cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid determination of cadmium in biological tissues by microsampling-cup atomic absorption spectrometry.

Abstract A microsampling-cup method of atomic absorption spectrometry has been applied to the determination of cadmium in biological tissues. Sample preparation involves homogenizing a known weight of the tissue with a known volume of water, pipetting a suitable dilution of the homogenate into a microsampling cup and drying. Aqueous calibration standards are used. Sensitivity, linear range and reproducibility are adequate for this application. Simplicity and speed make this method preferable to any other reported to date.
Use of Curved Needles to Perform Biopsies and Drainages of Inaccessible Targets

Percutaneous image-guided biopsies and fluid drainages are usually feasible with use of standard, mass-produced, straight needles. Occasionally, target lesions are completely surrounded by interposed structures, such as bone, bowel, colon, pancreas, bladder, or blood vessels, so percutaneous access appears impossible. Although the commercial availability of curved needles is very limited, custom bending of needles may allow unconventional access to these well-protected targets. This technique has been used to reach biopsy and drainage targets that would have otherwise required either high-risk transgression of interposed structures or more invasive surgical procedures.
Anterior shoulder dislocation: A review of reduction techniques

Anterior gleno humeral dislocation is the most common dislocation seen in the emergency department.‘.* Many methods have been advocated for reduction of this common dislocation with varying success rates and complications.2-3h Most dislocations can be reduced in the emergency department (ED) using simple methods. Occasionally, dislocations will require the use of more than one method. In 5% to 10% of cases, ED reduction can not be accomplished. Due to the common nature of shoulder dislocations, the ease with which most dislocations are treated, and the large number of reduction techniques that have been advocated, it is important for the emergency physician to have a clear understanding of various techniques to accomplish reduction of this dislocation. This review will discuss the anatomy and diagnosis of anterior shoulder dislocation. Methods used for reduction of the dislocated shoulder will be categorized and described in detail. This article provides the clinician with a rational treatment protocol based on an understanding of available methods, their categorization, and a comparison of techniques to determine the difficulty of reduction, the need for analgesia, the efficacy. and the specific indications for each technique.
Derivation of an angle density function for canopies with ellipsoidal leaf angle distributions

Abstract The leaf inclination angle density function is a fundamental property of plant canopy structure and is needed for computing distributions of leaf irradiance. These computations are important for predicting canopy photosynthesis and energy balance, and for estimating bidirectional reflectances of plant canopies in remote sensing applications. An analytical expression is derived for the inclination angle density function which is g(α)= 2χ 3 sin α λ( cos 2 α+χ 2 sin 2 α) 2 where α is the leaf inclination angle, X is the ratio of vertical to horizontal projections of canopy elements, and A is a normalized ellipse area, approximated by λ=χ+1.774(χ+1.182) −0.733 An empirical equation relating mean leaf angle and X is also given.
Ownership dispersion, costly information, and IPO underpricing

Abstract We develop an explanation for IPO underpricing in which the issuer's demand for ownership dispersion creates an incentive to underprice. Promoting oversubscription allows broad initial ownership, which in turn increases secondary-market liquidity. Increased liquidity reduces the required return to investors. Broad initial ownership, however, requires an increase in investor-borne information costs. These information costs are offset through initial underpricing. Empirical results are consistent with initial underpricing reflecting the level of ownership dispersion.
Future directions in hyperthermia biology.

Eric Hall pointed out many years ago that in hyperthermia the biology is with us, but the physics is against us. Over the years the basic truth in that statement has not wavered. Our best evidence suggests that temperature distributions are 1–1 .5 °C too low, on average. However, investigations in biology may lead to sensitization of tumours to hyperthermia, even with the temperatures that are already achievable in the clinic. Biologists are now starting to realize that more studies need to be done in the temperature range between 37 and 42°C, since this is the range that is most often reached in the clinic. For example, Dr Hahn coined the term hyperthermic sensitizer for those drugs that are not cytotoxic at 37°C, but have observable cytotoxicity at elevated temperatures. A new class of hyperthermic sensitizers, azo-dihydrochlorides, decompose in aqueous media to release free radicals. Almost no cytotoxicity of these drugs is observed at 37 °C, but the drugs are exquisitely cytotoxic at temperatures of 4...
FoxO1 Is a Positive Regulator of Bone Formation by Favoring Protein Synthesis and Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Osteoblasts

Osteoporosis, a disease of low bone mass, is associated with decreased osteoblast numbers and increased levels of oxidative stress within osteoblasts. Since transcription factors of the FoxO family confer stress resistance, we investigated their potential impact on skeletal integrity. Here we employ cell-specific deletion and molecular analyses to show that, among the three FoxO proteins, only FoxO1 is required for proliferation and redox balance in osteoblasts and thereby controls bone formation. FoxO1 regulation of osteoblast proliferation occurs through its interaction with ATF4, a transcription factor regulating amino acid import, as well as through its regulation of a stress-dependent pathway influencing p53 signaling. Accordingly, decreasing oxidative stress levels or increasing protein intake normalizes bone formation and bone mass in mice lacking FoxO1 specifically in osteoblasts. These results identify FoxO1 as a crucial regulator of osteoblast physiology and provide a direct mechanistic link between oxidative stress and the regulation of bone remodeling.
Pair-specific effects in retroactive inhibition

After a 12-item AB list had been learned, four independent groups of Ss practiced an AC second list for 0 (RI controls), 4, 8, or 16 trials. Degree of AC practice was also varied within lists by presenting subsets of AC items on zero, one half, or all trials. Retroactive inhibition (RI) was obtained, and recall of the first list as a whole decreased as amount of second-list practice increased. The present design enabled separate estimates of nonspecific (list) and two types of pair-specific sources of RI. One type of pair-specific effect, defined as poorer AB recall with increases in within-list degree of AC practice, was observed. A second type of pair-specific effect that would have been reflected in dependent retrieval of B and C responses was not in evidence. No nonspecific effects on RI were obtained. The results are not consistent with associative-unlearning and response-suppression views of RI.
Micro–Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Cardiac Gene Expression in Rats Using Bicistronic Adenoviral Vector-Mediated Gene Delivery

Background— We have previously validated the use of micro-positron emission tomography (microPET) for monitoring the expression of a single PET reporter gene in rat myocardium. We now report the use of a bicistronic adenoviral vector (Ad-CMV-D2R80a-IRES-HSV1-sr39tk) for linking the expression of 2 PET reporter genes, a mutant rat dopamine type 2 receptor (D2R80a) and a mutant herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-sr39tk), with the aid of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). Methods and Results— Rat H9c2 cardiomyoblasts transduced with increasing titers of Ad-CMV-D2R80a-IRES-HSV1-sr39tk (0 to 2.5×108 pfu) were assayed 48 hours later for reporter protein activities, which were found to correlate well with viral titer (r2=0.96, P<0.001 for D2R80A; r2=0.98, P<0.001 for HSV1-sr39TK) and each other (r2=0.97; P<0.001). Experimental (n=8) and control (n=6) athymic rats underwent intramyocardial injection of up to 2×109 pfu of Ad-CMV-D2R80a-IRES-HSV1-sr39tk and saline, respectively. Forty-eight ho...
Effect of a substituted pyridazinone on the decrease of lipoxygenase activity in soybean cotyledons

Abstract Application of San 9785 (4-chloro-5-dimethylamino-2-phenyl-3 (2H) pyridazinone) to soybean and peanut plants results in a significant reduction of lipoxygenase activity in the corresponding seeds. The present study of the effect of San 9785 on the decrease of lipoxygenase activity was conducted on soybean (Glycine max L. Merr., cv. Century) cotyledons developing in vitro. Lipoxygenase 2 3 activity was more reduced by San 9785 than lipoxygenase 1 activity in the cotyledons cultured in the presence of 100 μM San 9785. Immunoblotting of cotyledon proteins with lipoxygenase antisera revealed that San 9785 accelerated the appearance of possible lipoxygenase degradation products in the treated cotyledons. The incorporation of [35S]methionine into lipoxygenase was also reduced in the cotyledons incubated with San 9785, but the levels and translational activity of lipoxygenase RNA in these tissues were not affected. This study indicates that the treatment of soybean cotyledons with San 9785 probably causes an increased post-translational degradation of lipoxygenase.
Assessing the skill of AIRS to derive upper tropospheric humidity by comparison with in-situ measurements

Understanding upper troposphere humidity is important in the context of radiative forcing and climate. We present a detailed statistic comparison of upper troposphere water vapor retrieval profiles derived from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and in-situ measurements. The in-situ measurements are based on a recently compiled database of "best estimate" atmospheric state profiles, obtained from a careful selection of RS-90 radiosondes at Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) sites, during AIRS overpasses. The aim of this research is to improve the skill and accuracy of the retrieval algorithms in order to understand and quantify the biases between AIRS and RS-90 radiosondes.
Conversion of pregnenolone-414C to progesterone-414c by bovine luteal tissue at selected stages of the estrous cycle.

Abstract Conversion rates of 3 β -hydroxy-pregn-5-en-20-one to pregn-4-en-3,20-dione during the estrous cycle were measured in bovine luteal homogenates by incubating 20mg eq of tissue for five min, using a substrate of 200m μ moles of 3 β -hydroxy-pregn-5-en-20-one-4 14 C adjusted to a specific activity of 1 μ Ci/ μ mole. Conversion rates varied with the age, size, and histological integrity of the corpus luteum, and exhibited a pattern similar to other in vitro methods reported in the literature (1, 12). Pregn-4-en-3,20-dione synthesis was low in the early stages of the cycle, reached a maximum between the 10th and 12th days, decreased slightly between the 14th and 16th days, rose again between the 18th and 20th days, and was minimum during estrus. Under these experimental conditions less than 1% of the pregn-4-en-3,20-dione synthesized in vitro was converted to other metabolites by the luteal tissue of any stage of the cycle.
Nonspecifics in Personalized Instruction

Suggestions from behavior modification and PSI research concerning some subtle variables affecting course success.
A random number generator for PC's

Abstract It is now possible to do serious scientific work on personal computers (PC's). Many simulation studies, whether exploratory or for production runs, call for random numbers. We offer here a new kind of random number generator with implementation tailored specifically for PC's using Intel 8088/8086 or 80286/80386 processors. A floating-point coprocessor is not required or even useful for the generator, although, of course, a coprocessor may help other parts of a simulation. The generator has an extremely long period — some 2 1407 — requires only 43 stored values and uses only one arithmetic operation: subtraction. It is one of a new class of generators that we have recently developed. They are called add-with-carry and subtract-with-borrow generators. Related to lagged-Fibonacci generators, the new class has an interesting underlying theory, astonishingly long periods and provable uniformity for full sequences. This article describes a machine language subroutine that provides 32-bit random integers as well as uniform (single precision) reals with standard 24-bit fractions.
4,5-Dibenzyloxybenzyne as a synthon for diels-alder reactions. The synthesis of 6,7-dihydroxy-1,4-ethano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines as rigid analogs of adrenergic agents. Assignment of proton and carbon-13 NMR parameters using homonuclear and heteronuclear two-dimensional chemical shift correlation NMR spectroscopy

The synthesis of several rigid analogs of catecholamine type of adrenergic agents is reported. Their synthesis began with a Diels-Alder cycloaddition of 4,5-dibenzyloxybenzyne (generated from 4,5-dibenzyloxyan-thranilic acid) to 1-(2-trans-phenylvinyl)-2-pyridone and 1-benzyl-3-benzyloxy-2-pyridone. The unsaturated amides so produced were reduced first with hydrogen and palladium and then with lithium aluminum hydride to provide 6,7-dihydroxy-1,4-ethano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines. Homonuclear and heteronuclear two-dimensional chemical shift correlation nmr spectroscopy confirmed the structure of the bridged tetra-hydroisoquinolines and led to the unambiguous assignment of the 1H and 13C nmr chemical shifts of key compounds.
Effects of Enzyme Inhibitors on in vitro Dehydrogenase Activity of Cancer Tissue Slices.

Summary1. Tissue slices from various human cancer and control tissues and mouse breast cancer were incubated in TTC solution with and without the enzyme inhibitors: fluoride, malonate and azide and the ^g of TTC reduced/mg of acetone dried tissues determined. 2. Both control and tumor tissues exhibited a linear relationship between the endogenous and fluoride inhibited TTC reduction. The tumors were characterized by a decreased fluoride inhibition as compared to homologous controls. Malonate inhibition of tumor tissue also tended to be minimal. The findings were discussed in terms of the metabolism of tumor tissue.
Enabling Location-Based Services 2.0: Challenges and Opportunities

The next-generation mobile devices include smart watches, wristbands, wearables (e.g., Google Glass), etc. In the future such devices will constitute a large fraction of the total devices available in the market [1]. Latest studies confirm that location-based services are the most requested feature by developers with a market share of 13B in 2013 and have expected exponential growth [2]. Future location-based applications/services will use the data generated by the new mobile devices for providing enhanced user experience. This paper presents a vision of such next-generation location-based services, which we call LBS 2.0. We present the challenges and opportunities that LBS 2.0 will pose for mobile data management.
Hemocyanin structure changes during early development of the crab Cancer productus

Hemocyanin is present in oocytes and embryos of the brachyuran crab Cancer productus. Oocyte hemocyanin, like adult crab hemocyanin, exists as two hexamer (25S) and single hexamer (16S) aggregates. The two hexamer molecule is composed of at least four electrophoretically distinct subunits. The electrophoretic properties of oocyte hemocyanin subunits are indistinguishable from those of the corresponding adult hemocyanin. Evidence is presented that oocytes could take up maternal hemocyanin through endocytosis. Hemocyanin present in the developing embryo also exists as two hexamer and hexamer aggregates. However, the embryo two hexamer hemocyanin shows an electrophoretic pattern of subunits different from that of maternal or oocyte two hexamer hemocyanin. These data, together with previous studies on other species of decapod crustaceans, indicate that hemocyanin different from the adult molecule is produced after fertilization of the egg.
Hard Spots in Vulcanized Rubber Compounds

Abstract Although positive evidence is lacking, it is believed that the correlation between localized internal flow and the accompanying hardness of the “flowed” regions must be due either to the production of a local grain effect by the flow or to an alteration of the dispersion in that region, or possibly to both. The correlation cannot be attributed to non-uniformity in the mixture, elastic strains, or orientation of the original grain. This explanation is a matter of theoretical interest in connection with the divergent views now held as to the mechanism of reenforcement by pigmentation. However, the results of this investigation may be applied to increase the precision of testing the hardness of carbon-black stocks whether we understand the underlying phenomena or not.
Aggregate Cost of Mammography Screening in the United States: Comparison of Current Practice and Advocated Guidelines

How often and at what ages women should receive mammography screening are subjects of great debate. Cost differences also exist among screening recommendations by professional organizations, varyin...
A high-resolution study of nonthermal radio and X-ray emission from supernova remnant G347.3-0.5

G347.3-0.5 is one of three shell-type supernova remnants (SNRs) in the Galaxy whose X-ray spectrum is dominated by nonthermal emission. This puts G347.3-0.5 in the small but growing class of SNRs for which the X-ray emission reveals directly the presence of extremely energetic electrons accelerated by the SNR shock. We have obtained new high-resolution X-ray and radio data on G347.3-0.5 using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), respectively. The bright northwestern peak of the SNR seen in ROSAT and ASCA images is resolved with Chandra into bright filaments and fainter diffuse emission. These features show good correspondence with the radio morphological structure, providing strong evidence that the same population of electrons is responsible for the synchrotron emission in both bands in this part of the remnant. Spectral index information from both observations is presented. We found significant difference in photon index value between bright and faint regions of the SNR shell. Spectral properties of these regions support the notion that efficient particle acceleration is occurring in the bright SNR filaments. We report the detection of linear radio polarization toward the SNR, which is most ordered at the northwestern shell where particle acceleration is presumably occurring. Using our new Chandra and ATCA data, we model the broadband emission from G347.3-0.5 with the synchrotron and inverse Compton mechanisms and discuss the conditions under which this is a plausible scenario.
TGF-β Signaling Initiated in Dendritic Cells Instructs Suppressive Effects on Th17 Differentiation at the Site of Neuroinflammation

While the role of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) as an intrinsic pathway has been well established in driving de novo differentiation of Th17 cells, no study has directly assessed the capacity of TGF-β signaling initiated within dendritic cells (DCs) to regulate Th17 differentiation. The central finding of this study is the demonstration that Th17 cell fate during autoimmune inflammation is shaped by TGF-β extrinsic pathway via DCs. First, we provide evidence that TGF-β limits at the site of inflammation the differentiation of highly mature DCs as a means of restricting Th17 cell differentiation and controlling autoimmunity. Second, we demonstrate that TGF-β controls DC differentiation in the inflammatory site but not in the priming site. Third, we show that TGF-β controls DC numbers at a precursor level but not at a mature stage. While it is undisputable that TGF-β intrinsic pathway drives Th17 differentiation, our data provide the first evidence that TGF-β can restrict Th17 differentiation via DC suppression but such a control occurs in the site of inflammation, not at the site of priming. Such a demarcation of the role of TGF-β in DC lineage is unprecedented and holds serious implications vis-a-vis future DC-based therapeutic targets.
Expression of adenylyl cyclase subtypes in brown adipose tissue: neural regulation of type III

Previous work has shown that neural stimulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) increases norepinephrine-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity 2- to 3-fold by a mechanism involving postreceptor alterations of the AC system. In view of the recent discovery of multiple AC subtypes, the purposes of this study were to determine which of these subtypes are present in BAT and to examine whether their expression is altered by neural stimulation. Direct hybridization and polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated that BAT expresses messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding AC-III, AC-IV, AC-V, and AC-VI subtypes. Of the subtypes detected in BAT, neural stimulation increased only AC-III mRNA levels. Activation of beta-adrenergic receptors was sufficient to increase AC-III mRNA levels; however, the potency of beta-receptor agonists was greatly enhanced by simultaneous stimulation of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. The close correlation between the increases in AC activity and the induction of AC-III mRNA across various physiological and pharmacological treatments indicates that this subtype is responsible for the increase in AC activity that occurs after adrenergic stimulation.
Changing Cities: Rethinking Urban Competitiveness, Cohesion and Governance. Edited by Nick Buck, Ian Gordon, Alan Harding and Ivan Turok

(2007). Changing Cities: Rethinking Urban Competitiveness, Cohesion and Governance. Edited by Nick Buck, Ian Gordon, Alan Harding and Ivan Turok. Economic Geography: Vol. 83, No. 3, pp. 329-330.
Identification of a low-affinity subset of protamine-reactive IgM antibodies present in normal, deficient in AIDS, sera: implications for HIV latency.

We demonstrate here that the protamine-reactive IgM antibodies previously shown to be present in normal adult sera include two subsets differing in binding affinity. The principal, high-affinity subset was detected in AIDS and ARC as well as normal sera. The secondary, low-affinity subset, however, was absent or markedly deficient in AIDS or ARC sera. Protamine-reactive IgM antibodies were also detected in normal pediatric sera, suggesting that one subset of that class of antibodies may be "natural," i.e., not antigenically induced. The proportionate titer of the low-affinity protamine-reactive IgM antibodies was determined for HIV-positive males who were asymptomatic or mildly immune deficient at specimen collection. Of those who subsequently remained AIDS free for 18 months to 7 years, more than 90% had titers in the range established for the normal sera, while of those diagnosed with AIDS or ARC within 12 months, more than 80% had titers below the normal range. We propose that the low-affinity subset of adult sera corresponds to the natural antibodies of pediatric sera and that a relationship of those natural antibodies to resistance to progression of HIV pathogenesis is suggested.
The intimidation of American physicians--banning partial-birth abortion.

Dr. Michael Greene writes that the recent decision in Gonzales v. Carhart to uphold the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 creates an intimidating environment surrounding pregnancy terminations at more advanced gestational ages.
Observations on the effects of chromate on the thyroid.

Sodium chromate present in incubation media at 0.5 mM consistently stimulated organic binding of iodine and thiocyanate oxidation, and potentiated the effects of submaximal concentrations of TSH on these processes in bovine thyroid slices. These stimulating effects of chromate were not due to direct chemical oxidation of these anionic substrates, but were associated with a decrease in tissue GSH content, which was, at least in part, a consequence of the substantial inhibition by chromate of glutathione reductase. Chromate had no effects on adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase in thyroid homogenate. The findings support the idea that the concentration of GSH may exert a regulatory action on the formation of thyroid hormone and suggest the importance of glutathione reductase in maintenance of thyroid GSH levels. (Endocrinology 94: 1714, 1974)
Infant sleep position and SIDS: a hospital-based interventional study.

Context Avoidance of the prone sleeping position is considered an important factor contributing to the decline in the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Youth: The Complete Picture to Date

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous condition in which the clinical manifestation of hyperglycemia is a reflection of the impaired balance between insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. Clinical experience and research in youth type 2 diabetes mellitus are in an early stage because of the relative novelty of the condition in pediatrics. This article discusses the amassed information in type 2 diabetes mellitus of youth to date with respect to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, screening, and management strategies.
His protects heme as it crosses the membrane

From the multitude of proteins with bound prosthetic groups, metal clusters, or cofactors, the soluble c-type cytochromes were among the first to be characterized, probably because of their spectral visibility and unusual stability. The pathway for their biosyntheses, nevertheless, remains to be filled in as do the mechanistic details of holoprotein formation. Historically, many assumed, perhaps naively, that the assembly of most metallo- or other cofactor-containing proteins occurred without catalysis, relying on spontaneity, and this idea was reinforced by the facile in vitro formation of stable FeS clusters and uncatalyzed in vitro reconstitution of metalloproteins like plastocyanins or ferredoxins from inorganic ions and apoproteins. Today, we appreciate that synthesis of a functional holoprotein is a biochemical pathway with multiple catalyzed steps that ensure selectivity and specificity. Because the c-type cytochromes contained covalently bound heme, the need for catalysis for their biosynthesis was always appreciated and indeed genetic analyses over the last 30 years have revealed a striking diversity of pathways, of which the so-called system I, II, and III pathways are the most common (reviewed in refs. 1 and 2). Their unifying features include a requirement for reductant and a heme binding component. In this issue of PNAS, Frawley and Kranz (3) demonstrate that the conserved WWD motif of the CcsBA protein of the system II pathway is a heme binding platform on a transmembrane protein that serves to deliver heme from the bacterial cytoplasm to the periplasm.
Use of handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometry units for identification of arsenic in treated wood

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of handheld XRF analyzers on wood that has been treated with a preservative containing arsenic. Experiments were designed to evaluate precision, detection limit, effective depth of analysis, and accuracy of the XRF arsenic readings. Results showed that the precision of the XRF improved with increased sample concentration and longer analysis times. Reported detection limits decreased with longer analysis times to values of less than 1 mg/kg or 18 mg/kg, depending on the model used. The effective depth of analysis was within the top 1.2 cm and 2.0 cm of sample for wood containing natural gradients of chemical preservative and concentration extremes, respectively. XRF results were found to be 1.5-2.3 times higher than measurements from traditional laboratory analysis. Equations can be developed to convert XRF values to results which are consistent with traditional laboratory testing.
Polymerization of aniline on copper zirconium phosphate and a mixed zirconium phosphonate

Abstract Oxidative polymerization of aniline was performed using both CuZr(PO 4 ) 2 (CuZrP) and Zr[O 3 P(CH 2 ) 3 COOH] 0.75 (O 3 POH) 1.25 [ZrP(bt) 0.75 (OH) 1.25 ] as catalysts. In the CuZrP reaction, the non-conducting emeraldine base form of polyaniline (PANI) formed on the surfaces of the phosphate microcrystals. When exposed to HCl, the solid CuZrP·PANI turned from violet to green, indicating formation of a protonated conducting polymer. In the reaction with the mixed phosphonate ZrP(bt) 0.75 (OH) 1.25 , a violet product also formed, with the interlayer spacing of the solid increasing significantly, indicating polymerization within the interlamellar region. The solid product did not react with HCl. IR spectra indicated a slightly different form of PANI included in the phosphonate than on the surface of CuZrP.
Patient-selected goal attainment for pessary wearers: what is the clinical relevance?

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether patient determined goal achievement is associated with pessary continuation. Study Design Patients identified goals they wished to achieve from pessary use. Patients were asked whether they continued pessary use and if goals were met 6-12 months later. Goals were divided into 8 categories. Fisher exact test was used to evaluate categorical variables, t tests for continuous variables, and regression methods to calculate odds ratios (OR). Results Eighty women enrolled in the study. Sixty-four had follow-up data. Goals commonly listed were bladder (36%), activity (20%), general health (13%), and prolapse related (11%). Thirty-four women continued and 30 discontinued pessary use. Women who continued pessary use were more likely to meet 1 or 2 goals (OR 17.5, 21.1 and 95% CI 4.8-64.4, 5.7-78.9, respectively). Conclusion Patient goals are variable and subjective. However, when assessed for achievement, they are associated with pessary continuation. Women who attain self-determined goals are likely to continue pessary use.
Altitude-related illness in two California national parks

High-altitude illness encompasses a spectrum of disorders related to the hypoxia experienced by individuals at elevation. Altitude-related illness has been well described in the United States, but there are no studies published in the medical literature looking at the occurrence of high-altitude illness within the US National Parks system. The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks who presented to emergency medical services (EMS) personnel with signs and symptoms consistent with high-altitude illness. We conducted a retrospective review of all EMS patient care records (PCRs) from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks during the study period of June 1992 to August 1995. There were 23 cases of altitude-related illness identified by EMS personnel in the parks during the 38-month study period, including five cases of high-altitude pulmonary edema and 19 cases of acute mountain sickness. One patient died, nine patients were transported to local hospitals, nine patients were assisted in their descent and then released from medical care, and four patients were treated and then allowed to continue their travels. There was an average of 5.9 cases per year of high-altitude illness and an incidence of one case per 27 EMS contacts. We conclude that altitude-related illness does occur in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and, although high-altitude illness accounts for only 4% of EMS contacts, caring for these patients uses a significant amount of national park resources. We suggest continued training of emergency medical technicians and park medics in the recognition and treatment of these disorders. We also support education of hikers to reduce or prevent the morbidity associated with altitude-related illness.
Tissue- and Organ-Specific Immune Responses: Role in Human Disease and Allograft Immunity

B efore the crystallization of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule’ or the development of the concept that cellular peptides are presented on the cell surface in association with MHC class I2 cell surface differences within an individual were thought to be due primarily to nonMHC antigens. In contrast, any allogeneic response between individuals with disparate human leukocyte antigens (I-IU) was thought to be essentially a response against the mismatched HLA antigens alone, independent of any bound peptide. Indeed, this concept is the rationale for the current clinical cross-match system for organ allografts, which assumes that the donor peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) used in the serological cross match represent the full complement of cell surface antigens expressed on the cells of the organ allograft. Recently, it has become increasingly clear that the T lymphocyte recognizes epitopes formed by a combination of an MIX molecule with a specific bound peptide expressed on the cell surface of a target cell. The importance of the presence of the bound peptide and its exact amino acid sequence is emphasized by extensive experimental evidence. Absence of the bound peptide or a change in a single conservative amino acid can attenuate or even completely abrogate T cell recognition or response. The peptide associated with an MHC class I molecule is generally derived from the endogenous pool of available proteins, If a cell within a tissue or organ has a unique function relative to other cells located in other tissues or organs, it should, in turn, express proteins uniquely tailored for that specific function. These proteins can potentially be degraded into peptides and presented by a class I molecule to serve as an epitope unique to
NAVY LEGACY SYSTEMS REENGINEERING

Legacy systems abound in the Navy. In many cases it is infeasible or ill advised to develop new systems from scratch. Yet due to new system requirements, increasing maintenance costs, or other reasons it is desirable to somehow replace or upgrade these systems. There is also a desire to capture some of the capabilities inherent in these systems and somehow reuse them. This paper looks at some of the issues involved reengineering, and in particular those that tend to be unique to or more pronounced in Navy systems. It also briefly describes some progress that has been made using language translation to facilitate reengineering of Navy systems to open architectures.
The Idealized Self-Image (ISI): A new technique in confidence training

Cognitive therapy is best viewed as one component of a broad-spectrum behavioral approach. Within this context, a new technique in confidence training is offered, referred to as the Idealized Self-Image (ISI). This technique, based upon the principle of reinforcement and the concept of the “self-fulfilling prophecy,” is accomplished primarily through the patient's imagery.
Flashing lights in the quantified self-city-nation

As I recall I know you love to show offBut I never thought that you would take it this farWhat do I know? Flashing … lights.What do I know? Flashing … lights. (West, 2007, n.p.)In the quantified se...
Genome display and typing of Plasmodium parasites using anchored PolyA and PolyT oligonucleotides.

Abstract Su, X., and Carlton, J. M.-R. 2000. Genome display and typing of Plasmodium parasites using anchored polyA and polyT oligonucleotides. Experimental Parasitology94, 273–278.
Choice of interactive dance and bicycle games in overweight and nonoverweight youth.

Background: Interactive video games are a popular alternative to physical activity in youth. One advancement in computer games are interactive games that use physical activity as a game playing controller, combining exercise and entertainment, or exertainment.Purpose: This study tested the reinforcing value and activity levels of interactive dance and bicycle race games in 18 overweight and 17 non-overweight 8- to 12-year-old youth.Methods: Reinforcing value was studied using a behavioral choice paradigm that provided children the opportunity to respond on progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement for a choice of either playing the video dance or bicycle game using a handheld video game controller or one of three options: dancing or bicycling alone, dancing or bicycling while watching a video, or playing the interactive dance or bicycle game. Reinforcing value was defined in relationship to the amount of responding children engaged in for either choice.Results: Results showed the interactive dance game was more reinforcing than dancing alone or dancing while watching the video (p=.003), but there was no difference across bicycling conditions. Nonoverweight youth were more active when given the opportunity to play the interactive dance game than overweight children (p=.05).Conclusions: These results suggest that children may be motivated to be active when given the opportunity to play an interactive dance game.
Distribution of bombesin-like immunoreactivity in the nucleus of the solitary tract and dorsal motor nucleus of the rat and human: Colocalization with tyrosine hydroxylase

Bombesin is a peptide neurotransmitter/neuromodulator with important autonomic and behavioral effects that are mediated, at least in part, by bombesin-containing neurons and nerve terminals in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). The distribution of bombesin-like immunoreactive nerve terminals/fibers and cell bodies in relation to a viscerotopically relevant subnuclear map of this region was studied by using an immunoperoxidase technique. In the rat, bombesin fiber/terminal staining was heavy in an area that included the medial subnucleus of the NTS and the DMV over their full rostral-caudal extent. Distinctly void of staining were the gelatinous, central, and rostral commissural subnuclei and the periventricular area of the NTS, regions to which gastric, esophageal, cecal, and colonic primary afferents preferentially project. The caudal commissural and dorsal subnuclei had light bombesin fiber/terminal staining, as did the intermediate, interstitial, ventral, and ventrolateral subnuclei. With colchicine pretreatment, numerous cell bodies were stained in the medial and dorsal subnuclei, with fewer neurons in the caudal commissural, intermediate, interstitial, ventral, and ventrolateral subnuclei. Bombesin-like immunoreactive neurons were found in numerous other areas of the brain, including the ventrolateral medulla, the parabrachial nucleus, and the medial geniculate body. In the human NTS/DMV complex, the distribution of bombesin fiber/terminal staining was very similar to the rat. In addition, occasional bombesin-like immunoreactive neurons were labeled in a number of subnuclei, with clusters of neurons labeled in the dorsal and ventrolateral subnuclei. Double immunofluorescence studies in rat demonstrated that bombesin colocalizes with tyrosine hydroxylase in neurons in the dorsal subnucleus of the NTS. Bombesin does not colocalize with tyrosine hydroxylase in any other location in the brain. In conclusion, the distribution of bombesin in the NTS adheres to a viscerotopically relevant map. This is the anatomical substrate for the effects of bombesin on gastrointestinal function and satiety and its likely role in concluding a meal. The anatomic similarities between human and rat suggest that bombesin has similar functions in the visceral neuraxis of these two species. Bombesin coexists with catecholamines in neurons in the dorsal subnucleus, which likely mediate, in part, the cardiovascular effects of bombesin.
Gadolinium neutron capture therapy for brain tumors: A computer study

A Monte Carlo computer study of the total dose distribution from neutrons and prompt gamma emissions (but excluding the contribution from conversion and Auger electrons) for gadolinium neutron capture therapy of brain tumors has been carried out in order to test the theoretic feasibility of this modality using commercially available magnetic resonance contrast media. The three-dimensional dose distribution calculations were performed in a spherical head phantom with a spherical tumor at the center. Potentially achievable gadolinium concentrations of 150 micrograms/g of tissue in tumor and 3 micrograms/g in normal tissue were assumed with enrichment to 79.9% gadolinium-157, as supplied by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Irradiation was assumed to be with a 2-keV monoenergetic cylindrical epithermal neutron beam having a radius of 4 cm. The three-dimensional thermal neutron fluence resulting from the 2-keV beam propagation through the tissue was modeled. For a single neutron beam, the maximum dose is delivered within the tumor but the dose is very inhomogeneous across the tumor volume due to rapid decrease of thermal neutron fluence with depth. Two parallel opposed neutron beams deliver to the interface of normal and malignant tissue 70%-80% of the maximum dose received at the center of the tumor. To deliver an average tumor dose of 500 cGy in 10 min would require a 2-keV source neutrons number of 8.0 x 10(11) per s within the geometry of the beam.
Financial turbulence and beta estimation

This study identifies periods of turbulence within financial markets. Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) betas estimated during tranquil periods exhibit little relation between estimated risk and average returns, and further, a majority of considered portfolios exhibit significant abnormal performance, given the tranquil or full-sample beta estimate. However, betas estimated from turbulent subperiods exhibit a strong relation between risk and return. Further, given turbulent betas, the observed performance is frequently consistent with the CAPM. Market betas for small and value portfolios increase during turbulent periods, indicating that the risk of these portfolios is greater than those indicated by standard betas.
Precision in Mechanical Testing of Magnetic Recording Thin-Film Disks

A sensitive mechanical test for magnetic recording thin film disks is described. A model that explains the increased sensitivity is correlated to different heads and test methods. A major improvement in test precision is possible due to the reuse of test heads when water vapor is used to highlight the slightest wear to the disk
An Assessment of How Length of Study-Abroad Programs Influences Cross-Cultural Adaptation

Utilizing the integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation, the present study sought to examine the extent to which the length of study-abroad programs affects individuals' ethnic and cultural identification, willingness to engage in intercultural communication, intercultural communication competence, and cultural adaptation. The results of the study indicate that while length of study-abroad programs was not correlated to cultural adaptation, length of program was associated with changes in cultural and ethnic identification. Moreover, willingness to communicate with members of the host culture was associated with cultural identification as well as intercultural communication competence.
Interstitial Cystitis and Panic Disorder: A Potential Genetic Syndrome

Background Evidence from a genetic linkage study had suggested a possible syndrome in some families with panic disorder (PD). This syndrome includes bladder problems (possibly urinary interstitial cystitis [IC]), thyroid disorders, chronic headaches/migraine, and/or mitral valve prolapse. In 19 multiplex families with PD, one marker ( D13S779 ) on chromosome 13 gave a logarithm of odds score of more than 4 when individuals with any of the syndrome conditions were analyzed as affected. Families with the bladder problems yielded the highest logarithm of odds scores. These findings were replicated in an extended sample of 60 families. Whereas PD had been well characterized by direct interview, the urologic problems had been found only via medical history checklists and records. A case review by a board-certified urologist suggested they could be IC. Objective To determine whether patients diagnosed as having IC by urodynamics and/or cystoscopy and their first-degree relatives (FDRs) have increased rates of the syndrome conditions, thus validating that the bladder problems observed in the linkage study could be IC and providing further support for the panic syndrome. Design Case-control and family history study. Setting Two metropolitan urology clinics. Participants One hundred forty-six probands (67 with IC and 79 with other urologic disorders) and 815 FDRs. Main Outcome Measures Lifetime rates of syn-drome conditions in probands and FDRs who were blind to urologic or psychiatric diagnoses in the proband. Results Compared with patients without IC, patients with IC had a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of PD (controlling for age and sex) (odds ratio, 4.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-13.40; P = .02) and a higher lifetime prevalence of any of the syndrome disorders (controlling for age and sex) (odds ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-5.54; P = .09). First-degree relatives of probands with (vs without) IC were significantly more likely to have PD, thyroid disorder, urologic problems, and any of the syndrome disorders (controlling for age and sex of the relative and sex of the proband) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-3.38; P = .02). These results in relatives were not influenced by PD in probands, and did not change substantially when controlling for the proband-relative relationship, modeling age as a categorical (vs continuous) variable, or excluding FDRs with PD. There were no interactions between proband IC status and sex of the relative. Conclusions The increased frequency of seemingly disparate disorders in patients with IC and their FDRs is consistent with the genetic linkage findings in families with PD. These findings suggest that the bladder problems observed in the linkage study may be IC. The hypothesis that there is a familial, possibly pleiotropic, syndrome that may include IC, PD, thyroid disorders, and other disorders of possible autonomic or neuromuscular control deserves further investigation.
Low-temperature NO + ion-molecule reactions in a nitric oxide expansion

Abstract The absolute three-body association rate constant for the reaction NO + + 2 NO→(NO) 2 + + NO and an upper limit to the charge transfer rate constant for the reaction NO + + (NO) 2 →(NO) 2 + + NO were measured in a supersonic expansion near 4 K using a new free jet flow technique. The observed third-order rate constants, k 3 , show temperature dependence near 4 K which can be adequately explained by the expression: k 3 ( T )=7.2×10 −30 ( T /300) −2.7 cm 6 molecule −2 s −1 . This expression appears to hold over the temperature range from 430 to 4 K. An upper limit to the charge transfer rate constant is observed to be 4.3×10 −9 cm 2 molecule −1 s −1 based on estimates of (NO) 2 concentrations in the jet at several stagnation pressures.