cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypertonic Saline for Prehospital Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

drinking among adults who consume alcohol. We agree with Dr Gandjour that it is important to consider the contribution of conditions that may not cause mortality but have significant health effects. A key question is whether prevention saves money (sometimes) and leads to better later health at less cost (often), compared with curative care. This is further complicated by the perception that prevention is a waste of money for those on whom it does not work. In response to Drs Barnoya and Glantz, we agree that the risk of death from obesity declines with age. We disagree, however, that this significantly modifies the effect. The largest increase in the United States age distribution is in the 45to 64year-old age groups, which had a large increase in obesity. However, the relative risks for our obesity computation were adjusted for age, sex, and smoking status, and the data sources were based on prospective studies with ages ranging from 16 to 94 years at baseline. In fact, one of the surveys used is nationally representative, with an oversample of older Americans and minorities. Furthermore, we explicitly discussed the possible impact of genetics; thus, we reported that our estimate for poor diet and physical inactivity was conservative. We agree with Drs Lutfiyya and Henley that consideration of health determinants is critical in addressing these risk factors and, thus, we emphasized the importance of community policy in our article. Finally, we agree with Dr Blair and colleagues that a normalweight person may not be physically active or eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and, on the other hand, that an overweight person may practice such beneficial behaviors. We also agree that poor diet and physical inactivity are associated with mortality independently of body mass index—the World Health Organization reported that an 18.5% rate of mortality in the US is attributed to poor diet and physical inactivity (8.4% attributed to BMI; 5.3% to low consumption of fruits and vegetables; and 4.8% to physical inactivity). We acknowledged that our methodology may have underestimated the effects of poor diet and physical inactivity on mortality. However, we contend that obesity has made the 2 risk behaviors of poor diet and physical inactivity more visible, thereby allowing public health professionals at the medical and population level to intervene. Moreover, body weight and height are easier to measure than physical activity and diet. We agree that it is critical to promote a balanced diet and increased physical activity.
Does Social Support Buffer Stress for College Women

Abstract This study investigated whether specific functions of social support buffered the relationship between different types of stressful life events and anxiety and depression in 60 college women. Strong main effects for global, belonging, and self-esteem social support were obtained, indicating that these types of social support are generally beneficial to women. Evidence for a buffering effect was also present, particularly for self-esteem support among college women who had experienced coercive sexual events and interpersonal stressors. These results have important clinical implications since knowledge of when specific types of support are particularly beneficial could guide intervention efforts following major life events. Findings were also suggestive of the importance of attending not only to the positive aspects of support but to the potential for social relationships to produce rather than alleviate stress.
Demonstrating the immune response of D. rerio using keyhole limpet hemocyanin (EDU1P.249)

In this project, immunization of a model aquatic organism is used in the classroom to facilitate understanding of molecular biology, evolution and the vertebrate adaptive immune system. Molecular immunoglobulin and T cell receptor cloning, sequencing and repertoire analysis techniques that I learned in the Criscitiello Comparative Immunogenetics Lab at Texas A&M this summer were applied to analysis of the lymphocyte antigen receptor repertoire in zebrafish. Students at A&M Consolidated High School performed experiments to quantify and qualify various aspects of the immune response of the model organism, D. rerio. Hemocytometry was used to measure leukocyte counts before and after immunization with keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Serum IgM was analyzed using ELISA. Repertoire analysis was performed using PCR and DNA sequencing. The data from these experiments was used in the classroom to discuss the evolution of vertebrate adaptive immunity, immunization techniques, and vaccination design. Furthermore, the repertoire sequence data contributed to an important phylogenetic perspective for ongoing NSF funded studies at A&M on the plasticity of B and T cell receptor immunogenetics. One goal is for high school students to earn co-authorship on journal publications from the Criscitiello lab. This was the first stage in an iterative system of teaching and research that will continue to include reciprocal pedagogical exchange and hands-on experience in comparative molecular immunology.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUDANOPHILIC GRANULES OF SPHAEROTILUS NATANS

Abstract Rouf, M. A. (Washington State University, Pullman) and J. L. Stokes. Isolation and identification of the sudanophilic granules of Sphaerotilus natans. J. Bacteriol. 83:343–347. 1962.—The characteristic and prominent sudanophilic granules in five strains of Sphaerotilus natans were shown to be composed of poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid by the method of isolation, melting point determinations, and infrared absorption spectrum analyses. The polymer may account for 11.0 to 22.5% of the dry weight of the cells. It accumulates during active growth of S. natans and decreases sharply in amount after maximal growth. It accumulates to an equal extent in cultures with and without sheaths.
Survival After Endovascular vs Open Aortic Aneurysm Repairs

Importance To our knowledge, long-term outcomes of open and endovascular (EVAR) repairs of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have not been studied on a population level outside a controlled trial setting. Objective To determine long-term outcomes of EVAR vs open repair on a population level. Design, Setting, and Participants Analysis of the longitudinally linked California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development inpatient database from 2001 to 2009. Median follow-up was 3.3 years. Exposures Endovascular vs open repairs. Main Outcomes and Measures Mortality and complications at 30 days, as well as long-term mortality and complications up to 9 years. Results In this observational study, a total of 23 670 patients were studied, with 52% receiving EVAR. Endovascular repair was associated with improved 30-day outcomes (all-cause mortality, readmission, surgical site infection, pneumonia, and sepsis), as well as significantly improved survival until 3 years postoperatively. After 3 years, mortality was higher for patients who underwent an EVAR repair. No significant difference in long-term mortality was observed for the entire cohort on adjusted analysis (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.94-1.04; P = .64). Endovascular repair was found to be associated with a significantly higher rate of reinterventions and AAA late ruptures. Conclusions and Relevance The survival advantage for EVAR repair in a statewide population is maintained for 3 years. After 3 years, EVAR repair was associated with higher mortality; however, these mortality differences did not reach statistical significance over the entire study period. Reintervention and late AAA rupture rates are higher after EVAR repair.
Self-rated general and oral health in New York City adults: assessing the effect of individual and neighborhood social factors

Borrell LN, Baquero MC. Self-rated general and oral health in New York City adults: assessing the effect of individual and neighborhood social factors. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2011; 39: 361–371. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objective: This study investigates the independent and joint effects of individual and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics on self-rated general and oral health before and after controlling for selected characteristics in adults aged 18 years and older in New York City. Methods: Data for 1168 individuals who participated in the 2004 Social Indicators Survey were linked to neighborhood data from the 2000 US Census. Log-binomial regression models fitted using generalized estimating equations were used to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). sudaan was used to accommodate the complex sampling design of the survey and the intra-neighborhood correlation of outcomes of individuals residing within the same neighborhoods. Results: After adjusting for selected characteristics, survey participants with 12 years of education or less were almost twice more likely to rate their general health as fair/poor than counterparts with more than 12 years of education [PRs 1.86 (95%CI: 1.16, 3.00) and 1.82 (95%CI: 1.18, 2.82)]. Participants earning <$20 000 (PR: 2.29; 95%CI: 1.23, 4.29) or between $20 000 to $39 999 yearly (PR: 2.24; 95%CI: 1.11, 4.53) were more than twice as likely to rate their general health as fair/poor compared to their counterparts earning over $40 000 yearly. When compared to participants with more than 12 years of education and those reporting an annual income ≥$40 000, the probability of rating oral health as fair/poor was at least 50% greater in participants with <12 years of education (PR: 1.58; 95%CI: 1.11, 2.26) and in participants earning an annual income of <$20 000 (PR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.10, 2.19). No association was found between neighborhood characteristics for either self-rated general or oral health. Conclusions: Individual socioeconomic characteristics may be important for both self-rated general and oral health by affecting individuals’ behaviors and access to resources.
What do root pathogens see in mycorrhizas

○ Interactions are investigated between the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus mosseae, and the root pathogen, Aphanomyces euteiches, on pea (Pisum sativum) roots, as arbuscular mycorrhiza are known to suppress a broad range of root pathogens. ○ Phospholipid (PLFA) and neutral lipid (NLFA) fatty acids were used as indicators of biomass and energy reserves, respectively, of A. euteiches and G. mosseae in inoculated roots of pot-grown pea seedlings. ○ Symbiosis between pea and G. mosseae had no effect on the severity of disease caused by A. euteiches, which decreased pea shoot and root dry weight. However, the presence of G. mosseae in pea roots reduced both biomass and energy reserves of A. euteiches, indicated by a reduction in PLFA 14: 0 and both NLFAs 14: 0 and 14: 1ω9. Similarly, a reduction in PLFA and NLFA 16: 1ω5 indicated reduced biomass and energy reserves of G. mosseae in A. euteiches-infected roots. ○ Signature fatty acids can be used to quantify biomass and energy reserves of G. mosseae and A. euteiches simultaneously, in pea root; this appears to be a promising method for studying interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and root pathogens in planta.
Bone marrow transplantation: economic, ethical, and social issues

Bone marrow transplantation is a useful model for the controversies surrounding medical technologies that involve high cost, mortality, and complications. This essay first delineates the economic circumstances of bone marrow transplantation, comparing it with other organ transplantations. Although children represent a significant proportion of bone marrow transplantation patients, little research has focused on the economic impact for this population. Next, the financial, social, and ethical motivations and controversies that surround bone marrow transplantation are explored, along with current allocation mechanisms. Finally, recommendations are offered for guiding discussions regarding the appropriate use of bone marrow transplantation. In making transplantation decisions, physicians must consider the costs and benefits of bone marrow transplantation for each patient. Such analyses, whether based on medical or socioeconomic criteria, are insufficient to resolve the fundamental cultural dilemmas posed by this procedure and other expensive medical technologies, however. The goal is to foster broader discussion of these issues to achieve more candid decisions in allocating resources among competing health priorities.
Flow maldistributions in packed beds: Effects of reactant consumption

Abstract A simple two-dimensional model of a packed bed with down flow in which an exothermic reaction occurs is analyzed. Orthogonal collocation and continuation techniques are used to calculate the flow patterns and bifurcation diagrams. Steady-state solutions with and without stagnant regions as well as periodic and chaotic time-dependent solutions for the nonuniform flows are presented. The main result is that nonuniform solutions bifurcate from the uniform flow supercritically for large Damkohler numbers (or equivalently high conversions). This is in contrast to the case of a constant heat source (or equivalently no reactant consumption) for which the nonuniform flows bifurcate always subcritically.
Vibrational spectra of organotin compounds—III Infrared spectra and normal coordinate analysis of methylstannane☆☆☆★

Abstract The infrared spectra of CH3SnH3, CH3SnD3 and CD3SnH3 have been obtained in the region 4000-250−1. For each isotopic species, the fundamental frequencies have been assigned to their vibrational modes. Band origins, several upper state rotational constants, and Coriolis constants were obtained from the analysis of the rotational structure of the six E-type bands of CH3SnH3 and three E-type bands of CD3SnH3. A normal coordinate analysis was performed to obtain the best set of harmonic force constants, the eigenvectors and the potential energy distributions.
Social support as a moderator of day-to-day relationships between daily negative events and daily psychological well-being

Every day for 3 weeks, a sample of college students described the events that occurred each day and provided measures of their self‐esteem, depressogenic thinking and mood. They also provided measu...
Social communication in children with epilepsy.

Background: This study examined measures of social communication that involve the use of language in formulating and organizing thoughts and its relationship with seizure-related, developmental, cognitive, and behavioral variables in 92 children with complex partial seizure disorder (CPS), 51 with primary generalized epilepsy (PGE), and 117 normal children, aged 5.1-16.9 years. Methods: Coding the children's speech samples with the Kiddie Formal Thought Disorder Rating Scale (Caplan et al., 1989) and Halliday and Hasan's (1976) analysis of cohesion demonstrated social communication deficits in both seizure disorder groups. Results: The CPS patients had both formal thought disorder and cohesion deficits and the PGE group had mild cohesion deficits. IQ, as well as fronto-temporal and bilateral spike and wave activity were associated with the severity of the social communication deficits of the CPS group. The social communication deficits of the PGE group, however, were related to IQ and seizure control. Conclusions: Recurrent CPS and PGE and fronto-temporal localization of epileptic activity might impair the development of children's communication skills.
Manual Reduction of Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia in Children

Introduction: Incarceration of an indirect inguinal hernia in children is an acute emergency and one of the common complications that may occur before herniotomy. Inguinal hernias rarely go away, and therefore, virtually all should be repaired at any age of presentation. Incarcerated inguinal hernia can be reduced successfully by manual reduction if performed by experienced hands on time. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of manual reduction of incarcerated indirect inguinal hernia. Materials and Methods : Thirty six patients who attended Emergency Department of Kanti Children’s Hospital over 30 months period from January 2009 to July 2011 were studied prospectively. All patients were diagnosed case of inguinal hernia and waiting for elective herniotomy. Results: There were 30(83.33%) males and 6(16.66%) females, with male-to-female ratio of 5:1. Right sided inguinal hernia was 20(55.5%) and left 16(44.44%). The ages ranged from 1.5 months to 28 months with mean age of 15 months. Time of incarceration ranged from 3 hours to 30 hours. Manual reduction was successful in 30(83.33%). Remaining six had to undergo emergency surgery. Four patients with edematous but viable hernial contents had successful surgical reduction. Two patients with gangrenous small bowel loops had bowel resection and anastomosis. Conclusion: Manual reduction is safe and effective when performed timely. Herniotomy should be done without delay once diagnosed to avoid unnecessary complications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i3.6146 J. Nepal Paediatr. SocVol.32(3) 2012 229-232
A DAA Signature Scheme Based on 2PC and NIZK

Direct Anonymous Attestation (DAA) is a special signature scheme that enables remote authentication of a user while preserving privacy under the user's control. Thus, in this paper, based on existing schemes and mechanisms, we firstly construct a DAA signature scheme which is proven secure without random oracles. By making certain reasonable assumptions and employing the techniques of non-interactive zero-knowledge(NIZK) proof system and Two-Party Computation(2PC) scheme, we prove that our scheme satisfies anonymous and untraceable, and compares with existing DAA schemes in the aspects of security and efficiency.
n-Ellipses and the Minimum Distance Sum Problem

(1999). n-Ellipses and the Minimum Distance Sum Problem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 106, No. 3, pp. 193-202.
Contract Design for Problem Asset Disposition

As a result of declining real estate values and the receivership of numerous financial institutions, government regulators like the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have large inventories of distressed assets. This paper develops a model of the principal/agent issues associated with management and disposition of problem assets. In the model, optimal contracts balance risk sharing with incentives for effort. We argue that the RTC will minimize the ultimate cost of the thrift crisis by placing managerial control of distressed assets in the private sector, while retaining full or partial ownership of the assets for risk-sharing purposes. Recoveries are maximized, however, only when an asset manager is incented to expend a first-best level of effort by indexing asset management and disposition contracts to market movements.
A continuum mechanics code analysis of steady plastic wave propagation in the Taylor test

Simple conservation relationships (jump conditions) in conjunction with postulated material constitutive behavior are applied to steady plastic strain waves propagating in problems of uniaxial stress and Taylor Cylinder Impact. These problems are simulated with a two-dimensional Lagrangian continuum mechanics code for the purpose of numerically validating the jump relationships as an accurate analytical representation of plastic wave propagation. The constitutive behavior used in this effort assumes isotropy and models the thermodynamic response with a Mie-Grunisen Equation-of-State and the mechanical response with the rate-dependent Johnson-Cook and MTS flow stress models. The jump relationships successfully replicate the results produced by continuum code simulations of plastic wave propagation and provide a methodology for constructing mechanical constitutive models from experimental plastic wave speed information. Comparisons are also presented between experimental speeds from Taylor Cylinder Impact tests with jump relationships and continuum code predictions, indicating that the above mentioned flow stress models may not accurately capture plastic wave propagation speeds in annealed and hardened copper.
Respiration of a Forest Measured by Carbon Dioxide Accumulation during Temperature Inversions.

Nocturnal accumulations of carbon dioxide during 40 temperature inversions in 1 year were used as an index of the metabolic activity of a forest. Rates of CO2 production varied with temperature and with season. Spring and summer rates were 2 to 3 times higher than winter rates at the same temperature. Mean monthly temperatures, averaged over 15 years, were used with the curves of respiration on temperature to compute annual gross respiration of the Brookhaven oak-pine forest. The forest was estimated to have a yearly release of approximately 3400 grams of CO2 per square meter, theoretically equivalent to 2104 grams of dry matter (carbohydrate).
CoScripter: automating & sharing how-to knowledge in the enterprise

Modern enterprises are replete with numerous online processes. Many must be performed frequently and are tedious, while others are done less frequently yet are complex or hard to remember. We present interviews with knowledge workers that reveal a need for mechanisms to automate the execution of and to share knowledge about these processes. In response, we have developed the CoScripter system (formerly Koala [11]), a collaborative scripting environment for recording, automating, and sharing web-based processes. We have deployed CoScripter within a large corporation for more than 10 months. Through usage log analysis and interviews with users, we show that CoScripter has addressed many user automation and sharing needs, to the extent that more than 50 employees have voluntarily incorporated it into their work practice. We also present ways people have used CoScripter and general issues for tools that support automation and sharing of how-to knowledge.
Story of a conference : Distance education students' experiences in a departmental conference

This case study examines the impact of a program-wide event on the sense of community in a distance education program. The departmental conference examined in this study is intended to help students gain experience in sharing their ideas and plays a large role in building a sense of community among residential students and faculty. This study examines an effort to extend this community-building role to students enrolled in the department's fully online Distance Masters and Certificate programs. The study explores whether these students felt a need for such community-building experiences, what they gained from this experience, and what can be learned from what went well and what could be improved in the organization of the conference. Findings indicate that active participants felt an increased sense of community, but that not all students were interested in this type of community-building activity.
The effect of Plexiglas incubators on phototherapy

Summary Plexiglas G, the ultraviolet absorbing plastic used in commercial incubators, does not alter the transmission of the visible spectra and does not affect phototherapy. With aging, the Plexiglas not only maintains its transmission of visible light, but also lessens the transmission of ultraviolet radiation.
Activated oxygen metabolites as regulators of vascular tone.

Oxygen metabolites have been reported to produce vasoconstriction and/or vasodilation in a variety of in vitro or in vivo vascular preparations. Certain basic mechanisms appear to contribute to these responses. Hydrogen peroxide can produce either vasodilation or constriction via stimulation of prostaglandins. The soluble form of guanylate cyclase in vascular smooth muscle, an enzyme which produces the intracellular mediator of relaxation cyclic GMP, is also a site of action of vasoactive O2 metabolites. Guanylate cyclase is directly activated by nanomolar concentrations of nitric oxide (produced by endothelial cells or nitrovasodilator drugs) or H2O2 (via its metabolism by catalase). These cyclic GMP-mediated mechanisms of relaxation are inhibited by superoxide anion, produced from endogenous sources after inhibition of superoxide dismutase or produced by pharmacological agents that undergo redox cycling. In addition, O2 metabolites may modulate vascular tone via the chemical destruction of physiological contractile agents (e.g. norepinephrine) and relaxant agents (e.g. nitric oxide), and via injury to cells important for the regulation of vascular tone (e.g. endothelium). We have found in a variety of preparations that reexposure to O2 after a brief period of severe hypoxia produces vascular responses that appear to be mediated by intracellular H2O2 generation. Thus, active O2 species may contribute to vascular responses in pathophysiological situations associated with their formation (e.g. inflammation, ischemia/reperfusion, etc.) and to the physiological regulation of vascular tone produced by changes in O2 tension (e.g. reactive hyperemia, hypoxic vasoconstriction, etc).
Nuclearity of Hankel operators for ultradifferentiable control systems

Nuclearity of the Hankel operator is a known sufficient condition for convergence of Lyapunov-balanced truncations. We show how a previous result on nuclearity of Hankel operators of systems with an analytic semigroup can be extended to systems with a semigroup of class Dp with p≥1 (the case p=1 being the analytic case). For semigroups that are generated by a Dunford–Schwartz spectral operator we prove that being of class Dp is equivalent to being (Gevrey) ultradifferentiable of order p. We illustrate how for certain partial differential equations our results lead to an easy way of showing nuclearity of the Hankel operator for a wide range of control and observation operators by considering several examples of damped beams.
Comparison of protein kinase C activity and isoform expression in cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant ovarian carcinoma cells

Cellular sensitivity to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cDDP) can be regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) signal transduction pathway. Activators of PKC were shown to enhance the sensitivity of human ovarian carcinoma 2008 cells to cDDP. We have examined whether or not the PKC signal transduction pathway is affected during development of resistance by tumor cells to cDDP. A 2-fold decrease in PKC activity was observed in cDDP-resistant ovarian carcinoma 2008/C13*5.25 cells compared with the drug-sensitive 2008 cells. Subcellular distribution studies revealed a reduction in both cytosolic and particulate PKC activities in 2008/C13*5.25 cells. The pattern of PKC isoform expression was compared in cDDP-sensitive and -resistant cell lines by Western blot analysis with isoform-specific antibodies to PKC. The parental cells expressed PKC alpha, -epsilon, and -zeta isoforms. The abundance of PKC alpha decreased significantly in 2008/C13*5.25 cells, whereas the amount of PKC epsilon increased moderately in the resistant variant, with no alteration in PKC zeta content. Therefore, a reduction in PKC alpha and/or an increase in PKC epsilon expression may be associated with the drug-resistant phenotype.
Incidence of neonatal hyperviscosity at sea level.

T u E c o M P L I C A T I O N S of hyperviscosity can be a source of morbidity and mortality in neonates. The multisystem manifestations may include poor feeding, lethargy, seizures, cyan0sis, respiratory distress, congestive heart failure, decreased renal perfusion, necrotizing enterocolitis, and decreased muscle blood flow. 1-7 Neonatal hyperviscosity usually accompanies polycythemia, which has been defined by Gross et al ~ and Mackintosh and Walker" as a venous hemat0crit of 65% or greater. Blood is considered to be hyperviscous if the whole blood Viscosity is greater than 2 SD above the mean defined by Gross et a12 Hyperviscosity can occur with a hematocrit less than 65%. 3 The effect of altitude on hematopoiesis, resulting in polycythemia, is well recognized. Wirth et aP have found the incidence of polycythemia to be 4% and the incidence Of hyperviscosity to be 5% in infants at 1,612 meters elevation. This communication reports the incidence of neonatal polycythemia and hyperviscosity at sea level.
Academia-industry collaboration in continuing medical education: Description of two approaches

Introduction: Although concerns have been raised about industry support of continuing medical education (CME), there are few published reports of academia-industry collaboration in the field. We describe and evaluate Pri-Med, a CME experience for primary care clinicians developed jointly by the Harvard Medical School (HMS) and M/C Communications. Methods: Since 1995, 19 Pri-Med conferences have been held in four cities, drawing more than 100,000 primary care clinicians. The educational core of each Pri-Med conference is a 3-day Harvard course, “Current Clinical Issues in Primary Care.” Course content is determined by a faculty committee independent of any commercial influence. Revenues from multiple industry sources flow through M/C Communications to the medical school as an educational grant to support primary care education, Pri-Med also offers separate pharmaceutical company–funded symposia. Results: Comparing the two educational approaches during four conferences, 221 HMS talks and 103 symposia were presented. The HMS course covered a wide range with 133 topics; the symposia focused on 30 topics, most of which were linked to recently approved new therapeutic products manufactured by the funders. Both the course and the symposia were highly rated by attendees. Discussion: When CME presentations for primary care physicians receive direct support from industry, the range of offered topics is narrower than when programs are developed independently of such support. There appear to be no differences in the perceived quality of presentations delivered with and without such support. Our experience suggests that a firewall between program planners and providers of financial support will result in a broader array of educational subjects relevant to the field of primary care.
Combination radiotherapy and chemotherapy in murine bladder cancer

A murine transitional cell carcinoma tumor model has been used to evaluate the combined use of radiotherapy and three chemotherapeutic agents, doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide, and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum. The preliminary radiation therapy evaluation demonstrated that the tumor is radiosensitive. The combined use of cyclophosphamide and radiation therapy was the most effective regimen, especially when the drug was started prior to radiotherapy. Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum and radiation were a lethal combination, but a synergistic effect was produced when the drug was given after completion of radiotherapy. Doxorubicin hydrochloride and radiotherapy may be synergistic, but more evaluation is necessary.
Estrous cycle of the tayra, Eira barbara

Thirty-three estrous cycles of three female tayras were defined using vaginal cytology and/or behavioral observations. Estrous cycles averaged 56.0 ± 4.73 and 52.2 ± 15.5 days in length for two young tayras and 93.9 ± 21.0 for an older female. The complete absence of parabasal cells in vaginal smears coincided with vulvar tumescence and was diagnostic of estrus.
A Conserved HPD Sequence of the J-domain Is Necessary for YDJ1 Stimulation of Hsp70 ATPase Activity at a Site Distinct from Substrate Binding

The 46-kDa protein YDJ1 is one of several known yeast homologues of the Escherichia coli DnaJ protein. Like all J homologues, it shares homology with the highly conserved NH2-terminal "J-domain" of DnaJ. A component of the DnaK (Hsp70) chaperone machinery that mediates protein folding, DnaJ is necessary for survival at elevated temperatures. It stimulates ATP hydrolysis by DnaK and effects the release of DnaK-bound polypeptides. Previous genetic and biochemical studies indicate that the J-domain is necessary for these functions. Using peptides corresponding to J-domain sequence, we show that a peptide containing the highly conserved His-Pro-Asp sequence at positions 34-36 in the J-domain competes off YDJ1 stimulation of Hsp70 ATPase activity. Inhibitory concentrations of peptide do not prevent binding of folding substrates, therefore YDJ1 must interact with Hsp70 at a site distinct from that for substrate binding. This interaction is critical for Hsp70 activity, since a mutant YDJ1 protein harboring a H34Q change (ydj1Q34) stimulates neither Hsp70 ATPase nor substrate release. The importance of the proper function of this region of the protein is supported by the poor growth and temperature-sensitive phenotype of yeast expressing ydj1Q34.
Origin and development of GnRH neurons

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is an essential decapeptide, with both endocrine and neuromodulatory functions in vertebrates. GnRH-containing cells of the forebrain were thought to originate in the olfactory placode and migrate to their central nervous system destinations, and those of the midbrain to arise locally from the neural tube. Here, the embryonic origins of GnRH cells are re-examined in light of recent data suggesting that forebrain GnRH cells arise from the anterior pituitary placode and cranial neural crest, from where they migrate to their final destinations. The emerging picture suggests that GnRH cells do not originate from the olfactory placodes, but arise from multiple embryonic origins, and transiently associate with the developing olfactory system as they migrate to ventral forebrain locations.
Cerebellar hemorrhage in adults. Clinical and computerized tomographic findings

Abstract The clinical and CT findings in 14 patients with cerebellar hemorrhage are reviewed. Two normotensive patients had an underlying vascular malformation. Six patients had poorly-controlled hypertension of short duration; the cerebellar hematomas were quite large causing significant mass effect, intraventricular extension and ventricular enlargement. Four of these patients died and two had residual neurological deficit following operation. Five other patients had better-controlled hypertension of longer duration with other systemic complications including myocardial infarction and transient ischemic attacks; the hematomas were smaller with minimal mass effect and no intraventricular extension. Their outcome was better and three did not require operation. In these five patients, clinical outcome was not better in the operated than in the non-operated patients. One normotensive young patient had spontaneous bilateral cerebellar hematomas which required surgical evacuation with good clinical recovery.
The effect of cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion pressure on myocardial gas tensions in the presence of coronary stenosis.

Abstract Mass spectrometry was utilized to determine myocardial gas tensions in dogs subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass. Myocardial ischemia occurred in animals with normal coronary arteries when cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion pressure fell 40 to 60 mm Hg below the mean aortic pressure measured prior to bypass. Myocardial ischemia did not occur, or could be eliminated when present, if cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion pressure was maintained near prebypass mean aortic pressure. In animals with constricted circumflex coronary arteries, the adverse effect of low perfusion pressure on myocardial metabolism during cardiopulmonary bypass was found to be more severe in areas of myocardium supplied by the stenotic coronary artery. It is concluded that maintenance of cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion pressure near the level of preoperative mean aortic pressure will help prevent myocardial ischemia during operation, particularly in patients with coronary artery disease.
A Bull Market for Biomedical Ethics

(2002). A Bull Market for Biomedical Ethics. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 35-36.
Triggered Decomposition of Polymeric Nanoparticles

Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol dimethacrylate (DHDMA)-containing nanoparticles has been carried out to bring about topological reorganization from spherical macromolecular cross-linked particles to linear polymer. The reactive cross-linked poly(methyl methacrylate)-based (x-PMMA) nanoparticles have been prepared via aqueous emulsion techniques where the size of the particles depends upon the type of emulsion polymerization employed, surfactant-free or surfactant-based. Potassium persulfate has been employed as the water-soluble initiator and sodium dodecyl sulfate as the surfactant. Because of the acid-sensitive nature of the tertiary ester groups of the 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol dimethacrylate within the cross-linked nanoparticles, they can be easily cleaved into their linear polymer chain composition under acidic conditions. The particles were degraded by heating in dioxane in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid at 100 °C for 12 h. The cleavage of the cross-linked nanopart...
Modeling of fault activation and seismicity by injection directly into a fault zone associated with hydraulic fracturing of shale-gas reservoirs

Abstract We conducted three-dimensional coupled fluid-flow and geomechanical modeling of fault activation and seismicity associated with hydraulic fracturing stimulation of a shale-gas reservoir. We simulated a case in which a horizontal injection well intersects a steeply dipping fault, with hydraulic fracturing channeled within the fault, during a 3-h hydraulic fracturing stage. Consistent with field observations, the simulation results show that shale-gas hydraulic fracturing along faults does not likely induce seismic events that could be felt on the ground surface, but rather results in numerous small microseismic events, as well as aseismic deformations along with the fracture propagation. The calculated seismic moment magnitudes ranged from about −2.0 to 0.5, except for one case assuming a very brittle fault with low residual shear strength, for which the magnitude was 2.3, an event that would likely go unnoticed or might be barely felt by humans at its epicenter. The calculated moment magnitudes showed a dependency on injection depth and fault dip. We attribute such dependency to variation in shear stress on the fault plane and associated variation in stress drop upon reactivation. Our simulations showed that at the end of the 3-h injection, the rupture zone associated with tensile and shear failure extended to a maximum radius of about 200 m from the injection well. The results of this modeling study for steeply dipping faults at 1000 to 2500 m depth is in agreement with earlier studies and field observations showing that it is very unlikely that activation of a fault by shale-gas hydraulic fracturing at great depth (thousands of meters) could cause felt seismicity or create a new flow path (through fault rupture) that could reach shallow groundwater resources.
From Physical Activity Guidelines to a National Activity Plan

The U.S. National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) is a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at increasing physical activity levels in all segments of the American population. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the development of the NPAP, provide an update on the status of the NPAP, and comment on the future of the NPAP. The NPAP was released in May 2010 and was designed to complement the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Since then, a nonprofit corporation, the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance, has been established to oversee all elements of the NPAP and efforts have been made to evaluate awareness and impact of the NPAP. Also, several key strategic partnerships have been formalized. The long-term success of the NPAP will require progress in several key areas. First, the NPAP's recommendations must remain current with the state of physical activity science and practice. Second, efforts must be undertaken to improve communications about the benefits of physical activity to policy...
Unidirectional fluxes of rhodamine 123 in multidrug-resistant cells: evidence against direct drug extrusion from the plasma membrane.

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a plasma membrane protein overexpressed in multidrug-resistant tumor cells, is an ATPase thought to actively export cytotoxic drugs. It has been proposed that Pgp transports drugs directly from the lipid bilayer to the external medium ("vacuum cleaner" hypothesis). A possible mechanism for this model is that the Pgp is a flippase--i.e., it catalyzes the translocation of hydrophobic substrates from the inner to the outer leaflet of the cell membrane. Two immediate predictions of the vacuum cleaner and flippase hypotheses are that the apparent unidirectional influx of substrate should be less in Pgp-expressing than in Pgp-lacking cells and that this difference should be abolished by inhibition of the Pgp. We used Chinese hamster fibroblasts with different levels of Pgp expression to measure true unidirectional fluxes of rhodamine 123 (R123), a Pgp-transported fluorescent dye that accumulates in mitochondria (hence, its cytosolic concentration remains low at short times after external addition). The unidirectional efflux of R123 was proportional to the level of Pgp expression and was reduced by Pgp inhibitors. The unidirectional influx of R123 was the same in sensitive and resistant cells--i.e., independent of the level of Pgp expression and insensitive to inhibitors of R123 efflux. From these results, we rule out the vacuum cleaner and flippase hypotheses and conclude that Pgp extracts the actively transported substrates from the cytosol and not from the plasma membrane.
The structure of cyclopentene oxide determined by gas phase electron diffraction

Abstract The r g structure of cyclopentene oxide has been determined by the simultaneous least squares analysis of electron diffraction and microwave spectroscopic data. The investigation has reaffirmed previous studies indicating that the molecule prefers a boat conformation. The methylene and epoxide flap angles obtained are 152.3±2.1° and 104.7±1.0° respectively. Other structural parameters determined are: r g (C-H avg.) = 1.120±0.004 A; r g (C-C avg.) = 1.538±0.002 A; r g (C-O) = 1.443±0.003 A, and r g (C-C) = 1.482±0.004 A for the carbon-carbon bond in the three membered epoxide ring. These results compare favorably with the reported structures of ethylene oxide and cyclohexene oxide. A tentative rationalization of the unusual boat conformation is also offered.
An institutional theory of quality outcomes in strategic supply chain partnership

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical base for buyer-supplier quality outcomes (in the context of a strategic partnership) from the institutional theory of the firm. It examines quality outcomes within a partnership and demonstrates how the partners’ quality outcomes are related. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines quality outcomes within a strategic supply chain partnership (buyer-supplier) and demonstrates how the partners’ quality performance are related. Correlation analysis is used to examine the research hypothesis. Findings – Utilizing the institutional theory and stakeholder theory of the firm, it is argued that within a strategic partnership, the quality outcomes of the partners are significantly related. By focusing on a strategic alliance within a strategic group in the US airline industry, it is shown that there is a significant relationship among quality outcomes of the partners within the strategic alliance. Research limitations/implications – The analy...
Meeting Highlights: Highlights of the 51st Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology

The following studies were presented at the 51st Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology in Atlanta, Ga, March 17–20, 2002. ### LIFE (Losartan Intervention For Endpoint Reduction in Hypertension Study) #### The Presenter: Bjorn Dahlof, MD, Goteborg University, Sweden #### The Study: A randomized, double-blind, parallel group study of losartan (a selective angiotensin I receptor blocker)–based versus atenolol-based therapy in 9193 patients with essential hypertension and ECG evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).1 To base therapy (both up to a maximum of 100 mg), diuretics and other antihypertensive agents (excluding angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, other angiotensin receptor blockers, or β-blockers) could be added. Study therapy was continued for ≤4 years; the primary end point was the composite of cardiovascular mortality, stroke, and myocardial infarction. #### The Results: The degree of blood pressure control was similar between groups. There were significantly fewer cardiovascular events in the losartan group (11% versus 13%, P =0.021), and the primary difference was a reduction in the number of strokes (5% versus 7%, P =0.001). Regression of LVH on the ECG was also significantly more frequent with losartan. Intriguingly, with losartan, there was a 25% reduction in the number of patients who developed diabetes, and in the subgroup of patients with diabetes, total mortality was reduced by 39%. #### Summary: In hypertensive patients with ECG evidence of LVH, outcomes with losartan are significantly better than with atenolol. This benefit is particularly manifested in patients with diabetes. It is also worth noting that the likelihood of developing diabetes was also reduced with losartan. ### 4E (Epleronone, Enalapril, and Eplerenone/Enalapril Combination Therapy in Patients With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy) #### The Presenter: Bertram Pitt, MD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor #### The Study: A double-blind, randomized parallel group trial comparing eplerenone (a selective aldosterone blocker, 200 mg/d), enalapril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, 40 mg/d), and eplerenone (200 mg/d) plus enalapril (10 mg/d) in 202 patients with essential hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy on ECG. Additional add-on antihypertensive therapy with hydrochlorothiazide and/or amlodipine was permitted. Study drug therapy …
Experimental test of the Sydney Young equation for the presentation of distillation curves

The distillation (or boiling) curve of a complex fluid is a critically important indicator of the bulk behavior or response of the fluid. For this reason, the distillation curve, usually presented graphically as boiling temperature against volume fraction distilled, is often cited as a primary design and testing criterion for liquid fuels, lubricants and other important industrial fluids. Clearly, the boiling temperatures that is measured near ambient conditions during the course of a distillation curve determination depend upon the local atmospheric pressure. For this reason, the user community is accustomed to data presented with an adjustment of the temperatures to those that would be observed at a standard atmospheric pressure of 101.325 kPa, or standard atmospheric pressure of 1 atm. Typically, this is done with a simplified Sydney Young equation. This correction makes little difference to measurements done consistently in a particular laboratory, or when the atmospheric pressure varies little. The correction can be quite large when measurements are done in laboratories at different elevations, however. In this paper, we describe an evaluation of this correction. Specifically, we performed measurements of the distillation curve of a binary mixture of (n-decane + n-tetradecane) at three elevations (and, therefore three different values of atmospheric pressures, (70.06, 82.73, and 101.00) kPa). Comparisons are made between the raw and adjusted values, and recommendations are presented as to when the equation might be inadequate.