cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization and studies of some triethanolamine complexes of transition and representative metals

Abstract The ligand triethanolamine, 2,2′, 2″-nitrilotriethanol, forms air-stable, crystalline complexes with the bi- and the trivalent transition and representative metal salts from chromium to zinc. These compounds have not previously been characterized. They have the general formula: M (NTEH 3 ) ∗ (NTEH n ) X m where X is Cl− or CH3CO2−, and n is 2,3; m is 1,2 or 3, respectively, depending upon the charge the central metal cation, and on the value of n. Analytical and spectral data indicate that the metal is six coordinate in these compounds when the cation has unfilled 3 d subshells. These compounds are all of the high-spin type. Electronic reflectance and paper-mull spectra support the octahedral, Oh, formulation within the metallic-polyhedron, but an actual overall C2h point group for the entire monomeric group assemblage. The relative i.r. hydroxyl band intensity ratios provide direct evidence that the two axial positions in the monomers are occupied by the more basic nitrogen donor groups, and that the four equatorial positions are occupied by oxygens from the ligands. Conductance data indicate a 1:3 electrolyte in the case of Cr(NTEH3)2Cl3 and Fe(NTEH3)2Cl3; a 1:2 electrolyte in the case of Co(NTEH3)2Cl2 and Ni(NTEH3)2Cl2; and a 1:1 electrolyte in the case of Ni(NTEH3)(NTEH2)OAc, Cu2(NTEH2)2Cl2 and Cu(NTEH3)2Cl2.
A brief method of assessing communication in psychiatric patients

Abstract The Brief Communication Battery is a 10–15 minute instrument used to screen receptive and expressive grammar and semantics, discourse, reading, writing, and speech production of 31 healthy subjects and 82 patients. Alzheimer's disease (AD), schizophrenic (SZ) and Huntington (HD) patients scored significantly lower than normal subjects, revealing communication difficulties in patients who are not classically aphasic and in patients with Mini-Mental Status Exam scores in the normal range (SZ, HD). The BCB proved to be a reliable and provisionally valid instrument for screening communication.
A biphasic graft vs host response in aging chickens.

Abstract The graft vs host (GvH) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) wattle responses were the parameters chosen to evaluate cell-mediated immunity in aging chickens. At 6 and 24 months of age female spleen cells were significantly more effective in eliciting a GvH response than spleen cells from 1-, 2-, 12-, and 18-month-old females. The biphasic GvH response produced by female spleen cells was not observed for male spleens. On the other hand, peripheral blood lymphocytes from both males and females exhibited a single peak, 3–6 months, in their ability to produce a GvH response. The thymic-dependent PHA wattle response of males was significantly greatest at 1 month of age and declined thereafter. Once again the females exhibited a different pattern than the males. At 1 month of age the female's wattle response was significantly greater than at 3 months, but rather than declining with age the wattles of aging females responded like 1-month-old females. Several mechanisms are offered to explain the apparent age-related regression-regeneration of cell-mediated immunity in the female.
Neurometrics does not detect purë dyslexics

Abstract Thirty-eight severely dyslexic boys and 38 good readers were evaluated with neurometrics, a diagnostic procedure based on the application of numerical taxonomy to EEG spectra obtained during resting conditions, supplemented by selected evoked potential features. This procedure generates deviance scores for the EEG spectra by comparing each individual's values to those obtained from a normative population and has been reported to discriminate learning disabled children from normal controls (Ahn et al. 1980). In the present study, all subjects, dyslexic and control, passed stringent screening to assure normal intellectual, neurological, sensory and emotional status. The false positive rate obtained in our control group was comparable to that reported earlier. However, none of the deviance scores significantly discriminated dyslexics from controls; most subjects from both groups were classified as normal. Severe dyslexia per se is thus not associated with the specific neurometric abnormalities reported previously in more heterogeneous learning disabled populations.
Large-Scale Identification and Quantification of Covalent Modifications in Therapeutic Proteins

Covalent modifications on therapeutic proteins are traditionally monitored by chromatographic techniques, which quantify limited number of protein modifications at a time. In this report, computer algorithms for automated analyses of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) data for large-scale identification and quantification of known and unknown modifications are described. Peptide identification is achieved by comparing the experimental fragmentation spectrum to the predicted spectrum of each native or modified peptide. Peak areas of related peptide ions under their selected-ion chromatograms (SIC) are used for relative quantification of modified peptides. A matched window function is used to generate SIC for more reliable quantification. In an LC/MS/MS analysis of a tryptic digestion of an IgG2 monoclonal antibody, 1712 peptide ions were identified with a false-discovery rate of approximately 0.4%, and 227 modifications were identified and quantified. The accuracy of the mass spectrometry-based quantification is evaluated by comparing the abundance of different glycoforms determined by mass spectrometry to that determined by a fluorescence-based chromatography method. This large-scale method may potentially replace many chromatographic methods for assessing the quality attributes of therapeutic proteins.
Analysis of Epstein-Barr virus-associated posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder after lung transplantation

Background. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication of lung transplantation. Besides immunosuppression the risk factors for PTLD development are largely unknown. Methods. The incidence of PTLD was ascertained in a lung transplant population consisting of 45 patients. Nine patients (20%) experienced PTLD. The clinical, histologic, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) data were collected on all patients. The incidence of EBV infection in lymphoid tissue taken at the time of engraftment was studied by using EBV in situ hybridization. Results. All patients with PTLD had polymorphous lymphoproliferations, seven of which were polymorphous B-cell hyperplasias and two of which were polymorphous B-cell lymphomas. EBV was identified in all lesions. All patients with polymorphous B-cell hyperplasias had clinically unsuspected disease, five of which were identified at autopsy. The two polymorphous B-cell lymphoma lesions were monoclonal and regressed with immunosuppression reduction. EBV in situ hybridization on donor or recipient lymph nodes obtained at engraftment from the 45 transplant recipients showed no difference in the number of EBV positive cells in patients with and without PTLD. Cyclosporine and azathioprine dosages and cyclosporine levels were similar between patients with and without PTLD. PTLD was seen in patients with high cumulative doses of antilymphocyte globulin. Analysis of HLA status showed a predominance of HLA A2 and DR7 in the donors of the patients with PTLD, whereas donor HLA B7 was more common in patients without PTLD. Conclusions. Detailed studies are necessary to further elucidate the risk factors for PTLD development in the lung transplant population.
Dielectronic recombination coefficient for F-like selenium

Total dielectronic recombination coefficients from F-like to Ne-like selenium have been calculated for three F-like initial states for electron temperatures in the range 0.01\ensuremath{\le}T\ensuremath{\le}6 keV/${k}_{B}$. The detailed Auger and radiative rates were evaluated by using the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock model. Including additional autoionization channels to the excited states of the recombining ion in calculations of the stabilization fluorescence yields leads to a reduction of the total dielectronic coefficients by an amount less than 15%. The peak total dielectronic recombination coefficients are 3.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}11}$, 4.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}11}$, and 3.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}11}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/sec for the initial $^{2}\mathrm{S}_{1/2}$, $^{2}\mathrm{P}_{1/2}$, and $^{2}\mathrm{P}_{3/2}$ states, respectively.
Colloidal Structure of Rubber in Solution. Effect of Precipitants

Abstract RUBBER solutions are somewhat unstable and their colloidal structure, usually characterized by viscosity, can be influenced by a large number of agencies such as light, oxygen, and small amounts of various reagents. The colloidal changes caused by the addition to a rubber solution of typical nonsolvents or precipitants, such as alcohol or acetone, are distinguished by the fact that they are reversible. If the precipitant is removed, the original solution can be recovered. The reversible colloidal changes, which result eventually in precipitation, were studied in the work here reported as a means for acquiring knowledge of the colloidal structure of rubber in solution. As in a former article (8) an effort is made to utilize comparatively recent advances in the general theory of the liquid state (3, 5, 9). Previous publications dealing with the effects of nonsolvents on rubber solutions have been predominantly of technical interest and limited almost exclusively to viscosity measurements. LeBlanc a...
Anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) immunotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer

Costimulatory pathway ligands and receptors can deliver either positive or negative signals to help determine the ultimate fate of activated T lymphocytes. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) represents one of the most extensively studied receptors in the costimulatory pathway and has recently been shown to function as a potent inhibitor of T cell-mediated immunity. T-cell expression of CTLA-4 indirectly facilitates tumor progression by restraining host antitumoral immunity. In contrast, administration of a monoclonal antibody to block CTLA-4 function can alleviate restraints on T-cell activity to promote immune-mediated tumor regression. We review the preclinical and clinical experience with CTLA-4 blockade as a promising immunotherapeutic approach to treat patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Management of chronic hypertension in older men: An exploration of patient goal-setting

Abstract Objective Goal-setting is an approach to collaborative chronic care that involves clinicians and patients working together to set goals and to initiate and maintain specific self-care behaviors. Using patients’ own perspectives, this study describes how goals for the self-management of hypertension are developed and whether or not they conform to the characteristics of effective goal-setting. Methods Qualitative methodology was used to explore the process of setting self-management goals for hypertensive patients. Thirty patients participated in semi-structured interviews that ascertained the detail and specificity of self-care goals, timing and quality of feedback for setting and monitoring goals and the role of family members and caregivers in setting goals. Results Patients understood the risks associated with hypertension, had intentions to control their disease, reported conducting at least one self-care task and set informal goals for themselves; however, these goals lacked the characteristics needed to initiate and maintain behavior change. Conclusion Patient goal-setting is underdeveloped and poorly supported in chronic hypertension care. Future studies need to examine ways to support effective goal-setting. Practice implications As part of chronic hypertension care, health care providers should incorporate time and support for dedicated goal-setting to improve the effectiveness of self-management behaviors.
Prospects for proximity effect superconducting FETs

The authors address the question of how a JOFET (Josephson field effect transistor) works and whether or not a useful device of this type is feasible. They show that JOFETs represent a limiting case of normal FETs in which superconducting source and drain contacts result in zero channel resistance. This results in improved device characteristics, but does not have a major effect on speed or power dissipation. With conventional superconductors, the input and output voltage scales are incompatible, but the authors describe the extent to which this can be overcome by using high-temperature superconductors, making possible voltage gain exceeding unity. Device length and operating temperature are constrained by the natural length scale for the penetration of superconductivity into normal materials, so that submicrometer device dimensions and operating temperatures less than approximately 77 K are required. Silicon is effectively ruled out in favor of III-V materials for device operation above approximately 20 K. >
Self-organization of large gold nanoparticle arrays.

Beomseok Kim, Steven L. Tripp, and Alexander Wei*Department of Chemistry, Purdue UniVersity1393 Brown Building, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1393ReceiVed April 18, 2001ReVised Manuscript ReceiVed July 6, 2001The synthesis of nanostructured materials with tunable proper-ties is central to developments in nanoscale science and technol-ogy. Nonlithographic approaches based on thermodynamicallydriven self-organization processes are especially appealing becauseof their potential for low overhead in large-scale production. Thespontaneous organization of monolayer-protected metal nanopar-ticles into periodic two-dimensional (2D) arrays is archetypal ofthis approach, with many of these arrays demonstrating noveloptical or electronic properties as a function of particle size orinterparticle spacing.
On the Temporal and Spatial Evolution of Energetic Ion Production in the Texas Turbulent Torus

Ion heating by the strong current in the Texas Turbulent Torus has been investigated with the charge exchange fast neutral measurement with respect to correlation with a current penetration into the plasma column. At relatively low density (\(n{\cong}2\times 10^{12}\) cm -3 ), the number of heated ions increases as the current penetrates into the central region of plasma column until the current peak (\(t{\cong}1.5\) µsec). Ion energy distribution function is Bi-Maxwellian and bulk ions are heated up to temperature in excess of 300 eV at about 200 nsec from the start of heating current. Temperature of the high energy tail, of which population is several % of total ions, increases to a maximum temperature of 3.5 keV at 0.8 µsec. At high density (\(n{\cong}7\times 10^{12}\) cm -3 ), temporal evolution of radial distribution of heated ions shows that energetic ion production is restricted within the skin current region during 1.5 µsec.
Quantitation of biological retinoids by high-pressure liquid chromatography: Primary internal standardization using tritiated retinoids

A single method is described for quantitation of 14 retinoids found in biological material. The method consists of reversed-phase HPLC, internal standardization, and carrier extraction procedures with three synthetic retinoids. Primary standardization of HPLC uv detector is achieved using tritiated all-trans-retinoic acid, all-trans-retinol, all-trans-retinyl palmitate, and all-trans-retinyl acetate. Extraction methods are standardized by correlating the uv absorbance of retinoids at 340 nm with radioactivity of tritiated retinoids of known specific activity. Quantitation of 10 pg of tritiated or 5 ng of nonradioactive retinoid per 0.1 g sample in a polarity range from 4-oxoretinoic acid to retinyl stearate can be achieved in a single, 50-min chromatographic run. A single HPLC pump, a C18 reversed-phase analytical column, a multistep three-solvent gradient, and inexpensive solvents based on methanol, water, and chloroform comprise this cost-effective chromatographic system. Our primary standardization method allows investigators employing different procedures to compare results between laboratories by standardizing the HPLC uv detector with commercially available tritiated retinoids. With this method we were able to quantitate nanomolar amounts of endogenous retinoic acids and retinyl esters, that “HPLC uv only” conditions usually would not detect in the circulation and liver of rats under physiological conditions.
Current trends and new directions in crop protection

Synthetic agricultural chemicals will continue to be the major component in protecting food and fiber crops from attack by insects, fungi, and weeds. This trend will most likely continue through the end of this century and possibly beyond. The discovery and introduction of potent new pesticides such as the sulfonylurea and imidazolinone herbicides and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides have demonstrated that excellent weed and insect control can be achieved with minute amounts of chemical per treated unit area in comparison to older chemicals. In some instances, these reductions approached two orders of magnitude. Further improvements in delivery systems and formulations have also contributed to reductions in the chemical load in the environment. However, increased regulatory demands; environmental concerns; developing resistance in key pests; increasing costs of research, development, manufacturing, and selling; and even a smaller number of basic producers, all in concert impact heavily on future developments in chemical pesticides. We can expect also that, within the next decade, there will be an increasing number of introductions of biological pesticides, including microbials and biochemicals derived from microbiological sources. These new products—including mycoherbicides, mycofungicides, and biological insecticides—are expected to become prominent control measures in the intermediate time span (10-20 years), to be supplemented in the longterm by products and transgenic plants derived from recombinant DNA technology.
Endoscopic ventricular surgery.

The author reports his experience with neuroendoscopy in the management of hydrocephalus and ventricular tumors.
MO‐D‐T‐6E‐06: In Vitro Measurement of the Repair Time for Prostate Cancer

Purpose: It is concerned that the prolonged delivery time of IMRT may affect the treatment effectiveness. For prostate cancer, biological modeling suggests that the effectiveness of IMRT could be degraded by over 10% when the repair half‐time is short compared to the fraction delivery time. Published data show that repair half‐time for prostate cancer may be as short as 10 minutes or as long as a few hours. The purpose of this study is to measure the repair half‐time of prostate cancer cells with split‐dose experimentsin vitro. Method and Materials: We performed a series of single‐fraction and split‐dose experiments with the DU‐145 cell line, which is derived from human prostate cancer, and analyzed the data using the linear‐quadratic (LQ) model. The study is presented in two parts: (1) estimate the LQ parameters (α and α/β)from high‐dose‐rate survival data (0 to 12 Gy) and (2) determine the repair half‐time from split‐dose experiments (4 Gy + 4 Gy and 6 Gy + 6 Gy) with time intervals ranging from 6 minutes to 8 hours. Results: Preliminary analysis of our pilot data shows that DU‐145 cells are very radiosensitive with a large α/β ratio (α = 0.52 Gy−1 and α/β = 11.5 Gy). The repair half‐time derived from the split‐dose data is 18 minutes and the estimated standard confidence interval is between 16 to 19 minutes. No component of repair half‐time over one hour has been detected. Conclusion: The sublethal damage repair of DU‐145 prostate cancer cells is very rapid with a repair half‐time less than 20 minutes, which is consistent to the repair half‐time of 16 minutes derived from clinical data in a previously reported study. Our preliminary results needs to be verified in the follow‐up experiments.
PNEUMOCYST1S CARINII PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN WITH HIV INFECTION

Thirteen HIV infected patients with pneumonitis (9/13, less than 1 year of age) underwent 16 invasive diagnostic procedures to determine the etiology of their pulmonary disease. Procedures were: Open lung biopsy (OLB) in 7 patients (one patient had 2 OLBs), bronchial lavage (BL) in 7 patients and bronchoscopy in 1 patient. OLB was diagnostic 8/8 times, (6 were PCP and 2 were lymphoid interstitial pneumonia). OLB was associated with chest tube placement, continued intubation and ventillation in all 8 patients and two patients had dramatic deterioration in respiratory status at the time of OLB. 2/8 patients died, one related to PCP. Bronchoscopy was non-diagnostic in the one patient. This patient who had bronchoscopy developed laryngospasm requiring intubation and ventilatory support. Because of the morbidity associated with these procedures, in November, 1985, we began performing BL through an endotracheal tube by instilling and suctioning 10-15 cc's of saline through a suction catheter wedged in a small bronchus. The lavage material was cytocentrif uged and stained with Grocott and Diff Quik staining methods. 5/7 specimens were positive for PCP. In the 2 which were negative, PCP was diagnosed by OLB within 24 hours in 1 patient and the second patient had no evidence of PCP at autopsy, 4/7 were intubated, 2 prior to lavage for worsening respiratory status and 3/7 subsequently died, 1 of these deaths was related to PCP. BL is a successful and less invasive alternative for the diagnosis of PCP. It's use as the initial diagnostic procedure for pneumonitis may obviate the need for OLB.
Introduction of a disulfide bond into a cationic lipid enhances transgene expression of plasmid DNA.

We have introduced a convenient method of synthesis for disulfide-containing cationic lipids. The lipid, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-succinyl-2-hydroxyethyl disulfide ornithine conjugate (DOGSDSO), was synthesized and used to prepare liposomes in combination with DOPE. The rationale behind the selection of the disulfide bond was to produce a lipid which could be selectively destabilized within the cytosol of the cell. The disulfide bond of DOGSDSO was shown to be cleaved by reductive media leading to destabilization of the liposome/DNA complex, thus increasing the release of pDNA compared to a non-disulfide-containing analog. The introduction of a disulfide bond increases the transfection activity using model animal cell lines. The transfection activity and toxicity of DOTAP, DOGSDSO and its analog in three cell lines were compared. The amount of transgene (e.g. luciferase) produced with the use of DOGSDSO/DOPE was greater than that of DOTAP/DOPE and up to 50 times more than that of its non-disulfide analog. The results indicate disulfide-containing cationic liposomes may act as excellent vectors for gene transfection.
Dimensional separability or flexibility of attention? Age trends in perceiving configural stimuli☆

Abstract The hypothesis that perceptual development proceeds from less to greater dimensional separability was tested by giving a speeded classification task to first and fouth graders. In Experiment 1, children sorted line drawings of a cartoon figure into two piles according to his eyes (open or closed) or his mouth (smiling or frowning). First graders exhibited the pattern characteristic of integral dimensions: An interference effect was found when dimensions were combined orthogonally and a facilitation effect when dimensions were correlated, relative to a condition in which only one dimension varied. Fourth graders exhibited an optional separable pattern: There was facilitation in the correlated condition but no interference in the orthogonal condition. These results support the hypothesis that development proceeds toward greater flexibility of attention rather than simply toward increasing separability. A flexible field hypothesis of visual attention was suggested to explain how older children can exercise such optional separability. This hypothesis correctly predicted the asymmetrical relation between dimensions found in Experiments 2 and 3: For both first and fourth graders, the eyes of a cartoon figure (open or closed) and his location (right or left) were nonseparable when the eyes were relevant and separable (or optional separable) when location was relevant.
Leaf cavity size differentiation and water relations in Carex eleocharis

Carex eleocharis leaves contain large intercellular cavities that traverse the length of the leaf above rows of stomata and are roughly constant in size throughout a leaf. Semithin sections (1-2 ,um) demonstrate that the substomatal chambers are directly continuous with the intercellular cavities. Leaves of plants inhabiting moist swale regions of the shortgrass steppe, in northeastern Colorado, were found to have larger cavities as compared to leaves of plants inhabiting dry hilltops. Plants collected from a common hilltop site were grown in a controlled environment chamber, and, by manipulating the watering schedule, we obtained water potentials similar to those in the field. Leaves of "well-watered" plants were found to have larger intercellular cavities as compared to "water-stressed" plants. Leaf mesophyll cell sizes did not differ significantly between "well-watered" and "water-stressed" plants, suggesting that cavity size differences are not the result of developmental differences. Leaf cavities were shown to contain gases and to occur along the leaf length above rows of stomata. Additionally, the cavities in unstressed plants were continuous with substomal chambers. It is proposed that the reduction of cavity size is a mechanism to reduce water loss from the leaves during periods of plant water stress. CAREXELEOCHARIS iS a C3 species that inhabits a number of microsites within the shortgrass steppe region ofthe central great plains of North America. These microsites differ in many aspects, but a striking moisture gradient exists along the slopes of the gently rolling hills that characterize the topography. Carex eleocharis occurs throughout the topographical relief, from relatively "dry" hilltops to swale areas that receive much runoW water. Earlier examination of the anatomy of the leaves of this species revealed large intercellular cavities (Williams and Monson, 1981). Williams and Monson (1981) suggested that the cavities had a functional role in the water relations and gas exchange of C. eleocharis. Although these cavities have been described as air-canals, the basis for this designation has not been adequately established (Metcalfe, 1971). Also lacking are experimental data or descriptive studies that relate cavity size and specific environmental parameters. It is the purpose of this research to examine the nature of these cavities and determine if their size is regulated by and/or correlated with plant water status.
Disentangling the impact of side chains and fluorine substituents of conjugated donor polymers on the performance of photovoltaic blends

Side chains and fluorine (F) substituents on conjugated polymers have shown significant impact on the photovoltaic properties of polymer-based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells, but their respective impact is largely studied independently. In order to disentangle the effect of side chains and F substituents, we comprehensively investigate a series of conjugated polymers with an identical backbone (PNDT–DTBT) but different combinations of side chains and F substituents. Surprisingly, these seemingly marginal changes to the polymer backbone strongly influence the morphology and structure in BHJ thin films (e.g., domain size/purity and the relative orientation of polymer crystallites), as manifested by resonant soft X-ray scattering (R-SoXS) and grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GI-WAXS), thereby exerting significant impact on the photovoltaic properties of these conjugated polymer-based BHJ cells. Devices based on the polymer with long bulky side chains and F substituents (C8,4-C6,2F) simultaneously exhibit large open circuit voltage (Voc), high short circuit current (Jsc) and good fill factor (FF), with an efficiency as high as 5.6% for this series of PNDT–DTBT polymers.
Predictive Factors for Early Colonization with Resistant Gram Negative Rods(GNRs) in a Pediatric ICU (PICU). ♦ 773

Predictive Factors for Early Colonization with Resistant Gram Negative Rods(GNRs) in a Pediatric ICU (PICU). ♦ 773
What good is a diachronic will

There are two standard conceptions of the functioning of and rationale for the diachronic will, i.e., for an agent’s capacity to settle on her future conduct in advance. According to the pragmatic-instrumentalist view, the diachronic will benefits us by increasing the long-term satisfaction of our rational preferences. According to the cognitive view, it benefits us by satisfying our standing desire for self-knowledge and self-understanding. Contrary to these views, I argue for a constitutive view of the diachronic will: the rationale for it is that it makes possible to engage in activities with a radically novel temporal structure, activities that are not merely continuous over time, but temporally integrated and unified. These activities are essential to our form of life and to our existence as temporally unified agents. The instrumental and cognitive benefits, if any, are merely secondary to the ontological ones.
Diuretic therapy in syndromes associated with sodium and water retention

Abstract In discussing some of the more common clinical syndromes of edema, we note that renal retention of sodium and water is a common denominator but that other factors such as decreased colloid osmotic pressure of the blood, decreased blood flow to the liver and decreased or abnormal hormonal activity may be the primary event and must be given primary therapeutic consideration. It is also seen that in varying degrees of importance, natriuretic (or diuretic) agents are a therapeutic common denominator for the treatment of symptoms associated with excessive sodium and water retention.
The stress concentration factor for slightly roughened random surfaces: Analytical solution

Abstract We derive an analytical solution to the stress concentration factor ( k t ) for slightly roughened random surfaces. Topology is assumed to possess Gaussian distribution of heights and auto correlation length, ACL . For our development, we combine Gao’s first-order perturbation method, the Hilbert transform, and an energy conservation principal related to the Parseval theorem.The root-mean-square (RMS) value of k t results in a function of the ratio RMS -roughness to ACL . The derived formula agrees with experimental results previously reported. The results provide insight for more efficient design.
Assessing the relationships between gender, chronicity, seriousness, and offense skewness in criminal offending

Abstract Across a variety of data sources, countries, cities, and time periods, researchers have consistently documented the existence of a chronic offender. Such offenders comprise a small percentage of cohort members, but are responsible for a large proportion of criminal offenses, including violent offenses. This research has provided useful descriptive information on criminal careers leading to the development of theoretical accounts and controversial public policies, though there are two limitations of this line of research. The first is the highly skewed distribution of offending rates. The second is that little is known about the existence of the chronic female offender. The present research attempted to overcome these limitations, using data from the Philadelphia Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP) Birth Cohort, in an effort to provide descriptive information on whether chronic offenders are the most serious offenders, and the extent to which the relationship between chronicity and seriousness is invariant across gender. In addition, this research used a measure of offense skewness that allows for meaningful comparisons of offense skewness both within and across data sources. The results suggest that: (1) a small group of offenders is responsible for a large proportion of the offenses, and (2) relative to one-time and recidivist offenders (2–4 offenses), chronic offenders (5+ offenses) are more likely to display an early onset of offending as well as participate in violent offending. These two results were invariant across gender. When examining measures of offense skewness, the results suggested that, while the Philadelphia CPP had slightly lower offense skewness than the 1958 Philadelphia birth cohort, males had higher offense skewness compared to females. Implications for future research were also addressed.
Liquid and Ice Cloud Microphysics in the CSU General Circulation Model. Part II: Impact on Cloudiness, the Earth's Radiation Budget, and the General Circulation of the Atmosphere

Abstract A prognostic equation for the mass of condensate associated with large-scale cloudiness introduces a direct coupling between the atmospheric moisture budget and the radiation budget through interactive cloud amounts and cloud optical properties. We have compared the cloudiness, the top-of-the-atmosphere and surface radiation budgets, the radiative forcing of clouds, and the atmospheric general circulation simulated with the Colorado State University general circulation model with and without such a prognostic cloud parameterization. In the EAULIQ run, the radiative effects of cloud water, cloud ice, and snow are considered; those of rain are omitted. The cloud optical depth and cloud infrared emissivity depend on the cloud water, cloud ice, and snow paths predicted by a bulk cloud microphysics parameterization. In the CONTROL run, a conventional large-scale condensation scheme is used. Cloud optical properties depend on the mean cloud temperatures. Results are presented in terms of January and Ju...
Infusion of exogenous platelet-activating factor produces intrauterine growth restriction in the rat.

To determine the impact of exogenous platelet-activating factor (PAF) on pregnancy outcome in th rat. Carbamyl-PAF (0.05, 0.5, or 5.0 μg/kg per hour) or vehicle was infused intravenously for 7 days by osmotic pump into timed pregnant rats. Infusion was begun on day 14 of a 22-day gestation. Maternal mean arterial blood pressures were measured on days 1, 4, and 7 of the infusion. On gestational day 21 (PAF infusion day 7), fetal and placental weights and viability were evaluated at hysterotomy. Uterine and placental PAF receptor expression was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis. Data were analyzed by analyzis of variance, χ2, or the Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. Fetal weights were dose-dependently lower than control, by 19% and 35%, respectively, at dosages of 0.5 and 5.0 μg/kg per hour (P < .001) but were not affected at the 0.05 μg/kg per hour dose of carbamyl-PAF. Placental weights were significantly lower at all doses (P < .001). Fetal demise was dose-dependently higher and was significantly different from the control group at the 0.5 and 5.0 μg/kg per hour doses of carbamyl-PAF (P < .0001). Maternal mean arterial pressures were not altered by these doses of carbamyl-PAF. PAF receptors were expressed abundantly in both uterus and placenta. Exogenous PAF produces dose-dependent fetal growth restriction in the rat. Placental growth is particularly sensitive to PAF and, coupled with the dose-dependent decline in fetal growth, suggests a dose-dependent decline in function. An elevated level of PAF is detrimental to fetal growth and well-being in the rat.
Problems with relaxed shifted controls and the pointwise maximum principle

Abstract In previous work [J. Warga, A proper relaxation of controls with variable shifts, J. Math Anal. Appl. 196 (1995) 783–793], it has been shown that controls with k variable and unrelated time shifts form a set ℜ whose closure ℜ ¯ in the weak star topology of L 1 ( T , C ( Ω k + 1 ) ) ∗ is a convex and compact space. This provides a basis for establishing the existence of an optimal solution of the shifted control problem by essentially copying the assumptions and arguments used for control problems without shifted controls. Similarly, the necessary optimality conditions, for original and relaxed minima, that define an extremal, previously studied for differential and functional equations, apply directly to such problems with shifted controls except that the maximum principle follows directly in integral form only. In the present note we first establish the form of dependence of the relaxed shifted controls on the shifts and then use the integral form of the maximum principle to derive a corresponding pointwise maximum principle for optimal (ordinary or relaxed) shifted controls acting through ordinary differential and certain functional–differential equations.
Re-evaluation of the Immunological Big Bang

Classically the immunological 'Big Bang' of adaptive immunity was believed to have resulted from the insertion of a transposon into an immunoglobulin superfamily gene member, initiating antigen receptor gene rearrangement via the RAG recombinase in an ancestor of jawed vertebrates. However, the discovery of a second, convergent adaptive immune system in jawless fish, focused on the so-called variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs), was arguably the most exciting finding of the past decade in immunology and has drastically changed the view of immune origins. The recent report of a new lymphocyte lineage in lampreys, defined by the antigen receptor VLRC, suggests that there were three lymphocyte lineages in the common ancestor of jawless and jawed vertebrates that co-opted different antigen receptor supertypes. The transcriptional control of these lineages during development is predicted to be remarkably similar in both the jawless (agnathan) and jawed (gnathostome) vertebrates, suggesting that an early 'division of labor' among lymphocytes was a driving force in the emergence of adaptive immunity. The recent cartilaginous fish genome project suggests that most effector cytokines and chemokines were also present in these fish, and further studies of the lamprey and hagfish genomes will determine just how explosive the Big Bang actually was.
Evidence-Based Protocol: Treatment of Pressure Ulcers

Those who provide direct care to older adults with pressure ulcers play a significant role in ensuring the environment is optimal for wound healing. Use of the evidence-based guideline "Treatment of Pressure Ulcers" (Folkedahl, Frantz & Goode, 2002b) can provide a template for implementation of interventions to maximize the repair process.
In-situ ATR-IR investigation of methylcinnamic acid adsorption and hydrogenation on Pd/Al2O3

Abstract The adsorption and hydrogenation of C = C in α-methylcinnamic acid in dichloromethane over the concentration range 2–16 mM have been studied on Al2O3 and Pd/Al2O3 using in-situ attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. For Al2O3, the spectra reveal that the acid adsorbs both molecularly and dissociatively, while for 1 wt.% Pd/Al2O3 only the latter is observed. In the case of molecular adsorption, C = O stretching vibrations arising from adsorbed monomer (1710 cm− 1) and dimer (1684 cm− 1) species were observed. In the case of dissociatively adsorbed carboxylate, the typical asymmetric (1522 cm− 1) and symmetric (1378 cm− 1) vibrations are observed. No changes in adsorbed species were observed in the presence of solution-phase H2 over alumina, whereas significant changes occurred for Pd/Al2O3. While bands associated with monomer/dimer and carboxylate species still persist on the surface in the presence of H2, new vibrational features associated with adsorbed product (i.e., α-methylhydrocinnamic acid) are detected. The results demonstrate that the product is strongly adsorbed under hydrogenation conditions, which likely influences the catalytic performance of this system.
The double victim: The sexually abused child and the judicial system

The American judical system continues to dampen the willingness of juvenile victims of sexual abuse to testify against their alleged abuser. A recent example of this continuing double victimization appears in the U.S. Supreme Court decision ofCoy v. Iowa (1988). The rights of minor sexual abuse victims are explored through case law, statutes, legal literature and historical references as they impact the minor during the judicial process. It is difficult to achieve justice for sexually abused children in a judicial system designed for adults; thus, the sexually abused child remains a double victim in our contemporary judicial system.
Depth profiling of poly(L-lactic acid)/triblock copolymer blends with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry employing an SF5+ polyatomic primary ion source was utilized to obtain a series of in-depth profiles from PLLA/Pluronic-P104 (poly(ethylene oxide-co-propylene oxide) triblock copolymer) blends in attempts to quantify the in-depth surface segregated Pluronic region. The resultant in-depth profiles were consistent with theoretical models describing the surface segregated region in polymeric blends and copolymer systems, with a surface enriched Pluronic-P104 region, followed by a P104 depletion layer, and finally a constant composition bulk region. These results were consistent over a range of concentrations (1−25%). The depth profiles obtained using cluster SIMS were compared to information obtained using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that, with cluster primary ion bombardment, we are for the first time able to quantify the polymeric composition as a function of depth within certain multicomponent polymer blends. This success can be ...
Distinct Mechanisms for Regulating the Tumor Suppressor and Antiapoptotic Functions of Rb

The retinoblastoma protein, Rb, suppresses tumorigenesis by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting senescence and differentiation. Paradoxically, Rb also inhibits apoptosis, which would seem to oppose its tumor suppressor function. Further, most human cancer cells inactivate Rb by hyperphosphorylation and demonstrate increased proliferative capacity but not high levels of apoptosis. As a potential explanation for these findings, we show here that the tumor suppressor and antiapoptotic functions of Rb are regulated by distinct phosphorylation events. Phosphorylation of sites in the C terminus occurs efficiently every cell cycle and regulates proliferation. Phosphorylation of Ser567 is inefficient and does not occur during the normal cell cycle. However, high cyclin-dependent kinase activity promotes phosphorylation of Ser567 by inducing an intramolecular interaction that leads to release of E2F, degradation of Rb, and susceptibility to apoptosis. Thus, phosphorylation of Ser567 may limit excessive proliferation by triggering cell death under hyperproliferative conditions. These findings suggest that the antiproliferative and antiapoptotic activities of Rb may represent complementary functions that work in concert to maintain the proliferation rate of cells within certain limits. As a survival strategy, some cancer cells may exploit this dual role of Rb by phosphorylating sites that regulate tumor suppression but avoiding phosphorylation of Ser567 and consequent apoptotic stimulus.
Mad world: sex, politics, style, and the 1960s

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (USA), 19 February 2010 The AMC series Mad Men, which depicts the heady world of Madison Avenue in the early 1960s, has been getting a lot of attention la...
Coronary artery distensibility and compensatory vessel enlargement--a novel parameter influencing vascular remodeling?

Vascular remodeling implies the concept of compensatory vessel enlargement to preserve luminal dimensions during atheromatous plaque development. However, negative remodeling, i.e. vessel shrinkage in response to plaque accumulation has also been described. So far, the factors influencing positive or negative remodeling are uncertain. We hypothesized that vascular distensibility, a measure of vessel compliance, is related to compensatory enlargement.
Learning from Looking at Sound: Using Multimedia Spectrograms to Explore World Music.

This article details the use of multimedia spectrogram displays for visualizing and understanding music. A section on foundational considerations presents similarities and differences between Western musical scores and spectrograms, in particular the benefit in avoiding Western notation when using music from a culture where representation through the use of a score may misrepresent that culture. Four examples from the author’s own teaching and research detail applications of multimedia spectrograms. A tutorial provides guidance for generating spectrograms using the free program Audacity. The article closes with three extension projects suitable for classroom teachers to use with their students.
Tenure alone is not sufficient: monitoring is essential

Many scholars call for the establishment of one kind of formal tenure—government ownership, privatization, or community control—as the way to solve problems associated with high levels of deforestation. This will not work without extensive and consistent monitoring of forest use. In this article, we draw on analyses of time-series remote images, on-the-ground social-ecological surveys of local stakeholders and their forests, and experimental laboratory studies to show that “protected” forests may not be protected in practice when tenure alone is deemed to be the “solution.” When users themselves consider the rules in place to be legitimate, they are frequently willing to engage themselves in monitoring and sanctioning of uses considered illegal, even when related to government-owned property. When users are genuinely engaged in decisions about rules affecting their use, the likelihood of users to follow the rules and monitor others is much greater than when an external authority simply imposes rules. Simple formulas focusing on formal ownership, particularly ones based solely on public ownership of forested lands, will not solve the problems of resource overuse.
Use of a committee review process to improve the quality of course examinations.

Purpose:In conjunction with curricular changes, a process to develop integrated examinations was implemented. Pre-established guidelines were provided favoring vignettes, clinically relevant material, and application of knowledge rather than simple recall. Questions were read aloud in a committee including all course directors, and a reviewer with National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) item writing and review experience. This study examines the effectiveness of this process to improve the quality of in-house examinations. Methods:Five hundred and twenty items were randomly selected from two academic years for initial comparison; 270 from 2000 to 2001, and 250 from 2001 to 2002. The first set of items represented the style, content and format when courses and tests were departmentally/discipline based, assembled by course directors, and administered separately. The latter group represented similar characteristics when courses and tests were organ-system-based, committee-reviewed and administered in an integrated examination. Items were randomized, blinded for year of origin, and rated by three NBME staff members with extensive item review experience. A five-point rating scale was used: one indicated a technically flawed item assessing recall of an isolated fact; five indicated a technically unflawed item assessing application of knowledge. To assess continued improvement, a follow-up set of 250 items from the 2002 to 2003 academic year was submitted to the same three reviewers who were not informed of the purpose or origin of this set of test items Results:The mean rating for items from 2000 to 2001 was 2.51 ± 1.27; analogous values for 2001–2002 were 3.16 ± 1.33, (t = 5.83; p < 0.0001), and in 2002–2003; 3.59 ± 1.15 (t = 10.11; p<0.0001). Conclusion:Pre-established guidelines and an interdisciplinary review process resulted in improved item quality for in-house examinations.