cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Granulomatous appendicitis

Granulomatous appendicitis as an isolated pathologic entity un-associated with systemic disease is extremely rare. Many such cases in the past have been called “primary tuberculous appendicitis”. Others have been called “chronic appendicitis” or “Crohn's disease.” Recent information indicates thatYersinia pseudotuberculous bacillus could also cause granulomas in the appendix. Within the past ten years the authors have come across three cases of granulomatous appendicitis. A review of the literature and retrospective study of the authors' cases suggest that the causative agent in many of these could beYersinia. However, the authors believe that as long as there is no positive proof of the cause, such lesions should be considered granulomatous appendicitis.
Piloting a Compassionate Extubation Protocol

Background: Compassionate extubation (CE) is the process of removing mechanical ventilation and allowing a patient to die peacefully at the end of life. After conducting a 3-month review of our CE practices (baseline), we developed a CE protocol to address gaps in the clinical practice. The primary aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to assess the use of a protocol-based approach to improve the process of CE among adult patients. Methods: Based on the baseline data (n = 62), a CE protocol was designed to include key drivers of change: 1) identify patients at high risk of dyspnea associated respiratory distress, 2) improve ventilator weaning process and symptom management, and 3) increase chaplain and physician presence during ventilator withdrawal. The protocol was piloted in the medical intensive care unit from November 2020 to February 2021. All adult patients who underwent CE during the pilot period were enrolled. Manual chart review was performed to gather demographic data, ventilator settings, and symptomatology. A Likert scale was used to assess respiratory therapists’ (RT) level of emotional discomfort during CE. Our QI goals were to reduce the presence of agonal breathing by 12%, increase ventilator weaning by 39%, increase physician presence by 11% and increase chaplain presence by 31%. Results were analyzed using descriptive and Chi-square statistics. Results: In this pilot study, 15 patients underwent CE. As compared to the pre-cohort, physician presence increased by 7.3% (19.4% vs 26.7%), chaplain presence increased by 33.9% (19.4% vs 53.3%), ventilator weaning increased by 49% (11.3% vs 60%) and incidence of agonal breathing was reduced by 5.6% (32.2% vs 26.6%). Among RTs, level of emotional discomfort during CE increased by 31.2% (35.5% vs 66.7%). There were no statistical differences noted among these changes. Conclusions: Utilizing a QI process to address variability in the practice of CE, we developed a CE protocol. Implementation of this protocol was shown to be feasible, and we made progress toward our goals of increasing ventilator weaning frequency and reducing agonal breathing and increasing physician and chaplain presence during CE. Next steps in the QI process include performing a root cause analysis to assess why physician presence did not meet desired goal, updating and re-evaluating the protocol. Further evaluation as to the cause for increase in RT emotional discomfort is also warranted.
Who I Am Is the Text. Who I Become Is the Purpose

Student SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) is a grassroots, social justice course in which participants actively engage in dialogue about diversity and social identity. This chapter examines Student SEED as a multicultural initiative.
Mechanism of Ethanol Suppression of Gluconeogenesis: INHIBITION OF PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVATE SYNTHESIS FROM GLUTAMATE AND α-KETOGLUTARATE

Abstract A series of experiments was performed to test the proposal of others that the oxidation of ethanol to acetate is NAD+-linked, and that, when transferred into the mitochondria, the cytoplasmic reducing equivalents produced during ethanol oxidation inhibit the oxidation of glucogenic precursors required for the formation of P-enolpyruvate. Particulate-free dialyzed extracts of rabbit livers oxidized various concentrations of ethanol to acetate with experimental ratios of the increase in NADH to that of acetate of 2.02 to 2.19. Although other hepatic enzymes known to oxidize aldehydes were active in these preparations, there was no measurable disappearance of ethanol not accounted for by net reduction of NAD+ to NADH and net production of acetate. These data are taken to indicate that the oxidation of ethanol to acetate by the liver is predominantly, if not exclusively, NAD+-linked. With β-hydroxybutyrate as source of competing reducing equivalents, simulating the transfer of reducing equivalents into the mitochondria during ethanol oxidation, P-enolpyruvate synthesis from α-ketoglutarate or glutamate by rabbit liver mitochondria was tested under conditions in which electron transfer was rate-limiting (with 0 to 20 µm dinitrophenol), or in which electron transfer was not limiting (with 50 µm dinitrophenol). In the presence of 0 to 20 µm dinitrophenol, β-hydroxybutyrate had little effect on respiratory rate, but decreased the synthesis of P-enolpyruvate from α-ketoglutarate or glutamate, and increased the mitochondrial NADH:NAD+ ratio. With 50 µm dinitrophenol, β-hydroxybutyrate oxidation increased respiration but had no effect on P-enolpyruvate synthesis or the NADH:NAD+ ratio. The data presented are taken to support our previously stated hypothesis that the rate of gluconeogenesis by the liver is regulated to a large degree by the rate of flow of carbon from glucogenic amino acids into and through the citric acid cycle.
Simple Models for Dynamics and Control of Heat exchangers

Simple, finite order, compartmental models for dynamics and control of heat exchangers are presented. This paper shows how a fourth order model can predict the transient response of a heat exchanger as well as the exact infinite order solution can. The results of this model are compared with the exact solution in frequency domain, and with experimental data in a time domain for both parallel flow and counter flow heat exchangers. This comparison concludes that higher order systems can be represented by low order models very accurately.
Infertility Insurance Mandates: Morality or Regulatory Policy?

This paper compares two states to determine why Illinois has a law mandating insurance coverage for infertility treatment while Nebraska does not. Case studies employing legislative transcripts reveal the debates on mandate legislation differed on three points of comparison: the specifics of the legislation, the qualities of the sponsors, and the legislative outcomes. In Illinois, the mandate legislation included an IVF component, the sponsor was a Democrat, and the legislature passed the bill. In Nebraska, the mandate legislation did not include IVF, the sponsor was a Republican, and the legislature rejected the bill. What seems to have been an important difference was the nature of the proposed policy innovation. In Illinois, the mandate legislation included coverage for IVF, and that brought a morality theme to the debate. In Nebraska, IVF and other morally troublesome assisted reproductive technologies were left out of the legislation by the sponsor's design. Thus the debate had a decidedly more regulatory flavor. The paper places these results in an epidemiological framework and illustrates how qualitative investigation of the characteristics of policies, when conceived of as viruses, and of policy entrepreneurs and interest groups, when conceived of as vectors, can aid our understanding of policy diffusion.
Spatial and temporal organization during cardiac fibrillation

Cardiac fibrillation (spontaneous, asynchronous contractions of cardiac muscle fibres) is the leading cause of death in the industrialized world, yet it is not clear how it occurs. It has been debated whether or not fibrillation is a random phenomenon. There is some determinism during fibrillation, perhaps resulting from rotating waves of electrical activity. Here we present a new algorithm that markedly reduces the amount of data required to depict the complex spatiotemporal patterns of fibrillation. We use a potentiometric dye and video imaging to record the dynamics of transmembrane potentials at many sites during fibrillation. Transmembrane signals at each site exhibit a strong periodic component centred near 8 Hz. This periodicity is seen as an attractor in two-dimensional-phase space and each site can be represented by its phase around the attractor. Spatial phase maps at each instant reveal the 'sources' of fibrillation in the form of topological defects, or phase singularities, at a few sites. Using our method of identifying phase singularities, we can elucidate the mechanisms for the formation and termination of these singularities, and represent an episode of fibrillation by locating singularities. Our results indicate an unprecedented amount of temporal and spatial organization during cardiac fibrillation.
Economic development reduces tolerance for inequality: a comparative analysis of thirty nations

Do conceptions of just rewards vary with economic development? To investigate this question we use the 1999-2000 "Inequality-III" round of the International Social Science Project together with other data in the World Inequality Study. There are 30 countries and 19 568 individual respondents in the full-time labor force. We measure inequality by the Gini coefficient for the general public's report of the legitimate earnings for their own occupation. OLS and multilevel analyses show patterns of influences very similar to those found in earlier research, with one striking exception. By far the most important influence, not previously documented across so many countries, is the prosperity of the nation: people in poor nations are much more accepting of inequality than are people in prosperous nations. If this cross-sectional pattern reflects developmental trends, as is likely, then it seems that economic development creates equalitarian attitudes. However, true egalitarianism is not held as ideal in any country, and so is not an appropriate goal for public policy. Instead the ideal level of inequality differs among countries. These ideals are a more appropriate benchmark for policy. We suggest that these benchmarks, available here for 150 nations, should be the starting point for future assessments of income inequality.
Fluoride concentrations in the human placenta and maternal and cord blood

Abstract Fluoride concentrations in maternal and cord blood were measured for the first time with a method specific for inorganic fluoride. The concentrations averaged 0.88 μM in blood from 16 mothers and 0.68 μM in the cord blood, with a correlation of 0.86. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that fluoride diffuses passively across the placenta. The term placenta, as previously reported, can have much higher concentrations (average 50 μM), but the acid-stable organic fluoride averaged only 4 μM, which is similar to the valves found in human sera.
First‐in‐class cardiolipin‐protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics

A decline in energy is common in aging, and the restoration of mitochondrial bioenergetics may offer a common approach for the treatment of numerous age-associated diseases. Cardiolipin is a unique phospholipid that is exclusively expressed on the inner mitochondrial membrane where it plays an important structural role in cristae formation and the organization of the respiratory complexes into supercomplexes for optimal oxidative phosphorylation. The interaction between cardiolipin and cytochrome c determines whether cytochrome c acts as an electron carrier or peroxidase. Cardiolipin peroxidation and depletion have been reported in a variety of pathological conditions associated with energy deficiency, and cardiolipin has been identified as a target for drug development. This review focuses on the discovery and development of the first cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent. SS-31 is a member of the Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptides known to selectively target the inner mitochondrial membrane. SS-31 binds selectively to cardiolipin via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. By interacting with cardiolipin, SS-31 prevents cardiolipin from converting cytochrome c into a peroxidase while protecting its electron carrying function. As a result, SS-31 protects the structure of mitochondrial cristae and promotes oxidative phosphorylation. SS-31 represents a new class of compounds that can recharge the cellular powerhouse and restore bioenergetics. Extensive animal studies have shown that targeting such a fundamental mechanism can benefit highly complex diseases that share a common pathogenesis of bioenergetics failure. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of SS-31 and provides an update of its clinical development programme.
Tritium as an Anthropic Probe

I show that if tritium were just 20 keV lighter relative to helium-3, then the current deuterium burning phase of pre-main-sequence stellar evolution would be replaced by deuterium+tritium burning. This phase would take place at the same temperature but would last a minimum of 4 times longer and a maximum of 8 times longer than deuterium burning and so would yield total energies comparable to the binding energy of solar-type pre-main-sequence stars. Hence, it could in principle radically affect the proto-planetary disk, which forms at the same epoch. I suggest that this may be one of the most "finely-tuned" parameters required for intelligent life, with the mass range only a few percent of the neutron-proton mass difference, and 10^{-5} of their masses. I suggest that the lower limit of this range is set by the physics of disk formation and the upper limit by the statistical properties of fundamental physics. However, if this latter suggestion is correct, the statistical distribution of physical "constants" must be a power-law rather than an exponential. I also suggest a deep connection between fundamental physics and the search for extrasolar life/intelligence.
Gender and situational context moderate the relationship between self-monitoring and induction of self-disclosure.

Male and female undergraduates who differed in degree of self-monitoring interviewed same-sex strangers to test the hypothesis that interviewer self-monitoring propensities foster self-disclosure only in disclosure-conducive contexts (i.e., collaborative contexts for men and social-expressive contexts for women). Results indicated that high self-monitoring (but not low self-monitoring) interviewers of each gender were notably more successful at eliciting personal information in the contexts generally considered amenable to male and female self-disclosure than in disclosure-nonconducive contexts. Moreover, male high self-monitoring interviewers reliably elicited more information than their low self-monitoring counterparts only in the disclosure- conducive (for men) collaborative context. However, high self-monitoring female interviewers did not elicit more information than their dispositional counterparts in disclosure-conducive, social-expressive contexts, although they reliably induced less disclosure than low self-monitors in the disclosure-nonconducive (for women) collaborative context.
Elevational speciation in action? Restricted gene flow associated with adaptive divergence across an altitudinal gradient.

Evolutionary theory predicts that divergent selection pressures across elevational gradients could cause adaptive divergence and reproductive isolation in the process of ecological speciation. Although there is substantial evidence for adaptive divergence across elevation, there is less evidence that this restricts gene flow. Previous work in the boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata) has demonstrated adaptive divergence in morphological, life history and physiological traits across an elevational gradient from approximately 1500-3000 m in the Colorado Front Range, USA. We tested whether this adaptive divergence is associated with restricted gene flow across elevation - as would be expected if incipient speciation were occurring - and, if so, whether behavioural isolation contributes to reproductive isolation. Our analysis of 12 microsatellite loci in 797 frogs from 53 populations revealed restricted gene flow across elevation, even after controlling for geographic distance and topography. Calls also varied significantly across elevation in dominant frequency, pulse number and pulse duration, which was partly, but not entirely, due to variation in body size and temperature across elevation. However, call variation did not result in strong behavioural isolation: in phonotaxis experiments, low-elevation females tended to prefer an average low-elevation call over a high-elevation call, and vice versa for high-elevation females, but this trend was not statistically significant. In summary, our results show that adaptive divergence across elevation restricts gene flow in P. maculata, but the mechanisms for this potential incipient speciation remain open.
Synthesis and characterization of thermo-responsive polypeptoid bottlebrushes

Linear polypeptoid macromonomers with controlled chain length and composition were prepared by norbornene methylamine-initiated copolymerization of N-ethyl N-carboxyanhydride (Et-NCA) and N-butyl N-carboxyanhydride (Bu-NCA). Polypeptoid bottlebrush copolymers with varying backbone length and side chain composition were subsequently synthesized using the grafting-through method via the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornenyl-terminated poly(N-ethyl glycine)-ran-poly(N-butyl glycine) macromonomers. The bottlebrush copolypeptoids are thermally responsive with a cloud point transition in aqueous solution similar to the linear macromonomers. In contrast to the linear macromonomers, the cloud point transition of the bottlebrush copolypeptoids is strongly dependent on the thermal history of the solution. Freshly prepared aqueous solutions of the bottlebrush copolypeptoids do not exhibit any notable cloud point transition, whereas the solutions that have been thermally annealed at high temperature exhibit sharp and reversible cloud point transition. Intriguingly, upon inorganic salt addition, the aqueous solutions of the bottlebrush copolypeptoids exhibit normal cloud point transition which is independent of the solution thermal history. It was suggested that the thermal annealing and the presence of a salt facilitated the conformational reorganization of the bottlebrush copolypeptoids to favor hydrophobic collapse and intermolecular aggregation, resulting in a cloud point transition.
On the development of the pulmonary circulation in the chick

Although the chick long ago achieved the position of a classic in embryological studies, certain crucial details in the establishment of its pulmonary circulation have been left in t,he greatest obscurity. The textbooks for many years have been giving accounts, adequate enough, of the origin of the pulmonary artery, but the development of the corresponding vein has for the most part been mentioned only incidentally in connection with hatching (Lillie). Even with respect to the arterial course in the lung proper, particularly its relation t o the capillary system, there remains doubt, for the exact time and mode of completion of this portion of the circuit has not been directly determined in the chick, nor for the most part as closely inferred from investigations on other forms as it might havebeen. It was for these reasons that I began an investigation of this subject at the suggestion and under the direction of Professor Otto C. GIaser.
Planetary science: Flow of an alien ocean

Liquid water may lurk beneath the frozen surfaces of Jupiter's moon Europa and other icy worlds. Extending ocean science beyond Earth, planetary oceanographers are linking Europa's ocean dynamics to its enigmatic surface geology.
Considering corporate real estate and human resource factors in an integrated cost model

As large organisations grow and evolve, they face the challenge of accommodating change in a manner that contains costs while strengthening the firm’s competitive position in the marketplace. Invariably, not only initial capital and long‐term operating costs, but the effect of the real estate decision on the firm’s ability to attract and retain staff, and their ability to work productively, must be considered. To compound an already complex decision, the factors influencing such decisions are often highly uncertain and there are limited data on the impact of such decisions on human resource factors. Yet such decisions must be and are made. This paper describes the Cornell Balanced Real Estate Assessment model (COBRA©), a prototype tool which addresses these issues.
Synthesis and characterization of catalytic nanoporous carbon membranes

A method is reported for the synthesis of nobel catalyic nanoporous carbon membranes. Defect-free, nanoporous carbon films of 12.5−μm average thickness containing a dispersion of Ptx were synthesized on macroporous stainless-steel supports. Ideal gas selectivities for the catalytic membranes were simliar to those of inert nanoporous carbon membranes with He–N2=58.6 and O2N2=4.9. The selective hydrogenation of monoolefins (propylen, l-buiene, isobutylene) was used to probe the shape-selective catalytic proerties nad the transport selectivities of the membranes. The results were modeled using the linear regime of coupled sdsorption, transport and rection in the membrane. Model regression yielded 14.9, 19.7. and 18.4 kJ/mol for the activation energies of permeation for propylene, isobutylene, and l-butene, respectively. The system demonstrated selective reaction and transport favoring propane production with selectiveity ratios of 28.9:3.2.I for propane:n-butane:isobutane at 125°C.
Conclusions about the benefits and risks associated with iron supplementation for anaemia prevention and control for preschoolers are limited by poor study quality

Commentary on: Thompson J, Biggs BA, Pasricha SR. Effects of daily iron supplementation in 2-year-old to 5-year-old children: systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2013;131:739–53.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Anaemia is a major public health problem among young children in low-income and middle-income countries. During infancy, rapid growth and high nutritional demands increase the risk for iron deficiency, which can lead to iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).1 Anaemia has been associated with poor performance on standardised assessments of children's cognitive language, motor, social and emotional development that have extended into school age and adolescence.2 Iron supplementation trials have been conducted in multiple sites and the WHO has recommended iron supplementation for children in areas with high rates of iron deficiency. However, iron supplementation trials have resulted in inconsistent reports regarding the benefits and health consequences among young children, raising concerns about the irreversibility of early iron deficiency … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPediatrics%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1542%252Fpeds.2012-2256%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23478873%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=pediatrics&resid=131/4/739&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F1%2F21.atom
Conditions affecting clonal growth of lymphoma cells in a semisolid matrix

This study demonstrated the importance of the methods used in determining the lymphoma cell colony stimulating activity of factors derived from lymphoma cells. The in vitro colony formation in a semisolid matrix of the AKR mouse lymphoma cell line, SL 12, and three cloned derivatives, SL 12.1, SL 12.3, and SL 12.4, was studied. We show that the use of soft agar or methylcellulose as a semisolid matrix results in colony formation by the lymphoma cells only in the presence of serum. The addition of conditioned medium (CM) from lymphoma cells growing in serum-free medium does not stimulate colony growth. However, when purified agarose is used, colonies grow in a dose-dependent manner in the absence of serum and in the presence of CM. These results indicate that the type of semisolid matrix used can influence results in studies of this nature. Purified agarose provides the best environment when colony formation by lymphoma cells is used to measure the presence of growth factors in test-conditioned media.
Targeted gene silencing with light and a silver nanoparticle antisense delivery system

Targeted delivery and controlled release of oligonucleotide therapeutics in vivo are essential aspects of an ideal delivery vehicle. Here we demonstrate the synthesis and in vitro/intracellular characterization of silver nanoparticle (SNP) photolabile nucleic acid conjugates, with the aim of developing a nanoparticulate platform for inducible gene silencing. Due to unique size related properties, nanostructures are being increasingly utilized for intracellular diagnostics and delivery applications. While most nanoscale delivery platforms are polymeric in composition, studies of metallic nanoparticles have highlighted their suitability for delivery of therapeutic agents such as antisense oligonucleotides [1]. The potential benefits of noble metal nanoparticles in delivery applications include tunable size and shape, ease of bulk synthesis and functionalization via ‘wet chemistry’ techniques, and enhanced stability of tethered DNA [2]. Silver is one of the best surface-enhancing substrates available for nanostructure synthesis [3]. SNP composites afford external control over surface-tethered drug release via external triggers.© 2011 ASME
Thermodynamic properties of Uranium-Bismuth alloys

Thermodynamic properties of uranium-bismuth alloys were determined by measuring the vapor pressure of bismuth in equilibrium with the condensed phase. Classical methods based on the rate of sublimation, rate of evaporation or rate of effusion could not be used since each method requires an accurate knowledge of the molecular weight of the vapor. The molecular weight of bismuth is not accurately known, but the presence of Bi and Bi, species has been established. An optical absorption technique was used to determine the concentration of each species independently. Briefly, this method consists of measuring concentrations in a vapor by the quantity of light absorbed at certain characteristic frequencies by the species in the vapor. The amount of each species present, which is related to the pressure, was determined by measuring the diminution of intensity at 3067 and 2731 A. The amount of radiation absorbed was found to be dependent on the thickness of the vapor space and the concentration of the bismuth vapor. The thermodynamic activity of bismuth was measured at temperatures from 725 to 875°C in the regions: U,Bi, + UBi,, UBi, + liquid and the one-phase, liquid region. In order to obtain measurable quantities in the regions UBi + U and UBi + U,B i, it was necessary to work at temperatures from 800 to 1000°C. From a measure of the activity of bismuth, the activity of uranium was calculated for the entire system. The liquid uranium-bismuth alloys were found not to be regular solutions. The Henry’s law parameter (3.49 x 10m3 at 1064°K) was found to be valid for uranium concentrations of less than 2 mole n/o uranium. From a complete knowledge of the activities of uranium and bismuth in the system the partial molar quantit,ies and integral molar quantities were calculated at five temperatures: 1018, 1041, 1064, 1089 and 1115°K.
The electrochemical reduction of iron porphyrin nitrosyls in the presence of weak acids

Abstract The reduction of coordinated nitrosyls to ammonia in assimilatory nitrite reductases consists of a series of electron transfer/ protonation steps. Very little detail is known about these steps, either from the enzyme itself or model complexes. In this work, the mechanism for the reduction of iron nitrosyl complexes, which are nitrite reductase models, was examined in solutions with limited proton availability. In this way, the reduction mechanism can be investigated in a system which has been shown quantitatively to produce ammonia. The reduction mechanism was investigated for the reduction of Fe(P)(NO), where P is porphyrins, hydroporphyrins or oxoporphyrins, in the presence of substituted phenols using pulse polarography. In THF, the limiting current for the first wave (wave I) was unaffected by the presence of phenol, while the half-wave potential shifted to positive potentials at high concentrations of phenol. The shift in E 1 2 of the first wave, E 1 2 ,I, was consistent with a mechanism which involved the protonation of Fe(TPP)(NO)− with two protons to form Fe(TPP)(NH2O+). From the variation in the half-wave potential, the equilibrium constant for the formation of Fe(TPP)(NH2O+) from Fe(TPP)(NO)− was measured for a series of phenols. The chemical and electrochemical reversibility of the first wave in the presence of phenol was verified by the Nernstian shape of the waves, by square-wave voltammetry, and by shifts caused by the presence of phenolate ion. The reduction in the presence of 2,6-dichlorophenol was an exception in that only one proton was transferred. In addition to the changes in the first wave, a new wave was observed between the first and second waves of Fe(TPP)(NO). This new wave corresponded to a three-electron reduction of Fe(TPP)(NO)−. The kinetics of this reduction were monitored using normal pulse polarography. The behavior of the new wave in the presence of phenol was consistent with a CE mechanism which involved two phenol molecules in equilibrium with Fe(TPP)(NO) − to form Fe(TPP)(NH2O+) prior to the electron transfer. The rate constant for the reduction was measured for all the phenols for which the equilibrium constant for the formation of Fe(TPP)(NH2O+) could be measured. Changes in the macrocycle from porphyrin to isobacteriochlorin led to a significant increase in the rate of nitrosyl reduction, while the rate decreased substantially for the oxoporphyrins. Most of the changes in the rate of nitrosyl reduction were consistent with changes in the basicity of the Fe(P)(NO)− complex. It is interesting to note that Fe(P)(NH2O+), the reactive intermediate, was formed most readily for the assimilatory nitrite reductase models (iron isobacteriochlorins), and least readily for the dissimilatory nitrite reductase models (iron dioxo-isobacteriochlorin).
Objectivity, Collective Sight, and Scientific Personae

Lorraine original and important landmark study that contributes to broader understanding of the emergent history of objectivity, the epistemic values of scientific visualization, and the links connecting both. Objectivity is based on a close examination of numerous scientific and medical atlases published in Europe and the US since the eighteenth century. The authors are eminent historians of science who specialize in different historical periods: Daston is a scholar of early modern science, while Galison is a historian and philosopher of twentieth-century microphysics. Both scholars have published extensively and influentially on a number of topics regarding the scientific community, objectivity, vision, and representation. Objectivity, beautifully produced and containing over one hundred illustrations (including twenty-one color plates), depicts a variety of scientific phenomena studied since the eighteenth century, from astronomical to botanical to meteorological subjects, and more. Daston and Galison explore how historically variant approaches to scientific image-making since the eighteenth century have expressedand reinforcedchanging epistemic ideals and values linked to the intellectual authority of scientists. Objectivity is a rich, sophisticated, and complex historical analysis to which a brief summary cannot adequately do justice, and readers will find many treasures of their own to mine. A few of their main arguments can be highlighted here: The authors emphasize that scientific objectivity is a contingent value that has meant different things throughout history and that it is far more complex and novel a concept than it has sometimes seemed. Specifically, Daston and Galison show that making sense of objectivity as a historical value requires deep understanding both of
Presence of an endogenous inhibitor of dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase in rat brain.

Whole rat brain dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase (E.C. 3.4.15.1) was heterogeneously distributed among 10 brain regions studied. In corpus striatum, the enzyme was enriched in the P(2) pellet, a subfraction high in myelin and nerve terminals. Using [(3)H]benzoylphenylalanyl-alanyl-proline as a substrate, dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase manifested a different anion requirement than has been reported for other substrates. Endogenous inhibitors of the enzyme were found in corpus striatum and could be removed by dialysis or Sephadex G25 chromatography. Boiled striatal cytosol inhibited membrane-bound enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent manner and confirmed the presence of an endogenous soluble, heat-stable inhibitor in rat brain. The inhibitor apparently could be degraded by a component of the striatal P(2) membranes. The inhibitor was present in all 10 brain regions studied and its levels did not appear to be related to the specific activity of dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase. Potential mechanisms for biological regulation of dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase activity are discussed in light of the above findings.
The progression of melanoma nodal metastasis is dependent on tumor thickness of the primary lesion.

Background: Recent results of several clinical trials using the technique of intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy confirm the validity of the concept of there being an order to the progression of melanoma nodal metastases. This report reviews the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center experience with this procedure, one of the largest series described to date. These data demonstrate that the involvement of the SLNs, as well as higher-echelon nodes, is directly proportional to the melanoma tumor thickness, as measured by the method of Breslow.
Photoabsorption cross section of HF at 107-145 nm

The absorption cross sections of HF in the vacuum ultraviolet were measured using synchrotron radiation. The observed absorption is a continuous band corresponding to the A1 Pi from X1 Sigma + transition.
Raman scattering from mobile cations in sodium, potassium and silver beta”-aluminas

Abstract Raman scattering from vibrations of mobile cations in single crystal Na, K, and Agβ”-aluminas has been measured. The frequency of a band near 33 cm-1 is believed to correspond to the attempt frequency for sodium conduction. The frequencies calculated from a defect model are in good agreement with the observed spectra.
Rapid, quantitative measurements using time-correlated single-photon counting and time-filtered detection

One-second quantitative measurements are achieved by employing time-correlated single-photon counting detection and a software time-filter for signal-to-noise ratio enhancement. Fast collection times are accomplished by configuring a commercial time-to-amplitude converter in the reverse-interactive mode. In such a configuration, instrumental sensitivity is enhanced sixfold over that for the conventional-noninteractive configuration, and photon-processing rates can be as high as 125 kHz. The linear range for the one-second measurement is greater than three orders in magnitude, the sensitivity is 4.6 × 1014 counts M−1 s−1, and the extrapolated lower limit of detection for solutions of β-carboline in 0.5 M sulfuric acid is about 2 × 10−13 M.
Late toxicity after intensity modulated and image guided radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer and post-prostatectomy patients

Abstract Purpose To examine late gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity profiles of patients treated for prostate cancer either definitively or post-prostatectomy with both intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Methods and Materials A total of 333 patients treated definitively and 104 patients treated postoperatively with IMRT and varying IGRT techniques were retrospectively examined to evaluate GI and GU toxicity profiles >1 year from treatment. Available dosimetric data were used for correlative analysis. Results The median follow-up time for the definitive patients was 41 months and the median follow-up time for the post-prostatectomy patients was 33 months. No late grade 4 or 5 GI or GU toxicities were observed. For definitive patients, the rates of grade ≥2 GI and GU toxicity at 3 years were 4.9% and 4.5%, respectively. In the postoperative cohort the rate of grade >2 GU toxicity was 11.6%, with no grade ≥2 GI toxicity. In the definitive cohort's Cox proportional hazards regression univariate analysis, use of anticoagulation was significantly associated with GI toxicity and age, bladder V50 and IGRT modality were associated with GU toxicity, and only age remained significant in the multivariate model. In univariate analysis for the postoperative cohort, no dosimetric value correlated with GU toxicity, nor did age or time from radical prostatectomy to radiation. Conclusions IMRT with IGRT achieved low rates of GI and GU toxicity in the definitive and postoperative setting.
A second-generation synthesis of the C1-C28 portion of the altohyrtins (spongistatins).

A practical second-generation synthesis of an advanced intermediate in our total synthesis of altohyrtin C (spongistatin 2) has been developed. A new approach to the C1−C15 (AB) portion features a vinyllithium addition to an aldehyde followed by a palladium-catalyzed allylic reduction to install the troublesome C13−C15 segment. Our general approach to the C16−C28 (CD) spiroketal has been retained, but some improvements have been made. Most notably, the kinetically controlled CD-spiroketalization reaction now proceeds in high yield with excellent diastereoselection. This new strategy uses the anti-aldol coupling used in our first-generation synthesis to join AB and CD fragments. A total of 9.6 g of intermediate 57 has been produced using this improved route.
Self-dual gauge fields

Using ideas and techniques adopted from the theory of self-dual gravitational fields we investigate properties of self-dual gauge fields. A linear equation which generates these fields is the center for this investigation. Some of the main results are a natural choice of gauge which leads to (a) a Hertz potential, (b) the Lorentz gauge condition, (c) a linear relationship between the field and potential, and (d) the surprising solitonlike behavior of the solutions such that the future and past asymptotic fields are identical.
The Disintegration of Oxygen and Nitrogen by 14.1-Mev Neutrons

Oxygen and nitrogen contained as a gas in a cloud chamber were bombarded by 14.1-Mev neutrons. From the disintegrations of these nuclei the following data have been collected: ($a$) the range-energy relations of ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}$ in the energy range 0-5 Mev, and the range-energy curve of ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}$ from 0-7 Mev; ($b$) the excited states of the nuclei ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}$, ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}$, ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$, and ${\mathrm{N}}^{16}$; ($c$) the angular distributions of the alpha-particles emitted in the ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}(n,\ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{C}}^{13}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}(n,\ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{B}}^{11}$ reactions; ($d$) the cross sections for some of the reactions taking place.
Predicting Solute Transport in Soils Second-Order Two-Site Models

Failure of numerous efforts to describe the movement of reactive solutes in soils is often due to inaccurate identification of solute-soil interactions or to the lack of independently derived model parameters. The main objective of this work was to test the applicability of chemical vs. physical nonequilibrium approaches in describing the transport of solutes in soils. The models evaluated are based on second-order two-site approaches (SOTS) with and without consideration of physical nonequilibrium in soils. The capability of these approaches for predicting the transport of metolachlor [2-Chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] in Sharkey clay (very-fine, smectitic, thermic Chromic Epiaquerts) soil columns of different aggregate sizes (<2, 2-4, and 4-6 mm) was examined. Moreover, two sets of model parameters were independently derived from the kinetic retention experiments. The first set was based on kinetic adsorption isotherms, and the second set utilized both adsorption and desorption kinetic retention (batch) results. Judging from data on the total root mean square error, parameters based on adsorption and desorption batch results provided breakthrough curve (BTC) predictions that are improved over those of parameters from adsorption kinetics only. The coupled physical and chemical nonequilibrium model (SOTS plus mobile-immobile [MIM]: SOTS-MIM) considerably improved BTC predictions for the 2- to 4-and 4- to 6-mm soil aggregate sizes. We conclude that the modified SOTS and SOTS-MIM methods provided an improved description of metolachlor transport in the Sharkey soil. Based on total root mean square errors, the modified SOTS-MIM with parameters derived from adsorption and desorption kinetic retention experiments provided best overall BTC predictions.
The ‘complete gospel’ revisited: Middle East and African influences

The author focuses on the historically-reliable gospel pericopes in which a woman is the lead character. She argues that these women provide the complete gospel − Jesus teaches, heals, preaches and is anointed in the context of female-based stories and, of course, the women take him from conception to resurrection. Jackson argues, not only from an analysis of the texts themselves, but also from her personal experiences in the Middle East and Africa.
Children With Headache Suspected of Having a Brain Tumor: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Diagnostic Strategies

Objective. To assess the clinical and economic consequences of 3 diagnostic strategies—magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography followed by MRI for positive results (CT-MRI), and no neuroimaging with close clinical follow-up—in the evaluation of children with headache suspected of having a brain tumor. Three risk groups based on clinical variables were evaluated. Materials and Methods. A decision-analytic Markov model and cost-effectiveness analysis was performed incorporating the risk group prior probability, MRI and CT sensitivity and specificity, tumor survival, progression rates, and cost per strategy. Outcomes were based on quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained and incremental cost per QALY gained. Results. For low-risk children with chronic nonmigraine headaches of >6 months9 duration as the sole symptom (prior probability of brain tumor 0.01%), no neuroimaging with close clinical follow-up was less costly and more effective than the 2 neuroimaging strategies. For the intermediate-risk children with migraine headache and normal neurologic examination (prior probability of brain tumor 0.4%), CT-MRI was the most effective strategy but cost >$1 million per QALY gained compared with no neuroimaging. For high-risk children with headache of Conclusion. Our analysis suggests that MRI maximizes QALY gained at a reasonable cost-effectiveness ratio in children with headache at high risk of having a brain tumor. Conversely, the strategy of no imaging with close clinical follow-up is cost saving in low-risk children. Although the CT-MRI strategy maximizes QALY gained in the intermediate-risk patients, its additional cost per QALY gained is high. In children with headache, appropriate selection of patients and diagnostic strategy may maximize quality-adjusted life expectancy and decrease costs of medical workup.
Diabetes Improvement Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Understanding Dynamic Changes in Insulin Secretion and Action

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery leads to substantial and sustained weight loss and improved cardiometabolic parameters in obese people (1). Approximately 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) experience complete remission, defined as normoglycemia without medication, and another 15% have improvement, albeit remaining on medication (2). These rates are superior to those seen with conventional medical management (3–5). Several lines of evidence suggest such glycemic improvements are beyond those anticipated by weight loss alone. For many, remission of diabetes occurs within days, before significant weight loss (6,7). Moreover, diabetes remission does not occur with similar degrees of caloric reduction following other surgical procedures, nor with liposuction or surgical resection of omental fat (8). These observations suggest potential mechanisms beyond weight loss by which RYGB leads to diabetes improvements, but the relative contribution of insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, and other potentially novel mechanisms to improved metabolism following RYGB remain incompletely understood. In this issue, Bojsen-Moller et al. (9) report comprehensive longitudinal assessments of insulin secretion and action at 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year following RYGB in two cohorts of 10 obese patients with and without T2D (Fig. 1). At 1 week, the earliest time point comprehensively assessed to date, fasting glucose has already declined in patients with T2D. Such early improvements are likely mediated by the improvements observed in fasting hepatic …
Cardiovascular consequences of hypercalcemia during activity in two species of amphibian

Exercise induced both a significant acidosis and hypercalcemia, measured as either total or ionic calcium in two species of amphibian, Bufo marinus and Rana catesbeiana. Hypercarbia induced a significant acidosis in both species but a significant hypercalcemia only in Bufo. Induction of hypercalcemia by infusion of Ca to concentrations equal to or greater than induced by exercise and hypercarbia had no significant effects in either species on mean arterial pressure, maximal rate of rise of systemic arterial pressure, blood flow rate, heart rate, pulse volume, or peripheral resistance during exercise. The ratio of ionic to total calcium was not significantly altered within a species by an experimental protocol. These data indicate that there are no discernible cardiovascular consequences during exercise of hypercalcemia induced by exercise or hypercarbia.
Design and evaluation of nanophase alumina for orthopaedic/dental applications

Abstract Alumina samples (with a nanophase grain size of 23 nm and a conventional grain size of 177 nm) were synthesized and evaluated for mechanical and cytocompatibility properties. Compared to the 177 nm grain size, the modulus of elasticity of the 23 nm alumina grain size decreased by 70 %; ductility of alumina can, therefore, be controlled and improved through the use of nanophase formulations. Moreover, compared to the 177 nm grain size alumina, osteoblast (the bone forming cells) adhesion on the 23 nm nanomaterial increased by 46 %. The improved mechanical properties of nanomaterials, in addition to the biocompatibility of nanophase ceramics, constitute characteristics that promise improved orthopaedic / dental implant efficacy.