cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concerning trends in maternal risk factors in the United States: 1989-2018.

Abstract Background Increased efforts have focused on reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States (US). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, very advanced maternal age, and grand multiparity are known contributors to various maternal morbidities, as well as maternal mortality. We aimed to evaluate the trends in these risk factors/complications among US pregnancies during the last three decades (1989–2018). Methods This is a retrospective study based on the CDC natality database. We calculated the annual prevalence of each risk factor/complication from 1989 to 2018. Joinpoint regression analysis was then used to evaluate the trends. Annual percentage changes (APC) were calculated for each of the segments identified by the joinpoint regression, and average annual percentage changes (AAPC) were calculated for the entire period. Relative risks (RR) comparing the prevalence of each risk factor/complication in 2018 to its prevalence in 1989 were also calculated. Subsequent analyses evaluated the trends of the main risk factors/complications by maternal age groups. Statistical significance was determined at p Findings Between 1989 and 2018, the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increased by 149% (AAPC 3·2, 95% CI 2·6–3·8), that of chronic hypertension increased by 182% (AAPC 3·7, 95% CI 3·3–4·2), that of diabetes mellitus increased by 261% (AAPC 4·6, 95% CI 4·0–5·2), that of very advanced maternal age increased by 194% (AAPC 3·8, 95% CI 3·6–4·0), and that of grand multiparity increased by 33% (AAPC 1·0, 95% CI 0·8–1·2). Chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus increased mostly during the past two decades, while hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and grand multiparity increased primarily over the most recent decade. Additionally, women of very advanced maternal age had significantly higher rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus throughout our study period. Interpretation Our study shows a marked increase in the prevalence of five pregnancy risk factors/complications over the past three decades (1989–2018). This may point to a significant deterioration in the health of US pregnant women, which potentially contributes to both maternal morbidity and mortality. Funding None.
Social media for enhanced understanding of disaster resilience during Hurricane Florence

Abstract Citizens with different demographic characters presented varying responses and behaviors in the same disasters. Their divergent responses can impact their actual damages during crises. Previous studies have employed social media for analyzing citizens’ crisis responses. However, these studies missed the demographic dimension. To resolve this limitation, this research proposes three objectives: 1) to explore the variances of sentiment polarities among different racial/ethnic and gender groups; 2) to investigate the concern themes in their expressions, including theme popularity and their sentiment towards these themes; 3) to enhance the understanding of social aspects of disaster resilience with the results of disaster response disparities. Results indicate that Hispanic and male groups are more likely to express negative sentiment. The black group pays the least attention to ‘hurricane warn’ and shows most interests in ‘pray/donate’. The white group is most optimistic about hurricane/flood impacts while the black group shows dissatisfaction towards ‘response’. The female group pays less attention to ‘hurricane warn’ while they are more optimistic towards ‘hurricane/flood impact’ and ‘response’ than the male group. Our findings can help crisis response managers identify the more sensitive/vulnerable groups in the crisis and provide on-target disaster evolution reports and relief resources to the corresponding demographic groups.
Does Falls Efficacy Influence the Relationship Between Forward and Backward Walking Speed After Stroke

Objective Forward walking speed (FWS) is known to be an important predictor of mobility, falls, and falls-related efficacy poststroke. However, backward walking speed (BWS) is emerging as an assessment tool to reveal mobility deficits in people poststroke that may not be apparent with FWS alone. Since backward walking is more challenging than forward walking, falls efficacy may play a role in the relationship between one's preferred FWS and BWS. We tested the hypothesis that people with lower falls efficacy would have a stronger positive relationship between FWS and BWS than those with higher falls efficacy. Methods Forty-five individuals (12.9 ± 5.6 months poststroke) participated in this observational study. We assessed FWS with the 10-meter walk test and BWS with the 3-meter backward walk test. The modified Falls-Efficacy Scale (mFES) quantified falls efficacy. A moderated regression analysis examined the hypothesis. Results FWS was positively associated with BWS (R2 = 0.26). The addition of the interaction term FWS × mFES explained 7.6% additional variance in BWS. As hypothesized, analysis of the interaction revealed that people with lower falls efficacy (mFES ≤ 6.6) had a significantly positive relationship between their preferred FWS and BWS, whereas people with higher falls efficacy (mFES > 6.6) had no relationship between their walking speed in the 2 directions. Conclusions FWS is positively related to BWS poststroke, but this relationship is influenced by one's perceived falls efficacy. Our results suggest that BWS can be predicted from FWS in people with lower falls efficacy, but as falls efficacy increases, BWS becomes a separate and unassociated construct from FWS. Impact This study provides unique evidence that the degree of falls efficacy significantly influences the relationship between FWS and BWS poststroke. Physical therapists should examine both FWS and BWS in people with higher falls efficacy, but further investigation is warranted for those with lower falls efficacy.
Mechanical Regulation of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is regulated in response to many diverse stimuli including light intensity and wavelength, nutrient availability, and temperature to prevent formation of reactive oxygen species and cell death. However, it has remained a challenge to investigate this regulation in the context of a living photosynthetic cell due to the heterogeneity inherent to batch culture analysis. To overcome this obstacle, we utilized long-term, quantitative time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to visualize the growth and subcellular dynamics of individual wildtype and mutant cyanobacterial cells over multi-generational lineages. Our results demonstrate that in addition to known abiotic regulators of photosynthesis, mechanical perturbations lead to attenuation of photosynthesis and can play a major role in governing cellular fitness and productivity in cyanobacteria. These results provide insight into how photosynthetic organisms navigate the physical environment and a new perspective on source-sink regulation of photosynthesis that incorporates conversion of light into mechanical energy.
Severe hypertriglyceridemia: A rare complication of diabetic ketoacidosis in a 3-year-old with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Abstract Introduction Children commonly present in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) secondary to Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Electrolyte imbalances and cerebral edema are common complications in the pediatric age group; however, patients may also have additional metabolic disturbances such as hyperlipidemia. We report a case of a pediatric patient with new-onset type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and DKA complicated by severe hypertriglyceridemia with recent exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Case presentation A three-year-old male noted to be SARS-CoV-2 positive, presented with hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis consistent with DKA. Patient was later found to have severe hypertriglyceridemia (greater than 5680 mg/dL). He was managed with intravenous (IV) fluids and IV insulin replacement with improvement of triglycerides. Conclusion Severe hypertriglyceridemia in DKA, though rare in the pediatric population, responds very well to IV insulin therapy. This case also highlights possible need for early lipid screening in DKA patients with SARS-CoV-2 positive status.
Probing Microsecond Reactions with Microfluidic Mixers and TCSPC

Probing the in vitro kinetics and dynamics of macromolecules involved in biological processes is important for discerning their mechanism and function. These dynamics span the sub-microsecond to millisecond and longer timescales. In addition to resolving dynamics and kinetics, structural characterization of non-equilibrium intermediates over these time scales is often desired. In this chapter, we review recent advances in microfluidic mixing methods (both low-Reynolds laminar and chaotic/turbulent mixers) for initiating biochemical reactions and provide an overview of the interfacing of these techniques with time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) fluorescent detection methods. We focus on approaches in which both a kinetic reaction time axis and a TCSPC time axis are simultaneously monitored, often referred to as a “double kinetic” experiment. Methods for measurement and analysis of these experiments are presented in which the TCSPC time axis corresponds to fluorescence lifetimes, time-resolved FRET or time-resolved anisotropy. An overview of matrix methods, such as singular value decomposition, and maximum entropy methods for data analysis are also reviewed.
Knowledge Creation for Competitive Advantage: An Organizational Networks Perspective

The importance of knowledge as a key organizational resource contributing to competitive advantage is undisputed in research and in practice. Yet, the way in which such knowledge is created in organizations is relatively poorly understood. This paper develops a theoretical model elucidating how organizations create knowledge for the purpose of gaining competitive advantage. I have cast this investigation within the context of organizational networks, arguing that knowledge creation indeed occurs in such networked structures in organizations. Particular knowledge resources that are competitively advantageous to the firm change, as the basis of competition itself changes over the organization’s life. Therefore, I have distinguished between two different competitive situations faced by organizationsrelatively stable periods of competition, and turbulent periods of radical change. I have compared and contrasted the antecedents and processes of organizational knowledge creation under these two competitive modes, highlighting the differential role of information technology in the process.
Syntax as an Emergent Characteristic of the Evolution of Semantic Complexity

It is commonly argued that the rules of language, as distinct from its semantic features, are the characteristics which most clearly distinguish language from the communication systems of other species. A number of linguists (e.g., Chomsky 1972, 1980; Pinker 1994) have suggested that the universal features of grammar (UG) are unique human adaptations showing no evolutionary continuities with any other species. However, recent summaries of the substantive features of UG are quite remarkable in the very general nature of the features proposed. While the syntax of any given language can be quite complex, the specific rules vary so much between languages that the truly universal (i.e. innate) aspects of grammar are not complex at all. In fact, these features most closely resemble a set of general descriptions of our richly complex semantic cognition, and not a list of specific rules. General principles of the evolutionary process suggest that syntax is more properly understood as an emergent characteristic of the explosion of semantic complexity that occurred during hominid evolution. It is argued that grammatical rules used in given languages are likely to be simply conventionalized, invented features of language, and not the result of an innate, grammar-specific module. The grammatical and syntactic regularities that are found across languages occur simply because all languages attempt to communicate the same sorts of semantic information.
Suppression of refractory recurrent ventricular tachycardia by transvenous rapid cardiac pacing and antiarrhythmic drugs. Report of seven cases.

Abstract Rapid cardiac pacing, alone or in combination with antiarrhythmic drugs, was employed in 7 patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, but without heart block or sinus bradycardia between attacks of tachyarrhythmia. In all of the 7 patients there was serious underlying cardiac disease and in 4 drug toxicity was an important causative factor. Previous reports, usually of solitary cases, suggested that the tachyarrhythmia was consistently suppressed when the pacing rate exceeded 110 per minute, whereas lower rates were often ineffective. In our experience pacing was effective in 4 of the 7 patients and was ineffective in 2 patients with maximal pacing of 120 per minute and in one who was paced at 150 per minute. One of the latter three recovered spontaneously after ineffective pacing was discontinued. Temporary control was obtained in some cases by inducing sinus tachycardia with intravenous atropine and isoproterenol until a pacemaker could be inserted. The antiarrhythmic effect of rapid pacing may be due to shortening of diastole and abbreviation of repolarization, thus inhibiting asynchronous areas of repolarization with local potential differences. In this series of patients there is one in whom previously refractory ventricular tachycardia has been suppressed for 14 months by means of rapid pacing with a permanently implanted pacemaker and a combination of propranolol and digoxin.
Peculiar Velocities and Galaxy Formation

The cosmic microwave background (CMB) dipole anisotropy (DA) (Lubin and Villela, this volume) implies a Local Group (LG) velocity v D = 640 ± 50Km s -1 relative to the comoving reference frame, in a direction which is 45° away from the Virgo cluster. The CMBDA seems to be consistent both in amplitude and in direction with the DA of the Hubble flow (780 ± 188km s -1) measured by Aaronson et al. (1985) in a set of 10 clusters at a distances 40 → 100 h -1 Mpc. Also, the IRAS point source catalogue exhibit a DA in the galaxy distribution in reasonable agreement in direction with the CMBDA (Yahil et al., 1985; Meiksin and Davis, 1985).
Uptake of [14C]-labeled tri-, tetra-, and pentapeptides of phenylalanine and glycine by Escherichia coli.

Abstract Three radioactively labeled peptides, Phe-[14C]-Gly-Gly, Phe-Gly-[14C]-Gly-Gly, and Phe-Gly-Gly-[14C]-Gly-Gly were synthesized by a solid phase technique and were purified by preparative paper chromatography. In Escherichia coli the relative rates of uptake, at peptide concentrations of 0.1 mm and at 1.0 mm, were inversely proportional to the number of residues in each peptide. The pentapeptide Phe-Gly-Gly-[14C]-Gly-Gly was taken up much more slowly than the homologous tri- and tetrapeptide. This was interpreted as direct demonstration of a size limit for oligopeptide transport by E. coli. In competition experiments, phenylalanine uptake by E. coli was inhibited by Phe-Gly and Phe-Gly-Gly. Inhibition of Phe-[14C]-Gly-Gly uptake by several peptides indicated a common uptake pathway for small oligopeptides.
Tube shunt coverage with gamma-irradiated cornea allograft (VisionGraft).

PURPOSE To investigate the clinical outcomes of tube shunt coverage using sterile gamma-irradiated cornea allograft. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Wills Eye Hospital Glaucoma Research Center retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 165 patients who underwent glaucoma tube shunt procedures using sterile gamma-irradiated cornea allograft (VisionGraft) between December 2012 and November 2013. Demographic characteristics, type of tube shunt, and position were noted. Complications were recorded at 1 day; 1 week; 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; and on the final postoperative visit. RESULTS One hundred and sixty-nine eyes of 165 patients were included. The mean follow-up time was 4.8±3.5 (ranging from 1 to 16) months. There was no evidence of immunological reaction, infection, or exposure in 166 eyes (98.2%). Three eyes (1.8%) experienced graft or tube exposure within the first 3 postoperative months. Two of the cases had underlying diseases: bullous pemphigoid and chronic allergic conjunctivitis. CONCLUSION Coverage of tube shunts using gamma-irradiated cornea allograft had a low exposure rate and was well tolerated. The graft can be stored long term at room temperature and has an excellent postoperative cosmetic appearance.
Daily gonadotropic hormone tests during fifty complete menstrual cycles

Abstract 1. 1. Day by day tests of the urine for gonadotropic hormone were made during 50 complete menstrual cycles. The tannic acid precipitation method was used. Positive responses were found as follows: (a) During 3 cycles, no positive response. (b) During 21 cycles, one positive response, falling between days 16 to 13. (c) During 2 cycles, one positive response, falling on day 19 or 20. (d) During 13 cycles, two positive responses, with a 6- to 12-day interval between. (e) During 2 cycles, two responses, falling very close together. (f) During 9 cycles, three responses at fairly regular intervals. 2. 2. The bearing of these findings upon the question of the time of ovulation is discussed. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that either ovulation frequently occurs more than once during the menstrual cycle or else that ovulation is not directly dependent upon hypophyseal stimulation. In either case, the reproductive cycle in the human female is apparently a more complex and variable phenomenon than is usually supposed.
Analytic determination of optimal projector lens design requirements for pixilated projectors used to test pixilated imaging sensors

A model is described for the problem of optimally projecting a pixellated light source onto a pixellated imaging sensor, in the context that the projected source is used for performance testing of the sensor. The model can be used, for example, to compute the paraxial design requirements of the projection lens, given that the parameters of all other subsystems in the problem are fixed. For remote sensing applications, where the performance of a sensor focused at infinity is to be tested, the projector lens becomes a collimator. For optimal projection when using the source for performance testing of the sensor, one then requires that the projector pixels are not spatially resolved by the imaging sensor, the entrance pupil of the sensor is overfilled without vignetting, and also, where feasible, the sensor field of view is overfilled. The model uses paraxial analytical ray tracing approximations to provide a set of equations that are used in an associated spreadsheet to determine the basic collimator requirements such as effective focal length, f/#, and relief distance, given the geometrical characteristics of the projector spatial light modulator and the sensor under test. Beyond this, the model provides a sense of intuition and guidance prior to detailed computerized ray tracing.
Bioluminescence Imaging in Mouse Models Quantifies β Cell Mass in the Pancreas and After Islet Transplantation

We developed a mouse model that enables non-invasive assessment of changes in β cell mass. We generated a transgenic mouse expressing luciferase under control of the mouse insulin I promoter [mouse insulin promoter-luciferase-Vanderbilt University (MIP-Luc-VU)] and characterized this model in mice with increased or decreased β cell mass and after islet transplantation. Streptozotocin-induced, diabetic MIP-Luc-VU mice had a progressive decline in bioluminescence that correlated with a decrease in β cell mass. MIP-Luc-VU animals fed a high-fat diet displayed a progressive increase in bioluminescence that reflected an increase in β cell mass. MIP-Luc-VU islets transplanted beneath the renal capsule or into the liver emitted bioluminescence proportional to the number of islets transplanted and could be imaged for more than a year. Bioluminescence in the MIP-Luc-VU mouse model is proportional to β cell mass in the setting of increased and decreased β cell mass and after transplantation.
Transgenic overexpression of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A in skeletal muscle of mice increases myofiber size and central nucleation in sedentary muscle and promotes muscle regeneration in the injured muscle

Abstract Objective While there is compelling evidence for an anabolic role of PAPP-A, an IGFBP protease, in muscle development, its effect on dynamic regulation of muscle regeneration has not been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of transgenic PAPP-A overexpression in skeletal muscle of mice on myofiber formation in intact and crush-injured tibialus anterior muscle. Design Skeletal muscle in transgenic mice overexpressing human PAPP-A in skeletal muscle was subjected to crush-injury. Myofiber formation and myogenic gene expression were then evaluated in injured or intact muscle of PAPP-A transgenic mice and wild-type mice. Results In the intact muscle, aging PAPP-A transgenic (Tg.) mice (age of 12 months) showed more than a 2-fold increase in both myofiber size and number of nuclei per myofiber compared with their wild-type (Wt.) littermates. Myofibers with centered nuclei, a hallmark of muscle regeneration, were increased from Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that exogenous PAPP-A can promote recovery of muscle injury in aging mice albeit the expression of endogenous PAPP-A had already been increased dramatically upon muscle injury.
Effect of AMG0347, a transient receptor potential type V1 receptor antagonist, and morphine on pain behavior after plantar incision.

Background: Studies on postoperative pain examine the etiology of incisional pain with the goal to develop new treatments for patients' pain after surgery. The current study examined the analgesic effects of a recently developed transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist, AMG0347, on incisional pain in rats. Doses of morphine lower than those used in most rodent studies were also examined. Methods: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were underwent plantar incision. The effect of either AMG0347 or morphine was tested for its effects on guarding pain score, heat withdrawal latency, and mechanical withdrawal threshold. AMG0347 was also tested against nociceptive behaviors caused by capsaicin. Results: For incisional pain, AMG0347 did not change the withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation or the guarding pain score. The withdrawal latency to heat increased from 3 h through 1 day after AMG0347 administration. AMG0347 prevented the decreases in heat withdrawal latency and mechanical withdrawal threshold caused by capsaicin infiltration and prevented the increase in activity caused by intrathecal capsaicin injection. Doses of morphine less than 1 mg/kg inhibited both the guarding and heat hyperalgesia; only the 1-mg/kg does affected mechanical responses. Conclusions: AMG0347 decreased capsaicin-induced heat and mechanical hyperalgesia and blocked central TRPV1 receptors. AMG0347 only decreased heat hyperalgesia after plantar incision even though both peripheral and central TRPV1 receptors were blocked. The smallest doses of morphine affected guarding pain and heat responses.
Magnetic localization in transition-metal nanowires

Magnetization reversal in transition-metal nanowires is investigated. Model calculations explain why magnetization reversal is localized, as opposed to the sometimes assumed delocalized coherent-rotation and curling modes. The localization is a quite general phenomenon caused by morphological inhomogenities and occurring in both polycrystalline and single-crystalline wires. In the polycrystalline limit, the competition between interatomic exchange and anisotropy gives rise to a variety of random-anisotropy effects, whereas nearly single-crystalline wires exhibit a weak localization of the nucleation mode. Model predictions are used to explain the coercive and magnetic-viscosity behavior of Co (and Ni) nanowires electrodeposited in self-assembled alumina pores. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Social Justice: Added Metaparadigm Concept for Urban Health Nursing

Historically, the nursing metaparadigm has been used to describe 4 concepts of nursing knowledge (person, environment, health, and nursing) that reflect beliefs held by the profession about nursing's context and content. The authors offer an assessment of the metaparadigm as it applies to community and public health nursing in urban settings and offer an amendment of the metaparadigm to include the central concept of social justice. Each of the metaparadigm concepts and the central concept of social justice is discussed as it applies to a model of urban health nursing teaching, research, and practice.
Widespread expression in adult rat forebrain of mRNA encoding high-affinity neurotensin receptor.

The peptides neurotensin (NT) and neuromedin N exert effects on neurons by means of a high-affinity NT receptor (NTRH) belonging to the superfamily of G-protein–coupled receptors. In the present study, we used in situ hybridization histochemistry with sensitive riboprobe methodology to investigate the distribution of NTRH mRNA in the forebrain of adult rats. Labeled cells were abundant in the hypothalamus, epithalamus, ventral thalamus, septum, amygdala, and pallidum, including many regions where NTRH mRNA had not been detected previously. In the hypothalamus, novel sites of NTRH mRNA expression included the arcuate, periventricular, paraventricular, supraoptic, medial preoptic, anterior, ventromedial, and posterior nuclei, as well as the lateral hypothalamic area. In the thalamus, novel sites of expression included the anterodorsal nucleus, lateral habenula, and zona incerta, where labeling was much more extensive than previously reported. Novel telencephalic sites of expression included most bed nuclei of the stria terminalis, most divisions of the amygdala, the main olfactory bulb, the endopiriform nucleus, the claustrum, many parts of retrohippocampal allocortex, and limited parts of most isocortical areas. Novel sites of expression were also observed in the midbrain and pons. Taking into account expected differences in the subcellular locations of receptor mRNA and protein, the regional distribution of NTRH mRNA agrees well with that of NTRH determined previously. Our results identify many novel sites of NTRH mRNA expression in adult brain and provide a basis for investigating involvement of NT and related peptides in regulating the activity of these diverse cells, whose phenotypes remain largely undetermined. J. Comp. Neurol. 402:475–500, 1998. Published 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Si acoustic delay lines and the effect of current on accoustic wave attenuation and speed

We studied the effect of excess carriers, temperature and current on acoustic waves in silicon delay lines. Heat and excess carriers reduce the acoustic velocity by respectively reducing the Young's modulus and through the deformation potential. Electrical current, on the other hand, can increase the acoustic velocity depending on their drift velocity. In addition to current, acoustic waves can also be controlled through field effect and modulation of depletion width in periodic p-n junctions embedded in the delay line.
Remark on algorithm 723: Fresnel integrals

Algorithm 723: Fresnel Integrals has been improved to provide more precise results for x >> 0.
Election induced fiscal and monetary cycles: evidence from the Caribbean

This study examines whether governments in the Caribbean systematically attempt to alter voter preferences through the use of fiscal and monetary policy tools during election periods. It also investigates whether governments reverse their pre-election excesses in the year after a general election. I estimate a variant of the Nordhaus politico-economic model for selected Caribbean countries. The Arellano-Bond dynamic panel estimator is employed to empirically test this model, and the results indicate that there is evidence to suggest that Caribbean governments pursue electorally timed interventions in fiscal and monetary instruments but do not reverse their policies in the aftermath of an election.
Mineral Morphology at the Tendon-to-Bone Interface Observed via High Energy X-Ray Diffraction

Tough, graded interfaces are a broadly conserved feature of biological attachment of two dissimilar materials, but the mechanisms by which toughening occurs are not fully known. In biological systems, graded structures are commonly found in the attachments of materials with very different properties such as bone, which is very stiff, and tendon, which is compliant1. Previous research has shown that the interface between these two materials is composed mostly of collagen, proteoglycans, and carbonated apatite crystals (mineral). Our working hypothesis is that gradients in mineral content and collagen orientation combine to provide a compliant energy absorbing region between the tendon and bone1.© 2013 ASME
Cinnamic acid production as a method of assay for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in acetone powders of phaseolus vulgaris☆

Abstract Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity was demonstrated in extracts of acetone powders of bean hypocotyls. Since it was observed that cinnamic acid was produced with or without added l -phenylalanine, the origin of this cinnamic acid was investigated. Assay of boiled extracts indicated that cinnamic acid production, with or without added substrate, was enzymatic, and it was shown dialyzed extracts produced cinnamic acid only with added substrate. It was found that extracts contained phenylalanine at four times the level necessary to account for cinnamic acid production without added substrate, and the loss of phenylalanine during autolysis was stoichiometrically equivalent to the cinnamic acid produced. Cinnamic acid was not released during acid or alkaline treatment of extracts, but ferulic acid was found from the alkali treatments. No other evidence for the existence of bound forms of cinnamic acid was obtained, and we conclude that measurements of cinnamic acid production is a valid method of assay for PAL in extracts of acetone powders of bean hypocotyls.
USING TIME SERIES TO INCORPORATE SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN PAVEMENT DESIGN

Analysis of the seasonal monitoring program data of the long term pavement performance program indicated that some pavement structural properties often follow predictable seasonal patterns. Time series is a statistical technique that may be used to develop periodic functions to predict the values of such properties as a function of time. The application of time series technique in characterizing the seasonal variations of pavement structural properties as simulated functions is presented. In addition, the incorporation of such variations in both empirical and mechanistic-empirical methods of flexible pavement design is demonstrated. To this end, a computer program, seasonal variation in pavement design, was written to carry out the required calculations and to facilitate the comparison between empirical and mechanistic-empirical design methods.
A Didactic-Experiential Model for an Inservice Workshop on Drug Abuse Education

This one-day workshop on drug education program development combined didactic features with innovative group techniques to generate a practical list of needs, resources and possible programs for use in public schools. Participants discovered that by using specialized inservice training and auxiliary paraprofessional personnel, many of the needs of their schools in the area of drug education might be met without relying on the assistance of outside “expert” consultants. The workshop leaders used psychodrama as a vehicle for cognitive exploration of possible resources and obstacles to proposed drug education programs. The closing activity was the establishing of contracts with individuals or teams from the same schools to implement the program ideas generated in the workshop.
Radiographic anatomy of the pharynx

The radiographic surface anatomy of the normal pharynx in infants, adolescents, and adults is reviewed with illustrations of various radiographic techniques for evaluation. Maneuvers that can be utilized to demonstrate certain portions of the anatomy are discussed. The effect of patient posture on the pharyngeal contours is illustrated and discussed.
Specific Heteromeric Association of Four Transmembrane Peptides Derived from Platelet Glycoprotein Ib-IX Complex

As the receptor on the platelet surface for von Willebrand factor, glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX complex is critically involved in hemostasis and thrombosis. How the complex is assembled from GP Ibalpha, GP Ib beta and GP IX subunits, all of which are type I transmembrane proteins, is not entirely clear. Genetic and mutational analyses have identified the transmembrane (TM) domains of these subunits as active participants in assembly of the complex. In this study, peptides containing the transmembrane domain of each subunit have been produced and their interaction with one another characterized. Only the Ib beta TM sequence, but not the Ibalpha and IX counterparts, can form homo-oligomers in SDS-PAGE and TOXCAT assays. Following up on our earlier observation that a Ib beta-Ibalpha-Ib beta peptide complex (alphabeta(2)) linked through native juxtamembrane disulfide bonds could be produced from isolated Ibalpha and Ib beta TM peptides in detergent micelles, we show here that addition of the IX TM peptide facilitates formation of the native alphabeta(2) complex, reproducing the same effect by the IX subunit in cells expressing the GP Ib-IX complex. Specific fluorescence resonance energy transfer was observed between donor-labeled alphabeta(2) peptide complex and acceptor-conjugated IX TM peptide in micelles. Finally, the mutation D135K in the IX TM peptide could hamper both the formation of the alphabeta(2) complex and the energy transfer, consistent with its reported effect in the full-length complex. Overall, our results have demonstrated directly the native-like heteromeric interaction among the isolated Ibalpha, Ib beta and IX TM peptides, which provides support for the four-helix bundle model of the TM domains in the GP Ib-IX complex and paves the way for further structural analysis. The methods developed in this study may be applicable to other studies of heteromeric interaction among multiple TM helices.
Localization of promoter elements in the human mu-opioid receptor gene and regulation by DNA methylation.

The regulation of mu-opioid receptor gene expression was investigated using several molecular techniques. Genomic clones containing portions of the human mu-opioid receptor gene were sequenced. 5'-RACE analysis of human brain cDNA confirmed the presence of mRNAs up to -313 from the start codon. As was found for the mouse and rat genes, transcription apparently initiates in the absence of a discernable TATA box. To characterize promoter function, portions of the 5'-flanking region were linked to a reporter gene in transient transfection experiments. Two approximately 50 bp adjacent segments had potent, orientation specific promoter activity. More down-stream segments also had promoter activity. None of the 5'-flanking region constructs showed tissue specificity. The potential role of DNA methylation in preventing ectopic expression was investigated by surveying the methylation state of a CpG rich region straddling the start codon. A neural derived cell line (SH-SY5Y) that expresses the mu-opioid receptor lacked virtually any CpG methylation. In contrast, two neural derived cell lines that do not express the mu-opioid receptor were nearly totally methylated while non-neural cell lines had intermediate levels of CpG methylation. Additional transient transfection experiments revealed that CpG methylation of the 5'-flanking region suppressed reporter gene expression. These results indicate that CpG methylation plays an important role in regulating mu-opioid receptor expression in neural cells; however, no association was found with regulation of expression in non-neural cells.
Osteonectin-Derived Peptide Increases the Modulus of a Bone-Mimetic Nanocomposite

Many factors contribute to the toughness of bone including the presence of nano-size apatite crystals, a dense network of collagen fibers, and acidic proteins with the ability to link the mineral phase to the gelatinous collagen phase. We investigated the effect of a glutamic acid (negatively charged) peptide (Glu6), which mimics the terminal region of the osteonectin glycoprotein of bone, on the shear modulus of a synthetic hydrogel/apatite nanocomposite. One end of the synthesized peptide was functionalized with an acrylate group (Ac-Glu6) to covalently attach the peptide to the hydrogel phase of the composite matrix. When microapatite crystals (5 μm diameter) were used, addition of Ac-Glu6 peptide did not affect the modulus of the microcomposite. However, when nanoapatite crystals (100 nm diameter) were used, addition of Ac-Glu6 resulted in significant reinforcement of the shear modulus of the nanocomposite (∼100% in elastic shear modulus). Furthermore, addition of Ac-Gly6 (a neutral glycine sequence) or Ac-Lys6 (a positively charged sequence) did not reinforce the nanocomposite. These results demonstrate that the reinforcement effect of the Glu6 peptide, a sequence in the terminal region of osteonectin, is modulated by the size of the apatite crystals. The findings of this work can be used to develop advanced biomimetic composites for skeletal tissue regeneration.
Role of Universalities in Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering has survived and thrived for over 100 years, while many other branches of engineering have vanished or faded. This survival may be attributed to several factors, one of which is the more pervasive and effective utilization of universalities in the form of generalizations, simplifying concepts, and analogies. At the same time, many of the generalities, simplifying concepts, and analogies in current textbooks, handbooks, and even computer design packages are wrong or obsolete and should be deleted or noted to be only of historical interest. The radical changes that are currently afoot in chemical engineering and in the world in which it is now practiced can be expected to make many more obsolete or irrelevant, thereby creating a need and/or opportunity for the formulation of new ones. The origin and the past, present, and future role, if any, of the generalizations are examined in Parts I and II; that of the simplifying concepts are examined in Part III, and that of the analogies are ex...
Spinal cord potentials evoked by peripheral nerve stimulation

Abstract Lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spinal cord responses evoked by sciatic nerve stimulation were measured in 20 cats at the skin level and directly from the dorsal surface of the cord. Computer averaging techniques were used for both skin level recordings and cord surface recordings at all levels. Recordings made directly from the cord surface at lumbar levels were large and were characterized by a large, initial, negative transient, followed by a more complicated and variable waveform. As recording electrodes were moved rostrally, the initial large spike decreased in amplitude and the duration and latency of the response increased. At cervical levels the responses were polyphasic, of long duration and small amplitude. Deafferentation by posterior rhizotomy of all lumbar and sacral roots ipsilateral to sciatic nerve stimulation abolished the response at all levels. Thoracic cord section also abolished the response over the cervical cord. Skin level recordings were of shorter latency than direct recordings, especially at cervical levels. Response configurations were similar for both recording techniques at lumbar levels, but had different waveforms at both thoracic and cervical levels. Clinical implications of the techniques and possible explanations of the waveforms recorded are discussed.
NECTAR‐ROBBING BUMBLE BEES REDUCE THE FITNESS OF IPOMOPSIS AGGREGATA (POLEMONIACEAE)

The removal of floral nectar by nectar robbers may change the behavior of legitimate pollinators and, consequently, the pollination and fertilization success of flowering plants. We measured the effects of a nectar-robbing bumble bee, Bombus occidentalis, on male and female reproductive success of Ipomopsis aggregata (Polemoniaceae). We artificially varied nectar-robbing rates within 20 natural I. aggregata populations in Colorado. Using powdered fluorescent dyes as pollen analogs, we estimated the amount of pollen donated (male fitness component) and the amount of pollen received (female fitness component) by plants with different levels of nectar robbing. We also measured percentage fruit set per plant, seed set per fruit, and average seed mass as additional components of female fitness. Nectar robbing significantly decreased both male and female fitness components. Heavy nectar robbing (>80% of available flowers robbed) significantly decreased dye donation, pollen receipt, and average number of seeds per fruit at the whole-plant level. Furthermore, nectar robbing significantly decreased dye donation by individual flowers. Although nectar robbing has often been regarded as unimportant to plant reproductive success, we document significant effects of nectar robbing on components of both male and female fitness of I. aggregata. Our results suggest that interactions among nectar robbers, pollinators, and their plant hosts may have important consequences for plant fitness.
Perceived weight status effect on adolescent health-risk behaviors: findings from 2007 and 2009 Rhode Island youth risk behavioral survey

The goal of this study is to systematically examine the associations between perceived weight status and selected health-risk behaviors among Rhode Island adolescents. We utilized the biennial 2007 and 2009 Rhode Island representative Youth Risk Behavior Survey data. The combined statewide sample contained 5,423 randomly selected public high school students. Perceived weight status was classified into very underweight, slightly underweight, about the right weight, slightly overweight, and very overweight according to the question “How do you describe your weight?” Adolescent’s body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight. BMI percentile was categorized as extremely underweight, underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze perceived weight status associated with six categories of priority health-risk factors. Perceived very underweight and very overweight were statistically significantly associated with 17 out of 22 health-risk behaviors. The relationships can be expressed as a “U”-shaped curve in terms of odds ratios in adolescents. There were no such similar consistent patterns between BMI percentile categories and health-risk behaviors. Perceived weight status, rather than BMI percentile categories, has an important influence on health-risk behaviors. Our results may assist health programs to intervene with high-risk students by changing their cognitive behaviors.
Gene expression for estrogen and progesterone receptor mRNAS in rat brain and possible relations to sexually dimorphic functions

Abstract A clear neuroendocrine sex difference lies in the ability of the female rat to produce an ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone. Preoptic neurons, as they respond to estrogen and progesterone, have been proven to be involved in this mechanism, with an emphasis on the possible participation of neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and the suprachiasmatic portion of the preoptic area (POA). Further, prominent morphological sex differences have been reported in the rat medial POA. To examine expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) and the progesterone receptor (PR) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in these critical preoptic neurons, we have used in situ hybrization with tritiated single-stranded DNA probes complimentary for ER and PR mRNA. ER mRNA containing cells were found in the periventricular, suprachiasmatic and medical preoptic cell groups, in a manner which agrees with steroid hormone autoradiography. In the female rat, preoptic neurons expressing PR mRNA were distributed very similarly to those for ER mRNA. Moreover, in the male rat brain, all subsets of preoptic neurons which express the PR gene in the female were also detected in the male. Thus, the distribution of PR expressing cells was very similar between females and males. We conclude that the insensivity to the male to progesterone, as regards the hormonal control of ovulation, cannot be due to a total failure of PR gene expression in a specific subset of POA neurons. Instead, male preoptic neurons must be less sensitive to neural or hormonal inducers in the physiological range or perhaps lack sufficient levels of a transcription factor linking progesterone responsive elements to the start sites of hormone-controlled genes.
Climate and Melting Variability in Antarctica

Scientists have observed large increases in melting on the Greenland Ice Sheet in recent decades. But what is happening in Antarctica? Temperature increases during the past 50–100 years have been recorded for the Antarctic Peninsula and West Antarctica. Melting over Antarctica has been monitored since 1979 using spaceborne passive microwave observations. The sign of the melting trends over Antarctica is variable at regional scales, depending on the period analyzed and on the indices used, with the continent-averaged trend being negligible.
The effects of lobeline on α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding and uptake of [18F]nifene in rats

Abstract Lobeline is a potential smoking cessation drug with affinity for the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and may inhibit the blood–brain barrier (BBB) amine transporter. The goal of this work was to use PET imaging to evaluate the effects of lobeline on the kinetic properties of [ 18 F]nifene in the rat brain. Methods : Direct α4β2* competition of lobeline with [ 18 F]nifene was evaluated using imaging experiments with both displacing and blocking doses of lobeline (1 mg/kg, i.v.) given between two injections of [ 18 F]nifene separated by 50 min. Inhibition of the BBB amine transporter was examined using a separate imaging protocol with three injections of [ 18 F]nifene, first at baseline, then following (−)nicotine blocking, and finally following lobeline blocking. Results : Rapid displacement of [ 18 F]nifene was observed in the α4β2*-rich thalamus following lobeline administration, suggesting direct competition of the drug at α4β2* sites. Slight decreases in BBB transport of [ 18 F]nifene were observed when the α4β2* system was first saturated with (−)nicotine and then given lobeline. This perturbation may be due to inhibition of the BBB amine transporter by lobeline or reductions in blood flow. Significant cerebellar displacement of [ 18 F]nifene was found following the administration of both lobeline and (−)nicotine, indicating detectable specific binding in the rat cerebellum. Conclusion : The competition of lobeline with [ 18 F]nifene is largely dominated at the α4β2* binding site and only small perturbations in BBB transport of [ 18 F]nifene are seen at the 1 mg/kg dose. Similar experiments could be used to study other drugs as therapeutic agents for smoking cessation with PET.