cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of oral Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-infection: Relevance of endogenous glucocorticoid excess in blood and saliva

Endogenous glucocorticoid excess with concomitant hypercortisolaemia and increased saliva level of the free active hormone, is a common feature of HIV-infected/AIDS patients. Exposure of the oral tissues to virtually uninterrupted high burden of glucocorticoids through saliva may contribute to the high frequency of oral Kaposi's sacoma (KS) in these patients. AIDS-KS cells contain unusually high levels of glucocorticoid receptor protein and recent studies indicate that growth of these cells in culture is significantly stimulated by glucocorticoids, particularly in the presence of growth factors, such as oncostatin-M. The suggestion that glucocorticoid excess may be important in the pathogenesis of KS in AIDS is not in conflict with the suspected aetiological role of newly reported KS-associated herpesviruses (KSHV), since steroid hormones may upregulate the expression of the viral gene. The latter is consistent with the observation that infection by specific oncogenic viruses does not necessarily result in cancers in the human, and does require the presence of other cellular factors or events.
Thermodynamics of hydrochloric acid in 1-propanol-water mixtures from EMF measurements at different temperatures

Abstract Emf measurements of cells of the type Pt, H 2 (g, 1 atm) |HCl (m), 1-PrOH ( X ), H 2 O ( Y )| AgCl/Ag at 5–45°C and m 0·005–0·15 mol/kg have been used to derive the standard potentials of the cells by a theoretically justified polynomial curve-fitting technique, the mean activity coefficient of HCl (molal scale), the medium effect, the relative partial molal heat content and the thermodynamic function (mol-fraction scale) for the transfer of HCl from water to the respective 1-PrOH-H 2 O media. E m ° is expressed as a function of temperature. The electrostatic part of the thermodynamic functions was computed according to Born's model and hence the chemical effect of the solvents on the transfer process has been evaluated. The significance of the results discussed with regard to the acid-base properties and the structural effects of the solvents with further additions of 1-PrOH.
High temperature fatigue of three nickel-base eutectic composites

Abstract The high cycle fatigue behavior of three advanced nickel-base eutectic composites, Nitac 14B, Cotac 744 and AG-170, all in the as-directionally solidified condition, has been investigated at 25 °C and 825 °C in vacuum. At 25 °C, little difference in fatigue resistance was noted between the three alloys, but Nitac 14B displayed superior properties at 825 °C. The ductility of the three reinforcing fibers (TaC, NbC and α-Mo respectively) does not play a significant role in fatigue crack nucleation or total life. Instead, the γ/γ′ matrix properties dominate the resistance to fatigue. Room temperature failures were surface initiated and propagation proceeded along crystallographic planes (stage I), whereas stage II crack propagation was observed at 825 °C. Dislocation substructures indicated by transmission electron microscopy determined differences with alloy type and test temperature. The high cycle fatigue behavior of eutectics is compared with that of early generation eutectic compounds.
Nanopore Formation in Cells Exposed to Nanosecond Electric Pulses

Chemical and physical insults such as electroporation may compromise the membrane integrity and allow leak ion currents through de-novo formed lipid pores. These pores are thought to short-circuit the membrane and hinder ion channels' physiological function rather than to complement it. However, here we report that brief electric stimuli can trigger formation of membrane pores with specific behaviors that are traditionally considered to be unique for protein ion channels; still other behaviors of these pores distinguish them from both “conventional” electropores and any known ion channels. We found that a single electric shock (600-ns duration, 1 to 5 kV/cm) causes minutes-long increase of membrane electrical conductance due to formation of long-lived, voltage- and current-sensitive, rectifying, cation-selective, asymmetrical pores of nanometer diameter (“nanopores”). Once induced, nanopores oscillate between open and quasi-open (electrically silent) states, followed by either gradual resealing or abrupt breakdown into larger pores, with immediate loss of nanopore-specific behaviors. The formation and extended lifetime of nanopores were verified by non-electrophysiological methods, namely by fluorescent detection of Tl+ uptake and of phosphatidylserine externalization. Apparently, nanopores are not unique to cell stimulation with nanosecond electric pulses, but may form under various physiological and pathological conditions. Nanopores appear adequately equipped for certain functions that are traditionally ascribed to ion channels. Clear distinction between nanopores- and ion channels-mediated currents may be critical for understanding how these currents are controlled.Supported by NIH (NCI) R01CA125482.
Autoxidation and effects of pro- and antioxidants in lyophilized red blood cell membranes

Oxygen uptake and effects of pro- and antioxidants have been compared at 80 C in lyophilized red blood cell (RBC) bilayer membranes (ghosts). In this dry and relatively immobile system, catalytic metals have pronounced effects. When ghosts are prepared in the usual manner, in phosphate buffer, hypotonic saline, or deionized water (DI), oxygen uptake is extremely slow and limited unless: (a) catalytic metal, e.g., cobaltous ion, is supplied in the absence of metal-complexing buffers and (b) residual phosphate buffer is removed by repeated deionized water or hypotonic saline washes. Ghosts adsorb d-α-tocopherol strongly from 1% alcohol emulsion in buffer in amounts far above normal RBC concentrations, whereas synthetic antioxidant uptake seldom exceeds the normal tocopherol level. Uptake and effectiveness of antioxidants introduced by either perfusion or in the vapor phase, and resistance of ghosts to autoxidation are discussed as they relate to protection of lyophilized membranes and freeze-dried foods.
Electrocardiogram interpretation skills in pediatric residents.

Objective The primary objective of this study was to evaluate pediatric residents' ability to correctly identify electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and pair them to a corresponding cardiac diagnosis. Methods Forty-six pediatric residents from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center were surveyed to evaluate their ability to interpret ECGs and factors affecting that ability. Included in the survey was a packet of 10 patient vignettes each accompanied by a 12-lead ECG. The primary outcome variable was the resident's score of correctly paired ECG findings with the appropriate cardiac diagnosis. One point was given for each pair correctly identified for a maximum of 10 points. Simple and multiple linear regression was used to estimate the magnitude and significance of any association between score of correct responses and resident year, completion of a pediatric cardiology rotation, self-rated ability to read ECGs, and training received in reading ECGs. Results The mean number of correct ECG findings and cardiac diagnosis pairings out of 10 for the PGY 1 group was 4.1 +/- 3, PGY 2 group 4.9 +/- 2.9, PGY 3 group 6.6 +/- 2, and the PGY 4 group 6.8 +/- 1.7. In the unadjusted linear regression model, the PGY 3 group correctly identified 2.4 more pairings compared to the PGY 1 group (P =0.02). Those who completed a pediatric cardiology rotation correctly identified 2.5 more pairings compared to those who did not complete a rotation (P=0.001). Conclusions ECG interpretation significantly improved from PGY 1 to PGY 3. Educational programs involving ECG interpretation should target those diagnoses with high clinical severity and average to poor resident knowledge.
Hydrocephalus as a sequela of experimental myxovirus infections.

Abstract Suckling hamsters and mice were inoculated intracerebrally with several human myxoviruses. Mumps virus and parainfluenza-2 (croup-associated) virus were shown to infect ependymal cells in hamsters; this acute infection did not cause clinically apparent disease but resulted in the loss of ependymal cells. Influenza-A virus caused infection of ependymal cells in both hamsters and mice in which antigen developed, but no infectious virus multiplication was found; nevertheless, similar ependymal cell loss ensued. Following this selective destruction of the ependymal cell population by either mechanism, narrowing of the aqueduct of Sylvius evolved in most animals resulting in the development of severe hydrocephalus. The noninflammatory aqueductal stenosis showed several histological similarities to human aqueductal stenosis of obscure etiology. The possibility of acute infections causing noninflammatory yet progressive sequelae is discussed.
Mucous gland metaplasia of the prostate.

Mucous gland metaplasia of the prostate was observed in 11 of the 1,236 autopsy cases. The cells were characterized by plump cytoplasmic mucin and tiny nuclei that were basally oriented. They resembled Cowper's gland (bulbourethral gland) epithelium. The lesion was located randomly within the glands and was very small; only one was larger than 1 mm 2 . The cytoplasmic mucin was periodic-acid Schiff positive and immunohistochemically negative for prostate-specific antigen. Lectin binding profiles were different from those of normal prostatic glandular epithelium and also from those of Cowper's gland. The importance of recognizing mucous metaplasia lies in its differentiation from other lesions, especially from low-grade carcinoma
The Effect of Payer Type on Clinical Outcomes in Total Knee Arthroplasty

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 112 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty, wherein baseline demographics, resource utilization, and outcomes were compared by insurance type: Medicaid, Medicare, or private. At the time of surgery, Medicaid patients were younger (P<.0001) and had lower preoperative Knee Society Scores than Medicare and private patients (P=.0125). Medicaid postoperative scores were lower than those of private patients (P=.0223). The magnitude of benefit received by Medicaid patients was similar to Medicare and private patients. Medicaid patients had a higher number of cancelled (P=.01) and missed (P=.0022) appointments relative to Medicare and private patients. Medicaid patients also had shorter average follow-up periods compared to private patients (P=.0003). Access to care and socioeconomic factors may be responsible for these findings.
Fatigue of Crosslinked and Linear PVC Foams under Shear Loading

When a sandwich structure is subjected to transverse loads, the face sheets carry bending moments as tensile and compressive stresses and the core carries transverse forces as shear stresses. The core is typically the weakest component of the structure and is the first to fail in shear. In this study the shear fatigue behavior of two closed-cell cellular PVC foams, Divinycell HD130 (linear) and H130 (cross linked), with the same nominal density of 130 kg/m 3 , were investigated. Static shear tests reveal that HD130 foams are more ductile, have almost twice the energy absorption capability, and an extraordinary crack propagation resistance when compared to the H130 foams. Shear fatigue tests were conducted at room temperature, at a frequency of 3 Hz and at a stress ratio, R=0.1 on the HD130 and H130 foams. S-N curves were generated and shear fatigue characteristics were determined. The number of cycles to failure for the linear foams was substantially higher than that of the cross-linked PVC foams. HD foams have smaller cells with thicker faces and edges. This microstructure supports absorption of larger amounts of liquid resin forming a resin rich sub interface zone just below the actual core-skin interface. The high intrinsic toughness of the sub interface delays the initiation of fatigue cracks and thereby increases the fatigue life of the HD foams. For both foams, shear deformation occurs without volume change and the materials fail by shearing in the vicinity of the centerline of the specimen along the longitudinal axis. In both cases numerous 45° shear cracks form across the width of the specimen and are equidistantly spaced along the length of the specimen. The occurrence of these through the thickness shear cracks signals the final failure event during fatigue. Details of the experimental investigation and the evaluation of the fatigue performance are presented.
Relationship of structure to properties of surfactants. 16. Linear decyldiphenylether sulfonates

The properties of some well-characterized sodium linear decyldiphenylether (C10DPE)sulfonates have been studied. Among the properties investigated are dynamic and equilibrium surface tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC), area per molecule at the aqueous solution/air interface, wetting time by the Draves technique, foaming by the Ross-Miles method, solubilization, and hydrotropy. The decyldiphenylether moiety appears to be equivalent to a terminally substituted straight alkyl chain of 16 carbon atoms. The trialkyl- and dialkyl-mono-sulfonates have solubilities of DADS > MADS. Solubilization for three water-insoluble surfactants decreases in the order: DADS > MAMS > MADS, while hydrotropy is most pronounced with the disulfonates.
PET Imaging with 89Zr: From Radiochemistry to the Clinic

The advent of antibody-based cancer therapeutics has led to the concomitant rise in the development of companion diagnostics for these therapies, particularly nuclear imaging agents. A number of radioisotopes have been employed for antibody-based PET and SPECT imaging, notably 64Cu, 124I, 111In, and 99mTc; in recent years, however, the field has increasingly focused on 89Zr, a radiometal with near ideal physical and chemical properties for immunoPET imaging. In the review at hand, we seek to provide a comprehensive portrait of the current state of 89Zr radiochemical and imaging research, including work into the production and purification of the isotope, the synthesis of new chelators, the development of new bioconjugation strategies, the creation of novel 89Zr-based agents for preclinical imaging studies, and the translation of 89Zr-labeled radiopharmaceuticals to the clinic. Particular attention will also be dedicated to emerging trends in the field, 89Zr-based imaging applications using vectors other than antibodies, the comparative advantages and limitations of 89Zr-based imaging compared to that with other isotopes, and areas that would benefit from more extensive investigation. At bottom, it is hoped that this review will provide both the experienced investigator and new scientist with a full and critical overview of this exciting and fast-developing field.
Determination of the formal reduction potential of Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin using thin layer spectroelectrochemistry.

Abstract The formal reduction potential (E°′) of Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin was determined using thin layer spectroelectrochemistry as 0.073 (±0.005) V vs Ag/AgCl (0.281 V vs SHE, standard hydrogen electrode). Nernst plots of Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin with tris-bipyridinecobalt(II) as a mediator titrant have similar linear slopes as Nernst plots of horse heart myoglobin with hexaamineruthenium(II) as a mediator titrant.
Cognitive control of attention is differentially affected in trauma-exposed individuals with and without post-traumatic stress disorder.

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) show difficulty in recruitment of the regions of the frontal and parietal cortex implicated in top-down attentional control in the presence and absence of emotional distracters.MethodUnmedicated individuals with PTSD (n = 14), and age-, IQ- and gender-matched individuals exposed to trauma (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 19) were tested on the affective number Stroop task. In addition, blood oxygen level-dependent responses, as measured via functional magnetic resonance imaging, were recorded.ResultsPatients with PTSD showed disrupted recruitment of lateral regions of the superior and inferior frontal cortex as well as the parietal cortex in the presence of negative distracters. Trauma-comparison individuals showed indications of a heightened ability to recruit fronto-parietal regions implicated in top-down attentional control across distracter conditions.ConclusionsThese results are consistent with suggestions that emotional responsiveness can interfere with the recruitment of regions implicated in top-down attentional control; the heightened emotional responding of patients with PTSD may lead to the heightened interference in the recruitment of these regions.
Management of Expressed Human Milk in a Developing Country—Experiences and Practical Guidelines

A program to provide expressed breast milk for low birth weight and other infants unable to suckle has been successful in India despite earlier fears that the risk of infection would be great. Mothers wash their hands and breasts before expression and about 3/4 liter is collected daily on average. Milk for daytime feeds is used fresh soon after collection and milk is never stored more than 24 hours. Random samples of milk are sent for culture daily 64.2% of the samples were sterile 26.3% grew non-pathogenic organisms and 9.5% potential pathogens. Follow-up and bacteriological evaluation showed incidences of infection to be less in infants receiving expressed breast milk. Practical guidelines for the use of human milk in developing countries lacking conventional milk banks stress collection under supervision washing of the mothers breasts and hands each time with soap and water manual expression expression directly into sterilized containers rapid consumption avoidance of storage and at least periodic random bacteriological analysis if facilities are available to ensure that methods of collection transport and administration continue to be satisfactory. Experiences at this center suggest that the risks of not administering human milk are far greater than the risk of infection from administering it.
Diffusion-limit asymptotics of the transport equation, the P1/3 equations, and two flux-limited diffusion theories

Abstract We compare the asymptotic accuracy of one variant of P 1 theory and two variants of grey diffusion theory in the equilibrium diffusion limit. All of these variants were developed to yield the correct radiation propagation speed in the optically thin streaming limit while presumably retaining full accuracy in the equilibrium diffusion limit. Accuracy in the equilibrium diffusion limit has traditionally meant reproducing the exact transfer asymptotics to leading (zeroth) order. We show that the exact asymptotics must be reproduced to first order to yield full accuracy in the equilibrium diffusion limit. The P 1 variant and one of the grey diffusion variants that we analyze yield first-order accuracy while the other grey diffusion variant yields only zeroth-order accuracy.
Gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary

Abstract Background . Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary (MCTO) is the most common ovarian germ cell neoplasm and is usually diagnosed in early adulthood. Malignant transformation is rare, occurring in approximately 2% of all cases. Though malignant transformation can occur from any of the embryonic germ layers, the most common malignancy arising in these otherwise benign tumors is squamous cell carcinoma. Case. We present a patient with a MCTO where malignant transformation of gastrointestinal epithelium resulted in moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. After 3 years of follow-up, she remains free of disease. Conclusion . Although gastrointestinal epithelium is often found in MCTOs, adenocarcinoma arising from this cell type is uncommon. This is the third reported case of adenocarcinoma arising in gastrointestinal epithelium of a MCTO.
Microbeam, timing and signal-resolved studies of nuclear materials with synchrotron X-ray sources

The development of ultra-brilliant synchrotron X-ray sources enables characterization methods that are particularly important for nuclear materials. Here we discuss emerging synchrotron methods with unprecedented signal-to-noise, spatial and time resolution. Microprobe methods are discussed that extend virtually any X-ray characterization measurement to ultra-small sample volumes. This ability is critical to resolve heterogeneities in nuclear materials and for studies on volumes with vastly lower activity than are needed for traditional X-ray characterization. Specific methods discussed include microdiffraction for the characterization of local crystal structure and micro-spectroscopy techniques that allow for characterization of elemental distributions with sensitivity for daughter products, oxidation states and diffusion through buffer layers. Opportunities are also discussed that exploit the high brilliance and pulsed nature of synchrotron radiation to reduce backgrounds from sample radiation and to study materials dynamics.
Evaluation of occult cervical spine fractures on radiographs and CT.

The aim of this study was to evaluate occult cervical spine fractures on radiographs and CT. We reviewed radiographs of 68 patients with cervical spine fractures at a level 1 trauma center. Twenty-six patients showed occult fractures on initial radiographs. Of seven odontoid fractures, two were diagnosed only after thinner repeat CT reconstructions. Five facet fractures were best seen on CT reconstructions. Three occult hangman's fractures were seen by CT. A C1 fracture was diagnosed on CT only. Two fractures through the C2 body were seen only by CT. Eight fractures were obscured by patient's shoulders, including five clay shoveler's fractures, a C6 facet fracture, a bilateral C6 pedicle fracture, and a C7–T1 fracture–dislocation. Odontoid, facet, and lower cervical spine fractures are most commonly occult on radiographs. CT, especially high-quality CT reconstructions for odontoid and facet fractures, can improve the diagnosis of cervical spine fracture.
A two-part predictive coder for multitask signal compression

Traditional compression techniques optimize signal fidelity under a bit rate constraint. However, signals are often not only reconstructed for human evaluation purposes but also analyzed by machines. This paper introduces a two-part predictive (2PP) coding architecture intended for signal compression with the dual purposes of preserving signal fidelity and feature fidelity. First we introduce the architecture of the 2PP coder, then we apply and evaluate it on two problems: scene classification and pedestrian detection. Tradeoffs between compression rate, mean-squared reconstruction error, and classification accuracy, are explored.
Control flow optimization in loops using interval analysis

We present a novel loop transformation technique, particularly well suited for optimizing embedded compilers, where an increase in compilation time is acceptable in exchange for significant performance increase. The transformation technique optimizes loops containing nested conditional blocks. Specifically, the transformation takes advantage of the fact that the Boolean value of the conditional expression, determining the true/false paths, can be statically analyzed using a novel interval analysis technique that can evaluate conditional expressions in the general polynomial form. Results from interval analysis combined with loop dependency information is used to partition the iteration space of the nested loop. In such cases, the loop nest is decomposed such as to eliminate the conditional test, thus substantially reducing the execution time. Our technique completely eliminates the conditional from the loops (unlike previous techniques) thus further facilitating the application of other optimizations and improving the overall speedup. Applying the proposed transformation technique on loop kernels taken from Mediabench, SPEC-2000, mpeg4, qsdpcm and gimp, on average we measured a 175% (1.75X) improvement of execution time when running on a SPARC processor, a 336% (4.36X) improvement of execution time when running on an Intel Core Duo processor and a 198.9% (2.98X) improvement of execution time when running on a PowerPC G5 processor.
The Incorporation of Gender Scholarship into Sociology

The prospects of an intellectual revolution in sociology informed in part by a feminist perspective loomed large in the early 1970s. Following Ward and Grant's (1985) empirical examination of gender and feminist scholarship in sociology journals between 1974 and 1983, our research provides an empirical assessment of the “second ten years” after the feminist critique of the discipline, 1984–1993. Specifically, we examine the incorporation of gender-content scholarship into mainstream sociology journals. Our research also assesses the extent to which gender-content scholarship published in these journals is feminist-oriented or not and the extent to which this is influenced by the sex of authors, the type of journal, and the sex composition of editorships and editorial boards. Our findings indicate that although there were more gender- and feminist-oriented articles published in the recent ten-year period, proportionally there were fewer feminist-oriented articles than in the previous ten-year period. Our findings suggest that a feminist revolution in sociology is not likely to occur anytime soon, although the assimilation of feminist scholarship into sociology is occurring along the lines of other critical intellectual movements in recent decades.
High temperature thermal stability of CsAlSiO4 and CsAlSi2O6

Abstract One CsAlSiO 4 and three nonstoichiometric CsAlSi 2 O 6 phases have been studied by TGA. Weight losses (due primarily to cesium volatilization) varied substantially but were all rather low for cesium compounds.
Composition of matrix in the CR chondrite LAP 02342

Abstract We report evidence of interchondrule matrix heterogeneity on a scale of ∼50 μm in the well-preserved CR2 chondrite LAP 02342. Despite minor effects resulting from asteroidal aqueous alteration, the matrix in this CR chondrite seems to preserve much of the compositional record of nebular fines. We carried out electron-microprobe studies using a 3-μm-diameter beam; we analyzed 10 elements in 36- or 49-point grids on 11 ca. 50 × 50-μm rectangular areas of matrix. Each grid area has a distinct composition, inconsistent with a simple model of matrix material having a uniform composition throughout the nebular formation region of the CR chondrites. On S–Fe, Mg–Si, K–Na and K–Al scatter diagrams, the grid areas (i.e., different matrix patches) are largely separated from each other; plots of means with 95% confidence limits demonstrate that the compositions are resolvable. Five matrix areas were analyzed again in duplicate runs; excellent agreement was observed between duplicate studies. LAP 02342 experienced two forms of mild aqueous alteration – as patchy enrichments in Ca (inferred to reflect CaCO 3 ) and as regions in which sulfide laths are embedded within phyllosilicates. Despite this evidence of aqueous transport, the effect on the composition of matrix is not resolvable. For example, matrix points that were adjacent to points with high CaCO 3 contents show elemental concentrations similar to those in regions having only one or two points with a Ca enrichment. It appears that secondary minerals are found in areas where there are suitable precursor phases and voids into which new phases could grow unimpeded. Calcium appears to be unique in forming a phase that greatly lowers the Ca ++ content of the aqueous medium, thus enhancing the rate of diffusion. Because chondrules vary widely in bulk composition, the formation of chondrules in small sets (100 or less) could generate “smoke” and mesostasis spray with compositions unique to each set. However, if these nanoparticles were moving independently in the nebula, it would not have been possible to have preserved compositional variations. We therefore infer that the anomalous materials were preserved in small nebular structures, probably as porous chondrules formed by low degrees of melting.
Why are fetal muscles slow

Differentiating fast and slow mammalian muscles contract slowly at birth and increase their speed during the first few weeks of life1,2. However, only small proportions of slow myosin light chains are found in early developing muscles and the fast type of light chains predominate3–7. In addition, differentiating muscle contains unique, embryonic forms of myosin which may partially determine the early slow responses8–15. The present study suggests additional reasons for these slow twitch times. Most skeletal muscles are initially formed from a small population of primary generation cells16,17 which are innervated by pioneering axons early in myogenesis18. Subsequently, numerous secondary generation cells develop along the walls of primary myotubes, then separate and become independent units of contraction. Using affinity-purified antibodies to fast and slow myosin5, it was found that most primary myotubes react with anti-slow myosin and are destined to become slow, Type I fibres. By contrast, secondary generation cells stain exclusively with anti-fast myosin and develop into Type II, fast fibres. We propose that primary myotubes constitute the fundamental motor units of the developing neuromuscular system and are responsible for early slow movements. Secondary generation cells become organized into large, fast motor units later in development, eclipsing the original slow response.
A Triethnic Comparison of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Mortality in Texas

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a significant cause of stroke death. Little is known about the relative risk of Hispanic Americans (HAs), African Americans (AAs), and non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) for ICH mortality. Based on the high prevalence of hypertension in AAs and the low prevalence of hypertension in HAs, we expected AAs to have the highest ICH mortality rates and HAs the lowest. Race/ethnic age-specific ICH mortality rates were calculated from Texas vital statistics for the years 1980 through 1995. Rate ratios (RRs) are reported with NHWs as the referent group. There were 15,042 deaths due to ICH in Texas during this time. In the 45- to 59-year age group, AAs had an RR of 4. The RR for HAs was 1.9. In the 60- to 74-year age range, AAs had an RR of 1.7 and HAs had an RR of 1.3. In the 75+ age group, the rates were similar among all three race/ethnic groups. We conclude that there is a significant interaction of age and race/ethnicity for ICH. At younger ages, AAs and HAs have the highest ICH mortality rates. Access to care and socioeconomic status may play a role in the unexpectedly high ICH mortality rates in HAs. Language: en
On tightening cover induced inequalities

Abstract Here we describe computationally efficient procedures for tightening cover induced inequalities by using 0–1 knapsack constraints and, if available, cliques whose variables are included in the cover. An interesting application is the case where the cover is implied by the knapsack constraint. The tightening is achieved by increasing the coefficients of the cover inequality. The new constraint is 0–1 equivalent to and LP tighter than the original one. The computational complexity of the procedures is O(n log n), where n is the number of variables in the cover.
COMPARISON OF TISSUE-CULTURED BOVINE ENDOTHELIAL CELLS FROM AORTA AND SAPHENOUS VEIN

Endothelial cells were harvested from bovine aorta and saphenous vein with collagenase and cultured in McCoy's 5a medium (modified GIBCO) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The cells were subcultured through 17 passages over 4 to 5 months. The growth properties in culture of the two cell types were compared. Morphological comparisons included phase microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Comparisons with cultured aortic smooth-muscle cells were made using phase and scanning electron microscopy. No differences were found between cultured endothelial cells from aorta and saphenous vein. Differences in growth patterns in culture clearly distinguished both endothelial cell types from smooth-muscle cells. The presence of Weibel-Palade bodies identified the cells from both sources as endothelial.
Aqueous Two-Phase Systems. 1. Salt Partitioning

The partitioning of salts in aqueous two-phase systems formed from polyethylene glycol, dextran, and water produces an electrostatic potential difference between the phases which influences the partitioning of proteins and other biomolecules. We study the partitioning of, separately, NaCl, NaH 2 PO 4 , and NaHSO 4 in such systems, as well as the resulting electrostatic potential differences. Polymer concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography and ion concentrations by atomic absorption or inductively coupled emission spectroscopy. A combination of the UNIQUAC Debye-Huckel, and Broensted-Guggenheim equations, after accounting for differences in the standard states, resulted in a thermodynamic model that correlates the concentrations of all species (polymers, ions, and water) and allows calculation of the resulting electrostatic potential difference. At comparable concentrations, NaHSO 4 produces the largest electrostatic potential difference between the phases and NaCl the smallest
Presymptomatic Diagnosis of Delayed-Onset Disease With Linked DNA Markers: The Experience in Huntington's Disease

Clinical medicine in the 21st century is almost certain to include wide-scale use of molecular genetic diagnostic tests. In September 1986, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine initiated a voluntary program of presymptomatic genetic testing for Huntington's disease for persons at 50% risk. DNA analyses using the D4S10 (G8), D4S43, and D4S95 locus probes have been performed for 55 people. Twelve of the tests have yielded positive results, 30 were negative, and 13 were uninformative. Initial reactions ranged from joy and relief to disappointment, sadness, and demoralization. Thus far, there have been no severe depressive reactions. Although the sample size is small, our data suggest that people who receive genetic test results cope well, at least over the short term, when the testing is performed in a clinical context that includes education, pretest counseling, psychological support, and regular follow-up. ( JAMA . 1989;261:3108-3114)
Body composition and metabolic factors in obese children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Body composition is associated with metablic factors in adults; however, data are limited regarding obese children. This study was undertaken to assess body composition, regional fat distribution, and metabolic factors in obese 6–18-y-old children and adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional assessment. SUBJECTS: Thirty-six obese children and adolescents, (mean±s.e.m.) age 11.8±0.5 y, BMI 34.1±1.2 kg/m2. MEASUREMENTS: Body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and computerized tomography. Fasting insulin, glucose and leptin levels, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) were assessed. RESULTS: The girls had significantly lower glucose levels than the boys. The ethnic group differences (African American children vs white children) in fat mass, total CT fat, subcutaneous CT fat, insulin level, leptin level, and higher HOMA-IR were not significant after adjusting for age or pubertal stage. These differences in abdominal fat and subcutaneous abdominal fat were also not independent of total body fat or BMI. No ethnic group differences in visceral abdominal fat were noted. Insulin level and HOMA IR were associated with leptin level (independent of fat mass) and fat mass. Leptin level was associated with fat mass, total CT fat, and subcutaneous CT fat; however the associations between the CT fat measures and leptin were not independent of total body fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: Neither visceral abdominal fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, insulin levels, or insulin resistance differed by ethnic group when adjusted for age or pubertal status. This contrasts with findings in adults and non-obese children which suggest lower levels of visceral fat and higher insulin levels and insulin resistance in African American children and adolescents.
HIV-1 gp120 up-regulation of the mu opioid receptor in TPA-differentiated HL-60 cells.

Abstract Opioid abuse has been shown to exacerbate the immunosuppressive effects and pathogenesis of HIV infection. The mu opioid receptor (MOR) is present on immune cells, such as macrophages, and mediates the direct immunomodulatory effects of opioids. Through its surface glycoprotein, gp120, HIV-1 binds to surface receptors on target cells, including macrophages, to exert its pathological effects. Binding of gp120 to macrophages stimulates the cells to release various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, which has been shown to regulate transcription of the MOR gene. In this study, we examined the effects of HIV-1 gp120 on MOR expression in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells differentiated into macrophage-like cells by TPA. Using real time RT-PCR, we found that exposure to gp120 up-regulated MOR expression in TPA-differentiated HL-60 cells at the transcriptional level. The functionality of the gp120-induced MOR in these cells was confirmed based on morphine's inhibition of forskolin-induced intracellular cAMP, which was naloxone reversible. Exposure to gp120 also stimulated the release of TNF-α from TPA-differentiated HL-60 cells. Treatment with TNF-α neutralizing antibody, as well as blockage of TNF-α's actions by anti-TNF-α receptor type II (TNFR-II) antibody, inhibited gp120-induced up-regulation of MOR mRNA. Our data suggest that one of the mechanisms by which HIV-1 gp120 up-regulates the MOR in TPA-differentiated HL-60 cells is through autocrine/paracrine actions of TNF-α via the TNFR-II receptor.
In-plane and out-of-plane transverse susceptibility in close-packed arrays of monodisperse Fe nanoparticles

The transverse susceptibility (TS) of arrays of self-assembled Fe nanoparticles has been studied using a sensitive radio-frequency resonant technique. Symmetrically located broad peaks in the TS data are observed below the blocking temperature as the applied field is swept from positive to negative saturation. These peaks occur at the effective anisotropy fields $(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{H}_{K})$ with the peak width determined by the distribution in ${H}_{K}$ in the nanoparticle array system. These features are observed to be strongly affected by dipolar interactions as well as thermal relaxation. Systematically tracking the evolution of the TS curves across the superparamagnetic transition reveals distinct temperature ranges over which thermal activation and dipolar energy overcome the effective magnetic anisotropy energy. Hysteresis loops measured using a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer indicate a smaller coercive field for in-plane field orientation compared to that for out-of-plane orientation. This is also reflected in the TS measurements. A comparison of the TS over a wide range in temperature and magnetic fields, applied in plane and out of plane, reveals the distinct influence of variation in dipolar interaction strengths for the two geometries.
STABLE NEGATIVE IONS WITHIN A LOCAL EXCHANGE FORMALISM

An orbital generated local exchange potential, obtained as the work done in moving an electron in the electric field of its Fermi hole, is shown to give convergent solutions for negative ions comparable to Hartree-Fock accuracy.
CREATIVE BUDGET PRESENTATION: Using Statistics to Prove Your Point

The fine art of budget presentation is based on a two‐step process: the request for funds and the defense of that request. Although both steps use statistics, it is the budget defense that demands the creative use of statistics.
Project Management for Systematic Training

The problem and the solution. With the dramatic changes brought about by the technological advances affecting training along with demands of producing high-quality training quickly, some have suggested the analysis, design, develop, implement, evaluate (ADDIE) model of instructional development is no longer adequate.This article explores some of the process control and leadership techniques that might better equip training managers to succeed in their responsibilities.
Calcium and magnesium enhance the production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa protease IV, a corneal virulence factor

The effect of calcium and magnesium on protease IV production during the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated. Strain PA103 was grown to stationary phase in medium containing various concentrations of either calcium or magnesium. Culture supernatants were concentrated, standardized relative to cell density, and the pyoverdine concentrations were measured. Overall extracellular protease activity and specific protease IV (lysine endoproteinase) activity were measured with or without TLCK, a serine protease inhibitor effective against protease IV activity. Protease IV activity was also observed by casein zymography. Calcium and magnesium were quantified in the corneas and aqueous humor of rabbits that were inoculated intrastromally with strain PA103. Pyoverdine production was not significantly different in cultures grown in medium with added calcium or magnesium, but extracellular caseinase activity increased in these cultures. Susceptibility of caseinase activity to TLCK inhibition and a specific assay for protease IV indicated that protease IV activity increased in cultures grown in calcium or magnesium. Casein zymography supported the observation that protease IV activity increased in the cultures with added calcium and magnesium. Addition of calcium or magnesium to the protease IV-specific assay had no effect on the catalytic activity of pure protease IV. Infection of rabbit corneas with PA103 did not change the magnesium concentration in either corneas or aqueous humor, but significantly increased the concentration of calcium in corneas. These results indicate that calcium and magnesium enhance the production of protease IV, but not pyoverdine production. Calcium increases in the cornea following infection with P. aeruginosa could favor production of protease IV.
Technical Notes: Blood Preparation for Flow Cytometry to Identify Triploidy in Grass Carp

Abstract Blood from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), ranging in size between 50 and 450 g, was prepared for flow cytometry with fewer steps than have previously been recorded. Two hundred fifty ploidy determinations have been made in 2 h by a two-person team with much less effort than had previously been the norm. This technique compares favorably in efficiency to and is reportedly more accurate than the Coulter counter because of the direct measurement of blood DNA content.
A Real-Time Knowledge Based Expert System For Diagnostic Problem Solving

This paper is a preliminary report of a real-time expert system which is concerned with the detection and diagnosis of electrical deviations in on-board vehicle-based electrical systems. The target systems are being tested at radio frequencies to evaluate their capability to be operated at designed levels of efficiency in an electromagnetic environment. The measurement of this capability is known as ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC). The Intelligent Deviation Diagnosis (IDD) system consists of two basic modules the Automatic Data Acquisition Module (ADAM) and the Diagnosis System (DS). In this paper only the diagnosis system is described.© (1986) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Drosophila retinal degeneration C (rdgC) encodes a novel serine/threonine protein phosphatase.

Abstract The Drosophila retinal degeneration C (rdgC) gene is required to prevent light-induced retinal degeneration. Molecular analysis shows that the rdgC transcription unit encodes a novel serine/threonine protein phosphatase. Amino acids 153–393 define a domain that has 30% identity with the catalytic domains of types 1, 2A, and 2B serine/threonine protein phosphatases. A putative regulatory domain is appended that contains multiple potential Ca 2+ -binding sites or "EF hand motifs." Thus, the analysis suggests that the rdgC protein is a novel type of serine/threonine protein phosphatase that is directly regulated by Ca 2+ . rdgC is expressed in the visual systems of the fly, as well as in the mushroom bodies of the central brain.
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use as a Complicating Factor in the Female Athlete Triad: Behavioral Implications for Sport Psychology

In 1992, recognizing a ubiquitous pattern of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis among young women participating in competitive sports, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) initiated a dialogue about the Female Athlete Triad. Since then, members of ACSM and other professional societies have offered theoretical models for reducing problem behaviors, but few have conceptualized how the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) might exacerbate symptoms of the Triad, and by extension, complicate the work of sport psychology consultants in applied settings. The current article offers such a conceptualization, proposing strategies for behavior change grounded in appeals to self-efficacy and task performance, as opposed to emotion-based testimonials and threats of imminent maladies.
Mortality trends for acute and chronic nephritis and infections of the kidney.

Abstract Death-rates for acute and chronic nephritis Summary fell between 1950 and 1964 in the U.S.A.: a similar pattern emerged from mortality figures for England and Wales. But in both areas, the death-rate from infections of the kidney rose—by 148% in the U.S.A. and by even more in England and Wales. Multiple-cause analysis reveals that in 1955, cardiovascular disorders accounted for over half the underlying causes of death with which chronic nephritis was associated, a ten-fold increase since 1940. During the same period diabetic nephropathy was recognised and now a renal death in a diabetic may be recorded as diabetes rather than chronic nephritis. The interest in urinary-tract infections in the past twenty years or so may have focused attention on " infections of the kidney " as a cause of death. It is suggested that chronic nephritis is becoming less often identified as an underlying cause of death. On the other hand, the possibility is considered that a true change may have taken place in the natural history of the chronic nephritides. Using current mortality figures, it is estimated that in the U.S.A., 5.1 per 100,000 persons, aged 15-55, are eligible for chronic intermittent dialysis per year.
Does the Party Matter? Endorsements in Congressional Primaries

Research suggests that endorsements should affect outcomes in low-information elections such as primaries, but that hypothesis has not yet been tested empirically. Based on a survey of 2002 congres...