cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of Basic Physiological Parameters and Sleep-Wakefulness Patterns in Normal and at-Risk Neonatal Pigtail Macaques (Macaca nemestrina)

Poor pregnancy outcomes are a major problem for good primate colony husbandry, yet they are a major scientific asset for a number of nonhuman primate research goals. For the veterinarian whose goal is a healthy, fecund, self-sustaining colony, breeders that habitually produce nonviable or sick offspring are an economic and time-consuming liability. However, for many researchers such breeders and their offspring are a major resource for studying genetic, prenatal, and perinatal factors underlying both human and nonhuman primate obstetric and pediatric problems. Nevertheless, in most large primate facilities high-risk breeders and their offspring are systematically culled from the colony. This produces breeding groups that are increasingly free of naturally occurring attributes important for research on major human health problems. Within the economic conditions of large facilities such as Primate Research Centers, this unfortunate dilemma subverts the very goal of these institutions--namely, the maintenance of research colonies to solve scientific and health problems. It appears to us that this dilemma will be appreciated and solved only when administrators, veterinarians, and scientists wishing to exploit this resource become committed to a cooperative effort.
Polysaccharide utilization by human colonic bacteria.

A complex and constantly changing mixture of polysaccharides enters the human colon every day. Most of these polysaccharides are plant cell wall polysaccharides. Although plant cell wall polysaccharides can be degraded to a limited extent by exposure to acid in the stomach, they are not digested at all by human small intestinal enzymes and thus reach the colon virtually intact. Also included in the mixture that enters the colon are host polysaccharides such as glycoprotein raucins secreted by goblet cells and mucopolysaccharides released during sloughing of intestinal mucosal cells. Since the rate of mucin production and mucosal cell turnover increases as the amount of fiber in the diet increases, the amount of host polysaccharide entering the colon is not constant but varies with the composition of the diet (Vahouny and Cassidy, 1986).
Effects of Chemically-Functionalized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Morphology and Vitality of D54MG Human Glioblastoma Cells

The unique properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have made them interesting candidates for applications in biomedicine. There are diverse chemical groups that can be attached to SWCNTs in order for these tiny tubes to gain various functionalities, for example, water solubility. Due to the availability of these “functionalization” approaches, SWCNTs are seen as agents for a potential anti-cancer therapy. In this context, we tested different chemically-functionalized forms of SWCNTs to determine which modifications make them better combatants against glioblastoma (astrocytoma grade IV), the deadliest brain cancer. We investigated the effects that two types of water soluble SWCNTs, functionalized with polyethylene glycol (SWCNT-PEG) or tetrahydrofurfuryl-terminated polyethylene glycol (SWCNT-PEG-THFF), have on the morphology and vitality, that is, cell adhesion, proliferation and death rate, of the D54MG human glioblastoma cells in culture. We found that SWCNT-PEG-THFF solute, when added to culture media, makes D54MG cells less round (measured as a significant decrease, by ~23%, in the form factor). This morphological change was induced by the PEG-THFF functional group, but not the SWCNT backbone itself. We also found that SWCNT-PEG-THFF solute reduces the proliferation rate of D54MG cells while increasing the rate of cell death. The functional groups PEG and PEG-THFF, on the other hand, reduce the cell death rate of D54MG human glioma cells. These data indicate that the process of functionalization of SWCNTs for potential use as glioma therapeutics may affect their biological effects.
Data-Driven Prediction of Confidence for EVAR in Time-Varying Datasets

The key challenge for Dynamic Data Driven Applications Systems (DDDAS) operating in time-varying environments is to predict when the learned model may lose relevance. If the learned model loses relevance, then the autonomous system is at risk of making wrong decisions. The Entropic Value at Risk (EVAR) is a computationally efficient and coherent risk measure that can be utilized to quantify this model relevance. The value of EVAR is calculated with respect to an assumed confidence value; e.g., a 90% confidence may be desired for robust decision-making. Without a model on the confidence value directly, there is no guarantee that EVAR calculations will reflect the uncertainty present in dynamic real-world environments. In this paper, we present a Bayesian model and learning algorithms to predict the state-dependent confidence necessary for calculating the EVAR in time-varying datasets. We discuss applications of the data-driven EVAR to a monitoring problem, in which a DDDAS agent has to chose a set of sensing locations in order to maximize the expected EVAR of the acquired data. In this way, the DDDAS agent can learn a model on an underlying phenomenon of interest by prioritizing the areas where the model is most likely incorrect but highly valued. We empirically demonstrate the efficacy of the presented model and learning algorithms on five real-world datasets. We show that, overall, the EVAR-Real-time Adative Prediction of Time-varying and Obscure Rewards (EVAR-RAPTOR) algorithm outperforms EVAR-Predicted Information Gain* (EVAR-PIG*) as well as naive searches such as random and sequential search across these five real-world datasets.
Pay Policies and Performance: Clarifying the Role of Ability and Motivation

Pay policies have been found to provide explanatory power in understanding firm performance. Of these policies, pay level, pay basis and pay structure are three of the most critical. Little researc...
Effect of group size and feeder type on growth performance and feeding patterns in growing pigs.

The effects of four group sizes (2, 4, 8, and 12 pigs per pen) and two single-space feeder types (conventional and electronic feed intake recording equipment [FIRE]) on feed intake, growth performance, and feeding patterns were determined in growing pigs over a 4-wk period. A total of 416 hybrid pigs (barrows and gilts) were grown from 26.5 (SD = 1.6) to 47.8 (SD = 2.7) kg BW and given ad libitum access to a corn-soybean meal-based diet (17.4% CP; 0.9% lysine; 3,298 kcal ME/kg). The floor space allowance was 0.9 m2/pig for all treatments. Pigs using the electronic feeders had similar growth rates but lower feed intakes (P 0.05) ADFI, and similar feed efficiency and feeding pattern. Feed intakes and growth rates were lowest (P < 0.05) for groups of 12 pigs but gain:feed ratio was not affected by group size. Daily feeder occupation time per pig was lower (P < 0.01) for groups of 12 than for groups of 2 or 4 pigs, and feed consumption rate was higher (P < 0.01) for groups of 12 than for groups of 4 pigs. The proportion of time spent eating was lower (P < 0.01) and the proportion of time spent standing was higher (P < 0.01) for pigs in groups of 12 compared to groups of 2. Correlations between ADG and ADFI and feed intake per visit were 0.29 and 0.30, respectively (P < 0.01), between ADG and ADFI and feed consumption rate were 0.27 and 0.31, respectively (P < 0.01), and between ADFI and feeder occupation time per day were 0.33 (P < 0.01). This study suggests that, in growing pigs given access to a single feeder, changes in feeding behavior with increasing group size were not sufficient to maintain feed intake and growth rate.
The Concept of Scrutiny

This introductory chapter considers the concept of scrutiny, which is a concept that underlies the analysis throughout the book. Scrutiny is an essential element of the methodological practices of science and philosophy. It is also essential to being a consumer in a world in which one is assaulted by advertising every place one turns, or in determining the authenticity of a cultural artifact such as a novel or play. The politics of honest election and fair governance are also a place where scrutiny is important. Scrutiny is what ties together the topics covered in this book (debunking of urban legends, political fact-checking, truth-or-fiction television programming, grade B horror movies, and sites that protect one from computer viruses) that have been prevalent in the years 1990 to 2015. This chapter looks in particular at scrutiny in online settings.
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Is Less Time in the Hospital Better?

BACKGROUND The incidence of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has increased significantly over the last decade. Short-stay protocols for other highvolume procedures have been shown to be safe and effective but have yet to be fully explored for TSA. Our purpose in comparing short-stay and inpatient TSA was to determine: (1) patient demographics and comorbidities, (2) 30-day morbidity, mortality, and readmissions using a matched analysis, and (3) independent predictors of 30-day complications. METHODS The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (ACS NSQIP) database was queried and all patients undergoing elective, primary TSA between 2006 and 2013 were identified. Patients were categorized as short-stay or inpatient based on day of discharge. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for selection bias. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was used to compare 30-day morbidity and mortality between the two cohorts. RESULTS Overall, 4,619 cases were available, with inpatient admission occurring in 65.7% of patients. Prior to propensity score matching, short-stay patients were significantly younger, more frequently male, with fewer comorbid conditions. After matching, inpatient admission was associated with increased rates of urinary tract infection (1.1% vs. 0.1%; p = 0.001), blood transfusion (5.3% vs. 0.8%; p < 0.001), and total complications (4.7% vs. 1.8%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified inpatient admission as an independent risk factor for 30-day complication following TSA. CONCLUSIONS Short-stay TSA is a safe option for the appropriately selected patient. Inpatient admission was an independent risk factor for complication following TSA. Level of Evidence: III.
Detection and analysis of clinical species of novel coronavirus pneumonia in Anhui Provence

Objective To examine 2019-nCoV RNA in clinical specimens of COVID-19 in Anhui Provence, and provide evidence for laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 and risk assessment of clinical specimens. Methods ORF1ab gene and N gene of 2019-nCoV were detected by real-time fluorescence RT-PCR in 466 clinical specimens of 197 COVID-19 cases. Chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in positive rates of specimens with clinical classification and time of onset. Results The positive rates of 2019-nCoV in throat swab, sputum, serum, blood sample were 88.83%, 94.67%, 6.78% and 5.08%. The positive rate for 2019-nCoV RNA in throat swabs and sputum differed significantly (χ2=8.994, P=0.003) in common cases during 7 days after illness onset. Conclusions The positive rate of RNA in sputum was higher than throat swabs. 2019-nCoV RNA was detected in serum and blood specimens of COVID-19 cases. There was a risk of serum and blood specimens of COVID-19. Key words: COVID-19; 2019-nCoV; Real-time fluorescent RT-PCR
The Impact of a Pass/Fail Step 1 - A Residency Program Director's View

The Impact of a Pass/Fail Step 1 The change to pass/fail scores on the USMLE Step 1 exam means, among other things, that residency programs will lose the ability to compare students’ performance ac...
Mastopexy with Fat Graft Augmentation

Mastopexy encompasses many techniques to reshape the gland into a more youthful and attractive shape. Skin reduction and glandular tailoring are important components for success. Autologous fat grafting has become a commonplace tool for enhancing results in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Small volumes can be transferred safely to get predictable improvements in cleavage and transitions around implants and following mastopexy. Tuberous breast, Poland’s chest wall and breast deformities, and soft tissue deficiencies such as rippling and double bubble deformities, and breast asymmetries can all be improved or corrected with fat grafting. Large volume fat grafting combined with pre-expansion can be used for primary augmentation and treatment of secondary deformities. Fat grafting as an adjunctive procedure during mastopexy has a role in helping to reshape the gland by targeting areas of deficiency in the upper pole, cleavage, and tail of the breast, correcting volume asymmetries, and helping to improve the quality of thin atrophic skin when present. In certain cases, fat grafting combined with mastopexy can provide patients with upper pole restoration and correction of ptosis without the need for prosthetic implants.
Driving While Black and Brown in Vermont: Can Race Data Analysis Contribute to Reform?:

Many states now require law enforcement to collect race data on traffic stops, but there has been little research on the use of that data to inform public policy or reform efforts at the agency lev...
Raman transitions driven by phase-modulated light in a cavity atom interferometer

The performance of a cavity atom interferometer depends on the Raman pulse efficiency and ac Stark phase cancellation of the beam-splitter operations. The authors model the atom-light interaction inside the cavity and show how to use this model to improve the performance of a cavity atom interferometer.
Policyholder Exercise Behavior in Life Insurance: The State of Affairs

The paper presents a review of structural models of policyholder behavior in life insurance. We first discuss underlying drivers of policyholder behavior in theory and survey the implications of different models. We then turn to empirical behavior and appraise how well different drivers explain observations. The key contributions lie in the synthesis and the systematic categorization of different approaches. The paper should provide a foundation for future studies, and we describe some important directions for future research in the conclusion.
Assessment of Sanitation Practices for the Control of Listeria monocytogenes at Small and Very Small Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Processors

ABSTRACT Science-based guidance was used at eight small and very small state and federally inspected ready-to-eat meat and poultry processors across Michigan. Data were collected to determine the current level of sanitary control methods used for reducing Listeria in the processing environment and compared interactions with the facility microbial results. A checklist was created to assess the current recommended sanitary control methods from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The checklist, composed of 178 items divided into 10 general content domains, was used to assess which of the recommended controls were being used in the facilities to prevent postlethality contamination of ready-to-eat products. Effectiveness of preoperational and operational sanitation was assessed through sampling 12 nonfood contact surfaces by using an ATP reader and amplified nucleic single temperature reaction test for Listeria spp., including L. monocytogenes, at each facility. In total, 288 samples were taken collectively from the eight facilities (96 ATP, 96 preoperational Listeria spp., and 96 operational Listeria spp.). Microbial outcomes did not differ (P > 0.05) based on the overall number of recommended sanitary control methods used and the type of facility inspection. There was a greater content domain compliance overall in operational sanitation (P = 0.0005), sanitation (P = 0.0030), facility (P = 0.0397), and personal hygiene (P = 0.0033) than for segregation procedures regardless of the regulating body. Findings suggest that regardless of the regulating body, the quality of sanitary control measures used is more impactful for microbial control than simply the quantity implemented. Pathogen control may be obtained without implementing all of the sanitary control methods within the guidance documents. HIGHLIGHTS
Physics of unsteady cylinder-induced shock-wave/transitional boundary-layer interactions

Given the current lack of experimental data for shock waves interacting with incoming transitional boundary layers, the goal of this study was to characterize the dynamics of such an interaction to better understand the fundamental fluid physics of these complex phenomena. Here, the mean flow field and time-dependent characteristics of a three-dimensional Mach 5 cylinder-induced shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction where the upstream boundary layer is transitional, have been studied experimentally. The interactions were generated with a right circular cylinder mounted on a flat plate. Streamwise–spanwise planar laser scattering from a condensed alcohol fog and schlieren imaging were used to characterize the mean and instantaneous structure of the interaction, and fast-response wall-pressure measurements on the centreline upstream of the cylinder enabled characterization of the unsteadiness. The pressure measurements show a mean pressure profile that resembles a composite of an upstream laminar profile and a downstream turbulent profile. The upstream influence location of the transitional interaction was approximately 8.5 diameters (, comparing well with other related studies of cylinder-induced interactions. Cross-correlations and coherence functions in the interaction suggest that the unsteadiness in the laminar region may be due to the entire ‘laminar’ region oscillating in response to the ‘turbulent’ unsteadiness of the intermittent region.
Micro-bumping, Hybrid Bonding, or Monolithic? A PPA Study for Heterogeneous 3D IC Options

In this paper, we present three commercial-grade 3D IC designs based on state-of-the-art design technologies, specifically micro-bumping (3D die stacking), hybrid bonding (wafer-on-wafer bonding) and monolithic 3D IC (M3D). To highlight trade-offs present in these three designs, we perform analyses on power, performance, and area and the clock tree. We also model the tier-to-tier interconnection in each 3D IC methodology and analyze signal integrity to assess the reliability of each design. From our experiments, hybrid bonding design shows the best timing improvement of 81.4% when compared to its 2D counterpart, while micro-bumping shows the best reliability among 3D IC designs.
Case 36: Retained Laps

You have just completed an orthotopic liver transplant. It is late in the evening. Prior to closing, the instrument count revealed two missing laps. The OR staff conduct an extensive search and find one in the trash. The surgeon again examines the abdomen for the missing lap, but can’t find it. Both an abdominal and chest X-ray is done in the OR. The radiologist calls into the room and states he can’t identify any retained objects. The incision is closed and the patient is transported to the ICU. A routine chest X-ray taken, taken the next morning, shows clearly a retained lap in the upper abdomen.
Antifreeze proteins from fish bloods.

Publisher Summary Glycoproteins of molecular weights isolated from the blood sera of the two Antarctic fishes, Trematomus borchgrevinki and Dissostichus mawsoni, exhibit antifreezing properties in pure H2O or salt solutions. As the melting point is not affected, a hysteresis exists between the freezing and melting temperatures, and the glycoproteins are considered to lower the freezing temperature rather than the freezing point. The information obtained on the basic structure of these glycoproteins is shared, and models of antifreeze mechanism are discussed. In these models, the polypeptide is assumed to form a nonideal, nonregular solution in H20. In one model, the ability of the hydrophilic sites of these molecules to enter into favorable competition for hydrogen bonds among the H20 molecules themselves provides for a mechanism of lowering the freezing point. The only over-riding similarity amongthese antifreezing molecules is the predominance of alanine. It is this feature that has primary and critical importance in antifreeze function observed in these fishes. Antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP) discussed is a collective name for a family of at least eight closely related glycoproteins that account for a major fraction of the protein in the blood serum of certain Antarctic fishes the eight originally observed glycoproteins during electrophoresis in acrylamide gel with borate buffer. Along with lowering the freezing temperature of water to an abnormal extent as based on their particle sizes, active AFGP components also are abnormal in several other properties related to lowering the freezing temperature and the freezing process itself.
Studying the political economy of media and information

Studying the political economy of communications is no longer a marginal approach in media/communication studies in North America and some parts of Europe. Increasingly, the study of political economy is crucial to understanding the growth and global expansion of media and information industries. Thus, more researchers have turned to this perspective as a necessary and logical way to study these developments. This article will discuss the foundations and some of the major works in the study of the political economy of media and communications (PE/C). The focus is mostly on North American and Britain, with some European references. The discussion is intended to present an overview of the development of this approach, as well as providing a few examples of research representing the perspective. A brief discussion of the approach’s relationship to media economics and cultural studies also will be included.
Interventional Nephrology and Dialysis: Access Flow Measurement During Surveillance and Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty Intervention

The introduction of routine access flow measurement methodology has enabled accurate identification of problematic accesses and provided a means for follow-up evaluation. These methods have uncovered, in some cases, that interventions are either immediately unsuccessful or that they fail within 3 months to maintain flow above preintervention levels. The purpose of this article is to analyze the main problems that occur at each step in the loop of flow surveillance-intervention-follow-up and to provide suggestions for improving outcomes. Analysis of published access flow data suggests that the main problems lie in the areas of inadequate analysis of flow surveillance data, lack of objective technology for quantifying intervention effectiveness, and lack of follow-up flow measurements in the hemodialysis (HD) unit after the intervention. The following three recommendations may improve surveillance outcomes: 1). using a reliable access flow technology combined with analysis of all hemodynamic data (including mean arterial pressure) before referring patients for angiography to decrease surveillance false positives; 2). performing intra-access blood flow measurement during angioplasty, which may improve outcomes by giving warning of errors before the patient leaves the intervention suite. Success achieved in restoring flow as measured during the intervention usually predicts good immediate outcomes in the HD unit; 3). measuring access flows during the next week after angioplasty. If the results are unsatisfactory, the patient should be further evaluated to avoid a potential thrombotic event.
Is the Tort System in Crisis? New Empirical Evidence

While journalists and politicians decry increasing tort liability, scholars have long questioned the existence of a tort crisis. This article uses a particularly comprehensive database and multivariate analysis to examine product liability and medical malpractice jury verdicts in a representative urban county over a recent 12-year period. Including variables such as injury severity, gender, type of alleged fault, trial length, number of lawyers, and number of expert witnesses, the study offers a comprehensive review of these verdicts. Among other findings, the study shows that (1) plaintiff win rates were low; (2) compensatory damages were modest; (3) punitive damages were nonexistent; (4) both win rates and verdict size declined between 1985 and 1996; (5) gender of parties, lawyers, and trial judge correlated significantly with some outcomes; and (6) obtaining a full census of verdicts was essential to the study's success because commercial verdict reporters were both underinclusive and biased toward pro-plaintiff verdicts.
Coastal Benthic Habitat Mapping to Support Marine Resource Planning and Management in St. Kitts and Nevis

A benthic habitat mapping method was applied in St. Kitts and Nevis to create baseline data that serves as input for a marine resource management framework. High resolution satellite imagery (<4 m pixel), combined with an extensive field survey, facilitated the creation of the first high resolution benthic habitat maps for the coastal waters of St. Kitts and Nevis. We demonstrate how Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with limited resources, can employ a scientifically sound, yet relatively low-cost method to develop coastal benthic habitat maps. These data, along with other marine use information, were reviewed through stakeholder involvement and fed into a larger project aimed at drafting a federation-wide multi-objective marine zoning plan. The benthic habitat data quantified the spatial extent and location of key marine ecosystems and served as one of the critical data layers used in the marine zoning decision-support software. The modeled outputs provided insight to marine resource managers making decisions on how to balance both environmental and economic needs.
Human T-cell leukemia virus type II Rex binding and activity require an intact splice donor site and a specific RNA secondary structure.

Abstract The human T-cell leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II) regulatory protein Rex augments cytoplasmic levels of unspliced gag-pol mRNA by acting through a Rex-responsive element (RxRE) in the long terminal repeat. Purified Rex protein binds to long terminal repeat mRNA. Here, using an immunobinding assay to measure the binding of Rex protein to mutated RxRE RNAs, we show that efficient Rex binding requires a stem-bulge-loop RNA secondary structure (nucleotides [nt] 465 to 500) and specific sequences both within the stem-bulge (nt 470 to 476) and within a conserved upstream splice donor site (nt 449 to 455). Rex function in a transient transfection expression system correlates with Rex protein-RxRE RNA binding. The ability of HTLV-II Rex to interact directly with the HTLV-II splice donor site suggests that HTLV-II Rex may increase expression of unspliced gag-pol mRNA, in part, by inhibiting splicing.
Response properties of inferior colliculus neurons in young and very old CBA/J mice

Extracellular recordings were obtained from inferior colliculus (IC) neurons on young (2-month) and very old (greater than 2-year) CBA/J mice in response to contralateral tone and noise stimuli. The old mice had a small loss of spiral ganglion cells throughout the cochlea and moderate hearing loss, manifested as an elevation of neuronal thresholds throughout the IC. There was an age-related increase (3% to 22%) in 'sluggish' neurons (auditory, but poorly driven by sound); however, most neurons responded robustly to sound. Nine response types were derived from post-stimulus time histograms (PSTHs); all types were found in both age groups with no difference in their relative incidence. Sustained responses remained vigorous in old neurons, as indicated by spike counts and temporal discharge patterns. The percentage of neurons that were spontaneously active increased with age in the ventral IC (the area most sensitive to high frequencies, including most of the central nucleus) and decreased in the dorsal IC (the area most sensitive to lower frequencies, including much of the dorsal cortex). Parameters of response areas (range, upper frequency cutoff, best frequency, and rate-best frequency) showed modest age differences, while rate-level functions showed little age-related change. While a significant correlate of old age was attrition of IC neurons from the population capable of responding robustly to sounds, the majority of individual neurons demonstrated a remarkable degree of normalcy in their responses.
Distributed Kalman Filtering With Dynamic Observations Consensus

This paper studies distributed estimation of unstable dynamic random fields observed by a sparsely connected network of sensors. The field dynamics are globally detectable, but not necessarily locally detectable. We propose a consensus+innovations distributed estimator, termed Distributed Information Kalman Filter. We prove under what conditions this estimator is asymptotically unbiased with bounded mean-squared error, smaller than for other alternative distributed estimators. Monte Carlo simulations confirm our theoretical error asymptotic results.
Lymphoblastogenesis inhibitory factor produced by human lung cancer cell lines

A comparative study of the inhibitory effect of cell-free supernatants (CFS) from human lung cancer cell lines (ChaGo and PC-1) and from a human embryo fibroblast cell line on lymphocyte blastogenesis indicated that both lung cancer cell lines produce a large amount of the inhibitory factor while the production of such a factor from a control noncancer cell line is essentially very minimal or absent. The inhibitory effect of CFS of the lung cancer cell lines is not due to direct cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effect is found to be partially sensitive to heat treatment. A significant inhibition is still seen, even when the CFS of the lung cancer cell lines were present for 1 hour prior to the addition of phytohemagglutinin (PHA).
Catecholamine inhibition of calcium action potentials in rat locus coeruleus neurones

Intracellular recordings were made from neurones in the nucleus locus coeruleus in a slice of tissue cut from the rat pons. Clonidine (100 nM-10 microM), noradrenaline (10 microM-1 mM) and adrenaline (10 microM-1 mM) all reduced the duration of the spontaneously occurring action potential of the neurones. This effect was also observed on the action potential in the presence of tetrodotoxin, which results from calcium entering the cell. These concentrations of clonidine, noradrenaline and adrenaline always hyperpolarized the membrane. This hyperpolarization was prevented by two procedures which block potassium currents--intracellular caesium and extracellular barium. In conditions of potassium current blockade, noradrenaline (100 microM-1 mM) and adrenaline (20 microM-1 mM) shortened the calcium action potential but clonidine was ineffective even at 10 microM. Adrenaline and noradrenaline also suppressed inward calcium and barium currents measured under voltage clamp. This action of noradrenaline and adrenaline was not prevented by yohimbine (10 microM), propranolol (20 microM) or prazosin (1 microM); it was reduced by a concentration of phentolamine about 100 times higher than its Ke for alpha 2-adrenoceptors on locus coeruleus neurones. It is concluded that noradrenaline and adrenaline can directly inhibit calcium action potentials in locus coeruleus neurones when applied in high concentrations, but that this does not involve an alpha 2-adrenoceptor.
Oxygen-induced maturation of SOD1: a key role for disulfide formation by the copper chaperone CCS.

The antioxidant enzyme Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) has the distinction of being one of the most abundant disulfide-containing protein known in the eukaryotic cytosol; however, neither catalytic nor physiological roles for the conserved disulfide are known. Here we show that the disulfide status of Saccharomyces cerevisiae SOD1 significantly affects the monomer–dimer equilibrium, the interaction with the copper chaperone CCS, and the activity of the enzyme itself. Disulfide formation in SOD1 by O2 is slow but is greatly accelerated by the Cu-bound form of CCS (Cu-CCS) in vivo and in vitro even in the presence of excess reductants; once formed, this disulfide is kinetically stable. Biochemical assays reveal that Cu-CCS facilitates Cys oxidation and disulfide isomerization in the stepwise conversion of the immature form of the enzyme to the active state. The immature form of SOD1 is most susceptible to oxidative insult and to aggregation reminiscent of that observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thus Cu-CCS mediation of correct disulfide formation in SOD1 is important for regulation of enzyme activity and for prevention of misfolding or aggregation.
Prospective evaluation of prostate cancer risk in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair candidates

Abstract Introduction: Recent studies have shown that laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) complicates, if not contraindicates, subsequent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) due to fibrotic obliteration of the space of Retzius. This raises concern over treating men post-LIHR who develop prostate cancer (PCa). We reviewed recent LIHR candidates for elevated PSA or biopsy-proven PCa to assess the role of screening these patients prospectively for PCa. Methods: Between January and September 2003, 137 consecutive male patients underwent LIHR at our institution. All patients were counseled to have PSA drawn before surgery. We excluded 31 patients who had no PSA drawn and 3 others with previous known history of PCa. Urological evaluation and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsies were recommended for patients with PSA ≥ 2.5, levels denoting definite increased PCa risk. Additionally, we evaluated patients with PSA 1.0–2.5, levels possibly indicating developing PCa. Results: Of 103 eligible patients, median age was 53.9 years. Twenty-one patients (20.4%) had PSA ≥ 2.5. Furthermore, 28 patients (27.2%) had PSA 1.0–2.5. Overall, five patients (4.9%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer (four patients) or high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (one patient). Conclusions: Patients at risk for PCa should be counseled regarding the difficulty and potential complications of RRP following LIHR. Prostate cancers could then be addressed before the hernias. As urological evaluation was advised for 47.6% of patients, our institution has implemented a PCa surveillance program before LIHR. We recommend screening for all patients over 30 years old and TRUS-guided biopsy for any suspicion of PCa.
252) Risk factors for delayed opioid cessation following surgery

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem. Little is known about factors leading to more persistent opioid use following acute injury. We proposed to use the peri-operative setting to identify psychological risk factors for prolonged opioid use. We conducted a prospective, longitudinal observational study among 77 patients undergoing either: (1) thoracotomy, (2) mastectomy, (3) lumpectomy, (4) total hip replacement, or (5) total knee replacement. Patients were recruited before their surgery and asked to complete a battery of questionnaires as a baseline assessment of various psychological and substance-abuse related factors previously implicated in opioid abuse. Factors included depression, anxiety, fear of pain, family and personal history of substance abuse, and selfperceived susceptibility to addiction, among others. Patients were then called daily post-operatively to record opioid use and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) pain scores until the patient reached the endpoint of reporting both discontinuation of opioids and zero average pain for five consecutive days. Our primary endpoint for this study was time-to-opioidcessation as defined by five consecutive days of zero opioid use. Cox proportional hazards regression of data from more than three thousand phone calls showed a median time to opioid cessation of 35 days (95% CI 23-40) Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that pain duration (p 0.001), depression (p 0.002), and self-perceived addiction susceptibility (p 0.025) were each independently and significantly associated with delayed opioid cessation. We have established that the surgical setting is ideal for establishing psychological factors that lead to more persistent opioid use following acute injury. These data may help improve understanding of how pain, psychological impairment and opioid use lead to chronic opioid use and abuse over time.
Crossover from real space to intraband pairing in the copper oxide superconductors

Abstract We have investigated BCS-like models of layered superconductors with N = 2 conducting layers per unit cell, both in the real space or discrete layer representation, and in the band representation with interband pairing projected out. The single quasiparticles are assumed to propagate as free particles within the conducting layers with effective masses m1 and m2, and tunnel between neighboring layers with matrix elements J1 and J2,respectively. Intralayer pairing with strengths δ01, δ02 and interlayer pairing with strengths δ1, δ2 are both considered. for all such processes, J1 and J2 are pairbreaking parameters for interband pairing. The transition temperatures for real space and intraband pairing are compared, and a crossover from real space to intraband pairing occurs as the interlayer hopping is increased. This crossover usually occurs when Jmax/gwc ≈ 1, where Jmax is the maximum interlayer tunneling matrix element, and ωc is the BCS cutoff energy for the appropriate pairing process, but can sometimes occur for smaller Jmax values.
Implementing green technologies and practices in a high performance computing center

In this paper we describe a comprehensive strategy of modelling, sensing, and using energy-aware technologies to improve the operational efficiency of a high-performance computing (HPC) data center. Modelling was performed using state of the art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for optimizing air flow and air handler placement. Also included were the installation of a complete environmental monitoring system to provide the real-time tools needed to monitor operating conditions throughout the data center and utilize this information to calibrate the CFD models and realize energy savings. This system was used to implement subfloor leak management, isolation of unneeded regions, perforated tile optimization, and bypass airflow management to maximize the efficiency of the center's cooling infrastructure without adding additional power. In addition, given the high-density of servers in a typical HPC data center rack, rack-based chillers that more efficiently deliver cooling to the servers were installed, allowing several of the large data center air handling units to be shut down. These changes, along with implementing a policy of energy awareness in major and minor equipment purchases, allowed us to achieve a remarkable ten-fold increase in computational capacity while simultaneously reducing the total energy consumption by more than 20%. The strategies and techniques utilized here are readily transferable to other existing data centers.
Determination of internal target volume from a single positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan in lung cancer

Purpose The use of four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) to determine the tumor internal target volume (ITV) is usually characterized by high patient radiation exposure. The objective of this study was to propose and evaluate an approach that relies on a single static positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan to determine the ITV, thereby eliminating the need for 4D-CT and thus reduce patient radiation dose. Methods and Materials The proposed approach is based on the concept that the observed PET image is the result of a joint convolution of an ideal PET image (free from motion and partial volume effect) with a motion-blurring kernel (MBK) and partial volume effect. In this regard, the MBK and tumor ITV are then estimated from the deconvolution of this joint model. To test this technique, phantom and patient studies were performed using different sphere/tumor sizes and motion trajectories. In all studies, a 4D-CT and a PET/CT image of the sphere/tumor were acquired. The ITV from the proposed technique was then compared to the maximum intensity projection (MIP) volume of the 4D-CT images. A Dice coefficient of the two volumes was calculated to represent the similarity between the two ITVs. Results The average ITVs of the proposed technique were 97.2% ± 0.3% and 81.0% ± 16.7% similar to the MIP volume in the phantom and patient studies, respectively. The average dice coefficients were 0.87 ± 0.05 and 0.73 ± 0.16, respectively, for the two studies. Conclusion Using the proposed approach, a single static PET/CT scan has the potential to replace a 4D-CT to determine the tumor ITV. This approach has the added advantage of reducing patient radiation exposure and determining the tumor MBK compared to 4D-CT/MIP-CT.
Electrical Conductivity of Pacific Whiting Surimi Paste during Ohmic Heating

Electrical conductivities of Pacific whiting surimi paste with various moisture contents (75, 78, 81, and 84%) and added salt (1, 2, 3, and 4%) were measured using ohmic heating at alternating current of 3.3, 6.7, and 13.3 V/cm. Electrical conductivity of surimi increased with temperature and salt content and slightly increased with moisture content. Electrical conductivity correlated linearly with temperature (r2 approximately equal to 0.99). Generally, voltage gradient did not affect conductivity. However, variations of conductivity with voltage gradient observed in surimi containing 3-4% salt, were probably caused by electrochemical reactions at electrode surfaces. The empirical model of electrical conductivity predicted values +/- 16% of independent experimental results.
Surgical education to improve the quality of patient care: the role of practice-based learning and improvement.

Health care is going through immense change, and concerns regarding the quality of patient care and patient safety continue to be expressed in many national forums. A variety of stakeholders are demanding greater accountability from the health care profession. Education is key to supporting surgeons’ efforts to provide high-quality patient care during these challenging times. Educational programs for surgeons should be founded on principles of continuous professional development (CPD) and practice-based learning and improvement (PBLI). CPD focuses on the specific needs of individual surgeons and involves lifelong learning throughout a surgeon’s career. It needs to form the basis of PBLI efforts. PBLI involves a cycle of four steps—identifying areas for improvement, engaging in learning, applying new knowledge and skills to practice, and checking for improvement. Ongoing involvement in PBLI activities to address specific learning needs should positively impact a surgeon’s practice and improve outcomes of surgical care.
Disease-causing mutations in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein cause an unstructured Ca2+ binding domain.

Chondrocytes from pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (EDM1) patients display an enlarged rough endoplasmic reticulum that accumulates extracellular matrix proteins, including cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Mutations that cause PSACH and EDM1 are restricted to a 27-kDa Ca2+ binding domain (type 3 repeat). This domain has 13 Ca2+-binding loops with a consensus sequence that conforms to Ca2+-binding loops found in EF hands. Most disease-causing mutations are found in the 11-kDa C-terminal region of this domain. We expressed recombinant native and mutant forms of the type 3 repeat domain (T3) and its 11-kDa C-terminal region (T3-Cterm). T3 and T3-Cterm bind ∼13 and 8 mol of Ca2+/mol of protein, respectively. CD, one-dimensional proton, and two-dimensional1H-15N HSQC spectra of Ca2+-bound T3-Cterm indicate a distinct conformation that has little helical secondary structure, despite the presence of 13 EF hand Ca2+-binding loops. This conformation is also formed within the context of the intact T3. 19 cross-peaks found between 9.0 and 11.4 ppm are consistent with the presence of strong hydrogen bonding patterns, such as those in β-sheets. Removal of Ca2+leads to an apparent loss of structure as evidenced by decreased dispersion and loss of all down field resonances. Deletion of Asp-470 (a mutation found in 22% of all PSACH and EDM1 patients) decreased the Ca2+-binding capacity of both T3 and T3-Cterm by about 3 mol of Ca2+/mol of protein. Two-dimensional1H-15N HSQC spectra of mutated T3-Cterm showed little evidence of defined structure in the presence or absence of Ca2+. The data demonstrate that Ca2+ is required to nucleate folding and to maintain defined structure. Mutation results in a partial loss of Ca2+-binding capacity and prevents Ca2+-dependent folding. Persistence of an unstructured state of the mutated Ca2+binding domain in COMP is the structural basis for retention of COMP in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of differentiated PSACH and EDM1 chondrocytes.
Luminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Investigation of Conformational Changes in the Ligand Binding Domain of a Kainate Receptor

The apo state structure of the isolated ligand binding domain of the GluR6 subunit and the conformational changes induced by agonist binding to this protein have been investigated by luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) measurements. The LRET-based distances show that agonist binding induces cleft closure, and the extent of cleft closure is proportional to the extent of activation over a wide range of activations, thus establishing that the cleft closure conformational change is one of the mechanisms by which the agonist mediates receptor activation. The LRET distances also provide insight into the apo state structure, for which there is currently no crystal structure available. The distance change between the glutamate-bound state and the apo state is similar to that observed between the glutamate-bound and antagonist UBP-310-bound form of the GluR5 ligand binding domain, indicating that the cleft for the apo state of the GluR6 ligand binding domain should be similar to the UBP-310-bound form of GluR5. This observation implies that te apo state of GluR6 undergoes a cleft closure of 29–30° upon binding full agonists, one of the largest observed in the glutamate receptor family.
Co-treatment of mouse antral follicles with 17β-estradiol interferes with mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP)-induced atresia and altered apoptosis gene expression

Mono-2-ethyhexyl phthalate (MEHP) is a metabolite of a plasticizer found in many consumer products. MEHP inhibits mouse ovarian follicle growth by reducing 17β-estradiol (E2) production. Yet, whether MEHP causes follicle death (atresia) is unclear. We hypothesized that MEHP causes atresia by altering apoptosis gene expression, and that E2 co-treatment blocks these effects. Follicles were exposed to MEHP (0.36-36μM)±E2 for 48-96h to determine the effect of MEHP±E2 on atresia and gene expression. MEHP increased atresia, but this effect was blocked by co-treatment with E2. MEHP increased the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Aifm1, but decreased that of the pro-apoptotic gene Bok and the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2l10. E2 interfered with MEHP-induced changes in Aifm1 and Bcl2l10. Our findings suggest that decreased E2 levels are required for MEHP-induced follicle atresia and that Aifm1, Bok, and Bcl2l10 are involved in this process.