cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lead isotopes in tap water: implications for Pb sources within a municipal water supply system

Abstract Residential tap waters were investigated to examine the feasibility of using isotopic ratios to identify dominant sources of water Pb in the Columbus (Ohio, USA) municipal supply system. Overall, both the concentrations, which are generally low (0.1–28 μg/L), and isotopic compositions of tap water Pb show wide variations. This contrasts with the situation for a limited number of available service lines, which exhibit only a limited Pb-isotope variation but contain Pb of two very different types with one significantly more radiogenic than the other. Most tap water samples in contact with Pb service lines have Pb-isotope ratios that are different from the pipe Pb. Furthermore, the Pb isotope compositions of sequentially drawn samples in the same residence generally are similar, but those from separate residences are different, implying dominant Pb sources from domestic plumbing. A separate pilot study at two residences without Pb service lines shows isotopic similarity between water and solders in each house, further suggesting that the major Pb sources are domestic in these cases and dominated by Pb from solder joints. Although complicated by the broad range of overall Pb-isotope variations observed and limited by sample availability, the results suggest that Pb isotopes can be used effectively to constrain the sources of Pb in tap waters, especially for individual houses where multiple source candidates can be identified.
The realization and measurement of n-terminal active networks

Abstract An active n-terminal network is analyzed in terms of its constituent four-terminal ideal active elements. These are represented by means of a quaternary matrix operator and the algebra of such operators is discussed. An optimum network realization in terms of a maximum number of ideal passive and a minimum number of ideal active elements is presented. The paper concludes with examples of the synthesis of several simple circuits.
Computer-Assisted Protein Engineering Analysis and Design [Abstract Only]

Interactive computer graphics is now established as the most effective means of visualizing and manipulating complex molecular structures. Numerical processors continue to increase in power, and systems designed for symbol manipulation and logic programming are finally emerging from computer science laboratories. Our current research on computer-assisted protein engineering analysis and design, in which we integrate the numeric, symbolic and graphic approaches, is described. The investigator may selectively view, manipulate and modify primary, secondary and tertiary structures, making use of the computational tools that are most effective for each task. Research on protein chain folding, structural modifications related to site-directed mutagenesis, and DNA-protein interactions is described. Progress in molecular graphics techniques is reviewed.
Stabilization and enhancement of glutamate decarboxylase activity in extracts of the slime mold, Physarum polycephalum.

Aktivitat und Stabilitat der Glutamat-Decarboxylase vonPhysarum polycephalum in Gegenwart von Zusatzen, welche die Wechselwirkung zwischen Proteinen und Phenolen hemmen oder aufheben, wird beschrieben. Cystein und Ascorbinsaure stabilisieren das Enzym, wahrend hydratisiertes Aluminiumoxyd-G und Koffein die spezifische Aktivitat erhohen.
EFFECTS OF LIGHT, CO2 AND HUMIDITY ON CARNATION GROWTH, HYPERHYDRATION AND CUTICULAR WAX DEVELOPMENT IN A MIST REACTOR

Plant survival ex vitro requires functioning stomata, adequate cuticular wax composition and deposition, and normal morphological development. Light intensity, CO2 and relative humidity were altered inside an acoustic window mist reactor to study their effects on carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) growth, stomata development, hyperhydration and epicuticular wax content. Increasing the light intensity from 65 to 145 μmol m−2 s−1 and enrichment of the gas phase with CO2 (1350 ppm) reduced the number of hyperhydrated plants from 75 to 25% and increased the percentage dry weight of normal (healthy) plants from 17 to 25%. Lowering the relative humidity (≈70% RH) surrounding the plants during the mist-off phase for the last 2 wk of culture reduced the number of hyperhydrated plants from 70 to 9% and also increased the percentage of dry weight of normal plants from 16 to 25%. The stomata on plants grown in conditions of high light or low humidity had smaller apertures and appeared sunken when compared to stomata from plants grown in low light and high relative humidity. The epicuticular wax profiles of plants from the greenhouse or Magenta boxes showed a distinct shift in wax compounds with developmental age, plant type (hyperhydrated or normal), and type of box that was used (vented or not). In addition, very different wax profiles were observed from plants grown in reactors with altered CO2 and light intensities.
Food Choice and Eating Behavior Among Obese, Lean, and Normal Individuals

The current study evaluates the food preferences and eating behavior of lean, normal, and obese subjects in a university cafeteria setting. Results showed that male leans did not differ from male normals in the proportion of calories derived from various food categories. Female leans ate proportionately less regular dairy but more fruit and dessert calories than female normals. Male obese ate more red meats and less fruit and dessert calories than male normals. Female obese showed the same patterns as female leans, consuming more desserts and fruit, but less regular dairy calories than female normals. Male leans also consumed less red meat and more dessert calories than male obese. No differences were found in total calories or menu items within sex and weight groups. Males, however, consumed more calories and chose more items than females. No differences were found among the groups in bite rate, sip rate, and total eating time. However, male and female leans engaged in significantly more noneating activi...
Incentives enhance postpartum compliance among adolescent prenatal patients

Abstract Objective: To test the hypothesis that incentives enhance compliance with postpartum appointments. Method: We studied a multiracial group of 240, poor, 12-to-19 year olds. At 34 weeks gestation consecutively enrolled patients were randomized to incentive and non-incentive groups. Patients in the incentive group were told that they would receive a Gerry "Cuddler" if they returned for an examination within 12 weeks of delivery. The groups were compared with Student's t-tests and chi-square and logistic regression analyses. Results: We found no significant group differences in age, race, Medicaid status, gravidity, parity, the timing of the first prenatal visit, compliance with prenatal appointments, or well-baby care site. One hundred and seventy-five (73%) of the 240 patients returned for a postpartum examination. Patients randomized to the incentive group were significantly more likely to return for an examination within 12 weeks of delivery (82.4% vs. 65.2%, x 2 = 9.0; p=.003). The logistic regression analysis revealed that in addition to membership in the incentive group, three characteristics were significantly associated with postpartum compliance: primiparity, compliance with prenatal care, and school enrollment. Conclusions: Among adolescents who obtained prenatal care in a multidisciplinary adolescent-oriented maternity program, the offer of an incentive significantly improved compliance with the 6-week postpartum appointment. Since other factors associated with improved postpartum compliance are less amenable to change we recommend that health care providers consider offering a postpartum incentive, especially to their multiparous adolescent patients who are not enrolled in school and/or are non-compliant with prenatal appointments.
Polyelectrolyte microcapsule interactions with cells in two- and three-dimensional culture.

Abstract Microcapsules fabricated by layer-by-layer self-assembly have unique physicochemical properties that make them attractive for drug delivery applications. This study chiefly investigated the biocompatibility of one of the most stable types of microcapsules, those composed of poly-(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) [PSS] and poly-(allylamine hydrocholoride) [PAH], with cells cultured on two-dimensional (2D) substrates and in three-dimensional (3D) matrices. C6 glioma and 3T3 fibroblast cell morphology was observed after 24 h of co-culture with PSS/PAH microcapsules on a 2D substrate. Cells were also cultured with four other types of microcapsules, each composed of at least one naturally occurring polyelectrolyte. At microcapsule to cell ratios up to 100:1, it was found that PSS/PAH microcapsules do not affect number of viable cells more substantially than do the other microcapsules investigated. However, differences in number of viable cells were found as a function of microcapsule composition, and our results suggest particular biochemical interactions between cells and internalized microcapsules, rather than mechanical effects, are responsible for these differences. We then investigated the effects of PSS/PAH microcapsules on cells embedded in 3D collagen matrices, which more closely approximate the tumor environments in which microcapsules may be useful drug delivery agents. Matrix structure, cell invasion, and volumetric spheroid growth were investigated, and we show that these microcapsules have a negligible effect on cell invasion and tumor spheroid growth even at high concentration. Taken together, this work suggests that PSS/PAH microcapsules have sufficiently high biocompatibility with at least some cell lines for use as proof of principle drug delivery agents in in vitro studies.
Martian Layered Fluvial Deposits: Implications for Noachian Climate Scenarios

[1] Fluvial deposits in a basin north of Holden crater exhibiting a sinuous, anabranching pattern are of deltaic or fan origin. Channel width and meander wavelength indicate persistent flow magnitudes of about 700 m3/s. If these flows were produced by quasi-periodic climate episodes involving typical terrestrial-style precipitation, the deposit required thousands to millions of years to accumulate. However, a scenario of deposition during a few short episodes of constant heavy precipitation resulting from large impacts cannot be excluded.
Heteronuclear techniques in NMR studies of RNA and DNA

Abstract The size of biomolecules suitable for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) investigations and the quality of the structures determined using NMR-derived constraints have been dramatically increased by the application of heteronuclear multi-dimensional NMR techniques. With the recent advances in isotope labeling of RNA, these principles can now be applied to nucleic acids.
The oxidation of a directionally solidified cobalt-tungsten eutectic alloy

A study of the oxidation of directionally solidified Co-W alloys were performed at 750, 900, and 1050°C. The study involved a comparison of the oxidation behavior of directionally solidified and as-cast alloys along with the oxidation behavior of the pure components. The study incorporated both thermogravimetric kinetic measurements and morphological studies of the oxides as a function of both temperature and time. Differences were noticed in both the oxidation rate and the oxide morphology and were attributed to differences in alloy microstructure. The directionally solidified Co-W alloy was found to be more spall resistant but also oxidized more rapidly than the conventionally as-cast alloy. Both alloys were more oxidation resistant than the pure components.
Anaerobic Biodegradation of Long-Chain n-Alkanes under Sulfate-Reducing Conditions

The ability of anaerobic microorganisms to degrade a wide variety of crude oil components was investigated using chronically hydrocarbon-contaminated marine sediments as the source of inoculum. When sulfate reduction was the predominant electron-accepting process, gas chromatographic analysis revealed almost complete n-alkane removal (C15−C34) from a weathered oil within 201 d of incubation. No alteration of the oil was detected in sterile control incubations or when nitrate served as an alternate electron acceptor. The amount of sulfate reduced in the oil-amended nonsterile incubations was more than enough to account for the complete mineralization of the n-alkane fraction of the oil; no loss of this anion was observed in sterile control incubations. The mineralization of the alkanes was confirmed using 14C-14,15-octacosane (C28H58), with 97% of the radioactivity recovered as 14CO2. These findings extend the range of hydrocarbons known to be amenable to anaerobic biodegradation. Moreover, the rapid and e...
Teaching the mechanics of SAS with a self-instructional manual: A case study

With the increasing demand for skill and knowledge in the operation and application of computer technology, colleges and universities are being pressured by their students to provide effective and efficient instructional programs in this area. The following case study describes how one university, through its instructional development agency, was able to develop, evaluate, and refine a self-instructional manual that provides management students with the basic skills required for using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS), a major statistical program available for mainframe computers. The successful use of this manual with several hundred students over the course of five semesters and three summer sessions suggests that the manual may be a useful model for institutions with similar needs.
Economic security, informational resources, and women's reproductive choices in urban Mozambique

Abstract Reproductive changes in sub‐Saharan Africa are contingent upon women's socioeconomic conditions and informational and cultural resources. This study focuses on socioeconomic and cultural determinants and correlates of the intention to stop childbearing and of contraceptive use among urban women in Mozambique. It uses data from a survey of 1,585 married women conducted in Greater Maputo in 1993, and it employs logistic regression for multivariate analysis. The results of the analysis indicate that although the stopping intention and contraceptive use are interrelated and similarly affected by such factors as education or the area of residence, the intention to stop childbearing is mainly driven by women's perception of their material conditions and socioeconomic security, while contraceptive use is largely a product of social diffusion and the legitimization of innovative, Western‐origin information and technologies. The study proposes that these findings may help explain the unique features of th...
The role of continuing medical education in changing and learning

Continuing education is the means by which many physicians “achieve and maintain…competence.” (p. 1356)1 Many factions within as well as others outside of medicine have challenged the effectiveness of CME in changing physician performance. CME has been researched using primarily quantitative methods, but findings concerning effectiveness of programs are variable. Clearly, continuing education is only one of many forces that facilitate learning and change in physicians. This article associates the findings of a qualitative study examining physicians' performance in relation to their participation in a CME program with the model of changing and learning proposed by Fox, et al.7 Changes made by physicians were categorized according to three types of change in the model developed by Fox, et al.: incremental, which were most frequent (70%), and usually required learning; structural, which represented 17% and were redirections in life or practice; and accommodational, which represented 13% and were due to regulations.
Rhenium polyhydrides stabilized by arsine ligands

Abstract The mixed phosphine-arsine ligand Ph 2 PCH 2 CH 2 AsPh 2 (arphos) has been used to stabilize the rhenium polyhydrides Re 2 H 8 (arphos) 2 and ReH 7 (arphos). The heptahydride is the first example of a compound of the type ReH 7 L 2 which contains a mixed phosphine-arsine donor set. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties and stabilities of these complexes are described and compared with data for other complexes of the types Re 2 H 8 L 4 and ReH 7 L 2 .
Does the Lone Genius Ride Again? Chaos, Creatwity, and Conmmunity

Montuori and Purser (1995), in "Decontructing the Lone Genius Myth," and Hale (1995), in "Psychological Characteristics of the Literary Genius," are perhaps closer together than one might think. The first authors do not deconstruct the lone genius, but rather the lone aspect of this genius, with attention to the context for creativity. Hale does not deem context unimportant but emphasizes situations in which the creator might stand more in reaction to than in resonance with parts of that context. Nonetheless, Montuori and Purser's view of context is more expansive and interconnected and stems from an important social critique. The present comment uses chaos theory as both model and metaphor for creative innovation, highlighting the uniqueness of individuals and their contributions and, at the same time, acknowledging the intricate interdependence and sensitivity that can occur within the context for creation. Viewing the "genius" in this framework may, however, require attention to other issues not elabor...
Rotary Kiln Incineration of Dichloromethane and Xylene: A Comparison of Incinerability Characteristics Under Various Operating Conditions

Comparisons are made, for the first time, between the combustion characteristics of dichloromethane and xylene in an industrial rotary kiln incinerator. The comparisons are made under different operating conditions, including variable kiln rotation rate and operation both with and without turbulence air. Continuous gas composition and temperature measurements and batch gas composition measurements were obtained from two vertical locations hear the exit region of the rotary kiln. The measurements show that there is significant vertical stratification at the exit of the kiln. Addition of turbulence air enhanced combustion conditions throughout the kiln during xylene processing. During dichloromethane processing, however, the addition of turbulence air had minimal effect and only promoted greater bulk mixing; chlorinated compounds transported from the lower kiln during operation with turbulence air were not efficiently processed in the upper kiln. Evolution of test liquids from the bed was not constant but r...
Persistent Contrails and Contrail Cirrus. Part II: Full Lifetime Behavior

AbstractMore than 200 large-eddy simulations of long-lived contrails from several-seconds age until their demise have been performed and their lifetime-integrated behavior has been analyzed. The simulations employ size-resolved microphysics and include variations of effective ice crystal number emission index, temperature, relative humidity with respect to ice, stratification, shear, supersaturated-layer depth, uplift/subsidence, and coupled radiation. Basic scaling behaviors are analyzed for contrail lifetime, width, ice mass, and surface area. Lifetimes exceeding 40 h, widths exceeding 100 km, and ice masses exceeding 50 kg m−1 of flight path were sometimes encountered. Distinct behavior regimes produced by radiative forcing are identified and found to be predicted by a simplified model. The lifetime-integrated ice crystal surface area per length of flight path SΣ is used as an approximate metric of contrail significance, and a simple, physically based model is derived. Over much of the parameter space,...
Interband and polaronic excitations in YTiO 3 from first principles

${\mathrm{YTiO}}_{3}$, as a prototypical Mott insulator, has been the subject of numerous experimental investigations of its electronic structure. The onset of absorption in optical conductivity measurements has generally been interpreted to be due to interband transitions at the fundamental gap. Here we reexamine the electronic structure of ${\mathrm{YTiO}}_{3}$ using density functional theory with either a Hubbard correction $(\text{DFT}+U)$ or a hybrid functional. Interband transitions turn out to be much higher in energy than the observed onset of optical absorption. However, in the case of $p$-type doping, holes tend to become self-trapped in the form of small polarons, localized on individual Ti sites. Exciting electrons from the occupied lower Hubbard band to the small-polaron state then leads to broad infrared absorption, consistent with the onset in the experimental optical conductivity spectra.
Differences between African Americans and whites in the outcome of heart failure: Evidence for a greater functional decline in African Americans.

Background National statistics indicate that African Americans are disproportionately affected by mortality and hospitalizations resulting from heart failure when compared with other racial/ethnic groups. This might, in part, reflect a poorer course of heart failure among African Americans. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of 316 white and 82 African American consecutive patients aged 50 years with decompensated heart failure on hospital admission. The outcome of the study was death or decline in activities of daily living function at 6 months relative to baseline. Results African American patients were on average 8 years younger and had less favorable socioeconomic and access-to-care indicators. African Americans more often had a history of hypertension, renal insufficiency, and diabetes, but there were no differences in functional status, self-reported health status, signs of decompensation, or left ventricular ejection fraction. Quality-of-care indicators did not differ by race. Mortality rates at 6 months were similar in African Americans and whites (19.5% vs 17.2%, age adjusted), but African Americans had a greater functional decline (37.6% vs 24.7%). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, African Americans had an almost 50% higher risk of either death or decline in activities of daily living functioning (relative risk 1.45, 95% CI, 1.06-1.81). Adjustment for socioeconomic, access-to-care and quality-of-care indicators did not substantially change this estimate. Conclusions African Americans have similar mortality but greater functional decline than whites after hospitalization for heart failure. This outcome is not explained by clinical, socioeconomic, access-to-care or quality-of-care differences. (Am Heart J 2002;143:1058-67.)
Primary versus secondary tracheoesophageal puncture in salvage total laryngectomy following chemoradiation

Objective: To compare the rate of postoperative wound-healing complications and voice fluency in primary vs secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) following chemoradiation.Methods: Between 1998...
An evolution from quantum entanglement to classical disentanglement and its consequences in statistical mechanics

We argue that for non-interacting, identical particles that are neither completely separated spatially, nor fully entangled like in an ideal gas, their wave functions are not fully symmetric or anti-symmetric to particle exchanges. They do not obey Fermi, Bose or Boltzmann distribution. A new expression for the wave function and a new statistical distribution are introduced to describe such particles.
An in vitro and in vivo study of the conversion of eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid to eicosa-5,11,14-trienoic acid and of the conversion of eicosa-11-enoic acid to eicosa-5,11-dienoic acid in the rat.

Abstract 1. 1. When either radioactive eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid or eicosa-11-enoic acid was incubated with rat liver microsomes or fed to rats which were maintained on a fat-deficient diet, the products of desaturation were respectively eicosa-5,11,14-trienoic acid and eicosa-5, 11-dienoic acid rather than the expected products, eicosa-8, 11,14-trienoic acid and eicosa-8,11-dienoic acid. These findings suggest that the only pathway for arachidonate biosynthesis is as follows: 9,12–18:2 → 6,9,12–18:3 → 8,11,14–20:3 → 5,8,11,14–20:4. The pathway 9,12–18:2 →11,14–20:2 → 8,11,14–20:3 → 5,8,11,14–20:4 probably does not contribute to the biosynthesis of arachidonate. In a similar way 5,8,11–20:3 is produced only by the pathway 9–18:1 → 6,9–18:2 → 8,11–20:2 → 5,8,11–20:3 rather than by the pathway 9–18:1 → n-20:1 → 8,11–20:2 → 5,8,11–20:3. 2. 2. Eicosa-11-enoic acid is a substrate for retrocon version.
Some numerical results using the modified Nyström method to solve the 2-D potential problem

Abstract In this paper, the author uses the modified Nystrom method on the boundary integral equation formulated by using the single-layer potential representation to solve two-dimensional potential problems in which the boundary condition is mixed and/or the domain has corners. For these problems, he either augments the single-layer potential representation with exceptional functions or uses a graded mesh. The modified Nystrom method requires only O(n 2 ) arithmetic operations to formulate the matrices and is similar to the Nystrom method, except the numerical difficulty in integrating the logarithmic kernel is overcome. He compares his approach numerically with three other approaches previously published. In comparison with using the Galerkin-collocation method on the boundary integral equation formulated by using Green's theorem, his approach requires fewer computations and obtains more accurate solutions, especially for small meshes. In comparison with using the Nystrom method on the boundary integral equation formulated by using the double-layer potential representation, his approach obtains more accurate solutions away from the boundary. In comparison with using the extension-BEM method, his approach is more direct, but still obtains accurate interior solution using a small mesh.
Models of voltage-dependent conformational changes in NaChBac channels.

Models of the transmembrane region of the NaChBac channel were developed in two open/inactivated and several closed conformations. Homology models of NaChBac were developed using crystal structures of Kv1.2 and a Kv1.2/2.1 chimera as templates for open conformations, and MlotiK and KcsA channels as templates for closed conformations. Multiple molecular-dynamic simulations were performed to refine and evaluate these models. A striking difference between the S4 structures of the Kv1.2-like open models and MlotiK-like closed models is the secondary structure. In the open model, the first part of S4 forms an α-helix, and the last part forms a 310 helix, whereas in the closed model, the first part of S4 forms a 310 helix, and the last part forms an α-helix. A conformational change that involves this type of transition in secondary structure should be voltage-dependent. However, this transition alone is not sufficient to account for the large gating charge movement reported for NaChBac channels and for experimental results in other voltage-gated channels. To increase the magnitude of the motion of S4, we developed another model of an open/inactivated conformation, in which S4 is displaced farther outward, and a number of closed models in which S4 is displaced farther inward. A helical screw motion for the α-helical part of S4 and a simple axial translation for the 310 portion were used to develop models of these additional conformations. In our models, four positively charged residues of S4 moved outwardly during activation, across a transition barrier formed by highly conserved hydrophobic residues on S1, S2, and S3. The S4 movement was coupled to an opening of the activation gate formed by S6 through interactions with the segment linking S4 to S5. Consistencies of our models with experimental studies of NaChBac and Kv channels are discussed.
The Franklin Pierce plan

Reform at Franklin Pierce College was first envisioned as a revolution. As the reform progressed, it became a dynamic evolution, responding to changing needs.
Mass spectrometry of light elements by eV neutron spectroscopy

Abstract In this paper are described measurements which demonstrate that eV neutrons scattered from a bulk sample can distinguish which elements or isotopes are the major constituents of the sample.
Mortality in patients with paravalvular abscess diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography.

Abstract Background Paravalvular abscess is a complication of endocarditis that may lead to persistent infection, conduction abnormalities, fistula formation, worsening congestive heart failure, and death. Methods Between 1991 and 2001, paravalvular abscess was identified on transesophageal echocardiography in 24 patients who subsequently underwent surgical treatment. Echocardiographic findings were reviewed for location of abscess, presence of a valvular prosthesis, valvular function, and presence of vegetations. Information gathered included the time interval between transesophageal echocardiography diagnosis and operation, inhospital mortality, and microbiologic data. Results Of 24 patients, 9 died, for a mortality of 38%. Of the patients who died, the average survival after operation was 43 days, with a range of 1 to 238 days. Of the 14 patients with significant valvular or paravalvular regurgitation, 8 died (57%). However, of the 10 patients with mild or no regurgitation, only 1 died (10%). This difference was statistically significant (P = .02). Conclusion Patients without preserved valve function (those with moderate or severe regurgitation) have a significantly worse outcome (57% mortality) than do those with normal valvular function (10% mortality).
Adjunctive behavior induced by wheel running

Abstract Adjunctive behavior such as licking, nose poking, rearing, grooming and locomotion induced by intermittent wheel running were observed in four female hooded rats. All of these behaviors increased significantly in three of the four animals during the intermittent test session periods when the wheel was locked. When the wheel was kept locked continuously throughout the test sessions for two control animals little, if any, adjunctive behavior developed. The fact that adjunctive behavior can be produced in animals which are not deprived of food or water was emphasized and results were interpreted in terms of a nonspecific increase in motor excitability attributed to the intermittance of schedule associated stimulation.
Piecewise integral splines of low degree

Algorithms are given for constructing low-degree (I ≤ k ≤ 3) polynomial splines having prescribed integral values for successive intervals of the independent variable. The algorithms are arranged so that the degrees of freedom of the spline are expressed in terms of the boundary conditions: the ordinate at the first endpoint (I ≤ k ≤ 3), the ordinate at the last endpoint (k = 2, 3), and the slope at the first endpoint (k = 3). Any or all of these boundary conditions may be specified, and any that are not will be computed to minimize the sum of the squares of the change in ordinate over each interval (k = 1) or the integral of the square of the second derivative (k = 2, 3).
The gender identity movement: a growing surgical-psychiatric liaison.

The evaluation and treatment of individuals with gender identity problems has resulted in an interesting and productive collaboration between several specialties of medicine. In particular, the psychiatrist and surgeon have joined hands in the management of these fascinating patients who feel they are trapped in the wrong body and insist upon correcting this cruel mistake of nature by undergoing sex reassignment surgery. Over the last two decades, some 40 centers have emerged in which interdisciplinary teams cooperate in the evaluation and treatment of these gender dysphoric patients. The model for this collaboration began at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where the Gender Identity Clinic began its operation in 1965 (Edgerton, 1983; Pauly, 1983). This “gender identity movement” has brought together such unlikely collaborators as surgeons, endocrinologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, gynecologists, and research specialists into a mutually rewarding arena. This paper deals with the background and modern era of research into gender identity disorders and their evaluation and treatment. Finally, some data are presented on the outcome of sex reassignment surgery. This interdisciplinary collaboration has resulted in the birth of a new medical subspecialty, which deals with the study of gender identification and its disorders.
Establishing the Role of the Pharmacist in the Patient-Centered Medical Home… The Opportunity is Now

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is an approach to delivering comprehensive, continuous, coordinated care across all life stages and has been hypothesized to be one potential solution to the discrepancy between the high cost but low quality of health care in the US. Although a plethora of literature exists on how pharmacy interventions can improve the quality of patient care through medication therapy management programs, there is a paucity of data supporting pharmacists' involvement in PCMHs. Pharmacists are uniquely trained and positioned to make important contributions to PCMHs as medication care coordinators. The opportunity is now for pharmacists to establish their role within this medical setting.
Bootstrapping microcomputers at Drexel University: The role of a faculty newsletter

Drexel University requires entering freshmen to have access to a personal microcomputer. Part of the faculty development effort was a faculty newsletter,boot. The newsletter published information about microcomputers and their applications and about microcomputer-related events on campus. Unlike newsletters produced by academic computing centers,boot was edited by faculty, most of its pieces were written by faculty, and it was addressed to all members of the university community, not just that subgroup with a prior interest in, or prior record of, computer use. This article describes the publication and presents data indicating that the faculty found it to be clearly worthwhile.
Role of α1-adrenoceptors and 5-HT2 receptors in serotonin-induced contraction of rat prostate: autoradiographical and functional studies

Abstract Urinary obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common clinical problem possibly associated with excessive prostatic constriction around the urethra. These studies compared adrenergic and serotonergic functional activity to specific α1 and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) binding sites in the rat prostate. Isolated, left ventral lobes of the rat prostate were removed and examined for in vitro contraction. Norepinephrine-induced contraction of the rat prostate was competitively blocked by prazosin with an apparent antagonist dissociation constant (pKB) of 8.13. 5-HT also contracted the rat prostate. However, in the presence of prazosin, maximum 5-HT contraction was reduced by half suggesting that high concentrations of 5-HT can activate α1 receptors in the prostate. The concentration-response curve to 5-HT in the presence of 1 μM prazosin was competitively inhibited by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist LY53857 (6-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)ergoline-8-carboxylic acid 2-hydroxyl-1-methylpropylester (Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1)) (pKB = 9.02). Autoradiographic studies with [125I]LSD (2-iodo-lysergic acid diethylamide) documented the presence of 5-HT2 receptors since significant displacement of the radioligand occurred with 5-HT and LY53857, but not with prazosin. The α1-adrenoceptor ligand [125I]HEAT ([β-(4-hydroxy-3-iodophenyl)ethyl-aminomethyl]-tetralone) confirmed the presence of α1-adrenoceptors in the rat prostate since significant displacement of the radioligand occurred with prazosin, but not 5-HT or LY53857. The inability of prazosin to displace [125I]LSD and the inability of 5-HT to displace [125I]HEAT suggest that 5-HT cannot directly interact with α1-adrenoceptors in the prostate. Thus activation of both α1-adrenoceptors and 5-HT2 receptors resulted in contraction of the rat prostate, and 5-HT-induced contraction was mediated by activation of 5-HT2 receptors and the indirect activation of α1-adrenoceptors.
Atretogenic action of estrogen in rhesus monkeys: Effects of repeated treatment.

The effects of 17β-estradiol (E2), administered in Silastic capsules for 24 hours at intervals of 10 or 14 days, on follicular development and menstrual cycle characteristics were studied in 13 rhesus monkeys. In seven monkeys receiving E2 at l0-day intervals for 50 treatment periods, new follicles frequently developed between treatments but usually regressed. In seven instances, the follicles persisted longer than expected but were steroidogenically suppressed and regressed spontaneously. Ovulation occurred in only two instances. In six monkeys receiving E2 at 14-day intervals, new follicles developed regularly, with seven ovulations occurring in 37 treatment periods. A persistent anovulatory follicle was noted in only one instance. Menstruation occurred with equal frequency, and the interval from treatment to onset of menstruation was not significantly different regardless of treatment or the occurrence of ovulation; the intervals between menstruation approximated those of normal menstrual cycles. In general, following termination of treatment, menstrual cycles returned to normal quickly. These data indicate that E2 administered intermittently at 10-day intervals effectively suppresses ovulation, and they provide new insight into the actions of E2 on folliculogenesis in primates.
Photoassimilate-transport characteristics of nonchlorophyllous and green tissue in variegated leaves of Coleus blumei Benth.

The nonchlorophyllous (albino) tissue of mature C. blumei leaves is a sink for photoassimilate. Transport from the green to the albino region of the same leaf was inhibited by cold and anoxia. When the green tissue of mature leaves was removed, the remaining albino portion imported labeled translocate from other mature leaves in the phloem. Photoassimilate unloading in the albino region of mature leaves was studied by quantitative autoradiography. The unloading was inhibited by cold but not by anoxia. No labeled photoassimilate could be detected in the free space of mature albino tissue by compartmental efflux analysis as phloem unloading proceeded in a N2 atmosphere, indicating that unloading, may occur by a symplastic pathway as it apparently does in sink leaves of other species. The minor veins of mature albino leaf tissue did not accumulate exogenous [14C]sucrose. Minor veins of green tissue in the same leaves accumulated [14C]sucrose but, in contrast to other species studied to date, this accumulation was insensitive to the inhibitor p-chloromercuribenzensulfonic acid (PCMBS). In its capacity to import and unload photoassimilate, and in the inability, of the minor veins to accumulate exogenous sucrose, the albino region of the mature C. blumei lamina differs from mature albino tobacco leaves and darkened mature leaves of other species. This, together with evidence indicating that phloem loading in C. blumei and other species may occur by different routes and with different sensitivity to PCMBS, indicates that the mechanism of transfer of photoassimilates between veins and surrounding tissues, and the mechanism of the sink-source transition, may not be the same in the leaves of all species. It is speculated that the unusual properties of the C. blumei leaf may be a consequence of the presence, in the minor veins, of “intermediary cells”, large companion cells connected to the bundle sheath by abundant plasmodesmata.
Right Hemispheric Contributions to Fine Auditory Temporal Discriminations: High-Density Electrical Mapping of the Duration Mismatch Negativity (MMN).

That language processing is primarily a function of the left hemisphere has led to the supposition that auditory temporal discrimination is particularly well-tuned in the left hemisphere, since speech discrimination is thought to rely heavily on the registration of temporal transitions. However, physiological data have not consistently supported this view. Rather, functional imaging studies often show equally strong, if not stronger, contributions from the right hemisphere during temporal processing tasks, suggesting a more complex underlying neural substrate. The mismatch negativity (MMN) component of the human auditory evoked-potential (AEP) provides a sensitive metric of duration processing in human auditory cortex and lateralization of MMN can be readily assayed when sufficiently dense electrode arrays are employed. Here, the sensitivity of the left and right auditory cortex for temporal processing was measured by recording the MMN to small duration deviants presented to either the left or right ear. We found that duration deviants differing by just 15% (i.e. rare 115 ms tones presented in a stream of 100 ms tones) elicited a significant MMN for tones presented to the left ear (biasing the right hemisphere). However, deviants presented to the right ear elicited no detectable MMN for this separation. Further, participants detected significantly more duration deviants and committed fewer false alarms for tones presented to the left ear during a subsequent psychophysical testing session. In contrast to the prevalent model, these results point to equivalent if not greater right hemisphere contributions to temporal processing of small duration changes.
Metabolic studies in a patient with idiopathic bypercalcemia of infancy

An asymptomatic 3 1/2-month-old female infant who was receiving 1,000 units of supplemental vitamin D per day and whose serum calcium concentration was 14.5 mg. per cent was studied. While ingesting a diet containing less than 50 I.U. of vitamin D per day, the serum calcium fell to normal and the vitamin D concentration in the serum was normal. Subsequent ingestion of 400 I.U. of vitamin D for a 10 day period induced hypercalcemia, probable elevation of the serum vitamin D concentration and hypercalcuria. Sixteen days after discontinuing the vitamin D the serum calcium concentration was normal. There appeared to be a direct correlation between the amount of vitamin D ingested and the serum calcium and vitamin D concentrations. Severe idiopathic hypercalcemia had previously been noted in a sibling who had an elevated vitamin D concentration. The familial incidence of idiopathic hypercalcemia of infancy has rarely been recognized. There are no previous reports in which hypercalcemia and rise in plasma vitamin D were produced by a physiologic dose of vitamin D during the inactive phase. It is suggested that idiopathic hypercalcemia may, in some cases, be an inborn error of metabolism with defective inactivation of vitamin D, and that asymptomatic siblings of known cases of idiopathic hypercalcemia should be investigated for the mild form of the disease.
High-resolution genetic and physical mapping of the cauliflower high-β-carotene gene Or (Orange)

Mutation in the cauliflower gene Or causes high levels of β-carotene to accumulate in various tissues of the plant that are normally devoid of carotenoids. To decipher the molecular basis by which Or regulates carotenoid accumulation, we have undertaken the isolation of Or by a map-based cloning strategy. Two previously isolated, locus-specific, sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers that flank Or were employed for the analysis of a large segregating population consisting of 1632 F2 individuals, and a high-resolution genetic linkage map of the Or locus region was developed. To facilitate positional cloning, we constructed a cauliflower genomic library in a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vector, using high molecular weight DNA from Or homozygotes. The BAC library comprises 60,288 clones with an average insert size of 110 kb, and represents an estimated 10-fold coverage of the genome. A BAC contig encompassing the Or locus was established by screening the library with a marker that is closely linked to Or and by identifying overlapping BAC clones by chromosome walking. Physical mapping delimited the Or locus to a 50-kb DNA fragment within a single BAC clone, which corresponds to a genetic interval of 0.3 cM.
Stereotactic pallidotomy performed without using microelectrode guidance in patients with Parkinson's disease : surgical technique and 2-year results

Object. Pallidotomy for the treatment of medically refractory Parkinson's disease (PD) has enjoyed renewed popularity. However, the optimal surgical technique, lesion location, and long-term effectiveness of pallidotomy remain subjects of debate. In this article the authors describe their surgical technique for performing pallidotomy without using microelectrode guidance, and the clinical and radiological results of this procedure. Methods. Patients were evaluated preoperatively by using a battery of validated clinical rating scales and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain. Individuals with severe treatment-refractory idiopathic PD who were believed to be good candidates for surgery underwent computerized tomography scanning— and MR imaging—guided stereotactic pallidotomy. Intraoperative macrostimulation was used to optimize lesion placement and to avoid injury to nearby structures. Lesion location and size were calculated from MR imaging sequences of the brain obtained within the first 24 hours a...
The relation of plasma homocysteine to radiographic knee osteoarthritis.

Summary Objective Homocysteine has been implicated in multiple diseases that involve changes in structural tissue. In vitro studies have found that it alters the structure of collagen cross-linking thus affecting stability and mineralization such as that occurring in bone tissue. In the present study we considered the possible relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods The study question was posed in 691 men and 966 women from the original and offspring cohorts of the Framingham Osteoarthritis Study. We divided individuals into three groups according to plasma homocysteine levels and compared their risk for the development of new and progression of existing OA. We adjusted for potential confounders including age, body mass index, weight change, and physical activity. Results In the crude analysis, men in the middle homocysteine tertile were found to be at a greater risk than men in the lowest tertile for incident OA [odds ratios of 1.9 (1.1–3.5)]. This result persisted after adjusting for covariates [odds: 2.0, (1.1–3.8)]. No significant correlation was seen in women for the development of OA. In the evaluation of progression no significant trends were seen for both men and women. Conclusions Although cellular and molecular studies of homocysteine-related pathophysiology suggest a possible correlation between plasma homocysteine levels and OA, the present clinical study did not conclusively demonstrate such an association. However, further research is needed to explore the role of homocysteine in specific aspects of OA etiopathogenesis.
Genotyping of three single nucleotide polymorphisms following whole genome preamplification of DNA collected from buccal cells.

Collection of genomic DNA from buccal cells is a simple and convenient procedure for genotyping individuals. One disadvantage is that the amount of genomic DNA may be inadequate for genotyping projects that require a large number of determinations per sample. Primer Extension Preamplification (PEP) methods that can amplify the entire genome 100-fold or more offer a potential solution to this problem. To test whether the preamplified DNA product retains the original allelic distribution of the genomic DNA sample from which it was derived, we compared PEP buccal DNA with genomic buccal DNA from 94 pairs of monozygotic twins. Using the 5′ nuclease (Taqman®) method, we genotyped three SNPs that are of wide interest in behavioral and psychiatric genetic studies. The percent agreement between allele calls using PEP DNA samples and those using genomic DNA samples ranged between 99% and 100% depending on SNP assay. These data complement our earlier findings with respect to microsatellite markers and variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms and indicate that whole-genome preamplification is an appropriate method for providing DNA for SNP genotyping these and possibly other loci.