cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinically Significant Variability of Serum IgE Concentrations in Patients with Severe Asthma

Objective. To determine the magnitude of immunoglobulin E (IgE) variability in a cohort of patients with severe asthma considered for omalizumab therapy. Methods. Retrospective chart review identified 65 patients with two or more IgE determinations out of the 124 patients referred to the Cleveland Clinic Respiratory Institute for treatment with omalizumab from 2003 to 2011. Patients with conditions known to affect IgE concentrations were excluded. Demographic data, pulmonary function testing, medications, smoking status, and atopy were recorded. The range of variability and percent variability in relation to baseline serum IgE were calculated. Results. The median difference of serum IgE between the minimal and maximal values was 94.9 IU/ml (IQR 26.3–324.1 IU/ml). Percent variability from minimum value had a median of 75.5% (IQR 23.3–152.6%). There was no correlation between age, body mass index, lung function, and IgE variability. Greater variability was associated with female gender (p = .06). There was ...
798-2 Differential Sensitivity of AV and VA Conduction to Adenosine in Humans

Studies in rat isolated hearts suggest that adenosine is more potent for slowing antegrade atrioventricular (AV) than retrograde ventriculo-atrial (VA) conduction. The potency (EC50) and maximal effect (Emax) of adenosine to slow AV and VA conductions were determined in 16 patients (mean age 48 years). These patients were selected from a group that had a common form of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia who had prior to the study been subjected to selective radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway conduction, but with intact antegrade and retrograde fast pathway conduction. During high right atrial and ventricular pacing at comparable cycle lengths (400–500 msec). adenosine was injected as an intravenous bolus at an initial dose of 0.5 mg followed by stepwise increase of 1 mg given every 5 minutes until AV or VA block occurred. The dose-response curves for adenosine-induced prolongation of AV and VA conduction time were determined. The 1:1 AV and VA conduction cycle lengths before injection of adenosine were 340 ± 50 and 326 ± 75 msec, respectively. Adenosine induced dose-dependent prolongation of AV nodal conduction time and caused typical Wenckebach AV block in all 16 patients with EC50 and Emax values of 1.4 ± 0.8 mg and 54 ± 2%, respectively. Adenosine also induced dose-dependent prolongation of VA conduction time and VA block, however, with significantly (P l 0.051 higher EC50 and shorter Emax, i.e., 6.1 ± 1 mg and 20 ± 2%, respectively. The mean dose of adenosine to induce AV block is significantly lower than that to induce VA block (3.3 ± 1.6vs. 7.7 ± 3.3 mg, P l 005). Notably, adenosine induced Wenckebach VA block in 10 of 16 patients and Mobitz type II block in 6 of 16 patients. In conclusion, adenosine is more potent in slowing AV than VA conduction, suggesting that the electrical wavefront entering the N zone of AV node is less affected by adenosine during VA than during AV conduction. In addition, retrograde fast pathway may at least in part involve conduction through the N zone of AV node.
Different methods and storage duration affect measurements of epilithic extracellular enzyme activities in lotic biofilms

Extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) is becoming increasingly common for measuring biofilm function in streams. Different methods for enzyme assays may yield results that cannot be compared among studies, and duration of sample storage may also affect EEAs, leading to erroneous conclusions. We compared two frequently used methods for measuring phosphatase (PHOS), leucine aminopeptidase (LAMP), β-glucosidase (GLU), and β-xylosidase (XYLO) by conducting assays with intact and disrupted epilithic biofilms grown on tiles in three streams. Storage duration effects on EEA were documented with intact and disrupted biofilms kept in the dark at 4°C for 3 and 5 days. Intact biofilms had significantly less EEA than disrupted biofilms for all enzymes (P < 0.01). The two methods gave conflicting EEA results among streams, and ratios of disrupted to intact EEAs for each enzyme were not consistent among the three streams. PHOS was significantly greater than day 1 measurements when stored as disrupted (Day 3 = 210%, Day 5 = 199% increases) and intact biofilms (Day 3 = 375%, Day 5 = 240% increases). LAMP activities were significantly less when stored as disrupted biofilms (Day 3 = −49% decrease) and greater when stored as intact biofilms (Day 5 = 72% increase). GLU (Day 3 = 313% increase) and XYLO (Day 3 = 121%, Day 5 = 188% increases) were significantly greater when stored as intact biofilms. The magnitude of change for all EEAs was inconsistent among streams, indicating that a consistent correction factor cannot be used to account for variation associated with storage duration. Consistent methods must be used and storage time should be minimized, preferably to the day of sampling, for valid inter-study comparisons. Conclusions can significantly differ between the two methods, therefore having implications for inter-study comparisons, understanding of biofilm function and dynamics, and environmental management decisions.
GTPase activating protein function of p85 facilitates uptake and recycling of the β1 integrin

Beta1-containing adhesions at the plasma membrane function as dynamic complexes to provide bidirectional communication between the cell and its environment, yet commonly are used by pathogens to gain host cell entry. Recently, the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin was found to inhibit host invasion through beta1-containing adhesion complexes. To better understand the regulatory mechanisms controlling adhesion formation and uptake and the use of these complexes by Staphylococcus aureus, the primary etiologic agent in sepsis, bacteremia and endocarditis, we investigated the mechanism of inhibition by simvastatin. In response to simvastatin, adhesion complexes diminished as well as beta1 trafficking to the plasma membrane required to initiate adhesion formation. Simvastatin stimulated CDC42 activation and coupling to p85, a small-guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activating protein (GAP), yet sequestered CDC42 coupled to p85 within the cytosol. Loss of p85 GAP activity through use of genetic strategies decreased host cell invasion as well as beta1 trafficking. From these findings, we propose a mechanism whereby p85 GAP activity localized within membrane compartments facilitates beta1 trafficking. By sequestering p85 within the cytosol, simvastatin restricts the availability and uptake of the receptor used by pathogenic strains to gain host cell entry.
Impaired phosphoinositide hydrolysis in Alzheimer's disease brain

The effect of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on the activity of the phosphoinositide second messenger system was studied by measuring the hydrolysis of [3H]phosphatidylinositol (PI) by membranes from postmortem human prefrontal cortex. The activity of phospholipase C was similar in AD and control tissue. Activation with GTP gamma S and with carbachol demonstrated less [3H]PI hydrolysis in AD than control membranes. The concentration of Gq/11, the G-proteins most likely functional in phosphoinositide metabolism, was unchanged in AD compared with controls, indicating that function of the receptor-G-protein complex rather than the G-protein concentration was the site of the impairment in AD. These results indicate that postsynaptic muscarinic receptor responses are impaired in AD, a finding that may explain, in part, the limited therapeutic responses achieved by administration of cholinomimetics to patients with AD. Also, this assay provides a means to identify cholinomimetics that are most effective in activating muscarinic receptor-coupled phosphoinositide hydrolysis in human brain, agents which should have the greatest potential for providing therapeutic responses in AD.
Synthesis, modeling, and pharmacological evaluation of UMB 425, a mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist opioid analgesic with reduced tolerance liabilities.

Opioid narcotics are used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain and primarily exert their analgesic effects through μ receptors. Although traditional μ agonists can cause undesired side effects, including tolerance, addition of δ antagonists can attenuate said side effects. Herein, we report 4a,9-dihydroxy-7a-(hydroxymethyl)-3-methyl-2,3,4,4a,5,6-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7(7aH)-one (UMB 425) a 5,14-bridged morphinan-based orvinol precursor synthesized from thebaine. Although UMB 425 lacks δ-specific motifs, conformationally sampled pharmacophore models for μ and δ receptors predict it to have efficacy similar to morphine at μ receptors and similar to naltrexone at δ receptors, due to the compound sampling conformations in which the hydroxyl moiety interacts with the receptors similar to orvinols. As predicted, UMB 425 exhibits a mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist profile as determined in receptor binding and [35S]GTPγS functional assays in CHO cells. In vivo studies in mice sh...
Recovery of acetylcholinesterase forms in quail muscle cultures after intoxication with diisopropylfluorophosphate

Studies of recovery of acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) after inhibition by organophosphates (OPs) have been hampered by the low number of in vitro systems with large collagen-tailed forms of AChE characteristic of motor end plates. Pectoral muscle cultures from Japanese quail with high levels of a large 20S form of AChE were used to study recovery of cells from acute treatment with diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), an irreversible AChE inhibitor. Low molecular weight AChE forms were synthesized more rapidly than the large 20S form following a 15-min treatment with 10(-4)M DFP. Most of the activities of the small forms, but only part of the activity of the 20S form, disappeared within 48 hr after cycloheximide was added to block protein synthesis. To the contrary, virtually all the activity of the 20S AChE that was newly synthesized after DFP treatment was lost within 24 hr after cycloheximide treatment. The results were generally consistent with the idea that the 20S AChE form is assembled inside the cell near to its surface and then is released to bind to its outside.
Evidence for expansion of a population of lymphocytes with reduced or absent T3 expression in aged human donors

In a previous report, we described an unusual pattern of T cell associated surface marker expression in unfractionated mononuclear cells from aged donors; an excess of T4 and T8 positive cells relative to T3 positive cells. This study further characterizes these cells on the basis of density, adherence to nylon wool and quantitative expression of cell surface markers. We find that the population of lymphocytes responsible for the unusual surface marker expression is of low density, adheres to nylon wool, and is present in small numbers in young donors. The adherent cells have a reduced quantitative expression of the T3 antigen, no change in the antigen density of T4 and T8, and have increased expression of the T10 antigen. These cells do not have the characteristics of large granular lymphocytes, monocytes, B cells with unusual marker expression, or thymocytes poised for export to peripheral blood. We suggest that these cells, found in increased numbers in aged humans, may represent an expansion of a population of T lymphocytes with absent or reduced T3 antigen expression found normally in smaller numbers in young adults. T lymphocyte antigen receptor density has been quantitatively linked to expression of the T3 antigen. Thus, our results imply that aging may lead to decreased T cell surface antigen density, which may account in part for decline in T cell function with age.
Effect of Nitrogen Release From Accumulators on PWR LOCA Analysis

The accumulator in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) is generally pressurized with inert nitrogen cover gas, and the accumulator water will be saturated with nitrogen. Nitrogen released due to system depressurization during a Loss-of-Coolant Accident (LOCA) transient, consists of the nitrogen that is in the gas phase as well as nitrogen coming out of the liquid from a dissolved state. The effect of nitrogen release from the accumulator on the accident sequence is generally not explicitly addressed in typical LOCA analyses. This paper presents an analytical nitrogen release model and its incorporation into the RELAP5/MOD3 computer code. The model predicts the amount of nitrogen release as a function of concentration difference between the actual and equilibrium conditions, and can track its subsequent transport through the downstream reactor coolant system in a LOCA transient. The model is compared to data from discharge tests with a refrigerant type fluid, pressurized with nitrogen. The results demonstrate that the model is able to calculate the release of the dissolved nitrogen as designed. The modified computer code has been applied to analyze the discharge from a typical PWR accumulator. The results are compared to those obtained without the nitrogen release model. The effect of nitrogen release on major system parameters, including accumulator level, accumulator flow rate, and accumulator pressure, is discussed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Evaluation of Nutrition Education and Training Mini-Grant Programs.

Abstract This study monitored the Nutrition Education and Training (NET) program in three public elementary schools in upstate New York and determined the program effectiveness. We compared data from kindergarten through sixth grade students (n = 530) and from their parents, teachers and food service personnel in the three NET schools to that of a similar sample (n = 627) in three non-NET schools. The children's nutrition knowledge and their attitudes toward certain foods improved in both NET and non-NET schools. Significant improvements in snacking practices at home and away occurred only among children at NET schools. Children in the NET school with the most intensive nutrition program exhibited the greatest improvements.
The Paradox of Selfobject Relating: When Good Feels Bad: Discussion of Amy Eldridge's Case Presentation

This discussion addresses a particularly troubling question raised by Amy's discussion of Mary: Does Mary's slow progress in treatment pose a challenge to our convictions about the mutative power of selfobject relating. Despite Amy's efforts to be the developmentally needed and longed-for selfobject, Mary subjectively experiences Amy as failing to understand her. This article offers some speculative thoughts about what might move the work in a different direction. Perhaps Mary's anger could be understood, not just as her need to protect herself against the high risks of retraumatization, but as an assertion of what is referred to as her “striving for health” (Buirski and Haglund, 2001); in this case, striving to maintain the feeling of aliveness, agency, and personal power in the relationship. Misunderstanding striving for health as fear of retraumatization or pathological defense can be experienced as a massive misattunement. Interpreting health as pathology, however well-meaning, may be experienced by M...
Evaluating the efficiency of 3PL logistics operations

Abstract This paper introduces data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a tool to evaluate the efficiency of a group of third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse logistics operations. DEA is a linear programming technique used to evaluate the efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs) where multiple inputs and outputs are involved. The paper starts with a general review of the DEA models and basic definitions, and then provides a review of warehousing functions and performance measures. First, a basic (unrestricted) DEA model is applied to a group of homogeneous warehouses that have similar inputs and outputs. Then, a revised (restricted) DEA model with additional constraints is presented; the revised model incorporates weight restrictions and value judgment. The relative efficiency scores for the warehouses used in the study were analyzed before and after the use of weight restrictions. As a result, we were able to determine the impact of each input and output on the efficiency of each warehouse, and also, we were able to examine specific warehouse characteristics and develop a set of recommendations for assisting managers and engineers in the improvement and design of more efficient operations.
Core effects in dislocation intersection

Abstract In summary, we have demonstrated the feasibility of atomistic simulations for the study of dislocation intersections. Through the specific examples of partial dislocations in Si, we have examined the mechanisms of intersection in full atomistic detail. We have also shown that formation of the intersection defects can be viewed as a convolution of two dislocation densities distributed in two non-parallel glide planes, in agreement with the quasi-continuum Peierls concept. On the other hand, energetics of the intersections is strongly dependent on the details of atomistic structure in the core, such as core reconstruction, which can be addressed only within a fully atomistic approach.
Selective release of antibody forming cells into the blood

Abstract Cells that are actively producing antibody in the spleen are not randomly released into the blood. At comparable times after immunization, the ratio of IgM/IgG antibody-producing cells in blood differs from that in the spleen and lymph nodes. In contrast to the primary response, a heightened number of antibody-producing cells in the lymphoid tissue during the secondary response is not reflected by an increased number in the blood. The findings suggest that some immunologically active cells are selectively retained by the lymphoid tissues while newly produced antibody-forming cells are released into the blood stream.
Substrate-mediated regulation of γ-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 in rat brain

The uptake of neurotransmitter by plasma membrane transporters is a principal method for regulating extracellular transmitter levels. Neurotransmitter-mediated signals in turn are able to regulate transporter expression and function. Thus, there is a continual interplay between transporters and the transmitters they transport. Previously we showed that extracellular γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) increases the expression of the GABA transporter 1 (GAT1) on a time scale of minutes by acting via the transporter to slow transporter internalization. This mechanism requires in part direct tyrosine phosphorylation of the transporter. In the present study we show that the presence of GABA on a longer time scale causes a net decrease in GAT surface expression. The decrease in expression represents the contributions of transporter-mediated up-regulation and a more substantial GABA-receptor-mediated down-regulation. This receptor-mediated down-regulation is the result of both changes in the rates of transporter trafficking and in the number of transporters available for trafficking. As with transporter-mediated regulation of GAT1, the receptor-mediated regulation is associated with changes in the direct phosphorylation of GAT1. These data suggest that multiple pathways, perhaps converging upon mechanisms involving protein phosphorylation, act to regulate GAT1 expression in neurons.
Lower extremity monoparesis after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Two patients presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Both patients were treated via endovascular coil embolization, and both developed delayed lower extremity monoparesis without associated symptoms that resolved over the ensuing months. An extensive work-up lead us to propose the following hypothesis: the painless peripheral neuropathy likely resulted from nerve root irritation from abundant subarachnoid blood in the lumbar cistern.
Prostaglandin D2 pathway upregulation: Relation to asthma severity, control, and TH2 inflammation

Background Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid prostaglandin D 2 (PGD 2 ) levels are increased in patients with severe, poorly controlled asthma in association with epithelial mast cells (MCs). PGD 2 , which is generated by hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS), acts on 3 G protein–coupled receptors, including chemoattractant receptor–homologous molecule expressed on T H 2 lymphocytes (CRTH2) and PGD 2 receptor 1 (DP1). However, much remains to be understood regarding the presence and activation of these pathway elements in asthmatic patients. Objective We sought to compare the expression and activation of PGD 2 pathway elements in bronchoscopically obtained samples from healthy control subjects and asthmatic patients across a range of disease severity and control, as well as in relation to T H 2 pathway elements. Methods Epithelial cells and BAL fluid were evaluated for HPGDS (quantitative real-time PCR/immunohistochemistry [IHC]) and PGD 2 (ELISA/liquid chromatography mass spectrometry) in relation to levels of MC proteases. Expression of the 2 inflammatory cell receptors DP1 and CRTH2 was evaluated on luminal cells. These PGD 2 pathway markers were then compared with asthma severity, level of control, and markers of T H 2 inflammation (blood eosinophils and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide). Results Confirming previous results, BAL fluid PGD 2 levels were highest in patients with severe asthma (overall P = .0001). Epithelial cell compartment HPGDS mRNA and IHC values differed among groups ( P = .008 and P P = .001 and P = .0001, respectively). Asthma exacerbations, poor asthma control, and T H 2 inflammatory markers were associated with higher PGD 2 , HPGDS, and CRTH2 levels. Conclusion The current study identifies coordinated upregulation of the PGD 2 pathway in patients with severe, poorly controlled, T H 2-high asthma despite corticosteroid use.
Structure of shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions with bleed through rows of circular holes

Computations were performed to investigate the 3D, shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions on a flat plate with bleed through four staggered rows of circular holes that discharge into a plenum. The focus is to extract understanding that can be used to construct a bleed boundary condition for CFD computations of inlet-bleed systems without the need to resolve the flow through each bleed hole in the spirit of 'turbulent wall functions'. A preliminary framework for such a boundmy condition and the ingredients necessary for it to be useful are outlined. The computations reported in this study are based on the ensemble-averaged, 'full compressible' Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations closed by the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic turbulence model. Solutions to the ensemble-averaged N-S equations were obtained by a diagonalized ADI scheme utilizing central differencing with a blended second- and fourth-order dissipation on a Chimera overlapping grid. (Author)
A rapid means of sex identification inSilene latifolia by use of flow cytometry

Sex identification in dioecious plants using nonflowering material would have broad applications in both basic and applied research. We present a method using flow cytometry for diagnosing the sex of the dioecious speciesSilene latifolia Poiret (Caryophyllaceae) by means of sexual differences in nuclear DNA content and base-pair composition. Males have a significantly larger genome, attributable to the known sex-chromosome heteromorphism. Males and females also differ in the AT/GC composition, attributable to differences in non-recombining portions of the sex chromosomes. The two measures enable assignment of individuals to sex with a combined error rate of 9%. These results forS. latifolia indicate useful directions for future research into sex diagnostics for other dioecious species.
Effects of fatigue and environment on residual strengths of center-cracked graphite/epoxy buffer strip panels

Graphite/epoxy buffer strip panels were subjected to a fatigue loading spectrum, moisture conditioning, or heating and then statically tested in tension to determine their residual strengths. The specimens were made with T300/5208 graphite/epoxy in a 16-ply quasi-isotropic layup, [45/0/ - 45/90]2s, with two different buffer strip materials: Kevlar-49 or S-glass. Each panel was cut in the center to represent damage. The panels made from each buffer strip material were divided into two test conditions: those panels tested at room temperature and those tested at 82°C. Each test condition was further divided into two groups, panels tested at ambient conditions and panels tested after moisture conditioning. Thus, there were four combinations of preconditioning and test condition: (1) ambient condition tested at room temperature, (2) moisture conditioned tested at room temperature, (3) ambient condition tested at 80°C, and (4) moisture conditioned tested at 82°C. After preconditioning and fatigue loading, all specimens were statically loaded in tension to failure to determine their residual strengths. After fatigue loading, the buffer strips arrested the crack growth and increased the residual strengths significantly over those of plain laminates without buffer strips under all conditions, with one exception. For the S-glass buffer strip panels with moisture conditioning, the buffer strip arrested the crack growth, but the residual strength was increased only slightly over the strength of a plain laminate. The stiffness of the panels was not affected by the fatigue cycling. Repeated fatigue cycling did not produce any damage growth at the crack tips.
The convergence of sequences of Padé approximants

Criteria are specified for the selection of a convergent subsequence of Pade approximants out of a given sequence. Conditions which may be implemented computationally are given for establishing spherical equicontinuity of a sequence of Pade approximants, and these conditions suffice to prove spherical convergence.
GROWTH HORMONE CONTENT OF PITUITARIES FROM RATS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS1

Growth hormone (GH) content of pituitaries from rats with extensive ventral hypothalamic damage was determined by bioassay using the tibial epiphysial width stimulating test. Decrease in growth rate (measured by body weight and body length), decrease in pituitary size and decrease in pituitary somatotrophin concentration were produced by the lesion. It was estimated that the amount of GH per pituitary was reduced to approximately 15% of the normal. Secondary lesion-induced deficiences of thyroxine, testosterone or of vasopressin were not the cause of this effect because adequate replacement treatment was given. An earlier study on GH content of pituitaries from adrenalectomized rats was cited which makes it unlikely that lesion-induced ACTIi deficiency was the cause of low GH found in these experiments. The demonstration of low concentrations of GH in the pituitaries of rats with lesions is the first direct evidence that some phase of somatotrophin secretion (decreased synthesis or increased release or bo...
HIV-Positive Persons’ Awareness and Understanding of Their State’s Criminal HIV Disclosure Law

Commentary on the potential impact of HIV-specific disclosure laws on persons living with HIV has been critical, plentiful, and enduring. Yet empirical information with which to answer even the most basic questions about these laws, such as whether HIV-positive persons living in a state with a disclosure law are aware of the law, is absent. This study reports on data gathered from a statewide sample of 384 HIV-positive persons living in a state with an HIV disclosure law. Participant awareness and understanding of the law were assessed. Data on the sources from which participants received information on the law and the perceived helpfulness of these sources were also collected. Analyses were conducted to identify associations between participant awareness or understanding of the law and demographic characteristics of participants or information sources encountered. The majority of participants were aware that their state had enacted an HIV-specific disclosure law. Understanding of the law was good, although there was substantial confusion over several provisions. The most prevalent and most helpful sources of information on the law were AIDS-related resources as opposed to mass media. Forty-two percent of the participants learned about the law when first diagnosed with HIV. Sixty-two percent of the participants reported that their case manager had told them about the law.
Large Deformation Mechanics of the Enucleated Eyeball

Large deformation of enucleated pig eyeballs under rigid cylindrical indenters was studied analytically and experimentally. The analytic model for the eyeball consists of a fluid-filled spherical membrane composed of an incompressible, elastic material with an exponential strain energy function. The Rayleigh-Ritz technique provided an approximate solution via a potential energy formulation. Comparison with results from tests on eyeballs and a water-filled rubber (Mooney-Rivlin) shell shows good agreement at large deflection, where membrane action dominates. Due to the highly nonlinear stress-strain relations for the sclera, the load remains relatively small until the indenter displacement approaches 40-60 percent of the eyeball radius, and then the load increases rapidly. Depending on the indenter size, either a perforation or a rupture type of failure occurs.
Non-random metaphase I orientation of the chromosomes of a trivalent

Relative frequencies were compared of metaphase I orientation for alternate and adjacent distribution of two chromosomes from a trivalent configuration when the third member of the trivalent was of two different types. The two chromosomes whose distribution was studied were a normal sequence maize chromosome 2 and a maize-Tripsacum interchange chromosome. The third chromosome was either: 1. the reciprocal interchange chromosome, segmentally homologous of the normal sequence chromosome (knob (+) plants) or 2. a homologue of the normal sequence chromosome (knob (-) plants). With other conditions apparently similar, adjacent distribution was very significantly greater in knob (+) plants than in knob (-) plants. There seems to be no simple explanation for these results.
Intravenous sedation in dentistry and oral surgery

IV administration is the most precise and effective means of sedating a patient. Its desired effect is a comfortable and cooperative patient whose pain is alleviated by regional local anesthesia. It requires a patient who understands the difference between being lightly sedated and unconscious. Its primary purpose is to diminish anxiety and apprehension rather than to obtund protective reflexes. At all times, the patient should remain conscious and appropriately responsive to questions or commands. This state can be readily achieved in most patients by carefully titrating a single drug such as diazepam or midazolam to effect. The use of multiple drugs is to be discouraged, since it generally increases the level of sedation and the number of complications. Dosing should be individualized rather than averaged or arbitrary. The end point of titration is the patient's verbal acknowledgement of feeling more relaxed and the physical evidence of such relaxation. The "Verrill sign" indicates a level of deep sedation--too deep for most cases of conscious sedation in the office setting. I strongly oppose the routine use of narcotics for office sedation. Monitoring of vital signs before, during, and after surgery ensures the safety of the consciously sedated patient. The use of a pulse oximeter is an evolving standard in general anesthesia and may eventually prove important for patients receiving conscious sedation in the office setting.
Principles and Practices of Test Score Equating

Score equating is essential for any testing program that continually produces new editions of a test and for which the expectation is that scores from these editions have the same meaning over time. Particularly in testing programs that help make high-stakes decisions, it is extremely important that test equating be done carefully and accurately. An error in the equating function or score conversion can affect the scores for all examinees, which is both a fairness and a validity concern. Because the reported score is so visible, the credibility of a testing organization hinges on activities associated with producing, equating, and reporting scores. This paper addresses the practical implications of score equating by describing aspects of equating and best practices associated with the equating process.
Toward a Definition of Teamwork in Emergency Medicine

The patient safety literature from the past decade emphasizes the importance of teamwork skills and human factors in preventing medical errors. Simulation has been used within aviation, the military, and now health care domains to effectively teach and assess teamwork skills. However, attempts to expand and generalize research and training principles have been limited due to a lack of a well-defined, well-researched taxonomy. As part of the 2008 Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference on "The Science of Simulation in Healthcare," a subset of the group expertise and group assessment breakout sections identified evidence-based recommendations for an emergency medicine (EM) team taxonomy and performance model. This material was disseminated within the morning session and was discussed both during breakout sessions and via online messaging. Below we present a well-defined, well-described taxonomy that will help guide design, implementation, and assessment of simulation-based team training programs.
The role of GABA during development of the outer retina in the rabbit.

Horizontal cells are among the first to mature in the neonatal mammalian retina and they are the first to establish the position of the outer synaptic layer which is subsequently formed by invading terminals of both rod and cone photoreceptors (1–5). During the period of cone synaptogenesis, horizontal cells transiently express the full complement of GABAergic properties (uptake, release, synthesis and storage of GABA); later during development of rod terminals, these properties are down-regulated (1,6–9_. Given the reports of GABA's role in other developing neuronal systems (for review: 10), we have examined the effect that GABA, produced from horizontal cells, might have on photoreceptor maturation in rabbit retina. Results from our previous studies show that lesioning the horizontal cell with kainic acid in vivo leads to a displacement of cone photoreceptor cells and a disappearance of their synaptic terminals, while rod cells maintain their normal position and produce an overabundance of terminals (11). Similar effects are seen with the GABA-A receptor antagonists, picrotoxin and bicucculine (11,12). New evidence from3H-thymidine studies suggests that the effects of kainic acid are specific and that cell division, migration and differentiation in other cell types do not appear to be affected. This body of work is summarized and possible mechanisms of action are suggested which could account for the apparent ability of GABA to help maintain the normal position of cone cell bodies and regulate cone synaptogenesis.
Molar morphology and variation in two Malagasy lemur families (Lemuridae and Indriidae)

Abstract The lemurs of Madagascar represent a radiation of primates exhibiting considerable ecological and morphological diversity. Dentally, all lemurs possess the characteristic strepsirhine anterior tooth comb, but exhibit variation in their postcanine teeth that may be related to dietary differences. In this study, I examine two factors that could complicate a strictly functional interpretation of tooth form variation in two families of Malagasy primates, the Lemuridae and Indriidae. (1) Allometry may be responsible for observed variation. Body size, not specific tooth features, may be the object of selection; tooth features may vary among taxa as a consequence of differences in body size. (2) Taxonomic affiliation may “explain” variation without recourse to functional explanations. Tooth morphology among closely-related taxa may be constrained developmentally or as a result of stabilizing selection. Morphological variation between families, therefore, may not be the result of current functional differences related to physical dietary properties, but may result from past events that are lineage-specific. Morphological features from the upper and lower second molars of seven lemurid and four indriid taxa are compared. The results of this study indicate that the majority of second molar features scale isometrically. Initial separation by families is warranted by the homogeneous slopes but different elevations in analyses of covariance between families. Intrafamilial variation is considerable for lemurids, but more discrete among indriids. Functional explanations for tooth form variability should take into consideration the degree of variation within taxa. For this particular dataset, the two families should be analyzed separately, and, because of the considerable overlap of subspecies with full species among lemurids, the lowest taxonomic unit recognized should be used.
601 octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery: outcome and comparison with younger age groups.

Abstract Background . Cardiac valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) are being applied with increasing frequency in patients 80 years of age and older. Methods . Six hundred one consecutive patients older than 80 years, undergoing cardiac surgery between 1976 and 1994 (CABG with saphenous vein graft, 329 [54.7%]; CABG with left internal mammary artery, 101 [16.8%]; CABG + valve, 80 [13.3%]; isolated aortic valve replacement, 71 [11.8%]; isolated mitral valve replacement, 18 [3.0%]), were studied retrospectively to assess short- and long-term survival. They were compared with 11,386 patients aged 60 to 69 years and 5,698 patients aged 70 to 79 years undergoing similar procedures during the same time interval. Results . In comparison with patients 60 to 69 years old, more octogenarians were women (44.4% versus 25.6%, p p p = 0.0001). In-hospital death rates (9.1% versus 3.4%, p p p = 0.102). Interestingly, hospital mortality (9.1% versus 6.7%, p = 0.028) was only slightly increased, and stroke (5.7% versus 4.7%, p = 0.286) was not more common in octogenarians than in patients 70 to 79 years old. Late-survival curves have similar slopes for the first 5 years in all clinical subgroups. However, after 5 years there is a more rapid decline in octogenarians than in younger age groups. Median 5-year survival was 55% for patients older than 80 years, 69% for patients 70 to 79 years, and 81% for patients 60 to 69 years old. Conclusions . When appropriately applied in selected octogenarians, cardiac surgery can be performed with acceptable mortality and excellent 5-year survival.
Use of base in the treatment of acute severe organic acidosis by nephrologists and critical care physicians: results of an online survey

Background Acute severe metabolic acidosis associated with lactic acidosis or ketoacidosis can have severe detrimental effects on organ function, and might contribute to mortality. A general consensus exists that elimination of the cause of the acidosis is essential for treatment, but there is controversy concerning the use of base for the treatment of these disorders. Some physicians advocate administration of base when the acidosis is severe to prevent a decrease in cardiac output, whereas others oppose administration of base even when the acidosis is severe given the potential compromise of cardiac function. Nephrologists and critical care specialists are often the physicians developing recommendations for the treatment of severe acid-base disorders.
Troponin T in acute coronary syndromes: mechanisms and management issues.

We read with great interest the article in JACC by Lindahl et al. [(1)][1]titled “Mechanisms Behind the Prognostic Value of Troponin T in Unstable Coronary Artery Disease: A FRISC II Substudy.” There is limited data on the coronary anatomy of patients with acute coronary syndromes and an
Operation of a compact electron cyclotron resonance source for the growth of gallium nitride by molecular beam epitaxy (ECR-MBE)

The operation of an ASTeX compact electron cyclotron resonance plasma source and its effect on the growth of GaN thin films by electron cyclotron resonancemolecular beam epitaxy has been investigated. The role a flow limiting orifice plays in increasing plasma stability as well as reducing ion damage and impurities in resultant films has also been studied. Both optical emission spectroscopy as well as electrostatic (Langmuir) probe studies have been employed to elucidate the generation and transport of charged and neutral species. With the introduction of the flow orifice, a substantial decrease in ion induced damage as well as surface roughening in the films is observed. This can be accounted for in terms of a collisionally induced relaxation of the grad-B acceleration of charged species toward the substrate in plasma sources employing axial solenoidal fields.
Isolation of human and rat natural killer cells

We describe a method for the purification of human and rat large granular lymphocytes (LGL), which are known to be the mediators of natural killer (NK) activity in these species. Plastic non-adherent and nylon wool passed blood mononuclear cells were separated into 7 fractions by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation on Percoll. Low density cells were highly enriched in LGL (up to 85% purity), whereas high density cells were typical small and medium sized lymphocytes devoid of NK activity. Human LGL could further be enriched by depleting high affinity sheep erythrocyte rosette-forming cells from the LGL-enriched Percoll fractions (resulting in up to greater than 90% purity). One critical variable in the separation technique was osmolarity, since the separation did not work optimally, if 290 mOsmoles/kg H2O in the Percoll solution was exceeded.
High resolution mapping of the pulmonary vein and the vein of marshall during induced atrial fibrillation and atrial tachycardia in a canine model of pacing-induced congestive heart failure

Abstract Objectives The study examined the activations in the pulmonary veins (PVs) and the vein of Marshall (VOM) during atrial fibrillation (AF) in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF). Background The patterns of activation within the PVs and the VOM during AF in CHF are unclear. Methods We induced CHF in nine dogs by rapid ventricular pacing. The patterns of activation during induced AF were studied one week after ceasing ventricular pacing. Results The duration of induced AF averaged 80.7 ± 177.3 s. The termination of low-amplitude fractionated activity in the PVs preceded the termination of AF in 25 of 29 episodes. High-density mapping (1-mm resolution) showed that the PV was activated by a focal wave front independent of left atrial (LA) activation in 22 AF episodes. Frequent intra-PV conduction blocks and multiple wave fronts in the PVs were recorded during 10 AF episodes. Focal activations were observed within the VOM in 4 of 12 episodes of AF. Three atrial tachycardia (AT) episodes originated from a focus within a PV. Histological studies showed extensive fibrosis in the PVs and in the atria. The PVs in five normal dogs did not have focal or fractionated activity during induced AF. Conclusions Atrial fibrillation in canine CHF is associated with independent focal activations in the PVs and the VOM, and with complex wave fronts within the PVs. The PVs may also serve as the origin of AT. These findings suggest that electrical and anatomical remodeling of the PVs and the VOM are important in the maintenance of AF and AT in dogs with CHF.
Growth inhibition and stimulation of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 by surfactants and calcium polysulfide

Foam delivery technology (FDT) uses surfactant based foam to immobilize subsurface contaminants in situ. Where traditional approaches are impractical, FDT has the potential to overcome many of the technical challenges facing the remediation of contaminated deep vadose zone environments. However, little is known about the effects these reactive chemicals may have on microorganisms inhabiting the contaminated subsurface. In addition, there are currently no standard assays to assess microbial responses to subsurface remedial treatments while these agents are under development. The objective of this study was to develop a rapid laboratory assay to assess the potential growth inhibition and/or stimulation of microorganisms following exposure to candidate FDT components. Calcium polysulfide (CPS) and several surfactants (i.e. sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) and NINOL40-CO) have diverse chemistries and are candidate components of FDT. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 cultures were exposed to a range of concentrations of these chemicals to determine the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and the growth and viability potential of these components. Concentrations of SDS higher than 700 μM were toxic to S. oneidensis MR-1 growth over the course of four days of exposure. The relative acute toxicity order for these compounds was SDS >> CPS >> NINOL 40-CO>SLES≥CAPB. Dose dependent growth decreases (20-100mM) were observed in the CAPB and SLES treated cultures and both CPS and NINOL 40-CO were toxic at all concentrations tested (1.45-7.25 mM CPS). Both SLES (20-100mM) and SDS at lower concentrations (20-500 μM) were stimulatory to S. oneidensis MR-1 indicating a capacity to be used as a carbon source. These studies also identified potentially key component characteristics, such as precipitate formation and oxygen availability, which may prove valuable in assessing the response of subsurface microorganisms. This benchtop system provides a capability to assess adverse microbial-remediation responses and contributes to the development of in situ remedial chemistries before they are deployed in the field.
Identification of β-l-gulose as the sugar moiety of the main polar lipid of Thermoplasma acidophilum

Abstract The main polar lipid (MPL) of Thermoplasma acidophilum has been purified and its structure determined. NMR, mass spectrometry, and capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry experiments have shown that the previously unidentified sugar moiety of MPL is the rare sugar l -gulose. MPL is thus a tetraether lipid with cyclopentane rings and head groups of phosphoglycerol, as previously reported, and β- l -gulopyranose. Further, MPL is also the dominant lipid found in lipid extracts from another species of the Thermoplasma genus, T. volcanium, suggesting that l -gulose may represent a dominant sugar moiety of the polar lipids biosynthesized by this archaeobacterial genus. Minor phospholipids were tentatively identified as diether and hydroxydiether analogs of phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylinositol.
Droplet Evaporation in the Non-continuum Regime

At low pressures, the evaporation rate of a droplet is not adequately described by the equations of continuum mechanics, that is, by mass diffusion and conduction heat transfer. When the mean free path of the evaporated molecules is large compared with the droplet radius, the kinetic theory of gases can be applied to determine the evaporation rate. In this limit, the free-molecule regime, it is assumed that the molecules have a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of molecular velocities. In the intermediate regime, the Knudsen regime, molecular collisions distort the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and reduce the rate of transport of the molecules leaving and arriving at the droplet surface. This chapter reviews the theory and measurements of droplet evaporation in the free-molecule and Knudsen regimes.