cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonemergent percutaneous coronary interventions in a veterans affairs medical center without onsite cardiac surgery.

Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed in centers without onsite cardiac surgery remains controversial. Advances in PCI techniques and medical therapy have markedly decreased postprocedural complications. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of performing PCI in the Veterans Affairs patient population in a hospital without onsite cardiac surgery. Methods We prospectively evaluated 401 consecutive patients who underwent elective PCI or PCI after admission for acute coronary syndrome. Patients who had ST-elevation myocardial infarction or were hemodynamically unstable were classified as emergent and had their PCI performed elsewhere and were therefore excluded from our analysis. Our cardiac surgery backup was a community hospital 8 miles away. Results The patient's mean age was 65.6 ± 10 years, and most were men (99.5%). Patients had high-risk clinical and angiographic profiles, with diabetes mellitus in 44%, prior myocardial infarction in 41%, comorbid conditions in 45% and type B or C angiographic lesions in 83%. Of 401 patients, 338 (84%) received a stent, and 86 (21%), a drug eluting stent. Percutaneous coronary intervention success rate was 97%. There were no periprocedural or inhospital deaths, and no patients required emergency transfer for cardiac surgery. At 1 and 6 months of follow-up, total mortality was 1.5% and 3.5%, respectively; target vessel revascularization rate was 0% and 1.7%. Conclusions Nonemergent PCI can be performed effectively and safely in patients with higher clinical and angiographic risk without onsite backup cardiac surgery. This has significant implications for most hospitals that have an invasive but not an interventional program.
The renal H+, K+-ATPases as therapeutic targets

The kidney is an important regulatory organ responsible for maintaining constant blood volume and composition despite wide variations in the intake of food and water. Throughout the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney, there is a wide variety of proteins that function to add additional waste products and to recover needed materials from the lumen filtrate. The collecting duct of the nephron is the primary renal location for the H+, K+-ATPases, a group of ion pumps that function in both acid/base balance and potassium homeostasis. This review summarizes the present understanding of the structure and functions for the different subtypes of the H+, K+-ATPases under specific physiologic conditions. The obstacles in determining the pharmacologic properties of the different subtypes are considered and future directions for the inhibition and/or stimulation of the H+, K+-ATPases are evaluated.
The structure of common mental disorders.

Background This report presents the results of confirmatory factor analyses of patterns of comorbidity among 10 common mental disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey, a national probability sample of US civilians who completed structured diagnostic interviews. Methods Patterns of comorbidity among DSM-III-R mental disorders were analyzed via confirmatory factor analyses for the entire National Comorbidity Survey sample (N=8098; age range, 15-54 years), for random halves of the sample, for men and women separately, and for a subsample of participants who were seeing a professional about their mental health problems. Four models were compared: a 1-factor model, a 2-factor model in which some disorders represented internalizing problems and others represented externalizing problems, a 3-factor variant of the 2-factor model in which internalizing was modeled as having 2 subfactors (anxious-misery and fear), and a 4-factor model in which the disorders represented separate affective, anxiety, substance dependence, and antisocial factors. Results The 3-factor model provided the best fit in the entire sample. This result was replicated across random halves of the sample as well as across women and men. The substantial empirical intercorrelation between anxious-misery and fear (0.73) suggested that these factors were most appropriately conceived as subfactors of a higher-order internalizing factor. In the treatment sample, the 2-factor model fit best. Conclusions The results offer a novel perspective on comorbidity, suggesting that comorbidity results from common, underlying core psychopathological processes. The results thereby argue for focusing research on these core processes themselves, rather than on their varied manifestations as separate disorders.
Dopamine Depletion of the Prefrontal Cortex Induces Dendritic Spine Loss: Reversal by Atypical Antipsychotic Drug Treatment

Dystrophic changes in dendrites of cortical neurons are present in several neuro-psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The mechanisms that account for dendritic changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in schizophrenia are unclear. Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia have been linked to compromised cortical dopamine function, and the density of the PFC dopamine innervation is decreased in schizophrenia. We determined if 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the ventral tegmental area that disrupt the PFC dopamine innervation cause dystrophic changes in cortical neurons. Three weeks post-operatively we observed a marked decrease in basal dendritic length and spine density of layer V pyramidal cells in the prelimbic cortex; no change was seen in neurons of the motor cortex. We then examined rats in which the PFC dopamine innervation was lesioned and 3 weeks later were started on chronic treatment with an atypical (olanzapine) or typical (haloperidol) antipsychotic drug. Olanzapine but not haloperidol reversed lesion-induced changes in PFC pyramidal cell dendrites. These data suggest that dopamine regulates dendritic structure in PFC neurons. Moreover, the findings are consistent with a decrease in cortical dopaminergic tone contributing to the pathological changes in the cortex of schizophrenia, and suggest that the progressive cortical loss in schizophrenia may be slowed or reversed by treatment with atypical antipsychotic drugs.
Functional aspects of pelvic morphology in simian Primates

Abstract In functional analyses of the Primate pelvis only selective forces resulting from locomotory functions have traditionally been taken into account, therefore neglecting possible selective forces resulting from obstetrical functions. This paper analyzes the nature, degree, and action of the selective forces acting on the pelvis of simian Primates which result from maternal-fetal size relationships and their interaction with selective forces resulting from locomotory functions. Based on the analysis of these factors in living Primates, an estimate of their degree and interaction in Australopithecus africanus is given to further elucidate the problem of the evolution of hominid bipedalism.
The physiology of eyestrain

Eyestrain, or asthenopia, can be categorized into 2 types: an internal type consisting of sensations of strain and ache felt inside the eye and caused by stress of the accommodative and convergence mechanisms; and an external type consisting of sensations of dryness and irritation on the front of the eye and caused by compromised conditions in the viewing environment. The symptom sensations of the external type mimic those expected due to dry eyes. The likely mechanism is that poor viewing conditions cause contraction of the orbital portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle which causes eye lid squint in an attempt to improve vision. This has been shown to result in secondary reduction in eye lid blink, thereby resulting in dry eye conditions. Electromyography is a sensitive measure of contraction of the orbicularis and has potential to be an objective measure of eyestrain.
Accelerating neural network training using weight extrapolations

The backpropagation (BP) algorithm for training feedforward neural networks has proven robust even for difficult problems. However, its high performance results are attained at the expense of a long training time to adjust the network parameters, which can be discouraging in many real-world applications. Even on relatively simple problems, standard BP often requires a lengthy training process in which the complete set of training examples is processed hundreds or thousands of times. In this paper, a universal acceleration technique for the BP algorithm based on extrapolation of each individual interconnection weight is presented. This extrapolation procedure is easy to implement and is activated only a few times in between iterations of the conventional BP algorithm. This procedure, unlike earlier acceleration procedures, minimally alters the computational structure of the BP algorithm. The viability of this new approach is demonstrated on three examples. The results suggest that it leads to significant savings in computation time of the standard BP algorithm. Moreover, the solution computed by the proposed approach is always located in close proximity to the one obtained by the conventional BP procedure. Hence, the proposed method provides a real acceleration of the BP algorithm without degrading the usefulness of its solutions. The performance of the new method is also compared with that of the conjugate gradient algorithm, which is an improved and faster version of the BP algorithm.
Experimental Infection of Prairie Dogs with Monkeypox Virus

Studies of experimental infection of prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) with monkeypox virus are described. After intraperitoneal infection, all of the animals died within 11 days. Virus was cultured from their blood and oropharynx several days before death; at necropsy, most of the organs tested contained monkeypox virus. Marked hepatic and splenic necrosis were observed, along with mild inflammatory changes in the lungs. After intranasal (IN) infection, the primary pathologic changes were in the lungs and pleural cavity. Some of the IN infected animals (40%) survived, and monkeypox virus could be cultured from their nasal discharge and oropharynx for <22 days. Ulcerative lesions also developed on the lips, tongue, and buccal mucosa of the surviving animals. Our findings support an earlier report, which suggested that infected prairie dogs can transmit monkeypox virus by respiratory and mucocutaneous contact with susceptible animals and persons.
The Diets of Early Hominins

Diet changes are considered key events in human evolution. Most studies of early hominin diets focused on tooth size, shape, and craniomandibular morphology, as well as stone tools and butchered animal bones. However, in recent years, dental microwear and stable isotope analyses have hinted at unexpected diversity and complexity in early hominin diets. Some traditional ideas have held; others, such as an increasing reliance on hard-object feeding and a dichotomy between Australopithecus and Paranthropus, have been challenged. The first known evidence of C(4) plant (tropical grasses and sedges) and hard-object (e.g., seeds and nuts) consumption dates to millions of years after the appearance of the earliest probable hominins, and there are no consistent trends in diet change among these species through time.
The Dynamic Systems Approach as Metatheory for Developmental Psychology

The dynamic systems perspective has been touted as an integrative metatheoretical framework for the study of stability and change in development. However, two dynamic systems camps exist with respect to the role higher-order form, once emergent, plays in the process of development. This paper evaluates these two camps in terms of the overarching world views they embody. Some dynamic systems proponents ground their conceptualization of development in pure contextualist terms by privileging the here-and-now in the explanation of development, whereas other proponents adopt an integration of organismic and contextualist world views by considering both local context and higher-order form in their explanatory accounts. These different ontological premises affect how each camp views the process of self-organization, the principle of circular causality and the very nature of explanation in developmental science.
The Uses and Limits of Rhetorical Theory: Campbell, Whately, and Perelman and Olbrechts- Tyteca on the Earl of Spencer’s ‘Address to Diana

r " he three essays that follow offer readings of one of the most popular and l widely known rhetorical performances of recent times, the Earl of Spencer's 1997 funeral eulogy for his sister Diana, Princess of Wales (text reproduced in Appendix). Each section of the paper offers a reading of the address through a critical lens derived from the rhetorical theory of a different canonical theorist, respectively (and chronologically) George Campbell, Richard Whately, and Chaim Perelman and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. Three questions animate this project. The first concerns the relationship of theory to criticism. Neither Campbell, Whately, nor the Belgians discusses the role of rhetorical criticism or offers an apparatus that facilitates it, although each of their theories includes tenets applicable to criticism. How well do their theoretical tenets work at the level of criticism; do any of these theorists introduce concepts that analysis of rhetorical practice might challenge? The second question concerns influence. The three theorists we chose are particularly interesting from this perspective because all of them, to varying degrees, are selfconscious about their debts to the rhetorical tradition. Campbell cites and affirms the contributions of Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian, Whately incorporates Campbell, and the Belgians incorporate Whately incorporating Campbell. What is the nature of this influence? Are the differences among these theorists differences of perspective or of emphasis? We are aware of the complexities surrounding the question of influence since it was broached by T.S. Eliot in "Tradition and the Individual Talent," subsequently complicated by Harold Bloom, and more recently challenged by Michel Foucault. Our purpose is not to arbitrate these quite different views (which raise their own questions about the nature of influence) but to prompt a discussion of the nature of influence within the rhetorical tradition. The third question concerns the idea of progress in rhetorical theory. In what sense can each of the theorists be said to have made an advance over his predecessors? Does rhetorical theory progress as science typically progresses, by making obsolete that which it builds on? Or does rhetoric resemble philosophy, a discipline in which responses to a relatively constant problem set seem to benefit from their predecessors' work without replacing it?
Classroom sex composition and first-grade school outcomes: The role of classroom behavior

Abstract Using nationally representative data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort ( N = 21,409; 10,452 girls and 10,957 boys; mean age = 7.24 years), the association between first-grade classroom sex composition (CSC), measured as the percentage of female students, and end of the year academic (reading, mathematics) and socio-emotional (externalizing problems, internalizing problems, self-control, interpersonal skills) outcomes was examined. Using multilevel modeling techniques and controlling for prior achievement levels, CSC was positively associated with children’s reading achievement at the end of first grade; students performed better in reading in classes with a higher percentage of female students. CSC was also associated with three of the socio-emotional outcomes; controlling for prior levels, students in classrooms with a higher percentage of girls had better self-control and interpersonal skills and fewer internalizing problems. Classroom behavior mediated the effects of CSC on reading achievement and the socio-emotional outcomes. Implications for the composition of first-grade classrooms are discussed.
Effects of electrical discharge surface modification of superalloy Haynes 230 with aluminum and molybdenum on oxidation behavior

The effects of the electrical discharge alloying (EDA) process on improving the high temperature oxidation resistance of the Ni-based superalloy Haynes 230 have been investigated. The 85 at.% Al and 15 at.% Mo composite electrode provided the surface alloying materials. An Al-rich layer is produced on the surface of the EDA specimen alloyed with positive electrode polarity, whereas, many discontinuous piled layers are attached to the surface of the EDA superalloy when negative electrode polarity is selected. The oxidation resistance of the specimen alloyed with positive electrode polarity is better than that of the unalloyed superalloy, and the effective temperature of oxidation resistance of the alloyed layer can be achieved to 1100 °C. Conversely, the oxidation resistance of the other EDA specimen alloyed with negative electrode polarity is even worse than that of the unalloyed superalloy.
Monogenic Post Normal Systems of Arbitrary Degree

From an arbitrary Turing machine, Z, a monogenic Post normal system, v(Z), is constructed. It is then shown not only that the halting problem for Z is reducible to that of v(Z) but also that the halting problem for v(Z) is reducible to that of Z. Since these two halting problems are of the same degree, the halting problem for the normal system can have an arbitrary (recursively enumerable) degree of undecidability.
Quality Improvement Ethics: Lessons From the SUPPORT Study

The Office of Human Research Protections was not justified in issuing findings against the SUPPORT Institutions. Our community can learn from the evolving healthcare transformation into learning health systems by thinking about the novel ethical issues about standard of care research raised by the SUPPORT with the same spirit of quality improvement. The current regulatory framework and the concept of foreseeable research risks is insufficient to advance the debate about the ethics of randomization of standard clinical interventions. This article uses the example of the Wisconsin cystic fibrosis randomized clinical trial for newborn screening trial to explore the distinctions between risks of research and clinical care and waivers of informed consent for randomization. Collaborative exploration of these complex policy issues is needed and further deliberation, community engagement, and social science research will be critical to advance novel approaches for informed consent.
Sex differences and rapid estrogen signaling: A look at songbird audition

The actions of estrogens have been associated with brain differentiation and sexual dimorphism in a wide range of vertebrates. Here we consider the actions of brain-derived ‘neuroestrogens’ in the forebrain and the accompanying differences and similarities observed between males and females in a variety of species. We summarize recent evidence showing that baseline and fluctuating levels of neuroestrogens within the auditory forebrain of male and female zebra finches are largely similar, and that neuroestrogens enhance auditory representations in both sexes. With a comparative perspective we review evidence that non-genomic mechanisms of neuroestrogen actions are sexually differentiated, and we propose a working model for nonclassical estrogen signaling via the MAPK intracellular signaling cascade in the songbird auditory forebrain that is informed by the way sex differences may be compensated. This view may lead to a more comprehensive understanding of how sex influences estradiol-dependent modulation of sensorimotor representations.
Capillary-infiltrated conductors in ceramics

The infiltration of high conductivity metals into capillaries in ceramic structures have been reported by Schwartz and Wilcox. Others have used the infiltration concept for the fabrication of composite structures for a variety of reasons, thermal expansions, machinability of hard metals, and so forth. In electronic applications, that is the fabrication of ceramic structures for support and interconnection of devices, the reasons for infiltration are evident. They provide highly conductive paths in a controlled manner for dimensions and configurations which approach those of device structures. Experiments were conducted to investigate the wetting and spreading of copper on molybdenum metallized alumina slips. Various surface-active and viscosity-active metals were added to the copper, and ambient conditions were varied. The results indicate that the primary controlling parameters for wetting are the ambient conditions. The infiltrations of copper into porous molybdenum lines were observed by X-radiographs of experimental substrates after increments of time at 1120°C. The substrates were moved from an average temperature of 1040°C into a hot zone at 1120°C, then after an incremental soak time were returned to 1040°C, and subsequently cooled for observation. The penetrations of copper are clearly seen on the X-radiographs so that the process of infiltration may be closely monitored. The results indicate that reliable infiltrations at predictable rates may be obtained. Thus, the technique is a reliable means of achieving high conductivity metals within a ceramic substrate. There is no indication of a limitation on penetration distance on well formed lines as small as 5 mil wide. Electrical conductivity of infiltrated lines was observed to follow the volume relationship: Σ=vCuΣCu + vMoΣMo where Σ = conductivity andv = volume proportion.
A Compartmental Model to Analyze Ruminal Digestion

In contrast to digestion models that include a discrete lag phase, a compartmental digestion model was proposed. It assumed the existence of a lag compartment and a digestion compartment. Substrate present in the digestion compartment was subject to first-order kinetics digestion. Flow of substrate from the lag compartment to the digestion compartment was proposed to be a first-order process and likely was affected by hydration of substrate, bacterial attachment, and colonization. The proposed model was compared with models that assumed the existence of a discrete lag phase. Parameter estimates for these models were obtained either through logarithmic transformation of data or nonlinear regression. Statistically, there was no difference between the compartmental model and the nonlinear model with a discrete lag phase. Differences in parameter estimates between these two models were small. Residual mean squares were higher for the logarithmically transformed models. Differences in parameter estimates between these models and the compartmental model depended on the structure of the experimental data. In a number of cases, the nonlinear parameters of the compartmental model converged to the same value, resulting in a different interpretation of the model. Residual mean squares for predicting rate of disappearance were lowest for the compartmental model.
Telephone follow-up to a mail survey: when to offer an interview compared to a reminder call

Background Using a different mode of contact on the final follow-up to survey non-respondents is an identified strategy to increase response rates. This study was designed to determine if a reminder phone call or a phone interview as a final mode of contact to a mailed survey works better to increase response rates and which strategy is more cost effective.
The role of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10 in protecting murine neonates from Escherichia coli sepsis

Abstract Background/Purpose: The neonate is at much higher risk for septic complications and death than the adult. Although some aspects of the infant's immune response are immature, others are fully functional. Many models of septic death are caused by an overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines. If there were inadequate down regulatory mechanisms, this could lead to an over expression of proinflammatory cytokines. The authors hypothesized that the high mortality rate of the newborn was caused by overexpression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and that interleukin-10 (IL-10) would attenuate this response. The aim of this study was to determine if TNF-α plays an important role in early death from Escherichia coli sepsis in the newborn animal and if blocking TNF improves survival. Methods: A dose response curve was determined for 1 day old C3H/HEN mice using 10 5 intraperitoneal E coli resulting in a 30% to 50% mortality rate. Litters of newborn (1 day old) C3H/HEN mice received a subcutaneous injection of either 25 or 50 ng of murine IL-10 or 20 μL of anti-TNF-α 4 hours before a bacterial challenge. Control animals received nothing. Animals were observed for 5 to 7 days. At least 6 litters (18 pups per group) were used for each regimen. Results: Anti-TNF-α resulted in a significant improvement in survival rate compared with controls (100% v 53%, P v 65%, P Conclusions: TNF-α plays an important role in neonatal sepsis, suggesting that the newborn mouse is capable of mounting a significant proinflammatory response to Gram-negative bacteria. Newborn mice may respond to bacterial challenge with an overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines or an underproduction of downregulating cytokines. Future attempts at immunomodulation in human infants must be undertaken with caution until the inflammatory response is better defined. J Pediatr Surg 35:852-855. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Results of recent OSSEs to evaluate the potential impact of lidar winds

Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) are an important tool for evaluating the potential impact of proposed new observing systems, as well as for evaluating trade-offs in observing system design, and in developing and assessing improved methodology for assimilating new observations. OSSEs conducted at NASA GSFC and elsewhere have indicated significant potential for space-based lidar winds to improve numerical weather prediction. In this paper we summarize OSSE methodology and earlier OSSE results, and present methodology and new results from a Quick OSSE designed to assess the potential impact of lidar winds on the predicted track of a specific hurricane.
Metaplasticity at Single Glutamatergic Synapses

Optimal function of neuronal networks requires interplay between rapid forms of Hebbian plasticity and homeostatic mechanisms that adjust the threshold for plasticity, termed metaplasticity. Numerous forms of rapid synapse plasticity have been examined in detail. However, the rules that govern synaptic metaplasticity are much less clear. Here, we demonstrate a local subunit-specific switch in NMDA receptors that alternately primes or prevents potentiation at single synapses. Prolonged suppression of neurotransmitter release enhances NMDA receptor currents, increases the number of functional NMDA receptors containing NR2B, and augments calcium transients at single dendritic spines. This local switch in NMDA receptors requires spontaneous glutamate release but is independent of action potentials. Moreover, single inactivated synapses exhibit a lower induction threshold for both long-term synaptic potentiation and plasticity-induced spine growth. Thus, spontaneous glutamate release adjusts plasticity threshold at single synapses by local regulation of NMDA receptors, providing a novel spatially delimited form of synaptic metaplasticity.
Response of epiphytic diatom communities from the tailwaters of glen Canyon Dam, Arizona, to elevated water temperature

The composition of epiphytic diatom communities from the cold tailwaters (12°C) of Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona, was analysed after a 2 wk incubation period at 12°C, 18°C and 21°C. There was a significant change in diatom composition between 12°C and 18°C, while no significant changes occurred between 18°C and 21°C. This suggests that a temperature threshold exists between 12°C and 18°C for the diatom flora in the tailwaters of Glen Canyon Dam. At the two higher water temperatures, smaller and closely adnate taxa became more important numerically than larger, upright, cold water stenotherms. The potential importance of this compositional shift in epiphytic diatoms on macroinvertebrate grazers has management implications regarding different release programs from reservoirs.
Integration of Traffic Simulation and Propulsion Modeling to Estimate Energy Consumption for Battery Electric Vehicles

The introduction of battery electric vehicles (BEV) creates many new challenges. Among them is driving a vehicle with limited driving range, long charging time and sparse deployment of charging stations. This combination may cause range anxiety for prospective owners as well as serious practical problems with using the products. Tools are needed to help BEV owners plan routes that avoid both range anxiety and practical problems involved with being stranded by a discharged battery. Most of these tools are enabled by algorithms that provide accurate energy consumption estimates under real-world driving conditions. The tools, and therefore the algorithms must be available at vehicle launch even though there is insufficient time and vehicles to collect good statistics. This paper describes an approach to derive such models based on the integration of traffic simulation and vehicle propulsion modeling.
Beneficial effects of desipramine on cognitive function of chronically stressed rats are mediated by α1-adrenergic receptors in medial prefrontal cortex

Abstract Chronic stress is a risk factor for many psychopathological conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders. Cognitive impairments associated with prefrontal cortical dysfunction are a major component of such illnesses. Using an attentional set-shifting test (AST), we have previously shown that elevating noradrenergic activity in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) can facilitate cognitive set-shifting, and that chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) caused set-shifting deficits. It is not known, however, if noradrenergic modulatory function is compromised by chronic stress, perhaps contributing to the stress-induced cognitive deficit. Thus, the first study investigated whether acutely elevating noradrenergic activity in mPFC still enhances cognitive function after chronic stress. As previously demonstrated, CUS impaired cognitive set-shifting on the AST. This deficit was abolished by acute systemic administration of the α 2 -adrenergic autoreceptor antagonist, atipamezole. Microdialysis revealed no differences in extracellular norepinephrine (NE) levels in mPFC of CUS-exposed and unstressed control rats at baseline or during behavioral testing, and comparable increases after atipamezole. In the second experiment, rats were treated chronically with the selective NE reuptake blocker, desipramine, during the CUS treatment through behavioral testing. Again, CUS impaired cognitive set-shifting in vehicle-treated rats, and chronic desipramine treatment prevented such deficits. Acute blockade of post-synaptic α 1 -adrenergic receptors in mPFC prior to testing blocked the beneficial effect of desipramine on cognitive set-shifting. These results suggest that desipramine restores cognitive set-shifting capability that has been compromised by chronic stress by activating α 1 -adrenergic receptors in the mPFC. Thus, noradrenergic modulatory capability in mPFC remains intact after CUS, and this represents one possible substrate by which antidepressants may exert their beneficial effects in the treatment of depression.
Osteoblast response to alumina and titania nanometer wear debris

Osteoblast (bone-forming cells) response to different sizes of alumina and titania wear debris particles were investigated in the present in vitro study. Such wear debris may result from friction between articulating components of orthopedic implants composed of nanophase ceramics. Results provided the first evidence of increased osteoblast proliferation in the presence of nanometer compared to conventional-dimension (i.e., micrometer) ceramic particles. The present study also indicated a different early response (through altered mRNA expression and protein synthesis) of osteoblasts exposed to nanometer as apposed to micrometer particle size ceramics. Evidence of a less detrimental effect of nanometer compared to conventional-dimension wear debris on osteoblast function offers additional evidence that nanophase ceramics may become the next generation of bone prosthetic materials with improved osseointegrative (that is, ability to bond to juxtaposed bone in situ) properties.
IODINATING ABILITY OF VARIOUS LEUKOCYTES AND THEIR BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITY

A rapid method that employs monolayers of different phagocytic cells, primarily from guinea pigs and mice, has allowed a kinetic determination of (a) ingestion by these cells of labeled particles, (b) fixation of (131)I and (c) microbicidal activity in the cells after periods as short as 5' of exposure of bacteria to phagocytes. Phagocytes so examined included polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) elicited into the peritoneal cavity, elicited peritoneal mononuclear cells (monocytes) (MN), and peritoneal macrophages (MAC) obtained simply by lavage. Circulating PMN from normal human subjects and from children afflicted with chronic granulomatous disease were also studied. The potential for generation of H(2)O(2) (a key component of the iodinating system) of all the normal cells studied, gauged by their content of cyanide-insensitive NADH oxidase, seemed comparable. Peroxidase levels varied widely, and were highest in PMN and almost undetectable in MAC. Catalase was at negligible levels in all the cell types obtained from mice. The fixation of (131)I by phagocytes ingesting (14)C-labeled dead tubercle bacilli appeared to be primarily a function of the cellular peroxidase content. Thus, mouse macrophages, with virtually no peroxidase, displayed no fixation of iodide. PMN proved far more able to fix (131)I during phagocytosis than did MN. In experiments comparing PMN from normal human subjects and from children with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a sex-linked condition characterized by a deficiency of H(2)O(2) production during phagocytosis and low microbicidal activity, the iodination ratio of CGD cells was dramatically less than that of normal PMN (by about two orders of magnitude). Capacity for iodination was correlated with bactericidal activity toward E. coli. At low bacterial loads (ca. 5:1), phagocytes killed efficiently, and little discrepancy in ability among cell types was apparent. Under the stress of higher loads of (14)C-labeled E. coli (ca. 100:1), differences in bactericidal activity were exaggerated, and a substantial disparity between MN and PMN was observed in favor of the latter. The hierarchy for killing efficiencies therefore agreed with that for iodination, with one notable exception: mouse MAC were consistently competent in their killing activity, more so than MN, even though they virtually lack peroxidase and the ability to iodinate ingested bacteria.
Racial Differences in Adolescent Drug Use: The Impact of Religion

Contrary to popular stereotypes, current studies of adolescent populations suggest that Black teens are less likely to use illicit drugs than are White teens. This study investigates the extent to which differences in religiosity are responsible for racial differences in drug use. Using data from a national survey of United States high school seniors, our results indicate that religion does provide some protection from drug use by adolescents. However, religiosity has less of an impact on the drug use of Black adolescents, perhaps as a result of the diverse roles of the Black church.
An Approach to Designing Safe Embedded Software

The complexity of most embedded software limits our ability to assure safety after the fact, e.g., by testing or formal verification of code. Instead, to achieve high confidence in safety requires considering it from the start of system development and designing the software to reduce the potential for hazardous behavior. An approach to building safety into embedded software will be described that integrates system hazard analysis, user task analysis, traceability, and informal specifications combined with executable and analyzable models. The approach has been shown to be feasible and practical by applying it to complex systems experimentally and by its use on real projects.
Bridging the gap between research and practice: A framework for building research agendas in school psychology

In this article, we discuss the history behind efforts to transfer school psychology research into practice and review the literature pertaining to treatment acceptability, participatory action research, organizational change, and generalization programming. We then present a model for the systematic programming of this transfer and propose a three-step framework that emphasizes multiple conceptual bases to transfer research into practice. This three-step framework includes creating usable knowledge, transferring usable knowledge, and supporting usable knowledge. It is our intention that the proposed framework will provide a starting point that can be informed by researchers and practitioners in the field of school psychology. We conclude with examples of our research efforts to systematically study the transfer of research into practice. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 459–473, 2005.
Influence of Particle Refractive Index on the Lower Detection Limit of Light Scattering Aerosol Counters

ABSTRACT Light scattering particle counters are widely used for aerosol research. They are also important tools for monitoring airborne particles in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries. For the latter application, it is important to know the influence of particle material properties on the counter response, particularly the effect of particle refractive index on the lower detection limit of the counter. In this paper, the effect of particle refractive index on the lower detection limit of aerosol particle counters has been studied using the Mie theory. Counting efficiencies have also been measured to verify the theoretical results. The measurements were made with PSL (polystyrene latex), silicon, silicon nitride, and silicon dioxide particles. Two commercially available aerosol counters and a condensation nucleus counter were used in the study. The theoretical study show that both the real and the imaginary parts of the particle refractive index affect the lower detection limit of a light scat...
Phase I Trial of Combined-Modality Therapy for Localized Esophageal Cancer: Escalating Doses of Continuous-Infusion Paclitaxel With Cisplatin and Concurrent Radiation Therapy

Purpose To define the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of paclitaxel when given as a weekly 96-hour infusion with cisplatin and radiotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods Thirty-four patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer and three patients with local recurrence or positive resection margins were treated. Weekly paclitaxel doses of 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 80 mg/m2, given as a continuous 96-hour infusion, were administered with weekly cisplatin, 30 mg/m2 on day 1, weeks 1 to 6, and concurrent radiation (50.4 Gy). Plasma paclitaxel steady-state levels were measured. Results Dose-limiting toxicity, defined as a treatment break longer than 2 weeks for toxicity, occurred in one patient in the 80-mg/m2/wk dose level. Major causes for any (including ≤ 2 weeks) treatment breaks were mediport complications and neutropenic fever, which occurred mostly at that dose level. At a paclitaxel dose of 60 mg/m2/wk, myelosuppression, mostly neutropenia, was relatively mild and transient; st...
Identifying the genetic determinants of transcription factor activity

Analysis of parallel genotyping and expression profiling data has shown that mRNA expression levels are highly heritable. Currently, only a tiny fraction of this genetic variance can be mechanistically accounted for. The influence of trans-acting polymorphisms on gene expression traits is often mediated by transcription factors (TFs). We present a method that exploits prior knowledge about the in vitro DNA-binding specificity of a TF in order to map the loci (‘aQTLs’) whose inheritance modulates its protein-level regulatory activity. Genome-wide regression of differential mRNA expression on predicted promoter affinity is used to estimate segregant-specific TF activity, which is subsequently mapped as a quantitative phenotype. In budding yeast, our method identifies six times as many locus-TFassociations and morethan twice as manytrans-acting loci as all existing methods combined. Application to mouse data from an F2 intercross identified an aQTL on chromosome VII modulating the activity of Zscan4 in liver cells. Our method has greatly improved statistical power over existing methods, is mechanism based, strictly causal, computationally efficient, and generally applicable. Molecular Systems Biology 6: 412; published online 21 September 2010; doi:10.1038/msb.2010.64 Subject Categories: functional genomics; computational methods
On a modified electrostatic oscillograph

The instrument to be described is a modification of an electrostatic oscillograph originally invented by Prof. Taylor Jones. In the original instrument a thin phosphor-bronze wire is stretched parallel to a flat metal plate towards which it is attracted when a difference of potential is established between them. A small mirror is fastened by one edge to the middle of the wire, and the other edge of the mirror is pivoted by bringing up to it a flat cork against which it presses. The motion of the wire is recorded by reflecting a beam of light from the mirror on to a rotating drum.
Rotation Compatibility Approach to Moment Redistribution for Design and Rating of Steel I-Girder Bridges

Recent research has culminated in the development of moment redistribution design and rating procedures based on a "rotation compatibility" procedure. The key aspects of the rotation compatibility method are presented herein along with the resulting series of simple equations that may be used for both design and rating of straight continuous-span steel I-girders. This procedure has several advantages over the previous moment redistribution procedures. Most significantly, the rotation compatibility method provides a rational basis for removing the current restrictions on girder geometries permissible for use with moment redistribution provisions. Thus, sections that are more slender and/or have greater unbraced lengths, compared to previous inelastic procedures, may be considered. This is particularly beneficial for incorporating inelastic methods into rating specifications because many existing bridges have geometries such that they have previously been outside the scope of applicability of inelastic procedures. A second key advantage of the rotation compatibility procedure is that maximum allowable redistribution moments are specifically computed, which justifies the use of higher levels of moment redistribution and consequently greater design economy in some cases. DOI: 10.1061/ASCE1084-0702201015:155 CE Database subject headings: Rotation; Bridges, steel; Bridges, girder; Design. Author keywords: Steel; Bridges, girder; Bridge design; Ratings; Inelastic action.
Distribution of Aromatase mRNA in the Ram Hypothalamus: An In Situ Hybridization Study

The regional distribution of neurones expressing aromatase mRNA in the ram hypothalamus was examined by in situ hybridization using 33P-labelled cRNA probes. The highest amounts of hybridization signal were observed in the central part of the medial preoptic nucleus and posterior medial part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Moderate amounts of hybridization signal were observed in the anteroventral periventricular preoptic nucleus, medial preoptic nucleus and a broad band extending between the medial preoptic nucleus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Low levels of hybridization signal were observed in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, anterior part of the medial preoptic nucleus, and central part of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. The presence of aromatase mRNA within neurones of the steroid-sensitive hypothalamic circuit supports a role for aromatization in the mechanism of testosterone action on reproductive function in male sheep. The distribution of aromatase mRNA in the ovine hypothalamus was similar to that described for other vertebrate species, suggesting a high degree of functional conservation across species.
Stimulated-emission pumping spectroscopy study of jet-cooled C 3 : pure bending levels and bend–symmetric-stretch combination levels of X˜ 1 Σg+

Stimulated-emission pumping spectra were recorded for many pure bending levels [(0, 2, 0)–(0, 34, 0)] and bend–symmetric-stretch combination levels [(1, 0, 0)–(1, 8, 0) and (3, 4, 0)–(3, 8, 0)] in the X˜1Σg+ state of C3 following excitation of transitions in the A˜1Πu−X˜1Σg+ band system. Rotational levels to J = 16 were probed and, because of strong mixing of vibrational angular momentum components, levels with l up to 8 were observed. A rotational analysis was carried out by means of a simple rigid-rotor harmonic-oscillator model for a linear molecule. An adequate fit was obtained, showing that all these vibrational levels could be described by a linear average geometry even though the bending vibration is known to be of extremely large amplitude. Bυ was found to increase strongly with υ2 and to decrease with excitation in ν1. Interpretation of the physical meaning of the resulting parameters is difficult, however, since the vibrational potential is not well described by a harmonic oscillator.
Separation of Americium from Europium using Camphor-BisTriazinyl Pyridine: A Fundamental Study

ABSTRACTAmong the different components present in spent nuclear fuel, long-lived trivalent actinides are particularly difficult to separate from the shorter-lived lanthanide fission products due to their similar chemical properties. Selective extraction of americium from acidic solution (up to 2M HNO3) containing tenth molar quantities of lanthanides has been achieved using neutral pyridine-based ligands dissolved in polar diluents. Nitrogen-based Bis Triazinyl Pyridine (BTP) ligands are desirable for both their excellent An/Ln selectivity and incinerability. Results pertaining to ligand solubility, kinetics, hydrolytic stability, and extraction performance in various nitric acid environments are presented.
New Uncertainties in Land Use Changes Caused by the Production of Biofuels

The environmental benefits of biofuels continue to be debated. Recent attention focuses on biofuel-induced land use changes and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. We develop an international, multi-commodity, partial equilibrium model and measure the impact of US and EU biofuel production on land use as well as the associated greenhouse gas emissions. We find these measures to be sensitive to changes in assumptions, specifically relating to yields. We note the possibility of offsetting cross-commodity effects. We identify the context and time path as previously unrecognized sources of variation and potential error in greenhouse gas calculations.
4. Some Observations about Immigration Journalism

Part of a conference volume, Covering Immigration: Scholars and Journalists in Dialogue (Marcelo Suarez-Orozco et al., eds., U. of California Press, forthcoming), this chapter identifies a number of deficiencies in the coverage of immigration issues by some of the leading daily newspapers, and suggests how those deficiencies might be remedied.