ways of learning can be described. The Learning Style Inventory developed by Kolb assesses learners' preferences for specific phases of an experiential learning cycle. This study was undertaken to determine the reliability and construct validity of Kolb's original ipsative instrument and of an alternate normative form adapted from the original inventory. Results of this study indicated that the alternate version was as reliable as the original version, was equivalent in measuring characteristics defined in the original learning style scales, and demonstrated construct validity that was at least comparable to that for the ipsative instrument. For research purposes, the alternate normative version can be substituted for the original ipsative instrument to meet the requirements of independence in statistical analyses.
Decrease in nuclear Feulgen-positive material (DNA) upon aging in in vitro storage of bovine spermatozoa.

The Feulgen-DNA content of sperm cells from 5 bulls was studied by means of microspectrophotometry after storage at 5°C for 2, 3, 5, and 10 days in a yolk-citrate diluent permitting slow aerobic metabolism. A subsample of sperm cells from each bull was subjected to the Feulgen technique on each of the storage days selected. The cells sampled on each of these days received a standard 12 minute, 60°C hydrolysis. Absorption measurements at 546 mµof the individual cells indicated a marked progressive decrease in the Feulgen-DNA content of the stored spermatozoa. The loss of 30 per cent of the initial DNA at the end of 5 days' storage was highly significant statistically. This decrease approximately parallels the known decrease in fertility of stored sperm cells, as well as the increase in apparent embryonic mortality resulting from the use of similarly aged spermatozoa for artificial insemination.
Can Neutral Molecular Markers be used to Determine the Success of an Introduction of a “Better” Strain Into an Established Population of a Biocontrol Parasitoid?

Neutral molecular markers are gene sequences where variants are considered to confer no fitness advantage, such as microsatellites and mitochondrial haplotypes. Several types of neutral marker are easy to develop, cheap to use, and have found extensive application for addressing ecological questions. In biocontrol, these markers are used to simplify identification of cryptic species and of prey remains in predators. Here, we address the potential of neutral molecular markers for determining the relative performance of a “superior” strain of a species after release into an already established conspecific population. We used modeling to show that only under very limited conditions can traditional neutral markers be used to demonstrate that beneficial genetic variation was successfully introgressed into the existing population. However, new population genomic methods do make it possible to track alleles at a large number of loci and consequently make it possible to show if alleles from a superior strain spread in an already established conspecific population.
Molecules That Mediate Mood

A recent study underscores the importance of substance P and its upstream mediator, ΔFosB, in modifying learned helplessness — a model of depression — in mice.
New polymer architectures: Recent results with polyrotaxanes

Recent results from our laboratory have shown that the formation of polyester and polyurethane rotaxanes by polymerization in the presence of crown ethers is driven by hydrogen bonding of the OH groups with the oxygen atoms of the macrocycles. Here we summarize these findings. Then we describe the application of this type of self assembly for the production of polyrotaxanes by threading preformed macromolecules and for the controlled synthesis of branched and crosslinked systems. These latter protocols comprise a new and novel way to prepare mechanically linked, elastomeric materials. Rheological properties of main chain polyrotaxanes are compared to simple linear backbones; the rotaxanes display higher intrinsic viscosities and lower melt viscosities, reflecting larger hydrodynamic volumes and less entanglement, respectively; these are potentially useful aspects in terms of processability of this new class of polymeric materials.
Hyper-extractive counties in the U.S.: a coupled-systems approach

Abstract In this paper, we advance a theoretical framework for defining hyper-extractive coupled-systems in the United States. Our purpose is to extend a model constructed for an agricultural system in Southwest Kansas into a general theory that can be used to successfully classify counties across the U.S. that depend on the extraction of natural resources. We begin with developing the theoretical foundations for the hyper-extractive coupled-system. We then fit this theory within the existing literature regarding the classification of rural counties. Finally, drawing on a coupled human–natural systems theoretical framework ( Liu et al., 2007 ), we develop a new spatially based empirical measure of rural context that captures the complex, multidimensional interactions between humans and their natural environments. GIS hot spot and factor analytic techniques are used to empirically identify existing coupled-systems, linking contiguous counties in the rural U.S. based on 35 indicators of land use, employment patterns, demographics, physiography, and climate. In addition to identifying three different types of hyper-extractive counties across the U.S., our approach reveals a number of other coupled-systems based on agriculture and ranching, mining, manufacturing, scenic amenities, and forestry and fishing.
Work Group Performance: Evaluation by Day of the Week

Investigates the effects of day of the week on work group performance at a contractor‐operated, government‐owned facility that tests aerospace propulsion systems. Focuses on individual employees′ contributions towards group performance and excludes the effects of mechanical failures and test equipment problems on group performance. Using five performance measures; hypothesizing that performance, as directly attributed to the employees, would be better on Monday and Friday than performance on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, found results were significant for two of the performance measures. Discusses results and implications for future research.
Does Bank Consolidation Hurt the Small Business Borrower

The recent wave of mergers in the commercial banking sector in the United States has led to tremendous industry consolidation. Some fear that such consolidation will leave the small business borrower with fewer opportunities to obtain bank credit. This study uses regression analysis to empirically determine if consolidation has caused larger banks to abandon relationship loans extended to small businesses over time. If so, this leaves small business borrowers with two distinctly different choices, a low interest rate loan from a large bank for those small business borrowers who qualify or a high interest rate loan from a small bank for those who do not. The results of this study support this theory, and find consolidation has raised small business loan rates at small banks and lowered rates at large banks, ceteris paribus.
Recent insights into cysteine protease specificity: Lessons for drug design

Cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily are usually considered to possess a relatively broad substrate specificity. However, despite a number of similarities between cysteine proteases, unique and/or restricted preferences for substrates have been served in a few cases and differences do exist that can form the basis for the design of more specific inhibitors. Recent crystallographic measurements coupled to mutational analysis have allowed the molecular basis behind several of these specificity determinants to be uncovered.
Who gets paid for diagnostic imaging, and how much?

Purposes To determine the apportionment of Medicare Part B payments for noninvasive diagnostic imaging among radiologists and other specialists and to ascertain the trends in these payments over a recent 5-year period. Methods and materials Using the nationwide Medicare Part B databases for 1997 through 2002, all payments were calculated for physician services for noninvasive diagnostic imaging codes in the 70,000 Current Procedural Terminology, Version 4 series and those codes in the 90,000 series pertaining to echocardiography and vascular ultrasound. Imaging studies were grouped into 26 different categories depending on type and modality. The 108 Medicare physician specialty codes were used to group payments into 20 different specialist categories. The percentage shares for each specialty group in 1997 and 2002 were calculated. Percentage changes in payments between 1997 and 2002 were determined. Results In 2002, Medicare Part B paid almost $7.7 billion for noninvasive diagnostic imaging services. Radiologists received 48.3% of these payments, and cardiologists received 22.8%. Between 1997 and 2002, overall payments to physicians for noninvasive diagnostic imaging rose by 78%. Payments to radiologists increased by 65%, while payments to cardiologists increased by 105%. Primary-care physicians received 8.3% of 2002 payments, while 10.2% went to independent diagnostic testing facilities or multispecialty groups. For the latter two entities, the specialties of the physician providers could not be determined. Conclusion Radiologists receive only about half of all Medicare Part B reimbursements for noninvasive diagnostic imaging. Cardiologists receive almost one-quarter. Payments to cardiologists are rising more rapidly then to any other specialty group and considerably more rapidly than payments to radiologists.
α1-Adrenergic Receptors and Their Inhibitors in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

ABSTRACTPurpose: We provide a comprehensive overview of the role of α1-adrenergic receptors (α1ARs) as critical mediators of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and pathophysiology in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and we review the pharmacological antagonists of α1ARs.Materials and Methods: A review was performed of pertinent studies in the literature relating to the pathophysiology of LUTS and BPH, focusing on the role of α1ARs, and of clinical trial and practice data evaluating the different agents that inhibit these receptors.Results: Further characterization of the α1AR gene family indicates that 3 receptor subtypes exist in humans. Their different distribution between urinary tract and cardiovascular tissues has provided a strategy for the development of improved therapeutic agents. Since excessive activity of the α1aAR and α1dAR subtypes appears to be a common feature in symptomatic BPH and α1aARs are enriched in prostatic tissue, drugs that demonstrate high α1aAR selectivity have attracted at...
Dispersion of Si3N4 powders: Surface chemical interactions in aqueous media

Abstract The dispersion of submicron Si 3 N 4 powders is a significant step in their processing to decrease defects and improve microstructural homogeneity. An analysis or subprocesses of dispersion such as wetting, breakup of agglomerates, and reagglomeration, is provided to identify critical steps involved in establishing, thermodynamic feasibility and kinetic factors that control dispersion. Interparticle forces that are dominant in the aqueous suspensions of Si 3 N 4 powders are described with reference to the electrical double layer charge development, which is responsible for promoting dispersion stability. Specific ions resulting from the surface dissolution of Si 3 N 4 powders are identified, based on the surface and bulk interactions. The variabilities in the dispersion behavior of powders manufactured by different processes are explained in terms of differences in the specific and non-specific adsorption of these ions.