cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 20621: Ethnic Minorities and Use of Drug Eluting Stent in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the State of Florida

Background: Studies have reported that Black and Hispanics have lower rates of cardiovascular procedures. Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) should not have health disparities. The aim of this study is to compare the use of drug eluding stents (DES) in ethnic minorities with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST- elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of all ambulatory and hospital discharge procedures between 2006 and 2009 in the State of Florida. We included all subjects using ICD-9 codes as STEMI (410.x) and NSTEMI (410.7). We classified them as Black, Hispanic and White and determine the use of DES using code 36.07. We used logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of DES by ethnicity adjusted for demographics, Charlson score and insurance. Results: We identified 234,470 subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Twenty percent were Black or Hispanic and 75% had a...
Informalization, Inequalities and Global Insecurities

Global restructuring has dramatically affected the value, extent, and significance of informal economic activities worldwide. Approaching informalization as a systemic phenomenon, this essay illuminates linkages among economic processes, widening inequalities, ‘‘governance gaps,’’ and global insecurities. It considers the historical context in which distinctive approaches to informality emerged and reviews three principal ‘‘islands’’ of existing research: mainstream, structuralist, and feminist. These variously illuminate patterns of economic inequality that are central to studies of international political economy. Informality’s significance to IR and security studies is further illuminated through a discussion of the processes and political economy of informalization in relation to global migrations, and the interaction of economic and political informalization in the context of ‘‘new’’ wars and security crises. Informality is not a static concept but a contested space that is useful precisely because it reveals underlying patterns of social power that stretch from the behavior of individuals...to the dynamics of national state alliances and international financial, labor and trade flows. (Cross 2000:1)
Teaching with Massed Versus Interspersed Trials: Effects on Acquisition, Maintenance, and Problem Behavior

The current study evaluated the effects of teaching three programs using massed-trial teaching (MTT) versus interspersed-trial teaching (ITT) for three participants diagnosed with autism. Specifically, we compared the (i) rate of response acquisition, (ii) percentage of trials per session with problem behavior, and (iii) number of acquisition targets maintained following mastery. For all three participants, the rate of acquisition was higher under MTT than ITT, and levels of problem behavior were similar in both conditions for each participant. Perhaps the only advantage of ITT over MTT was maintenance of targets at the follow-up probes for two participants; however, neither approach yielded consistently high levels of correct responding across 2-, 4-, and 6-week follow-up probes. Collectively, results for these three participants provide some evidence for the additive benefit of MTT over ITT. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of 3,5-dibromo-L-phenylalanine in rat models of stroke, seizures and sensorimotor gating deficit.

Background and purpose: Abnormal glutamatergic activity is implicated in neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Selective glutamate receptor antagonists were highly effective in animal models of stroke and seizures but failed in further clinical development because of serious side effects, including an almost complete set of symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore, the novel polyvalent glutamatergic agent 3,5-dibromo-L-phenylalanine (3,5-DBr-L-Phe) was studied in rat models of stroke, seizures and sensorimotor gating deficit. Experimental approach: 3,5-DBr-L-Phe was administered intraperitoneally as three boluses after intracerebral injection of endothelin-1 (ET-1) adjacent to the middle cerebral artery to cause brain injury (a model of stroke). 3,5-DBr-L-Phe was also given as a single bolus prior to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection to induce seizures or prior to the administration of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) to cause disruption of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle (sensorimotor gating deficit). Key results: Brain damage caused by ET-1 was reduced by 52%, which is comparable with the effects of MK-801 in this model as reported by others. 3,5-DBr-L-Phe significantly reduced seizures induced by PTZ without the significant effects on arterial blood pressure and heart rate normally caused by NMDA antagonists. 3,5-DBr-L-Phe prevented the disruption of PPI measured 3 days after the administration of ET-1. 3,5-DBr-L-Phe also eliminated sensorimotor gating deficit caused by MK-801. Conclusion and implications: The pharmacological profile of 3,5-DBr-L-Phe might be beneficial not only for developing a therapy for the neurological and cognitive symptoms of stroke and seizures but also for some neuropsychiatric disorders.
Effect of network externalities on software pricing

In this paper, we use an intertemporal monopoly pricing model to examine the pricing strategies for selling and renting packaged software using the World Wide Web. A two stage setup is used to model the versioning of software. The externalities created by renting and selling the software is incorporated in the model. The preliminary results obtained by solving the problem using numerical methods such as Kuhn-Tucker constrained optimization provided insight into the pricing strategies. We found that for high levels of network externalities, the prices in the second period are substantially higher. Profits also increase monotonically with the intensity of the network effect.
Thomas Burkhalter. 2013. Local Music Scenes and Globalization: Transnational Platforms in Beirut. New York: Routledge. 304pp. ISBN 978-0-415-80813-2 (hbk)

Thomas Burkhalter. 2013. Local Music Scenes and Globalization: Transnational Platforms in Beirut. New York: Routledge. 304pp. ISBN 978-0-415-80813-2 (hbk)
Rheologic testing of wet kaolin reveals frictional and bi-viscous behavior typical of crustal materials

[1] New rheological data for wet kaolin support its use in analog table-top experiments that simulate deformation of the Earth's crust. Creep tests at small strain reveal that wet kaolin (62–66% water by mass) exhibits both elastic and viscous deformation characteristic of a Burger's material. When sheared to failure, the shear strength is relatively insensitive to the strain rate. The shear strength appears sensitive to the amount of initial compaction within the rheometer, which may indicate a normal-stress dependency typical of frictional materials. Stepped velocity tests at large strain demonstrate velocity weakening rate and state frictional behavior after yielding. Because the wet kaolin exhibits deformation characteristic of both frictional materials and bi-viscous materials, this material is well suited to simulate a variety of crustal deformational processes in scaled analog experiments.
Chapter 21 Cell Sorting of Biohazardous Specimens for Assay of Immune Function

Publisher Summary This chapter describes general precautions that must be taken when sorting potentially biohazardous specimens. The precautions presented in the chapter are directed toward sorting cells in specimens potentially harboring pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that are transferred primarily parenterally in a laboratory situation. Those pathogens transferred primarily through aerosols, for example, Mycobacterium tuberculosis , require additional precautions. The chapter also describes techniques found useful in maintaining the viability and function of activated lymphocytes during sorting and provides one example of how sorting has been used to study the immunology of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Flow cytometry sorting can be used in studies of human infectious diseases to separate leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood or lymphoid tissue on the basis of cell-surface phenotype. The sorted cells can be used to examine immune responses to the pathogen under investigation, characterize the cellular basis of immunopathogenesis caused by the organism, and characterize the cells that are infected with the pathogen.
Satellite Atmospheres and Magnetospheres

Galileo radio-occultation measurements show that all four of the Galilean satellites possess ionospheres. Peak ionospheric densities for the icy satellites are several thousand electrons per cubic centimeter, and the distributions are not spherically symmetric. Io’s ionosphere is much denser and remarkably similar to that measured by Voyager.
Treatment Plan Technique and Quality for Single-Isocenter Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy of Multiple Lung Lesions with Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy or Intensity-Modulated Radiosurgery.

Purpose: The aim is to provide a practical approach to the planning technique and evaluation of plan quality for the multi-lesion, single-isocenter stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) of the lung. Methods and Materials: Eleven patients with 2 or more lung lesions underwent single-isocenter VMAT radiosurgery or IMRS. All plans were normalized to the target maximum dose. For each plan, all targets were treated to the same dose. Plan conformity and dose gradient were maximized with dose control tuning structures surrounding targets. For comparison, multi-isocenter plans were retrospectively created for 4 patients. Conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), gradient index (GI) and gradient distance (GD) were calculated for each plan. V5, V10, and V20 of the lung and organs at risk (OARs) were collected. Treatment time and total monitor units (MUs) were also recorded. Results: One patient had 4 lesions and the remainder had 2 lesions. Six patients received VMAT and 5 patients received IMRS. For those treated with VMAT, two patients received 3-arc VMAT and four received 2-arc VMAT. For those treated with IMRS, two patients were treated with 10 and 11 beams, respectively, and the rest received 12 beams. Prescription doses ranged from 30 to 54 Gy in 3 to 5 fractions. The median prescribed isodose line was 84% (range: 80-86%). The median maximum dose was 57.1 Gy (range: 35.7-65.1 Gy). The mean combined PTV was 49.57 cm3 (range: 14.90 - 87.38 cm3). For single-isocenter plans, the median CI was 1.15 (range: 0.97-1.53). The median HI was 1.19 (range: 1.16-1.28). The median GI was 4.60 (range: 4.16-7.37). The median maximum radiation dose (Dmax) to total lung was 55.6 Gy (range: 35.7-62.0 Gy). The median mean radiation dose to the lung (Dmean) was 4.2 Gy (range: 1.1-9.3 Gy). The median lung V5 was 18.7% (range: 3.8-41.3%). There was no significant difference in CI, HI, GI, GD, V5, V10 and V20 (lung, heart, trachea, esophagus, and spinal cord) between single-isocenter and multi-isocenter plans. Conclusion: This multi-lesion, single-isocenter lung SABR planning technique demonstrated excellent plan quality and clinical efficiency and is recommended for radiosurgical treatment of 2 or more lung targets for well
Quantum Interactive Dualism, II: The Libet and Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen Causal Anomalies

The "free will" data of Benjamin Libet and the predictionsof quantum theory considered by Einstein, Podolsky,and Rosen, both posepuzzles within aconceptual framework that, simultaneously, is compatiblewith the theory of relativity and allows human subjects to freely choosehow they will act. The quantum theoretic resolutions of these puzzles aredescribed.
The Impact of Earnings Information on Selected Foreign Securities Markets

Accounting earnings data have been considered to possess information useful to investor decision making. If this is so, then stock prices may be expected to react to the release of earnings data under certain circumstances. This article extends the test of market price reaction to earnings announcements to the Toronto and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Unusual price activity at or near the time of the release of earnings information was found and considered to be a possible result of the earnings announcement.
Molecular mapping of chromosome segments introgressed from Solanum lycopersicoides into cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum).

The wild nightshade Solanum lycopersicoides (accessionLA2951) was backcrossed to the cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv ’VF36’), then inbred through single-seed descent for several generations. Over 300 backcross-inbred families thereby derived were genotyped at 139 marker loci, consisting of RFLPs, allozymes, and monogenic morphological markers, to identify introgressed S. lycopersicoides chromosomes and segments thereof. The pattern of genotypes observed in the lines indicated a high degree of overall synteny between the S. lycopersicoides genome and that of tomato. Two putative single-copy RFLP probes revealed secondary loci in this wide cross. Recovery of the L. esculentum genome was more rapid than expected, with an average value in the BC2 generation of 97.8%, versus the expected value of 87.5%. This was due to widespread segregation distortion that favored L. esculentum alleles as well as a tendency for plants homozygous for in- trogressed segments to be partially or completely male-sterile, thereby preventing the fixation of S. lycopersicoides markers in many lines. Despite these difficulties, nearly every S. lycopersicoides marker (or approximately 98% of the genome, measured in centi Morgans) was represented in at least 1 backcross-inbred line, with only a region on chromosome 4L missing from the population as a whole. Although the extent of transmission and fixation of introgressed segments varied according to chromosome, overall approximately 66% of the S. lycopersicoides genome was represented by homozygous in- trogressions with sufficient fertility to reproduce by self-pollination. An excess of terminal (vs. interstitial) segments was noted, and putative heterozygous substitutions for chromosomes 6, 7, 8, and 10 were found. Recombination within certain introgressed regions was reduced over 100-fold. These backcross-inbred lines are expected to facilitate the genetic analysis of traits identified in S. lycopersicoides and their transfer into horticultural tomatoes.
Ideal FT-IR Spectrometers and the Efficiency of Real Instruments

Photon shot noise is the ultimate limit on SNR measurements of optical information. It thus represents the ultimate limit as well for an ideal FT-IR spectrometer. Calculation of this limiting performance is useful in evaluation of the performance of existing real instruments.
Salivary gland cancers: Biology and molecular targets for therapy

Salivary gland carcinomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors with different biologic behavior. Given the lack of large randomized studies, there is no standard treatment for advanced and/or metastatic salivary gland tumors, and systemic therapy is empirically based. Tumor-specific recurrent chromosomal translocations and fusion oncogenes in aggressive head and neck malignancies have diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic implications. Pathognomonic fusion transcripts have been identified in subsets of mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. These translocations target 1) transcription factors involved in growth factor signaling and cell cycle regulation, 2) transcriptional co-activators, and 3) tyrosine kinase receptors. Prioritizing studies with a translational component to advance the molecular understanding of these cancers and molecular-targeted therapy clinical trials is critical.
High-performance sodium-ion pseudocapacitors based on hierarchically porous nanowire composites

Electrical energy storage plays an increasingly important role in modern society. Current energy storage methods are highly dependent on lithium-ion energy storage devices, and the expanded use of these technologies is likely to affect existing lithium reserves. The abundance of sodium makes Na-ion-based devices very attractive as an alternative, sustainable energy storage system. However, electrodes based on transition-metal oxides often show slow kinetics and poor cycling stability, limiting their use as Na-ion-based energy storage devices. The present paper details a new direction for electrode architectures for Na-ion storage. Using a simple hydrothermal process, we synthesized interpenetrating porous networks consisting of layer-structured V(2)O(5) nanowires and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This type of architecture provides facile sodium insertion/extraction and fast electron transfer, enabling the fabrication of high-performance Na-ion pseudocapacitors with an organic electrolyte. Hybrid asymmetric capacitors incorporating the V(2)O(5)/CNT nanowire composites as the anode operated at a maximum voltage of 2.8 V and delivered a maximum energy of ∼40 Wh kg(-1), which is comparable to Li-ion-based asymmetric capacitors. The availability of capacitive storage based on Na-ion systems is an attractive, cost-effective alternative to Li-ion systems.
Aging and responses to toxins in female reproductive functions

Abstract We review major features of female reproductive senescence in rodent models of human menopause and point out parameters that could be used to identify effects of toxins.
Actions of cysteinyl leukotrienes in the enteric nervous system of guinea-pig stomach and small intestine.

Abstract Conventional intracellular microelectrodes, neuronal tracer injection techniques and immunohistochemistry were used to study the actions of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) on electrical and synaptic behavior of enteric neurons in guinea-pig stomach and small intestine. Bath application of leukotriene C 4 , leukotriene D 4 or leukotriene E 4 evoked a slowly activating depolarizing response in most of the myenteric and submucous plexus neurons in the small intestine while no effect was observed in gastric neurons. The depolarization evoked by cysteinyl leukotrienes in intestinal neurons was associated with increased input resistance and enhanced excitability. Suppression of hyperpolarizing after-potentials occurred in AH type neurons. The depolarizing action of cysteinyl leukotrienes was resistant to tetrodotoxin and cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Neither the CysLT 1 receptor antagonists ( E )-3-[[[3-[2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)ethenyl]phenyl][[3-dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl]thio]methyl]thio]-propanoic acid (MK 571), 1-[2-hydroxy-3-propyl-4-[4-(1 H -tetrazol-5-yl)butoxy]phenyl}-ethanone (LY 171883) and α-pentyl-3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)-benzenemethanol (REV 5901), nor the dual CysLT 1 /CysLT 2 receptor antagonist 6( R )-(4′-carboxyphenylthio)-5( S )-hydroxy-7( E ),9( E ),11( Z ),14( Z )-eicosatetraenoic acid (BAY u9773) significantly altered the depolarizing action of the cysteinyl leukotrienes. Neurotransmission was unaffected by the cysteinyl leukotrienes. The results suggested involvement of cysteinyl leukotrienes in enteric immuno-neural communication through excitatory actions on enteric neurons. The receptor mediating these effects was distinct from currently recognized cysteinyl leukotriene receptor subtypes (CysLT 1 and CysLT 2 receptors) and may represent a new receptor subtype.
THE USE OF ANION EXCHANGE RESINS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF COMBINATORIAL LIBRARIES CONTAINING ARYL AND HETEROARYL ETHERS

Abstract Quaternary ammonium exchange resins (Amberlite® IRA-900) were prepared that contained each a mixture of ten aryloxides and heteroaryloxides. The feasibility of generating combinatorial libraries containing aryl and heteroaryl ethers was demonstrated by reacting the resin's with a single electrophile (n-butyl bromide) to afford mixtures of ether products. The advantages of using quaternary ammonium exchange resins over solution phase chemistry to prepare this library are discussed.
Parkinsonism induced by high-dose cytosine arabinoside

We report a severe parkinsonian condition following high dose, parenteral cytosine arabinoside (Cytosar) that persisted for 8 weeks. The drug was used in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia that was refractory to all other treatment. The syndrome was partially responsive to antiparkinsonian drugs and fortunately remitted completely within 12 weeks.
Does ambient substrate composition influence consumer diversity effects on algal removal

Benthic substrates constitute an important habitat template for aquatic communities and may affect the contributions of benthic organisms to ecological processes. To test the effects of ambient substrate composition on the process of algae accrual and removal, we conducted an experiment to examine how substrate type influenced consumer richness effects. We hypothesized that algal removal from focal substrates (ceramic tiles) would be influenced by the surrounding ambient substrate through its effect on nutrient cycling and subsequent algal growth. We manipulated consumer richness in mesocosms at one or three species while holding consumer biomass constant. Aquatic consumers were an amphipod, a snail, and a water boatman, and ambient substrates were either sand or gravel. After 21 days, ambient substrate influenced epilithic algal accrual on tiles, affected physio-chemical parameters within mesocosms, and modified consumer behavior. Chlorophyll a was approximately 2× greater on control tiles surrounded by sand, and FPOM and turbidity were greater on sand than gravel when consumers were present. Substrate modified consumer behavior such that consumers congregated around focal substrates in sand, but dispersed around them in gravel. Consumers also had substrate-specific influences on epilithic chlorophyll, causing a decrease in sand and an increase in gravel. Algal assemblages on focal tiles were dominated by diatoms, and their composition responded to consumer richness and identity, but not substrate. Our data suggest that direct effects (e.g., consumptive removal of epilithon from focal tiles) were more pronounced in sand, whereas indirect effects (e.g., bioturbation and enhanced mixing) promoted algal accrual in gravel. These results show that algae production on exposed surfaces may change as underlying substrate composition changes, and that substrate type can alter consumer diversity effects on algal removal.
Determination of Sample Size to Detect Quality Improvement in p-Charts

﻿Four methods of determining sample size for ρ-charts are examined to determine in each case whether the process in question has improved in quality. Two of the four methods compared are approximation methods previously discussed in the literature. The ..
Variational calculation of the work function for small metal spheres

Abstract A variational calculation based on the density functional formalism is performed for small metal spheres. The electron density is expressed in terms of two variational parameters chosen to minimize the energy. We find that the work function decreases as the size of the particle increases, approximately in agreement with the classical result for radii greater than a few angstroms.
Comparison of c-jun, junB, and junD mRNA Expression and Protein in the Rat Dorsal Root Ganglia Following Sciatic Nerve Transection

The present study was designed to compare the expression of the Jun family of protooncogenes following nerve injury. Adult rats were anesthetized and the sciatic nerve transected. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after nerve transection were collected, their total RNA extracted, and Northern blots performed using 32P-labeled oligonucleotide probes. The constitutive expression of c-jun mRNA was very low in DRG. Induction of c-jun mRNA was observed by day 1 after nerve transection, with a sixfold peak at 3 days and a twofold induction still present by day 7. The constitutive expression of junB mRNA was also low in the DRG, and sciatic nerve transection produced only a modest induction (1.7-fold by day 3) in the DRG ipsilateral to the nerve cut. junD mRNA was constitutively expressed at high levels in the DRG, and its level of expression did not in the DRG, and its level of expression did not change after sciatic nerve transection. Immunocytochemistry studies demonstrated a pattern of c-Jun, JunB, and JunD immunoreactivity (IR) associated with the cell nuclei of DRG neurons. c-Jun IR was found at very low levels in the undamaged contralateral DRG neurons, but sciatic nerve transection dramatically increased the number of c-Jun-immunoreactive neurons. Dot blot immunoblotting assay confirmed that the DRG ipsilateral to the sciatic nerve cut contained a higher level of c-Jun protein than the contralateral control DRG. Similar to c-Jun IR, JunB IR was minimal in the undamaged contralateral DRG. However, the DRG ipsilateral to the nerve transection did not show an increase in the number of immunoreactive neurons. JunD protein was expressed at high levels in the contralateral DRG, and this level of expression persisted after sciatic nerve transection in the ipsilateral DRG. DNA gel retardation assay experiments with an AP-1 consensus sequence showed a single DNA-protein complex. This complex was increased in ipsilateral as compared with contralateral DRG extracts. The amount of DNA-protein complex was reduced by c-Jun protein antiserum but was not altered when treated with a Fos antibody. We conclude that c-jun, junB and junD mRNAs and proteins are differentially regulated in the DRG after sciatic nerve transection.
On-Line Monitoring of Powder Blend Homogeneity by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Near-infrared spectroscopy is evaluated as an on-line technique for monitoring the homogeneity of a pharmaceutical blend during the blending process. Blends containing 10% sodium benzoate (model active), which provided an aromatic functionality typical of many pharmaceutical compounds, 39% microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH102), 50% lactose, and 1% magnesium stearate were developed to mimic the properties of an actual pharmaceutical blend. A twin-shell V-blender was modified to allow installation of a diffuse reflectance fiber-optic probe at the axis of rotation, and spectra were collected during three experiments using a commercially available near-infrared spectrophotometer. In each experiment, blender control and spectral data collection were controlled by a compilation of software packages. The experiments detected spectral changes which eventually converged to a point of constant variance. Further analysis of the spectral data showed the blend is homogeneous long before a typical blending period i...
Near Optimal Output-Feedback Control of Nonlinear Discrete-time Systems in Nonstrict Feedback Form with Application to Engines

A novel reinforcement-learning based output-adaptive neural network (NN) controller, also referred as the adaptive-critic NN controller, is developed to track a desired trajectory for a class of complex nonlinear discrete-time systems in the presence of bounded and unknown disturbances. The controller includes an observer for estimating states and the outputs, critic, and two action NNs for generating virtual, and actual control inputs. The critic approximates certain strategic utility function and the action NNs are used to minimize both the strategic utility function and their outputs. All NN weights adapt online towards minimization of a performance index, utilizing gradient-descent based rule. A Lyapunov function proves the uniformly ultimate boundedness (UUB) of the closed-loop tracking error, weight, and observer estimation. Separation principle and certainty equivalence principles are relaxed; persistency of excitation condition and linear in the unknown parameter assumption is not needed. The performance of this controller is evaluated on a spark ignition (SI) engine operating with high exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) levels and experimental results are demonstrated.
The bee genus Chlerogas in Bolivia (Hymenoptera, Halictidae)

A new species of Chlerogas Vachal (Halictinae, Augochlorini) is described and fi gured from Bolivia, correcting a past mis-association of sexes for Chlerogas boliviensis Brooks & Engel. Chlerogas aterrimus sp. n. is described from two males and a single female collected in the Department of Santa Cruz (Provinces of Florida and Caballero) and is distinguished from C. known only from females, and its other congeners. A revised key to the species of Chlerogas is provided along with a new locality record for C. boliviensis.
RENEWED CATCH-UP GROWTH ON INCREASING GROWTH HORMONE (GH) DOSAGE DURING GH REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Sustained accelerated growth is necessary for GH-deficient patients to achieve normal mature heights. However, the catch-up growth seen during the initial 12-18 mos of standard GH replacement Rx (0.3 U/kg/wk) does not persist and few GH-treated children attain their full potential height. Previous studies of the dose/growth-response relationship have been confined to the initial phase of Rx. To assess the efficacy and safety of higher doses, given when catch-up growth had ceased, we gave GH for 8 months at 0.9U/kg/week to 8 GH-deficient children (7-12 yrs) earlier treated for 2-8 yrs with GH at 0.3 U/kg/wk. Mean growth velocity (GV) increased from 5.5±1.2 to 9.7±2.5 cm/yr (p<.01). GV corrected for bone age was, as expected, normal on standard Rx and increased to over 5 standard deviations above the mean on the higher dose. This acceleration represents a renewal of true catch-up growth. Mean somatomedin C levels rose from 0.32±0.3 to 0.95±0.9 U/ml (p<.05) as GV increased. Glucose tolerance was barely affected by the dose increase, while the area under the insulin curve increased slightly (1.3±.5 to 2.2±.2 mU/m1.min; p=.17). Serum lipid levels were not adversely affected, fasting triglycerides falling from 67±34 to 64±21 mg/dl, while cholesterol, rose from 158±31 to 166±22 mg/dl. There was no change in the need for thyroid replacement, two patients had modest elevations in anti-GH antibody titers during high dose Rx. Improved supplies of GH may permit an upward revision in dose recommendations for replacement Rx.
Chemistry of thienopyridines. VII. Mechanistic studies on the synthesis of thieno[2,3‐c] pyridine by thermolytic cyclization

A study was made of the formation of thieno[2,3-c]pyridine (1) from hydrogen sulfide and 4-vinylpyridine in a flow system at 630°. 2-(4-Pyridyl)ethanethiol and bis-2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl sulfide were found to be likely intermediates. Based on these studies, there was devised a two-step practical preparative method for I (optimum overall yield 58%) which consists of preliminary conversion of 4-vinylpyridine to benzyl 2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl sulfide and subsequent thermolysis (at 605°) of this substance.
Pegylation of Magnetically Oriented Lipid Bilayers

Abstract We report NMR data for magnetically oriented phospholipid bilayers which have been doped with a lipid derivatized with a polyethylene glycol polymer headgroup to stabilize samples against aggregation. 13 C, 31 P, and 2 H NMR data indicate that the incorporation of PEG2000-PE (1% molar to DMPC) does not interfere with the orientation properties of bicelles prepared at 25% w/v with or without the presence of lanthanide. Bicelles prepared at 10% w/v are also shown to orient when PEG2000-PE is added. The addition of PEG2000-PE to cholesterol-containing, lanthanide-flipped bicelles is shown to inhibit sample phase separation and improve spectral quality. Furthermore, the addition of PEG2000-PE to high w/v bicelles (40% w/v) is demonstrated to lead to an increase in overall sample order.
Optimal Decision Making and the Value of Information in a Time-Dependent Version of the Cost-Loss Ratio Situation

Abstract A time-dependent version of the cost-loss ratio situation is described and the optimal use and economic value of meteorological information are investigated in this decision-making problem. The time-dependent situation is motivated by a decision maker who contemplates postponing the protect/do not protect decision in anticipation of obtaining more accurate forecasts at some later time (i.e., shorter lead time), but who also recognizes that the cost of protection will increase as lead time decreases. Imperfect categorical forecasts, calibrated according to past performance, constitute the information of primary interest. Optimal decisions are based on minimizing expected expense and the value of information is measured relative to the expected expense associated with climatological information. Accuracy and cost of protection are modeled as exponentially decreasing functions of lead time, and time-dependent expressions for expected expense and value of information are derived. An optimal lead time...
Reproductive Success of Burrowing Owls in Urban and Grassland Habitats in Southern New Mexico

Abstract We examined Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicuaria) reproductive success at 144 nests in urban (n = 80) and grassland (n = 64) habitats in southern New Mexico in 2000 and 2001. Nest success was higher in grassland compared to urban areas (81 vs. 68%) but urban landscapes fledged more young per successful nest (3.85 vs. 3.07). Mean fledging success per nest was similar between habitats with 2.60 and 2.50 fledglings in urban and grassland habitats, respectively. Fledging success was categorized as failure, low, and high. Reproductive success in both habitats was associated with measures of owl density. High success in urban landscapes was associated with fewer surrounding nests, an index of larger nesting territories, and open space. Failure was associated with solitary nests. This suggests owls benefit from the presence of other nesting pairs as long as the density is not too high. High success in grassland habitats was associated with fewer surrounding nests, index of larger nesting territories, ed...
Excess Adiposity Preceding Pediatric Psoriasis

As for adult psoriasis, pediatric psoriasis has recently been associated with obesity, increased waist circumference percentiles and waist-to-height ratios, and metabolic laboratory abnormalities1-3 (Supplemental Table 1). Although obesity could theoretically result from the functional limitations and psychosocial impact of psoriasis, adult females self-reported that obesity developed before psoriasis4 and high BMI in adolescent girls preceded psoriasis hospitalization in adults5. Whether obesity precedes pediatric psoriasis or psoriasis leads to childhood obesity has not been addressed. In a pilot study with a new cohort, we addressed the temporal association of pediatric psoriasis and increased adiposity in 27 overweight and obese psoriatic children.
Gadolinia-Doped Ceria Cathode Interlayer for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

This paper reports the fabrication and investigation of gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) cathode interlayer on solid oxide fuel cell performance. About 60nm of GDC layer was deposited on the cathode side of 100µm-thick polycrystalline 8mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates, upon which porous platinum electrodes were employed to fabricate the fuel cell element. Current-voltage (I-V) behavior was compared with a YSZ-only control cell. Cathode interface impedances were obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range of 400-450oC. Due to reduced cathode interface resistance of the interlayered cell structure, fuel cell performance was enhanced when compared to that of YSZ-only control cell.
Multiple prostate cancer risk variants on 8q24

Three new reports leverage genome-wide studies to localize and replicate multiple independent variants strongly associated with prostate cancer on chromosome 8q24. These findings provide a significant advance toward deciphering the genetic basis of this disease, although further work is needed to clarify the biological mechanisms underlying these associations.
Ultrastructural morphology of the hnRNP C protein tetramer.

Abstract The C protein tetramer is one of three heterotetramers which comprise the majority of the protein mass of mammalian 40S nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (hnRNP particles). The events of RNA processing occur while the nascent transcripts are packaged in these structures. The C protein tetramer contains three monomers of C1 and one C2 monomer [i.e., (C1) 3 C2]. The tetramer's mass (129.2 kDa), approximate sedimentation coefficient (5.8S), and Stokes radius (6.2 nm) suggest that the tetramer may be either highly anisotropic or may possess an unusually large hydration shell in solution. The tetramer binds approximately 235 nucleotides of pre-mRNA. Electron microscopy of purified individual RNA-free C protein tetramers has revealed the overall morphology of this important pre-mRNA binding complex. In negatively stained preparations, the tetramer clearly displays a nonlinear, three- or four-lobed appearance with a diameter of 8.5 ± 0.5 nm. A detailed comparison of the substructure seen in individual images suggests a tetrahedral arrangement of the four polypeptides. Rotary-shadowed images confirm the size of the tetramer observed in negatively stained preparations. This study provides the first demonstration of the overall arrangement of polypeptides in the C protein tetramer.
Influence of Ascorbic Acid, Calcium and Phosphorus on Specific Gravity of Eggs

Abstract A BENEFICIAL effect of dietary ascorbic acid on egg shell thickness has been reported by Thornton and Moreng (1958, 1959). For the most part this improvement has been observed under conditions of high environmental temperatures, although a beneficial effect at lower environmental temperatures has also been noted in certain instances. More recently, Thornton (1960 a, b) has reported an interaction between ascorbic acid and the calcium level on shell thickness, with responses appearing at the 2.5 and 3 percent calcium levels in contrast to the 2 percent calcium level. In addition, more consistent improvements have been obtained with rations containing 13 as compared to 17 percent protein. In the course of our investigations on egg shell quality as related to calcium intake, we have had occasion to assess the value of ascorbic acid under our experimental conditions using both normal size and dwarf White Leghorn layers. The dwarf birds have …
Is Pulmonary Vein Isolation Necessary for Curing Atrial Fibrillation

Background— Pulmonary veins (PVs) play a pivotal role in initiating and perpetuating atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated if PV electrical isolation from the left atrium is required for curing AF. Methods and Result— Fifty-one patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent circumferential radiofrequency ablation of PV ostia performed with an anatomic approach. The end point of the ablation procedure was the recording of low peak-to-peak bipolar potentials (<0.1 mV) inside the lesions. Left atrium pacing was used to assess the conduction between the PVs and the left atrium. During a mean follow-up period of 16.6±3.9 months, 41 patients (80.4%) were free of atrial arrhythmias. When patients with and without AF recurrence were analyzed, no significant difference was observed in the mean number of PVs in which the ablation end point was reached (3.4±1.2 versus 3.7±0.87) and PVs isolated (1.5±1.4 versus 1.6±1). We noted that, although in 29 of 41 patients (71%) without AF recurrence, the ablation end...
Native American Children and Their Reports of Hope: Construct Validation of the Children’s Hope Scale

Child reports of hope continue to be utilized as predictors of positive adjustment; however, the utilization of the hope construct has not been assessed within the culturally diverse Native American child group. The present study investigated the applicability of the Hope theory among 96 Native American children in the Midwest. Measures included the Children’s Hope Scale and a Hope Interview. Native American children in the current sample appear to conceptualize hope as a way to reach goals as did the children in the normative sample. Results from the factor analysis demonstrate that the factor structure found in the current study was similar to the factor structure found in the standardization sample. Because of the similar Hope theory conceptualization and factor structure, interventions focused on the positive psychology construct of hope may be applicable within a Native American child population.
Why all the fuss about information systems? or information systems as golden anchors in higher education

The importance and attention given to information systems are relatively new phenomena in the history of higher education. This chapter documents the ascendancy of information systems in the scheme of institutional priorities and considers the strengths and weaknesses associated with vended and homegrown systems.
The contested closet: The ethics and politics of outing

Western culture proclaims an ethic of honesty according to which we are urged to present our authentic selves to the world. Western journalism proclaims standards of objectivity and truth telling that do not permit deliberate falsehood. Yet gay people are frequently at risk of discrimination and attack if their sexual identity is visible, and the media generally collude in efforts to maintain a misleading facade of heterosexuality. Gay activists’ controversial tactic of “outing”; closeted homosexuals represents a challenge to journalistic practice and individual privacy in the name of community accountability.
Global Mass Balance for Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzofurans

Chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) were measured in 107 soil samples globally, and depositional fluxes were determined. Deposition to land surfaces was estimated by dividing the earth into five depositional zones based on climatic and geographical factors. Mean depositional fluxes to these zones ranged from 18 to 610 ng m-2 yr-1. Low fluxes were observed in most zones not impacted by industrialization. Total global deposition from the atmosphere to land was estimated to be 12 500 ± 1300 kg/yr. Based on limited data, deposition to the oceans was estimated to be about 610 ± 1500 kg/yr, yielding a total global deposition of 13 100 ± 2000 kg/yr from the atmosphere. Emissions of PCDD/F to the global atmosphere were estimated by determining emission factors and production rates for the major PCDD/F sources. The major sources considered in this study were municipal waste incineration, biomass combustion, steel and copper mill emissions, cement kiln emissions, medical waste incineration, and emissions...
In-vitro investigation on the possible effect of mastitis bacteria on milk progesterone concentration.

Summary Progesterone was added to canned milk before different strains of bacteria were inoculated. After 48 hours incubation, there was a significant increase in the concentration of progesterone in the milk containing Staphylococcus aureus (p < .05) and the increase was also significant when compared with the control which had no bacteria (p < .05). There were no significant changes in progesterone concentrations following incubation with Staphylococcus epidermidis, an alpha-haemolytic streptococcus or Escherichia coli. The mechanism involved in the increase is not clear. Such a change caused by an organism that is common in subclinical mastitis should be considered when milk progesterone levels are used in clinical diagnosis. Further research is necessary. Zusammenfassung In-vitro-Untersuchung uber den moglichen Einflus von Mastitisbakterien auf die Progesteronkonzentration in der Milch Progesteron wurde Dosenmilch zugesetzt, bevor verschiedene Bakterienstamme eingeimpft wurden. Nach 48 Stunden Inkubationszeit wurde ein signifikanter Anstieg der Progesteronkonzentration in der mit Staphylococcus aureus (p < .05) beimpften Milch festgestellt. Verglichen mit der bakterienfreien Kontrolle (p < .05) war der Anstieg ebenso deutlich. Es gab keine signifikanten Veranderungen der Progesteronkonzentration nach Inkubation mit Staphylococcus epidermidis, einem alpha-hamolytischen Streptococcus oder Escherichia coli. Ungeklart ist der Mechanismus der fur den Anstieg verantwortlich ist. Solch eine Veranderung, die durch einen Organismus verursacht wird, der bei subklinischer Mastitis ublicherweise vorkommt, sollte bei Verwendung des Milchprogesterongehaltes fur die klinische Diagnose in Betracht gezogen werden. Weitere Forschungsarbeit ist notig. Resume Recherches in vitro sur l'influence possible de bacteries de la mammite sur la concentration en progesterone dans le lait De la progesterone a ete ajoutee a des echantillons de lait avant une incubation de differentes souches bacteriennes. Une augmentation significative de la concentration en progesterone a ete etablie apres 48 heures d'incubation dans le lait inocule avec Staphylococcus aureus (p < .05). L'augmentation fut egalement nette en comparant avec des controles sans bacteries (p < .05). Il n'y a pas eu de changements significatifs de la concentration en progesterone apres une incubation avec Staphylococcus epidermidis, un Streptococcus alpha-hemolytique ou E. coli. Le mecanisme responsable de l'augmentation n'a pas ete explique. Une telle modification provoquee par un organisme qui apparait habituellement lors d'une mammite subclinique devrait etre prise en consideration lors d'une utilisation du taux de la progesterone dans le lait pour le diagnostic clinique. D'autres recherches sont necessaires.
Production and Antioxidant Properties of the Ferulic Acid-Rich Destarched Wheat Bran Hydrolysate by Feruloyl Esterases from Thermophilic Actinomycetes

Ferulic acid is present at relatively high concentrations in the cell walls of several plants. Agricultural lignocelluloses are now used as bioresources in industry. This study attempted to increase the free ferulic acid content present in lignocellulose by using thermostable esterase produced from thermophilic actinomycetes to hydrolyze ester bonds. Destarched wheat bran was used as a carbon source for the production of esterases from the newly isolated thermophilic actinomycetes species Thermobifida fusca. After 96 h of cultivation, the esterase activity that accumulated in the culture broth was 946.0 U/mL. Two percent of the destarched wheat bran was then hydrolyzed by crude esterase preparation for 16 h. The ferulic acid was accumulated in the culture broth at a concentration of 310.0 M. The hydrolysate had better radical-scavenging ability for both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical-scavenging ability, as well as reducing power than ferulic acid. These results showed that the ferulic acid-rich destarched wheat bran hydrolysate had good antioxidant properties. It is suggested that this process can be advantageous for the industrial production of antioxidants derived from agricultural bioresources.
Survival after implantation of the cardioverter defibrillator.

Abstract The actuarial survival of 60 consecutive recipients of the implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) were compared with 120 matched concurrent medically treated patients using a case-control design. All ICD patients and controls presented with either sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Controls were matched to ICD recipients according to 5 variables: age, left ventricular ejection fraction, arrhythmia at presentation, underlying heart disease and drug therapy status. Mean ages were 58 and 59 years in ICD patients and controls, and the average ejection fractions were 36 and 35%. Coronary artery disease was present in 75 and 79% of ICD patients and controls, respectively. During follow-up, sudden deaths were fewer in ICD recipients than in controls (5 vs 10%, p