cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Zeranol® upon luteal maintenance and fetal development in peripubertal gilts

Abstract Eighty gilts were utilized to determine whether zeranol implants could maintain hCG-induced corpora lutea (CL) in peripubertal gilts and to examine the effects of a Zeranol ® implant on fetal development. Crossbred gilts (171±0.3 days of age, 109.1+1.4kg) were blocked by weight and ancestry to control ( n =40) or treatment ( n =40) groups. To induce ovulation and CL maintenance, treated gilts received 500IU of hCG i.m. and a Zeranol ® ear implant (Ralgro ® , 36mg; day 0). All gilts were checked once daily for estrus with a mature boar from days 3–58 of the experiment. On day 42, treated gilts received two 10mg injections of Lutalyse (PGF 2 α) spaced 6h apart. Treated gilts not displaying estrus within 7 days of PGF 2 α received two additional 10mg of PGF 2 α spaced 6h apart on day 49. On days 44–58, gilts detected in estrus were inseminated twice, 24h apart with pooled semen via AI. Blood samples were obtained on days 0, 7, 18 and 42 and analyzed for serum progesterone (P 4 ). Bred gilts were slaughtered on days 58–62 of gestation. Ovulation, as determined by serum concentrations of P 4 on day 7 of the experiment, was induced by hCG in 79.5% of treated gilts. Zeranol ® implants, however, failed to increase ( P >0.05) the proportion of gilts available for breeding (treated, 21/39; control, 18/40). Of gilts inseminated on days 44–58, 16/21 treated gilts and 16/18 control gilts were pregnant at slaughter on days 58–62 of gestation. Number of fetuses (7.5 versus 12), fetal weight (83 versus 121g), fetal length (117 versus 132mm) and fetal survival (45% versus 78%) were reduced ( P ® implants. These data indicate that treatment of peripubertal gilts with a 36mg Zeranol ® implant did not increase the proportion of gilts available for breeding while causing deleterious effects upon the fetuses.
Mixed ligand chelate extraction of lanthanides with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-octanoyl-5-pyrazolone systems

Abstract The equilibrium extraction behavior for a series of representative trivalent lanthanide ions, Pr, Eu, and Yb, using chloroform solutions containing 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-octanoyl-5-pyrazolone (HPMOP), either alone or combined with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) or methyltrioctylaromonium chloride (R3R'NCl), is studied. The results demonstrate that these lanthanides are extracted as LnP3, or in the presence of phen or TOPO. as LnP3 · phen or LnP3 · TOPO, or in the presence of R3R'NCl, as R3R'NLnP4. The effects of phen, TOPO, and R3R—NCl on the extraction of lanthanide ions with HPMOP are more pronounced than their effects with 8-quinolinol or 5,7-dibromo-8-quinolinol.
Myosin-Based Inclusion Body Myopathy Type 3 Decreases Muscle Power Generation and Kinetics

Dominant inclusion body myopathy type 3 (IBM-3) results from a point mutation, Glu706Lys, in the SH1 helix of the myosin head in skeletal muscle. The mutation leads to progressive myofibrillar disorganization, rimmed vacuoles and muscle weakness. We are studying Drosophila transgenically expressing this myosin mutation in their indirect flight muscle (IFM) and jump muscle. Wing beat frequency (WBF) and jump ability assays were performed on 2-3 day old flies at 25°C. Heterozygous fly WBF was reduced to 123 ± 14 Hz compared to control fly WBF of 181 ± 13 Hz. This decrease contributes to a completely flightless phenotype. Homozygous flies showed no ability to beat wings. A jump ability assay was executed to gauge any changes in myosin function of the Drosophila jump muscle, which is similar to very fast vertebrate muscle. No significant impairment of jumping ability was observed in heterozygous mutants, 5.93 ± 0.41 cm compared to control flies, 5.61 ± 1.48 cm. However, homozygous flies were not able to jump. Homozygous skinned IFM fibers at 2-days of age failed to produce power. Mechanical analysis of < 2 hour old skinned heterozygous fly IFM fibers revealed an 85% decrease in maximum oscillatory power generation (Pmax) and an ∼6-fold decrease in the frequency at which maximum power was generated (fmax) compared to controls. We hypothesize that the mutation increases the time myosin spends in a strongly actin bound state, leading to muscle myofibrillar disorganization and decreased power output.
High-temperature properties of SiC/SiC for fusion applications

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) such as SiC/SiC exhibit novel mechanical properties relative to their monolithic counterparts. The crack velocity (dadt) versus stress intensity (K) relationship for monolithic ceramics can be described by a simple power law relationship whereas SiC/SiC was found to exhibit a multistage dadt versus K relationship similar to that for stress corrosion of metals. A K-independent stage II was followed by a strongly K-dependent stage III similar to monolithic materials. Evidence also exists that the fracture resistance of these materials is greater if cracks are produced by subcritical growth processes relative to machined notches. Oxygen was found to increase dadt and decrease the K for the stage II to stage III transition while cyclic loads produced little damage at low K values but there was some evidence for increasing damage with increasing number of cycles and K.
First Report of Phytophthora europaea in Oak Forests in the Eastern and North-Central United States

In 2003 and 2004, soils in oak forest ecosystems in nine central and eastern states of the United States were surveyed for Phytophthora spp. Soil samples were collected around healthy and symptomatic trees. Symptoms included dieback of branches, gaps in lateral branch systems, yellowing of foliage, wilting and clustering of leaves, and the presence of epicormic shoots. Soil subsamples were collected in each of the four cardinal directions and at a distance of 1 to 2 m from the base of a tree. The four subsamples were bulked to produce a sample of approximately 2,000 ml. In the laboratory, each sample was mixed thoroughly and a single 250-g subsample was flooded with 500 ml of distilled water and baited with Quercus robur leaflets for 3 to 5 days at 17 to 20°C. Discolored leaflets were examined microscopically (×200) and those with sporangia typical of Phytophthora spp. were plated on PARPNH selective medium (1). Phytophthora europaea was recovered from soil samples collected from Q. alba in West Virginia,...
The effect of quantum dot ligand treatements on polaron lifetime and photovoltaic device performance

Using quasi-steady state photoinduced (PIA) absorption spectroscopy, we demonstrate that treating polymer/PbS quantum dot blend films with ethanedithiol (EDT) shortens average polaron lifetime. Devices fabricated from these films exhibit an improvement of more than 30% to the AM 1.5 power conversion efficiency upon thiol treatment, owing to an increase in photocurrent. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that thiols passivate deeply bound trap states on the surfaces of PbS quantum dots and that surface treatments could further improve bulk hybrid heterojunction solar cell performance.
Topical management of acne vulgaris using a combination gel formulation: benzoyl peroxide 2.5%–clindamycin phosphate 1.2% gel

Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin are commonly used topically for the treatment of acne vulgaris. This article reviews data on a combination gel formulation of benzoyl proxide 2.5% and clindamycin phosphate 1.2%. This formulation is approved in the USA for the treatment of acne vulgaris, and incorporates the active ingredients into a novel vehicle. Multiple clinical studies have established the efficacy and safety profiles of the formulation, with data available on its use in various severity grades of acne vulgaris and in the adolescent population as a subset. Cumulative irritation data and evaluations of epidermal barrier function support a favorable skin tolerability profile. Subject quality of life assessments were also favorable towards this formulation.
Expert systems for user service

Over the last few years, expert systems have moved from very expensive LISP or PROLOG based computers to easy-to-use software packages for the PC. As this switch has taken place, the popularity of these expert systems has grown significantly with applications being developed for many areas.As experts in the use of computers, many User Service departments may be considering using these “tools of our trade” to assist them in solving user problems. This paper will address what an expert system is, how to determine whether an expert system is applicable to your User Service's operations, and considerations regarding the time and cost of developing an expert system.
Noncovalent Side-Wall Functionalization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

A family of poly[(m-phenylenevinylene)-co-(p-phenylenevinylene)]s, functionalized in the synthetically accessible C-5 position of the meta-disubstituted phenylene rings have been designed and synthesized: they are essentially poly{(5-alkoxy-m-phenylenevinylene)-co-[(2,5-dioctyloxy-p-phenylene)vinylene]} (PAmPV) derivatives. A range of these PAmPV polymers have been prepared both (1) by the polymerization of O-substituted 5-hydroxyisophthaldehydes and (2) by chemical modifications carried out on polymers bearing reactive groups at the C-5 positions. PAmPV polymers solubilize SWNT bundles in organic solvents by wrapping themselves around the nanotube bundles. PAmPV derivatives which bear tethers or rings form pseudorotaxanes with rings and threads, respectively. The formation of the polypseudorotaxanes has been investigated in solution by NMR and UV/vis spectroscopies, as well as on silicon oxide wafers in the presence of SWNTs by AFM and surface potential microscopy. Wrapping of these functionalized PAmPV...
A monte carlo study on the robustness of four MANOVA criterion tests

Four MANOVA tests (Wilk's Lambda, Roy's Largest Root Test, the Hotelling-Lawley Trace and the Pillai-Bartlett Trace) were studied when restricted sample data were drawn from normal populations. Robustness was compared by examining bias at critical points and fluctuations in the standard error of the empirical distributions. The Wilk's Lambda statistic was found to be the least affected by the restricted sampling.
Left ventricular hypertrophy as a risk factor in arterial hypertension

Data on the evolution and prognostic implications of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) determined by ECG, chest X-ray and echocardiogram in the Framingham Study are reviewed. Echocardiographic examination provides the most sensitive and specific measure of left ventricular hypertrophy, providing a quantitative evaluation of the anatomical condition. Chest X-ray evaluation is also more sensitive than the ECG, but less specific than the echocardiogram. When ECG-LVH is present, X-ray and echocardiographic LVH are often found; but, when negative, the ECG clearly does not exclude anatomical LVH. The incidence of each variety of LVH increases with age, weight and blood pressure. Although it may also appear following coronary heart disease (CHD), valvular deformity and congenital cardiac defects, the former are the major determinants of LVH in the general population. Each contributes independently to the occurrence of LVH. LVH has emerged as a powerful non-invasive indicator of increased vulnerability to the occurrence of major cardiovascular disease outcomes in hypertension. It appears that X-ray and echocardiographic LVH measure anatomical hypertrophy, whereas the ECG variety is also indicative of ischaemic myocardial involvement when repolarization abnormality is present. Hypertension clearly predisposes to both anatomical and ECG-LVH which cannot be taken as an incidental compensatory feature since at any blood pressure those with ECG-LVH, X-ray or echo LVH are distinctly more prone to cardiovascular sequelae. ECG-LVH carries a greater risk than anatomical (X-ray) LVH. ECG-LVH with repolarization abnormality is more dangerous than that with voltage alone. The latter appears to reflect chiefly the severity and duration of accompanying hypertension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Measuring condom use among sex workers in the Dominican Republic

The purpose of this paper is to assess the internal consistency of self-reported condom use among sex workers in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. We examined the responses to questions about condom use among 4 cross-sectional samples of sex workers. We compared measures based on: (1) questions using always-to-never scales; (2) questions about use with the past 5 clients; and (3) questions about use in the past week obtained from a retrospective coital log. In each sample, more women reported 'always' using condoms with clients than with each of the past 5 clients. In 3 of the 4 samples, only about half of the women who reported 'always' using condoms used condoms with the most recent 5 clients and with all clients in the past week. Internal consistency was significantly higher when the comparison was limited to use with the most recent 5 clients and use in the past week. Self-reported measures of condom use can be difficult to interpret. Assessing the internal consistency of several measures of use provides insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each measure.
Lattice-Based Model of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Suggests Rules for Breast Cancer Progression to an Invasive State

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a heterogeneous group of non-invasive lesions of the breast that result from abnormal proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. Pathologists characterize DCIS by four tissue morphologies (micropapillary, cribriform, solid, and comedo), but the underlying mechanisms that distinguish the development and progression of these morphologies are not well understood. Here we explored the conditions leading to the emergence of the different morphologies of DCIS using a two-dimensional multi-cell lattice-based model that incorporates cell proliferation, apoptosis, necrosis, adhesion, and contractility. We found that the relative rates of cell proliferation and apoptosis governed which of the four morphologies emerged. High proliferation and low apoptosis favored the emergence of solid and comedo morphologies. In contrast, low proliferation and high apoptosis led to the micropapillary morphology, whereas high proliferation and high apoptosis led to the cribriform morphology. The natural progression between morphologies cannot be investigated in vivo since lesions are usually surgically removed upon detection; however, our model suggests probable transitions between these morphologies during breast cancer progression. Importantly, cribriform and comedo appear to be the ultimate morphologies of DCIS. Motivated by previous experimental studies demonstrating that tumor cells behave differently depending on where they are located within the mammary duct in vivo or in engineered tissues, we examined the effects of tissue geometry on the progression of DCIS. In agreement with our previous experimental work, we found that cells are more likely to invade from the end of ducts and that this preferential invasion is regulated by cell adhesion and contractility. This model provides additional insight into tumor cell behavior and allows the exploration of phenotypic transitions not easily monitored in vivo.
Somatotropin and Lactation

Somatotropin, which can now be produced by biotechnology, could have an enormous impact on the dairy industry. Milk yield has been increased up to 40% with daily injections of somatotropin. Cows adjust their nutrient intake to support this increase. Somatotropin does not adversely affect cows' health, although all studies to date have been for less than one complete lactation. The search for a single biochemical or physiological event to account for the effects of somatotropin on milk production is elusive. Coordinated changes in many tissues and physiological processes occur to support the increases in the synthesis of lactose, fat, and protein in the mammary gland. Changes in the irreversible loss and oxidation rates of two key metabolites, glucose and free fatty acids, can quantitatively account for increases in lactose and milk fat during the short-term administration of somatotropin. Similarly, feed intake and live weight changes can account for increases in milk production in the longer experiments. Parallels between physiological changes that occur during somatotropin administration and differences between genetically high and lower yielding cows are highlighted, and the rates of improvement that can be expected from various new technologies are quantified. Existing data on the safety of somatotropin to both the consumer and the animal are evaluated.
A technique for intense radiolabelling of pollen and pollen extract with 99mTc

Abstract Methods for radiolabelling Poa praetensis whole pollen grains and pollen extract with 99m Tc are described. Structurally intact and antigenically potent dry pollen grains with specific activities as high as 4.2 mc. per milligram pollen were obtained. The radiolabel is apparently confined to the nucleophilic groups of pollen outer wall. An almost identical procedure may be used for radiolabelling pollen extract.
Whole-genome resequencing: changing the paradigms of SNP detection, molecular mapping and gene discovery

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies open up a wealth of opportunities for plant breeding and genomic research and change the paradigms of DNA marker detection, genotyping, and gene discovery. Abundant genomic resources have been generated using a whole-genome resequencing (WGR) strategy and utilized in genome-wide association, genome diversity, and evolution studies in many crops with a reference genome such as rice and maize. The WGR-based quantitative trait loci mapping approach developed in soybean combines single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery, validation and genotyping and has the potential to identify candidate genes and causal SNPs without a time-consuming fine-mapping process. Given that this approach solves issues caused by genome duplications and repetitive sequences, it can be widely utilized in crops with a reference genome. The combination of WGR with bulked segregant analysis provides a rapid way to identify genes or causal mutations. Currently, DNA sequencing technologies are being improved rapidly. Third-generation sequencing platforms can overcome some inherent disadvantages of NGS and are expected to promote the application of WGR-based approaches and revolutionize plant breeding, genomic and genetic research.
FEDERAL AID TO EDUCATION: SOME ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF MAJOR LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FOR THE FEDERAL SUPPORT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES, 1946–58

EDUCATIONAL FINANCE-particularly since World War II-has been an important subject of United States federal legislative concern. Many proposals to provide general financial support for elementary and secondary education have been introduced. Although little attention has yet been devoted to the measurement of the specific fiscal effects of the major legislative proposals, such measurement is essential in discovering the most defensible type of program. Promotion of fiscal equity and maintenance of the political values that inhere in United States federalism ought to be given great weight in the ultimate acceptance or rejection of any educational aid program. Probable effects of educational expenditures on economic growth and the inherent values of education should also be weighed in choosing any course of action. Modifications of existing techniques for determining the incidence of federal and state taxes permit computations to be made of the extent to which significant elements of fiscal inequity now exist in federal and state tax structures. Taxpayers similarly situated in all relevant respects except state of residence are accorded markedly dissimilar tax treatment. Since taxes ultimately will be levied by the federal government to provide any funds authorized for fiscal support for education, the existing distribution of tax burdens will thereby be altered. Moreover, the expenditure of federal aid funds will probably accrue to taxpayers in a pattern unlike the accrued burden of taxes, so the net position of spending units ex taxation and cum expenditures will, on an interstate basis, be altered. Major federal legislative proposals introduced since 1946 can be tested by measuring the combined tax burden and expenditure benefit accruing to taxpaying units in selected states representative both of the eight major United States economic regions and of the most important relevant variables affecting edutcational finance. Comparative eval-
Nitrene-functionalized ruthenium nanoparticles: Selective manipulation of nanoparticle electronic conductivity by vinyl derivatives

Abstract The electronic conductivity of solid films of nitrene-functionalized ruthenium nanoparticles was measured and compared in the presence of organic vapors of various relative polarity that included ethanol, acetone, n -hexane, 1-hexene, toluene, and styrene. The nanoparticle conductivity was found to decrease upon the exposure to the vapors tested, and the largest drop was observed with styrene and toluene. Interestingly, the diminishment of the nanoparticle conductivity was found to be 2.5 times more sensitive to styrene than to toluene, despite their similar relative polarity and nanoparticle solubility. This was accounted for by the combined contributions of (i) increased distance between nanoparticle metal cores as a result of film swelling from solvation as well as (ii) selective chemical reactivity of the Ru=N interfacial bonds to vinyl moieties that altered the tunneling pathway for interparticle charge transfer. These results suggest that functional nanoparticles may serve as a unique platform for chemical vapor detection with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity.
Effect of Chrysanthemum Plant Extract on Flower Initiation in Short‐Day Plants

An extract was prepared from Chrysanthemum plants in flower. It was separated into eight different fractions putting emphasis on the sterol components of the extracts. Fractions 5 and 6 were found to contain active substance (s), which to some extent, brought about floral bud initiation in both Chrysanthemum and Xanthium. The active substance (s) present in the above two fractions might be a sterol (s), similar to those of sitosterol and stigmasterol or other related compounds. Gibberellic acid brought about stem elongation as usual, but was found ineffective in causing any tissue differentiation in both Chrysanthemum and Xanthium. Investigations are underway to separate and identify the different compounds present in fractions 5 and 6. The effects of these compounds on test plants, both individually and in combinations, might provide some valuable information as to the nature of the flowering hormone.
A simple method to make a membrane with regions of differential permeability

We describe a method of using heat to produce any pattern of differential permeability in commercially available fluid permeable membranes. An aluminum heating block is machined with specific patterns, heated, and placed in contact with a continuous sheet of polypropylene membrane in order to create impermeable regions in the otherwise permeable membrane. The permeability of the membrane to fluid can be altered by this method in any pattern chosen. Such differentially permeable membranes can be used in high-density, multi-well filtration plates for chemical syntheses or biological assays.
XPD-dependent activation of apoptosis in response to triplex-induced DNA damage

DNA sequences capable of forming triplexes are prevalent in the human genome and have been found to be intrinsically mutagenic. Consequently, a balance between DNA repair and apoptosis is critical to counteract their effect on genomic integrity. Using triplex-forming oligonucleotides to synthetically create altered helical distortions, we have determined that pro-apoptotic pathways are activated by the formation of triplex structures. Moreover, the TFIIH factor, XPD, occupies a central role in triggering apoptosis in response to triplex-induced DNA strand breaks. Here, we show that triplexes are capable of inducing XPD-independent double strand breaks, which result in the formation of γH2AX foci. XPD was subsequently recruited to the triplex-induced double strand breaks and co-localized with γH2AX at the damage site. Furthermore, phosphorylation of H2AX tyrosine 142 was found to stimulate the signaling pathway of XPD-dependent apoptosis. We suggest that this mechanism may play an active role in minimizing genomic instability induced by naturally occurring noncanonical structures, perhaps protecting against cancer initiation.
The profits and perils of publicity: Allgemeine Literatur-Zeitung, the Thurn und Taxis Post, and the periodical trade at the end of the eighteenth century

Recent historiography on the growth of periodical publishing has emphasized newspapers and journals as constituents of an emergent communications system in early modern Europe. This system comprised the newspapers, journals and other publications that contributed its content, and also the postal systems that were the principal method of distributing that content. This article describes how the growth of this system in central Europe was supported in large measure by financial incentives that it offered to both constituents. First, in contrast with postal systems in France and the UK, the Thurn und Taxis Reichspost inserted itself as a middleman in the sale of periodicals, which gave the Reichspost an incentive to promote the trade. Second, the financial conditions for periodical publication made their costs depend more heavily on costs that were scalable to circulation than is true today, which resulted in the viability of publications with a lower circulation. The same cost structure also made it possible for certain prominent periodicals of the era to earn considerable profits for their publishers, as illustrated in this article by Allgemeine Literatur-Zeitung , which was published in Jena from 1785.
Versioning for workflow evolution

Scientists working in eScience environments often use workflows to carry out their computations. Since the workflows evolve as the research itself evolves, these workflows can be a tool for tracking the evolution of the research. Scientists can trace their research and associated results through time or even go back in time to a previous stage and fork to a new branch of research. In this paper we introduce the workflow evolution framework (EVF), which is demonstrated through implementation in the Trident workflow workbench. The primary contribution of the EVF is efficient management of knowledge associated with workflow evolution. Since we believe evolution can be used for workflow attribution, our framework will motivate researchers to share their workflows and get the credit for their contributions.
Processing of pulse oximeter data using discrete wavelet analysis

A wavelet-based signal processing technique was employed to improve an implantable blood perfusion monitoring system. Data was acquired from both in vitro and in vivo sources: a perfusion model and the proximal jejunum of an adult pig. Results showed that wavelet analysis could isolate perfusion signals from raw, periodic, in vitro data as well as fast Fourier transform (FFT) methods. However, for the quasi-periodic in vivo data segments, wavelet analysis provided more consistent results than the FFT analysis for data segments of 50, 10, and 5 s in length. Wavelet analysis has thus been shown to require less data points for quasi-periodic data than FFT analysis making it a good choice for an indwelling perfusion monitor where power consumption and reaction time are paramount.
Clonidine, Depression, and Smoking Cessation

Pharmacologic treatment of smoking is not a new idea. 1 However, the search for effective pharmacologic treatments for smoking has increased dramatically in the last ten years due to the realization that smoking is a dependence disorder 2 ; that behavioral strategies are not having a large effect on the prevalence of smoking 3 ; and that nicotine dependence is becoming more prevalent in smokers due to a selection process. 4 This latter process is occurring because smokers who are quitting appear to be smokers who are less dependent on nicotine. Thus, if this trend continues, in ten to 20 years the population of smokers will be almost exclusively smokers who are highly dependent on nicotine. See also page 2863. Nicotine gum was introduced in 1984 as the first proven pharmacologic aid for smoking cessation. 5 Encouraged by this success, other nicotine replacement therapies, eg, nicotine patch 6 and nicotine nasal spray,
A microprocessor controlled portable communication system for the impaired

This paper presents the design and implementation of a microprocessor controlled portable digital communication system with speech synthesis for the hearing, mute, and seeing impaired. The system is integrated with a time division multiple access using short bursts and consists of a keyboard with braille, speakers, and liquid crystal display suitable for digital signal processing and VLSI implementation. >
Comment on "A pre-run-time scheduling algorithm for hard real-time systems"

In Shepard and Gagne (1991), a branch-and-bound implicit enumeration algorithm is described whose purpose is to generate a feasible schedule, if any, for each processor on a multiprocessing node running hard real-time processes. The optimization criterion is to minimize process lateness defined as the difference between the process completion time and deadline. We show in this correspondence that this algorithm does not always succeed in finding a feasible solution, and describe the reason why the algorithm might fail.
Emerging Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease

Despite decades of intense research, therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still limited to symptomatic treatments that possess only short-term efficacy. Recently, several large-scale Phase III trials targeting amyloid-β production or clearance have failed to show efficacy, leading to a reexamination of the amyloid hypothesis as well as highlighting the need to explore alternatives in both clinical testing strategies and drug discovery targets. In this review, we discuss therapeutics currently being tested in clinical trials and up-and-coming interventions that have shown promise in animal models, devoting attention to the mechanisms that may underlie their ability to influence disease progression and placing particular emphasis on tau therapeutics.
Una nueva oleada de modernismo

El Gobierno entrego al Congreso de la Republica el proyecto definitivo de El Salto Social. El nuevo proyecto del Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 1995-1998 incluye la recomendacion que le hiciera el Consejo Nacional de Planeacion, CNP: “el mas grave de todos los problemas colombianos y el que requiere la primera atencion de la sociedad civil y del Estado es el de las violencias. La impunidad generalizada ha llevado a que la gente desconfie del sistema judicial y se multipliquen las formas privadas violentas de arreglar conflictos. El Consejo invita a que se de prioridad al fortalecimiento de la justicia” [CNP 1995, Presentacion].
Mitomycin C and the endoscopic treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis: are two applications better than one?

Objectives/Hypothesis: Endoscopic treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis by airway dilation, despite short-term improvement, is often associated with long-term relapse. Mitomycin-C (MMC) inhibits fibroblast proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, and thereby modulates wound healing and scarring. MMC application at the time of endoscopic dilation and laser surgery has been suggested to improve outcomes, but this has not been studied in a rigorous manner. This study examines the hypothesis that two topical applications of MMC given 3–6 weeks apart will result in decreased scarring/restenosis of the airway, when compared to a single topical application. Study Design: A randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Twenty-six patients with laryngotracheal stenosis due to idiopathic subglottic stenosis, postintubation stenosis, or Wegener's granulomatosis entered a protocol to receive three endoscopic CO2 laser and dilation procedures over a 3-month interval. At the first procedure, after radial CO2 laser incision and airway dilation, all patients received topical application of MMC (0.5 mg/mL) to the airway lesion. One month later, a second endoscopic incision and dilation was performed and the patients were randomized to either a second application of mitomycin-C or to application of saline placebo. A third dilation procedure was performed 2 months later, without MMC application. Patients were followed for up to 5 years for relapse of airway stenosis with clinical symptoms sufficient to require a subsequent procedure. Results: The relapse rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 7%, 36%, and 69% for patients treated with two applications of MMC compared to 33%, 58%, and 70% for patients treated with one application of MMC. The median interval to relapse was 3.8 years in the two-application group, compared with 2.4 years in the one-application group. Conclusions: This prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial suggests that, in the endoscopic management of laryngotracheal stenosis, two applications of MMC given 3–4 weeks apart after airway radial incision and dilation reduces the restenosis rate for 2 to 3 years after treatment when compared to a single application. However, restenosis and delayed symptom recurrence continues so that at 5 years the relapse rates are the same. Thus, MMC may postpone, but does not prevent, the recurrence of symptomatic stenosis in the majority of patients. Laryngoscope, 2009
Plasmonic filters with IR windows of transparency

Plasmonic filters were fabricated based on gold fractal nanostructures grown on silica microspheres. The fractal nanostructures were modified using laser irradiation, resulting in decreased extinction in the mid-infrared range.
Risk factors for immersion pulmonary edema: hyperoxia does not attenuate pulmonary hypertension associated with cold water-immersed prone exercise at 4.7 ATA

Hyperoxia has been shown to attenuate the increase in pulmonary artery (PA) pressure associated with immersed exercise in thermoneutral water, which could serve as a possible preventive strategy fo...
Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy

Purpose. The treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in pregnancy is reviewed. Summary. PAH is a disease characterized by narrowing of the pulmonary arteries and increased vascular resistance. Women with PAH should avoid becoming pregnant, as the physiological, cardiovascular, and pulmonary changes that occur during pregnancy can exacerbate the condition. However, several viable treatment options are available to improve the outcomes in this patient population, including inhaled nitric oxide, calcium-channel blockers, targeted pulmonary vasodilators, and sildenafil. Epoprostenol, a naturally occurring prostaglandin and vasodilator, is a pregnancy category B drug. Reproductive studies in rats and rabbits have found no impaired fertility or fetal harm at 2.5–4.8 times the recommended human dosage of epoprostenol. Most of the published case reports describe initiating epoprostenol 2–4 ng/kg/min i.v. several weeks before or near the time of delivery. Iloprost is a pregnancy category C drug but has demonstrated benefit in pregnant patients with PAH, with no congenital abnormalities and no postpartum maternal or infant mortality reported. Sildenafil causes vasodilation of the pulmonary vascular bed and vasodilation in the systemic circulation. Two case reports have described the successful treatment with sildenafil, a pregnancy category B drug, of pregnant patients with PAH. Patients with idiopathic PAH or chronic thromboembolic PAH should receive full-dose subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin therapy instead of warfarin for bleeding prophylaxis during pregnancy. Conclusion. Targeted pulmonary vasodilators are viable treatment options for pregnant patients with PAH. Early recognition and management of worsening symptoms are essential to improve outcomes for both the mother and infant.
Processing of OFE copper beam chambers for PEP-II High Energy Ring

Using laboratory scale and full size PEP-II vacuum chambers, chemical cleaning, glow discharge and thermal process effects were evaluated using surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These processes were optimized to reduce surface carbon and thereby minimize photodesorption gas loads. The relation of surface carbon to ion dose was investigated and compared for pure argon, 5% oxygen in argon, and pure hydrogen plasmas. Argon incorporation was noted only when the copper was oxidized in the mixed gas. Surfaces, stable in ambient atmosphere, were obtained having surface carbon values less than 10%. These optimized recipes will be used in processing copper vacuum chambers for the PEP-II B-Factory.
Angiotensin II–Dependent Hypertension Increases Na Transport-Related Oxygen Consumption by the Thick Ascending Limb

Renal medullary superoxide (O(2)(-)) increases in angiotensin (Ang) II-dependent hypertension. O(2)(-) increases thick ascending limb Na transport, but the effect of Ang II-dependent hypertension on the thick ascending limb is unknown. We hypothesized that Ang II-dependent hypertension increases thick ascending limb NaCl transport because of enhanced O(2)(-) production and increased protein kinase C (PKC) alpha activity. We measured the effect of Ang II-dependent hypertension on furosemide-sensitive oxygen consumption (a measure of Na transport), O(2)(-) production, and PKCalpha translocation (a measure of PKCalpha activity) in thick ascending limb suspensions. Ang II-dependent hypertension increased furosemide-sensitive oxygen consumption (26.2+/-1.0% versus 36.6+/-1.2% of total oxygen consumption; P<0.01). O(2)(-) was also increased (1.1+/-0.2 versus 3.2+/-0.5 nmol of O(2)(-)/min per milligram of protein; P<0.03) in thick ascending limbs. Unilateral renal infusion of Tempol decreased O(2)(-) (2.4+/-0.4 versus 1.2+/-0.2 nmol of O(2)(-)/min per milligram of protein; P<0.04) and furosemide-sensitive oxygen consumption (32.8+/-1.3% versus 24.0+/-2.1% of total oxygen consumption; P<0.01) in hypertensive rats. Tempol did not affect O(2)(-) or furosemide-sensitive oxygen consumption in normotensive controls and did not alter systolic blood pressure. Ang II-dependent hypertension increased PKCalpha translocation (5.7+/-0.3 versus 13.8+/-1.4 AU per milligram of protein; P<0.01). Unilateral renal infusion of Tempol reduced PKCalpha translocation (5.0+/-0.9 versus 10.4+/-2.6 AU per milligram of protein; P<0.04) in hypertensive rats. Unilateral renal infusion of the PKCalpha inhibitor Go6976 reduced furosemide-sensitive oxygen consumption (37.4+/-1.5% versus 25.1+/-1.0% of total oxygen consumption; P<0.01) in hypertensive rats. We conclude that Ang II-dependent hypertension enhances thick ascending limb Na transport-related oxygen consumption by increasing O(2)(-) and PKCalpha activity.
Performance analysis of pure MPI versus MPI+OpenMP for Jacobi Iteration and a 3D FFT on the Cray XT5

Today many high performance computers are collections of shared memory compute nodes with each compute node having one or more multi-core processors. When writing parallel programs for these machines, one can use pure MPI or various hybrid approaches using MPI and OpenMP. Since OpenMP threads are lighter weight than MPI processes, one would expect that hybrid approaches will achieve better performance and scalability than pure MPI. In practice this is not always the case. This paper investigates the performance and scalability of pure MPI versus hybrid MPI+OpenMP for Jacobi iteration and for a 3D FFT on the Cray XT5.
Reticulate Melanism in Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii): Exploring Linkages with Habitat and Heating Rates

Abstract In western painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii), males often exhibit one of two morphs: (1) a reticulated form, characterized by an intricate network of dark markings on the carapace or (2) a non-reticulated form. Although several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the adaptive significance of reticulate melanism (RM) on western painted turtles, no attempts have been made to document whether RM is linked to habitat conditions or if the presence of melanism affects heating rates. To evaluate these questions, we compared the frequency of adult male turtles with RM across three different habitats: riverine (rivers), lacustrine (lakes) and palustrine (wetland) habitats. Using manipulative experiments, we also tested the hypothesis that body heating rates are higher in turtles with RM. Reticulate melanism occurred on 99 (31%) of 320 male turtles captured in South Dakota from 2002 to 2003. Turtles with reticulate melanism were significantly larger than non-reticulated turtles; RM was not obse...
Do State Accountancy Boards Diligently Exercise Their Disciplinary Powers

Certified public accountants (CPAs), similar to many other professionals, are regulated by the individual jurisdictions within the United States. State accountancy boards issue licenses, which enable CPAs to offer their services to the public. In addition to issuing licenses only to qualified applicants, state boards help protect the public by disciplining CPAs who violate provisions of their state accountancy laws. This paper investigates the diligence with which state boards exercise their disciplinary powers. We identified 73 CPAs who were disciplined by the Securities and Exchange Commission between 1996 and 1998. State boards acted in 59 (80.8 percent) of these cases. Overall, we conclude that state boards appear to be exercising their disciplinary powers in those cases where the SEC has disciplined a CPA. Protection of the public appears to be a priority for many boards. There is some evidence, however, that for a few boards their disciplinary efforts could be more forcefully exercised.
Evaluation of the use of beta-sitostanol as a nonabsorbable marker for quantifying cholesterol absorption.

Summary For over a decade investigators have quantified cholesterol absorption by comparison of dietary intake and fecal excretion of isotopic cholesterol with that of &sitosterol as a "nonabsorbable" marker. However, &sitosterol might not be ideal due to its potential for absorption. We therefore carried out two studies to evaluate a new marker with less potential for absorption, [3H]~sitostanol. In the first study (Study I, n = 22). we compared absorption of [3H]~sitostanol and [ 4C]Psitosterol in a simultaneous dual-label continuous feeding ("phytosterol absorption") experiment. We observed a consistently higher ratio of [3H]~sitostanol/['4C]&sitosterol in the stool relative to diet on the first day of fecal collection (6.1% f 3.2% loss of [3H]bsitosterol, range 3-12%), but thereafter, the ratio in stool was similar to that in diet. In Study I1 (n = 23), we compared cholesterol absorption directly using [3H]&sitosterol and ['4C]cholesterol, and, separately, [3H]&sitostanol and ['4C]cholesterol. We found that mean absorption between the two methods was similar (45% k 11% versus 44% f lo%, respectively, P difference = 0.40), and the two methods correlated well with one another (r = 0.83) when samples from all available days were used. Variability between the two methods was greater in individuals who absorbed more than 40% of cholesterol. Cholesterol loss on day 2 estimated from use of bsitostanol as a nonabsorbable marker was predictive of absorption using ratios from days 4-6 (r = 0.80). These results suggest that, for the majority of subjects, Psitosterol is a valid nonabsorbable marker for cholesterol absorption.-Terry, J. G., B. L. McGill, and J. R. Crouse III. Evaluation of the use of psitostanol as a nonabsorbable marker for quantifying cholesterol absorpti0n.J Lipid Res. 1995.36: 2267-2271.
Musculoskeletal injuries sustained in modern army combatives.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Participation in martial arts has grown over the past 15 years with an estimated 8 million participants. In 2004, the Chief of Staff of the Army directed that all Initial Military Training soldiers receive Modern Army Combatives (MAC) training. The mechanical differences between the various martial arts styles incorporated into mixed martial arts/MAC pose challenges to the medical professional. We report the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries by Level 1 and 2 trained active duty soldiers participating in MAC over a 3-year period. Methods: From June 1, 2005 to January 1, 2009, the Orthopaedic Surgery service treated and tracked all injuries in MAC. Data was analyzed using the χ2 method of analysis. (p < 0.05). Results: 155 of 1,025 soldiers presenting with MAC injuries reported inability to perform their military occupation specialty duties. The knee was most frequently injured followed by shoulder. Surgical intervention was warranted 24% of the time. Conclusion: Participants in MA...
The UBC Domain Is Required for BRUCE to Promote BRIT1/MCPH1 Function in DSB Signaling and Repair Post Formation of BRUCE-USP8-BRIT1 Complex

BRUCE is implicated in the regulation of DNA double-strand break response to preserve genome stability. It acts as a scaffold to tether USP8 and BRIT1, together they form a nuclear BRUCE-USP8-BRIT1 complex, where BRUCE holds K63-ubiquitinated BRIT1 from access to DSB in unstressed cells. Following DSB induction, BRUCE promotes USP8 mediated deubiquitination of BRIT1, a prerequisite for BRIT1 to be released from the complex and recruited to DSB by binding to γ-H2AX. BRUCE contains UBC and BIR domains, but neither is required for the scaffolding function of BRUCE mentioned above. Therefore, it remains to be determined whether they are required for BRUCE in DSB response. Here we show that the UBC domain, not the BIR domain, is required for BRUCE to promote DNA repair at a step post the formation of BRUCE-USP8-BRIT1 complex. Mutation or deletion of the BRUCE UBC domain did not disrupt the BRUCE-USP8-BRIT1 complex, but impaired deubiquitination and consequent recruitment of BRIT1 to DSB. This leads to impaired chromatin relaxation, decreased accumulation of MDC1, NBS1, pATM and RAD51 at DSB, and compromised homologous recombination repair of DNA DSB. These results demonstrate that in addition to the scaffolding function in complex formation, BRUCE has an E3 ligase function to promote BRIT1 deubiquitination by USP8 leading to accumulation of BRIT1 at DNA double-strand break. These data support a crucial role for BRUCE UBC activity in the early stage of DSB response.
Qualitative Methods for Family Studies & Human Development

David Dollahite's assertion that Kerry Daly's book is “the finest and most profound volume on qualitative research available in print” is not an overstatement (back cover). Daly has crafted one of ...
Engaging Local Communities in the Preparation of Teachers

AbstractThe author critiques both major camps in the current debates about teacher education for their lack of attention to the role of local communities in preparing teachers. The current work at the University of Washington, Seattle, to engage local community members as mentors of teacher candidates is highlighted.