cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The anomalous relaxivity of Mn3+ (TPPS4).

It was recently reported (C-W. Chen et al., FEBS Lett.168, 70 (1984)) that water solutions of Mn3+(TPPS4) have a surprisingly high relaxivity at 20 MHz and 37oC, greater than most Mn2+ complexes including the hexaaquoion. Because Mn3+(TPPS4) is highly stable, and porphyrins in general are tumor-seeking, we have sought to understand the origin of the large relaxivity by comparing the 1/Tl NMRD profiles (magnetic field dependence of 1/T1 of solvent protons) of Mn3+(TPPS4) solutions with those of a number of other small Fe3+ and Mn2+ complexes. By relating the measured NMRD profiles to the theory of relaxation by magnetic dipolar interactions, in a form appropriate for small paramagnetic solute molecules, we establish that the theory affords an excellent quantitative description of the relaxation behavior of all the samples, and confirm that the relaxivity of Mn3+(TPPS4) is anomalously high. The effect is attributed, in part, to the anisotropy of the ground-state wavefunction of Mn3+ in the porphyrin complex, effectively bringing the spin density of the Mn3+ ions closer to the protons of the coordinated water molecules than would a spherically symmetric S-state ion. In addition, the paramagnetic relaxation time of the Mn3+ spins, though short, is longer than would be anticipated for a non-S-state ion, and increases substantially with magnetic field above about 2 MHz. In this regard, Mn3+(TPPs4) may be one of a class of molecules with properties particularly favorable for use as contrast-enhancing agents in magnetic resonance imaging. © 1987 Academic Press, Inc.
Some effects of weathering on joints in granitic rocks

Abstract Standard engineering weathering classifications, most of which are based on weathered granite, typically describe the appearance and condition of the weathered material (e.g. whether or not it is friable), the condition of individual minerals (e.g. degree of pitting and micro-cracking and changes in mineral composition), and the degree of staining on joint surfaces or the distance that staining extends into rock from the joints. These classifications do not address changes in frequency, length, and appearance of joints in the rock mass as weathering progresses. This account of work on vertical or steeply dipping joints in granitic rocks shows that not only are there statistically significant differences in mean joint spacings and mean trace lengths with increased weathering, but that the physical appearances of joints also changes as weathering progresses. Mean joint spacing is wide in fresh rock, becomes closer in moderately weathered rock, and then becomes progressively wider from moderately weathered rock through highly and completely weathered rock. Mean joint lengths follow a similar but inverse pattern. Mean trace lengths become shorter from fresh to slightly weathered rock, lengthen in moderately weathered rock, then progressively become shorter from moderately weathered rock through highly and completely weathered rock. Furthermore, joint appearance changes with increased weathering. Joints in fresh rock are sharp-edged and typically straight. The edges begin to round in moderately weathered rock, and in highly weathered rock, joint traces become sinuous and discontinuous around mineral grains. In completely weathered rock, the only visible joints are filled with minerals or marked with iron staining. It is proposed that this evolution in joint pattern and appearance results from increased cracking along grain boundaries and thermal expansion of individual mineral grains, and within-grain micro-cracking as weathering proceeds. These factors allow individual mineral grains to “move” into the spaces between joint surfaces, thus obscuring individual joints and making them appear shorter. These apparent changes in joint properties could lead to incorrect rock mass classification and thus, to inappropriate engineering design and costly errors during construction.
Effect of inhaled furosemide on air hunger induced in healthy humans.

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that inhaled furosemide relieves dyspnoea in patients and in normal subjects made dyspnoeic by external resistive loads combined with added dead-space. Furosemide sensitises lung inflation receptors in rats, and lung inflation reduces air hunger in humans. We therefore hypothesised that inhaled furosemide acts on the air hunger component of dyspnoea. Ten subjects inhaled aerosolized furosemide (40 mg) or placebo in randomised, double blind, crossover experiments. Air hunger was induced by hypercapnia (50 ± 2 mmHg) during constrained ventilation (8 ± 0.9 L/min) before and after treatment, and rated by subjects using a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Subjects described a sensation of air hunger with little or no work/effort of breathing. Hypercapnia generated less air hunger in the first trial at 23 ± 3 min after start of furosemide treatment (58 ± 11% to 39 ± 14% full scale); the effect varied substantially among subjects. The mean treatment effect, accounting for placebo, was 13% of full scale ( P = 0.052). We conclude that 40 mg of inhaled furosemide partially relieves air hunger within 1 h and is accompanied by substantial diuresis.
Acute and late toxicity of patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing irradiation for abdominal and pelvic neoplasms.

Abstract Purpose: Little data exists in the medical literature describing the response of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to abdominal and pelvic irradiation. To clarify the use of this modality in this setting, this study assesses the short- and long-term tolerance of 28 patients with IBD to abdominal and pelvic irradiation. Methods and Materials: From 1970 to 1999, 28 patients with IBD (10 patients—Crohn's disease, 18 patients—ulcerative colitis) were identified and underwent external beam abdominal or pelvic irradiation. Mean follow-up time after radiation therapy was 32 months. Patients were treated either by specialized techniques (16 patients) to minimize small and large bowel irradiation or by more conventional approaches (12 patients). Acute and late toxicity was scored. Results: The overall incidence of severe toxicity was 46% (13/28 patients). Six of 28 patients (21%) experienced severe acute toxicity necessitating cessation of radiation therapy. Late toxicity requiring hospitalization or surgical intervention was observed in 8 of 28 patients (29%). One patient experienced both an acute as well as late toxicity. For patients undergoing radiation therapy by conventional approaches, the 5-year actuarial rate of late toxicity was 73%. This figure was 23% for patients treated by specialized techniques ( p = 0.02). Conclusions: Because of the potentially severe toxicity experienced by patients with IBD undergoing abdominal and pelvic irradiation, judicious use of this modality must be employed. Definition of IBD location and activity as well as careful attention to irradiation technique may allow treatment of these patients with acceptable rates of morbidity.
Ethanol modulates calmodulin-dependent Ca2+-activated ATPase in synaptic plasma membranes

The effects of ethanol in vitro on calmodulin-dependent Ca2+-activated ATPase (CaM−Ca2+-ATPase) activity were studied in synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) prepared from the brain of normal and chronically ethanol-treated rats. In SPM from normal animals, ethanol at 50–200 mM inhibited the Ca2+-ATPase activity. Lineweaver-Burk analysis indicates that the inhibition was the result of a decreased affinity of the enzyme for calmodulin, whereas the maximum activity of the enzyme was not changed. Arrhenius analysis indicates that the enzyme activity was influenced by lipid transition of the membranes, and ethanol in vitro resulted in a shift of the transition temperature toward a lower value. From animals receiving chronic ethanol treatment (3 weeks), the SPM were resistant to the inhibitory effect of ethanol on the enzyme activity. The resistance to ethanol inhibition was correlated with a higher enzyme affinity for calmodulin and a higher transition temperature, as compared with normal SPM. Since the calmodulin-dependent Ca2+-ATPase in synaptic plasma membranes is believed to be the Ca2+ pump controlling free Ca2+ levels in synaptic terminals, its inhibition by ethanol could therefore lead to altered synaptic activity.
Racial/ethnic disparities in patient-reported nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) risk awareness, patient-doctor NSAID risk communication, and NSAID risk behavior.

Objective Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used and frequently lead to serious adverse events. Little is known about NSAID-related ethnic/racial disparities. We focused on differences in patient NSAID risk awareness, patient-doctor NSAID risk communication, and NSAID risk-avoidance behavior. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of survey data from the Alabama NSAID Patient Safety Study. Eligible patients were ≥65 years old and currently taking prescription NSAIDs (Rx NSAIDS). Generalized linear latent and mixed models accounted for nesting of patients within physicians. Results Of all 404 participants, 32% were African American and 73% were female. The mean ± SD age was 72.8 ± 7.5 years, and 64% reported an annual household income <$20,000. African American patients were less likely than white patients to recognize any risk associated with over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs (13.3% versus 29.3%; P = 0.001) and Rx NSAIDs (31.3% versus 49.6%; P = 0.001), report that their doctor discussed possible NSAID-related gastrointestinal problems (38.0% versus 52.4%; P = 0.007), and take medications to reduce ulcer risk (30.5% versus 50.2%; P = 0.001). Patients with lower income and education reported significantly less risk awareness for OTC and Rx NSAIDs. Racial/ethnic differences persisted after adjusting for multiple confounders. Conclusion In this community-based study of low income elderly individuals receiving NSAIDs, we identified important racial/ethnic differences in risk awareness, communication, and behavior. Additional efforts are needed to promote safe NSAID use and reduce ethnic/racial disparities.
Shorter scleral spur in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE We determined whether the scleral spur is shorter in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes compared to age-matched normal eyes and whether the collapse of Schlemm's canal (SC) is more prevalent in eyes with a shorter scleral spur. METHODS The anterior segments of normal (n = 20) and POAG eyes (n = 20) were fixed and processed for light microscopy. The scleral spur length, ratio of posterior trabecular meshwork (TM) insertion into the scleral spur to the posterior TM height, and the percentage of SC collapse were measured. Analysis using an existing mathematical model was conducted to estimate the distances that the scleral spur theoretically would move in vivo and to determine if these distances would be sufficient to keep SC open in POAG compared to normal eyes. RESULTS The mean scleral spur length was significantly shorter in POAG eyes compared to normal eyes (P < 0.0001). A higher mean percentage of SC collapse was found in POAG eyes than in normal eyes (P < 0.0001). Estimated posterior movement of scleral spur in POAG eyes was less than sufficient to prevent the collapse of SC. A significant negative correlation was found between the posterior scleral spur movement and percent collapse of SC (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS A shorter scleral spur found in POAG eyes was associated with a higher percent of SC collapse. Our data suggest that a shorter scleral spur may be a risk factor in the development of POAG by being insufficient to hold SC open.
Mach's principle, relative motion, and fundamental numbers of physics

Mach's principle is discussed as a fundamental statement on kinematics, and an apparent contradiction is identified in the Lorentz-Minkowski form of the inertial metric. To resolve the incompatibility, length is redefined so that the speed of light is a field-dependent variable, although still constant for all inertial observers at a point in space-time. Gravitational theories with variableG are considered, and it is shown that a redefinition of length and time results in constantG and variablec.
Classification of Probability Laws by Tail Behavior

Abstract In this article I refine Parzen's density-quantile tail exponent classification of probability laws by tail behavior by subdividing his medium-tailed class into medium-short, medium-medium, and medium-long. I give a physical interpretation of short-, medium-, and long-tailed distributions in terms of the limiting size of the extreme spacings in a random sample from the distribution. I show that this classification, by the limiting size of extreme spacings, fits nicely within the framework of my refinement of Parzen's density-quantile classification.
GEOMETRICALLY CONSTRAINED THIOPHENE-PYRROLE OLIGOMERS

Abstract A series of novel mixed thiophene-pyrrole penta- and heptacyclic oligomers has been prepared in which two pyrrole nitrogens of each oligomer are connected by a polymethylene bridge. The steric constraints produced in these bridged compounds are reflected in their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties.
Neighborhoods and Homicide: Sex- and Type-Specific Variation Across Three Cities

A number of prevailing themes in lethal violence research are explored in this study of homicide for the period 1985 to 1994 in Chicago, Houston, and Miami. Homicide and census tract data from the National Consortium on Violence Research Data Center are combined to analyze 14,443 homicides across 1,409 census tracts. Cluster analysis of indicators of social disorganization and social control from studies at larger aggregations (i.e., cities, standard metropolitan statistical areas, and states) results in the classification of three distinct neighborhood types. This results in a rich description of overall and sex-specific rates of adult homicide victimization and offending in expressive and instrumental incidents. Implications for future research are discussed.
Strang's strange figures

The application of these techniques could be viewed as a way of answering questions about pictures. However, their application tends to be trivial. Why? Partly because of the traditional emphasis of quadric surfaces-which happen to be easy to sketch. A pair of interesting pictures is presented by Gilbert Strang on the cover of his new calculus book [10]. Professor Strang presented these plots during the panel discussion, "Calculus for the Twenty-First Century," at the 1990 AMS/MAA
Comparisons with the best in response surface methodology

Confidence intervals about the difference in mean responses at the stationary point and alternate points are constructed based on the proposed delta method and F-projection method. Results of a simulation study to compare coverage probabilities and interval widths are discussed.
Mechanosensitive adenylate cyclase activity in coronary vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that adenylate cyclase activity of porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells is sensitive to mechanical stretch. Cultured vascular smooth muscle cells were stretched at 24% maximal strain at 60 cycles/min for 30 minutes. Both basal and maximal catalytic activity of adenylate cyclase (as assessed by stimulation by 100 μM forskolin with 5 mM manganese chloride) were reduced by 30% (P
The On-Line Pressure Vessel Rheometer for Concentrated Coal Slurries

At present, there are no commercially available rheometers that can make on-line measurements of the rheological types of settling particulate slurries. To accomplish this measurement, a pressure vessel rheometer has been developed for on-line rheological measurements of concentrated suspensions. This rheometer is simple in construction and uses standard pressure transducers and flow valves to make all necessary measurements of slurry flow through a calibrated tube. This simple design is made possible by the use of a sealed vessel to receive the slurry sample, which provides a means both for measuring the flowrate by monitoring the pressure and for smoothly varying the flowrate so that a complete rheological curve can be determined. Using this instrument, flow curves of two different coal slurries were determined. The first coal slurry sample consisted of coal ground to pass 106 µm and was suspended at a concentration of 52 wt % solids. The second sample consisted of coal ground to pass 850 µm, and was su...
Comparison of the costs of acute treatment for gunshot and stab wounds: further evidence of the need for firearms control.

Gun control is proposed primarily to decrease the incidence of injury and death from gunshot wounds (GSWs). We hypothesize that decreasing the number of GSWs will also produce significant economic savings, even if personal violence were to continue at the same rate, maintaining the same overall incidence of penetrating trauma. We analyzed charges and reimbursements for the treatment for all patients with GSWs (n=1116) and stab wounds (SWs) (n=1529) admitted to a level I trauma center from 1986 through 1992. Mean and median charges were higher for GSWs ($14,541; $7,541) than for SWs ($6,446; $4,249) (p<0.05). There was a 12% per year increase in the annual number of GSWs (p=0.001), leading to a disproportionate increase in the annual total charges for GSWs (p=0.013), compared with SWs
Cytologic analysis of renal angiomyolipoma: a comparison of radiologically classic and challenging cases.

BACKGROUND Angiomyolipoma is a benign kidney tumor with distinctive pathologic and clinical features. Because the prognosis differs from many other renal and retroperitoneal tumors, accurate diagnosis on cytologic material may be important for appropriate management. METHODS A retrospective analysis of cytologic material from eight patients with histologically confirmed angiomyolipomas was performed. The findings are described. RESULTS Three cases were diagnosed radiologically as angiomyolipoma, three were diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma, one was diagnosed as a “renal mass,” and one was diagnosed as a fat-containing adrenal tumor. Compared with the tumors that were suggestive radiologically of angiomyolipoma, tumors that were suspicious radiologically for renal cell carcinoma tended to contain less fat on cytologic examination. One fat-containing tumor was not diagnosed as angiomyolipoma because the tumor was believed to be adrenal in origin. Cytologically, cohesive stromal fragments were comprised of cells ranging from epithelioid to elongate. Stromal atypia was present in 7 of 8 cases (88%) but was marked in only 2 cases (25%). Thick-walled vessels were noted in 3 of 8 cases (38%). CONCLUSIONS The cytologic diagnosis of angiomyolipoma is difficult in cases in which the radiologic diagnosis is not clear. The liberal use of immunostains is advised in the evaluation of stromal renal tumors. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1999;87:135–40. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
An empirical test of alternative theories of trade

Two theoretical models are tested to see which one provides the better explanation of trade flows between the census regions of the United States. The Gravity-Flow model suggests that trade flows are positively affected by the size of the trading region and inversely affected by the distance between the two regions. In contrast, the Heckscher-Ohlin model predicts that trade flows are determined by regional factor endowments and commodities' factor intensity. It predicts that regions will tend to export those commodities that are intensive in its abundant factors.
Identification of a Cholinergic Synapse in the Giant Fiber Pathway of Drosophila Using Conditional Mutations of Acetylcholine Synthesis

Temperature-sensitive mutations of the choline acetyltransferase (Cha) gene, which lead to reduced choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and acetylcholine (ACh) levels, have been used in an attempt to identify the neurotransmitter at a chemical synapse in the giant fiber pathway (GFP) of Drosophila melanogaster. Prolonged incubation of adult mutant flies at non-permissive temperatures blocked the response of this pathway to brain stimulation, whereas shorter incubation times disturbed various parameters of the normal response. Even at permissive temperature subnormal responses were still evident. These defects in the giant fiber pathway's function suggest a specific cholinergic synapse within the pathway, the first synapse of this type implicated in Drosophila. When the function of this synapse was experimentally stressed, disruptions of GFP function paralleling decreased ChAT activity began to appear at enzyme levels estimated to be approximately 80% of wild-type.
Applications of proton and deuteron accelerators

Abstract Applications of positive and negative hydrogen and deuterium ion accelerators beyond basic research are increasing. Large scale proposed national laboratory/industrial projects include the Accelerator Production of Tritium (APT) which will utilize protons, and the International Fusion Material Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) which will accelerate a deuteron beam into a lithium target. At the small scale end, radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator based systems have been built for neutron activation analysis and for applications such as explosive detection. At an intermediate scale, the Loma Linda proton therapy accelerator is now successfully treating a full schedule of patients, and more than half a dozen such hospital based units are under active study world-wide. At this same scale, there are also several ongoing negative ion, military accelerator projects which include the Continuous Wave Deuterium Demonstrator (CWDD) and the Neutral Particle Beam Space Experiment (NPBSE). These respective deuterium and hydrogen accelerators, which have not been previously described, are the focus of this paper.
AC driven zero-resistance states and oscillatory magnetoresistance in GaAs/AlGaAs devices

Abstract Novel zero resistance states are induced by electromagnetic wave excitation in ultra high modility GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure devices at low magnetic fields. Zero-resistance states occur about B =(4/5) B f and B =(4/9) B f , where B f =2π fm * / e , m * is an electron effective mass, e is electron charge, and f is the radiation frequency. Surprisingly, the absence of backscattering appears to be associated with an ordinary Hall effect here, unlike the typical quantum Hall situation.
Wheelchairs used as motor vehicle seats: seat loading in frontal impact sled testing

Wheelchairs are not typically designed to function as motor vehicle seats. However, many wheelchair users are unable to transfer to a vehicle seat and instead travel seated in their wheelchair. ANSI/RESNA WC19: Wheelchairs Used as Seats in Motor Vehicles provides design and testing requirements, but does not provide wheelchair manufacturers with design guidance related to expected loads imposed upon wheelchair components during a crash. To provide manufacturers with crashworthy design guidance, our study measured wheelchair seat loading during 20g/48kph frontal impact sled tests with a 50th percentile male test dummy. Loading conditions were assessed using two different rear securement point positions. Results of four sled impact tests revealed downward loads ranging from 17 019 to 18 682 N, depending upon rear securement point configuration. Maximum fore/aft shear loads ranged from 4424 to 6717 N across the tests.
Lexicodes of foot patterns for mine detection

This paper presents theory and experiment to perform a pattern recognition task. The task is to detect a mine in visual imagery, using a training algorithm. The marginal statistics for the data windows around potential targets are collected using a lexicode approach. Theoretical results supporting the lexicode's ability to perform such a task are presented. Preprocessing of the data is performed prior to the application of the lexicode. Discussion is given on the theoretical foundations and the preprocessing of the data, with future research activities outlined.
Long-term follow-up of obesity in adolescents

Fifty adolescents, 12–17 years of age, were treated for obesity from 1967 to 1972. They were contacted in 1977 to obtain follow-up data. Each subject had been treated in a program of dietary counseling and behavior modification. Mean weight on follow-up was 18.1 lb (8.2 kg) lower than mean initial weight ( P 20 lb ( P
Feature selection for unsupervised learning through local learning

Feature selection method for unsupervised learning inspired by human learning.Detected features supporting complex structure not limited to clusters.Automatic parameter estimation alleviating the burden of manually tuning parameters.A scheme to assess the statistical significance of discovered data patterns. We consider the problem of feature selection for unsupervised learning and develop a new algorithm capable of identifying informative features supporting complex structures embedded in a high-dimensional space. The development of the algorithm is inspired by human learning in detecting complex data structures. We formulate it as an optimization problem with a well-defined objective function, and solve the problem by using an iterative approach. The algorithm can be easily implemented and is computationally very efficient. We use gap statistics to estimate the parameters so that the proposed method is completely parameter-free. We also develop a scheme based on permutation tests to estimate the statistical significance of the presence of a data structure. We demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of the algorithm by comparing it with seven existing methods on a set of synthetic datasets with a wide variety of structures and cancer microarray gene expression datasets.
Heat capacities of solid polymers

Linear high polymer heat capacities by adding contributions from chain segments, deriving table of heat capacity contributions of polymer constituents
Effect of balloon mitral valvuloplasty on exercise capacity, ventilation and skeletal muscle oxygenation

Abstract Objectives . The short- and long-term effects of valvuloplasty on exercise capacity, ventilation and skeletal muscle oxygenation were investigated to determine whether a dissociation between hemodynamic improvement and exercise capacity occurs in patients with mitral stenosis. Background . Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty in patients with mitral stenosis results in immediate hemodynamic improvement at rest and with exercise. Improved exercise capacity has been described at 3 months after valvuloplasty. In patients with left ventricular dysfunction, acute therapeutic interventions that produce hemodynamic benefit do not immediately improve exercise capacity. Methods . Maximal bicycle exercise with measurement of respiratory gases was performed in 11 patients with mitral stenosis before and at 48 h and 3 months after successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty. Respiratory and leg skeletal muscle oxygenation were assessed by monitoring changes in light absorption of the serratus anterior and vastus lateralis muscles using near-infrared spectroscopy and were expressed as percent deoxygenation. Results . Mitral valvuloplasty significantly increased mean mitral valve area from 1.0 ± 0.2 to 1.7 ± 0.3 cm 2 (p 2 ), o 2 at the anaerobic threshold, ventilation, peak respiratory and leg muscle deoxygenation all remained unchanged. At submaximal work loads, respiratory muscle deoxygenation was attenuated (25 W: before 12 ± 4%; 48 h 4 ± 3%; 50 W: before 10 ± 5%; 48 h 5 ± 4%; both p At 3 months, significant improvement in peak o 2 (before 10.9 ± 5%; 3 months 14.6 ± 6.2 ml/kg per min; p 2 at the anaerobic threshold (before 7.1 ± 2.4; 3 months 8.4 ± 2.3; p Conclusions . Long-term changes in skeletal muscle and the lungs preclude immediate enhancement of exercise performance after balloon mitral valvuloplasty. Immediate symptomatic improvement probably results from an immediate decrease in the work of breathing. Long-term symptomatic improvement results from changes that occur in the peripheral skeletal musculature as well as from the reduced work of breathing.
Weight Change and Diabetes Incidence: Findings from a National Cohort of US Adults

To examine how long-term patterns of weight change affect the risk for diabetes, especially non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, the authors examined the relation of weight change over a period of about 10 years (from the baseline examination in 1971-1975 until the first follow-up examination in 1982-1984) to the 9-year incidence of diabetes mellitus (1984-1992) in a national cohort of 8,545 US adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Followup Study. Diabetes incidence was identified from death certificates, hospitalization and nursing home records, and self-report. In this cohort, 487 participants developed diabetes. The hazard ratios were 2.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40-3.18) for participants who gained 5- < 8 kg, 1.19 (95% CI 0.75-1.89) for participants who gained 8- < 11 kg, 2.57 (95% CI 1.84-3.85) for participants who gained 11- < 20 kg, and 3.85 (95% CI 2.04-7.22) for participants who gained 20 kg or more compared with participants whose weights remained relatively stable. The authors found no evidence that the results differed by age, sex, or race. They estimated that the population attributable risk was 27% for weight increases of 5 kg or more. Results from this study and other recent studies suggest that the increase in body mass index in the United States that occurred during the 1980s may portend an increase in the incidence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with important public health consequences in future years.
Structural models of antisocial behavior and during‐treatment performance for probationers in a substance abuse treatment program

Prior research has linked substance abuse and antisocial behavior. This study uses structural models to examine developmental stages of antisocial behavior and their relation to during‐treatment performance of probationers in a 4‐month inpatient program. Separate childhood and adulthood antisocial functioning components were identified, and each predicted during‐treatment psychological functioning and program perceptions. Specifically, adulthood hostility predicted psychological functioning, and adulthood risk‐taking predicted program perceptions; the effect of childhood antisocial behavior was completely mediated by adulthood functioning.
Stretched membrane with electrostatic curvature (SMEC) mirrors: a new technology for large lightweight space telescopes

Exploration of faint distant objects in space has been limited by the power of telescopes. Currently our only option for studying these remote objects is to build larger and better telescopes. These giant telescopes are often constrained by system mass, which is dominated by the primary mirror. It appears that the evolutionary path of using conventional technology to build giant mirrors will not be sufficient to meet the small areal density of approximately 1.5 kg/m 2 . Therefore the development of large primary mirrors for space is dependent on innovative approaches and new technology. One approach to building a large primary reflector is to use smaller individual segments and place them along a curve approximating a paraboloid. These smaller segments could be comprised of either flat or curved thin membrane mirrors. These thin membrane mirrors have the potential of meeting the small areal density requirement. We have started development on a thin membrane mirror. We have built and are testing a 6 inch stretched membrane mirror prototype that uses electrostatic pressure to pull the nominally flat mirror to a 32 m radius of curvature and adaptively correct for aberrations. Preliminary test results of the flat membrane are promising. The surface error for the flat membrane was measured to better than λ/10 rms for the center four inches and λ/20 rms over the central three inches. The interferograms for the curved membrane show a residual figure-eight pattern of high order astigmatism, most likely due to tension anisotropy in the mirror. Analysis on the fully curved mirror is still on-going. This paper discusses the SMEC design, development, test results, and current on-going activities.
St. John's Wort protein, p27SJ, regulates the MCP-1 promoter.

St. John's Wort is commonly known for its antiviral, antidepressant, and cytotoxic properties, but traditionally St. John's Wort has also been used to treat inflammation. In this study, we sought to characterize the mechanisms used by St. John's Wort to treat inflammation by examining the effect of the recently isolated protein from St. John's Wort, p27SJ on the expression of MCP-1. By employing an adenovirus expression vector, we demonstrate that a low concentration of p27SJ upregulates the MCP-1 promoter through the transcription factor C/EBPβ. In addition, we found that C/EBPβ-homologous protein (CHOP) or siRNA-C/EBPβ significantly reduced the ability of p27SJ to activate MCP-1 gene expression. Results from protein-protein interaction studies illustrate the existence of a physical interaction between p27SJ and C/EBPβ in microglial cells. The use of chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) led to the identification of a new cis-element that is responsive to C/EBPβ within the MCP-1 promoter. Association of C/EBPβ with MCP-1 DNA was not affected by the presence of p27SJ. The biological activity of MCP-1 produced by cultures of adenovirus-p27SJ transduced cells was increased relative to controls as measured by the transmigration of human Jurkat cells. Thus, we conclude that at high concentration, p27SJ is a potential agent that may be developed as a modulator of MCP-1 leading to the inhibition of the cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses.
Growth and leaf physiology of monkeyflowers with different altitude ranges

Every species is limited both geographically and ecologically to a subset of available habitats, yet for many species the causes of distribution limits are unknown. Temperature is thought to be one of the primary determinants of species distributions along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients. This study examined leaf physiology and plant performance under contrasting temperature regimes of sister species of monkeyflower, Mimulus cardinalis and Mimulus lewisii (Phrymaceae), that differ in altitude distribution to test the hypothesis that temperature is the primary determinant of differences in fitness versus altitude. Each species attained greatest aboveground biomass, net photosynthetic rate, and effective quantum yield of photosystem II when grown under temperatures characteristic of the altitudinal range center. Although both species exhibited greater stem length, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration in hot than in cold temperatures, these traits showed much greater reductions under cold temperature for M. cardinalis than for M. lewisii. Survival of M. lewisii was also sensitive to temperature, showing a striking decrease in hot temperatures. Within each temperature regime, the species native to that temperature displayed greatest growth and leaf physiological capacity. Populations from the altitude range center and range margin of each species were used to examine population differentiation, but central and marginal populations did not differ in most growth or leaf physiological responses to temperature. This study provides evidence that M. cardinalis and M. lewisii differ in survival, growth, and leaf physiology under temperature regimes characterizing their contrasting low and high altitude range centers, and suggests that the species’ altitude range limits may arise, in part, due to metabolic limitations on growth that ultimately decrease survival and limit reproduction.
Development of a Scanning Hot Probe Technique for Thin-Film Thermoelectric Properties Characterization

This work reports on the development of a scanning hot probe technique for the measurement of thermoelectric properties of thin-films. In this method a resistively heated thermal probe of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is brought in contact with the sample surface giving rise to a temperature gradient and a Seebeck voltage in the specimen. The average temperature rise of the probe is determined from the change in its electrical resistance. The heat transfer rate between the probe and the sample is estimated using a heat transfer model that takes into account the major heat transfer mechanisms in the system. The thermal conductivity is determined from the measured thermal resistance of the film. The Seebeck coefficient value is calculated using the measured temperature drop and the Seebeck voltage in the plane of the sample. The method is calibrated on glass and silicon substrates. Preliminary experimental results are presented for a thermoelectric film composed of randomly aligned Bi2 Te3 nanowires deposited on a glass substrate.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Ofloxacin Clinical Pharmacokinetics

Ofloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone with a spectrum of activity similar to other fluoroquinolones with activity which includes Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycobacterium spp., Mycoplasma spp. and Legionella pneumophila. Through its additional mechanisms of action, ofloxacin may be less susceptible to the development of resistance from Staphylococcus aureus commonly seen with currently available fluoroquinolones. The impact of these findings cannot be evaluated without further clinical experience. The pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin are characterised by almost complete bioavailability (95 to 100%), peak serum concentrations in the range of 2 to 3 mg/L after a 400mg oral dose and an average half-life of 5 to 8h. In comparison with other available quinolones, elimination is more highly dependent on renal clearance, which may lead to more frequent dosage adjustments in patients with impaired renal function. Ofloxacin appears less likely to affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs (e.g. theophylline) which commonly interact with fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin and enoxacin. The properties of ofloxacin make it a therapeutic alternative to currently available fluoroquinolones.
Review article: metoclopramide and tardive dyskinesia.

Summary Background Metoclopramide is a dopamine receptor antagonist which has been used for treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms over the last thirty years. In 2009, the FDA issued a black box warning regarding long-term or high-dose use of this medication because of the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia. Aims To review the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic properties of metoclopramide, the risk of metoclopramide-induced tardive dyskinesia, potential mechanisms that may alter and to summarize the clinical context for appropriate use of the drug. Methods We conducted a PubMed search using the following key words and combined searches: metoclopramide, neuroleptics, tardive dyskinesia, incidence, prevalence, dopamine, receptors, pharmacokinetic, pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism, cytochrome P450, p-glycoprotein, risk factors, gastroparesis, outcome, natural history. Results Available data show that risk of tardive dyskinesia from metoclopramide use is likely to be <1%, much less than the estimated 1–10% risk previously suggested in national guidelines. Tardive dyskinesia may represent an idiosyncratic response to metoclopramide; pharmacogenetics affect pharmacokinetic and dopamine receptor pharmacodynamics in response to neuroleptic agents that cause similar neurological complications. Conclusion Community prevalence and pharmacogenetic mechanisms involved in metoclopramide-induced tardive dyskinesia require further study to define the benefit-risk ratio more clearly.
NMDA receptors and plasticity in adult primate somatosensory cortex

Topographic maps in adult primate somatosensory cortex are capable of dramatic reorganizations after peripheral nerve injuries. In the present experiments, we have deprived a circumscribed portion of the hand map in somatosensory cortex of our adult squirrel monkeys by transecting the median nerve to one hand, and evaluated the hypothesis that N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamatergic receptors are necessary for the reorganization that follows within four weeks. In one monkey, we confirm previous results demonstrating that the deprived cortex has regained responsiveness in its expanse four weeks after median nerve transection. However, in three monkeys in which NMDA receptors were concurrently blocked, most of the deprived cortex remained unresponsive. Thus, much of the cortical "recovery" that typically follows peripheral nerve injury in adult monkeys is apparently dependent on NMDA receptors and may well be due to Hebbian-like changes in synaptic strength. Perhaps the elimination of the normally dominant inputs to "median nerve cortex" permits the gradual strengthening of correlations between the activity of the formally impotent presynaptic and deprived postsynaptic elements. These enhanced correlations may also have been made possible by reductions in intracortical inhibition as a necessary but not sufficient condition.
Functional Characterization of a Lipoprotein-Encoding Operon in Campylobacter jejuni

Background: Bacterial lipoproteins have important functions in bacterial pathogenesis and physiology. In Campylobacter jejuni, a major foodborne pathogen causing gastroenteritis in humans, the majority of lipoproteins have not been functionally characterized. Previously, we showed by DNA microarray that CmeR, a transcriptional regulator repressing the expression of the multidrug efflux pump CmeABC, modulates the expression of a three-gene operon (cj0089, cj0090, and cj0091) encoding a cluster of lipoproteins in C. jejuni. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this work, we characterized the function and regulation of the cj0089-cj0090-cj0091 operon. In contrast to the repression of cmeABC, CmeR activates the expression of the lipoprotein genes and the regulation is confirmed by immunoblotting using anti-Cj0089 and anti-Cj0091 antibodies. Gel mobility shift assay showed that CmeR directly binds to the promoter of the lipoprotein operon, but the binding is much weaker compared with the promoter of cmeABC. Analysis of different cellular fractions indicated that Cj0089 was associated with the inner membrane, while Cj0091 was located on the outer membrane. Inactivation of cj0091, but not cj0089, significantly reduced the adherence of C. jejuni to INT 407 cells in vitro, indicating that Cj0091 has a function in adherence. When inoculated into chickens, the Cj0091 mutant also showed a defect in early colonization of the intestinal tract, suggesting that Cj0091 contributes to Campylobacter colonization in vivo. It was also shown that Cj0091 was produced and immunogenic in chickens that were naturally infected by C. jejuni. Conclusion/Significance: These results indicate that the lipoprotein operon is subject to direct regulation by CmeR and that Cj0091 functions as an adhesion mechanism in C. jejuni and contributes to Campylobacter colonization of the intestinal tract in animal hosts.
Tissue-specific regulation of lipoprotein lipase activity by insulin/glucose in normal-weight humans.

Eight normal-weight subjects (four men, four women) were studied to determine the relative activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in adipose tissue (ATLPL) and vastus lateralis skeletal muscle (SMLPL), both in the fasting state and in response to a 6-hour insulin/glucose infusion. Mean fasting levels of ATLPL and SMLPL were not statistically different. After 6 hours of insulin/glucose infusion, mean ATLPL activity was significantly greater than the fasting level (P less than .01), while mean SMLPL activity decreased from basal (P less than .05). These tissue-specific changes in LPL responsiveness (0 to 6 hours) were significantly different (P less than .01). No differences between men and women were observed. These divergent tissue-specific LPL responses to insulin/glucose would serve to direct lipoprotein triglyceride-derived fatty acids away from muscle and to adipose tissue for storage.
Carbon dioxide elimination in anaesthetized children.

Carbon dioxide elimination (VCO2) was measured in 186 anaesthetized, spontaneously breathing infants and children with body weights ranging from 2.8 to 26.5 kg. They all underwent minor paediatric surgical procedures. The influence on VCO2 of age, operation, premedication, caudal anaesthesia, and different volatile anaesthetic agents was investigated. The volume of exhaled gas, during three- to five-minute collection periods, was measured and the fraction of exhaled CO2 was determined by a CO2 meter. Under basal anaesthetic conditions, the average output before operation followed the equation: VCO2 (ml.min-1) = -1.25X + 13.0X2, in which X = lne (body weight, kg). Expressed on a weight basis, the youngest infants (weighing less than 5 kg) had the lowest VCO2. Higher values were measured up to a body weight of 10 kg above which a negative correlation occurred between VCO2 (ml.min-1.kg-1) and body weight. The use of premedication resulted in a more variable VCO2 during operations than when opioid premedication was not used. The combination of a general anaesthetic and caudal anaesthesia stabilized VCO2. Also, children anaesthetized with halothane had a higher VCO2 than those who were anaesthetized with enflurane or isoflurane (P less than 0.05). The variable VCO2 emphasizes the need for increased monitoring of VCO2 during routine anaesthesia and operation in infants and children.
Atomic hydrogen irradiated by a strong laser field: Sturmian basis calculations of rates for high-order multiphoton ionization, Raman scattering, and harmonic generation

We briefly review some technical aspects of our Sturmian basis calculations of rates for high-order multiphoton processes occurring in atomic hydrogen initially in its ground state. The processes under study include ionization, Raman scattering, and harmonic generation. We present results that illustrate the efficacy of the method and that also highlight some of the interesting physics of multiphoton processes. In particular, we show nonperturbative rates for harmonic generation by 1064-nm light and for ionization by light of wavelengths 532, 608, 616, and 1064 nm, with laser intensities in the range 1012–1014 W/cm2. We discuss in some detail the role of intermediate resonances in ionization processes. Some of these resonances strongly enhance the rates; others do not. The influential resonances can be characterized by the orbital angular quantum number of the corresponding intermediate states. At long wavelengths and moderate intensities, perturbation theory grossly overestimates the ionization rates. Consequently, at long wavelengths the peak intensity that atoms can experience in short pulses before undergoing ionization is far higher than would be anticipated on the basis of perturbation theory.
Modeling the effects of display quality upon human pilot dynamics and perceived vehicle handling qualities

A model-based technique addressing the effect of display or visual scene quality upon human pilot dynamics is introduced. The technique builds upon a methodology proposed for the preliminary assessment of flight simulator fidelity which uses a structural model of the human pilot. This model is incorporated in what is termed the primary control loop(s) for the task at hand. It is shown that the measured effects of degradations in display quality upon human pilot dynamics can be modeled by simple reductions in the gains associated with error and proprioceptive signals in the structural model. A control theoretic rationale for these gain reductions is presented. The effect of display quality upon perceived handling qualities is discussed and demonstrated in a simple example. Although the research had its genesis in flight simulator fidelity studies, the modeling procedure is applicable to any continuous control task involving degraded visual conditions. >