cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extracellular Zinc Enhances Cardiomyocyte Relaxation Function in Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to a cardiomyopathy in humans and rodent models. Interestingly, the chronic infusion of zinc in DM mice prevents the development of the cardiomyopathy. To elucidate the possible mechanism underlying this observation, we examined the effects of extracellular zinc ion (Zn2+) on cardiomyocyte function in DM rats (n=5) compared to non-DM controls (Ctrl, n=5). Both the DM and Ctrl rats were hypothyroid, which assured similar upregulation of β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) in both populations. Isolated cardiomyocytes were electrically stimulated at 2, 4, 6 and 6.5 Hz, maintained at 35°C and exposed to 1.2 mM extracellular Ca2+. Sarcomere shortening and relengthening dynamics were monitored using a video-based Fourier-transform technique. Without extracellular Zn2+ peak shortening as a fraction of diastolic sarcomere length was statistically greater (P<0.05) in the DM (6.56 ± 0.99 %; n = 16) compared to Ctrl (5.27 ± 1.91 %; n = 20) at 2 Hz, but not at higher frequencies. Time to 50% return to diastolic sarcomere length was not statistically different between the groups at every pacing frequency. Exposure to 12 μM extracellular Zn2+ significantly reduced (P<0.001) peak shortening in both the DM and Ctrl at all frequencies. There was a strong trend (P = 0.070) toward Zn2+ exposure significantly shortening the time to 50% return in the DM but not in the Ctrl, as revealed by repeated-measures ANOVA. Similar trends were found for time to peak shortening (P=0.087) and time to 10% return (P=0.048). These results suggest that extracellular Zn2+ inhibits cardiomyocyte contractile function independent of DM, perhaps by competing with intracellular Ca2+, and enhances cardiomyocyte diastolic function in the DM. The enhanced sensitivity of the DM to the relaxing effects of Zn2+ may underlie the protective effects of Zn2+ against diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Development and comparison of three liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/mass spectrometry methods for determining vitamin D metabolites in human serum.

Liquid chromatographic methods with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry were developed for the determination of the vitamin D metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D2), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), and 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 (3-epi-25(OH)D3) in the four Levels of SRM 972, Vitamin D in Human Serum. One method utilized a C18 column, which separates 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3, and one method utilized a CN column that also resolves the diastereomers 25(OH)D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3. Both methods utilized stable isotope labeled internal standards for quantitation of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3. These methods were subsequently used to evaluate SRM 909c Human Serum, and 25(OH)D3 was the only vitamin D metabolite detected in this material. However, SRM 909c samples contained matrix peaks that interfered with the determination of the [2H6]-25(OH)D3 peak area. The chromatographic conditions for the C18 column were modified to remove this interference, but conditions that separated the matrix peaks from [2H6]-25(OH)D3 on the CN column could not be identified. The alternate internal standard [2H3]-25(OH)D3 did not suffer from matrix interferences and was used for quantitation of 25(OH)D3 in SRM 909c. During the evaluation of SRM 909c samples, a third method was developed using a pentafluorophenylpropyl column that also separates the diastereomers 25(OH)D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3. The 25(OH)D3 was measured in SRM 909c using all three methods, and the results were compared.
High-energy-neutron damage in NB3SN: Changes in critical properties, and damage-energy analysis

Abstract Filamentary wires of Nb3Sn have been irradiated with fission-reactor, 14.8-MeV, and d-Be neutrons and the changes in critical properties measured. The changes observed scale reasonably well with the calculated damage energies for the irradiations. A critical dose for operation of these conductors in fusion-magnet applications is determined to be 0.19 eV/atom damage energy or 0.0019 dpa.
Effects of B-Mg Additive on Metallurgical Properties of Oxidized Pellets

The metallurgical properties of oxidized pellets are of great importance to achieve high efficiency and smooth running of blast furnace and gas-based direct reduction shaft furnace. In this study, the new method of adding B-Mg compound additive has been put forth to improve metallurgical properties of pellets. The effects of adding B-Mg additive on the strength of green balls, cold compressive strength, reduction swelling, and the strength after reduction and cooling of oxidized pellets are investigated through the experiments and microstructure analysis. The results revealed that, the B-Mg additive has not-so-remarkable effects on the properties of green balls. The rational addition amount of B-Mg additive is 0.6 %, and B-Mg additive make it feasible to reduce roasting temperature of the pellets. High temperature properties show remarkable improvement with the increase of B-Mg additive amount, the RSI decrease from 14.7% to 7.17%, and the strength of pellets after reduction and cooling increase from 162.5 N to 650.8 N when the addition amount increases from 0 to 0.6%.
High frequency deep brain stimulation: What are the therapeutic mechanisms?

High frequency deep brain stimulation (HFS) used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) was first assumed to act by reducing an excessive tonic GABAergic inhibitory output from the internal globus pallidus (GPi). Stimulation in GPi might produce this directly by mechanisms such as depolarization block or activation of presynaptic inhibitory fibers, and the same mechanisms evoked by HFS in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) could reduce the excitatory action of STN on GPi neurons. Although somatic recordings from neurons near the stimulation site may appear to support this potential mechanism, the action downstream from the site of stimulation often is not consistent with this interpretation. A more parsimonious explanation for the similar effects of HFS in STN or GPi and a lesion of either of these structures is that both HFS and pallidotomy interrupt an abnormal pattern of firing in cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical loops that is responsible for the symptoms of PD.
NOx Sensitivities for Gas Turbine Engines Operated on Lean-Premixed Combustion and Conventional Diffusion Flames

NOx exhaust emissions for gas turbine engines with lean-premixed combustors are examined as a function of combustor pressure (P), mean residence time (τ), fuel-air equivalence ratio (φ), and inlet mixture temperature (Ti). The fuel is methane. The study is accomplished through chemical reactor modeling of the combustor, using CH4 oxidation and NOx kinetic mechanisms currently available. The NOx is formed by the Zeldovich, prompt, and nitrous oxide mechanisms.The combustor is assumed to have a uniform φ, and is modeled using two reactors in series. The first reactor is a well-stirred reactor (WSR) operating at incipient extinction. This simulates the initiation and stabilization of the combustion process. The second reactor is a plug-flow reactor (PFR), which simulates the continuation of the combustion process, and permits it to approach completion. For comparison, two variations of this baseline model are also considered. In the first variation, the combustor is modeled by extending the WSR until it fills the whole combustor, thereby eliminating the PFR. In the second variation, the WSR is eliminated, and the combustor is treated as a PFR with recycle. These two variations do not change the NOx values significantly from the results obtained using the baseline model.The pressure sensitivity of the NOx is examined. This is found to be minimum, and essentially nil, when the conditions are P = 1 to 10atm, Ti = 600K, and φ = 0.6. However, when one or more of these parameters increases above the values listed, the NOx dependence on the pressure approaches P raised to a power of 0.4-to-0.6.The source of the NOx is also examined. For the WSR operating at incipient extinction, the NOx is contributed mainly by the prompt and nitrous oxide mechanisms, with the prompt contribution increasing as φ increases. However, for the combustor as a whole, the nitrous oxide mechanism predominates over the prompt mechanism, and for φ of 0.5-to-0.6, competes strongly with the Zeldovich mechanism. For φ greater than 0.6-to-0.7, the Zeldovich mechanism is the predominant source of the NOx for the combustor as a whole.Verification of the model is based on the comparison of its output to results published recently for a methane-fired, porous-plate burner operated with variable P, φ, and Ti. The model shows agreement to these laboratory results within a factor two, with almost exact agreement occurring for the leanest and coolest cases considered. Additionally, comparison of the model to jet-stirred reactor NOx data is shown. Good agreement between the model results and the data is obtained for most of the jet-stirred reactor operating range. However, the NOx predicted by the model exhibits a stronger sensitivity on the combustion temperature than indicated by the jet-stirred reactor data.Although the emphasis of the paper is on lean-premixed combustors, NOx modeling for conventional diffusion-flame combustors is presented in order to provide a complete discussion of NOx for gas turbine engines.Copyright © 1992 by ASME
Using computers in introductory psychology

This paper describes our experience during the past 2 years in establishing a computer-based laboratory for introductory psychology. Discussion includes selection of hardware; physical design of the laboratory; locating, reviewing, and selecting courseware; development of supplementary materials; operation and management of the laboratory; and integration of the laboratory into the curriculum. These factors are examined from the point of view of the decisions made, the difficulties encountered, and the lessons learned.
A posteriori error estimation for a new stabilized discontinuous Galerkin method

Abstract A posteriori error estimates are derived for a stabilized discontinuous Galerkin method (DGM) [1]. Equivalence between the error norm and the norm of the residual functional is proved, and consequently, global error estimates are obtained by estimating the norm of the residual. One- and two-dimensional numerical experiments are shown for a reaction-diffusion type model problem.
Reduction of amplitude equations by the renormalization group approach.

This article elucidates and analyzes the fundamental underlying structure of the renormalization group (RG) approach as it applies to the solution of any differential equation involving multiple scales. The amplitude equation derived through the elimination of secular terms arising from a naive perturbation expansion of the solution to these equations by the RG approach [L.-Y. Chen, N. Goldenfeld, and Y. Oono, Phys. Rev. E 54, 376 (1996)] is reduced to an algebraic equation which is expressed in terms of the Thiele semi-invariants or cumulants of the eliminant sequence ${{{Z}_{i}}}_{i=1}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}$. Its use is illustrated through the solution of both linear and nonlinear perturbation problems and certain results from the literature are recovered as special cases. The fundamental structure that emerges from the application of the RG approach is not the amplitude equation but the aforementioned algebraic equation.
A review of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure: outcomes, complications, and theories.

In the last century, the pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has been investigated and several surgical techniques have been utilized for cure. The most recent evolution in the study of SUI is the minimally invasive tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure, which can be done under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation and is individualized for each patient. The procedure recreates the “hammock” of the anterior vaginal wall and endopelvic fascia with a mesh tape of polypropylene. The cure rates of the initial studies are equal to or better than other anti-incontinence procedures, and the permanent supportive mesh is very well tolerated. The TVT creates a backboard on which the urethra compresses itself when it rotates posteriorly during cough or stress. The procedure accomplishes subjective and objective cure without elevating the bladder neck or altering urethral mobility.
The Spectrum of Thrombin in Acute Coronary Syndromes

The role of thrombin in vascular physiology and pathophysiology continues to impact our understanding of many cellular processes and systems including the function of platelets, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, leukocytes and the regulation of the coagulation cascade. Recent acute coronary syndrome clinical trial results that have compared the use of parenteral or oral anticoagulants versus or in combination with anti-platelet agents have forced a reexamination of the importance of thrombin activity in influencing patient outcomes, particularly in the area of secondary prevention. The debate of the need to include oral anticoagulation as a concomitant or replacement therapy to an antiplatelet regimen as a means to improve patient outcomes requires further examination and larger prospective clinical trials.
Essential Oil and Enzyme Activity in Spearmint Under Salt Stress

The role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), catalase (CAT), and proline dehydrogenase (PDH) activity were investigated in a spearmint (Mentha spicata) clonal line tolerant to salt stress grown for 8 weeks in a Hoagland's nutrient solution containing salt (200 mM NaCl). G6PDH, CAT, PDH, proline, chlorophyll, and total phenolics were measured using spectrophotometry. As compared with unstressed controls, G6PDH activity increased over time in plants under salt stress except for the last 2 weeks of the experimental period. The PDH and the antioxidative enzyme CAT were inhibited in salt-stressed plants. Free proline accumulation increased under the salt stress as compared with controls, probably due to inhibition of PDH.
ATP-Induced Inhibition of Potato Browning. Effect of Ascorbic Acid Oxidase and of Reducing Substances.

16. NIEMAN, R. H., H. NAKAMURA, AND B. VENNESLAND. 1959. Fractionation and purification of cytochrome c photooxidase of spinach. Plant Physiol. 34: 262-64. 17. NIEMAN, R. H., AND B. VENNESLAND. 1959. Photoreduction and photooxidation of cytochrome c by spinach chloroplast preparations. Plant Physiol. 34: 255-62. 18. NISHIMURA, M. 1959. New hematin compound isolated from Euglena gracilis. J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 46: 219-23. 19. RABINOWITCH, E. I. 1945. Photosynthesis. I. Interscience, New York. 20. SHICHI, H., AND D. P. HACKETT. 1963. Purification and properties of a blue protein from etiolated mung bean seedlings. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 100: 185-91.
Collective dynamics of small clusters of particles flowing in a quasi-two-dimensional microchannel

Spatially ordered equilibrium states – crystals – and their excitations – phonons – are the mainstay of condensed matter physics. Flowing, nonequilibrium crystalline states of microparticles and droplets are desirable for microfluidic logic, assembly, and control, and have been achieved in recent work via exploitation of viscous hydrodynamic interactions in geometric confinement. For the most part, these studies considered large ensembles of particles and, accordingly, large scale collective modes arising from small displacements of individual particles. Via theoretical modeling and computational simulations, we show that for small clusters of flowing particles tightly confined in a shallow, “quasi-two-dimensional” microchannel, new types of ordered behavior emerge, varying from steady states in which particles maintain their relative positions, to exquisitely coordinated collective motion with large particle displacements. These new collective behaviors require a thin channel geometry: strong confinement in one spatial direction and weak confinement in another. We elucidate principles and techniques for the a priori construction or rapid numerical discovery of these states, which could be exploited for the orchestration of particle motion in lab-on-a-chip devices and other applications.
THE FEMALE HOMICIDE VICTIM

This study examines the ways that females meet violent death and the role that illegal drug use plays in precipitating such deaths. The sex role hypothesis and the transactional risk thesis are explored to help account for homicide victimization of women. Data were drawn from the records of the Medical Examiner's Office in Philadelphia. Records of all illegal drug using homicide victims were compared with a random sample of non-drug-using victims. Data included interviews with relatives of the deceased, autopsy reports, police and other records. Both hypotheses received support. The importance of these findings can only be assessed, however, when more is known about how sex role constellations work in drug-using groups
Heat capacity and derived thermodynamic functions of the zeta phase in the Pu + Zr system between 15 and 373 K†

Heat capacities of the zeta phase in the Pu + Zr system (2.55 moles per cent of Zr) have been determined between 15 and 373 K and values of the derived thermodynamic functions have been calculated. Low temperature Cp against T behavior indicates that the zeta phase is a stable phase below 373 K. A high density of states was suggested and a θD of 133 K was derived from the results. Values of Cp(T), So(T), and — {Go(T) — Ho(0)}/T were determined to be 7.29, 15.67, and 9.76 calth K−1 mol−1 and {Ho(T) — Ho(0)} to be 1761.4 calth mol−1 at 298.15 K, from smoothed results. Uncertainty in the different thermodynamic function values was judged to be ±0.7 per cent.
Financing fiscal policy: a sensitivity analysis

Abstract It has been realized for some time that the effectiveness of fiscal policy is sensitive to the means of financing that policy. More particularly, expansionary fiscal policy financed by money creation is known to be more efficient than the same fiscal action financed by bond sales. This study uses both simulation and optimal control experiments to demonstrate that when only plausible financing arragnements are considered the effectiveness of fiscal policy is far less sensitive to the form of finance than previously believed.
Application of a dielectric puck for a high gain-bandwidth resonant cavity antenna

We propose a new type of resonant cavity antenna (RCA) that employs a small dielectric puck instead of the large dielectric superstrate layer used in the traditional RCA. The diameter of the puck is studied to determine its influence on the gain-bandwidth product (G·BW) of the RCA. Simulations of the waveguide-fed RCA demonstrate that the G·BW of the RCA with puck can be four times larger than that of the traditional RCA. Moreover, the antenna with puck is compact and can be easily fabricated, which makes it attractive for future high-frequency and very directive point-to-point communication links.
Animated pedagogical agents: does their degree of embodiment impact learning from static or animated worked examples?

This study examined the impact of varying an animated pedagogical agent's level of embodiment in a learning environment consisting of static or animated multimodal worked examples illustrating how to solve multi-step proportional word problems. In the fully embodied condition, the agent was programmed to coordinate spoken instructional explanations with non-verbal forms of communication (locomotion, gesture, and gaze) to support learning. In the minimally embodied condition, the same agent provided the spoken instructions but remained static on the screen. In the voice-only condition, the spoken instructions were provided without an agent. Of the 174 college-age participants, those provided with the fully embodied agent produced more conceptually accurate answers to near and far transfer items than their counterparts in the voice-only condition. Moreover, participants that studied animated worked examples, where the problem's subgoals were presented sequentially over time, outperformed their peers provided with static examples with simultaneously-presented subgoals on measures of transfer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elements of concern in fillets of bighead and silver carp from the Illinois River, Illinois

Abstract Efforts to control invasive bighead ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ) and silver carp ( H . molitrix ) may include harvest for human consumption. We measured concentrations of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) in fillets from silver and bighead carp collected from the lower Illinois River, Illinois, USA, to determine whether concentrations were of health concern and differed by species, size, and location. Concentrations of total As were below detection limits in most bighead (92%) and silver (77%) carp fillets, whereas inorganic As was below detection limits in all samples. Mean Hg concentrations were greater in bighead (0.068 mg kg −1 ) than in silver carp (0.035 mg kg −1 ), and were smallest in carp from the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Mercury concentrations in fillets were positively correlated with body mass in both species. Concentrations of Hg were below the US Food and Drug Administration’s (USFDA) action level (1 ppm as methyl-Hg); however, concentrations in some bighead (70%) and silver (12%) carp fell within the range that would invoke a recommendation to limit meals in sensitive cohorts. Mean Se concentrations were greater in silver (0.332 mg kg −1 ) than in bighead (0.281 mg kg −1 ) carp fillets, and were below the 1.5 mg kg −1 limit for an unrestricted number of meals/month. The mean molar ratio of Se:Hg in fillets was lower in bighead (14.0) than in silver (29.1) carp and was negatively correlated with mass in both species Concentrations of Hg in bighead and silver carp fillets should be considered when assessing the risks associated with the use of these species as a protein source.
A multi-state analysis of the targeted jobs tax credit programme

(1989). A multi-state analysis of the targeted jobs tax credit programme. Applied Economics: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 85-94.
Characteristics of Geogrid-Reinforced Aggregate Under Cyclic Load

The characteristics of geogrid-reinforced aggregates over soft subgrade soil were investigated through a laboratory-testing program. Nine cyclic plate load tests were conducted with varying base layer thickness and reinforcement type. Results indicated that aggregate base course (ABC) degraded under cyclic loading as manifested by an increase in stresses at the interface between the ABC and the subgrade with increasing number of cycles. The improvement in stress distribution due to geosynthetic inclusion at the interface of ABC and subgrade soil is indicated by a decrease in the measured maximum stress (under the center of the loaded area) and the measurement of a more uniform stress distribution on the subgrade soil layer. The higher modulus geogrid provided a better load-spreading effect compared with a lower modulus geogrid used in the testing. The improvement in plastic surface deformation was related to two aspects: (a) decrease in vertical deformation of the subgrade and (b) decrease in lateral spread of the ABC. A model that incorporates the mechanics of reinforcement contributions to deformation and stresses and the effect of ABC degradation as a function of number of load cycles needs to be developed for the transportation community to fully realize the benefits of reinforcement in such an application.
Housing the Ultra-Poor: Theory and Practice in Haiti

Abstract Third World cities like Port-au-Prince contain low-income populations so poor or so heavily engaged in generating income from self-employment that planners may find it difficult to design policies and programs that can make an appreciable difference in the way these people house themselves. For the ultra-poor, housing characteristics are shaped by the price of food. For the self-employed, the characteristics are shaped by the need to use resources to produce rather than to consume earnings. Efficient planning for shelter improvement in such cases requires design standards and measures of progress that do not differ too much from what these households may already regard as satisfactory.
Potential impact of Coleomegilla maculata predation on adaptation of Leptinotarsa decemlineata to Bt‐transgenic potatoes

The relationship between Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say egg density and Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer predatory behavior was investigated at different spatial scales (plant-to-plant and plot-to-plot). Both adult C. maculata location and daily egg consumption rates were monitored over time in greenhouse and field tests. Despite aggregation in areas of highest prey density by C. maculata, egg consumption was inversely related to egg mass density at the smallest and the largest spatial scales tested. The experimental data on predation rates in high and low density field treatments were included in a mathematical model to simulate impact of natural enemies on the rate of L. decemlineata adaptation to Bt-toxin-expressing transgenic potato plants when Bt-expressing plants are mixed at the plot-to-plot level with normal potato plants. Results showed that C. maculata predatory behavior could decrease the rate at which L. decemlineata adapted to Bt-toxins if plot-to-plot mixed-plantings were used.
Fronto-orbital advancement using an en bloc frontal bone craniectomy

Fronto-orbital advancement is a procedure commonly performed in craniofacial centers for coronal and metopic suture synostosis. Several variations of the technique have been reported.
AAC for Individuals with Severe Intellectual Disabilities: Ideas for Nonsymbolic Communicators

This paper describes effective augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) practices for nonsymbolic communicators with severe intellectual disabilities (SID). Eligibility issues related to AAC for individuals with SID are examined, with the conclusion that AAC is appropriate for any individual displaying unmet communication needs. Strengths and challenges for perlocutionary and illocutionary individuals are reviewed and a representative sample of AAC practices for these populations is discussed. In addition, ideas for implementation of these practices are reviewed within a tri-focused treatment context. The paper concludes with a discussion of how stakeholders might work to re-define the concept of AAC success for individuals with SID.
Team climate, empowering leadership, and knowledge sharing

– The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of team climate and empowering leadership on team members' knowledge‐sharing behavior., – A research model was developed based on prior knowledge management studies. Survey data were collected from 434 college students at a major US university, who took courses that required team projects. The partial least squares technique was applied to test the research model., – Team climate and empowering leadership significantly influence individuals' knowledge‐sharing behavior by affecting their attitude toward knowledge sharing. These two constructs also have significant direct effects on the knowledge‐sharing behavior., – The student sample and US setting might limit the generalizability of the findings. Nonetheless, this study is based on and extends prior research, which provides a deepened understanding of knowledge sharing in the team context., – This research has practical implications for how to design teams to facilitate knowledge sharing. It suggests that cohesive, innovative teams with members trusting one another and led by empowering leaders will have a higher level of knowledge sharing., – This research originally examines the effects of both team climate and empowering leadership on knowledge sharing. Little prior research has carried out such an integrated analysis. This paper will have significant value for organizations trying to redesign teams to enhance knowledge management.
Isovector deformation parameters and core polarization

Abstract Analysis of measurements of elastic and inelastic neutron scattering cross sections on 116,118,120,122,124 Sn are reported. The isovector and isoscalar quadrupole deformation parameters β 1 and β 0 are obtained in a set of isotopes from a comparison with published parameters from (p, p′) measureements. The relation β 1 > β 0 anticipated from shell model arguments is verified, and its value of about 2 is roughly the same magnitude predicted by the schematic model of core polarization by valence neutrons.
Low-temperature alteration of volcanic glass: Hydration, Na, K, 18O and Ar mobility

The low-temperature alteration of siliceous volcanic glass by meteoric water involves considerable hydrogen exchange for Na+ or K+ ions. This can occur with little alteration of the other major- or trace-element composition of the glass. As much as 40% of the alkali sites can be occupied by H+ ion. Most water in these glasses is present as molecular water rather than as hydroxyl groups. This hydration is accompanied by oxygen isotope exchange resulting in an oxygen isotopic enrichment to over 20‰ (relative to SMOW) for this suite of samples. The high degree of alkali mobility during this alteration process affects the KAr age dating method. In these glasses, Ar appears to be less mobile than alkali ions, resulting in discrepant KAr ages for glass with significant hydration and oxygen isotopic exchange.
Peripartum management of patient with a rare combination of two bleeding diatheses: Recognizing active role of anesthesiologists during preparatory preemptive prepartum multi-disciplinary conference

To provide optimal medical care to our patients, it is crucial that all members of operating room team have clear understanding of patients' medical needs and the risks associated with their upcoming surgeries. Multi-disciplinary meetings to establish the best treatment options regarding patient care are not new to medicine. We hereby present a case in which an obstetric patient with a rare combination of two bleeding diathesis was managed using a similar multi-disciplinary approach. A 21-year-old pregnant patient with known von Willebrand's disease type I and platelet storage pool disorder (dense granule deficiency type: Decreased number of granules per platelet) presented to her hematologist for counseling regarding her current pregnancy. Decision was made to convene a multi-disciplinary conference with the panel inclusive of personnel from anesthesiology, adult hematology, pediatric hematology, pediatrics, maternal fetal medicine, obstetrics, pathology and blood bank services along with the patient and her family. The primary concerns of anesthesiologists were whether the patient with rare bleeding diathesis combination can have neuraxial analgesia-anesthesia and how likely the patient may have severe bleeding complications requiring massive blood transfusion protocol. As patient's von Willebrand factor activity was normal (>150%) secondary to pregnancy but platelet function was impaired, the hematologist's recommendations were that patient should receive transfusion of 5 units random donor platelets prior to labor epidural catheter insertion and 5 units random donor platelets prior to removal of epidural catheter left-in-situ for 24 h postdelivery. Anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians are in a unique position to actively participate in multi-disciplinary approach to perioperative patient care. Complex patient scenarios wherein multiple clinicians are concurrently managing these patients can benefit the most from this approach.
Signal ampflication using nanoplatform cluster formation

Multifunctional nanoplatforms are being developed for targeted delivery of imaging and therapeutic agents. The nanoscale size of these platforms allows a large carrying capacity, which translates to a high ratio of targeted agent for each ligand–receptor interaction. Here we used a simple in vitro system to show that the targeting ratio can be further amplified by controlled cluster formation using multiple cycles of coupling reactions. As the receptor sites become more sparse the relationship between the amplification of the signal from an imaging agent and the reaction cycles approaches a cubic relationship, which is the theoretical limit for this relationship. These results demonstrate that this approach has the potential to significantly enhance the capacity of multifunctional platforms to be used for targeted delivery of imaging agents or drugs.
Iron–sulfur cluster synthesis, iron homeostasis and oxidative stress in Friedreich ataxia

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive, multi-systemic degenerative disease that results from reduced synthesis of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Frataxin has been intensely studied since its deficiency was linked to FRDA in 1996. The defining properties of frataxin - (i) the ability to bind iron, (ii) the ability to interact with, and donate iron to, other iron-binding proteins, and (iii) the ability to oligomerize, store iron and control iron redox chemistry - have been extensively characterized with different frataxin orthologs and their interacting protein partners. This very large body of biochemical and structural data [reviewed in (Bencze et al., 2006)] supports equally extensive biological evidence that frataxin is critical for mitochondrial iron metabolism and overall cellular iron homeostasis and antioxidant protection [reviewed in (Wilson, 2006)]. However, the precise biological role of frataxin remains a matter of debate. Here, we review seminal and recent data that strongly link frataxin to the synthesis of iron-sulfur cluster cofactors (ISC), as well as controversial data that nevertheless link frataxin to additional iron-related processes. Finally, we discuss how defects in ISC synthesis could be a major (although likely not unique) contributor to the pathophysiology of FRDA via (i) loss of ISC-dependent enzymes, (ii) mitochondrial and cellular iron dysregulation, and (iii) enhanced iron-mediated oxidative stress. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Mitochondrial function and dysfunction in neurodegeneration'.
A Stereochemical and Conformational Model of Dopaminergic Agonist and Antagonist Activity: Further Evaluation

Abstract Conformational energy calculations using the Molecular Mechanics II (MM2) program have been performed on 2-aminotetrahydronaphthalene (ATN) and 2-aminoindan derivatives which are active or inactive at dopamine receptors. The results were used to test a stereochemical and conformational model previously proposed for dopaminergic activity. The conformer predicted to be optimal for agonist activity was found to have relatively low energy ( 1 ) explained the relative activity or inactivity of compounds such as cis - and trans -1-methyl-5-hydroxyl ATN derivatives and the corresponding cis - and trans -octohydrobenzo[ f ]quinolines; ( 2 ) predicted the more potent antipode of 2-aminoindan dopaminergic agonists; and ( 3 ) explained the structure-activity peculiarities of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)- N -alkylpiperidines in which the potency is increased for (3 S )-isomers and decreased for (3 R )-isomers when the N -alkyl group is greater than propyl. Predictions of postsynaptic dopaminergic antagonism were also made for some of the compounds. In agreement with previous conclusions, the inactivity of ATN derivatives with a 2-methyl or 5-propyl group was attributed to steric interference at the receptor since those groups did not have a significant conformational effect on the receptor ligand.
Extension of a paediatric diabetes home care service

At the end of 1994 a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN) was appointed to extend the paediatric diabetes home care service between the Birmingham Children's Hospital and a district general hospital (City Hospital) in Birmingham. As a result 24-hour home care can now be offered to newly diagnosed and existing paediatric patients with diabetes at City Hospital. The initial mean HbA1c for the clinic was 9.8%, which since then has fallen to a mean of 8.95% (range 7.9–9.4%); a mean reduction of 0.85%. As a result of home care there has been a sustained reduction in bed-days for newly diagnosed patients (median five patients per year) and for re-admissions of existing patients. In addition to any long-term benefits arising from improvement in diabetic control, the cost savings of reduction in bed-days alone at £235 per day (Total £15110 per year) outweigh the cost of the PDSN post (£14800 per year). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of corticosterone and toxicity in the antipredator behavior of the Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa).

Abstract A variety of mechanisms are responsible for enabling an organism to escape a predatory attack, including behavioral changes, alterations in hormone levels, and production and/or secretion of toxins. However, these mechanisms are rarely studied in conjunction with each other. The Rough-skinned Newt ( Taricha granulosa ) is an ideal organism to examine the relationships between these mechanisms because its behavioral displays and toxin secretion during a predator attack are well documented and readily characterized. While we found no direct relationship between antipredator behavior and endogenous levels of corticosterone (CORT), antipredator behavior was inhibited when exogenous CORT and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were administered, resulting in high circulating concentrations of CORT, indicating that CORT may play a role in mediating the behavior. There was no correlation between the animal’s toxicity and either CORT or behavior. The results of this study provide evidence that CORT plays an important, yet complex, role in the antipredator response of these amphibians.
PNL2 melanocytic marker in immunohistochemical evaluation of primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck.

Background. Histologic diagnosis of mucosal mel- anoma of the head and neck is difficult, requiring immunohisto- chemical stains which are less reliable than in cutaneous lesions. PNL-2 is a novel marker that has not been examined in mucosal melanoma. Methods. Nine formalin-fixed tissue sections of mucosal mela- noma were stained with PNL-2, human melanoma black (HMB)-45, Melan-A, S-100, and microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF). Results. Disease in all 9 patients arose from the sinonasal mucosa. Rates of diffuse positive staining with the 4 stains were PNL-2 (77.8%), HMB-45 (77.8%), Melan-A (50%), S-100 (87.5%), and MITF (40%). In 3 patients, PNL2 staining was superior to Melan-A or MITF. Conclusion. We report the first characterization of PNL-2 staining in head and neck mucosal melanoma. PNL-2 de- monstrates high sensitivity for mucosal melanoma, likely superior to Melan-A and MITF, and comparable to HMB-45, with specificity superior to S-100. We advocate inclusion of PNL2 as an important adjunctive marker in the evaluation of these lesions. V C 2008
Laser spectroscopy of calcium and strontium monoacetylides

Abstract The gas-phase free radicals CaCCH and SrCCH were synthesized by the reaction of Ca or Sr vapor with HCCH. The electronic and vibrational structure of these molecules were investigated by laser excitation spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence. These ionic metal acetylides proved to be linear in geometry.
Teachers' Need Patterns and the Administrator

"One of the principal's major functions is to help teachers improve the quality of instruc tion.... A major goal of the principal is to help teachers utilize their personalities more effectively within the classroom...."
Rapid Method for the GC/MS Confirmation of 11-Nor-9-Carboxy-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Urine

A rigorously tested simple extraction procedure for the GC/MS determination of 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-acid) from urine is described. This assay provides sensitivity, specificity and reliability and is particularly well suited for the routine determination of large numbers of samples. The THC-acid is detected as its trimethylsilyl derivative using electron impact ionization GC/MS with an on column detection limit below 1 ng/mL. The assay gives excellent reproducibility and linearity using the trideuterated analog of THC-acid as the internal standard. The procedure was evaluated with over 1300 samples and provided inter- and intra-day precision of 10% and 6% standard deviation, respectively.
DHA-fluorescent probe is sensitive to membrane order and reveals molecular adaptation of DHA in ordered lipid microdomains

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) disrupts the size and order of plasma membrane lipid microdomains in vitro and in vivo. However, it is unknown how the highly disordered structure of DHA mechanistically adapts to increase the order of tightly packed lipid microdomains. Therefore, we studied a novel DHA-Bodipy fluorescent probe to address this issue. We first determined if the DHA-Bodipy probe localized to the plasma membrane of primary B and immortal EL4 cells. Image analysis revealed that DHA-Bodipy localized into the plasma membrane of primary B cells more efficiently than EL4 cells. We then determined if the probe detected changes in plasma membrane order. Quantitative analysis of time-lapse movies established that DHA-Bodipy was sensitive to membrane molecular order. This allowed us to investigate how DHA-Bodipy physically adapted to ordered lipid microdomains. To accomplish this, we employed steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurements in lipid vesicles of varying composition. Similar to cell culture studies, the probe was highly sensitive to membrane order in lipid vesicles. Moreover, these experiments revealed, relative to controls, that upon incorporation into highly ordered microdomains, DHA-Bodipy underwent an increase in its fluorescence lifetime and molecular order. In addition, the probe displayed a significant reduction in its rotational diffusion compared to controls. Altogether, DHA-Bodipy was highly sensitive to membrane order and revealed for the first time that DHA, despite its flexibility, could become ordered with less rotational motion inside ordered lipid microdomains. Mechanistically, this explains how DHA acyl chains can increase order upon formation of lipid microdomains in vivo.
A Balance Exercise Program Appears to Improve Function for Patients With Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have impaired balance and movement control. Exercise interventions have not targeted these impairments in this population. Objectives The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the feasibility of applying a balance exercise program in patients with TKA, (2) to investigate whether a functional training (FT) program supplemented with a balance exercise program (FT+B program) could improve physical function compared with an FT program alone in a small group of individuals with TKA, and (3) to test the methods and calculate sample size for a future randomized trial with a larger study sample. Design This study was a double-blind, pilot randomized clinical trial. Setting The study was conducted in the clinical laboratory of an academic center. Participants The participants were 43 individuals (30 female, 13 male; mean age=68 years, SD=8) who underwent TKA 2 to 6 months prior to the study. Interventions The interventions were 6 weeks (12 sessions) of a supervised FT or FT+B program, followed by a 4-month home exercise program. Measurements Feasibility measures included pain, stiffness, adherence, and attrition. The primary outcome measure was a battery of physical performance tests: self-selected gait speed, chair rise test, and single-leg stance time. Secondary outcome measures were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Results Feasibility of the balance training in people with TKA was supported by high exercise adherence, a relatively low dropout rate, and no adverse events. Both groups demonstrated clinically important improvements in lower-extremity functional status. The degree of improvement seemed higher for gait speed, single-leg stance time, and stiffness in the FT+B group compared with the FT group. Limitations Due to the pilot nature of the study, differences between groups did not have adequate power to show statistical significance. Conclusions There is a need for conducting a larger randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of an FT+B program after TKA.
Supramolecular structure investigation of poly(γ‐benzyl, α‐l‐glutamate)‐benzyl alcohol system by static light scattering

The cholesteric mesophase of the PBLG-BA system in concentrated solutions and in the gel phase has been investigated by static laser light scattering. The observed ‘distortion’ of the patterns in terms of their dependence on the azimuthal angle was studied. Effect of form-optical rotation on the pattern is discussed. The manner of distortion in the Hv pattern determines the sense of cholesteric twisting. The observed scattering patterns are analogous to those obtained by previous investigators in other solvents. Quantitative measurements of the intensity as a function of scattering vector provide information on the sense and pitch of the cholesteric twisting, as a function of temperature and concentration. Optical microscopy studies reveal onset and build-up of the cholesteric structure. Optical rotation and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies support the conclusions obtained from light-scattering experiments.
Memory-Based Learning in Intelligent Control Systems

Memory-based learning is becoming more popular in Artificial Intelligence and can be used in Intelligent Control Systems. This talk will describe how an associative content-addressable memory can be used to model a robot and the world the robot interacts with. The model can be learned by storing experiences in the memory. To make predictions the memory is searched for relevant experience. An initial implementation of such a memory-based modeling scheme has been made on a parallel computer, the Connection Machine. The implementation was used to model and control a simulated planar two-joint arm and a simulated running machine. This paper describes the issues and problems that arose in this preliminary work (Atkeson and Reinkensmeyer 1989).
The Impact of Diet and Exercise on Brain Plasticity and Disease

Lifestyle involves our preference to engage in behaviors that can remarkably influence the fitness level of our body and brain. Dietary factors are a powerful means to influence brain function on a daily basis. We have shown that the consumption of a diet rich in saturated fat decreases learning and memory and increases metabolic distress. Conversely, diets supplemented either with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E or the curry spice curcumin benefit cognitive function. Equally impressive is the action of exercise on cognitive function as documented by studies showing that exercise enhances learning and memory. The beneficial action of exercise on the brain can be used therapeutically to overcome the effects of consuming a poor diet. We suggest that the managed use of diet and exercise can help the brain to cope with several types of insults and ultimately benefit brain function.
Microwaves in the Induction of Immune Response to VI-Antigen

In this work the possibility of using microwaves (MW) for immuno-modulation in the immunization of animals with thymus-independent antigen was studied. The projection zones of the thyroid and adrenal glands of the test animals were subjected to the action of decimeter MW, while the corresponding zones of control animals were subjected to imitation MW. The endocrine activity of rabbits was estimated by radioim-mune methods. Vi-antigen was shown to be a thymus-independent antigen for rabbits, according to the results of fluorescent probes to study the structural rearrangements in surfaces of thymocyte membranes and their nuclei, which reflect early changes during the physiological activation of cells. The irradiation by MW on the projection zone of the thyroid was accompanied by a decrease in the glucocorticoid activity of the adrenal cortex and a simultaneous pronounced immunostimulating effect. MW irradiation of the zone of the adrenal glands was accompanied by immunosuppression in combination with enhanc...