cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved hemodynamic function and mechanical efficiency in congestive heart failure with sodium dichloroacetate.

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this study was to determine whether sodium dichloroacetate improves hemodynmic performance and mechanical efficiency in congestive heart failure. Background . Congestive heart failure is associated with impaired hemodynamic performance and reduced mechanical efficiency. Dichloroacetate stimulates pyruvate dehydrogenase activity by inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, which results in inhibition of free fatty acid metabolism and stimulation of high respiratory quotient glucose and lactate consumption by the heart. Facilitation of glucose and lactate consumption with dichloroacetate should improve mechanical efficiency of the failing ventricle. Methods . Ten patients with New York Heart Association functional class III to IV congestive heart failure were studied. Dichloroacetate (50 mg/kg body weight) was administered intravenously for 30 min, with measurements of hemodynamic variables, coronary sinus blood flow and blood gas, glucose and lactate levels for 2 h. The same patients were also given dobutamine (5 to 12.5 mg/kg per min) for comparison. Results . Therapeutic levels of dichloroacetate were achieved (100 to 160 μg/liter of plasma). Myocardial consumption of lactate was stimulated from 29% to 37.4%. Forward stroke volumes increased (+5.3 ml/beat, p 2 per beat, p 2 per min, p Dobutamine administration resulted in the opposite trend with respect to myocardial lactate extraction (from 34% to 15.3%, p 2 per min, p Conclusions . Dichloroacetate administration stimulates myocardial lactate consumption and improves left ventricular mechanical efficiency. Forward stroke volume and left ventricular minute work increase significantly, with a simultaneous reduction in myocardial oxygen consumption. Dobutamine administration results in similar hemodynamic improvements but with no change in left ventricular mechanical efficiency and with opposite effects on lactate metabolism. The opposing metabolic actions, yet similar hemodynamic responses, of dichloroacetate and dobutamine suggest that these agents may be complementary in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Postrehabilitation outcomes after spinal cord injury caused by firearms and motor vehicle crash among ethnically diverse groups

Abstract Objectives: To determine the differential effects of impairment, disability, etiology, and selected preinjury and social factors on medical complications, medical resources use, and handicap after rehabilitation for spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Survey including interview and medical record review. Setting: Model SCI Care System centered at an urban, public medical center. Participants: A volunteer convenience sample of 164 men, ages 18 to 35yrs at injury, with SCI caused by firearms or motor vehicle crash. Main Outcome Measures: Mean numbers of documented complications, pressure sore episodes, nonroutine clinic visits, postrehabilitation hospitalization days per year, assessment by Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and total score on the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART). Results: Significant factors for postrehabilitation complications were discharge FIM ( p p = .046); for pressure ulcer episodes, they were injury completeness ( p p = .005), and ethnicity ( p = .043); for average annual nonroutine clinic visits, they were complications ( p p p = .001), and pain ( p = .052); for hospitalization, they were pressure ulcer episodes ( p p = .043); for CHART scores, they were discharge FIM ( p p p = .007), chronic pain ( p = .01), longest time at one job ( p = .02), completeness of injury ( p = .042), and preinjury employment ( p = .049). Conclusions: Disability is the most important factor in postrehabilitation outcomes for SCI, followed by injury completeness, which is also associated with multiple outcomes. Postinjury but not preinjury drug abuse is adversely associated with outcomes. Etiology and ethnicity are not important determinates of outcome.
The reaction kinetics of a polymer-bound phase transfer catalyst in a novel cyclic slurry reactor

Abstract A novel cyclic slurry reactor was used to study the kinetics of a phase transfer catalyzed displacement reaction between 1-bromooctane in toluene and aqueous potassium cyanide using polymer-bound tri- n -butylphosphine. The catalyst support was 200–400 mesh low crosslinked, low percent ring substitution chloromethylated polystyrene-divinylbenzene resin. The cyclic slurry reactor allowed the immiscible reactants to contact the catalyst sites in controlled sequential steps. Results indicated that only the catalyst in a thin shell near the particle surface was utilized.
Timeshare and vacation ownership executives’ analysis of the industry and the future

This study sought information from key executives involved in shaping the timeshare and vacation ownership industry in conducting a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis for the industry. The vacation ownership and timeshare industry has emerged as a sector of the travel industry with signifi cant opportunities for growth and development. The fi ndings of this study indicate that there are opportunities in many markets, segments and product offerings. The vacation ownership industry must overcome weaknesses in marketing processes, taxation concerns and amenities. It faces threats in the availability of human and capital resources, natural disasters and legal and taxation concerns. Journal of Retail & Leisure Property (2010) 9, 37 - 54. doi: 10.1057/rlp.2009.21
Essential laminations in non-Haken 3-manifolds

Abstract In this paper we show that an essential lamination L in a non-Haken 3-manifold M is “tightly wrapped” in the sense that any two leaves of L have intersecting closures; L therefore contains a unique minimal sublamination. We also show that these properties are inherited by any lift of L to a finite cover of M.
Spitzer Observatory Operations -- Increasing Efficiency in Mission Operations

This paper explores the how's and why's of the Spitzer Mission Operations System's (MOS) success, efficiency, and affordability in comparison to other observatory-class missions. MOS exploits today's flight, ground, and operations capabilities, embraces automation, and balances both risk and cost. With operational efficiency as the primary goal, MOS maintains a strong control process by translating lessons learned into efficiency improvements, thereby enabling the MOS processes, teams, and procedures to rapidly evolve from concept (through thorough validation) into in-flight implementation. Operational teaming, planning, and execution are designed to enable re-use. Mission changes, unforeseen events, and continuous improvement have often times forced us to learn to fly anew. Collaborative spacecraft operations and remote science and instrument teams have become well integrated, and worked together to improve and optimize each human, machine, and software-system element.
Communicating hydrocephalus in adults: Prediction of outcome after ventricular shunting procedures

A series of adult patients with idiopathic hydrocephalus in whom shunts were placed are presented. Preoperative diagnostic and prognostic criteria were evaluated. Findings on computed tomographic scans (significant ventricular enlargement, the absence of gyral atrophy, and the absence of sylvian fissure enlargement) and the clinical triad associated with hydrocephalus in adults (dementia, ataxia, and especially incontinence of urine) all contributed individually and in combination to the diagnosis of hydrocephalus that could be corrected by surgery. The use of radionucleotide cisternography did not add any additional information. Its use as a diagnostic or prognostic aid is, therefore, suspect. The use of high-pressure shunting systems for the initial shunting procedure is emphasized.
SU‐EE‐A2‐02: Feasibility of Tracking Head Position Under An Obscuring Immobilization Mask Using a Bite Block and a 3‐D Surface Imaging System

Purpose: To assess the accuracy and feasibility of measuring head motion under a thermoplastic immobilization mask when using a 3‐D surface imaging system. Materials and Methods: Small dome‐shaped objects were arranged asymmetrically on a styrofoam platform that was attached to a bite block system. The assembly was mounted on the couch of a linear accelerator to a micromanipulator with slow motion controls. This arrangement is operationally similar to a bite block affixed to the maxilla of a intracranial radiation therapy patient. The micromanipulator allowed for motions with six degrees of freedom. We were able to achieve sub‐millimeter translational adjustments of the bite block assembly and angulation. The platform and objects were “tracked” with the AlignRT® 3‐D surface imaging system (VisionRT, London, UK) in order to compare mechanical translational and rotational movements of known magnitude with the changes reported by the AlignRT system. While translational motions are only reported with millimeter resolution on the computer control screen, we obtained the system records sub‐millimeter from stored data file records. Results: Translational agreement between the micromanipulator and the AlignRT system was 0.1±0.1 mm in all three axes. Rotational agreement was within 0.5 degrees for pitch and roll. Agreement for yaw was not determined, however the display for couch rotation is 0.1 degree and has a stability of ±0.1 degrees. Conclusion: The AlignRT surface imaging system has superior accuracy that is sufficient for stereotactic radiosurgery guidance using a bite block as we have designed the experiment. Combining a bite block similar to what we designed with the AlignRT 3‐D system shows promise in monitoring head position under an occluding immobilization mask.
The Problem of Continence in Contemporary Virtue Ethics

The harmony thesis claims that a virtuous agent will not experience inner conflict or pain when acting. The continent agent, on the other hand, is conflicted or pained when acting virtuously, making him inferior to the virtuous agent. But following Karen Stohr’s counterexample, we can imagine a case like a company owner who needs to fire some of her employees to save her company, where acting with conflict or pain is not only appropriate, but necessary in the situation. This creates a problem for virtue ethicists because the virtue/continence distinction cannot easily be drawn in the case. One solution offered by Stohr is to claim that a virtuous agent will respond with an intensity of feeling corresponding to her correct judgment, whereas a continent agent will miss the mark: he will feel too much or too little pain in response to his correct judgment of value. This demarcation, I argue, is too strict because it entails something like a mean resembling a moral virtue or vice regarding pain, being inconsistent with our ordinary understanding of continence. In dealing with the difficulty, I argue that Aristotle’s (largely neglected) virtue of endurance is better suited to account for the problem case. The following move explains why the case of the company owner is problematic: the company owner was missing a virtue on which we did not have the conceptual resources to elaborate. This points to a deeper problem in virtue ethics (there being an incomplete account of the virtues) that needs to be addressed.
Spectroscopic observations of the night sky in the extreme ultraviolet

Abstract An ƒ/1.5 spectrograph was flown twice in a rocket from White Sands to photograph the night sky spectrum from 1150 to 1630 A. In each case, as the rocket spun and precessed, an integrated spectrum was obtained from all directions, including the earth below. The Lymanα emission was detected, but no other line radiation stronger than 4×10 −4 erg sec −1 cm −2 sterad −1 nor any continuum radiation stronger than 2×10 −5 erg sec −1 cm −2 sterad −1 A −1 was found.
Detection of myoglobin by radioimmunoassay in human sera: Its usefulness and limitations as an emergency room screening test for acute myocardial infarction☆

The results indicate that serum myoglobin determinations may be obtained by radioimmunoassay utilizing time periods for the testing which allow more useful clinical evaluation of patients. The data also demonstrate, however, that there are important temporal considerations in using serum myoglobin levels for the detection of acute myocardial infarcts and, if this test is used to determine in the Emergency Room whether patients have had acute myocardial infarcts, these limitations will have to be kept in mind. In addition, three other patient subgroups that might be expected to have elevated serum myoglobin levels by radioimmunoassay have been determined. These include patients with shock (irrespective of etiology), patients with severe renal insufficiency, i.e., those with serum creatinine levels equal to or greater than 8 mg. per cent, and possibly patients who have been on alcohol binges immediately prior to being seen in the Emergency Room.
Transoral excision of the submandibular gland: techniques and results of nine cases.

Objectives/Hypothesis: We will discuss the transoral surgical approach to excising the submandibular gland, the relevant anatomy, the indications, and the risks and benefits of the procedure. We will present our case series of nine patients. Study Design: A retrospective review of a series of nine patients in which transoral submandibular gland excision was attempted over the past 10 years was performed. Methods: The series of nine patients who underwent transoral submandibular gland excision was examined for age, indication for operation, complications, length of stay, and postoperative pathology. Relevant indications, risks, and benefits are also discussed in conjunction with relevant surgical anatomy and approach utilized. Results: Of nine patients who underwent attempted transoral submandibular gland excision, eight operations were completed transorally. Only one operation was converted to a standard external approach due to severe scarring. Six of nine patients presented with chronic sialadenitis, three of nine having obstructing sialoliths. Three patients presented with other benign cystic lesions consistent with a ranula, an infected mucocele, and a cystic teratoma. There was only one patient with a complication of incision breakdown and delayed healing in an irradiated field. There were no long-term complications involving the lingual or hypoglossal nerves, and there were no hemostatic complications. Conclusions: Transoral excision of the submandibular gland is a viable and safe approach to be utilized. There are no external scars caused, there is minimal risk to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, and skin incisions through irradiated fields are avoided. Although the surgical anatomy is somewhat novel, the transoral approach has been used effectively and without complication in removing benign submandibular gland pathology in our series. Laryngoscope, 119:502–507, 2009
Egg Shell Quality of Selected Quail Lines

Abstract Egg shell parameters of two selected Coturnix lines and their respective controls were investigated. P line progeny were from quail which had undergone 20 generations of selection for high 4-week body weight on a 28 percent protein diet while progeny from line T were from quail similarity established using a 20 percent protein diet containing 0.2 percent thiouracil. Nonselected controls (Cp and Ct) were included under each environment. Lines were subjected to normal selection environments from hatching to four weeks. Thirty female quail from each line were placed in individual cages at five weeks and fed a gamebird breeder diet with egg quality data collected at 9 and 12 weeks of age. Egg shell characteristics (shell thickness, shell weight, specific gravity and beta backscatter) of the four lines were found to be similar.
Effects of dietary iron reduction versus phlebotomy in patients with chronic hepatitis C: results from a randomized, controlled trial on 40 Japanese patients.

Background and Aim Iron may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C. We conducted this randomized, controlled trial comparing phlebotomy with dietary iron reduction. Methods Forty patients with chronic hepatitis C showing serum ferritin levels of over 150 ng/ml were randomized to either group A (low-iron diet for six months) or group B (phlebotomy biweekly). Phlebotomy was continued until serum ferritin had reached 20 ng/ml or less. Results At enrollment the clinical characteristics of patients in the two groups were similar. Serum ALT levels were significantly reduced in both groups, but the percent change in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was larger in group B (median, -47.1 [range, -69.1 to -16.7] %) than in group A (-24.2 [-72.6 to 15.9] %, p<0.001). In group A subjects, no correlation was detected between percent change in ALT and clinical parameters. In group B subjects, the baseline ALT activity was significantly correlated with percent change in ALT (p<0.05), but iron-related parameters were not correlated. Conclusion The efficacy of phlebotomy is superior to that of dietary iron reduction in chronic hepatitis C. Serum levels of transaminase activities were a better indicator for phlebotomy than conventional indices of iron overload.
The seasonal growth of ice in the Antarctic

Composite pictures of the areal extent of Antarctic sea ice derived from satellite photographs, show that the growth and the rate of growth of the pack ice compare favorably to the values previously estimated on other bases. Anomalous growth patterns are found in the Weddell Sea. Possible causes of this anomaly include surface and subsurface advection of ice crystals. The rate of retrogradation of the pack ice is found to exceed the rate of progradation.
Reversible Transition between the Surface Trimer and Membrane-Inserted Monomer of Annexin 12†

Under mildly acidic conditions, annexin 12 (ANX) inserts into lipid membranes to form a transbilayer pore [Langen, R., et al. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95, 14060]. In this study, we have addressed the question of the oligomeric state of ANX in this transbilayer conformation by means of Forster-type resonance energy transfer (FRET). Two single-cysteine mutants (K132C and N244C) were labeled with either Alexa-532 (donor) or Alexa-647 (acceptor). The labels were positioned at the sites thought to be on the cis side of the known transmembrane regions [Ladokhin, A. S., et al. (2002) Biochemistry 41, 13617]. If the pore were comprised of an annexin oligomer, efficient energy transfer should be observed. Fluorescence excitation spectra of several mixtures of donor- and acceptor-labeled ANX were recorded under various conditions. Spectroscopic hallmarks of oligomerization-related FRET were established by following a well-documented transition of ANX from the soluble monomer to surface trimer upon addition of calcium at neutral pH. These hallmarks, however, were not detected for the membrane-inserted form of ANX at pH 4.5, suggesting that the transbilayer form is a monomer. This implies that the pore is formed by several transmembrane regions of the same ANX molecule. FRET and other fluorescence experiments demonstrate that the transitions between the surface trimer and membrane-inserted monomer are reversible. This reversibility, in combination with the absence of oligomerization in the water-soluble and inserted state, makes ANX a good experimental model for thermodynamic studies of folding and stability of membrane proteins.
Viewpoint: McLuhan as Rorschach

The following essay is the first in what we hope becomes a fairly regular series. Under the common title of “Viewpoint,” these short pieces will always appear last in any given issue, and will be devoted more to commentary rather than research. Typically, they will present a point of view on a matter of research or topical importance in mass communication. Typical strictures on articles will be waived for submissions to this section, and decisions will be made primarily on the basis of originality of thought and approach. Submitted material must be short—the average no more than six to eight double spaced pages of typescript. Dr. Becker, national president of Speech Communication Association for 1974–75, is a long time member of the Speech faculty at the University of Iowa.
American Immigrant Girls' Understanding of Female Body Image in Disney: A Critical Analysis of Young Korean Girls' Perspectives.

This paper discusses young Korean immigrant girls' understanding of American popular culture in a small‐scale qualitative study in order to disclose young American immigrant girls' perspectives on such culture. In particular, this paper explores how these Korean girls (age five to eight) perceive female body images in American popular culture – specifically, Disney animated films. It will examine their responses to the female body in the films by focusing on their recognition of reality and unreality. In addition, this paper will discuss their perceptions of objectified female bodies in the films. Finally, some suggestions and implications for further studies and early childhood educators will be provided. RESUME: Cet article porte sur la comprehension, chez des fillettes immigrantes coreennes, de la culture populaire americaine a l'aide d'une etude qualitative a petite echelle sur leurs points de vue sur cette culture. L'article se centre tout particulierement sur la maniere dont ces filles coreennes (âg...
CONTEMPORARY TRENDS OF PHARMACOINVASIVE STRATEGY IN PATIENTS WITH ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN DIFFERENT REGION OF UNITED STATES: INSIGHTS FROM NATIONWIDE INPATIENT SAMPLE

Fibrinolytic therapy is still widely used in patients with STEMI. However, transfer for angiography and revascularization within 3-24 hours is currently recommended as part of a pharmacoinvasive strategy. We used Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases from 2008 to 2012 to identify all patients’
Primary structure of cytochrome c' of Methylococcus capsulatus Bath : evidence of a phylogenetic link between P460 and c'-type cytochromes

Cytochrome c' of Methylococcus capsulatus Bath is involved in electron flow from the enzyme responsible for hydroxylamine oxidation, cytochrome P460, to cytochrome C555. This cytochrome is spectrally similar to other cytochromes c' but is larger (16,000 Da) and has a lower midpoint potential (-205 mV). By a combination of Edman degradation, mass spectroscopy, and gene sequencing, we have obtained the primary structure of cytochrome c' from M. capsulatus Bath. The cytochrome shows low sequence similarity to other cytochromes c', only residues R12, Y53, G56, and the C-terminal heme-binding region (GXXCXXCHXXXK) being conserved. In contrast, cytochrome c' from M. capsulatus Bath shows considerable sequence similarity to cytochromes P460 from M. capsulatus Bath (31% identity) and from Nitrosomonas europaea (18% identity). This suggests that P460-type cytochromes may have originated from a c'-type cytochrome which developed a covalent cross-link between a lysine residue and the c'-heme.
Inconsistency of mesophyll conductance estimate causes the inconsistency for the estimates of maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation among the linear, rectangular and non-rectangular hyperbola biochemical models of leaf photosynthesis—A case study of CO2 enrichment and leaf aging effects in soybean

The responses of CO2 assimilation to [CO2] (A/Ci) were investigated at two developmental stages (R5 and R6) and in several soybean cultivars grown under two levels of CO2, the ambient level of 370 μbar versus the elevated level of 550 μbar. The A/Ci data were analyzed and compared by either the combined iterations or the separated iterations of the Rubisco-limited photosynthesis (Ac) and/or the RuBP-limited photosynthesis (Aj) using various curve-fitting methods: the linear 2-segment model; the non-rectangular hyperbola model; the rectangular hyperbola model; the constant rate of electron transport (J) method and the variable J method. Inconsistency was found among the various methods for the estimation of the maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax), the mitochondrial respiration rate in the light (Rd) and mesophyll conductance (gm). The analysis showed that the inconsistency was due to inconsistent estimates of gm values that decreased with an instantaneous increase in [CO2], and varied with the transition Ci cut-off between Rubisco-limited photosynthesis and RuBP-regeneration-limited photosynthesis, and due to over-parameters for non-linear curve-fitting with gm included. We proposed an alternate solution to A/Ci curve-fitting for estimates of Vcmax, Rd, Jmax and gm with the various A/Ci curve-fitting methods. The study indicated that down-regulation of photosynthetic capacity by elevated [CO2] and leaf aging was due to partially the decrease in the maximum rates of carboxylation and partially the decrease in gm. Mesophyll conductance lowered photosynthetic capacity by 18% on average for the case of soybean plants.
Activation of Nonreceptor Tyrosine Kinase Bmx/Etk Mediated by Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, and ErbB3 in Prostate Cancer Cells

Pathways activated downstream of constitutively active phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase in PTEN-deficient prostate cancer (PCa) cells are possible therapeutic targets. We found that the nonreceptor Tec family tyrosine kinase Bmx/Etk was activated by tyrosine phosphorylation downstream of Src and PI 3-kinase in PTEN-deficient LNCaP and PC3 PCa cells and that Bmx down-regulation by short interfering RNA markedly inhibited LNCaP cell growth. Bmx also associated with ErbB3 in LNCaP cells, and heregulin-β1 enhanced this interaction and further stimulated Bmx activity. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) similarly stimulated an interaction between Bmx and EGF receptor and rapidly increased Bmx kinase activity. Bmx stimulation in response to heregulin-β1 and EGF was Src-dependent, and heregulin-β1 stimulation of Bmx was also PI 3-kinase-dependent. In contrast, the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of Bmx in response to EGF was PI 3-kinase-independent. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Bmx is a critical downstream target of the constitutively active PI 3-kinase in PTEN-deficient PCa cells and further show that Bmx is recruited by the EGF receptor and ErbB3 and activated in response to their respective ligands. Therefore, Bmx may be a valuable therapeutic target in PCa and other epithelial malignancies in which PI 3-kinase or EGF receptor family pathways are activated.
Machiavellianism and manipulative interpersonal behavior in children

Abstract Forty-eight pairs of fifth-grade children were in an experiment designed to assess the manner and degree to which Mach, sex, and source of responsibility affect manipulative interpersonal behavior. The major findings were that High Mach subjects (a) were more successful, (b) used manipulative strategies more frequently, and (c) were judged as sounding more effective in general than Low Mach subjects. Sex was found to interact with Mach and success in terms of the strategies employed and the affective and cognitive consequences of the behavior.
Receiving early mobility during an intensive care unit admission is a predictor of improved outcomes in acute respiratory failure.

Abstract Introduction Hospitals are under pressure to provide care that not only shortens hospital length of stay but also reduces subsequent hospital admissions. Hospital readmissions have received increased attention in outcome reporting. The authors identified survivors of acute respiratory failure who then required subsequent hospitalization. A cohort of acute respiratory failure survivors, who participated in an early intensive care unit (ICU) mobility program, was assessed to determine if variables from the index hospitalization predict hospital readmission or death, within 12 months of hospital discharge. Methods Hospital database and responses to letters mailed to 280 acute respiratory failure survivors. Univariate predictor variables shown to be associated with hospital readmission or death ( P P Results Of the 280 survivors, 132 (47%) had at least 1 readmission or died within the first year, 126 (45%) were not readmitted and 22 (8%) were lost to follow-up. Tracheostomy [odds ratio (OR), 4.02 (95%CI, 1.72-9.40)], female gender [OR, 1.94 (95%CI, 1.13-3.32)], a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index assessed upon index hospitalization discharge [OR, 1.15 (95%CI, 1.01-1.31)] and lack of early ICU mobility therapy [OR, 1.77 (95%CI, 1.04-3.01)] predicted readmission or death in the first year postindex hospitalization. Conclusions Tracheostomy, female gender, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index and lack of early ICU mobility were associated with readmissions or death during the first year. Although the mechanisms of increased hospital readmission are unclear, these findings may provide further support for early ICU mobility for patients with acute respiratory failure.
Rapid Sequential Visualization of the Heart and Great Vessels in Man Using the Wide-Field Anger Scintillation Camera Radioisotope-Angiography Following the Injection of Technetium-99m

The recent development of the instantaneously sensing Anger scintillation camera, capable of recording wide-field radioisotope images from the precordium, and a system for video storage and analysis has provided a means of visualizing the anatomic and hemodynamic features of the heart and great vessels without the hazards involved in introducing a radiopaque agent. Sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4-) produces no cardiocirculatory effects or untoward actions and delivers only 0.13 rads of total body radiation. Following injection, the rapidly changing distribution of radioactivity within the heart is recorded by the scintillation camera-television system which includes no inherent dead time or overlap of the scanned field from frame to frame. Video tape replay is available immediately and sequential integrated pictures are possible at any rate up to 60 sec. Radioisotope images of longer intervals are easily obtained by the integration of successive stop-action fields reproduced on a high resolution television ...
FipB, an Essential Virulence Factor of Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis, Has Dual Roles in Disulfide Bond Formation

FipB, an essential virulence factor of Francisella tularensis, is a lipoprotein with two conserved domains that have similarity to disulfide bond formation A (DsbA) proteins and the amino-terminal dimerization domain of macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) proteins, which are proteins with peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase activity. This combination of conserved domains is unusual, so we further characterized the enzymatic activity and the importance of the Mip domain and lipid modification in virulence. Unlike typical DsbA proteins, which are oxidases, FipB exhibited both oxidase and isomerase activities. FipA, which also shares similarity with Mip proteins, potentiated the isomerase activity of FipB in an in vitro assay and within the bacteria, as measured by increased copper sensitivity. To determine the importance of the Mip domain and lipid modification of FipB, mutants producing FipB proteins that lacked either the Mip domain or the critical cysteine necessary for lipid modification were constructed. Both strains replicated within host cells and retained virulence in mice, though there was some attenuation. FipB formed surface-exposed dimers that were sensitive to dithiothreitol (DTT), dependent on the Mip domain and on at least one cysteine in the active site of the DsbA-like domain. However, these dimers were not essential for virulence, because the Mip deletion mutant, which failed to form dimers, was still able to replicate intracellularly and retained virulence in mice. Thus, the Mip domains of FipB and FipA impart additional isomerase functionality to FipB, but only the DsbA-like domain and oxidase activity are essential for its critical virulence functions.
Differential effects of stress on escape and reflex responses to nociceptive thermal stimuli in the rat

Acute stress has been shown to increase latencies of nociceptive reflexes, and this effect is considered evidence for stress-induced analgesia. However, tests for nociception that rely on motivated operant escape assess cerebral processing of pain and could be modulated independent of reflex responses. We therefore compared the effects of an acute stressor (restraint) on escape responses and lick/guard reflexes to stimulation of the paws by a thermally regulated floor. Testing sessions included a pre-test exposure to 36 °C, followed by a test trial in which either escape from 44 or 36 °C or reflex responses to 44 °C were observed. Behavioral responses to stress were assessed during a three day period, with baseline testing on day 1, post-stress or control testing on day 2, and evaluation of long-term stress effects on day 3. On day 2, half the animals received 15 min of restraint stress, followed by 15-min pre-test and test trials. Licking and guarding responses to thermal stimulation during 44 °C test trials were significantly reduced by restraint stress, confirming previously reported stress effects on nociceptive reflexes. In contrast, learned escape responses to the same thermal stimulus were significantly enhanced after stress. The increase in operant sensitivity suggests that acute restraint, a form of psychological stress, produces hyperalgesia for a level of thermal stimulation that preferentially activates C nociceptors. These results are discussed in relation to studies involving physical or psychological forms of stress, different nociceptive stimuli, and assessment strategies used to evaluate thermal pain sensitivity.
Synthesis of Magnesium Dihydroxide Hybrid Nanocomposites via ATRP

Several hybrid nanocomposites consisting of a magnesium dihydroxide (MDH) core and tethered poly(meth)acrylate chains were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The hydroxyl groups on the surface of the MDH particles were modified by reaction with 2-bromopropionyl or 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide to attach ATRP initiator moieties to the particle. n-Butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate and octadecyl methacrylate were polymerized from the functionalized MDH particles using the “grafting-from” technique. MDH is a representative of flame retardants which release water when heated. The polymer chains attached to MDH particles will provide the composites with enhanced compatibility in blends with common polymers. The efficiency of attachment, and the molecular weights and polydispersity of the polymers attached to the nanoparticles were investigated by GPC and TGA after post-polymerization cleavage from the particles. AFM was used to analyze morphologies and structure of the composites.
Computed tomography of calcified metastases to skeletal muscle from adenocarcinoma of the colon

The computed tomography findings of three cases of adenocarcinoma of the colon metastatic to skeletal muscle are presented. The metastases ranged in size from 8 cm to 12 cm. Two of the cases demonstrated decreased attenuation and all cases demonstrated calcifications.
Amending America: If We Love The Constitution So Much, Why Do We Keep Trying To Change It?

Even as we marvel at the grandeur of our constitutional system, we can't resist tinkering with it. Amending America tells the dramatic story of how, over the past 206 years, the American people have reshaped the Constitution to meet the country's changing needs. It describes how we have adopted 27 amendments since 1789-and debated and rejected 10,000 more. A provocative examination of one of America's most important yet least-known democratic tools, "Amending America" brings to life events in our history that continue to resonate today as, as various politicians have set their hearts on amendments to balance the budget, to ban abortion, or to allow school prayer. "A wonderful book. . . . A magnificent treasure trove of American history." Arthur R. Miller, Bruce Bromley Professor of Law, Harvard Law School. "A skillfully rendered, comprehensive, and engaging study of Article V's procedures for amending the Constitution." "Washington Post" "Instructive and fascinating. The book is thorough, erudite, and packed with the anecdotes that make our political past so enjoyable to review." "Minneapolis Star Tribune." "Admirably illuminates the complex and remarkable history of the American people's repeated attempts to amend the Constituion, and captures that history's enduring significance." William E. Nelson, author of The Fourteenth Amendment: From Political Principle to Judicial Doctrine "Will amply repay its readers. Scholars of American constitutional development should find the book a useful addition to their shelves; general readers should find it an interesting and enjoyable way to learn about some often overlooked aspects of American history." Sanford Levinson, History Book Club News. "Invaluable for just about anybody seeking to understand the contradictions of our approach to constitutional government." Herbert S. Parmet, author of Richard Nixon and His America. "An intelligent, carefully researched, and highly readable account." "Detroit News." "The authors have made our country's charter the centerpiece of a suspenseful and still-unfolding national adventure." "Norfolk Virginian-Pilot and Ledger-Star." "An anecdotal guide to the debates and conflicts over each amendment." "Publishers Weekly." "A thoughtful history of the amendments ot the Constitution and an excellent delineation of issues debated by modern constitutional scholars." "Kirkus Reviews." "An excellent work about an often-ignored issue. Recommended for all libraries." "Library Journal." "A fresh and reassuring picture of a living, flexible document strong enough to accept constant challenge and occasional change. The amending process, used wisely, helps meet the needs of an evolving nation. This is an unusual survey of this always-timely process." "Anniston (Alabama) Star" "For a book with such a weighty subject, Amending America is surprisingly entertaining and humorous." Alan Mass in the "New York Law Journal." "
Mission statements miss the point

Research on mission statements has shown considerable variability in their value as well as equal disagreement about their value. Mission statements and strategic objectives are often created in the hope that they can help push the organization toward some desired destination. Every person and every organization needs to have a clear destination for their group or organization, but it will require finding better vehicles than simple mission statements. Successful organizations should probably spend 90 percent of their time keeping people focused and 10 percent figuring out how to get there. Ineffective organizations tend to spend 90 percent of their time making rules, regulations, and procedures. Asking good questions is a fine start, but it also takes hard work and continual feedback; otherwise, you end up with a lifeless mission statement. It may not be essential for the entire group to think as one or to reach a complete agreement or singularity about what they are supposed to be about, but the process of continually monitoring and evolving this process is essential.
Calculating life tables by estimating Chiang's a from observed rates.

A simple, accurate method of life table construction is advanced based upon a new way to estimate Chiang’s nax (the average number of years lived in the x to x + n age interval by those dying in the interval). The estimate for nax leads immediately to an expression for lx+n (the survivors to age x + n) in terms of lx and the known mortality rates for the interval x to x+n and the two adjacent intervals. The complete solution for the basic life table is given. The proposed method and five other easily applied methods are then compared against the standard provided by the U.S. life tables for 1969–1971. The results attest to the excellent performance and high degree of accuracy of the proposed method. Finally, extensions of the method to multiple decrement and associated single decrement life tables are briefly described.
Application of CDMA for anti-collision and increased read efficiency of multiple RFID tags

Abstract This research presents analysis and demonstration of the application of code-division multiple access (CDMA) to radio frequency identification (RFID), particularly for the simultaneous reading of multiple RFID tags. The research investigates current techniques and algorithms for resolving collisions among multiple tags while they are transmitting simultaneously. Typical store and warehouse environments under possible worst-case scenarios have been studied. The result of this research is the recommended implementation of a CDMA RFID method of reducing the number of reads and the removal of some inter-tag interference.
Head to head polymers. XXV: Properties of head to head polyisobutylene

Head-to-head polyisobutylene, prepared by the Grignard coupling reaction of 2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-1,4-dibromobutane had molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 and was characterized by wide angle x-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and thermal behavior. Head-to-head polyisobutylene is crystalline, with a crystalline melting point of 187°C and a glass transition temperature of 87°C (measured by DSC at a scan rate of 20°/min.); these values compare to a glass transition temperature of head-to-tail polyisobutylene of similar molecular weight of −61°C and a crystalline melting point of 5°C, which can only be observed when the sample was stretched. The maximum rate of degradation of head-to-head polyisobutylene (20°/min. programmed temperature increase) is at 315°C, 70°C lower than that of head-to-tail polyisobutylene.
Stream ecosystem service markets under no-net-loss regulation

Abstract We analyze interactions between economics and ecology for ecosystem service markets under no-net-loss regulation. Previous studies of no-net-loss regulation address the ecological efficacy and valuation of restoration but largely ignore the effects of market dynamics. We link an economic model of free-entry equilibria with an ecological model that includes returns to scale and inefficiency of restored ecosystems and apply the result to stream mitigation banking in North Carolina. Intuition from ecology alone must be modified to account for economic processes, and vice versa. To implement no-net-loss regulation, one must not only account for ecological differences between restored and natural ecosystems, but also consider the effect of market entry on the number and size of restoration projects. In a purely economic model, free-entry equilibria are characterized by excess entry: the equilibrium number of firms is greater than the welfare maximizing number. Ecological considerations may exacerbate or ameliorate this, so that either excess entry or insufficient entry may occur, depending on the specific ecosystem services sought.
Effects of topical phosmet on fur residue and cholinesterase activity of dogs.

Fleas, ticks, and mites are a major problem in many areas of the country for pet owners, and one treatment option involves the use of dips that contain pesticides. In the present study, dogs were dipped with a commercial phosmet (ImidanR) flea dip using the recommended guidelines for four consecutive treatments to determine the residues available for transfer to humans from the fur of the dogs. Twenty-four dogs of various breeds and weights were dipped, and each animal's fur was sampled with cotton gloves by petting for 5 minutes in a 10″ × 4″ area along the upper back before dipping and at 4 hours, and 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after dipping. Over the 4 dippings the 4-hour samples had a geometric mean of 2653 μg, and the 1-, 3-, 7-, and 14- day samples had geometric means of 877, 316, 84, and 20 μg, respectively. The samples ranged (in μg) from 80 to 16,794 at 4 hours, 44 to 7028 at 1 day, 1 to 4897 at 3 days, 1 to 2691 at 7 days, and 0.3 to 835 at 14 days. The residues removed by the petting did increase wit...
Thermal diffusion of vacancies in zinc

Abstract : An apparatus was constructed which yields nearly linear temperature gradient for pure metal samples. Thermal diffusion of vacancies in pure zinc has been studied by use of a surface marker motion technique. Results compiled to date indicate that marker movement does exist when a temperature gradient is applied to a pure zinc crystal. Preliminary calculations of the total energy term associated with the flux equation yield a value of approximately -8.8 k cal/mole. In the future it is planned to investigate more thoroughly the role of surface tension in causing shape changes and thermal diffusion will be studied by the use of inert markers embedded in the sample.
Recent extensions to Eulerian methods for numerical fluid dynamics

Abstract The paper is a review of Eulerian methods for numerical fluid dynamics carried out at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (USA) under the direction of well-known scientists. A new solution technique for the difference equations is suggested. There are considered flows at very low Reynolds numbers as well as the problems of atmospheric dynamics, turbulence models in numerical fluid flow calculations and so on.
High-strength, high-temperature intermetallic compounds

Materials that are solid at high temperatures are in demand for high-temperature structural applications, and materials that have high values of strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight are desired for aircraft and space applications. Basic properties that are insensitive to processing history can be used to provide a preliminary ranking of single-phase substances. A compilation is presented of 293 intermetallic compounds (or metal-metalloid compounds) that melt at T ⩾ 1500° C. By displaying the data by crystal structure on plots ofT m against the specific gravity ϱ candidates for optimum specific strength and specific stiffness can be recognized for materials that are likely to have similar plastic properties.
Differential efficacy of standard inpatient treatment between Mormon and non-Mormon patients

Despite differences in doctrine and belief structure, much of current research and most therapeutic practice continue to treat the thirty six recognised denominations of Christianity identically. Analysis of 298 inpatients (37.6% Mormon) at a large state psychiatric hospital found differential efficacy based on denomination (Mormon versus Non-Mormon) on seven of the 24 items of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Differential efficacy of treatment was also found based on gender for four of the 24 items with those differences possibly stemming from gender differences in openness to therapy. Finally, two denominations by gender interactions were noted as well. Taken together, the results of the current study indicate that specific denomination membership may have a more significant impact on the outcome of therapy than current practice implies. Additionally, the current study documents some of the unique challenges and issues in treating Mormon patients.
Activated leukocytes oxidatively damage DNA, RNA, and the nucleotide pool through halide-dependent formation of hydroxyl radical.

A variety of chronic inflammatory conditions are associated with an increased risk for the development of cancer. Because of the numerous links between DNA oxidative damage and carcinogenesis, a potential role for leukocyte-generated oxidants in these processes has been suggested. In the present study, we demonstrate a novel free transition metal ion-independent mechanism for hydroxyl radical (•OH)-mediated damage of cellular DNA, RNA, and cytosolic nucleotides by activated neutrophils and eosinophils. The mechanism involves reaction of peroxidase-generated hypohalous acid (HOCl or HOBr) with intracellular superoxide (O2•-) forming •OH, a reactive oxidant species implicated in carcinogenesis. Incubation of DNA with either isolated myeloperoxidase (MPO) or eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), plasma levels of halides (Cl- and Br-), and a cell-free O2•- -generating system resulted in DNA oxidative damage. Formation of 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHG), a mutagenic base which is a marker for •OH-mediated DNA damage, required...