cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fiscal loss and program fidelity: impact of the economic downturn on HIV/STI prevention program fidelity.

The economic downturn of 2007 created significant fiscal losses for public and private agencies conducting behavioral prevention. Such macro-economic changes may influence program implementation and sustainability. We examined how public and private agencies conducting RESPECT, a brief HIV/STI (sexually transmitted infection) counseling and testing intervention, adapted to fiscal loss and how these adaptations impacted program fidelity. We collected qualitative and quantitative data in a national sample of 15 agencies experiencing fiscal loss. Using qualitative analyses, we examined how program fidelity varied with different types of adaptations. Agencies reported three levels of adaptation: agency-level, program-level, and direct fiscal remedies. Private agencies tended to use direct fiscal remedies, which were associated with higher fidelity. Some agency-level adaptations contributed to reductions in procedural fit, leading to negative staff morale and decreased confidence in program effectiveness, which in turn, contributed to poor fidelity. Findings describe a “work stress pathway” that links program fiscal losses to poor staff morale and low program fidelity.
Kinetic analysis of intense sheet beam stability properties for uniform phase-space density

This paper makes use of the Vlasov-Maxwell equations to investigate collective excitations in an intense sheet beam, infinite in the $y$ and $z$ directions, propagating in the $z$ direction with directed kinetic energy $({\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{b}\ensuremath{-}1){m}_{b}{c}^{2}$. The beam is confined in the $x$ direction by the smooth-focusing force ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{F}}_{\mathrm{foc}}=\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{b}{m}_{b}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\perp}}^{2}x{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{e}}_{x}$, and perfectly conducting walls are located at $x=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{x}_{w}$. A self-consistent water bag equilibrium ${f}_{b}^{0}$ satisfying the steady-state $(\ensuremath{\partial}/\ensuremath{\partial}t=0)$ Vlasov-Maxwell equations is shown to be exactly solvable for the beam density ${n}_{b}^{0}(x)$ and electrostatic potential ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{0}(x)$. A closed Schr\"odinger-like eigenvalue equation is derived, assuming small-amplitude perturbations $(\ensuremath{\delta}{f}_{b},\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\varphi})$ about the self-consistent water bag equilibrium, and the eigenfrequency spectrum is shown to be purely real. The WKB approximation is employed to determine the eigenfrequency spectrum as a function of the normalized beam intensity ${s}_{b}={\stackrel{^}{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{pb}^{2}/{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{b}^{2}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\perp}}^{2}$, where ${\stackrel{^}{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{pb}^{2}=4\ensuremath{\pi}{\stackrel{^}{n}}_{b}{e}_{b}^{2}/{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{b}{m}_{b}$ and ${\stackrel{^}{n}}_{b}={n}_{b}(x=0)$ is the on-axis number density of beam particles.
Differences in phospholipid incorporation of 32P relevant to α1-receptor coupling events in rat and rabbit aorta

Labelling of membrane phospholipids with 32P was compared in rat and rabbit aorta under basal conditions and during α1-receptor stimulation. Incorporation of 32P proceeded at a significantly higher rate in rat tissue. The ratio of basal labelling following 30 min of incubation for rat/rabbit arteries was 4.8 for phosphatidylinositol diphosphate (PIP2), 6.0 for phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP), 9.0 for phosphatidylinositol (PI), 6.0 for phosphatidic acid (PA) and 18.7 for phosphatidylcholine (PC). Addition of 10−5 M norepinephrine (NE) to labelled tissues resulted in a similar decrease in [32P]-PIP2 in both rat and rabbit tissues. Greater percent increases were seen in rabbit tissue of [32P]-PA (4–6 fold), and [32P]-PI (3–5 fold), when measured over the initial 10 minutes of agonist exposure. While NE caused a gradual increase of 32P incorporation into PC in rabbit aorta, reaching 180% above control after 10 minutes, PC labelling was not increased in rat aorta. Our findings provide evidence for the enhanced labelling of rat vs rabbit aorta phospholipids. This may account for differences in receptor responses and associated Ca+ movements which have been previously recognized to exist between aorta of these two species.
The Evolution of the NOMS-IM Symposia Series: From a Gleam in the Eye to Multiple Technical Activities

This report documents the evolution of a number of symposia, along with the evolution of the associated communities. These communities launched the initial conferences, as well as benefited from the growth and evolution of these technical activities. Over the span of a couple decades, the communities grew in breadth and depth. The communities are truly global in both constituency and reach. Both symposia convene in multiple countries within multiple continents, and continue to attract new audiences. In addition, new multiple symposia series were spawned by the communities, and the richness of the technical activities and venues affords the communities enhanced value and interactions.
Synthetic Studies of Neoclerodane Diterpenes from Salvia divinorum: Semisynthesis of Salvinicins A and B and Other Chemical Transformations of Salvinorin A

Salvinorin A (1) is a hallucinogenic neoclerodane diterpene isolated from the widely available psychoactive plant Salvia divinorum and is the first example of a non-nitrogenous opioid receptor ligand. At present, there is little information available as to why this compound is selective for κ opioid receptors. One approach to better understanding the mode of binding of 1 at κ receptors is to systematically alter the structure of 1 and examine the effects on opioid receptor affinity and activity. Currently, there is a paucity of methods described for the preparation of analogues derived from 1. Here, we report the investigation of several chemical transformations of 1 isolated from S. divinorum. In particular, this work provides a semisynthesis of salvinicins A (2) and B (3) and has identified 10a as the first neoclerodane diterpene with δ opioid antagonist activity.
Mohonk criteria for humanitarian assistance in complex emergences

Presents the Mohonk Criteria for Humanitarian Assistance in Complex Emergencies, produced by the Task Force on Ethical and Legal Issues in Humanitarian Assistance, convened by the Program on Humanitarian Assistance at the World Conference on Religion and Peace, as guidelines for co‐operative relationships between political, humanitarian and military actors in complex humanitarian emergencies created by armed conflict.
11 IS INCREASING SERUM TRANSFERRIN AN INDICATOR OF IRON DEFICIENCY, OR OF ACTIVE ERYTHROPOIESIS IN PUBERTAL BOYS?

During male puberty, hemoglobin increases to adult male level. The growth spurt, with rapid increase in body weight, is associated with a great increase in blood volume. We studied serum transferrin in relation to individual body growth, stage of puberty, hemoglobin and ferritin in 60 prepubertal or early pubertal boys with 3-month intervals for 18 months. We found a positive correlation between the individual 18 month increments of transferrin and hemoglobin (r =0.55, p <0.001) and estimated erythrocyte iron (r =0.31, p =0.02). Positive correlations were also observed between transferrin and body weight and weight velocity. In contrast, the increments of ferritin, MCV and transferrin saturation did not correlate with the increments in hemoglobin or erythrocyte iron. We found only poor associations between ferritin and transferrin or growth parameters. Mean serum ferritin decreased significantly during the study, but number of boys with transferrin saturation below 16% and ferritin below 12 μg/l varied from zero to two indicating iron sufficiency in the studied population. Decrease of ferritin may be physiologic and beneficial through stimulation of iron absorption. Role of increasing transferrin by rate of erythropoiesis may be to support iron for growing erythropoiesis rather Chan to indicate iron deficiency.
C-reactive protein levels and subsequent cancer outcomes: Results from a prospective cohort study

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many common chronic diseases, including cancer. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration is a non-specific serum marker of inflammation, and higher levels have been observed among individuals who go on to develop cardiovascular disease. Nested case-control studies were conducted within the CLUE II study, a community-based cohort, to examine the association between CRP concentrations and subsequent development of colorectal or prostate cancer. CRP concentrations were higher among individuals who went on to develop colon cancer, but not rectal or prostate cancer, compared with controls. The association between CRP concentrations and development of colon cancer is consistent with other evidence suggesting a role of inflammation and cancer. Preventive interventions that decrease systemic chronic inflammation have the potential to reduce certain types of cancer as well as cardiovascular disease. However, the potential benefits of anti-inflammatory chemopreventive agents must be weighed against their adverse effects before widespread use is recommended.
Infectious diseases of refugees and immigrants: giardiasis (Giardia lamblia).

This series is based on the Infectious Diseases section of the web site Refugee Health ∼ Immigrant Health, available on the World Wide Web at http://www.baylor.edu/~Charles_Kemp/refugee_health.htm. The site was developed through a contract with the Texas Department of Health as part of an ongoing effort to improve the health of refugees and immigrants.
Self consistent equations for calculating ideal gas heat capacity, enthalpy and entropy. III: Coal chemicals

Abstract Rehman, Z.U. and Lee, L.L., 1985. Self consistent equations for calculating ideal gas heat capacity, enthalpy and entropy. III. Coal chemicals. Fluid Phase Equilibria , 22: 21–31. Heat capacity, enthalpy and entropy correlations presented in previous studies (Aly and Lee, and Fakeeha et al.) are generalized here to include 37 coal chemicals and 29 additional hydrocarbons. We take into account one additional vibrational contribution in the formulae. The temperature range tested extends from 298.15 to 1000 K. The ideal heat capacity is predicted to within 0.07% for most substances.
Integrating management practices in international public relations courses: A proposal of contents

Abstract The teaching of international public relations has expanded across American universities in recent times. The dominant paradigm of many of these courses is that a college education should enable public relations practitioners to understand cultural, societal and professional differences across cultures in order to implement campaigns with a global reach. This paper suggests that many of the current approaches to teaching international public relations have overlooked the realities of the professional world. Thus, although maintaining an intercultural approach is still relevant, a truly effective international public relations education should also incorporate professional concerns related to the study of management and business practices.
Assistance ventilatoire mécanique à domicile, la perspective nord-américaine

Reception version princeps a la Revue : 31.10.2003. Acceptation definitive : 10.11.2003. L’assistance ventilatoire mecanique a domicile des patients souffrant d’insuffisance respiratoire chronique est une tradition de longue date aux Etats-Unis d’Amerique. Au XX siecle, pendant des annees trente aux annees cinquante, l’epidemie de poliomyelite a ete la source d’une insuffisance respiratoire chez des milliers de patients [1]. Heureusement, la plupart des patients souffrant de poliomyelite aigue avec atteinte respiratoire ont pu recuperer suffisamment pour etre delivres de la ventilation mecanique, mais certains d’entre eux en sont restes dependants. Leur nombre n’est pas connu precisement, mais est probablement de plusieurs de dizaines de milliers. Ceux qui etaient suffisamment stables et disposaient d’un soutien familial adequat, etaient renvoyes a leur domicile, ou ils restaient parfois pour des dizaines d’annees. Ces patients utilisaient des ventilateurs dits « corporels totaux », comme les ventilateurs a pression negative (poumons d’acier, cuirasses), ou bien des dispositifs qui reposaient sur le deplacement du contenu abdominal pour assister l’excursion diaphragmatique (lits a bascules). Certains patients traites et pris en charge de cette facon se sont averes capables de fonder des familles et de mener des affaires, bien qu’ils aient besoin d’une assistance ventilatoire permanente [2]. Les annees 1960 ont vu se developper l’utilisation de la ventilation en pression positive dite « invasive », pour traiter l’insuffisance respiratoire aigue. Elles ont egalement vu, par consequent, le developpement d’unites de reanimation. En parallele, la ventilation en pression positive a commence a etre impliquee a domicile chez des patients tracheotomises, lorsque les ressources humaines et financieres le permettaient. Bien qu’alors les ventilateurs « corporels totaux » soient demeures la methode principale d’assistance ventilatoire en dehors de l’hopital, la ventilation en pression positive « non invasive » pour l’assistance au long cours de patients souffrant d’insuffisance respiratoire chronique a aussi ete introduite pendant les annees 1960. Cependant, cette modalite etait principalement utilisee chez les patients neuromusculaires, institutionnalises au sein de services de ventilation chronique [3].
Reusable tissue culture growth chambers

A procedure for assembly of tissue culture growth chambers is described. These growth chambers are reusable and inexpensive and can be tailored to fit individual needs. Microscope slides containing from 1 to 10 chambers can be constructed.
Meeting the Needs of Students Who Are Gifted and Have Learning Disabilities

Children who are gifted and also have learning disabilites are doubly at risk. If we don't intervene, these students frequently fail in school. If we intervene by addressing only their weaknesses, they often resent us, our efforts, and the school's response. However, by rethinking the classroom environment and providing enrichment, structure, and remediation, and through collaboration among professionals with varied expertise, we can effectively and successfully meet these students' needs.
Agreement between Young Subordinates and Managers about Social and Personal Practices in the Workplace.

Research is lacking that identifies the normative perspectives of collaborations between subordinates and superiors in work environments typified by youth employment. In this study, managers and high school students were asked to rate the importance of both personal and social competence in practices involving subordinates without reference to specific work-system expertise. The two groups agreed that social competence is more important than personal competence. That normative perspective suggests that managers might stress social competence in their practices with subordinates in businesses characterized by youth employment. Such a conclusion has practice and research implications for human resource specialists interested in developing and managing a competent work force.
Disentangling depressive personality disorder from avoidant, borderline, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders

Several studies have found that 3 personality disorders (PDs) tend to share moderate rates of comorbidity with depressive PD: avoidant, borderline, and obsessive-compulsive. This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic criteria of each disorder in an effort to understand where areas of overlap may occur and to modify criteria sets where reasonable to reduce any degree of overlap. One thousand two hundred psychiatric outpatients were interviewed with the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders. The highest degree of comorbidity was observed between avoidant PD and depressive PD. Logistic regression analyses indicated that 2 criteria-avoidant criterion 5 and depressive criterion 2-could be removed from the diagnostic criteria sets and reduce the rates of overlap by as much as 15%. A factor analysis of the criteria of all 4 PDs indicated that there is a common clustering of many of the symptoms of avoidant, borderline, depressive, and obsessive-compulsive PDs and that borderline symptoms tend to cluster together most consistently. Avoidant and obsessive-compulsive personality symptoms clustered in ways that may reflect a problem of how to engage with others, suggestive of an approach-avoidance conflict. Depressive PD symptoms clustered in a way suggestive of problems with anger that is directed toward oneself and others. The factor analysis results suggest that an organization of symptoms around themes of conflict may provide useful ways of understanding the personality patterns of these 4 disorders.
Long-term remission of nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus after multipolar electrocoagulation ablation: report of 139 patients with 10 years of follow-up

Background Ablation of Barrett's esophagus (BE) has been advocated as a method to eliminate the risk of malignant transformation of BE. Objective To provide longer follow-up and determine safety and efficacy of multipolar ablation for nondysplastic BE. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Gastroenterology Unit at the Policlinica Metropolitana, a tertiary care center in Caracas, Venezuela. Patients One hundred sixty-six patients with nondysplastic BE and histologic evidence of intestinal metaplasia. Interventions Patients underwent multipolar electrocoagulation ablation therapy to areas of BE identified with magnification chromoendoscopy. The identified areas were treated with a 50-W energy source and a 7F "gold" probe. After complete ablation, patients were followed on an annual basis with magnification chromoendoscopy. At annual visits, biopsy specimens were taken in areas identified at baseline as BE. Targeted biopsy specimens were taken in areas of recurrent BE identified by using magnification chromoendoscopy. Main Outcome Measurements Mortality, incidence of recurrent BE, incidence of adenocarcinoma in ablated BE, and morbidity associated with multipolar electrocoagulation. Results One hundred sixty-six patients were recruited for the study; 139 completed at least 10 years of follow-up. Complications developed in less than 5% of patients, all of which were minor. Recurrent BE occurred in less than 5% of patients. No adenocarcinoma or high-grade dysplasia of the esophagus developed in any of the patients. Limitation Uncontrolled clinical trial. Conclusions Long-term follow-up of ablation of BE with multipolar electrocoagulation ablation therapy indicates that this is a safe, effective method to ablate BE over the long term.
Charge transport and photon-assisted tunneling in the NSN single-electron transistor

Abstract We present extensive experimental data concerning charge transport and photon-assisted tunneling in the NSN single-electron transistor. At subgap bias voltages and low temperatures, the current through this system arises from a combination of Andreev reflection and single-electron tunneling. The experimental data clearly show the Coulomb blockade of Andreev reflection, as well as the “trapping” of quasiparticles on the superconducting island. The voltage thresholds for Andreev reflection and single-electron tunneling as well as the dependence of the Andreev current on the gate charge Q 0 are in excellent agreement with theory. The magnitude of the Andreev current agrees well with theory in which the probability of Andreev reflection is greatly enhanced by phase-coherent multiple scattering. When the sample is exposed to small amounts of microwave radiation, electron transport is modified dramatically and several additional features appear in the experimental data. These new features are well described by including the effects of photon-assisted tunneling which greatly increases the rates of energetically unfavorable single-electron transitions. Finally, we discuss why the SET transistor with a superconducting island is such a sensitive microwave detector and present an estimate of its ultimate sensitivity.
Acquiring Articles through Unmediated, User-Initiated Pay-Per-View Transactions: An Assessment of Current Practices

Depressed economic times often lead libraries to consider new practices, including alternatives to the traditional subscription model. This column discusses a pay-per-view (PPV) model for acquiring journal articles whereby a library creates an account with a content provider and then authenticated users can purchase articles at the library's expense. To gain insight into the current use of this model, the paper draws on both a literature review and the results of a survey assessing the practices of academic libraries with experience acquiring articles through unmediated, user-initiated pay-per-view transactions. The future of the PPV model as well as issues and challenges that it raises are also considered.
Disruptions in joint control during drawing arm movements in Parkinson’s disease

Impairments in control of multi-joint arm movements in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) were investigated. The PD patients and age-matched elderly participants performed cyclical arm movements, tracking templates of a large circle and four differentially oriented ovals on a horizontal table. The wrist was immobilized and the movements were performed with shoulder and elbow rotations. The task was performed with and without vision at a cycling frequency of 1.5 Hz. Traces of the arm endpoint, joint-motion parameters represented by range of motion and relative phase, and joint-control characteristics represented by amplitude and timing of muscle torque were analyzed. The PD patients provided deformations of the template shapes that were not observed in movements of elderly controls. The deformations were consistent for each shape but differed across the shapes, making quantification of impairments in the endpoint movement difficult. In contrast, the characteristics of joint control and motion demonstrated systematic changes across all shapes in movements of PD patients, although some of these changes were observed only without vision. A specification of the PD influence was observed at the level of joint control and it was not distinguishable in joint and endpoint motion, because of the property of multi-joint movements during which control at each joint influences motion at the other joints. The results suggest that inability of PD patients to provide fine muscle torque regulation coordinated across the joints contributes to the altered endpoint trajectories during multi-joint movements. The study emphasizes the importance of the torque analysis when deficits in multi-joint movements are investigated, because specific impairments that can be detected in joint-control characteristics are difficult to trace in characteristics of joint and endpoint kinematics, because of interactions between joint motions.
Limited realized dispersal and introgressive hybridization influence genetic structure and conservation strategies for brown rockfish, Sebastes auriculatus

Understanding patterns of connectivity among marine fish populations with demersal adults and pelagic larvae is critical for effective conservation of west coast rockfishes. The brown rockfish (Sebastes auriculatus) occurs in nearshore habitat and is common from northern Baja California, Mexico to northern California, rare off the outer coast of Oregon and Washington and again common in the inland waters of Puget Sound, Washington. Here we examine patterns of microsatellite DNA diversity from throughout the species’ range as an indirect measure of long-term trends in larval dispersal. Genetic divergence was large and highly significant over all populations (F ST=0.056, P<0.0001), and was significantly correlated with geographic distance when considering coastal populations. The best estimates of mean coastal dispersal distance were on the order of 10 km or less per generation. Diversity was relatively low in the Puget Sound, suggesting that Puget Sound rockfish populations experienced a post-glacial founder effect followed by genetic isolation and low effective population size. Puget Sound individuals appeared to have recent mixed ancestry as a result of introgression with S. maliger and S. caurinus. Genetic isolation of Puget Sound fish provides a basis for consideration as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. We recommend that coastal brown rockfish fisheries be managed at regional rather than coast-wide scales, and that design of marine reserve networks considers the surprisingly low realized dispersal distance of some species with high dispersal potential.
Alcohol Synthesis from Co/H2 over Co/Cu/ZnO/Al2O3: In-Situ Addition of Ch3NO2

Abstract A Co/Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst prepared by cobalt impregnation of a commercial methanol-synthesis catalyst was used to study the formation of alcohols from CO/H 2 . The addition of cobalt selectively and significantly suppressed methanol formation without promoting the formation rates of higher alcohols. Co also poisoned the promoting effect of CO 2 on methanol formation, suggesting that the primary role of Co was to block the pathway for methanol formation from CO 2 /H 2 . The addition of nitromethane to Co/Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 suppressed the formation rates of all alcohols equally and produced substituted methylamines, probably by diverting the aldehydic intermediate for methanol formation. The equal suppression of C 1 -C 3 alcohols observed during nitromethane addition suggests that the same intermediate was involved in the formation of methanol and higher alcohols over Co/Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 .
Algorithms for the Prediction of Retinopathy of Prematurity Based on Postnatal Weight Gain

Current ROP screening guidelines represent a simple risk model with two dichotomized factors, birth weight and gestational age at birth. Pioneering work has shown that tracking postnatal weight gain, a surrogate for low insulin-like growth factor 1, may capture the influence of many other ROP risk factors and improve risk prediction. Models including weight gain, such as WINROP, ROPScore, and CHOP ROP, have demonstrated accurate ROP risk assessment and a potentially large reduction in ROP examinations, compared to current guidelines. However, there is a need for larger studies, and generalizability is limited in countries with developing neonatal care systems.
Chemistry: Towards tomorrow's catalysts

The ability to predict and modify the rate-determining steps in chemical reactions would be a boon in designing better catalysts. Technical innovations in computer simulations bring that goal closer.
Geographic distribution of constipation in the United States

Objective Despite its frequent occurrence, the etiology of constipation has remained poorly understood. The influence of widely accepted risk factors such as inadequate dietary fiber intake, immobility, insufficient fluid intake, and poor muscle tone is unclear. This study examined the geographic distribution of constipation among Medicare beneficiaries to identify potential environmental risk factors. Methods: All Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of constipation were extracted from the total Health Care Financing Administration data file of 1987 and stratified by sex, race, and state of residence. The population of each state by sex, race, and age >65 yr served as the denominator to calculate sexand race-specific morbidity rates. Results: A distinct geographic distribution was observed. When stratified by individual states, hospital discharges for constipation were more common in rural as compared with urban states. Constipation also appeared to be more common in northern and in poorer states. Conclusion: The distinct geographic pattern of constipation suggests the influence of three global environmental factors: rural living, colder temperature, and lower socioeconomic status.
On the occurrence of vanadium in holothurians.

Abstract Vanadium analyses on nine species of holothurians, representing five genera, and including three species of Stichopus , failed to confirm the report of Phillips (1918) of a high concentration of vanadium in holothurians. Vanadium was found only in traces, 12 p.p.m. of dry weight, in the viscera and body fluids of Stichopus japonicus .
Epidemiology of fatal tricyclic antidepressant ingestion: implications for management

Although there is a large body of literature documenting the lethal cardiotoxic complications of tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose, the absence of reliable predictive signs has led to a policy of admitting even trivial-appearing overdoses for inpatient observation. A study of 18 fatal cases revealed that with the exception of two that received clearly inadequate medical care, all fatal ingestions developed major signs of toxicity mandating admission within two hours of arrival at the hospital, and the mean time from arrival to death was only 5.43 hours. All patients who died of direct TCA toxicity did so within 24 hours of arrival. In addition, half the fatal cases presented with only trivial signs of poisoning, but deteriorated catastrophically within one hour. These data lead to an algorithm to guide admission of serious cases.
The Vitamin D Receptor Start Codon Polymorphism (FokI) and Bone Mineral Density in Premenopausal American Black and White Women

This study examines the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and a start codon polymorphism (SCP) at the translation initiation site of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. The thymine/cytosine (T/C) polymorphism in the first of two start (ATG) codons can be detected by a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using the endonuclease FokI, which recognizes ATG as part of its restriction site. F indicates absence of the first ATG and a VDR that is shorter by three amino acids. The FokI genotype was determined in 154 premenopausal American women (72 black and 82 white) who were 20-40 years old. BMD of the total body, femoral neck, and lumbar spine were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The distribution of the SCP genotypes differed significantly by race (p < 0.001): 4% of blacks versus 18% of whites were ff homozygous and 65% of blacks versus 37% of whites were FF homozygous. There was no statistically significant interaction between race and SCP genotype in analyses of BMD at any skeletal site. In the group as a whole, the ff women had femoral neck BMD that was 7.4% lower than that of the FF women. The ff white women had total body BMD values that were 4.3% lower and femoral neck values that were 12.1% lower than FF white women. Total body and femoral neck BMD did not differ significantly by genotype in black women, and spine BMD did not differ by genotype in either race. Addition of the SCP genotype to analysis of covariance models comparing BMD of the black and white women reduced estimated differences in femoral neck BMD between the two groups by about 35%. In conclusion, the SCP polymorphism, detected with the endonuclease FokI, appears to influence peak bone density, particularly at the femoral neck. Racial differences in its distribution may explain some of the racial difference in femoral neck BMD.
Noninvasive in vivo glucose sensing using an iris based technique

Physiological glucose monitoring is important aspect in the treatment of individuals afflicted with diabetes mellitus. Although invasive techniques for glucose monitoring are widely available, it would be very beneficial to make such measurements in a noninvasive manner. In this study, a New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit animal model was utilized to evaluate a developed iris-based imaging technique for the in vivo measurement of physiological glucose concentration. The animals were anesthetized with isoflurane and an insulin/dextrose protocol was used to control blood glucose concentration. To further help restrict eye movement, a developed ocular fixation device was used. During the experimental time frame, near infrared illuminated iris images were acquired along with corresponding discrete blood glucose measurements taken with a handheld glucometer. Calibration was performed using an image based Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. Independent validation was also performed to assess model performance along with Clarke Error Grid Analysis (CEGA). Initial validation results were promising and show that a high percentage of the predicted glucose concentrations are within 20% of the reference values.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy for HIV-Related Wasting

Background: Development of successful anabolic strategies to reverse the loss of lean body mass is of critical importance to increase survival in men with the AIDS wasting syndrome. Hypogonadism, an acquired endocrine deficiency state characterized by loss of testosterone, occurs in more than half of all men with advanced HIV disease. It is unknown whether testosterone deficiency contributes to the profound catabolic state and loss of lean body mass associated with the AIDS wasting syndrome.Objective: To investigate the effects of physiologic testosterone administration on body composition, exercise functional capacity, and quality of life in androgen-deficient men with the AIDS wasting syndrome.Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Setting: University medical center.Patients: 51 HIV-positive men (age 42±8 years) with wasting (body weight <90% of ideal body weight or weight loss >10% of baseline weight) and a free testosterone level less than 42 pmol/L (normal range for men 18 to 49 years of age, 42 to 121 pmol/L [12.0 to 35.0 pg/mL]).Intervention: Patients were randomly assigned to receive testosterone enanthate, 300 mg, or placebo intramuscularly every 3 weeks for 6 months.Measurements: Change in fat-free mass was the primary end point. Secondary clinical end points were weight, lean body mass, muscle mass, exercise functional capacity, and change in perceived quality of life. Virologic variables were assessed by CD4 count and viral load.Results: Compared with patients who received placebo, testosterone-treated patients gained fat-free mass (−0.6 kg and 2.0 kg; P=0.036), lean body mass (0.0 kg and 1.9 kg; P=0.041), and muscle mass (−0.8 kg and 2.4 kg; P=0.005). The changes in weight, fat mass, total-body water content, and exercise functional capacity did not significantly differ between the groups. Patients who received testosterone reported benefit from the treatment (P=0.036), feeling better (P=0.033), improved quality of life (P=0.040), and improved appearance (P=0.021). Testosterone was well tolerated in all patients.Conclusions: Physiologic testosterone administration increases lean body mass and improves quality of life among androgen-deficient men with the AIDS wasting syndrome.
Is the identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve mandatory in thyroid operation? Results of a prospective randomized study *

Abstract Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) with 2 different surgical approaches. Methods. From 1998 to 2000, 289 consecutive patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly divided into 2 groups. In group A (137 patients [215 upper pole ligations]), the superior thyroid artery was ligated after identification of the EBSLN. In group B (152 patients [244 upper pole ligations]), the superior thyroid artery's branches were ligated separately close to the gland. In all patients, a phoniatric evaluation with videostrobolaryngoscopy and spectrographic examination was performed. Results. The 2 groups were well matched regarding age, sex, thyroid pathological findings, and type of operation. In group A, the EBSLN was not clearly identified in 11.6% of cases. Alterations of EBSLN function were absent in both groups of patients, either postoperatively or 1 and 6 months after operation. Group B showed statistically significant shorter operative time compared with that for group A. Conclusions. Even if the EBSLN often crosses the superior thyroid pedicle, especially in large goiters, this study demonstrated that accurate distal ligation of the branches of the superior thyroid artery is a safe technique to prevent EBSLN injury. (Surgery 2001;130:1055-9.)
Abstract 3803: Anti-cancer activity of Capridine, a novel nitroacridine chemotherapeutic, in glioblastoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Glioblastoma is characterized by highly proliferative tumor cells, increased cellularity, necrosis, and proliferation of capillary endothelial cells. The incidence rate of glioma in adults is 50% greater in men than in women suggesting that there may be a male hormonal component that modulates glioblastoma progression. Our preclinical developmental program identified Capridine as a chemotherapeutic agent that had specificity towards prostate cancer with minimal bone marrow toxicity. Since the DNA intercalating activity of Capridine does not completely correlate with its cytotoxic activity, we examined other alternative cellular targets. Our investigation identified the androgen receptor (AR) and its dependent signal transduction mechanism as a possible cellular mediator of its cytotoxic activity. In this study, our analysis revealed that glioblastoma cell lines T98G and MO59K expressed AR and their growth was responsive to the AR-mediated signal transduction. Capridine inhibited the growth of glioblastoma cells by down regulating the AR and inhibiting the phosphorylation of Focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Since FAK is associated with integrin and neuropeptide mediated signaling, critical for cell migration and invasion, we examined the activity of Capridine on cell invasion and migration using a Boyden Chamber assay. Capridine inhibited the migration and invasion of the glioblastoma cell lines T98G and MO59K. Our data not only validate AR as a target of Capridine as with prostate cancer but also implicate a novel target, FAK in glioblastoma. Combination approaches using Capridine and anti-hormonal therapy may prove to be viable chemotherapeutic regimen for primary glioblastoma as well as an inhibitor of metastatic propensity. These preclinical studies are being extended in an in vivo animal model with combination treatment approaches with a view to develop novel chemotherapy based treatment for glioblastoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3803. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3803
Nephelometer for the Measurement of Volume Scattering Function in Situ

A submarine nephelometer has been built for use in measuring the volume scattering function of natural waters. Theory and construction details of the optical system are given, including pertinent data for the photodetector used. The instrument is capable of measuring volume scattering function between angles of 20° and 170° in typical coastal waters. Results of preliminary tests with the instrument are given.
Promoting in Tandem: The Promoter for Telomere Transposon HeT-A and Implications for the Evolution of Retroviral LTRs

Abstract HeT-A elements are non–long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons found in head-to-tail arrays on Drosophila chromosome ends, where they form telomeres. We report that HeT-A promoter activity is located in the 3′ end of the element, unlike the 5′ location seen for other non-LTR retrotransposons. In HeT-A arrays the 3′ sequence of one element directs transcription of its downstream neighbor. Because the upstream promoter has the same sequence as the 3′ end of the transcribed element, the HeT-A promoter is effectively equivalent to a 5′ LTR in both structure and function. Retroviruses and LTR retrotransposons have their promoters and transcription initiation sites in their 5′ LTRs. Thus HeT-A appears to have the structure of an evolutionary intermediate between non-LTR and LTR retrotransposons.
How the Public in the US, Latin America, and East Asia Sees an Emerging China

The People’s Republic of China’s dramatic transformation has not only benefited its people, but has also led it to become a major player in the world. Here we examine how deeply perceptions of China have penetrated into the public’s perceptions in a wide variety of nations around the world – the US, 11 nations in East Asia, and 22 in Latin America. We ask a series of questions: how much do people know? How do Americans evaluate China? And how do publics in East Asia and Latin America view China’s influence in their nations and around the world? We also examine some of the ways in which perceptions vary, both across nations and within nations, such as by partisanship. In addition, we report the results of an experiment using an advertisement the PRC ran in the US to assess how successful they were in shaping public opinion about China. We conclude that our studies, and those of others, provide a strong baseline for assessing the effect of an emerging superpower on citizens around the world.
Most patients gain weight in the 2 years after total knee arthroplasty: comparison to a healthy control group.

Summary Objective While joint arthroplasty improves the functional ability of persons with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA), the long-term effects of surgical intervention on body mass have not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine if a reduction in body mass index (BMI) was present following unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to an age-matched healthy control group who did not have surgery. Method One hundred and six adults with unilateral, end-stage knee OA and thirty-one persons without knee pain participated in the prospective longitudinal study. Subjects with OA underwent primary unilateral TKA and received post-operative out-patient physical therapy. Height, weight, quadriceps strength and self-perceived functional ability were measured at baseline and at a 2-year follow-up. Results There was a significant interaction effect between body mass over time and subject group ( P =0.017). BMI showed a significant increase over 2 years for the surgical group ( P P =0.842). Sixty-six percent of the persons in the surgical group gained weight over the 2 years with an average weight gain of 6.4kg, or 14 pounds, 2 years after their initial physical therapy visit. Educational level, marital status, income level and activity level prior to surgery were not related to post-surgical weight gain. Conclusion The majority of subjects gain weight after surgery and this cannot be attributed to the effects of aging. Weight gain after TKA should be treated as an independent concern and management of orthopedic impairments will not result in weight loss. Post-operative care should include access to nutrition or weight management professionals in addition to medical and physical therapy services.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of distiller's dry grain and solubles (DDGS) using ammonia fiber expansion pretreatment

Approximately 4 billion gallons of fuel ethanol was produced in 2005 in the United States, mostly from corn grain, and production is expected to continue to increase in the future. The major coprod...
Investigating the Awareness of Remembering

There is a marked lack of consensus concerning the best way to learn how conscious experiences arise. In this article, we advocate for scientific approaches that attempt to bring together four types of phenomena and their corresponding theoretical accounts: behavioral acts, cognitive events, neural events, and subjective experience. We propose that the key challenge is to comprehensively specify the relationships among these four facets of the problem of understanding consciousness without excluding any facet. Although other perspectives on consciousness can also be informative, combining these four perspectives could lead to significant progress in explaining a conscious experience such as remembering. We summarize some relevant findings from cognitive neuroscience investigations of the conscious experience of memory retrieval and of memory behaviors that transpire in the absence of the awareness of remembering. These examples illustrate suitable scientific strategies for making progress in understanding consciousness by developing and testing theories that connect the behavioral expression of recall and recognition, the requisite cognitive transactions, the neural events that make remembering possible, and the awareness of remembering.
Association of Near-Infrared Dyes with Bovine Serum Albumin

The binding of five near-infrared (near-IR) dyes to bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been evaluated by absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism. These dyes have a common squarilic acid polymethine backbone but differ in the substituents on two sites, R and R2 , symmetrically located on the chromophore. The magnitude of the association constants for the dye-albumin complexes depended on the nature of the side chains and ranged from 34,000 to 1 X 107 M -1. Listed by the kind of side chain and in increasing binding order, the association constants are: [R1= R2 = butyl phthalimide] , [R1 = R2 = cetyl] , [R1 = R2 = ethyl] [R1 = butyl phthalimide, R = butyl sulfonate] [R1 = R2 = butyl sulfonate]. The chro2 mophore seems to interact mainly with a hydrophobic cavity on BSA. However, the association constants increase substantially when the side chain or chains are butyl sulfonate. This observation suggests that near the hydrophobic region there is at least one positively charged site with which the butyl sulfonate chain or chains interact. The molar ratio of the dye-albumin complex determined was 1:1. The optical constants of the dye-albumin complexes cannot be determined directly; therefore, a method is described for determining these complexes' optical parameters and thus their association constants. 1
Failure of selenite to protect against mercuric chloride in early developmental stages of the Japanese ricefish (Oryzias latipes)

Abstract 1. Selenium dioxide pretreatment prior to liver formation in Japanese ricefish ( Oryzias latipes ) failed to protect against mercuric chloride. The mercuric chloride LC 50 s and 95% confidence limits for selenium pretreated Oryzias latipes and for those not pretreated were 5.8 (5.6–6.1)mg/l; and 5.9 (5.5–6.2) mg/l, respectively. 2. Selenium pretreatment following liver formation was protective against mercuric chloride. The mercuric chloride LC 50 s and 95% confidence limits for selenium pretreated embryos and for those not pretreated were 7.6 (7.0–8.2) mg/l; and 6.5 (6.1–7.0 mg/l respectively. 3. The central roles of the liver, circulatory system and kidney in selenium protection against mercury are discussed.