cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Riboflavin and mouse hepatic cell structure and function. Mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in severe deficiency states.

Weanling mice were fed a riboflavin-deficient diet or the same diet with added galactoflavin. Both diets produced changes in hepatic mitochondrial morphology, the most striking of which was the development of giant mitochondria. The livers from these animals were fractionated, and the nuclear and mitochondrial fractions were examined by electron microscopy. The nuclear fraction contained giant mitochondria; the mitochondrial fraction contained the remaining normal to moderately enlarged mitochondria. Oxidative studies were carried out on the mitochondrial fractions. It was found that both experimental diets resulted in a marked reduction in fatty acid oxidation by the mitochondria. In addition, the mitochondria of mice with advanced riboflavin deficiency (induced simply by a riboflavin-free diet) showed a severely decreased state 3 (ADP-stimulated) respiration and depressed respiratory control ratios, but normal ADP/O ratios. In contrast, mitochondrial performance (aside from fatty acid oxidation) in galactoflavin-supplemented, riboflavin-deficient mice was related to the gross appearance, i.e., color, of the liver from which these organelles were derived. In mice fed this diet, the livers were either red or yellow. Mitochondria from yellow livers showed normal oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria from red livers showed a serious reduction in state 3 oxidation. This study demonstrates that in the mouse, riboflavin deficiency, however produced, not only results in altered mitochondrial morphology but also results in significantly impaired mitochondrial function.
Plant Biotechnology Products with Direct Consumer Benefits

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on research efforts in biotechnology to genetically enhance crops with attributes, such as improved nutritional value and food quality, which more directly benefit customers. It summarizes the research reported in the scientific literature on potential new crop products with enhanced nutritional value or quality developed by biotechnology. Improved nutritional qualities in macronutrients, micronutrients—such as vitamins and minerals— other functional components, and special products—such as vaccines—are discussed. Macronutrients include fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Phytochemicals or phytonutrients, including isoflavones, sterols, phytoestrogens, and anthocyanins are the functional components discussed. Special products include infant formula and human protein in plants. Products with enhanced quality traits are described. These involve enhancing freshness in fruits and vegetables, improving flavor and sweetness, preventing enzymatic browning, and improving functional characteristics using genetic enhancement. Reducing or eliminating allergens and other undesirable components is also detailed. The most common allergens exist in nuts, soy, peanuts, and wheat. Glucosinolates, steroidal glycoalkaloids, fungi, and caffeine content are discussed.
Correlates of HIV Testing Refusal Among Emergency Department Patients in the Opt-Out Testing Era

Opt-out HIV screening is recommended by the CDC for patients in all healthcare settings. We examined correlates of HIV testing refusal among urban emergency department (ED) patients. Confidential free HIV screening was offered to 32,633 ED patients in an urban tertiary care facility in Washington, DC, during May 2007–December 2011. Demographic differences in testing refusals were examined using χ2 tests and generalized linear models. HIV testing refusal rates were 47.7 % 95 % CI (46.7–48.7), 11.7 % (11.0–12.4), 10.7 % (10.0–11.4), 16.9 % (15.9–17.9) and 26.9 % (25.6–28.2) in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively. Persons 33–54 years of age [adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) 1.42, (1.36–1.48)] and those ≥55 years [APR 1.39 (1.31–1.47)], versus 33–54 years; and females versus males [APR 1.07 (1.02–1.11)] were more likely to refuse testing. Opt-out HIV testing is feasible and sustainable in urban ED settings. Efforts are needed to encourage testing among older patients and women.
Molecular simulation of droplet collision in the presence of ambient gas

Head-on collision of droplets has been simulated using the method of molecular dynamics. Recognizing that previous molecular dynamics simulations of this phenomenon have reported only coalescence or shattering outcomes, the results reported show that actually the collision can result in either coalescence or bouncing of the colliding droplets, although bouncing was observed only within a narrow band of state conditions. It was found that the ambient gas plays a significant, though not essential role in effecting bouncing collision.
Modeling and Control of a Horizontal Two-Link Rigid/Flexible Robot

This paper proposes a trajectory control scheme for a horizontal two-link rigid/flexible robot having a payload at the free end. First, a new distributed-parameter dynamic model, consisting of two ordinary differential equations and one partial differential equation, is derived using the extended Hamilton’s principle, and then a trajectory-tracking control scheme is designed based on the distributed-parameter dynamic model, where the Lyapunov stability theorem is used as a mathematical tool. The proposed control is a collocated control, free from the so-called spillover instability. The proposed control consists of a PD control for the rigid dynamics, a proportional control for the flexible dynamics, and feed forward and dynamics compensation. With only two joint actuators, the proposed trajectory control guarantees stability throughout the entire trajectory-tracking control and asymptotic stability at desired goal positions. The theoretical results have been evaluated with control experiments.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Reducible cross-links in human glomerular basement membrane.

Abstract Reducible cross-links in purified human glomerular basement membrane (GBM) were examined with an ion exchange chromatographic system that provided complete separation of cross-link standards and glucosylamines. After hydration in phosphate buffer, lyophilized GBM was reduced with tritiated borohydride. Chromatographic separation revealed two major radioactive peaks, identified as di-hydroxylysinonorleucine (di-OHLNL) and hydroxyaldolhistidine (HAH) by coelution with authentic di-OHLNL and HAH standards. Radioactive glucitol-lysine and glucitol-hydroxylysine were also identified on the basis of their co-elution with synthetic standards. The findings document the existence and establish the nature of the major reducible cross-links in adult human GBM.
New strategies for cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Sudden death claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year in the United States. Emergency resuscitation efforts are successful in only about 6% of all out-of-hospital arrests. In light of the poor survival rate, innovative research is reexamining the practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Basic life support (BLS), with its stepwise management of airway, breathing, circulation, and defibrillation, is far from a rudimentary procedure. Each step has been challenged and changed in recent years, reflecting ongoing resuscitation research into the mechanisms, efficacy, and practical aspects of delivery of these interventions. Recommended modifications to BLS techniques have resulted in increased survival rates. Therefore, health professionals need to stay current with the latest guidelines through literature reviews and frequent recertification.
Discovery of a Potent, Orally Available, and Isoform-Selective Retinoic Acid β2 Receptor Agonist

4‘-Octyl-4-biphenylcarboxylic acid (1g, AC-55649) was identified as a highly isoform-selective agonist at the human RARβ2 receptor in a functional intact cell-based screening assay. The subsequent hit to lead optimization transformed the lipophilic, poorly soluble hit into a more potent and orally available compound (2, AC-261066) with retained β2 selectivity and greatly improved physiochemical properties. Being an isoform-selective RARβ2 receptor agonist that discriminates between nuclear receptor isoforms having identical ligand binding domains, 2 will be useful as a pharmacological research tool but also a valuable starting point for drug development.
Cylinder Pressure Reconstruction From Crankshaft Speed Measurement in a Four-Stroke Single Cylinder Diesel Engine

In a single cylinder engine, the speed fluctuation during steady state operation of the engine is influenced only by the cylinder pressure variation, the engine friction and the dynamics of the crankshaft. This dependency is used to explore the capacity of the lumped mass model of the crankshaft to correctly represent its dynamics. Based on this model, the paper establishes the relationship between the cylinder pressure variation and the crankshaft speed fluctuation for steady state operation of the single cylinder diesel engine. Correlations are determined between the harmonic components of the tangential gas-pressure and the harmonic components of the angular speed of the free end of the crankshaft. These correlations are used to predict the angular speed variation of the crankshaft, when the cylinder pressure variation is known, or to reconstruct the cylinder pressure when the crankshaft speed fluctuation is known. The reverse calculation of the pressure variation from the measured crankshaft speed is strongly influenced by the elastic characteristics of the crankshaft. If the stiffness of the crankshaft is not accurately determined, the results are significantly distorted.© 2005 ASME
Hos2 and Set3 Promote Integration of Ty1 Retrotransposons at tRNA Genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The yeast LTR retrotransposon Ty1 integrates preferentially into regions upstream of tRNA genes. The chromatin structure of transcriptionally active tRNA genes is known to be important for Ty1 integration, but specific chromatin factors that enhance integration at tRNA genes have not been identified. Here we report that the histone deacetylase, Hos2, and the Trithorax-group protein, Set3, both components of the Set3 complex (Set3C), enhance transposition of chromosomal Ty1 elements by promoting integration into the upstream region of tRNA genes. Deletion of HOS2 or SET3 reduced the mobility of a chromosomal Ty1his3AI element about sevenfold. Despite the fact that Ty1his3AI RNA, total Ty1 RNA, and total Ty1 cDNA levels were not reduced in hos2Δ or set3Δ mutants, transposition of endogenous Ty1 elements into the upstream regions of tRNAGly genes was substantially decreased. Furthermore, when equivalent numbers of Ty1HIS3 mobility events launched from a pGAL1:Ty1his3AI plasmid were analyzed, only one-quarter to one-half as many were found upstream of tRNAGly genes in a hos2Δ or set3Δ mutant than in a wild-type strain. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that Hos2 is physically associated with tRNA genes. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that Hos2 and Set3 function at tRNA genes to promote Ty1 integration.
Vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a complex, progressive condition arising from a variety of genetic and pathogenic causes. Patients present with a spectrum of histologic and pathophysiological features, likely reflecting the diversity in underlying pathogenesis. It is widely recognized that structural alterations in the vascular wall contribute to all forms of pulmonary hypertension. Features characteristic of the remodeled vasculature in patients with pulmonary hypertension include increased stiffening of the elastic proximal pulmonary arteries, thickening of the intimal and/or medial layer of muscular arteries, development of vaso-occlusive lesions, and the appearance of cells expressing smooth muscle-specific markers in normally non-muscular small diameter vessels, resulting from proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells and cellular transdifferentiation. The development of several animal models of pulmonary hypertension has provided the means to explore the mechanistic underpinnings of pulmonary vascular remodeling, although none of the experimental models currently used entirely replicates the pulmonary arterial hypertension observed in patients. Herein, we provide an overview of the histological abnormalities observed in humans with pulmonary hypertension and in preclinical models and discuss insights gained regarding several key signaling pathways contributing to the remodeling process. In particular, we will focus on the roles of ion homeostasis, endothelin-1, serotonin, bone morphogenetic proteins, Rho kinase, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle and endothelial cells, highlighting areas of cross-talk between these pathways and potentials for therapeutic targeting.
Effects of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione on nicotinic receptor subunit transcript expression in the rat brain.

The nicotinic cholinergic system exerts potent modulatory effects on glutamatergic neurotransmission, an effect mediated in part by increased glutamate release following activation of presynaptic nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists also stimulate release of acetylcholine, suggesting that these neurotransmitter systems reciprocally regulate one another. We investigated an interface between the nicotinic cholinergic and glutamatergic systems by measuring nicotinic receptor subunit transcript expression following administration of 6-cyano-7- nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), an antagonist of the AMPA and kainate subtypes of glutamate receptors. Using ( 35 S) in situ hybridization, we measured expression of 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 2, 3, and 4 nicotinic receptor subunit transcripts in the rat forebrain. Following 7 days of treatment with vehicle or CNQX (1 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day), changes in nicotinic receptor subunit transcript expression were restricted to subunits that form heteromeric receptors. We found increased levels of transcripts for 2 and 2 nicotinic receptor subunits in the hippocampus, decreased 4 subunit transcripts in the medial habenula and amygdala, and increased 2 subunit transcripts in the septum and piriform cortex. We did not detect changes in expression of transcripts for the 7 subunit, which forms homomeric nicotinic receptors. Our findings indicate that expres- sion of nicotinic cholinergic receptor subunit transcripts are regulated in a subunit- and region-specific fashion by CNQX, an antagonist of non-NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptors. Synapse 52:62-72, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Carcinomas of the Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity Treated With Radiotherapy at a Single Institution Over Five Decades: Are We Making Improvement?

Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes of patients with carcinomas of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity according to decade of radiation treatment. Methods and Materials: Between 1960 and 2005, 127 patients with sinonasal carcinoma underwent radiotherapy with planning and delivery techniques available at the time of treatment. Fifty-nine patients were treated by conventional radiotherapy; 45 patients by three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy; and 23 patients by intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Eighty-two patients (65%) were treated with radiotherapy after gross total tumor resection. Nineteen patients (15%) received chemotherapy. The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma (83 patients). Results: The 5-year estimates of overall survival, local control, and disease-free survival for the entire patient population were 52%, 62%, and 54%, respectively. There were no significant differences in any of these endpoints with respect to decade of treatment or radiotherapy technique ( p > 0.05, for all). The 5-year overall survival rate for patients treated in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s was 46%, 56%, 51%, 53%, and 49%, respectively ( p = 0.23). The observed incidence of severe (Grade 3 or 4) late toxicity was 53%, 45%, 39%, 28%, and 16% among patients treated in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, respectively ( p = 0.01). Conclusion: Although we did not detect improvements in disease control or overall survival for patients treated over time, the incidence of complications has significantly declined, thereby resulting in an improved therapeutic ratio for patients with carcinomas of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity.
Improving the design of interactive software

This NSF sponsored CAREER project combines elements of research in human-computer interaction with research in software engineering. Three objectives are 1) to develop a model of software development as a process of on-going communication; 2) to support this model through active mechanisms in software tools; and 3) to improve the accessibility and acceptance of usability methods by software practitioners. In general, the objectives reflect a theory of human-centered software development.
HIV-1 Step Study

As detailed by Susan Buchbinder and colleagues (Nov 29, p 1881), the fi rst full-scale trial of a vaccine aimed at evoking cell-mediated immunity to HIV-1 failed to achieve its objectives. This failure is considered by Buchbinder and colleagues to refl ect a failure of cell-mediated approaches to HIV-1 prevention. In his Comment on the report, Merlin Robb suggests that “An even greater emphasis will be placed on developing a vaccine that yields protective humoral responses.” However, such discussions must not be predicated on the assumption that the Step Study represents a perfect test of the usefulness of cell-mediated approaches for HIV-1 prevention. It does not. Indeed, the design of the vaccine itself, rather than its intended purpose of evoking cell-mediated immunity, is more likely to be at the centre of the Step Study’s failure. Evidence for this comes from the fi nding that those previously exposed to the adenovirus used in the vaccine were at increased risk of HIV-1 infection after vaccination. Humoral (antibodymediated) im munity and cell-mediated immunity are in subtle opposition to one another. When one is activated, the other is dampened. Logically, all participants treated with a deactivated adenovirus would exhibit an antibodymediated immune response. Those previously exposed to the adenovirus would have exhibited an even stronger antibody-mediated response, thus making it diffi cult for the body to develop cell-mediated immunity to the HIV-1-related anti gens in the vaccine and perhaps creating a window of opportunity for infection with pathogens, such as HIV-1, that are best dealt with by the cell-mediated immune pathway. Years worth of evidence has shown that traditional vaccines, all of which aim for antibody-mediated immunity, do not work against HIV-1. Although the vaccine used in the Step Study failed to evoke cell-mediated immunity, far more work needs to be done before such approaches to HIV-1 prevention can be ruled unhelpful. New ap proaches aimed at evoking cell-mediated immunity should be assessed.
Identification of natural frequencies and damping ratios of machine tool structures by the dynamic data system approach

Abstract Modal parameter identification of machine tool structures is conventionally achieved by first obtaining frequency response curves from experimental data and then implementing a graphical approximation or curve fitting procedure. The principal shortcomings of this procedure originate from the inherent limitations of the Fourier Transform method, used in obtaining the frequency responses, and from the subjective judgement of the analyst attempting to obtain the modal parameters by curve fitting. As an alternative to the conventional method a direct modal parameter identification method, based on the Dynamic Data System approach, has been proposed. It utilizes data in the form of time series to develop discrete difference equations representing the dynamic properties of the machine tool structure at the points of measurement. The subsequent use of the models allows the determination of the global dynamic properties of the system such as the modal natural frequencies and damping ratios. The theoretical relationships between the continuous vibratory system and its discrete representation in the form of Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) models has been introduced and discussed. The proposed method has been applied to the analysis of experimental data obtained from a drilling machine. Subsequently a comparative assessment is given between these results and results obtained by the conventional Fourier Transform based method.
Fission-fusion adaptivity in finite elements for nonlinear dynamics of shells

Abstract An adaptive finite element procedure is developed for the transient analysis of nonlinear shells. The scheme is an h -method which employs fission and fusion of elements to adaptively refine and coarsen the mesh. Incremental work and deviation of the bilinear finite element approximation to the shell from a Kirchhoff-Love surface are used as error criteria for adaptivity. The example problems show that the adaptive schemes are capable of achieving substantial improvements in accuracy for a given computational effort. They include both material and geometric nonlinearities and local and global buckling.
Determinants of Mediator Behavior: A Test of the Strategic Choice Model1

The present study simulated an organizational dispute to test 12 hypotheses about mediator behavior that were derived from the strategic choice model of mediation. This model is based on the assumption that mediators have four basic strategies to resolve disputes: (a) integrate, which involves a search for mutually acceptable outcomes; (b) press, which involves lowering one or both parties' aspirations; (c) compensate, which involves offering positive benefits in exchange for concessions; and (d) inaction, which involves letting the parties handle the dispute by themselves. The major proposition of the model is that two factors, the mediator's assessment of the likelihood of a mutually acceptable agreement and the mediator's concern for the parties' aspirations, interact to predict mediator behavior. Nine of the 12 hypotheses derived from the model were supported. Pressing by mediators occurred most when mediators had a low estimate of the likelihood of agreement in combination with a low concern for the parties' aspirations. Compensating occurred most when mediators had a low estimate of the likelihood of agreement in combination with a high concern for the parties' aspirations. Inaction occurred most when the mediators' estimate of the likelihood of agreement was high and their concern for the parties' aspirations was low. Integrating occurred most when the mediators had a high concern for the parties' aspirations.
Vectorial insertion of bacteriorhodopsin for directed orientation assays in various polymeric biomembranes

Abstract Here we demonstrate the rapid reconstitution and preserved functionality of vectorially-inserted bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium Halobium in ABA block copolymer thin films. We have utilized a triblock copolymeric membrane that simulates biological systems as a matrix to enable protein refolding to observe the activity of bacteriorhodopsin in purple membrane form as well as in individual molecules. In addition to observing protein–polymer compatibility properties using polymers of varying lengths (4 vs. 8.4 nm in height) and compositions (UV-cross-linkable methacrylate or acrylate ended), we have observed that vectorial insertion of the proteins, and hence, the directionality of proton pumping is dependent upon the pH of the medium to manipulate the asymmetric charge density of the polymer membrane during reconstitution.
An H ∞ power flow approach to control of uncertain structures

A technique is described for generating guaranteed stable control laws for uncertain, modally dense structures with collocated sensors and actuators. By ignoring the reverberant response created by reflections from other parts of the structure, a dereverberated mobility model can be developed which accurately models the local dynamics of the structure. This is similar in many respects to a wave based model, but can treat more general structures, and can be determined directly from transfer function data. In order to minimize the effect of disturbances propagatimg through the structure, the power dissipated by the controller is maximized in an H∞ sense. This guarantees that the controller is positive real, and thus that the system will remain stable for any uncertainty, provided that the power flow is correctly modelled. The approach is demonstrated for a beam example. The resulting controllers are much more effective than simple collocated rate feedback.
Ambipolar diffusion in the F1-region of the ionosphere

Ambipolar diffusion is discussed for the case of a weakly-ionized, multicomponent plasma. Shortcomings of some of the previous formulations of this problem are pointed out. In particular, it is shown that the polarization electrostatic field acts to couple the motion of the various ions with the result that the diffusion velocity of each ion depends on the density gradients of all the ions.
Cytoplasmic RNA synthesis in adrenal: rapid, selective stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Abstract Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulated ( 3 H)-uridine incorporation into rapidly labelled cytoplasmic RNA of guinea pig adrenals within 15 min. Fractionation of RNA by acrylamide gel electrophoresis clearly established that the effects of ACTH in intact animals were selective. When endogenous ACTH was suppressed by dexamethasone administration, similar effects were evident with sucrose density gradient fractionation. This is the first report of a clear demonstration of specificity in rapid hormonal effects on RNA synthesis.
A model for the effects of primary substrates on the kinetics of reductive dehalogenation

A kinetic model that describes substrate interactions during reductive dehalogenation reactions is developed. This model describes how the concentrations of primary electron-donor and -acceptor substrates affect the rates of reductive dehalogenation reactions. A basic model, which considers only exogenous electron-donor and -acceptor substrates, illustrates the fundamental interactions that affect reductive dehalogenation reaction kinetics. Because this basic model cannot accurately describe important phenomena, such as reductive dehalogenation that occurs in the absence of exogenous electron donors, it is expanded to include an endogenous electron donor and additional electron acceptor reactions. This general model more accurately reflects the behavior that has been observed for reductive dehalogenation reactions. Under most conditions, primary electron-donor substrates stimulate the reductive dehalogenation rate, while primary electron acceptors reduce the reaction rate. The effects of primary substrates are incorporated into the kinetic parameters for a Monod-like rate expression. The apparent maximum rate of reductive dehalogenation (qm, ap) and the apparent half-saturation concentration (Kap) increase as the electron donor concentration increases. The electron-acceptor concentration does not affect qm, ap, but Kap is directly proportional to its concentration.
Current and Emerging Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer

The worldwide annual pancreatic cancer death rate equals its estimated annual incidence. Surgery has been considered the only curative modality for this disease, but only 5 to 15% of patients are candidates for potentially curative resection. Evidence that postoperative adjuvant treatment improves outcome has been limited to a single randomised trial of a well tolerated split-course chemoradiation regimen. More intensive regimens have since been developed and are associated with, at best, a modest improvement in patient outcome. The potentially significant morbidity associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy, which can compromise the delivery of postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation, has led to the development of preoperative adjuvant ('neoadjuvant') chemoradiation in these patients. Although experience suggests that such an approach is feasible, its ultimate impact awaits further evaluation. Combined modality therapy has produced the most promising results in patients with unresectable or locally advanced disease. However, only modest improvements in median survival and minimal increases in long term survival have so far been achieved. This observation has encouraged many investigators to devise innovative methods of delivering therapy, including radioisotope implantation and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). Combined modality therapy with radioisotope implantation appears to have the greatest potential for improving local control and survival in these patients. IORT may be associated with lower morbidity than radioisotope implantation, but its impact may be limited by the radiobiological disadvantage associated with single dose boost therapy. Although new radiosensitising drugs are being tested, the problem of distant metastasis remains significant. New chemotherapeutic agents such as gemcitabine appear to have the potential to produce better results than those achieved over the last 35 years with fluorouracil. Investigations into the optimal integration of different therapeutic modalities, along with continued advances in surgery, radiation and systemic therapy, should lead to the increased use of modern multimodality interventions. In turn, this will lead us towards further improvements in outcomes for patients with pancreatic carcinoma.
Healthcare seeking and treatment for menopausal symptoms in the United States.

Abstract Objectives A population-based study was used to describe healthcare seeking behavior for menopausal symptoms and treatment among women 40–65 years old in the United States. Methods Participants were recruited into the Menopause Epidemiology Study from the KnowledgePanelSM, which is selected by random digit dialing and probability sampling from the US population. From this source, 6201 women 40–65 years old were contacted and 4402 women participated. From the 3135 peri- and postmenopausal women, detailed information was obtained on menopausal symptoms, healthcare seeking, medication usage, and symptom relief from the medication. Results Many women (60%) reported seeking health care for their menopausal symptoms. More than half of these women sought health care in the past 12 months. Vasomotor symptoms were the most frequently reported menopause symptoms across all races/ethnicities, and the most common symptoms discussed with a health care professional. One-third of the women (34%) used only hormone therapies, 12% used complementary and/or alternative medicines, and 16% used both for treatment of menopausal symptoms. Conclusions This study has shown that a large number of women consult healthcare providers for menopausal symptoms, indicating these symptoms are bothersome. Yet, in the United States, there is considerable variation in the symptomatology, healthcare seeking, and use of therapies for menopausal symptoms across cultures. To alleviate these symptoms women have tried alternative treatments as well as hormone therapies, yet many women did not get complete relief of specific symptoms.
Survey of leaf anatomy, especially secretory structures, of tribeCaesalpinieae (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae)

We studied leaflet anatomy, emphasizing secretory structures, from herbarium specimens of 128 species of 44 genera of tribeCaesalpinieae, using clearings, resin sections, and scanning electron microscopy. These observations, combined with those from our three earlier papers, provide a survey of 210 species representing all genera. Seventy-three species had secretory structures: 21 had glands or gland-like trichomes, 40 had living mesophyll idioblasts, and nine had cavities (three species each had two different types). Five additional species, all inCercidium (Caesalpinia group), had paired or clustered large spheroidal, thick-walled, empty cells (veinlet idioblasts) interconnected by perforation plate-like gaps. Secretory structures have systematic significance at various taxonomic levels.
A bayesian approach to model adequacy

We present a Bayesian theory for testing model adequacy which provides exact results whether the model is linear or nonlinear in the parameters. We consider two cases:(a) replicated data exists, and (b) no replicated data exists but an external estimate of the variance is available, Furthermore, we derive a useful approximation for testing model adequacy when the model is nonlinear in the parameters.
Cocaine abuse among opioid addicts: demographic and diagnostic factors in treatment.

Cocaine is becoming a major drug of abuse among the general population and among opiate addicts. Reports from the early 1970s found that most abusers were older Black males with some antisocial characteristics. Cocaine abuse at that time was reported by about 17% of opiate addicts seeking treatment and by 7 to 11% of ex-addicts on methadone maintenance. However, that rate increased dramatically during the 1970s, and in our 1980 study of 533 addicts we found that 74% of opiate addicts applying for treatment used cocaine. It was the second most abused nonopioid drug after marijuana, surpassing alcohol intoxication. Although the mean number of days of abuse over the previous 30 days was substantially lower among the addicts on our methadone maintenance program (x = 1.4 days, n = 120) than among the addicts applying for treatment (x = 9 days, n = 204), the following associations with cocaine abuse were consistent in both subsamples. Cocaine abuse was more frequent among Blacks. It was associated with a variet...
Modern Muslims and the Challenge of Plurality

Contrary to the earlier forecasts of secularization theory, religious practices and ethical imaginaries are flourishing across the Muslim world. But Muslim scholars and intellectuals disagree on the question of how to deal with the pluralization in mind and society that marks our age. This paper examines the ways in which contemporary Muslim engagements with religious plurality are discursively path dependent. The engagements are shaped by, on one hand, discourses long associated with Islamic ethics and law, and, on the other hand, circumstances extrinsic to this normative tradition that inform the way in which those internal discourses are selectively reconstructed in the face of modern plurality. The article suggests that, notwithstanding certain anti-pluralist currents, there is a growing community of Muslim intellectuals intent on engaging diversity in society by devising a “plurality in mind” that is still recognizably Islamic in method and message but accommodating of a higher degree of social diversity than was typical of classical Islamic discourses on religious “others.”
Polymerase chain reaction.

The advent of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) radically transformed biological science from the time it was first discovered (Mullis, 1990). For the first time, it allowed for specific detection and production of large amounts of DNA. PCR-based strategies have propelled huge scientific endeavors such as the Human Genome Project. The technique is currently widely used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose diseases, clone and sequence genes, and carry out sophisticated quantitative and genomic studies in a rapid and very sensitive manner. One of the most important medical applications of the classical PCR method is the detection of pathogens. In addition, the PCR assay is used in forensic medicine to identify criminals. Because of its widespread use, it is important to understand the basic principles of PCR and how its use can be modified to provide for sophisticated analysis of genes and the genome.
Access to Subspecialty Care: Bringing Back the Specialty of General Pediatrics

T he gap between the shortage of pediatric subspecialists and the increasing demand for subspecialty consultation have led to long waiting times for subspecialty appointments. In our hospital, waiting times for new patient appointments ranged from 1 day (nephrology) to 77 days (neurology) in January 2011. In an effort to improve access to our services, Nemours leadership issued a call to action: Offer new patients 5-day access. To meet the challenge, an access team (Pediatric Department administration, scheduling manager, and division chiefs) met weekly, beginning in January 2011. During monthly leadership meetings (LeadQuest), division chiefs participated in “action learning” sessions to collaborate on approaches to improving patient access. Access also remained on the agenda for every monthly division chief, department, and strategy management meeting. We lived and breathed access. A gap analysis (new patient slots/new patient demand) assessed 14 divisions and guided strategies to accommodate new patients: adding clinical sessions, shortening visit lengths, simplifying visit types, staggered vacations, and so on. Between January and June 2011, we optimized standard practices in the field of “advanced access.” For each subspecialty, gap analysis data helped determine a ratio of “5-day access” slots (ie, new patient visit available for scheduling no earlier than 5 days in advance) versus regular slots. After-hours clinic sessions were added to provide convenience for families and to address limitations in examination room space.
YBa2 Cu(3-x)CoxOy- A Substrate Material for YBCO Superconductors

The physical properties of the ceramic YBa 2 Cu (3-x) Co x O y have been investigated in order to evaluate its usefulness as a substrate material for YBCO superconductors. YBa 2 Cu (3-x) Co x O y has been found to be thermally and chemically compatible with 123 and displays adequate electrical properties for a substrate material. A material with the nominal composition of YBa 2 Cu 2.2 CO 0.8 O 7 was investigated, extensively. The mechanical properties of this material were found to be poor, e.g., tensile strength was only 60 MPa. A semiconductor-like behavior was observed with a room-temperature resistivity of 70 mμ.cm and a resistivity equal to 4 × 106 mn.cm at 77K. [ Key words: YBa 2 Cu 3 O y , cobalt substitution, substrate, electrical properties, thermal properties, processing]
Numerical solution of continuity equations

Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the six general methods available for solving the time dependent continuity equation numerically. Since finite-difference techniques naturally arise as the most generally applicable solution methods, consideration is given to solving the major remaining difficulties encountered in the general application of lagrangian and eulerian finite differences. In the former, triangular mesh cells with free reconnections are suggested as a complicated but serviceable solution to the lagrangian grid distortion problem. In the latter, nonlinear monotonic difference schemes are introduced as the natural way to avoid the eulerian positivity problem. Flux-corrected transport techniques, the most developed and efficient of the positive (monotone) finite-difference approaches, are described with examples.
Stable isotopic indicators of habitat use by Mississippi River fish

AbstractThe Mississippi River has been highly modified for much of its length, with dredging, channelization, and an extensive levee system disrupting historical connections to inland and coastal floodplains. There are currently many large- and small-scale efforts to restore these historical connections in the Mississippi River basin, often with particular emphasis on restoring fish spawning habitat and the high fisheries productivity of the floodplain systems. To investigate how stable isotopic indicators might be useful in showing fish use of restored floodplain habitats, 118 common, benthic-feeding fish were collected from the lower Mississippi River system in Louisiana. Chemical analyses of amounts and isotopic compositions of C, N, and S in fish tissues showed that fish living in different rivers and floodplain estuaries had distinctly different chemistries that reflected fish use of different habitat types. For example, inland swamp floodplains in the Atchafalaya Basin produced fish with lower δ13C ...
Scaling of rotation and isotope separation in a vacuum-arc centrifuge

Abstract Scaling is described of rotation, plasma column size and separation in a vacuum-arc centrifuge. The vacuum-arc centrifuge is a magnetized, fulled ionized, quasineutral column of plasma. The source of plasma is a vacuum-arc discharge between a negatively biased cathode and a grounded mesh anode. Rigid-body rotation, induced by the J × B force, causes radial, centrifugal separation of isotopes in the plasma column. Salient features of a fluid model that provides an understanding of rotation and the concomitant isotope separation in the vacuum-arc centrifuge are described. Scaling of rotation and plasma column size is found be consistent with the model. Measurements of isotope separation, also found to agree with the predictions of the model, are presented. Results of a parametric analysis of isotope separation in such a vacuum-arc centrifuge, using the fluid model and the observed scaling laws, are described. An analysis of the energy cost of separation of the vacuum-arc centrifuge shows that it typically requires only 70 keV/separated atom.
Theoretical Investigation of the excess free energy of binaryn-alkane systems

Abstract It is shown that the recent theory of Janini and Martire can be used to interpret the infinite dilution activity coefficients of 36 binaryn-alkane systems at 80, 100, and 120 C, and activity coefficients as a function of mole fraction for threen-alkane systems.
Exclusion of glucosyl-hydroxymethylcytosine DNA containing bacteriophages is overcome by the injected protein inhibitor IPI*.

Abstract The Escherichia coli isolate CT596 excludes infection by the Myoviridae T4 ip1 − phage that lacks the encapsidated IPI* protein normally injected into the host with the phage DNA. Screening of a CT596 genomic library identified adjacent genes responsible for this exclusion, gmrS (942 bp) and gmrD (708 bp) that are encoded by a cryptic prophage DNA. The two genes are necessary and sufficient to confer upon a host the ability to exclude infection by T4 ip1 − phage and other glucosyl-hydroxymethylcytosine (glc-HMC) Tevens lacking the ip1 gene, yet allow infection by phages with non-glucoslyated cytosine (C) DNA that lack the ip1 gene. A plasmid expressing the ip1 gene product, IPI*, allows growth of Tevens lacking ip1 on E. coli strains carrying the cloned gmrS/gmrD genes. Members of the Teven family carry a diverse and, in some cases, expanded set of ip1 locus genes. In vivo analysis suggests a family of gmr genes that specifically target sugar-HMC modified DNA have evolved to exclude Teven phages, and these exclusion genes have in turn been countered by a family of injected exclusion inhibitors that likely help determine the host range of different glc-HMC phages.
A theorem on finitely generated hyperabelian groups

Our main object is to prove that a finitely generated non-nilpotent hyperabelian group has a finite non-nilpotent homomorphic image. The terminology "here is as follows: if 9 ~ is a group theoretical property, a group G is a hyper-~ group if it has an ascending series (of arbitrary ordinal type beginning at 1 and ending at G) of normal subgroups such that each factor of the series has the property ~: when ~ is inherited by homomorphic images, it is not difficult to see that hyper-~ is equivalent to the requirement that every non-trivial homomorphic image contain a non-trivial normal subgroup with the property ~. Actually we will prove a slight generalization of the result mentioned above. Theorem 1. Let G be a finitely generated hyper-(abelian or finite) group. If G is not nilpotent, it has a finite non-nilpotent homomorphic image. The special case where G is polycyclic is due to Hirsch ([6], Theorem 3.24). At least two generalizations of Hirsch's theorem already exist. A non-nilpotent soluble minimax group without groups of type pO~ in the centre of its Fitting subgroup for any prime p has a finite non-nilpotent homomorphic image (Robinson [7], Theorem A and Theorem 5.11). (A minimax group is a group which has a series of finite length whose factors satisfy either the maximal or minimal condition on subgroups.) A similar result is true for non-nilpotent linear groups over a finitely generated integral domain (cf. Wehrfritz [10], Lemma 2).
Effects of GH deficiency and GH replacement on inter-male aggressiveness in mice.

Abstract Objective Growth hormone (GH) has been suggested to influence aggressive behavior in several species, but no data are presently available in GH-deficient (GHD) animals. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of GHD on aggressive behavior in a mouse model of isolated GHD due to removal of the GHRH gene (GHRH knock out, GHRHKO), and to evaluate the effects of GH replacement. Design We studied two groups of adult male mice: Ten GH-sufficient animals heterozygous for GHRHKO allele (HTZ), and 30 GHRHKO animals. Behavior was measured by scoring several aggression parameters after isolation, when the animal was challenged against an intruder both in neutral and home cage. Animals were then re-studied after the GHRHKO mice were left untreated (control, Ctrl), or were treated for 2 weeks with daily subcutaneous recombinant GH or with vehicle (Veh). Blood samples were collected before and after GH or Veh treatment, and assayed for serum IGF-I and testosterone. Results The GHRHKO mice showed significantly reduced aggressiveness compared to HTZ animals. GH (but not Veh) administration normalized isolation-induced aggressive behavior in GHRHKO mice, despite lack of full serum IGF-I normalization. No difference was noted in serum testosterone levels among all groups at any of the time points. Conclusions These findings show that GHD reduces aggressive behavior in GHRHKO mice, that GH replacement normalizes aggressiveness, and that this behavior change is not related to an increase in serum testosterone.
Stable Kinesin and Dynein Assemblies Drive the Axonal Transport of Mammalian Prion Protein Vesicles

Summary Kinesin and dynein are opposite-polarity microtubule motors that drive the tightly regulated transport of a variety of cargoes. Both motors can bind to cargo, but their overall composition on axonal vesicles and whether this composition directly modulates transport activity are unknown. Here we characterize the intracellular transport and steady-state motor subunit composition of mammalian prion protein (PrP C ) vesicles. We identify Kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein as major PrP C vesicle motor complexes and show that their activities are tightly coupled. Regulation of normal retrograde transport by Kinesin-1 is independent of dynein-vesicle attachment and requires the vesicle association of a complete Kinesin-1 heavy and light chain holoenzyme. Furthermore, motor subunits remain stably associated with stationary as well as with moving vesicles. Our data suggest a coordination model wherein PrP C vesicles maintain a stable population of associated motors whose activity is modulated by regulatory factors instead of by structural changes to motor-cargo associations.
Cholesterol and aggression

Best known for its etiological influence in the cardiovascular disease process, serum cholesterol also plays a role in numerous psychological processes, including affect, cognition, and overt behavior. Prominently, it is related to aggression in humans and other primates. Lipid studies of violent offenders, primary prevention trials of cholesterol reduction, and experimental dietary manipulations in nonhuman primates all point to a significant negative association between cholesterol and physical aggression. By contrast, a positive though inconsistent association between serum cholesterol elevations and verbal aggression (e.g., hostility) has been reported in many studies and often ascribed to a neurophysiological response to acute or chronic stress. We review the numerous studies that have examined the link between serum cholesterol, verbal and physical aggression, and integrate current findings.
Race, Skin Tone, and Educational Achievement

Research on skin-tone bias has focused primarily on intraracial inequality with little attention to skin-tone inequality across ethnoracial groups. We engage the debate over the color line by consi...