cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gamma-carboxyglutamic acid

Gamma-carboxyglutamic acid is an amino acid with a dicarboxylic acid side chain. This amino acid, with unique metal binding properties, confers metal binding character to the proteins into which it is incorporated. This amino acid has been discovered in blood coagulation proteins (prothrombin, Factor X, Factor IX, and Factor VII), plasma proteins of unknown function (Protein C, Protein S, and Protein Z), and proteins from calcified tissue (osteocalcin and bone-Gla protein). It has also been observed in renal calculi, atherosclerotic plaque, and the egg chorioallantoic membrane, among other tissues. Gamma-carboxyglutamic acid is synthesized by the post-translational modification of glutamic acid residues. This reaction, catalyzed by a hepatic carboxylase, requires reduced vitamin K, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The function of γ- carboxyglutamic acid is uncertain. In prothrombin γ-carboxyglutamic acid residues bound to metal ions participate as an intramolecular non-covalent bridge to maintain protein conformation. Additionally, these amino acids participate in the calcium-dependent molecular assembly of proteins on membrane surfaces through intermolecular bridges involving γ-carboxyglutamic acid and metal ions.
Blending Voices: Autoethnography as a Vehicle for Critical Reflection in Social Work

Critical reflection is important to vital process issues within social work practice; thus, it warrants attention in teaching and supervisory contexts. Autoethnography is a newer qualitative research methodology that uses the experiences of the author/researcher to extend social science understanding (Sparkes, 2000). In this article, the authors use autoethnography to frame critical reflection as a process of exploring social work knowledge and its potential implications, given that such knowledge is situated within fragmented and diverse selves and identities. Thus, good autoethnography is a unique way of accessing knowledge within intersubjective realities, which simultaneously generates a form of critical reflection (the comparison and assessment of emergent knowledge situated within selves and identities). Purposely incorporating an autoethnographic strategy, the authors draw from their experiences to show how personal narratives, the core of autoethnography, might be used to infuse critical reflectio...
Genetic contributions to the variation among rabbits of liver microsomal deoxycorticosterone synthesis

Abstract Outbred New Zealand white rabbits exhibit two phenotypes, 21H and 21L, corresponding to rates greater than or less than 1 nmol/min/mg, respectively, for liver microsomal progesterone 21-hydroxylase activity. In contrast, the inbred strain III/J exhibits only the 21L phenotype. Two 21H male New Zealand white rabbits were mated with several female III/J rabbits to produce a total 46 progeny. Both the 21H and 21L phenotypes were evident among male and female offspring in roughly equal numbers. Backcrosses between 21L progeny and III/J rabbits exhibit only the 21L phenotype, whereas 21H offspring yield both 21H and 21L progeny when backcrossed to the 21L inbred strain III/ J. These results are consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance of the 21H phenotype. Analysis of Southern blots of genomic DNA digested with the restriction endonuclease Kpn I reveals 20-, 13-, and 9-kb fragments that hybridize with a probe derived from the 3′-untranslated region of the 21-hydroxylase cDNA. The 13-kb band is not observed for strain III/J or 21L progeny of strain III/J crossed with 21H rabbits, but it is detected for both 21H fathers and 21H progeny indicating that the genetically determined difference of 21-hydroxylase expression is inherited cis to the gene for P450IIC5, the hepatic progesterone 21-hydroxylase. Electrophoretic analysis of P450IIC5 synthesized in vitro from mRNA isolated from 21L and 21H rabbits reveals that little or no P450IIC5 is synthesized from 21L mRNAs. A second immunoreactive, electrophoretically distinct protein is synthesized from both 21L and 21H mRNAs to a similar extent but in lesser amounts than P450IIC5. The second protein could represent either an allozymic form of the enzyme or the product of a distinct locus. Thus, it is likely that distinct structural genes for P450IIC5 contribute to the differences in P450-mediated metabolism in 21L as compared to 21H rabbits.
Three-dimensional shape differences in the bony pelvis of women with pelvic floor disorders

Introduction and hypothesis The objective of this study was to determine whether the three-dimensional shape of the bony pelvis differs between women with and without pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). We predict that the levator ani attachment points for the pelvic floor are further displaced from one another in affected relative to unaffected women.
Pharmacokinetics and clinical evaluation of 125I-radiolabeled humanized CC49 monoclonal antibody (HuCC49ΔCH2) in recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancer patients

Introduction: CC49 is an antitumor monoclonal antibody that is promising for use in radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS). However, the murine antibody has been limited by human antimouse antibody (HAMA) response and slow clearance. This study examined the pharmacokinetics and tissue localization of a humanized domain-deleted CC49 antibody (HuCC49ΔCH2 MAb) in humans. Methods: Twenty-one patients with colorectal carcinoma were given 1 mg intravenous (I.V.) bolus of HuCC49ΔCH2 MAb radiolabeled with 2 mCi 125I after thyroid blockade. The level of circulating HuCC49ΔCH2 MAb was measured daily as precordial counts using a handheld gamma-detecting probe. Each patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy on postinjection days 3–20. Gamma counts were measured at normal organs, aortic bifurcation (AB), and both clinically evident and occult tumors. Results: Precordial and AB gamma counts showed an excellent linear correlation. HuCC49ΔCH2 MAb followed a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Normal organs and AB showed s...
Laser-induced fluorescence quenching of tagged oligonucleotide probes by gold nanoparticles

Laser induced fluorescence studies of single-strand (ss) DNA hybridization based on fluorescence quenching by gold nanoparticle through a distant dependent process has been carried out. Distance- and size-dependent optical absorption properties have been described using extended Mie calculations and compared with the experimental findings. The fluorescence of ss-DNA increases by a factor of 100 when it binds to a complimentary DNA while the addition of single-base mismatch DNA had no effect on the fluorescence efficiency. The mechanism of distant dependence fluorescence quenching has been discussed and our experimental results match reasonably well with the theoretical findings using fluorescence quenching model by Gersten and Nitzan.
Single-fraction palliative pelvic radiation therapy in gynecologic oncology: 1,000 rads

The management of the patient with advanced gynecologic malignancies presents multiple problems for the gynecologic and radiation oncologists involved in their care. When palliative management only is indicated, conventional treatment protocols occupy a significant portion of the patient's remaining life span, often times with associated morbidity. Single-fraction external radiation therapy, consisting of 1,000 rads to the whole pelvis, was used in 30 patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies to palliate locally advanced pelvic disease. Alleviation of symptoms and maintenance of a reasonable quality of life were obtained in all patients. No untoward acute side effects were observed. Thirteen patients are alive from 2 to 19 months after treatment, with a mean overall survival after treatment of 8.4 months. It is concluded that this regimen should be considered as the palliative therapy of choice for certain patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies.
An evolutionary account of women's workplace status

Although many believe that women's low representation among top executives and lower average income is primarily a result of socialization and discrimination, findings of psychology, biology, and anthropology suggest that evolutionarily derived temperamental sex differences exist that may explain much of these disparities. Stereotypes of men as more competitive and more inclined to take risks than women, and stereotypes of women as more attached to their children and more risk averse than men are true as generalizations. Traits for which average sex differences exist, such as aggressiveness, desire for status, and risk preference, are highly correlated with workplace outcomes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of transient deformations using digital image correlation method and high-speed photography: application to dynamic fracture

The digital image correlation method is extended to the study of transient deformations such as the one associated with a rapid growth of cracks in materials. A newly introduced rotating mirror type, multichannel digital high-speed camera is used in the investigation. Details of calibrating the imaging system are first described, and the methodology to estimate and correct inherent misalignments in the optical channels are outlined. A series of benchmark experiments are used to determined the accuracy of the measured displacements. A 2%-6% pixel accuracy in displacement measurements is achieved. Subsequently, the method is used to study crack growth in edge cracked beams subjected to impact loading. Decorated speckle patterns in the crack tip vicinity at rates of 225,000 frames per second are registered. Two sets of images are recorded, one before the impact and another after the impact. Using the image correlation algorithms developed for this work, the entire crack tip deformation history, from the time of impact to complete fracture, is mapped. The crack opening displacements are then analyzed to obtain the history of failure characterization parameter, namely, the dynamic stress intensity factor. The measurements are independently verified successfully by a complementary numerical analysis of the problem.
Operative coloscopy: a current status appraisal.

Analysis of the responses to an attitudinal questionnaire answered by 130 surgeons active in colorectal surgery indicates that only 52 per cent consider themselves proponents of operative coloscopy. Despite the difficulty in accurately assessing attitudes, a slight trend of diminishing enthusiasm concerning coloscopy is noted. A too-low yield of additional polyp detection and a too-high risk of contamination were the objections most frequently raised by antagonists. While this survey indicates also that operative coloscopy performed in conjunction with colotomy and polypectomy remains a useful and rational procedure in the minds of most surgeons, its future application promises to be severely limited by the burgeoning use of flexible fiberoptic colonoscopy.
Speech-Language Pathologists' Opinions on Response to Intervention.

The purpose of this study was to survey the opinions of speech–language pathologists (SLPs) on response to intervention (RTI). Questionnaires were mailed to 2,000 randomly selected elementary and s...
Formation of Cholesterol Crystals at a Mucin Coated Substrate

Purpose. High-resolution, tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to monitor the early stage of the formation of cholesterol crystals under simulated conditions of the gallbladder environment. Methods. AFM images of phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol vesicles were obtained using a mucin-coated mica substrate. Results. The vesicles appeared flattened with diameters from 100 to 300 nm and heights that varied from 10 to 100 nm. Phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol vesicles were mixed with bile salt solutions to yield supersaturated (with respect to cholesterol) dispersions, which were then placed onto mica, silanized mica, and mucin-covered mica substrates. After equilibration, sub-micron sized, plate-like structures were observed at the mica and mucin covered surface, but none were seen at the silanized surface. The morphology was characterized as it pertains to the relative growth rates of the crystal faces. Conclusion. The comparison of these results with literature reports of cholesterol crystals grown in solution suggests that the physical chemical properties of the surface have an important influence in determining the nucleation and subsequent crystal growth of cholesterol.
Shoulder flap for head and neck reconstruction: an alternative when everything else fails

The use of axial and free flaps made the use of delayed random flaps for the reconstruction of the head and neck almost obsolete. Immediate reconstruction of intraoral defects using the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap primarily, as well as other axial or free flaps, has become a common practice. However, in some selected cases due to failure of previous operations or complications of radiation and recurrence, the reconstructive surgeon is left with very little choice. The purpose of this paper is not to advocate the use of the shoulder flap as a primary reconstructive procedure, but to call attention to its availability for certain complicated cases and briefly described the details of the technique.
High Incarceration Rates Among Black Men Enrolled In Clinical Studies May Compromise Ability To Identify Disparities

In 1978 the federal government restricted research on prison and jail inmates in medical studies, the result of decades of unethical research in correctional institutions. We evaluated the impact this policy has had on studies of health outcomes in minority populations, particularly studies involving black men, who are disproportionately incarcerated. Specifically, we explored the effect of incarceration on follow-up rates of fourteen prospective clinical studies funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. We estimated that during the past three decades high rates of incarceration of black men may have accounted for up to 65 percent of the loss to follow-up among black men in these studies. The impact of incarceration was far less among white men, black women, and white women. These estimates suggest that the ability of those studies to examine racial disparities in health outcomes, as well as to understand the experience of this group, could be compromised. We believe that community-recruite...
Cytokine and chemokine alterations in Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Down syndrome (DS) is the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability, affecting ~1/800 newborns. Previously we have shown alterations in N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors and neuropeptides (activity-dependant neuroprotective protein, glia fibrillary acidic protein) in a murine model of DS. Cytokines and chemokines have neuromodulatory and neurotransmitter roles and interact with the NMDA receptors. The objective of this study was to evaluate if cytokines and chemokines in the hippocampus and cerebellum are altered in this model. STUDY DESIGN We used 8- to 10-month-old animals from the well-characterized mouse model of DS (Ts65Dn). Learning and memory were assessed in the Morris water maze with the Ts65Dn animals demonstrating a learning deficit. After completion of the behavioral testing, the brains were removed and the hippocampus and cerebellum were separated by microdissection. A panel of cytokines, chemokines, and fractalkine were measured in the protein lysates using a microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay (Luminex xMAP, Millipore) and normalized to total protein concentration. Statistical analysis included the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U for the cytokine, chemokine, and fractalkine levels; p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Levels (median [range]) of interleukin (IL)-1β (6.95 [0.11 to 43.5] versus 14.2 [0.2 to 36.8] pg/mL); granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF; 3.97 [0.19 to 19.6] versus 19.2 [0.2 to 31.1] pg/mL), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α (20.3 [0.11 to 73.3] versus 37.0 [0.22 to 102.7] pg/mL) in the hippocampus from Ts65Dn were significantly lower compared with the euploid (control) animals. Many cytokines and chemokines were not detected in the hippocampus or cerebellum, and others were detectable but not different between the groups. CONCLUSION We found a decreased in GM-CSF, IL-1β, and MIP-1α in the hippocampus of DS pups. All three have known interactions with NMDA receptors and their decline may explain, in part, the learning deficits associated with DS.
Making the case for sustainable strategic management: an assessment of FedEx

In the last two decades, the field of strategic management has seen a rise in the concept of sustainability. This paper reviews and links the strategic management literature to the issue of sustainability. One firm, FedEx, a global supply chain, logistics organisation, is highlighted as an example of a business that has weathered many storms to remain a vital, sustainable competitor in a fast maturing industry. FedEx, under the direction of its founder Fred Smith, personifies sustainability, navigating its way through a fast-paced, competitive and turbulent 34 years.
Evidence of a dominance hierarchy in captive Caribbean flamingos and its relation to pair bonding and physiological measures of health

Caribbean flamingo social structure, how pair bonds affect the structure of the flock, and how social stress affects health measured by heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (H/L) were investigated at the Philadelphia Zoo. It was hypothesized that a hierarchy may become apparent by analyzing agonistic interactions and that paired individuals would share similar places within the hierarchy. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that a negative relationship between H/L ratio and dominance would exist. Forty observations were conducted and in 70% of interactions instigating bird(s) won the encounter, suggesting either some advantage for instigating birds or a prior expectation of an encounter's outcome based upon an understanding of the flock's hierarchy. The flock possessed a semi-linear hierarchy (in terms of wins/losses) and birds with higher pair-bond strengths maintained dominant positions, suggesting that pair-bonding may help individuals become more successful in agonistic encounters. Birds who won more often had higher lymphocytes percentages and analyses suggested a trend indicating dominant birds may be less stressed. A semi-linear hierarchy was also found in terms of initiation/being targeted, and a bird's rank on the dominance (wins/losses) and initiate/target hierarchies were positively correlated, suggesting that subdominant birds were targeted by dominant birds more frequently than vice versa.
Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit: Are Residents Well Trained to Provide Optimal Care to Critically ill Patients?

Palliative care (PC) and end-of-life (EOL) care are gaining importance in the management of critically ill patients in the ICU. Residents form a significant work force in the ICU and most often are the only group that provides round the clock coverage.Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study where residents were surveyed to assess their knowledge, skills and perceived barriers towards palliative care in the ICU.Results: The most common barrier identified by our residents was discrepancies in goals of care between the medical team and patients/families (18.7%). A palliative care consult was most commonly obtained when the patient was terminally ill (22.9%).Discussion: Teaching should focus on overcoming the identified barriers especially communication with patients and their families. More studies are needed to identify the best method to teach Palliative care in the ICU.
Visceral pain: a review of experimental studies.

This paper reviews clinical and basic science research reports and is directed toward an understanding of visceral pain, with emphasis on studies related to spinal processing. Four main types of visceral stimuli have been employed in experimental studies of visceral nociception: (1) electrical, (2) mechanical, (3) ischemic, and (4) chemical. Studies of visceral pain are discussed in relation to the use and 'adequacy' of these stimuli and the responses produced (e.g., behavioral, pseudoaffective, neuronal, etc.). We propose a definition of an adequate noxious visceral stimulus and speculate on spinal mechanisms of visceral pain.
Short-term CO2 mineralization after additions of biochar and switchgrass to a Typic Kandiudult ☆

Abstract Biochar additions to soil can increase soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations; however, minimal information is available on relationships with soil nitrogen (N) cycle. We hypothesized that biochar additions to sandy soils should be resistant to microbial mineralization in short-term studies but may prime organic carbon (OC) mineralization of fresh residue that promotes N immobilization. A laboratory pot incubation study was conducted with a Norfolk loamy sand (Fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic, Typic Kandiudult) mixed with pecan-shell biochar at rates of 0, 5, 10 and 20 g kg − 1 and with 0 and 10 g kg − 1 dried, ground switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L. ) . On days 25 and 67 of the incubation, all pots were leached with 1.2 to 1.3 pore volumes of deionized H 2 O and the leachate NO 3 –N, NH 4 –N, and dissolved organic (DOC) concentrations were measured. Also cumulative soil CO 2 fluxes after days 25 and 67 were determined. Biochar alone and mixed with soil and switchgrass after 67 days of incubation were characterized using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Mixing biochar with switchgrass after 67 days caused a significant increase in SOC content while soil total nitrogen (TN) and leachate DOC concentrations showed mixed results. Biochar mineralization by itself was found to be minimal, but by days 25 and 67, soil with biochar and switchgrass exhibited higher cumulative CO 2 fluxes implying stimulation of switchgrass mineralization. Significant NO 3 –N immobilization occurred after 25 days in treatments with biochar + switchgrass; however, by day 67 the NO 3 –N concentrations rebounded slightly. The FT-IR analysis revealed that switchgrass in the presence of biochar underwent some structural modifications. Biochar applications in the short-term can cause N immobilization resulting in temporary plant available NO 3 –N concentration reductions.
A Review of In-Situ Electron Microscopy Studies of Metal/Metal Oxide-Graphite Interactions

Abstract Controlled atmosphere electron microscopy has been used to gain a unique insight into the manner by which various additives interact with carbonaceous solids, particularly graphite. With this technique it is possible to observe directly, at the nano-scale level, changes taking place in the appearance of a solid while it is undergoing reaction with a gaseous environment at elevated temperature. Based on the studies of many metal/graphite-oxygen systems, a rationale has been presented to account for both the catalytic action of some additives and the inhibiting effect of others in the reaction. This experimental approach has also been applied to the investigation of the behavior of metal/graphite systems in both hydrogen and steam. These fundamental investigations have a direct impact on a number of industrially important areas, including indirect conversion of coal into liquid fuels, removal of carbon deposits from deactivated catalysts, corrosion of graphite electrodes and moderators in gas-coole...
Does storage time influence postthaw survival and pregnancy outcome? An analysis of 11,768 cryopreserved human embryos.

Objective To evaluate the impact of cryopreservation storage duration on embryo survival, implantation competence, and pregnancy outcome. Design Retrospective study. Setting Academic tertiary-referral infertility center. Patient(s) In vitro fertilization patients and recipients of oocyte donation cycles who had cryopreserved embryos and underwent at least one thaw cycle from 1986 to 2007. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Postthaw survival proportion and implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates. Result(s) Length of storage time did not have a significant effect on postthaw survival for IVF or oocyte donation cycles, or for embryos frozen at the pronuclear or cleavage stages. There was no significant impact of the duration of storage on clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, implantation, or live birth rate, whether from IVF or oocyte donation cycles. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the length of storage time or developmental stage at freezing were not predictive of embryo survival or pregnancy outcome. Only oocyte age, survival proportion, and number of transferred embryos were positive predictors of pregnancy outcome. Conclusion(s) Cryostorage duration did not adversely affect postthaw survival or pregnancy outcome in IVF or oocyte donation patients.
Constant mass flow system for gas chromatography

Ce systeme permet d'obtenir un detecteur de sensibilite constante, independante de la programmation de temperature
Do Surgeons Have a Role as Infectious Disease Consultants

Background: Antibiotic drug restriction policies have become widespread in North America hospitals mandating medical infectious disease consultation for use of routine antimicrobial agents. Objective: To determine physician and institutional attitudes regarding the credibility of surgeons in the area of infectious disease. Design: A survey of the Surgical Infectious Disease Society (SIS) membership. Participants: Members of the SIS practicing in the United States and Canada (n=464) were sent a simple opinion poll regarding surgical infectious disease specialists. After receiving the survey, the SIS members were given approximately 4 weeks to anonymously complete the questionnaire and return it to our office. Results: Responses were received from 198 SIS members (43%). Most were from large (>400 bed) institutions (63%), and the majority of them were from university centers (76%). Predictably, 86% of the respondents were in full-time academic practice. Some SIS respondents (21%) had undergone special training in infectious disease, and of these, 63% actually had completed a formal surgical infectious disease fellowship. Antibiotic restriction policies were nearly universal and required in 87% of institutions. Only 44% of surgeons in these hospitals, however, were privileged to release antibiotic drugs. Medical infectious disease physicians recognized surgical expertise in infectious disease in few instances (32%). The great majority of responding SIS members (81%) believed that an examination or certification in infectious disease for surgeons wasnotwarranted. Conclusions: Antibiotic drug restriction is prevalent in North America, and medical infectious disease specialists do not generally recognize surgical expertise in the area of infectious disease. Despite this environment, responding SIS members believe that special credentialing of surgeons in the area of infectious disease is unnecessary. Arch Surg. 1996;131:990-993
Influence of Dietary Potassium on Chick Growth, Food Consumption and Blood and Tissue Composition

Abstract DIETARY potassium levels of 1,700 (Ben Dor, 1941) and 2,000 to 2,400 p.p.m. (Gillis, 1948) have been reported as necessary for maximal growth in White Leghorn chicks. Leach et al. (1959) found that male, broiler-type chicks required 2,000 p.p.m. potassium to prevent excessive mortality and 3,000 p.p.m. for optimum growth. The potassium requirement of the chick has been shown to be influenced by growth rate (Burns et al., 1953), protein and energy content of the diet (Leach et al., 1959) and by the phosphorus content of the diet (Gillis, 1948). Potassium deficiency symptoms in the young chick have been reported by Gillis (1948) to include retarded growth and feed consumption, weakness, loss of use of legs and excretion of large amounts of ureates. Death was preceded or accompanied by tetanic seizures in which the muscles were unable to relax. It was reported that the chick maintained an active interest in…
Echinacea purpurea is ineffective for upper respiratory tract infections in children

Abstract Question How safe and effective is Echinacea purpurea at reducing the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections in children? Study design Multicentre randomised controlled trial. Main results There was no significant difference in duration or severity of symptoms with Echinacea purpurea compared with placebo in children with upper respiratory tract infection (median duration of symptoms (95% CI): 9 days (8 to 10 days) with Echinacea vs. 9 days (8 to 10 days) with placebo; P =0.89; median severity of symptoms (95% CI): 33 (29 to 40) with Echinacea vs. 33 (30 to 38) with placebo; P =0.69). Rash occurred in significantly more children receiving Echinacea compared with placebo (reports of rash: 24 with Echinacea v 10 with placebo; P =0.008). Authors’ conclusions Echinacea purpurea is ineffective for treating upper respiratory tract infections in children aged 2 to 11 years.
Influence of amygdaloid lesions on self-punitive behavior in rats☆

Abstract Self-punitive or masochistic behavior describes a phenomenon in which, during the extinction of escape behavior, rats will leave a start box and cross an electrified shock grid to enter a goal. Rats need only remain in the start box to avoid shock, yet they persist in running into shock. In the present study this self-punitive behavior was eliminated by bilateral lesions of the caudal amygdala. Analyses of the running speeds indicate that the lesions left the pain inducing properties of shock intact, while decrementing the fear produced by shock. Evidence was taken as support for the Mowrer — Brown explanation of self-punitive behavior as a product of conditioned fear.
Letter by Reynolds et al Regarding Article, “Risk of Bleeding With 2 Doses of Dabigatran Compared With Warfarin in Older and Younger Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: An Analysis of the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy (RE-LY) Trial”

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Eikelboom et al1 describing the events in the RE-LY trial and the relationship with dabigatran dosing. Certainly, the risk of minor, major, and total bleeding appears to be less with the 110-mg twice-daily dose of dabigatran. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously commented on the decision not to approve this dose in the United States.2 Several key baseline features were identified as resulting in a predisposition to bleeding episodes, including age, renal function, and prior bleeding events. The FDA analyzed exposure-efficacy-safety relationships with increasing doses of dabigatran within select patient subgroups. Similar to …
Contribution of Coagulases towards Staphylococcus aureus Disease and Protective Immunity

The bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus seeds abscesses in host tissues to replicate at the center of these lesions, protected from host immune cells via a pseudocapsule. Using histochemical staining, we identified prothrombin and fibrin within abscesses and pseudocapsules. S. aureus secretes two clotting factors, coagulase (Coa) and von Willebrand factor binding protein (vWbp). We report here that Coa and vWbp together are required for the formation of abscesses. Coa and vWbp promote the non-proteolytic activation of prothrombin and cleavage of fibrinogen, reactions that are inhibited with specific antibody against each of these molecules. Coa and vWbp specific antibodies confer protection against abscess formation and S. aureus lethal bacteremia, suggesting that coagulases function as protective antigens for a staphylococcal vaccine.
Clad polymer buffer rods for polymer process monitoring.

Abstract Clad polymer buffer rods consisting of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) core and a cladding made of a heat resistance epoxy–aluminum composite are presented. The core has a uniform diameter or a taper shape. Ultrasonic measurement results indicate that the ultrasonic signal strength and signal to noise ratio of these clad rods are better than those of the non-clad PEEK rods for both longitudinal and shear waves because of the improved ultrasonic wave guidance in the core. Comparisons of these rods with those made of polymide and high-density polyethylene are given. Applications of these buffer rods for ultrasonic monitoring of polymer extrusion at temperatures up to 200°C and pressures up to 180 psi are demonstrated. The monitoring results also reveal that within certain operating temperature and pressure range, clad polymer buffer rods show advantages over clad steel buffer rods.
Circulating Breast Tumor Cells Exhibit Dynamic Changes in Epithelial and Mesenchymal Composition

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of adherent epithelial cells to a migratory mesenchymal state has been implicated in tumor metastasis in preclinical models. To investigate its role in human cancer, we characterized EMT in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from breast cancer patients. Rare primary tumor cells simultaneously expressed mesenchymal and epithelial markers, but mesenchymal cells were highly enriched in CTCs. Serial CTC monitoring in 11 patients suggested an association of mesenchymal CTCs with disease progression. In an index patient, reversible shifts between these cell fates accompanied each cycle of response to therapy and disease progression. Mesenchymal CTCs occurred as both single cells and multicellular clusters, expressing known EMT regulators, including transforming growth factor (TGF)–β pathway components and the FOXC1 transcription factor. These data support a role for EMT in the blood-borne dissemination of human breast cancer.
On the extended eigenvalues of some volterra operators

We show that a large class of compact quasinilpotent operators has extended eigenvalues. As a consequence, if V is such an operator, then the associated spectral algebra \( {\user1{\mathcal{B}}}_{V} \) contains its commutant {V}' as a proper subalgebra.
Acrolein, a ubiquitous pollutant and lipid hydroperoxide product, inhibits antiviral activity of interferon-α: relevance to hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma and end-stage liver disease. The current FDA-approved treatment for HCV (pegylated interferon-α (IFNα) with ribavirin) is effective in only about 50% of patients. Epidemiological evidence suggests that obesity, alcohol, smoking, and environmental pollutants may contribute to resistance to IFNα therapy in HCV. Acrolein, a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and major component of cigarette smoke, is also generated endogenously by cellular metabolism and lipid peroxidation. This study examines the effects of acrolein on (i) IFNα-mediated signaling and antiviral gene expression in cultured and primary human hepatocytes and (ii) HCV replication in an HCV-replicon system. Our data demonstrate that nontoxic concentrations of acrolein significantly inhibited IFNα-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of both cytoplasmic and nuclear STAT1 and STAT2, without altering the total levels. Also, acrolein down-regulated IFNα-stimulated gene transcription, resulting in reduced expression of antiviral genes. Importantly, acrolein abolished the IFNα-mediated down-regulation of HCV viral expression in the HCV-replicon system. This study defines mechanisms involved in resistance to IFNα and identifies the pathogenic role of acrolein, and potentially other environmental pollutants, in suppressing IFNα antiviral activity and establishes their adverse impact on HCV therapy.
Normal equivalent to an arbitrary diagonalizable matrix

Abstract The aim of this paper is to reduce the eigenvalue problem of a diagonalizable matrix to the eigenvalue problem of an equivalent normal matrix. We use for this purpose a minimization strategy, which is also applicable for transforming an arbitrary nondiagonalizable matrix to an almost normal one.
Brief Report: Autistic Traits in Mothers and Children Associated with Child’s Gender Nonconformity

We examined relationships between autistic traits in children, mothers, and fathers and gender nonconformity (GNC) in children using data from the Nurses' Health Study II and the Growing Up Today Study 1. Autistic traits of mothers, fathers and children were measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). GNC in children was measured using questions from the Recalled Childhood Gender Identity/Gender Role Questionnaire. In multivariable analyses increase in child's SRS score was associated with increased odds (OR 1.35; p = 0.03) of being in a higher GNC category. Increase in maternal SRS score was also associated with increased odds (OR 1.46; p = 0.005) of the child being in a higher GNC category. Paternal SRS scores were not related to child's GNC category.
Differential Effects of Intrauterine and Subcutaneous Administration of Recombinant Ovine Interferon Tau on the Endometrium of Cyclic Ewes

Interferon tau (IFNtau) is the antiluteolytic signal produced by the conceptus of ruminants. Intrauterine administration of recombinant ovine IFNtau suppresses expression of endometrial estrogen receptor (ER) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) in the luminal and superficial glandular epithelia to abrogate the production of luteolytic prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) pulses. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of recombinant ovine (o) IFNtau appear to extend the interestrous interval by altering uterine PGF(2alpha) response to oxytocin. The present study tested the hypothesis that antiluteolytic effects of roIFNtau injected into the uterine lumen (paracrine) or s.c. (endocrine) are equivalent in suppressing expression of endometrial ER and OTR and inducing uterine expression of type I IFN-regulated Mx and ubiquitin cross-reactive proteins (UCRP). Sixteen cyclic ewes were fitted with uterine catheters on Day 5 (Day 0 = estrus), were assigned randomly to receive treatment with control proteins or roIFNtau (2 x 10(7) antiviral units/day) by either intrauterine or s.c. injections from Days 11 to 15, and were ovariohysterectomized on Day 16. Results indicated that expression of ER and OTR mRNAs in endometrial epithelium was suppressed by intrauterine but not by s.c. injections of roIFNtau. Intrauterine injections of roIFNtau increased expression of Mx and UCRP mRNA in the endometrium. Subcutaneous injections of roIFNtau increased endometrial Mx mRNA levels but not UCRP mRNA. Unexpectedly, intrauterine and s.c. injections of roIFNtau were equally effective in inducing expression of Mx and UCRP mRNA in the corpus luteum. Although s.c. injections of roIFNtau induced Mx mRNA in the endometrial epithelium, s.c. injections of roIFNtau did not abrogate activation of the uterine luteolytic mechanism by suppressing epithelial ER and OTR expression. Therefore, results of this study failed to support the assumption that endocrine roIFNtau mimics antiluteolytic effects of paracrine IFNtau to improve pregnancy rates in sheep.
Modeling and visualization of Smart Power Grid: Real time contingency and security aspects

This paper introduces a novel visualization approach for the Smart Power Grid using advanced scientific visualization software AVS Express 7.3, to explore the planning and monitoring of the American Electricity Infrastructure. The paper discusses the rationale underlying the Power Grid design, describes its implementation and performance details, and assesses its strengths and weaknesses against the current geographic-based power grid visualization. This paper describes a 3D visualization scheme developed using AVS Express 7.3 to allow users to interactively visualize real time power system information and relationships. This paper describes the architecture used to develop this environment, and then provides several examples of how the environment is used to provide an interactive visualization of power system economic and security information.
Roles of Bmp4 during tooth morphogenesis and sequential tooth formation.

Previous studies have suggested that Bmp4 is a key Msx1-dependent mesenchymal odontogenic signal for driving tooth morphogenesis through the bud-to-cap transition. Whereas all tooth germs were arrested at the bud stage in Msx1–/– mice, we show that depleting functional Bmp4 mRNAs in the tooth mesenchyme, through neural crest-specific gene inactivation in Bmp4f/f;Wnt1Cre mice, caused mandibular molar developmental arrest at the bud stage but allowed maxillary molars and incisors to develop to mineralized teeth. We found that expression of Osr2, which encodes a zinc finger protein that antagonizes Msx1-mediated activation of odontogenic mesenchyme, was significantly upregulated in the molar tooth mesenchyme in Bmp4f/f;Wnt1Cre embryos. Msx1 heterozygosity enhanced maxillary molar developmental defects whereas Osr2 heterozygosity partially rescued mandibular first molar morphogenesis in Bmp4f/f;Wnt1Cre mice. Moreover, in contrast to complete lack of supernumerary tooth initiation in Msx1–/–Osr2–/– mice, Osr2–/–Bmp4f/f;Wnt1Cre compound mutant mice exhibited formation and subsequent arrest of supernumerary tooth germs that correlated with downregulation of Msx1 expression in the tooth mesenchyme. In addition, we found that the Wnt inhibitors Dkk2 and Wif1 were much more abundantly expressed in the mandibular than maxillary molar mesenchyme in wild-type embryos and that Dkk2 expression was significantly upregulated in the molar mesenchyme in Bmp4f/f;Wnt1Cre embryos, which correlated with the dramatic differences in maxillary and mandibular molar phenotypes in Bmp4f/f;Wnt1Cre mice. Together, these data indicate that Bmp4 signaling suppresses tooth developmental inhibitors in the tooth mesenchyme, including Dkk2 and Osr2, and synergizes with Msx1 to activate mesenchymal odontogenic potential for tooth morphogenesis and sequential tooth formation.
Connection coefficients on an interval and wavelet solutions of Burgers equation

A definition of connection coefficients is introduced and techniques of computation are presented. We use semi-implicit time difference scheme to solve Burgers equation by applying the evaluations of connection coefficients in calculating the integrals of the variational form. Comparisons of accuracy and robustness of numerical solutions are mentioned in the examples.
Long-term spinal reflex studies in awake behaving mice

The increasing availability of genetic variants of mice has facilitated studies of the roles of specific molecules in specific behaviors. The contributions of such studies could be strengthened and extended by correlation with detailed information on the patterns of motor commands throughout the course of specific behaviors in freely moving animals. Previously reported methodologies for long-term recording of electromyographic activity (EMG) in mice using implanted electrodes were designed for intermittent, but not continuous operation. This report describes the fabrication, implantation, and utilization of fine wire electrodes for continuous long-term recordings of spontaneous and nerve-evoked EMG in mice. Six mice were implanted with a tibial nerve cuff electrode and EMG electrodes in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Wires exited through a skin button and traveled through an armored cable to an electrical commutator. In mice implanted for 59–144 days, ongoing EMG was monitored continuously (i.e., 24 h/day, 7 days/week) by computer for 18–92 days (total intermittent recording for 25–130 days). When the ongoing EMG criteria were met, the computer applied the nerve stimulus, recorded the evoked EMG response, and determined the size of the M-response (MR) and the H-reflex (HR). It continually adjusted stimulation intensity to maintain a stable MR size. Stable recordings of ongoing EMG, MR, and HR were obtained typically 3 weeks after implantation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of long-term continuous EMG recordings in mice for addressing a variety of neurophysiological and behavioral issues. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Measuring which-path information with coupled electronic Mach-Zehnder interferometers

We theoretically investigate a generalized ``which-path'' measurement on an electronic Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) implemented via Coulomb coupling to a second electronic MZI acting as a detector. The use of contextual values, or generalized eigenvalues, enables the precise construction of which-path operator averages that are valid for any measurement strength from the available drain currents. The form of the contextual values provides direct physical insight about the measurement being performed, providing information about the correlation strength between system and detector, the measurement inefficiency, and the proper background removal. We find that the detector interferometer must display maximal wavelike behavior to optimally measure the particle-like which-path information in the system interferometer, demonstrating wave-particle complementarity between the system and detector. We also find that the degree of quantum erasure that can be achieved by conditioning on a specific detector drain is directly related to the ambiguity of the measurement. Finally, conditioning the which-path averages on a particular system drain using the zero-frequency cross correlations produces conditioned averages that can become anomalously large due to quantum interference; the weak-coupling limit of these conditioned averages can produce both weak and detector-dependent semiweak values.
THE INFLUENCE OF INSULIN ON THE RATE OF GLUCOSE OXIDATION BY PASTEURELLA PESTIS

The rate of oxidation of glucose by freshly harvested resting cells of P. pestis strain A-1122 was accelerated by 20 to 41 per cent in the presence of insulin. The stimulatory action was not noted when cell-free enzyme preparations were employed and was less marked after storage of cells for 3 days. Although insulin was not oxidized by the organism, the amount of oxygen consumed during the dissimilation of a unit weight of glucose was increased in the presence of the hormone.
Influence of cusp O+ outflow on magnetotail dynamics in a multifluid MHD model of the magnetosphere

[1] A multifluid version of the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global simulation model has been used to investigate the effects of outflowing ionospheric O+ on the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. To quantify these effects, we specify the number density, upward parallel velocity, and temperature of the O+ outflow in a limited area of the low-altitude simulation boundary representing the projection of cusp, cleft, and low-latitude boundary layer. A baseline simulation without O+ outflow is compared with simulations with a range of fluxes and initial velocities. In the cases with high fluxes, it is shown that the configuration of the magnetosphere is dramatically changed. In particular, the cross-polar cap potential is reduced, the polar cap area is increased, and the nightside reconnection line is moved earthward. Furthermore, in one case, the O+ outflow leads to the onset of a second substorm not seen in the other simulation runs.
Decentralized estimation and control of graph connectivity in mobile sensor networks

The ability of a robot team to reconfigure itself is useful in many applications: for metamorphic robots to change shape, for swarm motion towards a goal, for biological systems to avoid predators, or for mobile buoys to clean up oil spills. In many situations, auxiliary constraints, such as connectivity between team members and limits on the maximum hop-count, must be satisfied during reconfiguration. In this paper, we show that both the estimation and control of the graph connectivity can be accomplished in a decentralized manner. We describe a decentralized estimation procedure that allows each agent to track the algebraic connectivity of a time-varying graph. Based on this estimator, we further propose a decentralized gradient controller for each agent to maintain global connectivity during motion.