cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mutagenicity of platinum coordination complexes in Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract The mutagenic properties of 5 platinum compounds were studied using Ames plate-incorporation mutagenesis assays and strains of Salmonella typhimurium . Platinum drugs were direct mutagens as their mutagenicity was not dependent on metabolic activation by liver extracts. Ability of the compounds to revert a base-pair substitution mutation causing histidine dependency was promoted by plasmid-mediated DNA-repair since cells of strain TA100 were reverted and not cells of strain TA1535; these strains are isogenic except that TA1535 lacks the pKM101 plasmid. Mutagenic potencies (revertants per μg compound), as determined from linear dose—response curves, were in order of decreasing mutagenicities: 450, cis -diamminedichloroplatinum(II) ( cis -platin); 100, dichloroethylenediamineplatinum(II); 90, diamminemalonatoplatinum-(II); 60, diammineoxalatoplatinum(II); and 16, trans -diamminedichloroplatinum(II). Frameshift mutations were not reverted in treated cells of strains TA98, TA1537 or TA1538. Compounds which reacted with the most active mutagen, cis -platin, such as pantoyl lactone, adenine, or cytidine caused a decrease in number of revertants when added with the drug to plate-incorporation assays. The effect of methionine on mutagenicity of cis -platin was exceptional in that preincubation of methionine and cis -platin was required for decreasing its mutagenic activities. In contrast, when methionine and cis -platin were added concomitantly to assays there was an elevation of its mutagenicity. Methionine may enhance mutagenicity of the platinum drug by increasing activities of some enzymes associated with error-prone DNA repair.
Tyrosinase activity in photosensitive individuals inin-vitro study

A reddish glow localized within the iris was observed in the photographs of some individuals in the dark using an electric-arc flash. On repeated exposure and reprints of the same individuals to photography under similar conditions, the red glow persisted. Studies were under taken to analyze thein vitro effect of cupric ions on the activity of serum tyrosinase. A significant increase in the activity of tyrosinase was observed in the affected individuals as compared to the controls when cupric ion was supplementedin vitro. Studies also confirmed the inhibitory effect of benzoic acid on serum tyrosinase activityin vitro. Our preliminary studies have shown a significant decrease (p<0.001) in tyrosinase activity in the serum of the photosensitive individuals compared to controls which is consistent with the observed red glow on the photographic prints and reprints.
Can axillary dissection be avoided in patients with sentinel lymph node metastasis

Background Who should undergo a completion dissection following identification of a +sentinel lymph node (SLN) is controversial. Methods The records of 1,133 patients who underwent SLN mapping were reviewed. The association between patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics and the presence of +SLNs and +nonSLNs was analyzed using two-way tables of frequency counts and Pearson χ2 test. Possible predictors of +SLNs and +nonSLNs were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression. Results One thousand one hundred forty-eight SLN procedures were performed. 367 procedures (32%) yielded +SLNs. For patients with a +SLN, on multiple logistic regression analysis LVSI, increasing numbers of +SLNs, decreasing numbers of negative SLNs, and increasing size of the largest SLN metastasis were statistically significantly associated with increased likelihood of nonSLN involvement. No subgroup was identified that did not have a significant rate of nonSLN involvement on completion axillary dissection, except those who had a large number of negative SLNs (≥3) and small size of the largest SLN metastasis (<10 mm). Conclusions A definitive answer to the question of who needs a completion axillary dissection awaits the results of ongoing trials. In the interim, our data does not support eliminating dissection for any subgroup of patients with +SLNs. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:550–558. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The fracture toughness of medium density fiberboard (MDF) including the effects of fiber bridging and crack–plane interference

Abstract The fracture toughness of medium density fiberboard (MDF) as a function of crack length (R curve) was measured. Fracture toughness was determined from force–displacement and crack length data using a new energy analysis procedure that avoids the scatter of prior discrete analysis methods. Because crack lengths were difficult to observe, they were measured using digital image correlation (DIC). The R curves for two different densities of MDF, two thicknesses, and for both in-plane and through-the-thickness cracks all increased linearly with crack length. The increase was interpreted as the development of a fiber-bridging process zone. Numerical modeling methods were used to determine the cohesive stress of the fiber-bridging zone.
Preferences of citizens for public expenditures on elementary and secondary education

Abstract This paper presents an empirical analysis of citizens' preferences for public elementary and secondary education expenditures. Survey data collected in conjunction with a school tax referendum and a multinomial probit random utility model are used to make inferences concerning the preference mappings of citizens. These estimated mappings, in turn, imply unique estimates of the demands of citizens for public education expenditures. Citizens' beliefs concerning whether expenditures are wisely spent and will affect school quality are seen to be important determinants of demand. The impact of citizens' perceptions of tax costs is also considered.
Expression of GUS and CAT activities using electrotransformed pollen

Abstract Two plasmid constructs, carrying either the gene encoding β-glucuronidase (GUS) or chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) have been successfully incorporated into electroporated pollen from tobacco. The procedure employs the electroporation of germinating pollen in the presence of foreign DNA using an exponential discharge pulse. When the pollen tube membrane is permeabilized by the electroporation pulse, it allows the influx of DNA that has been added to the electroporation medium. Species-specific modifications of the electroporation medium maintain the viability of germinating pollen while optimizing the DNA uptake. Transient assays of CAT and GUS expression in pollen were used to monitor changes in uptake of DNA to optimize DNA expression by electroporated pollen. One DNA construct, pLAT52-7, contained a pollen-specific promoter, which enhanced GUS expression in pollen as compared with experiments using pBI221 plasmid with the CaMV 35S constitutive promoter. Production of transformed plants by pollination with electroporated pollen was confirmed by genomic DNA Southern hybridization, PCR amplification and hybridization, fluorometric GUS assays, and tissue level histological localization of GUS expression. The introduction of genetic material into the pollen and the production of transformed plants produced from seed formed after fertilization with treated pollen could have a tremendous impact on the improvement of economically important crops.
Augmented heat transfer in rectangular channels of narrow aspect ratios with rib turbulators

The effects of the rib angle-of-attack on the distributions of the local heat transfer coefficient and on the friction factors in short rectangular channels of narrow aspect ratios with a pair of opposite rib-roughened walls are determined for Reynolds numbers from 10,000 to 60,000. The channel width-to-height ratios are 2/4 and 1/4; the corresponding rib angles-of-attack are 90, 60, 45, and 30 deg, respectively. The results indicate that the narrow-aspect-ratio channels give better heat transfer performance than the wide-aspect-ratio channels for a constant pumping power. Semiempirical friction and heat transfer correlations are obtained. The results can be used in the design of turbine cooling channels of narrow aspect ratios.
Studies on fungicides for control of Corynespora cassiicola leafspot of tomatoes in the Republic of Seychelles

Abstract Bravo 500EC and Difolatan 80W, either alone or in combination with copper oxychloride, provided the best control of Corynespora leafspot of tomatoes in field plot trials with eight fungicides or combinations. Although not providing as effective a control, the use of Dithane 2–78 was the most cost effective based on yield per 100 m2 or per kg of fruit in the first test. Disease intensity was significantly lower in plots sprayed with Bravo and Difolatan on a 3‐day schedule than on a 7‐day schedule through the first harvest in a second trial. Differences in disease intensity between treatments and the control were not significantly different at final harvest, which may indicate the importance of early season control. Yields from Bravo‐sprayed plots were significantly greater than yields from Difolatan‐sprayed plots, and yields from plots sprayed with either Bravo or Difolatan on 3‐ or 7‐day schedules were significantly greater than yields from unsprayed controls in this experiment. In a third experi...
Breast cancer screening practices among women in the United States, 2000.

Results from recent studies indicate that many women in the US undergo routine screening for breast cancer, but some groups of women are under-screened. In this study, we examined the breast cancer screening practices of white and black women in the United States, according to Hispanic ethnicity and other factors, using data from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey. Among women aged ≥40 years, 71.2% (95% confidence interval, CI: 70.0–72.4%) of the 8201 white women and 67.6% (95% CI: 64.5–70.6%) of the 1474 black women in this sample reported having a mammogram in the past two years. About 60.3% (95% CI: 56.7–70.3%) of 970 Hispanic women (including those who reported they were white or black) and 71.5% (95% CI: 70.3–72.7%) of 8705 non-Hispanic women reported having a mammogram in the past two years. About 74.8% (95% CI: 73.8–76.8%) of 8176 white women and 73.8% (95% CI: 71.1–76.6%) of 1471 black women aged ≥40 years had received a clinical breast examination in the past two years. About 60.1% (95% CI: 56.1–64.0%) of 969 Hispanic women (including those who reported they were white or black) and 75.6% (95% CI: 74.6–76.6%) of 8678 non-Hispanic women had received a clinical breast examination in the past two years. Women with lower incomes, those with less education, and recent immigrants were less likely to be screened. Women who had a usual source of health care and those with health insurance coverage were more likely to have been screened. These results underscore the need for continued efforts to ensure that uninsured women and those who are medically underserved have access to cancer screening services.
Endothelin mechanisms in the central nervous system: A target for drug development

Endothelin (ET), a vasoconstrictor peptide, was isolated and characterized in 1988. Since then extensive studies have been done in different animal species to identify its receptors in central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues. Three forms of ETs have been identified: ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3. Their distribution pattern and pharmacological functions have been defined. ET-1 and ET-2 are mainly distributed in the CNS, including spinal cord and the peripheral tissues, while ET-3 although present in other tissues is mainly concentrated in the pituitary. ET receptors have been found to be coupled to intracellular pathways involving stimulation of Ca++ fluxes, through phospholipase C and inhibition of adenyl cyclase. The literature concerning central actions of ET has been reviewed. The bulk of the evidence shows that it may be a regulator of regional cerebral blood flow, and a modulator of the release of posterior pituitary hormones (oxytocin and vasopressin). It may also regulate the release of prolactin, growth, thyroid stimulating, or luteinizing hormones. The regulatory role of ET on cardiovascular system can be exerted by central as well as peripheral actions. Besides direct regulation, ET modulates the release of endothelium derived relaxing factor/nitric oxide (EDRF/NO) and increases the sensitivity of peripheral α-adreno-ceptors. Thus ET appears to establish a balance between vasodilatation induced by EDRF/NO release and vasoconstriction due to increased sensitivity of vascular a-adrenoceptors. The level of ET was found to be raised in several pathological conditions like subarachnoid hemorrhage, myocardial infarction, cardiogenic and septic shock, Raynaud's disease, and pulmonary hypertension. Its level was also raised in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. On the other hand, the level of ET was significantly lower in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients of depression. The available data suggest that ET has a neuromodulatory role in the CNS and may be involved in the pathophysiological processes of several diseases. ET mechanisms in the CNS could provide potential targets for the development of newer drugs. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structure and Function of Basement Membrane

Progress has been made in identifying and characterizing basement membrane macromolecules, including type IV collagen, laminin, a heparan sulfate proteogly-can and bullous pemphigoid antigen. Basement membrane contains a unique collagen, type IV collagen, which is formed of pro α1(IV) (Mr=185,000) and pro α2(IV) (Mr=170,000) chains. As opposed to the fibrillar pattern seen with other collagens, the type IV collagen molecules are thought to be arranged in a honey-comb or reticular pattern which provides the major structural element of the basement membrane. Consistent with this model, type IV collagen has been localized to the basement membrane lamina densa, a nonfibrillar structure. Laminin is a large (Mr=1,000,000) noncollagenous glycoprotein with chains of 200,000 and 400,000 daltons. It has been localized to the basement membrane lamina lucida and functions to bind epithelial cells to the basement membrane. A heparan sulfate proteoglycan has also been identified in the basement membrane. Its biological function may be to restrict the penetration of anionic macromolecules through the basement membrane. In contrast to the above-mentioned components which are found in all tissue basement membranes, bullous pemphigoid antigen is only found in certain basement membranes, mostly those of stratified squamous epithelia. Bullous pemphigoid antigen is a protein, synthesized by keratinocytes in culture, with disulfide-linked chains (Mr=220,000). By immunoelectron microscopy, it is localized in the lamina lucida of epidermal basement membrane and is closely associated with the basal cell surface. Its biological function is not known, but could involve epidermal basal cell-substrate interactions which occur when basal cells re-epithelialize wounds.
A noisy Monte Carlo algorithm

We propose a Monte Carlo algorithm to promote the Kennedy-Kuti linear accept-reject algorithm which accommodates unbiased stochastic estimates of the probability to an exact one. This is achieved by adopting the Metropolis accept-reject steps for both the dynamical and noise configurations. We test it on the five state model and obtain desirable results even for the case with large noise. We also discuss its application to lattice QCD with stochastically estimated fermion determinants. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Choice of detectors for in vivo elemental analysis by counting natural and neutron-induced gamma rays for medical applications

Abstract Body fat is measured by detecting C and O in vivo through fast neutron inelastic scattering. A sealed DT neutron generator is used for the pulsed (4–10 kHz) production of fast neutrons. Carbon and oxygen are detected by counting the 4.44 and 6.13 MeV gamma rays resulting from the inelastic scattering of the fast neutrons from 12 C and 16 O. Large Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (BGO) crystal detectors (127 × 76 mm) are used for the gamma ray detection during the 10 μs neutron burst. BGO detectors improved the signal to background ratio for the carbon detection by a factor of six compared to 152 × 152 mm NaI (Tl) detectors. Exposure to scattered neutrons did not affect the gain stability of the BGOs. Thermal neutrons from a moderated 238 PuBe source are used for the measurement of total body nitrogen (and thus protein). The resulting high energy prompt gamma rays from nitrogen (10.83 MeV) are detected simultaneously with the irradiation. BGO detectors have superior stability operating in an environment of variable neutron exposure and high counting rates. However, the presence of neutrons creates a 10.2 MeV gamma ray peak from 73 Ge in the BGO detector which interferes with the nitrogen peak. Whole body gamma ray counters, consisting of NaI(Tl) crystal detectors in a shielded room, are used to measure the natural radioactivity of the body due to 40 K. They are also used to measure body Ca, P, Na and Cl, following total body exposure to thermal neutrons.
The human glutaredoxin gene: determination of its organization, transcription start point, and promoter analysis

Abstract A genomic clone for the human glutaredoxin gene was isolated and sequenced. An intron was located within the coding region and began 211 nt downstream of the initiator codon. Except for this intron, the genomic sequence shares 100% identity to the published glutaredoxin cDNA sequence. A second intron was located in the 3′ UTR 6 bp downstream of the terminator codon. The tsp of the glutaredoxin gene was determined by primer extension and confirmed by S1 mapping analysis. Analysis of the 5′-flanking region of the gene revealed that the promoter sequences TATA and CCAAT were 30 and 160 bp upstream, respectively, from the tsp . Other potential transcription factor binding sites included NF-E1, HNF-5, P2II and AP-1. Glutaredoxin promoter constructs inserted into a reporter plasmid for firefly luciferase were transfected into fibroblasts, and luciferase activity was 8–10-fold higher compared with controls lacking glutaredoxin promoter. These data indicate that the promoter region of the isolated glutaredoxin gene is functional.
Discrimination and identification of finger joint-angle position using active motion

The authors report six experiments on the human ability to discriminate and identify finger joint-angle positions using active motion. The PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joint of the index finger was examined in Exps. 1--3 and the MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joint in Exps. 4--6. In Exp. 1, the just noticeable difference (JND) of PIP joint-angle position was measured when the MCP joint was either fully extended or halfway bent. In Exp. 2, the JND of PIP joint-angle position as a function of PIP joint-angle reference position was measured when the PIP joint was almost fully extended, halfway bent, or almost fully flexed. In Exp. 3, the information transfer of PIP joint-angle position was estimated with the MCP joint in a fully extended position. In Exps. 4--6, the JND and the information transfer of MCP joint-angle position were studied with a similar experimental design. The results show that the JNDs of the PIP joint-angle position were roughly constant (2.5°−2.7°) independent of the PIP joint-angle reference position or the MCP joint-angle position used (Exps. 1 and 2). The JNDs of the MCP joint-angle position, however, increased with the flexion of both the PIP and MCP joints and ranged from 1.7° to 2.7° (Exps. 4 and 5). The information transfer of the PIP and MCP joint-angle position were similar, indicating 3--4 perfectly identifiable joint-angle positions for both joints (Exps. 3 and 6). The results provide the basic data needed for estimating, for example, the resolution of fingertip position during active free motion. They are compared to the results from previous studies on joint position, length, and thickness perception.
Dementia update 2003

Clinical and scientific investigations in the field of dementia expanded greatly in the past two decades. Medline citations that addressed Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common dementing disorder, rose from 78 in 1980 to 987 in 1990 and to 1772 in 2000. Underscoring this increased body of knowledge, three practice parameters on dementia were published in 2001 by the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Although some older studies are included for context, this review focuses on selected recent advances in dementia that are relevant for the practicing physician. Topics covered include: 1) diagnosis of dementia; 2) risk factors and biomarkers; 3) mild cognitive impairment; 4) the scientific basis for treatment advances in AD; and 5) other dementing disorders.
Case volume and mortality in pediatric cardiac surgery patients in California, 1998-2003.

Background— Previous reports have found an inverse relationship between pediatric cardiac surgery case volume and in-hospital mortality. This association has been noted recently to be decreasing for coronary artery bypass grafting, possibly because of improved training programs, quality improvement activities, or other innovations to improve outcomes. It is unknown whether the volume-mortality association among pediatric cardiac surgery patients is decreasing similarly. Methods and Results— We used data from the state of California’s patient discharge data set from the years 1998–2003 to replicate 4 previous research studies of pediatric cardiac surgery volume and mortality. The total number of pediatric surgeries varied from 12 801 to 13 971 depending on the selection criteria applied. Using this larger and more contemporary data set, we found a weaker and less consistent volume-mortality relationship than had been reported previously. We also developed a new model, which incorporated elements of the old...
Physical stability of 20% lipid injectable emulsions via simulated syringe infusion: effects of glass vs plastic product packaging.

Background: The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has proposed large-globule-size limits to ensure the physical stability of lipid injectable emulsions, expressed as the percent fat >5 μm, or PFAT5, not exceeding 0.05%. Visibly obvious phase separation as free oil has been shown to occur in some samples if PFAT5 is >0.4%. We recently found that lipids, newly packaged in plastic (P), exceed the proposed USP limits and seem to produce less stable total nutrient admixtures compared with those made from conventional glass (G), which do meet proposed USP standards. We tested the possible stability differences between 20% lipid injectable emulsions in either P or G in a simulated neonatal syringe infusion study. Methods: Eighteen individual syringes were prepared from each 20% lipid injectable emulsion product (n = 36) and attached to a syringe pump set at an infusion rate of 0.5 mL/hour. The starting PFAT5 levels were measured at time 0 and after 24 hours of infusion, using a laser-based light obscuration techn...
Preschool peer perceptions of the behavior of hyperactive and aggressive children

To assess if preschool children can successfully identify externalizing symptomatic behaviors in their male classmates, and if these perceptions are associated with peer-rated popularity and rejection, 154 preschool boys and girls were interviewed using a peer nomination procedure. Behavioral data on the same preschool boys (N=86) were also provided by their respective teachers. Preschool children were capable of providing stable nominations of popularity, rejection, and aggression, boys and girls significantly agreed in their nominations, and these nominations were not a function of the age of the rated child, although they differed somewhat as a function of the age of the rater. Teachers and peers reflected significant convergence in ratings of hyperactivity and aggression and teacher ratings of peer problems significantly agreed with actual peer nominations of popularity and rejection. Boys nominated as aggressive were more rejected by their classmates, whereas boys nominated as hyperactive were either more popular and /or more rejected. Limited evidence for differential patterns of relationships among hyperactivity, aggression, and peer status was obtained for both the peer and teacher data.
Retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis: case report and review of the literature.

Objectives Retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis (RCT) is an under-recognized benign condition that results in significant neck pain and may mimic a retropharyngeal abscess (RPA). We describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of RCT as well as features that differentiate it from RPA. Methods We present a case report and analyze the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of 71 additional patients with RCT identified through a PubMed literature review between 1964 and early 2008. We then compared these findings with those of RPA. Results The most common symptoms of RCT at presentation were neck pain (94%), limited range of motion (45%), odynophagia (45%), neck stiffness (42%), dysphagia (27%), sore throat (17%), and neck spasm (11%). Other frequent findings include low-grade fever, mild leukocytosis, and a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Seventy-five percent of patients with RPA present with similar symptoms and cervical radiographic abnormalities are comparable in the majority of cases with either pathology. Conclusions RCT frequently mimics the clinical features of RPA and recognizing the key symptoms and signs of RCT versus RPA can be challenging but important in avoiding unnecessary interventions. We recommend that computed tomography of the neck be considered as a first step in differentiating the 2 conditions. The presence of an amorphous calcification anterior to the C1 and/or C2 vertebral body(s) with a non-ring-enhancing fluid collection in the prevertebral space should be considered highly suspicious for RCT. RCT can be self-limiting and will usually resolve in 2 weeks. Effective treatment typically consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or opiate analgesics.
Engineering Plant Cell Walls: Tuning Lignin Monomer Composition for Deconstructable Biofuel Feedstocks or Resilient Biomaterials

Advances in genetic manipulation of the biopolymers that compose plant cell walls will facilitate more efficient production of biofuels and chemicals from biomass and lead to specialized biomaterials with tailored properties. Here we investigate several genetic variants of Arabidopsis: the wild type, which makes a lignin polymer of primarily guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) monomeric units, the fah1 mutant, which makes lignin from almost exclusively G subunits, and a ferulate 5-hydroxylase (F5H) overexpressing line (C4H:F5H) that makes lignin from S subunits. We employ multiscale, multimodal imaging techniques that reveal the biomass of the C4H:F5H transgenic to be more susceptible to deconstruction by maleic acid treatment than the other variants. Enzymatic saccharification assays of the treated materials show that C4H:F5H transgenic tissue is significantly more digestible than the wild type, while the fah1 mutant is clearly the least digestible of these materials. Finally, we show by contact resonance force microscopy, an atomic force microscopy technique, that F5H overexpression in C4H:F5H transgenic plants significantly reduces the stiffness of the cell walls in the region of the compound middle lamella relative to wild type and fah1.
Demodulation of intensity and shot noise in the optical heterodyne detection of laser interferometers for gravitational waves

Demodulation of intensity noise in the optical heterodyne detector is analyzed for application in interferometric gravitational-wave detectors. The correlation function and the power spectral density of the demodulated intensity noise are derived, taking into account the effect of bandpass filtering at the photodiode and an arbitrary demodulation waveform. The analysis includes demodulation of the rf-modulated shot noise as a special case of the intensity noise. For shot-noise-limited detection, the signal-to-noise ratio is found as a function of the modulation parameters, and the optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio with respect to the demodulation phase is described.
Elimination of artifacts in interline charge-coupled device imagers

Charge-coupled devices (CCDs) of interline transfer design are especially useful in imaging at high frame rates. However, their sensitivity to ionization radiation and the reduced effective opacity of vertical charge transfer registers cause undesired image artifacts. Random white spots from the radiation and "ghost" images (or smear) generated in the registers may severely impair the image quality. An electronic method of eliminating these artifacts is described. Special sequences of pulses clock the CCD, quickly dumping the unwanted charge. The fast readout of images, cleared of artifacts, follows immediately. Results obtained with the Fairchild Weston CCD 222 imager are shown.
Organ culture as a standard test for evaluation of tissue engineered arteries

There is a need for a tool to evaluate the mechanical and biological functions of tissue engineered arteries as well as other new synthetic vascular grafts. The specific aim of this study was to develop a bench top artery organ culture system as a standard test system to study vascular biology and evaluate tissue engineered arteries. The authors have developed an ex vivo perfusion organ culture system that mimics the hemodynamic environment of arteries, including the shear stress produced by lumen blood flow, the tensile stress produced by blood pressure, and the axial stretch. Tubular segments of porcine carotid arteries were cultured with pulsatile perfusion of DMEM supplemented with calf serum under mimic in vivo pressure and flow. Vessel viability was demonstrated by histology, cell mitochondrial MTT stain, vascular tone, and contractility assay using norepinephrine (NE), acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Results show that arteries maintain viable mitochondria, basal tone; and strong diameter responses to NE, ACh, and SNP after 7 days in the organ culture, e.g. the diameter contracted /spl sim/16% in response to NE (10/sup -5/M).
Leukemic leonine facies: a manifestation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Leonine facies is the morphologic manifestation of diffuse dermal infiltration of the face. Though most commonly associated with lepromatous leprosy or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), the differe...
Is power everything? What can we learn from large data sets.

The research enterprise is both human and financially resource intensive, whereas the funding for research is highly competitive. How then can an investigator find ways to begin and sustain a viable program of research in a focus area of science absent of a significant infusion of funding? One option that many investigators do not initially consider is conducting secondary analysis using large health care data sets. Such large data sets are available from federal and state agencies and associations for nominal fees, if not for free. They include patient-level data or aggregated data for a particular type of patient or payor. These data are used by clinical and social scientists as well as by health services researchers to conduct analyses to inform quality agendas, health policy, and health care coverage determinations. Conducting secondary analysis using these large data sets can be the focus of an investigator’s entire program of research or can lead to intervention or translational research in the clinical setting. Large data sets facilitate replicating generalizable findings and understanding patient outcomes. By far, most large database analysis for researchers involves secondary analysis of existing data sets to explore clinical phenomena and answer new research questions. In part, this is achievable because existing databases offer the investigator rich sources of data to answer these research questions when funding opportunities may be limited or scarce and when primary data collection may not be economically or logistically feasible. Secondary analysis is a legitimate form of scientific inquiry in which nurses should be actively engaged (Castle, 2003). Although large data sets, ranging from administrative data to large-scale surveys, are collected for a specific
Management of a False Aneurysm with Arteriovenous Fistula of the Aorta in a Pregnant Woman

Although prompt surgical intervention of traumatic great vessel false aneurysms is recommended when diagnosed, additional factors must be considered in the pregnant patient. This communication represents the first report describing the successful vaginal delivery of a term infant in a patient presenting with a false aortic aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula.
MageComet--web application for harmonizing existing large-scale experiment descriptions.

Motivation: Meta-analysis of large gene expression datasets obtained from public repositories requires consistently annotated data. Curation of such experiments, however, is an expert activity which involves repetitive manipulation of text. Existing tools for automated curation are few, which bottleneck the analysis pipeline. Results: We present MageComet, a web application for biologists and annotators that facilitates the re-annotation of gene expression experiments in MAGE-TAB format. It incorporates data mining, automatic annotation, use of ontologies and data validation to improve the consistency and quality of experimental meta-data from the ArrayExpress Repository. Availability and implementation: Source and tutorials for MageComet are openly available at goo.gl/8LQPR under the GNU GPL v3 licenses. An implementation can be found at goo.gl/IdCuA Contact: ku.ca.ibe@nosnikrap or moc.liamg@niv.eux
One‐step production of biocommodities from lignocellulosic biomass by recombinant cellulolytic Bacillus subtilis: Opportunities and challenges

One-step consolidated bioprocessing that integrates cellulase production, cellulose hydrolysis, and product fermentation into a single step for decreasing costly cellulase use, increasing volumetric productivity, and reducing capital investment is widely accepted for low-cost production of biofuels or other value-added biochemicals. Considering the narrow margins between biomass and low-value biocommodities, good physiological performance of industrial microbes is crucial for economically viable production. Bacillus subtilis, the best-characterized Gram-positive microorganism, is a major industrial microorganism with numerous valuable features such as hexose and pentose utilization, low-nutrient needs, fast growth rate, high protein secretion capacity, industrial safety, etc. As compared with other potential consolidated bioprocessing microorganisms such as Clostridium spp., Escherichia coli, and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, recombinant cellulolytic B. subtilis strains would be a potential platform for biocommodity production from nonfood biomass. Here, we review the advances in recombinant cellulolytic B. subtilis development and metabolic engineering for biocommodity production, and discuss the opportunities and challenges of cellulolytic B. subtilis for biocommodity production.
Learning in games with risky payoffs

Abstract This paper analyzes learning in multi-player noncooperative games with risky payoffs. The goal of the paper is to assess the relative importance of stochastic payoffs and expected payoffs in the learning process. A general learning model which nests several variations of reinforcement learning, belief-based learning, and experience-weighted attraction learning is used to analyze behavior in coordination game and prisonerʼs dilemma experiments with probabilistic payoffs. In all experiments, some subjects learn from past lottery outcomes, though the importance of these stochastic payoffs relative to expected payoffs depends on the game. Stochastic payoffs are less important when posted probabilities are equal to expected payoffs and more important when subjects are informed how much they would have earned from foregone strategies.
Laddermill and ergometry: a comparative summary.

The merits of the laddermill as an ergometer for measuring man's major physiological responses to work are presented, together with a literature-based summary of other commonly used ergometers. The paper shows that the relationships between oxygen uptake, work rate, pulmonary ventilation, and heart rate can be described in simple linear equations. The linear relationship between the oxygen uptake (energy expenditure) and the work rate for ladder-climbing, cycling, cranking, and running are presented and the more complicated relationship of oxygen uptake to walking speed is discussed. In addition, the linear relationships of oxygen uptake to ventilation and to heart rate are given for arms and legs at submaximal and maximal work levels. The work efficiency for each ergometer is analyzed on the basis of the coefficient of regression of the oxygen uptake on the work load. The limitations of the ergometers in achieving maximal aerobic capacity are considered in the light of reported electromyographic evidence...
ADVANCES IN COMPUTATIONAL APPROACHES FOR DRUG DISCOVERY BASED ON NATURAL PRODUCTS

Drug discovery based on natural products has a long successful history. To further advance the identification of new drugs from compounds of natural origin, natural product research is increasingly being combined with computer-aided drug design techniques. Herein, we review the recent advances in the application of chemoinformatics methods to quantify the chemical diversity and structural complexity of natural products and analyze their distribution in chemical space. We also discuss the progress in virtual screening to systematically identify bioactive compounds in natural products databases and the advancement of target fishing methods to uncover molecular targets of compounds from natural origin. www.relaquim.com
How Are They Now? Longer Term Effects of eCoaching Through Online Bug-In-Ear Technology

In this study, using mixed methods, we investigated the longer term effects of eCoaching through advanced online bug-in-ear (BIE) technology. Quantitative data on five dependent variables were extracted from 14 participants’ electronically archived video files at three points in time—Spring 1 (i.e., baseline, which was the first semester of enrollment without eCoaching feedback), Spring 2 (i.e., 1 year later with eCoaching feedback), and Spring 3 (i.e., 2 years later after exiting the program without eCoaching feedback). Qualitative data were collected by means of interviews with participants regarding their ongoing participation in eCoaching. Quantitative analysis, using repeated-measures ANOVA, confirmed initial improvements in participants’ teaching practices and P-12 student engagement generally withstood the test of time. Also, qualitative findings indicated, as time went on, participants had more positive than negative attitudes toward eCoaching through advanced online BIE.
Inflammatory and endothelial activation biomarkers and risk of sepsis: a nested case-control study.

Abstract Purpose Elevated biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial cell activation have been associated with severity of sepsis. We sought to determine the association between these baseline markers and subsequent episodes of sepsis. Materials and Methods We performed a nested case-control analysis using subjects from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke cohort. We compared 162 sepsis cases (hospitalized for a serious infection with ≥ 2 systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria) with 162 nonsepsis controls (hospitalized for a serious infection but not sepsis) matched by age, sex, and observation time epoch. Using conditional logistic regression, we evaluated the associations between sepsis and baseline levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α , E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), adjusting for smoking status, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Results Compared with controls, individuals with higher baseline IL-6, E-selectin, and ICAM-1 were more likely to develop sepsis ( P values for trend = .02, .02, .04). Baseline tumor necrosis factor α and ICAM-1 were not associated with future sepsis ( P values for trend = .29, .33). Conclusions Individuals with higher baseline IL-6, E-selectin, and ICAM-1 were more likely to develop future sepsis episodes. These biomarkers may play a role in the early identification, mitigation, or prevention of sepsis.
ElasTraS: An elastic, scalable, and self-managing transactional database for the cloud

A database management system (DBMS) serving a cloud platform must handle large numbers of application databases (or tenants) that are characterized by diverse schemas, varying footprints, and unpredictable load patterns. Scaling out using clusters of commodity servers and sharing resources among tenants (i.e., multitenancy) are important features of such systems. Moreover, when deployed on a pay-per-use infrastructure, minimizing the system's operating cost while ensuring good performance is also an important goal. Traditional DBMSs were not designed for such scenarios and hence do not possess the mentioned features critical for DBMSs in the cloud.We present ElasTraS, which combines three design principles to build an elastically-scalable multitenant DBMS for transaction processing workloads. These design principles are gleaned from a careful analysis of the years of research in building scalable key-value stores and decades of research in high performance transaction processing systems. ElasTraS scales to thousands of tenants, effectively consolidates tenants with small footprints while scaling-out large tenants across multiple servers in a cluster. ElasTraS also supports low-latency multistep ACID transactions, is fault-tolerant, self-managing, and highly available to support mission critical applications. ElasTraS leverages Albatross, a low overhead on-demand live database migration technique, for elastic load balancing by adding more servers during high load and consolidating to fewer servers during usage troughs. This elastic scaling minimizes the operating cost and ensures good performance even in the presence of unpredictable changes to the workload.We elucidate the design principles, explain the architecture, describe a prototype implementation, present the detailed design and implementation of Albatross, and experimentally evaluate the implementation using a variety of transaction processing workloads. On a cluster of 20 commodity servers, our prototype serves thousands of tenants and serves more than 1 billion transactions per day while migrating tenant databases with minimal overhead to allow lightweight elastic scaling. Using a cluster of 30 commodity servers, ElasTraS can scale-out a terabyte TPC-C database serving an aggregate throughput of approximately one quarter of a million TPC-C transactions per minute.
Possible use of repeated cold stress for reducing fatigue in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a hypothesis

Background Physiological fatigue can be defined as a reduction in the force output and/or energy-generating capacity of skeletal muscle after exertion, which may manifest itself as an inability to continue exercise or usual activities at the same intensity. A typical example of a fatigue-related disorder is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a disabling condition of unknown etiology and with uncertain therapeutic options. Recent advances in elucidating pathophysiology of this disorder revealed hypofunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and that fatigue in CFS patients appears to be associated with reduced motor neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS) and to a smaller extent with increased fatigability of skeletal muscle. There is also some limited evidence that CFS patients may have excessive serotonergic activity in the brain and low opioid tone.
Fabrication of conductive paths on a fused deposition modeling substrate using inkjet deposition

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of integrating inkjet printed circuitry with fused deposition modeling (FDM) structures to produce embedded electronics and smart structures. Several of the challenges of combining these technologies are identified, and potential solutions are developed. Design/methodology/approach – An experimental approach is taken to investigate some of the relevant physical processes for integrating FDM and inkjet deposition, including the printing, drying and sintering processes. Experimental data are collected to assist understanding of the problems, and engineering solutions are proposed and implemented based on the gained understanding of the problems. Findings – Three challenges have been identified, including the discontinuity of the printed lines resulting from the irregular surface of the FDM substrate, the non-conductivity of the printed lines due to the particle segregation during the droplet drying process and the slow drying process caused b...
The Role of Vitamin A in Health of Infants and Vitamin A Status Assessment Methods

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble essential vitamin. It is indispensable for human health especially for the health of infants. This chapter reviews (1) important metabolic functions of vitamin A, (2) the role of vitamin A in the health of infants, and (3) vitamin A assessment methods.
A Preemptive Strike against European Federalism: The Decision of the Bundesverfassungsgericht Concerning the Treaty of Lisbon

On first reading the 2009 Lisbon case of the German Constitutional Court appears to hew quite closely to the Court’s reasoning in 1993, reviewing Germany’s accession to the Maastricht Treaty. Both cases declare that European integration must respect the inviolable and unamendable core of the German Constitution. (Specifically, in these cases, Article 20, entrenching democracy and the rule of law). In both cases the Court declares that under the Treaties it retains final say over whether European Law is compatible with the Grundgesetz and is thus applicable in Germany (judicial Kompetenz-Kompetenz). Finally Lisbon, like Maastricht, finds that the Treaty ultimately passes constitutional muster. Thus, at first blush, the Court of Lisbon seems to basically restate its 1993 reasoning. I want to argue, however, that the Court has substantially sharpened its challenge since Maastricht, elevating much of the Court’s earlier state-centric interpretation of the status of integration under the Treaties to a statement of German constitutional principle.This paper focuses on three ways in which Lisbon represents an advance on Maastricht. The Court announces: 1) that the Grundgesetz entrenches an absolute and unamendable limit on integration, that State sovereignty as such is inalienable, and thus forbids the delegation of excessive competences, especially Kompetenz-Kompetenz; 2) the Grundgesetz requires the German Constitutional Court to retain final review over the actions of German and European public authorities for possible alienation of, or encroachment on, German State sovereignty (judicial Kompetenz-Kompetenz); and 3) the Court goes about rigorously reviewing the Lisbon Treaty for infringements of German sovereignty in a far more searching manner than it had done in the past. Leaving little to implication, the Court spells out the consequences of its decision: in the exceptional case where European institutions overstep their enumerated powers, even with the interpretive blessing of the ECJ, the German Court will exercise review and may instruct German authorities not to apply the European law, even if it means engaging Germany’s international state responsibility.