cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tobacco Exposure Is Associated With Extremely Low Polyethylene Oxidation in Total Knee Arthroplasty Components

Abstract Background We evaluate whether patient exposures such as tobacco use are associated with high systemic or local in vivo oxidative state and with increased in vivo polyethylene oxidation. Methods We performed a case-control study which evaluated clinical factors associated with high systemic or local in vivo oxidative state among patients whose implants have been identified as demonstrating either extreme or minimal oxidation by our implant retrieval laboratory. Analysis of more than 2500 tibial inserts from explanted total knee arthroplasty demonstrated a wide spectrum of polyethylene oxidation. Components from some patients exhibited extremely high oxidation rates (super-oxidizers), and components from other patients demonstrated negligible oxidation (nonoxidizers). Patients’ clinical data were retrospectively investigated from a prospectively collected institutional database. Results Eighteen patients met criteria as either super-oxidizers (9) or nonoxidizers (9). Average time in vivo was 6.6 (±4.4) years. Reasons for removal were aseptic loosening (10), instability (3), infection (2), component malposition (1), massive osteolysis (1), and other (1). Chi-square for categorical predictors demonstrated that nonoxidizer patients were significantly more likely to be current smokers than super-oxidizers (6 vs 0, P = .012). No other free radical–associated variables were significantly different across oxidation groups. Conclusion There was a significant association between extremely low ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxidation and current smoking.
Reseña de "They Call Us Enemy" de George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott y Harmony Becker

Resena de "They Call Us Enemy" de George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott y Harmony Becker
Within-person methodology to study the addiction recovery process of women.

Women are among the fastest growing populations of those with substance use disorders in the United States. Women face different social barriers than men in their access to treatment and recovery f...
Bench-to-bedside review: Outcome predictions for critically ill patients in the emergency department

The escalating number of emergency department (ED) visits, length of stay, and hospital overcrowding have been associated with an increasing number of critically ill patients cared for in the ED. Existing physiologic scoring systems have traditionally been used for outcome prediction, clinical research, quality of care analysis, and benchmarking in the intensive care unit (ICU) environment. However, there is limited experience with scoring systems in the ED, while early and aggressive intervention in critically ill patients in the ED is becoming increasingly important. Development and implementation of physiologic scoring systems specific to this setting is potentially useful in the early recognition and prognostication of illness severity. A few existing ICU physiologic scoring systems have been applied in the ED, with some success. Other ED specific scoring systems have been developed for various applications: recognition of patients at risk for infection; prediction of mortality after critical care transport; prediction of in-hospital mortality after admission; assessment of prehospital therapeutic efficacy; screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome; and prediction of pediatric hospital admission. Further efforts at developing unique physiologic assessment methodologies for use in the ED will improve quality of patient care, aid in resource allocation, improve prognostic accuracy, and objectively measure the impact of early intervention in the ED.
MetabNet: An R Package for Metabolic Association Analysis of High-Resolution Metabolomics Data

Liquid-chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry provides capability to measure >40,000 ions derived from metabolites in biologic samples. This presents challenges to confirm identities of known chemicals and delineate potential metabolic pathway associations of unidentified chemicals. We provide an R package for metabolic network analysis, MetabNet, to perform targeted metabolome-wide association study (MWAS) of specific metabolites to facilitate detection of their related metabolic pathways and network structures.
The effects of lifelong blindness on murine neuroanatomy and gene expression.

Mammalian neocortical development is regulated by neural patterning mechanisms, with distinct sensory and motor areas arising through the process of arealization. This development occurs alongside developing central or peripheral sensory systems. Specifically, the parcellation of neocortex into specific areas of distinct cytoarchitecture, connectivity and function during development is reliant upon both cortically intrinsic mechanisms, such as gene expression, and extrinsic processes, such as input from the sensory receptors. This developmental program shifts from patterning to maintenance as the animal ages and is believed to be active throughout life, where the brain’s organization is stable yet plastic. In this study, we characterize the long-term effects of early removal of visual input via bilateral enucleation at birth. To understand the long-term effects of early blindness we conducted anatomical and molecular assays 18 months after enucleation, near the end of lifespan in the mouse. Bilateral enucleation early in life leads to long-term, stable size reductions of the thalamic lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and the primary visual cortex (V1) alongside a increase in individual whisker barrel size. Neocortical gene expression in the aging brain has not been previously identified; we document cortical expression of multiple regionalization genes. Expression patterns of Ephrin A5, COUP-TFI, and RZRs and patterns of intraneocortical connectivity are altered in the neocortices of aging blind mice. Sensory inputs from different modalities during development likely play a major role in the development of cortical areal and thalamic nuclear boundaries. We suggest that early patterning by prenatal retinal activity combined with persistent gene expression within the thalamus and cortex is sufficient to establish and preserve a small but present LGN and V1 into late adulthood.
Kinetic studies of the prolyl transfer ribonucleic acid synthetase of Escherichia coli. Order of addition of substrates and release of products.

Abstract The order of the partial reactions of the prolyl transfer RNA synthetase of Escherichia coli has been studied by measurements of initial velocity, product inhibition, and dead-end inhibition. The nature of the kinetic patterns reveal that the mechanism is Bi Uni Uni Bi Ping Pong (Cleland, W. W., Biochim. Biophys Acta, 67, 104 (1963)). ATP is the first substrate to enter into the reaction sequence and prolyl-tRNA is the last product to dissociate from the enzyme. The order of addition of substrates and release of products follows an obligatory sequence.
Photon energy response of an aluminum oxide TLD environmental dosimeter

Because of aluminum oxide's significant advantage in sensitivity over LiF, minimal fading characteristics, and ease of processing, aluminum oxide thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) are being phased in at Los Alamos for environmental monitoring of photon radiation. The new environmental dosimeter design consists of a polyethylene holder, about 0.5 cm thick, loaded with a stack of four aluminum oxide TLD chips, each 1 mm thick and 5 mm in diameter. As part of the initial evaluation of the new design, the photon energy response of the dosimeter was calculated over the range from 10 keV to 1 MeV. Specific goals of the analysis included the determination of individual chip response in the stack, assessment of the response variation due to TLD material (i.e., LiF versus Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/), and the effect of copper filtration in flattening the response. >
The Future of Baccalaureate Degrees for Nurses

PROBLEM. Unlike other professional healthcare disciplines, the profession of nursing has multiple levels of entry. Recently, several states have proposed legislation to mandate completion of baccalaureate education after 10 years of nursing licensure. METHODS. This article examines the proposals, statistics, strategies, and other relevant literature on baccalaureate education for nurses and the positive outcomes associated with a more highly educated nursing workforce. FINDINGS. The proposal recognizes the entry level preparation provided by associate degree nurses and is an innovative solution that offers a balance between multiple entry levels into practice and continued educational preparation. CONCLUSIONS. Through a combination of the entry level preparation of associate degree nurses and baccalaureate education, a stronger nursing workforce can be created and patient outcomes and quality of care improved.
STUDIES IN THE PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY OF THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY HORMONES SEPARATION OF FIVE ANTERIOR PITUITARY HORMONES INTO DIFFERENT FRACTIONS BY ISOELECTRIC AND AMMONIUM SULFATE PRECIPITATION1

THE ISOLATION as chemical individuals of the various proteins of any tissue systern would appear to be not only possible but desirable to the end of understanding in how far the physiological functions ascribed to the tissue are attributes of different molecules. The anterior pituitary gland has been chosen for the present study since it has been shown to subserve a wide variety of physiological functions. There has been considerable discussion as to whether or not these functions are performed by the same or by different molecules. Many of the anterior pituitary hormones are proteins and the problem of their separation is therefore one of protein chemistry. It seemed desirable to determine how far the methods that have been developed for the separation of the serum and other proteins (1, 2) could be employed in the fractionation of the anterior pituitary gland
Magnetic resonance imaging ofarticular cartilage injuries of the knee

Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely available, powerful imaging modality in the United States that has rapidly become a mainstay for evaluation of the musculoskeletal system, largely because of its unparalleled depiction of most osseous and soft-tissue pathology. The application of MRI to detect cartilage injuries has evolved to the point where it is possible to noninvasively diagnose cartilage lesions that previously required an invasive examination, eg, arthrography or arthroscopy. However, successful cartilage imaging requires knowledge of the unique technical considerations and limitations of MRI. In this chapter we review current state-of-the-art knee MRI for three groups of chondral disorders: acute osteochondral fractures, osteochondritis dissecans, and degenerative lesions. The role of MRI in osteochondral fractures includes the demonstration of purely chondral intra-articular fragments and the identification of associated injuries, especially previously unrecognized subchondral bruises. MRI may also play a role in surveillance for osteochondral sequelae after injury. For osteochondritis dissecans, MRI can provide evidence supporting the diagnosis of a loose fragment and may aid in the evaluation of cartilage overlying osteochondral defects. Current MRI techniques can show moderate and severe lesions of chondromalacia and chondrosis. Newer techniques show potential for diagnosing these degenerative conditions at earlier stages when the changes are mild. We review these issues and provide examples showing the MRI appearance of common articular injuries.
Application of vibration in the laser powder deposition process

Laser powder deposition (LPD) has been used for a few decades as a technique that is unique in the application of complex geometry part manufacturing, high-value parts repairing, and surface modification. However, improving the buildup quality of LPD process is still a challenge because of the presence of defects. In this paper, the effect of in-process vibration frequency on the buildup properties of LPD is studied. Experimental results show that the vibratory energy has a significant effect on reducing porosity. Up to an 80% reduction in the porosity and the maximum defect size can be obtained by choosing the appropriate vibration parameters. In addition, a more homogeneous microstructure is achieved that results in less deviation in hardness throughout the buildup.
Epikeratoprosthesis in rhesus monkeys.

The purpose of the epikeratoprosthesis (EKP) is to replace the corneal epithelium with an artificial substance. Theoretically, this could benefit many patients with corneal disease in whom keratoplasty was unsuccess­ ful or unwarranted. Although this concept is not new,' its advancement has been ham­ pered by a lack of suitable materials. With the introduction of the cyanoacrylate adhesives, the use of methyl methacrylate lenses which are bonded to corneas has received considerable attention in recent years. Clinically, the evaluation of E K P lenses has progressed along two lines—animal and human studies. In animals, the majority of work has been done in rabbits, and the re­ sults are conflicting. Gasset and Kaufman reported good results in twenty rabbit eyes that were followed for three months. Refojo and associates reported limbal vasculariza­ tion in rabbit corneas that were followed for one month. Recently Girard and associates reported vascularization of 11 rabbit corneas that had lenses in place for more than a month. Our experience with the EKP in rabbits has been similar to that of Girard, with total vascularization of the corneas af­ ter one to two months. Gasset and Kaufman also reported good tolerance in eight monkey eyes with E K P lenses, but this was only af­ ter an eight-week f ollowup. Although initial reports in humans were quite encouraging after short-term followup,· later reports have revealed definite com­ plications. Kaufman and Gasset reported that five out of 30 E K P lenses followed for
Objective and subjective assessments of parenting in hyperactive preschoolers

Objective: To evaluate whether the mother–child interactions of hyperactive preschool children and their typically developing peers differentially vary as a function of situational demands, and whether groupwise differences exist with respect to disciplinary practices and family lifestyles (e.g. level of parental investment, strategies for responding to child-initiated provocation). Methods: Parenting practices were assessed via videotaped parent–child interactions and self-report methods in mother–child dyads of 21 hyperactive preschoolers and 48 age-matched control dyads. Results: Hyperactive preschoolers were significantly more non-compliant during parent–child interactions. Mothers of hyperactive preschoolers exhibited more negative behaviour and less encouragement with heightened situational demands. Although few significant differences were reported regarding disciplinary practices, parents of hyperactive preschoolers reported greater levels of anger and child rearing difficulty, and perceived their children as more bothersome. Conclusions: Parents of hyperactive preschoolers may profit from interventions that are sensitive to the impact of situational changes on their behaviour and which address possible attributional biases regarding the source of parent–child discord. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Armed Servants: Agency, Oversight, and Civil–Military Relations

Armed Servants: Agency, Oversight, and Civil–Military Relations. By Peter D. Feaver. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2003. 400p. 19.95 paper.Most scholars work within established paradigms. Few have the temerity to challenge them—and fewer still succeed in causing fundamental reconsideration. Peter Feaver has accomplished the latter task. He has taken on the dominant long-standing theoretical framework for American civil–military relations and, in the process, provided a more accurate view of them in the early twenty-first century.
Multiuser environment for the display and processing of digital cardiac angiographic images

The increased application of digital imaging techniques to diagnostic cardiology requires the resolution of several remaining problems involving the transmis sion display and storage of clinical image data. A Digital Imaging Laboratory is being assembled for the purpose of addressing these problems on a routine clinical basis in a high volume environment. The laboratory consists of independent workstations connected over a local area network which can be accessed by different users for display analysis and storage of diagnostic image data. In addition the laboratory is connected to a hospital-wide network providing communication with other clinical laboratories and other digital imaging modalities.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cloning of rat lutropin (LH) receptor analogs lacking the soybean lectin domain.

Abstract cDNAs coding for rat ovarian luteinizing hormone receptor analogs lacking three of the leucine repeats were detected in a library which had been prepared from rat luteal tissue undergoing human chorionic gonadotropin-induced luteinization. These leucine repeats correspond to amino acids 206–267 and contain the portion of the receptor that is homologous to the soybean lectin. The cDNA library also contained a receptor analog lacking amino acids 321–700 which code for the transmembrane domain. S-l mapping suggests that this latter form constitutes approximately half of all receptor-related mRNA.
Quantitation of Protein-Bound 3-Nitrotyrosine and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Array Detection☆

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) have been implicated in myriad disease etiologies and may represent an obligate pathologic sequelus of inflammation. Unfortunately, few sensitive and specific analytical techniques exist for the routine assay of biomarkers indicative of ROS and RNS elaboration. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography is used in conjunction with coulometric electrochemical array (HPLC-EC) detection to allow ultrasensitive determination of protein-bound 3-nitrotyrosine and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (3-hydroxytyrosine) as specific in situ biomarkers of protein exposure to reactive nitrating and oxidizing species. Tyrosine and derivatives can be analyzed simultaneously with practical detection limits for tyrosine, 3-NT, and 3,4-Dopa being 10, 50, and 2 pmol, respectively, in as little as 20 microL of sample. HPLC-EC array detection allows two-dimensional resolution of chromatograms, greatly facilitating peak detection and confidence assignment. A method of sample preparation wherein tyrosine analogs are enzymatically hydrolyzed from protein without the need for sample extraction, concentration, or derivatization is reported.
Morphology of embryonic neostriatal cell suspensions transplanted into adult neostriata.

Abstract Embryonic neostriatal cell suspensions were transplanted into intact or kainic acid-lesioned neostriata of adult host rats. These transplants survived and were sacrificed at 34–78 days posttransplantation. Nissl and Golgi preparations revealed neurons present within the transplants. Neurons with abundant dendritic spines (Spiny type I) were most frequent, but those with fewer spines (Spiny type II) and smooth dendrites (Aspiny II and III) were also present. These results indicate that neostriatal transplants are populated by the major output and internuncial neurons of the neostriatum.
Antipyretic properties of centrally administered α-MSH fragments in the rabbit

alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH 1-13) has marked antipyretic effects when administered centrally or peripherally in small doses. A C-terminal fragment, alpha-MSH (11-13), contains an antipyretic message sequence of alpha-MSH; however, the lesser potency of this fragment relative to that of the entire molecule suggests that other amino acids of the alpha-MSH sequence are essential for the full antipyretic effect. Graded doses of alpha-MSH (11-13) (Ac LysProVal NH2), alpha-MSH (10-13) (Ac GlyLysProVal NH2), and alpha-MSH (8-13) (Ac ArgTrpGlyLysProVal NH2), were injected into the cerebral ventricles of rabbits made febrile by IV administration of crude interleukin-1. All three fragments reduced fever in a dose-related manner. The (8-13) sequence was much more effective than the other two fragments, and the (10-13) portion was less effective than the (11-13) tripeptide. None of the fragments was as potent as alpha-MSH (1-13). The results confirm that an antipyretic message resides within alpha-MSH (11-13) and sequential addition of amino acids to alpha-MSH (11-13) can both enhance and reduce the potency of the fragment.
EphB signaling regulates target innervation in the developing and deafferented auditory brainstem

Precision in auditory brainstem connectivity underlies sound localization. Cochlear activity is transmitted to the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) in the mammalian brainstem via the auditory nerve. VCN globular bushy cells project to the contralateral medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB), where specialized axons terminals, the calyces of Held, encapsulate MNTB principal neurons. The VCN-MNTB pathway is an essential component of the circuitry used to compute interaural intensity differences that are used for localizing sounds. When input from one ear is removed during early postnatal development, auditory brainstem circuitry displays robust anatomical plasticity. The molecular mechanisms that control the development of auditory brainstem circuitry and the developmental plasticity of these pathways are poorly understood. In this study we examined the role of EphB signaling in the development of the VCN-MNTB projection and in the reorganization of this pathway after unilateral deafferentation. We found that EphB2 and EphB3 reverse signaling are critical for the normal development of the projection from VCN to MNTB, but that successful circuit assembly most likely relies upon the coordinated function of many EphB proteins. We have also found that ephrin-B reverse signaling repels induced projections to the ipsilateral MNTB after unilateral deafferentation, suggesting that similar mechanisms regulate these two processes.
The effect of loss of occlusion upon the mandibular joint

Abstract An investigation was made to determine whether the removal of selected quadrants of molar teeth would create a morphologic change in the mandibular joint that could be considered a causative factor in the mandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome. Fifty-one white male rats were used in this study. Thirty-six rats were subjected to various surgical procedures when they were 2 months of age; one, two, or four quadrants of molar teeth were extracted. Rats were killed at intervals of 2, 4, and 6 months after the surgical procedures. Fifteen rats were used as littermate controls and were killed in groups of five at intervals of 4, 6, and 8 months for a comparative study of normal and experimental morphology. Each squamosomandibular articulation of each animal, both normal and experimental, was examined individually by means of x-ray as well as microscopic techniques. Following the removal of selected quadrants of molar teeth, the following changes were seen: 1. 1. The squamosal portion of the joint was considerably denser than normal and showed a large increase in thickness of fibrous connective tissue as well as large additional increments of osteoid bone on the articular surface. 2. 2. The articular disc increased in thickness, and disorientation of the fibers of the disc was seen. 3. 3. A thinning of the cartilaginous cap of the condyle was observed, as well as severe osteosclerotic changes in the condyle. Changes were the same in both mandibular joint areas, even though the operative procedures were unilateral. No differences between normal and experimental animals of the same age group could be found by x-ray study. All films were magnified four times for this purpose. Clinical implications are significant enough to warrant a reconsideration of some areas of orthodontic thinking.
Effects of preparation, dispersion, and extent of reduction on activity/selectivity properties of iron/alumina CO hydrogenation catalysts

Abstract Physical, chemical, and catalytic properties of catalysts prepared by decomposing Fe(CO)5 (carbonyl-derived catalyst, CDC) and Fe(NO3)3 deposited by aqueous impregnation (conventionally prepared catalyst, CPC) on alumina are compared in this paper. The physical and chemical properties of these catalysts were determined by hydrogen adsorption, oxygen titration, CO temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and Mossbauer spectroscopy; activity/selectivity properties in CO hydrogenation were determined in a single-pass fixed bed, differential microreactor. Fe/ alumina CDCs prepared from γ-alumina dehydroxylated at 923 K are highly reduced, highly dispersed systems. COTPD spectra of a CPC and CDCs indicate that the metal crystallites formed on the CPC or on CDCs prepared on poorly dehydroxylated aluminas are probably decorated by support moieties while activity tests indicate them to be less active in CO hydrogenation than CDCs prepared on highly dehydroxylated supports. Furthermore, the activity/selectivity properties of Fe/alumina CDCs do not change with metal dispersion when the extent of reduction is held fairly constant. On the other hand, CO hydrogenation activity of Fe/alumina changes by an order of magnitude with dispersion when changes in %D are accompanied by changes in extent of reduction. These results suggest that the “apparent” structure sensitivity observed for CO hydrogenation on iron is probably due to secondary effects such as decoration by support moieties and/or the presence of unreduced metal oxide in the near vicinity of reduced metals.
Excited-State Proton Transfer Reactions in Subcritical and Supercritical Water

The isobaric rates of excited-state deprotonations of 2-naphthol by acetate and borate anions exhibit only modest deviations from Arrhenius-like behavior from ambient temperature to nearly the critical temperature of water (Tc = 374 °C). In contrast, the rates of deprotonation by ammonia and water exhibit marked deviations from Arrhenius-like behavior and go through a maximum at high temperatures. These observations establish a fundamental difference in how the rates of charge-generating reactions, such as proton transfers to neutral molecules like ammonia and water, and those in which ionicity is unchanged, such as proton transfers to acetate and borate anions, depend on temperature. The loss of local water structure and changes in dielectric constant with temperature have a much more profound influence on the charge-generating reactions. These results are interpreted using transition state theory and compared with several molecular dynamics−free energy perturbation simulations. At temperatures above 250...
T4 bacteriophage-specific dihydrofolate reductase: purification to homogeneity by affinity chromatography.

Abstract Dihydrofolate reductase specified by bacteriophage T4 has been purified 6,000-fold by a simple affinity chromatographic method employing N 10 -formylaminopterin (4-amino-10-formylpteroylglutamate), bound by peptide linkage to the solid support aminoethyl Bio-Gel P-150. About 4.5 mg of enzyme (80% recovery) can be obtained from 500 g of infected cells. The product is homogeneous in two different electrophoresis systems and shows a molecular weight of 29,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. Inhibitor studies show a single binding site per enzyme molecule for folic acid analogues.
Focused exposures to airborne traffic particles and heart rate variability in the elderly.

Background: Exposure to airborne particles may increase cardiac risk by altering autonomic balance. Because these risks may be particularly great for traffic-related particles, we examined associations between particles and heart rate variability as 44 subjects participated in 4 repeated trips aboard a diesel bus. Methods: Twenty-four hour electrocardiograms were correlated with continuous particle concentrations using generalized additive models controlling for subject, weekday, time, apparent temperature, trip type, activity, medications, and autoregressive terms. Associations were assessed for short- and medium-term moving averages of measured concentrations. Results: Heart rate variability was negatively associated with fine particulate matter. Positive associations were demonstrated with heart rate and the low-to-high frequency power ratio. Associations were strongest with 24-hour mean concentrations, although strong short-term associations also were found during bus periods, independent of daily exposures. Overall, associations were greatest for high-frequency power with the following effects per interquartile change in the 24-hour mean concentrations: -15% (95% confidence interval = -17% to -14%) for PM 2.5 (4.6 μg/m 3 ); -19% (-21% to -17%) for black carbon (459 ng/m 3 ); and -14% (-15% to -12%) for fine particle counts (39 pt/cm 3 ). For each interquartile change in the 5-minute PM 2.5 concentration (10 μg/m 3 ) aboard the bus, an 11% (95% confidence interval = -14% to -8%) decrease in high-frequency power was observed. Conclusions: This investigation indicates that fine particles are negatively associated with heart rate variability, with an overall trend towards reduced parasympathetic tone. Although daily associations were evident for all particles, short-term associations were predominantly limited to traffic-related particles.
Relative influence of amount of dietary zinc and infusion of protein into the duodenum on the amount of zinc in biliary/pancreatic secretions

A series of studies were undertaken to determine the relative influence of dietary Zn vs the presence of protein in the duodenum on the excretion of Zn in biliary/pancreatic fluid (B/P) of rats. Animals were fed diets ranging from 10 to 300 mg Zn/kg diet for 7 weeks and then fasted and cannulated for bile or B/P fluid collection. Secretions of fasted rats were collected 0.5 hr and then egg white was infused into the gut and stimulated secretions were collected. Elevated dietary Zn slightly increased Zn and decreased Cu content of B/P fluid but did not alter protein concentration or activity of carboxypeptidase A or B. In contrast, duodenal stimulation greatly increased Zn and protein content and activity of carboxypeptidase A and B. In a separate experiment, animals fed 10 or 300 mg Zn/kg diet were similarly cannulated and infused with protein at intervals from 6 to 240 hr following injection of 65Zn. Dietary Zn slightly elevated B/P Zn but did not alter biliary Zn concentration. Maximal biliary Zn output occurred 6 hr after injection whereas B/P Zn output was maximal after 12 hr. These results suggest that the Zn in B/P secretions of rats is there primarily as a result of metabolic demand by the pancreas, and these secretions are not a major means of maintaining Zn homeostasis.
Comparison of Soybean and Cottonseed Oils upon Hydrogenation with Nickel, Palladium and Platinum Catalysts

There is current interest in reducing the trans fatty acids (TFA) in hydrogenated vegetable oils because consumption of foods high in TFA has been linked to increased serum cholesterol content. In the interest of understanding the TFA levels, hydrogenation was carried out in this work on soybean oil and cottonseed oil at two pressures (2 and 5 bar) and 100 °C using commercially available Ni, Pd, and Pt catalysts. The TFA levels and the fatty acid profiles were analyzed by gas chromatography. The iodine value of interest is ~70 for all-purpose shortening and 95–110 for pourable oil applications. In all cases, higher hydrogen pressures produced lower levels of TFA. In the range of 70–95 iodine values for the hydrogenated products, the Pt catalyst gave the least TFA, followed closely by Ni, and then Pd, for both oils. For all three catalysts at 2- and 5-bar pressures and 70–95 iodine values, cottonseed oil contained noticeably less TFA than soybean oil; this is probably because cottonseed oil contains a lower total amount of olefin-containing fatty acids relative to soybean oil. Approximate kinetic modeling was also done on the hydrogenation data that provided additional confirmation of data consistency.
Democracy, Deception, and Entry into War

Realists propose that elected leaders that seek war but face a hesitant public may use deception to build public support for war. Leaders may secretly make provocative diplomatic or military moves to push the adversary to attack first, rallying the public behind a war effort seen as defensive, or publicly exaggerate the threat posed by the adversary. This paper develops a liberal institutionalist critique of this theory, positing that elected leaders are deterred from engaging in such deception because democratic political institutions such as political competition, a professionalized military, and the marketplace of ideas increase the likelihood that such moves will be exposed, and once exposed, deceptive politicians will suffer domestic political punishment. The paper examines the thesis that Franklin Roosevelt sought to provoke Germany and Japan to war in 1941, finding little support. It also finds that in general autocratic leaders are more likely than elected leaders to deceive.
Electron transfer followed by double fragmentation reactions: mechanism of photogeneration of tertiary amines and radicals from tetraorganyl borates

The double fragmentation reactions of N,N,N-tributyl-N-acetobenzo[b]thiophene ammonium borates have been investigated. The primary step in the cleavage reactions is electron transfer from the borate anion to the excited acceptor. This generates radical pairs that decompose by rapid carbon–nitrogen and carbon–boron bond fragmentation. Transient spectra and photoproducts are consistent with this bond cleavage. Tertiary amines are formed as a result of reductive carbon–nitrogen bond scission. The boranyl radicals formed undergo oxidative carbon–boron bond cleavage to generate alkyl or phenyl radicals, depending on the structure of the borate. Both cleavage processes are irreversible, and their rates easily exceed the rate of the back electron transfer reaction. The net quantum yields for photodecomposition are also high. Detailed mechanistic studies were carried out.
Recovery functions of spinal cord and subcortical somatosensory evoked potentials to posterior tibial nerve stimulation: intrasurgical recordings

Abstract The recovery function of evoked potentials to posterior tibial nerve stimulation was studied. Intrasurgical recordings were made from interspinous ligaments at lumbar levels and from high thoracic-low cervical level. In addition, surface recordings were obtained from neck-scalp derivations. The recovery function of the potentials recorded from lumbar and from high thoracic-low cervical spinal cord were very similar, showing an early period of supernormality (5–20 ms) followed by a period of subnormality which reached its lowest point at 40–60 ms. Assuming that the potentials recorded at the lumbar level reflect activity in the cauda equina, we conclude that the results support the hypothesis that the potentials recorded from the thoraco-cervical level reflect activity in the dorsal columns. The recovery curve of the amplitude between the far field potentials P27 (which most probably reflects activity of the afferent volley at the level of foramen magnum) and N30 (which, by latency criteria, would reflect lemniscal or thalamic activity) showed a similar shape but with a shorter duration of the periods of super- and subnormality. It is likely that this modification was due to the synapse at the gracilis nucleus. The first cortical component (P32) recorded in the neck-scalp derivation was totally abolished within the recovery period studied (50 ms interval).
The influence of fluid loading on acoustic propagation near surfaces

Calculations are presented to demonstrate the influence of fluid loading on the propagation of acoustic energy in the vicinity of surfaces. Expressions are developed for sound pressures and intensities as functions of viewing angle in the presence of an infinite homogeneous thin plate irradiated by a monopole source. Results are given for the fields in the vicinity of aluminum and steel plates in air and water when the source frequency is below coincidence. The calculations indicate that acoustic radiation patterns near surfaces are highly dependent upon fluid loading and, in particular, when loading is heavy, sound will not propagate along or near a structure.
Bear and deer hunter density and distribution on public land in Pennsylvania

Little research has focused on density, distribution, and habitat use of hunters. Here, field methods and statistical techniques developed for estimating density and habitat use of wildlife species are applied to big game hunters in Pennsylvania. Using aerial surveys, a large public land area (45,907 ha) in north-central Pennsylvania was studied to estimate hunter density and distribution during black bear (Ursus americanus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) rifle seasons. This area was dominated by deciduous forest, had slopes that ranged from 0 to 61 degrees, and a road network that provided access to within 2.5 km of any location in the study area. The authors found a hunter density of 4.0 hunters/1,000 ha during the second day of bear season. During the second and third day, and first Saturday of deer season, the hunter density was 0.4–1.9 hunters/1,000 ha. Relative deer hunter density was predicted by distance from nearest road and slope but these were not strong predictive variables for...
Genetically determined differences in acute responses to diisopropylfluorophosphate.

Abstract The acute effects of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) were assessed in DBA/2Ibg, C57BL/6Ibg and C3H/2Ibg mice. The DFP was administered by intraperitoneal injection in saline. Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was maximally inhibited within 5 min after injection. All mice showed signs of organophosphate intoxication including salivation, lacrimation, diarrhea, respiratory distress, tremor and, at high doses, seizures. The C57BL mice were most susceptible to these effects of DFP. The LD 30 values for DFP were 8.0, 7.6, and 6.8 mg/kg for male DBA, C3H, and C57BL mice, respectively. The LD 50 values for females were nearly the same. Body temperature and brain AChE activity decreased in a dose-dependent manner following injections of DFP of 3.17, 4.22, 5.28, and 6.33 mg/kg. Maximum temperature depression occurred 2 hours after DFP administration; by 24 hours temperatures had returned to normal except for C57BL mice treated with the highest dose of DFP. The C57BL strain was most susceptible to the DFP-induced hypothermia, the C3H strain was the most resistant, and the DBA strain was intermediate. Maximum temperature depression and residual AChE activity, as measured 24 hours after injection, were linearly related. These strain differences do not seem to be explained easily by a differential inhibition of AChE activity.
Fetal Hemoglobin Variants in Mice

Two strains of mice, DBA and C3H, have a fetal globin polypeptide chain which differs in electrophoretic mobility from the corresponding fetal chain of the C57B1 strain. Mice of the DBA and C3H strains also differ from those of the C57B1 in adult hemoglobin type. Results of backcrossing the (DBA x C57B1) hybrid to the C57B1 suggest that the fetal chain locus and the adult β-chain locus are closely linked.
'Cutting for the stone': the ancient art of lithotomy.

OBJECTIVE Bladder stone was a common ailment plaguing mankind from antiquity to the 20th century. Largely forgotten today, lithotomy relieved the anguish of bladder stones and identified urology as a medical specialty nearly 2500 years ago. METHODS The historical literature pertaining to lithotomy was reviewed. Translated and original documents describing operative techniques and developments pertaining to the history of lithotomy were obtained through the internet and library sources. RESULTS The ancient art of lithotomy was first recorded by the Greeks and evolved through five phases: the Celsian method, or 'lesser operation'; the Marian, or 'greater operation'; the lateral operation; suprapubic cystotomy, or 'high operation', and proctocystotomy. The practice of open lithotomy ceased to exist owing to better minimally invasive alternative methods and most notably by the virtual disappearance of bladder stones in modern man. CONCLUSIONS The history of lithotomy is a fascinating story of how early surgeons forced by the culture and customs of the time dealt with common but devastating bladder stones. Out of their efforts, urology was born.
A new load-dependent Ritz vector method for structural dynamics analyses: quasi-static Ritz vectors

Abstract Existing load-dependent Ritz vector (LDRV) methods employ static recurrence procedures to generate the Ritz vectors. As such, these vector methods are best suited for low-frequency problems. For higher-frequency problems, the existing methods may engender large sets of Ritz vectors, which significantly reduces the methods’ efficiency. A new algorithm is presented for LDRV generation using a quasi-static recurrence procedure, denoted as the quasi-static Ritz vector (QSRV) method. A tuning parameter, designated as the centering frequency, controls the behavior of the QSRV approach, enabling the new method to improve upon existing LDRV methods for particular frequency ranges of interest. Compared with existing LDRV methods, the QSRV method is more efficient (in terms of the number of Ritz vectors), more accurate (in terms of response errors), and more stable (in terms of orthogonality). Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the accuracy, efficiency and generality of the proposed method.
Perspective on radiation risk in CT imaging

Awareness of and communication about issues related to radiation dose are beneficial for patients, clinicians, and radiology departments. Initiating and facilitating discussions of the net benefit of CT by enlisting comparisons to more familiar activities, or by conveying that the anticipated radiation dose to an exam is similar to or much less than annual background levels help resolve the concerns of many patients and providers. While radiation risk estimates at the low doses associated with CT contain considerable uncertainty, we choose to err on the side of safety by assuming a small risk exists, even though the risk at these dose levels may be zero. Thus, radiologists should individualize CT scans according to patient size and diagnostic task to ensure that maximum benefit and minimum risk is achieved. However, because the magnitude of net benefit is driven by the potential benefit of a positive exam, radiation dose should not be reduced if doing so may compromise making an accurate diagnosis. The benefits and risks of CT are also highly individualized, and require consideration of many factors by patients, clinicians, and radiologists. Radiologists can assist clinicians and patients with understanding many of these factors, including test performance, potential patient benefit, and estimates of potential risk.
Effect of Onboard Survey Sample Size on Estimation of Transit Bus Route Passenger Origin–Destination Flow Matrix Using Automatic Passenger Counter Data

Origin-destination (O-D) flows at the bus passenger route level have traditionally been estimated from costly and labor-intensive onboard surveys. The availability of automatic passenger counter (APC) data on many bus transit systems offers the possibility of enhancing the quality of the onboard survey data at little marginal cost. This paper investigates the value of estimating route-level passenger O-D flows from APC data and onboard O-D survey data with a focus on the effect of onboard O-D survey sample size. An empirical study using field data collected on three bus routes investigates and quantifies the value of combining APC counts with onboard O-D survey data as a function of survey sample size. Encouraging estimation performance obtained in using APC data with no onboard O-D survey data, previously seen in a smaller study, is confirmed in this more extensive study. In addition, incorporating onboard O-D survey data with APC data produces O-D flow estimates that are better than those produced by us...
Nitrogen and phosphorus removal by cypress swamp sediments

Removal of nutrients from wastewater (effluent) by sediments in cypress swamps was studied in laboratory leaching columns filled with wet surface sediments. Columns were leached with low-nutrient groundwater, treated wastewater, and treated wastewater amended with nitrate (20 to 30 mg N L−1) and phosphate (9.5 mg P L−1) for 21 mo. From 99 to 100% of the nitrate-nitrite and P was removed from the amended wastewater eluants throughout the investigation; average concentrations of nitrate-nitrite and P in effluent from amended wastewater columns did not exceed concentrations in leachate from columns eluted with groundwater. Ammonium removal was approximately 50% in columns receiving treated wastewater. Sediments of cypress swamps have a large capacity to remove nutrients from secondary effluent.
Stalking the past

Eugene Kaplan went to extraordinary depths to hunt living fossils on the ocean floor near Jamaica
Partial purification and characterization of a flavonoid-3-β-d-glucosidase from petals of impatiens balsamina

Abstract A flavonoid-3-β- d -glucosidase preparation from petals of Impatiens balsamina was partially purified and characterized. The glucosidase showed a strict requirement for an aromatic aglycone and a single β-linked glycoside. Two pH optima were found at 3·5 and 5·6. When the preparation was incubated with pelargonidin-3-monoglucoside, hydrolysis of the glucoside was followed by a spontaneous decomposition of the aglucone nucleus. Both glucosidase and galactosidase activities were detected.
Numerical analysis for micropyretic synthesis of NiAl intermetallic compound

A numerical investigation of the micropyretic synthesis response parameters of the Ni-Al stoichiometric compound was undertaken. The influence of the enthalpy of the combustion reaction,Q, activation ienergy,E, amount of diluent, pre-exponential factor,K0, and initial temperatureT0, on the combustion velocity, temperature, and mode was studied. The porosity of the unreacted compact, which is related to the initial compaction pressure, was considered in the calculation. It was found that the change in porosity significantly affects the thermal conductivity and the length of the pre-heat zone as also do the temperature patterns and propagation velocities. The combustion front was noted to be extinguished if the temperature in the reaction zone became lower than the melting point of the aluminium phase. This result was obtained simply by considering the changes in the thermal conductivity after the melting of aluminium without having to invoke any changes in the rate of reaction after the melting. A comparison of the numerical data with the experimental and analytical results was also made.
Depressed host response to skin implants in the anterior chamber of the eye

Abstract Immune alterations in the host following alloantigeneic skin implantation into the anterior chamber (AC) of the eye were studied in inbred rats. Splenocytes from implant-bearing rats showed significantly reduced mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reaction. The reduced response was consistently evident when the implant was viable in the AC, indicating a constant presence of antigen is needed for elicitation of suppressed MLC responses. No comparable suppression was achieved when host sensitization was mediated by other routes. Low dose cyclophosphamide (CP) and enucleation (removal of implant) resulted in loss of suppression of MLC reactivity, indicating a role of suppressor cell involvement. These observations are compatible with the hypothesis that the presentation of alloantigen via AC results in profound immunological alterations of the host.