cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bird colonies cause seagrass enrichment in a subtropical estuary: Observational and experimental evidence

Abstract Colonies/roosts of piscivorous birds in Florida Bay, a subtropical estuary, concentrate nutrients by feeding away from their colonies/roosts and returning with food for young and to defaecate. Seagrass beds surrounding the colony islands were markedly different from those around similar islands that did not contain colonies. Seagrass standing crop was enhanced up to 200 m from bird colony islands compared with islands without colonies. The species of seagrass were also different at colonies, where Halodule wrightii and Ruppia maritima predominated in zones close to the colony islands. Around islands without colonies, only Thalassia testudinum was present. Experimental bird perches placed to stimulate concentrated bird presence produced changes in adjacent seagrass meadows that were similar to differences between islands with colonies and those without. Over 5 years, seagrass standing crop increased around the experimental perches, and species dominance shifted from T. testudinum to H. wrightii. No similar changes occurred at control locations. These experimental results indicate that the bird concentrations are responsible for the observed differences in seagrass communities surrounding islands that contain colonies. These enriched areas are significant to the seagrass ecosystem because many seagrasses in Florida Bay appear to be nutrient-limited. Demersal fish and invertebrate density and species richness have been shown to be a function of the seagrass standing crop and species composition, so the changes in seagrasses stimulated by localized bird concentrations have the capacity to alter the entire community structure.
Differential modulation of dopamine D2 receptors by chronic haloperidol, nitrendipine, and pimozide.

Chronic administration of the neuroleptic haloperidol, the calcium channel antagonist nitrendipine, and the calcium channel antagonist neuroleptic pimozide produce differential effects on rat striatal 3H-spiperone binding. Following 7 days of 10 mg/kg i.p. administration, haloperidol significantly increases (p less than 0.01) dopamine D2 receptor binding to 123% +/- 6% of control values, whereas pimozide treatment significantly reduces (p less than 0.001) striatal 3H-spiperone binding to 46% +/- 6% of control values. Chronic administration of the calcium channel antagonist nitrendipine does not alter 3H-spiperone binding relative to control values. Saturation analysis reveals an increase in Bmax following chronic haloperidol and a decrease in Bmax following chronic pimozide treatment. No alterations in muscarinic cholinergic sites, dopamine uptake sites, or calcium channel antagonist sites result following chronic drug administration. These results are the first demonstration of a decrease in dopamine D2 binding sites after chronic neuroleptic treatment.
Variable Viscosity Effect on the Laminar Water Boundary Layer on Heated Cones

Heat transfer and shear stress may be significantly affected by buoyancy-forced and associated free-convection motions in many forced-convection flows. A crossflow is induced when a uniform, horizontal stream passes along a heated, axisymmetric slender body. The crossflow effects on heat transfer and shear stress grow as the fluid flows downstream, and eventually become one of the dominant mechanisms even for a moderate-speed forced-convection flow. Early study of the longitudinal cylinder flow showed that the crossflow may destabilize the boundary layer and degrade the heat transfer over the upper half of the body. On the other hand, heating can be used to stabilize the water boundary layer due to its temperature-dependent viscosity, since (dμ/dT) of water is negative. However, the influences of the pressure gradient on the destabilizing crossflow effect and on the stabilizing variable-viscosity effect have never been studied before. It is important to know the interaction of the buoyancy-force effect and the variable-viscosity effect under the non-zero pressure gradient conditions in stabilizing the boundary layer by heating. In this paper a similarity solution is presented for a three-dimensional boundary layer on a heated cone to stimulate the water flow past the forward part of an axisymmetric slender body. The numerical solutions of the ordinary differential equations reduced by the similarity transformation are presented in the region near the vertex of the cone. The results indicate that the crossflow grows as the fluid flows downstream for the cone of its half angle less than 66.25°. For a cone of its half angle larger than 66.25°, the magnitude of the crossflow is about the same order as that of the axial flow in the neighborhood of the cone vertex and is suppressed by the favorable pressure gradient as the fluid moves downstream. The effect of the temperature-dependent water viscosity has been shown to enhance the favorable pressure-gradient effects and to counterbalance the crossflow effects.
Rate Representation of Tones in Noise in the Inferior Colliculus of Decerebrate Cats

Neurons in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) of decerebrate cats show three major response patterns when tones of different frequencies and sound-pressure levels (SPLs) are presented to the contralateral ear. The frequency response maps of type I units are uniquely defined by a narrow excitatory area at best frequency (BF: a unit's most sensitive frequency) and surrounding inhibition at higher and lower frequencies. As a result of this receptive field organization, type I units exhibit strong excitatory responses to BF tones but respond only weakly to broadband noise (BBN). These response characteristics predict that type I units are well suited to encode narrowband signals in the presence of background noise. To test this hypothesis, the dynamic range properties of ICC unit types were measured under quiet conditions and in multiple levels of continuous noise. As observed in previous studies of the auditory nerve and cochlear nucleus, type I units showed upward threshold shifts and discharge rate compression in background noise that partially degraded the dynamic range properties of neural representations at high noise levels. Although the other two unit types in the ICC showed similar trends in threshold shift and noise compression, their ability to encode auditory signals was compromised more severely in increasing noise levels. When binaural masking effects were simulated, only type I units showed an enhanced representation of spatially separated signals and maskers that was consistent with human perceptual performance in independent psychoacoustic observations. These results support the interpretation that type I units play an important role in the auditory processing of narrowband signals in background noise and suggest a physiological basis for spatial factors that govern signal detection under free-field listening conditions.
Photoelectric Properties of Thin Unbacked Gold Films

Unbacked films of gold 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ cm thick were produced and studied to determine their photoelectric behavior. These films did not hold a constant photo-emission, but showed a rapid increase in emission with exposure to ultraviolet light. The increase in photo-current was 136 fold and was accompanied by a shift in long wave limit of 576A. Solid gold and silver were given similar treatment and showed a like effect. This increase is explained on the basis of outgassing caused by ejected electrons removing gas from the surface. The final long wave limit reached by the gold films is compared with that for the mass metal when outgassed by severe heat treatment.
Quantifying the geometry of micropipets.

Accurate knowledge of the internal diameter (id) of micropipet tips is important, because the ability to study many different aspects of biological membranes is a very sensitive function of tip size. The authors examined two methods used to characterize pipet tips: the digital manometric method (DMM) and bubble number method (BNM). For DMM, the authors compared the ability of Laplace's equation (model I) and a modified form of his equation (model II), which accounts for adhesion between the test fluid and glass Pressure measurements were made with a digital manometer, and ids at the tip were measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The micropipet tips showed a slight asymmetry in id, with a approx 5% difference between maximum and minimum id. On average, model I overestimates the largest id by 2%. Model II overestimates the smaller id by 2%. For micropipet tips ranging from 1.00 to 5.00 μm, the corresponding uncertainties range from 20 to 100 nm. Making the normally hydrophilic glass surface hydrophobic strongly reduced threshold pressures when tested in water, but not 100% methanol. Compared to BNM, DMM was insensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure: BNM can be corrected for changes in atmospheric pressure. Convergence angle(s) can be determined from measurements of the pressure and the axial distance of the meniscus from the tip. The accuracy and precision of digital manometry approaches that of SEM. DMM should be particularly useful in selecting, micropipets for patch clamp studies of small vesicles (<10 μm), and may enable systematic selection of micropipets for many other experiments.
Reactions of Tris(diethylamino)phosphine with Some Quinones

Abstract Tris(diethylamino)phosphine reacts with chloranil and 2,3-dichloro-4,5-dicyanoquinone to give products of addition to carbon with loss of chloride ion.
Separating correlation from prediction: C-reactive protein and infectious complications after chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.

Infectious complications remain the major cause of acute morbidity and mortality during remission induction chemotherapy for acute leukemia. In this issue, Hamalainen and colleagues explored the ep...
Expression of the myogenic gene MRF4 during Xenopus development

In a search for myogenic genes in Xenopus, I have cloned homologs of the mammalian myogenic genes MRF4 and myogenin. The myogenin clone is a genomic fragment encoding an amino acid sequence with 62% identity to the N-terminal region of rat myogenin. No myogenin transcript has been detected and no cDNA has been isolated, suggesting that Xenopus myogenin, if it is expressed at all, is likely to be expressed at low levels or transiently during development. A Xenopus MRF4 cDNA has been isolated and encodes an amino acid sequence with 72% identity to rat MRF4. In adult frogs, MRF4 RNA is detectable only in skeletal muscle (whereas MyoD, unexpectedly, is also expressed at low levels in the heart). During embryonic development, MRF4 RNA appears later than MyoD, at a time when the embryonic musculature already shows many differentiated features. This implies that MRF4 is not involved in the commitment or early differentiation of muscle cells. The accumulation of Xenopus MRF4 RNA overlaps with the formation of neuromuscular connections, suggesting that it may be induced by innervation. Consistent with this possibility, the level of Xenopus MRF4, but not MyoD, RNA is reduced in response to denervation of adult frog muscle.
FRO 2014: Can Xiaflex® improve glaucoma surgery outcome?

Failure of glaucoma filtration surgery due to excessive post operative wound healing is still a major problem in the treatment of glaucoma. With this project we want to examine if Xiaflex® is able to reduce fibrosis after glaucoma filtration surgery and in this way may improve surgical outcome.
On Pattern Formation in Reptilian Dentition

Abstract Pattern formation of placode initiation in reptilian dental development is modeled with a generalized function, which may represent chemical concentrations, strain energy of mechanically deforming tissues, or other quantities representing a local inhibition of placode formation. The conditions on the generalized model which are necessary to account for all experimental observations are examined in detail. Minimal conditions for the correct sequencing of the tooth primordia are determined, and it is found that all known initial reptilian sequences can be accounted for with the same mechanism, with merely a different choice of parameters. An implication of the modeling results is that the lower jaw of the tuatara ( Sphenodon punctatus ) has a greater growth rate in its anterior portion than in its posterior portion, whereas the opposite is true of all other reptiles studied. Sequences of tooth initiation are observed robustly in the model which have not hitherto been documented in vivo , suggesting the as yet undocumented occurrence of such a sequence in a living or extinct reptile.
Repeated DNA sequences and species relatedness in the genusEquisetum

The kinetics with which DNA reassociates and the thermal stability of rapidly reassociating (repetitive) DNA sequences have been monitored for six species in the genusEquisetum. Using the kinetic complexity for each of two repeated DNA sequence components as the basis for comparison, species in the subgenusEquisetum (E. arvense, E. fluviatile andE. telmateia) form one group and species in the subgenusHippochaete (E. hyemale, E. laevigatum andE. scirpoides) form another group. Using the difference in thermal stability between native and reassociated repetitive DNA for comparison, the same grouping of species is obtained.
Toughened nylon resins

The impact failure of blends of nylon 6,6 and low density polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PEgMA) is discussed in terms of fracture morphology, composition, and particle adhesion and dispersion. Basic criteria for effective impact modification of these materials are developed. A numerical model for estimating the extent of shear banding resulting from shear stress field overlap between neighboring impact modifier particles is presented.
A limited-memory, quasi-Newton preconditioner for nonnegatively constrained image reconstruction

Image reconstruction gives rise to some challenging large-scale constrained optimization problems. We consider a convex minimization problem with nonnegativity constraints that arises in astronomical imaging. To solve this problem, we use an efficient hybrid gradient projection–reduced Newton (active-set) method. By “reduced Newton,” we mean that we take Newton steps only in the inactive variables. Owing to the large size of our problem, we compute approximate reduced Newton steps by using the conjugate gradient (CG) iteration. We introduce a limited-memory, quasi-Newton preconditioner that speeds up CG convergence. A numerical comparison is presented that demonstrates the effectiveness of this preconditioner.
A comparison of same- and cross-age interactions in mixed-age groups☆

Abstract This study investigated the types of interactions occurring within and between age groups in mixed-age preschool classes. Using point-time sampling procedures, the peer interactions of 30 3- to 5-year-old preschool children enrolled in two preschool classes were recorded. Interactions were coded according to six categories and according to the role of the target child in the interaction. Contrary to popular assumptions about interactions in mixed-age groups, results indicated that for both the older and younger children the types of interactions occurring across age groups did not differ significantly from interactions within same-age groups. Symmetrical rather than asymmetrical relationships across age groups were found in the exchange of nurturance, direction and information.
Lessons from Good Language Learners edited by GRIFFITHS, CAROL

The article reviews the book "Lessons From Good Language Learners" edited by Carol Griffiths.
In vitro dose measurements in a human cadaver with abdomen/pelvis CT scans.

Purpose: To present a study of radiation dose measurements with a human cadaver scanned on a clinical CT scanner. Methods: Multiple point dose measurements were obtained with high-accuracy Thimble ionization chambers placed inside the stomach, liver, paravertebral gutter, ascending colon, left kidney, and urinary bladder of a human cadaver (183 cm in height and 67.5 kg in weight) whose abdomen/pelvis region was scanned repeatedly with a multidetector row CT. The flat energy response and precision of the dosimeters were verified, and the slight differences in each dosimeter's response were evaluated and corrected to attain high accuracy. In addition, skin doses were measured for radiosensitive organs outside the scanned region with OSL dosimeters: the right eye, thyroid, both nipples, and the right testicle. Three scan protocols were used, which shared most scan parameters but had different kVp and mA settings: 120-kVp automA, 120-kVp 300 mA, and 100-kVp 300 mA. For each protocol three repeated scans were performed. Results: The tube starting angle (TSA) was found to randomly vary around two major conditions, which caused large fluctuations in the repeated point dose measurements: for the 120-kVp 300 mA protocol this angle changed from approximately 110° to 290°, and caused 8% − 25% difference in the point dose measured at the stomach, liver, colon, and urinary bladder. When the fluctuations of the TSA were small (within 5°), the maximum coefficient of variance was approximately 3.3%. The soft tissue absorbed doses averaged from four locations near the center of the scanned region were 27.2 ± 3.3 and 16.5 ± 2.7 mGy for the 120 and 100-kVp fixed-mA scans, respectively. These values were consistent with the corresponding size specific dose estimates within 4%. The comparison of the per-100-mAs tissue doses from the three protocols revealed that: (1) dose levels at nonsuperficial locations in the TCM scans could not be accurately deduced by simply scaling the fix-mA doses with local mA values; (2) the general power law relationship between dose and kVp varied from location to location, with the power index ranged between 2.7 and 3.5. The averaged dose measurements at both nipples, which were about 0.6 cm outside the prescribed scan region, ranged from 23 to 27 mGy at the left nipple, and varied from 3 to 20 mGy at the right nipple over the three scan protocols. Large fluctuations over repeated scans were also observed, as a combined result of helical scans of large pitch (1.375) and small active areas of the skin dosimeters. In addition, the averaged skin dose fell off drastically with the distance to the nearest boundary of the scanned region. Conclusions: This study revealed the complexity of CT dose fluctuation and variation with a human cadaver.
Quantitative MR spectroscopic imaging of brain lesions in patients with AIDS: correlation with [11C-methyl]thymidine PET and thallium-201 SPECT.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the metabolic basis for magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic imaging findings in focal brain lesions of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Materials and Methods The authors combined MR spectroscopic imaging with [ 11 C-methyl]thymidine positron emission tomography (PET) and thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in 10 patients. They sought a characteristic metabolite profile that would enable differentiation of benign lesions from primary central nervous system lymphoma and determined whether PET and SPECT results supported the MR spectroscopic imaging findings. Results Metabolite compositions of the lesions were similar, likely because the lesions were late stage and tended to be necrotic. Brain lesions in patients with AIDS were nonspecific regarding metabolic profile as determined with MR spectroscopic imaging. All patients with positive PET and SPECT studies had primary central nervous system lymphoma. Conclusion PET and SPECT may be more reliable than MR spectroscopic imaging for differentiating benign lesions from primary central nervous system lymphoma in patients with AIDS.
Gas chromatography of some brominated methyl octadecanoates

Summary During gas chromatography on a polyester column, the principal effect of bromine substituents on a fatty ester molecule was to increase the retention time in proportion to the increase in molecular weight. Secondary effects arose from configurational isomerism. Methyl threo-9,10-dibromooactadecanoate was retained longer than the erythro diastereoisomer. The chromatographic difference between diastereoisomers was attributed to a change in dipole moment.
Analyzing Discharge Strategies during Acute Care A Discrete-Event Simulation Study

Background. When to discharge acute care patients is a complex decision that depends on both patient- and system-level factors. Such a decision for one patient affects other patients and operations in a hospital. The key tradeoff that we analyzed was the effect of discharge timing on several emergency department (ED)-related measures and the number of readmissions. Methods. We developed a discrete-event simulation model of patient pathway through an acute care hospital that comprises an ED and several inpatient units. The effects of discharge timing on ED waiting and boarding times, ambulance diversions, leave without treatment, and readmissions were explicitly modeled. We then analyzed the impact of 1 static and 2 proactive discharge strategies on these system outcomes. Results. Our analysis indicated that although the 2 proactive discharge strategies significantly reduced ED waiting and boarding times, and several other measures, compared with the static strategy (P < 0.01), the number of readmissions i...
Comparison of same-sitting robotic hybrid coronary revascularization with standard, off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease

Influence of contractility and heart rate on pressure drop coefficient and fractional flow reserve for epicardial stenosis Kranthi K. Kolli , Tarek Helmy, Mohamed Effat , Arif Imran, Massoud Leesar , Eric W. Schneeberger , Dwight Hand , WilliamGottliebson, Paul Succop, SrikaraV.Peelukhana, RupakK.Banerjee University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
PERCEPTIONS OF THE EQUITY AND EXCHANGE PROCESSES IN DYADIC SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Perceptions of equity and exchange processes for dyadic social relationships were measured for relationships at high, medium, and low levels of mutuality. 78 students completed a detailed questionnaire concerning the perceived alternatives to the relationship. As the level of the relationship increased, the frequency and the rated importance of certain types of inputs or outcomes changed significantly. These changes suggest increasing task specialization into male and female task groups as the relationship develops. Thus the precise nature of the equity process changes as the nature of the relationship changes. The termination of the relationship was predictable from the over-all level of satisfaction with the relationship in conjunction with the available alternatives and the costs of terminating the relationship. These costs were related to the level of the relationship. The perceived alternatives to a relationship included alternative relationships with other persons and non-interpersonal states such a...
Trend tests for proportional responses in developmental toxicity experiments

The data from developmental toxicity experiments usually are very difficult to analyze statistically because of the lack of independence among littermates and the random nature of the litter size. Only a few of the models that have been proposed in the literature have accounted for both of these features. One of the models proposed by Van Ryzin is invoked to construct a test of trend (dose response). The construction is achieved via a statistical technique called isotonic regression, which is applied to the moment estimators derived by Van Ryzin. The trend test based on isotonic regression is relatively straightforward to calculate, and when the number of dose groups (including control) is four or less, the significance of the observed result is easily determined. An example, in which fetolethality is the end point of interest, demonstrates the test.
Progress in prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract Remarkable progress has been made in understanding the basic processes involved in cardiovascular diseases, as well as in our ability to detect and treat these diseases. This in turn has led to a striking decrease in mortality from cardiovascular disease. At the same time, it is evident that primary prevention must be our ultimate goal. Given the limitations in resources, this is clearly the most cost-effective approach. Epidemiologists and other researchers have defined a large number of cardiovascular risk factors, of which the major ones are age, male sex, hypertension, cigarette smoking, plasma LDL and HDL cholesterol, and blood glucose. Other risk factors include overweight, sedentary lifestyle, water hardness, family history of heart disease before age 65, personality type and stress. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has launched a three-pronged attack, aimed ultimately at primary prevention and involving activities throughout the biomedical research continuum. We must: (a) support more varied and creative research into the basic mechanisms in the etiology and pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis and hypertension—two processes whose primary mechanisms are still not fully understood, but whose devastating consequences produce most of the morbidity: (b) support clinical trials and other definitive validation exercises to test the assumption that alteration of risk factors will decrease risk; (c) support joint research between the behavioral and biomedical communities so that they may unite their efforts toward learning how to change lifestyles and helping our citizens help themselves. We must be ready today to expeditiously translate to the public those findings that have already been validated and will lead to a healthier and longer life. Areas of controversy should be publicized so that individuals may make their own choices. Public awareness of and attention to risk factors within the past decade appears to have played a major role in the decline in cardiovascular mortality.
Coronary heart disease of females: lessons learned from nonhuman primates

The cynomolgus monkey model has contributed to significant advances regarding the understanding of coronary artery atherosclerosis of females. There are currently 8 million women in the United States living with heart disease, necessitating further study and understanding of this leading cause of morbidity and mortality for postmenopausal women. Specifically, studies involving the monkey model have allowed greater understanding of the effect of the stage of reproductive life, time since menopause, and the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis as determinates of estrogen-mediated effects on arteries. Utilizing the commonalities among monkeys and human beings, these studies have shown that postmenopausal atherosclerosis is associated with the premenopausal reproductive timeframe. In addition, monkey studies have shown that estrogen deficiency during the premenopausal stage is extremely relevant regarding the progression of atherosclerosis. After several postmenopausal years, however, studies have shown that estrogen has no beneficial effects on atherosclerosis progression and may, in fact, be deleterious. Studies using the monkey model are currently underway to investigate further uses and possibilities of postmenopausal hormone therapy for treating menopausal symptoms while protecting the breast and uterus and inhibiting the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis. These studies will hopefully clarify the role of estrogen and eliminate the need for the possibly harmful progestin effects through the use of a highly selective estrogen receptor modulator.
Assessing for Suicide Risk in Depressed Geriatric Cancer Patients

Although several studies have identified different factors that increase the risk for suicide in the elderly, depression, especially in cancer patients, puts people at even greater risk. In geriatric patients with co-morbid illnesses, depression is often undiagnosed or overlooked because of the assumption that it is to be expected. When patients with cancer are diagnosed with depression, it is imperative that clinicians have a clear-cut tool for assessing and identifying signs of suicidality in order to develop a treatment plan to manage the patient. This article delineates the steps involved in conducting a systematic suicide risk assessment in depressed elderly patients with cancer.
A one-dimensional multispecies magnetohydrodynamic model of the dayside ionosphere of Mars

Using a modification of the one-dimensional multispecies 'one-major-ion' MHD model of Shinagawa et al. (1987), the behaviors of plasma and magnetic field in the dayside ionosphere of Venus was studied for both time-dependent and steady-state conditions. The present model is more complete than the one-major-ion model of Shinagawa et al., although a comparison of the results indicated that the one-major-ion treatment was a fairly good approximation. Two new cases are presented, including steady-state conditions for the magnetized ionosphere, and the inclusion of ion loss due to horizontal transport in the magnetized region. The resulting calculated profiles of the magnetic field and the electron density agree much better with the observations at high altitudes than those without the ion loss terms, indicating the importance of the horizontal transport processes in the ionosphere of Venus at high altitudes.
Bridged Ferrocenes VIII. Correlation of redox potentials with structure

Abstract The redox potentials for oxidation of ferrocenes with hydrocarbon bridges and of corresponding ketoferrocenes were measured. For the reduced compound correlations were observed between the potentials and the iron to ring distances. For the ketoferrocenes, the importance of proper alignment of the carbonyl with the cyclopentadienyl rings is noted. Other possible relationships are discussed.
Naturally occurring antibody against unusually high serum DNA polymerase activity

WE have reported unusually high DNA polymerase activity in sera obtained from chimpanzees infected with the hepatitis B virus1, and Kaplan et al.2 reported hepatitis B-specific DNA polymerase activity in sera of human patients during post-transfusion hepatitis. We and others3–5 also found DNA polymerase activities associated with Dane particles, the putative hepatitis B virus, or their naked core components. Reports6,7 of the specific association of an e antigen-e antibody system with carriage of HBsAg prompted us to examine HBsAg positive sera containing unusually high levels of DNA polymerase activity for the presence of e antigen or e antibody. Subsequently, we studied the effects of sera containing e antibody on high DNA polymerase activity in sera from individuals with acute hepatitis B, chronic asymptomatic hepatitis B, chronic aggressive hepatitis B or chronic non-B hepatitis.
The study of reversed phases by inverse gas chromatography

The surface properties of three silica-based reversed phases have been studied by inverse gas chromatography. Theoretical deduction indicates that there is a linear relationship between the molar deformation polarisation of the test solute (PD) and the dispersive interaction energy between the solute and the C18 and non-bonded silica surfaces. The specific interaction energy between the solute molecule and the silica surface (-ΔGSP) can be measured as the vertical distance between the solute experimental retention data point (RTlnVN) and the n-alkane RTlnVN vs PD calibration line. From multiple regression analysis of-ΔGSP data with proton acceptor solubility parameter {ie290-1} and orientation solubility parameter {ie290-2} as variants, two coefficients can be obtained related to the influence of the residual silanol groups and the trace metal impurities.
Nitrous oxide levels in the emergency department

Levels of nitrous oxide were monitored in the emergency department during the use of a Nitronox ® machine after four and eight minutes of breathing the gas. Levels near the user's head were found to be 800 to 1,200 parts per million. Levels at the center of the room peaked at 300 ppm after eight minutes of use, and spot checks in the emergency department hall adjacent to the test room were less than 10 ppm. Ventilation was measured in the test room and was found to influence the peak level of nitrous oxide and the rapidity of washout of the gas from the room. The results of this study should prompt the development of guidelines for the use of nitrous oxide in the emergency department setting.
On the order of the antipode of hopf algebras

In this paper we consider a conjecture on the order of the antipode of semisimple Hopf algebras in the Yetter-Drinfeld category and study a related property of the ordinary Hopf algebras. We show that most known examples of finite-dimensional semisimple Hopf algebras satisfy this property.
Sperm storage: distinguishing selective processes and evaluating criteria

Sperm storage, the extended maintenance of viable sperm, probably occurs in most internally fertilizing animals. Because it temporally separates mating from conception, sperm storage can be adaptive in ecologically diverse habitats and affect life histories, mating systems, cryptic female choice, sperm competition, and sexual conflict. Sperm storage can result from different selective forces acting on females and/or males, sometimes resulting in coevolution. The various criteria often used to determine the presence of sperm storage in any given taxon can result from the action of any one or all of these selective forces. Here we discuss the criteria used to study sperm storage and how we can use these to better understand the evolution of diversity in sperm-storage adaptations.
Routine thienopyridine pretreatment for acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation

It’s time to rethink an ageing strategy Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) results from thrombus formation at the site of ruptured or eroded atherosclerotic plaques, which restricts coronary blood flow resulting in myocardial ischemia and injury. Thrombosis is initiated by the exposure of tissue factor and collagen to the circulating blood, which leads simultaneously to local triggering of the coagulation cascade and activation and adhesion of platelets. Activated platelets release secondary agonists, including thromboxane and ADP, which recruit additional waves of platelet adhesion that facilitate thrombus growth. Given their central pathogenic importance, pharmacological inhibition of both platelet activation and thrombin generation have long been cornerstone treatments for the full spectrum of ACS. Current European and North America guidelines provide a class I recommendation for the administration of dual antiplatelet therapy to patients presenting with non-ST elevation ACS consisting of aspirin to inhibit platelet thromboxane production and an ADP (P2Y12) receptor antagonist, such as the thienopyridine clopidogrel, to prevent secondary platelet activation.1 2 In the linked research article, Bellemain-Appaix and colleagues (doi:10.1136/bmj.g6269) explore …
Visual Function Impairments in Relation to Gender, Age, and Visual Acuity in Patients Who Undergo Cataract Surgery

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to determine the relationship between visual function impairment in 776 patients who had extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and gender, age, preoperative visual acuity (VA) of both the operative and the contralateral eye, and presence of other ocular disease in the operative eye. Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Participants 1139 patients whose medical records were abstracted and who had cataract surgery performed at 1 of 10 participating academic medical centers in 1990. Main outcome measure In the 776 patients who had explicit statements about impairment of visual function documented in their medical records, univariate and multivariable logistic analyses were used to assess the above relationship. Results The most severe visual functional deficit that justified the cataract operation varied in relation to gender, age, and VA. On bivariate analysis, men were more likely to have impairment with employment, driving, and glare, whereas women were more likely to have impairment with activities of daily living and recreational activities. Significant findings between visual impairment and the independent variables from the logistic regression models included: (1) employment limitation and male gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–3.40); (2) employment limitation and younger age (OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.050–0.28 for ages 70–79); (3) recreational impairment and older age (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.64–4.70 for ages 80+); (4) impairment in performing activities of daily living and female gender (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53–0.98 for male gender); (5) impairment in performing activities of daily living and worse VA in the operative eye (OR, 5.13; 95% CI, 2.93–9.00 for VA Conclusion When deciding whether to perform cataract surgery, functional impairment must be considered in relation to the age and the gender of the patient, for the type of functional impairment varies in association with age and gender.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin T induces potent cytotoxicity against a variety of murine and human cancer cell lines.

In patients with malignancy, the major barrier to achieving complete response is emergence of resistance to current chemotherapeutic agents. One of the major mechanisms by which tumour cells become resistant to therapies is by altering cellular drug targets through mutations and/or deletions. Resistance by this mechanism is achieved more easily if the drug has limited cellular targets and/or processes. We hypothesized that as Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin T (ExoT) targets six proteins that are required for cancer cell survival and proliferation, it is highly unlikely for cancer cells to develop resistance to this toxin. We assessed ExoT’s cytotoxicity against multiple invasive and highly resistant tumour cell lines in order to evaluate its potential as a chemotherapeutic agent. Our data demonstrated that ExoT induced potent cytotoxicity in all tumour cell lines that we examined. Collectively, our data highlighted the potential of ExoT as a possible chemotherapeutic candidate for the treatment of cancer.
Esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula in very low-birth-weight neonates: improved outcomes with staged repair

Introduction The surgical management of esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) involves early division of the TEF and primary esophageal anastomosis. However, in premature infants, the morbidity associated with primary repair remains high, and the optimal surgical approach has not been well defined. Methods Medical records of very low-birth-weight infants ( Results Twenty-five premature infants with EA/TEF were identified. Sixteen patients (64%) underwent primary repair, and 9 (36%) were repaired in a staged manner. The leak rate confirmed by esophagram was significantly higher after primary repair (50%) compared to staged repair (0%) (P = .034). Strictures occurred significantly more often in the primary repair (81%) vs the staged repair (33%) group (P = .036). Postoperative pneumonia and sepsis were significantly higher in patients treated with primary repair (P = .028). Conclusion Staged repair of EA/TEF in very low-birth-weight premature infants results in a significantly lower rate of anastomotic complications and overall morbidity and should be considered the preferred surgical approach in this group of patients.
Scaling of Linking and Writhing Numbers for Spherically Confined and Topologically Equilibrated Flexible Polymers

Scaling laws for Gauss linking number Ca and writhing number Wr for spherically confined flexible polymers with thermally fluctuating topology are analyzed. For ideal (phantom) polymers each of N segments of length unity confined to a spherical pore of radius R there are two scaling regimes: for sufficiently weak confinement (R ⪢ N(1/3)) each chain has |Wr| ≈ N(1/2), and each pair of chains has average |Ca| ≈ N/R(3/2); alternately for sufficiently tight confinement (N(1/3) ⪢ R), |Wr| ≈ |CA| ≈ N/R(3/2). Adding segment-segment avoidance modifies this result: for n chains with excluded volume interactions |Ca| ≈ (N/n)(1/2)f(ϕ) where f is a scaling function that depends approximately linearly on the segment concentration ϕ = nN/R(3). Scaling results for writhe are used to estimate the maximum writhe of a polymer; this is demonstrated to be realizable through a writhing instability that occurs for a polymer which is able to change knotting topology and which is subject to an applied torque. Finally, scaling results for linking are used to estimate bounds on the entanglement complexity of long chromosomal DNA molecules inside cells, and to show how "lengthwise" chromosome condensation can suppress DNA entanglement.
Self‐esteem, self‐presentation, and future Interaction: A dilemma of reputation

The influence of chronic self-esteem on self-presentation was explored. Male subjects were confronted with an experimentally created reputation, in the form of public (bogus) feedback from a personality assessment. High self-esteem subjects used compensatory self-enhancement in their self-descriptions and behaved in ways contrary to what their reputations would imply. Low self-esteem subjects did not employ compensatory self-enhancement. Moreover, the behavior of low self-esteem subjects conformed to the randomly generated feedback when it (the feedback) was public but not when it was confidential. The expectation of future interaction was shown to be a mediating variable.
The Effect of Word- and Comprehension-Emphasis Instruction on Reading Performance:

Three instructional procedures were compared to assess their effects on reading comprehension and word recognition. One approach emphasized comprehension, i.e., students were regularly questioned about the reading content and were not corrected when they made oral reading errors. A second approach consisted of word emphasis, whereby subjects were corrected for all reading errors and received error-word drills each day. They were not questioned about the content of their reading selection. The third approach combined aspects of the other two, including error-word corrections and drill along with comprehension questions. No differences were found among treatment effects on comprehension and oral reading; however, on an isolated word-recognition measure the approaches which included error-word drill produced higher scores.
Tardigrades of the University of Central Arkansas Campus, Conway, AR

Abstract Tardigrades were recovered from samples of moss and lichen growing on the bark of seven species of trees on the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) campus in Conway, AR. Of the 11 genera of tardigrades previously reported from the state, five were found in the UCA campus samples; of the 25 species previously reported, five were found in the UCA campus samples. Two species (Milnesium eurystomum, Macrobiotus polyopus) are new records for the state; one species of Echiniscus (arctomys group) could not be identified and may be new. Tardigrades were not uniformly distributed among available habitats (moss, lichen) or substrates (trees).
Radiation therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer: Long-term results of 469 patients from a single institution in the era of dose escalation

Aims: The aim of the following study is to analyze the long-term results of veterans treated with dose escalated radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 469 patients who were treated between 2003 and 2010 with dose escalated radiation therapy to a minimum dose of 7560 cGy for prostate cancer at the New York Harbor Department of Veterans Affairs. Biochemical failure-free survival (bFFS) and distant metastatic-free survival (DMFS) were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox Regression were used to measure the impact of covariates on biochemical control. Results: The median follow-up was 61 months and 95.3% of patients were followed at least 2 years. The 5-year bFFS for National Cancer Care Network low, intermediate and high risk disease were 90.3%, 86.9% and 77.3% respectively (P = 0.001). Patients with high risk disease were more likely to develop metastatic disease. The 5-year DMFS was 99.1% for low risk, 98.8% for intermediate risk and 94.5% for high-risk (P Conclusions: Dose escalated radiation in the treatment of United States Veterans appears to be well-tolerated with results in line with prior reports. Further follow-up is necessary to identify any additional late toxicities as well as to assess the durability of their biochemical control beyond 5 years.
Effects of obesity on body temperature in otherwise-healthy females when controlling hydration and heat production during exercise in the heat

Previous studies investigating body temperature responses in obese individuals during exercise in the heat fail to control metabolic heat production or hydration status during exercise. To determine if there are differences in body temperature responses between obese and non-obese females when controlling metabolic heat production during exercise. Twenty healthy females, ten obese (43.5 ± 4.5 % fat, 77.5 ± 14.4 kg) and ten non-obese (26.3 ± 6.2 % fat, 53.7 ± 6.4 kg), cycled for 60 min in a warm environment (40 °C, 30 % humidity) at a work load that elicited either 300 W of metabolic heat production (fixed heat production; FHP) or 175 W/m2 of skin surface area (body surface area, BSA). Before and during exercise, rectal temperature (T re), mean skin temperature (T sk), oxygen uptake (VO2), and sweat rate were measured. Fluid was provided throughout exercise so that euhydration was maintained throughout. In the FHP trial, when absolute heat production was similar between obese (287 ± 15 W) and non-obese (295 ± 18 W) individuals (P > 0.05), there were no differences at the end of exercise in T re (38.26 ± 0.40 vs. 38.30 ± 0.30 °C, respectively) or T sk (36.94 ± 1.65 vs. 35.85 ± 0.67 °C) (all P > 0.05). In the BSA trials, relative heat production was similar between obese and non-obese individuals (168 ± 8 vs. 176 ± 5 W/m2, respectively; P > 0.05). Similar to the FHP trials, there were no differences between obese and non-obese T re (38.45 ± 0.33 vs. 38.08 ± 0.29 °C, respectively) or T sk (36.82 ± 1.04 vs. 36.11 ± 0.64 °C) at the end of exercise (all P > 0.05). When obese and non-obese females exercised at a fixed metabolic heat production and euhydration was maintained, there were no differences in body temperature between groups.
Effect of cyanogenic rhizobacteria on the growth of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and corn (Zea mays) in autoclaved soil and the influence of supplemental glycine

Abstract The production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) by Pseudomonas putida ATH-1RI/9 and Acidovarax delafieldii ATH2-2RS/1 and its effect on the growth of velvetleaf ( Abutilon theophrasti ) and corn ( Zea mays ) were tested in the presence of supplemental glycine. In autoclaved soil, varying levels of glycine had no effect on velvetleaf root growth, but did significantly reduce velvetleaf shoot length 30–50%. The level of HCN produced in root-free soil by P. putida and A. delafieldii generally increased with higher amounts of supplemental glycine, with P. putida typically generating more HCN (8–38 μM) at a given glycine level. However, increased levels of glycine failed to increase HCN in the rhizosphere soil of velvetleaf and corn inoculated with either of the cyanogenic strains. Although HCN levels in soil associated with corn were nearly twice as great as those of velvetleaf, and populations of each bacterial strain recovered from rhizosphere soil of corn were higher than those of velvetleaf, this did not result in reduced corn growth. The growth of velvetleaf as measured by shoot and root growth, however, was significantly inhibited (40–80% of control). The use of cyanogenic bacterial inoculants as a biocontrol of velvetleaf is discussed.