cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HIV/AIDS: use existing funds effectively.

The articles in the special section on HIV/AIDS: Eastern Europe (9 July, p. [159][1]) omitted one important point: Considering the current economic downturn and limited resources available, it is particularly important to optimally use existing funds for HIV prevention and treatment. Economic studies such as cost-effectiveness analyses can inform decisions regarding the best resource allocation between available interventions. Research analyzing the public health and economic impacts of diseases and their interventions has become an essential tool for decision-makers; these results help them choose the most effective epidemic control programs while considering budget constraints. To date, only a few scholarly articles have evaluated the cost-effectiveness of HIV interventions in Russia and Ukraine, in marked comparison to the scores of studies published on HIV in Africa. Scarce scientific information may lead to inappropriate use of limited resources and further hamper efforts to contain the threat of a generalized HIV epidemic. Sound scientific evidence for the cost-effectiveness of debated interventions (such as opioid substitution therapy) could be a strong argument to accelerate adoption of these programs. Studies on scaling up antiretroviral therapy, such as the case of injection drug users in Saint Petersburg, Russia ([ 1 ][2]), show that the interventions that reach injection drug users also prevent a substantial number of infections in the general population. More attention from the research community should be directed toward studies of HIV in Eastern Europe. 1. [↵][3] 1. E. F. Long 2. et al ., AIDS 20, 2207 (2006). [OpenUrl][4][CrossRef][5][PubMed][6][Web of Science][7] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.329.5988.159 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [4]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DAIDS%2B%2528London%252C%2BEngland%2529%26rft.stitle%253DAIDS%26rft.aulast%253DLong%26rft.auinit1%253DE.%2BF.%26rft.volume%253D20%26rft.issue%253D17%26rft.spage%253D2207%26rft.epage%253D2215%26rft.atitle%253DEffectiveness%2Band%2Bcost-effectiveness%2Bof%2Bstrategies%2Bto%2Bexpand%2Bantiretroviral%2Btherapy%2Bin%2BSt.%2BPetersburg%252C%2BRussia.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1097%252FQAD.0b013e328010c7d0%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F17086061%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [5]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1097/QAD.0b013e328010c7d0&link_type=DOI [6]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=17086061&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fsci%2F330%2F6000%2F34.2.atom [7]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000242676900010&link_type=ISI
Parallel Computation for Medicine and Biology: Applications of Linda At Yale University

This article describes research in progress at the Yale University School of Medicine on the use of parallel computation in medicine and biology. We have experi mented with the parallelization of programs from sev eral different biomedical fields, using the machine-in dependent parallel programming language Linda. This research has helped us identify several general prob lem areas in which parallel computation can play a major role: namely, real-time computation, database searching, and computationally intensive algorithms. Methods for designing, debugging, and evaluating programs from each of these three problem areas are discussed. Results and evaluations of example pro grams implemented in each of these areas are pre sented. Finally, certain lessons learned are discussed.
Developmental expression and distribution of sheep β-defensin-2

The aim of this study was to define the ontogeny of sheep β-defensin-2 (SBD-2) mRNA and peptide in selected tissues of fetal, neonatal and adult sheep by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Fetal and neonatal lambs had significantly greater SBD-2 tissue distribution than adult sheep. For all ages, the intestines had consistent SBD-2 mRNA expression while extra intestinal expression was sporadic and weak. In adult sheep, SBD-2 mRNA levels decreased from the jejunum caudally to the rectum and a pooled sample from all age groups showed a similar tendency. SBD-2 immunoreactive cells were predominantly in the crypts and base of villi in the small intestine and in a modest number of glands in the large intestine. Interestingly, ileal follicle-associated epithelium lacked detectable SBD-2 immunoreactivity. SBD-2 mRNA and peptide expression are greatest in the intestinal tract and tissue distribution progressively decreases with maturity.
Circadian variation in Cushing's disease and pseudo-Cushing states by analysis of F and ACTH pulsatility.

Distinguishing pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease from pseudo-Cushing’s states can present a diagnostic challenge. Although many studies potentially discriminate between the 2, only the dexamethasone-suppressed corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRF) stimulation test at 15 minutes is 100% sensitive or specific. We measured baseline profiles of F and ACTH in 31 Cushing’s disease patients, 11 with pseudo-Cushing’s and 17 controls. Venous blood was collected at 30 minute intervals for 24-h. Subjects also had CRF stimulation tests and 2.0 mg/day dexamethasone suppression tests. F and ACTH profiles were analyzed for circadian rhythmicity, variability, and pulsatility. Relative circadian amplitude was decreased in Cushing’s disease compared to both pseudo-Cushing’s and normal states. Relative pulse amplitude was reduced in Cushing’s disease. Because of this dampening of circadian and pulsatile variations, the overall variability of F and ACTH levels around their mean levels as quantified by the intra-series coefficient of variation (CV), was also decreased in Cushing’s disease compared to pseudo-Cushing’s and normal states. A F 24-h CV<40% was able to distinguish Cushing’s disease from pseudo-Cushing’s with 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI), 88-100%) and specificity (CI, 71-100%). An ACTH CV<40% had 97% sensitivity (CI, 83–100%) and 100% specificity (CI, 71–100%). An overnight 8-h F CV <40% also distinguished Cushing’s disease from pseudo-Cushing’s with 100% sensitivity (CI, 88–100%) and specificity (CI, 71–100%). These data show that a simple index of total temporal variability (the intra-series CV) derived from the analysis of basal F profiles, provides a useful method to distinguish Cushing’s disease from pseudo-Cushing’s. A F or ACTH CV <40% discriminates Cushing’s disease from pseudo-Cushing’s and reflects reduced circadian and pulsatile variations.
Reaction-driven cracking during retrograde metamorphism: Olivine hydration and carbonation

Abstract Retrograde metamorphism (mineral hydration, carbonation and oxidation) is important in controlling the composition and rheology of the Earth's crust and upper mantle, particularly along tectonic plate margins, and in proposed mechanisms for geothermal power generation and engineered, geological carbon storage. Retrograde processes can lead to an increase in solid mass and volume, or can be balanced by host phase dissolution at constant solid volume. In turn, solid volume changes could reduce permeability and reactive surface area, and/or lead to host rock deformation, via fracture and frictional sliding or viscous flow. Which of these outcomes emerges in specific cases is determined in part by the “crystallization pressure”, which creates local gradients in pressure around growing crystals, and thus a differential stress. We develop thermodynamic and mineral physics estimates of the crystallization pressure and differential stress resulting from volume changes during olivine hydration (serpentinization) and carbonation. Because olivine is so far from equilibrium with fluids near the surface, the stress due to serpentinization and/or carbonation may exceed 300 MPa at temperatures up to 200 °C or more, greater than required to fracture rocks and cause frictional failure in the upper 10 km of the Earth. Provided that fluid access is initiated, for example along pre-existing fractures, the volume change due to hydration and carbonation can cause fracture formation and dilation, maintaining or increasing permeability and reactive surface energy in a positive feedback mechanism.
Selective lenticulostriate arterial occlusion. A reproducible model of primate focal cerebral ischemia

Abstract The anatomic variations of the lateral lenticulostriate arteries of 13 baboons have been detailed from surgical exposures and postmortem silicone rubber-injected specimens. Although the lateral lenticulostriate arteries most frequently arise directly from the orbital frontal artery, they may also arise directly from the middle cerebral artery. Extraparenchymal anastomoses between the medial and lateral lenticulostriates were not found in our operations. Through a microsurgical procedure, selective occlusion of the origins of the lateral lenticulostriate arteries has been accomplished consistently, immediately creating an area of absent flow and subsequent infarction within the normal distribution of these vessels. We believe that selective lateral lenticulostriate occlusion in the baboon produces a lesion that should be useful in the study of cerebral infarction and its treatment.
Changes in Genetic and Environmental Influences on Trait Anxiety from Middle Adolescence to Early Adulthood

Background Middle adolescence to early adulthood is an important developmental period for the emergence of anxiety. Genetically-influenced stable traits are thought to underlie internalizing psychopathology throughout development, but no studies have examined changes in genetic and environmental influences on trait anxiety during this period.
Preservation of functional integrity during long term storage of a biological membrane

Sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles freeze-dried in the presence of trehalose retain most of their original biological activity for short periods. When the dry vesicles are stored for longer periods in air, Ca2+-transport becomes uncoupled from ATPase activity within a few days. However, when they are stored under vacuum, ATPase activity, Ca2+ transport, and coupling between Ca2+ transport and ATP utilization are maintained essentially intact for at least 110 days.
A defect in the synthesis of Interferon-γ by the T cells of Complement-C5 deficient mice leads to enhanced susceptibility for tuberculosis

Interferon-γ (IFNγ) plays a major role during host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). T cells produce IFNγ in response to IL-12 and IL-18 secreted from Mtb infected macrophages. IFNγ in turn, induces nitric oxide secretion in macrophages that kills Mtb. IFNγ knockout mice are thus hyper-susceptible to tuberculosis. We reported earlier that Complement-C5 deficient (C5(-/-)) congenic mice are more susceptible to tuberculosis and showed reduced IL-12 synthesis in their macrophages. Using C5(-/-) congenic mice that carry a deletion in the C5 gene and the wild type C5(+/+) mice, we demonstrate here that, the C5(-/-) derived CD3(+) T cells, have an additional defect in the synthesis of IFNγ. C5(-/-) T cells produced lower levels of IFNγ upon stimulation by antigen presenting cells (APCs) infected with Mtb or when stimulated directly with a combination of IL-12 and IL-18. The latter was in part due to a reduced phosphorylation of STAT4 following IL-12/IL-18 stimulation. Addition of C5a peptide to IL-12/IL-18 partially restored STAT4 phosphorylation and IFNγ synthesis in C5(-/-) T cells indicating that IL-12/IL-18 mediated signaling within CD3(+) T cells involves C5a peptide. Finally, C5(-/-) T cells derived from M. bovis BCG or Mtb infected mice showed a reduced expression of T-bet (T-box expressed in T cells) transcription factor, which correlated well with a reduced T cell secretion of IFNγ. Since T-bet mediated IFNγ synthesis facilitates Th1 expansion, C5(-/-) mouse derived T cells appear to have an intrinsic defect in the production of IFNγ, which is related to C5 deficiency and this may explain their increased susceptibility to infection with Mtb and BCG.
Social Psychology and Cultural Analysis

This is a particularly good time to reexamine research priorities and paradigms in social psychology. Much of social psychology today is like a torrent of water that has reached a mountain ridge and is unable to find an exit toward the sea. Most of it consists of going around in circles.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling in adipogenesis and metabolism

Adipocyte differentiation consists of a complex series of events in which scores of cellular and extracellular factors interact to transform a fibroblast-like preadipocyte into a mature, lipid-filled adipocyte. Many of the pathways influencing this process have been identified using well-characterized preadipocyte culture systems and have subsequently been confirmed in animal models. Research conducted over the past decade has established the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway as an important regulator of adipocyte differentiation. While initial reports implicated activators of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling as potent inhibitors of adipogenesis, recent investigations of mesenchymal cell fate, obesity, and type 2 diabetes highlight significant additional roles for Wnt signaling in metabolism and adipocyte biology.
Significance of Troponin Dynamics for Ca2+-mediated Regulation of Contraction and Inherited Cardiomyopathy

Ca2+ dissociation from troponin causes cessation of muscle contraction by incompletely understood structural mechanisms. To investigate this process, regulatory site Ca2+ binding in the NH2-lobe of subunit troponin C (TnC) was abolished by mutagenesis, and effects on cardiac troponin dynamics were mapped by hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX)-MS. The findings demonstrate the interrelationships among troponin's detailed dynamics, troponin's regulatory actions, and the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy linked to troponin mutations. Ca2+ slowed HDX up to 2 orders of magnitude within the NH2-lobe and the NH2-lobe-associated TnI switch helix, implying that Ca2+ greatly stabilizes this troponin regulatory region. HDX of the TnI COOH terminus indicated that its known role in regulation involves a partially folded rather than unfolded structure in the absence of Ca2+ and actin. Ca2+-triggered stabilization extended beyond the known direct regulatory regions: to the start of the nearby TnI helix 1 and to the COOH terminus of the TnT-TnI coiled-coil. Ca2+ destabilized rather than stabilized specific TnI segments within the coiled-coil and destabilized a region not previously implicated in Ca2+-mediated regulation: the coiled-coil's NH2-terminal base plus the preceding TnI loop with which the base interacts. Cardiomyopathy-linked mutations clustered almost entirely within influentially dynamic regions of troponin, and many sites were Ca2+-sensitive. Overall, the findings demonstrate highly selective effects of regulatory site Ca2+, including opposite changes in protein dynamics at opposite ends of the troponin core domain. Ca2+ release triggers an intramolecular switching mechanism that propagates extensively within the extended troponin structure, suggests specific movements of the TnI inhibitory regions, and prominently involves troponin's dynamic features.
MDC9, a Widely Expressed Cellular Disintegrin Containing Cytoplasmic SH3 Ligand Domains

Cellular disintegrins are a family of proteins that are related to snake venom integrin ligands and metalloproteases. We have cloned and sequenced the mouse and human homologue of a widely expressed cellular disintegrin, which we have termed MDC9 (for metalloprotease/disintegrin/cysteine-rich protein 9). The deduced mouse and human protein sequences are 82% identical. MDC9 contains several distinct protein domains: a signal sequence is followed by a prodomain and a domain with sequence similarity to snake venom metalloproteases, a disintegrin domain, a cysteine-rich region, an EGF repeat, a membrane anchor, and a cytoplasmic tail. The cytoplasmic tail of MDC9 has two proline-rich sequences which can bind the SH3 domain of Src, and may therefore function as SH3 ligand domains. Western blot analysis shows that MDC9 is an approximately 84-kD glycoprotein in all mouse tissues examined, and in NIH 3T3 fibroblast and C2C12 myoblast mouse cell lines. MDC9 can be both cell surface biotinylated and 125I-labeled in NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts, indicating that the protein is present on the plasma membrane. Expression of MDC9 in COS-7 cells yields an 84-kD protein, and immunofluorescence analysis of COS-7 cells expressing MDC9 shows a staining pattern that is consistent with a plasma membrane localization. The apparent molecular mass of 84 kD suggests that MDC9 contains a membrane-anchored metalloprotease and disintegrin domain. We propose that MDC9 might function as a membrane-anchored integrin ligand or metalloprotease, or that MDC9 may combine both activities in one protein.
Acquiring firms with higher PE ratios

Abstract The paper disproves the general belief that one should not acquire companies with a higher PE ratio than one's own under a stock exchange, since it would dilute the acquirer's earnings per share. It develops new models for calculating the earnings per share and share value for acquirer's shareholders allowing for partial acquisitions and synergistic effects. It then determines the maximum PE multiple that the acquirer can pay that will neither dilute the share value nor the projected earnings per share. It also establishes that the maximum PE multiple one can pay in either case is highest when only a majority of shares is acquired. The condition for the maximum PE multiple to be greater than the acquirer's PE ratio is also derived. A bargaining range for the PE multiple is determined too.
Effects of feed formulation on feed manufacturing and pellet quality characteristics of poultry diets

There is a wide array of factors, of which feed formulation is one, that can drastically affect both the quality of the feed produced as well as the parameters associated with the production of the feed in the mill. It has long been the practice in commercial broiler production to pellet the feed. It has been accepted at this point that feeding a diet with high quality pellets leads to better performance compared to the same diet with low quality pellets or in mash form. On the other hand, producing a high quality pellet is not the typical result in a large feed mill. In large mills, great quantities of feed must be produced in a short time frame and this is usually accomplished by running the mill at a high production rate and pelleting the diet through a relatively thin die. This usually results in decreased conditioning time and contact with the die for the diet, and consequently a lower quality pellet results, mainly because these are the two primary locations for the physiochemical reactions such as starch gelatinisation and protein denaturation that cause pellet binding. In this review we will discuss research pertaining to the use of different grains, by-products, minerals, pellet binders and most notably feedstuff constituents and their effects on both physical pellet quality as well as feed manufacturing variables such as energy usage and production rate when the data is available. The main focus will be given to research performed within the last decade. However, we have placed no restrictions on the research referenced based on publication date as there is always quality research with pertinent findings that have stood the test of time.
Split ureteral stent after ureteroureterostomy

Ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy is a well documented surgical approach to duplicated collecting systems associated with obstruction or Vesicoureteral reflux. Indwelling stents are employed in these procedures, to facilitate unobstructed flow across the anastomosis, to minimize anastomotic leak, and to assist in aligning the repair. Positioning of the ureteral stent is controversial. Some advocate placement of the stent to the recipient ureter across the suture line to prevent anastomotic stricture. Others prefer placing the stent along the donor ureter in order to facilitate drainage of the moiety that was originally obstructed. We describe a technique that allows drainage both ureters by using a single stent that has been split at its proximal end just across the U-U anastomosis.
A Community-Based, Culturally Sensitive Education and Group-Support Intervention for Mexican Americans With NIDDM: A Pilot Study of Efficacy

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of providing a diabetes patient education and group-support intervention that was directed by a Mexican-American clinical nurse specialist (CNS), dietitian, and community worker; consistent with national standards; and designed for the Mexican-American culture. In a rural Texas-Mexico border community, subjects with diabetes were randomly selected to participate in the intervention, and a family member of each subject participated as a support person. The intervention involved 8 weeks of educational sessions with instruction on nutrition, blobd glucose self-monitoring, exercise, and other diabetes self-management topics, and provided group support. Group discussion was facilitated using a series of Spanish-language videotapes that had been developed and previously tested in the target Mexican-American community. Results suggested statistically significant improvements in diabetes knowledge, fasting blood sugar levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin l...
The Political Economy of Bad Data: Evidence from African Survey and Administrative Statistics

Across multiple African countries, discrepancies between administrative data and independent household surveys suggest official statistics systematically exaggerate development progress. We provide...
Affective lability and impulsivity in a clinical sample of women with bulimia nervosa: The role of affect in severely dysregulated behavior

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to examine the role of affective lability in maladaptive behaviors in a sample of women who meet DSM criteria for current bulimia nervosa (BN). Method: Participants were administered a semistructured diagnostic interview (SCID-P) and only those who currently met criteria for BN (N = 134) were included in the analyses. All other data were collected through the use of self-report questionnaires. Results: Affective lability significantly predicted the Impulsive Behavior Scale score (sr = 0.21, t = 2.64, p < .009, f2 = 0.06) and excessive reassurance seeking (sr = 0.21, t = 2.74, p < .007, f2 = 0.06), even when controlling for age, depressive symptoms, state and trait anxiety, and general impulsivity. Discussion: The degree to which individuals with BN experience labile emotions is associated with several indicators of dysregulated behavior such that higher levels of affective lability predict a more severely dysregulated behavioral profile. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
FDAMA 1997 Section 114: another look.

Under the FDA Modernization Act of 1997 (FDAMA), certain “health-care economic information” is permitted to be distributed by pharmaceutical manufacturers to defined categories of managed care decision makers [1]. The statute provides that certain health-care economic information (HCEI) shall not be considered false and misleading if it is based upon “competent and reliable scientific evidence,” rather than the normal (and higher) standard of “adequate and well-controlled trials” (also known as substantial evidence). However, HCEI qualifies for this relaxed standard of proof under the statue only if the information “directly relates to an indication approved under Section 505 [of the FDC HCEI metrics that align with end points in approved labeling would appear to meet the intent of the legislation. While the representation of relative value concerning surrogate end points would probably meet the Section 114 criteria, it would be more limited and enable relative value assessments only within the evidentiary boundaries of similar end points supported with similar labeling. Relative value associated with a specific end point might run counter to a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY)-only policy that is intended to represent relative value in the same currency across all interventions regardless of end point. On the other hand, if an new drug application (NDA) sponsor performed clinical studies demonstrating a beneficial impact on health outcome (HO) end points (e.g., reduction in mortality and major morbidity) which were reflected in the drug’s label, these could be reflected in QALY and life-year gained metrics. Finally, allowing extrapolated HO claims to be incorporated into HCEI without evidence of reduction in major morbidity and mortality could dilute the incentive for manufacturers to perform event-related end point studies. Five examples of end points were provided in the House Report on FDAMA to provide insights concerning the criteria that HCEI be directly related to an approved indication [2]. The examples illustrate the intent of Congress to align the evidence of benefit in an approved indication as an important part of the generation of HCEI that is competent and reliable. Quoting directly from the congressional record:
Genetic continuity after the collapse of the Wari empire: Mitochondrial DNA profiles from Wari and post‐Wari populations in the ancient Andes

The Wari empire flourished in the central, highland Peruvian Andes from AD 600-1000, and although the events that led to its demise are unknown, archaeological evidence indicates that Wari control waned at the end of the first millennium. Here, we test the hypothesis that, despite the major shift in social and political organization at the fall of the Wari empire, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) composition of populations from the Ayacucho Basin, the former imperial heartland of the empire, remained essentially unchanged. Results show that mtDNA haplogroup frequencies among the Wari and post-Wari groups differ, but the difference is not statistically significant (chi2 = 5.886, df = 3, P = 0.1172). This is the first study in the Andes to use haplotypic data to evaluate the observed genetic distance between two temporally distinct prehispanic populations (F(ST) = 0.029) against modeled expectations of four possible evolutionary scenarios. None of these simulations allowed the rejection of continuity. In total, at both the haplogroup and haplotype levels these data do not allow us to reject the hypothesis that post-Wari individuals sampled in this study are the maternal descendants of those sampled from the Wari era site of Conchopata. However, genetic homogeneity in the mitochondrial gene pool, as seen in the late prehispanic southern Andes, may also characterize our study region. But, prior to this research, this was unknown. If our new data show mtDNA homogeneity, then this could limit the detection of female migration if, in fact, it occurred. Nonetheless, the novel mtDNA data presented here currently do not support the hypothesis that there was an influx of genetically distinct females into the former Wari heartland after the Wari collapse.
Demonstration of a novel on-fiber detector for on-line power monitoring and spectrometer applications

A novel on-line power monitoring scheme is demonstrated in a single-mode fiber in which the light is first coupled from the core mode to the cladding mode by an all-fiber acousto-optic tunable filter and then coupled to an InGaAs p-i-n photodetector bonded to the fiber. Detection efficiency for different cladding modes and fiber cladding diameters are presented. The on-fiber detector is successfully implemented in an all-fiber spectrometer.
First Report of a Leaf Blight of Onion Caused by Xanthomonas campestris in Colorado.

Sweet Spanish onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars in southern Colorado (Otero and Prowers counties) have been found with symptoms of a foliar blight since 1996, and the same symptoms have been observed in northern Colorado (Weld County) since 1997. This onion disease appears to be identical to that reported from Barbados in 1971, Hawaii in 1978, and Texas in 1998 (1). Leaf blighting in scattered fields began as linear, tan to brown, water-soaked lesions that rapidly coalesced and were often surrounded by chlorotic areas, causing a general discoloration and tip die-back of affected foliage. The disease occurs generally after periods of heavy rainfall or storms. Bulb size may be reduced, and 10 to 15% yield losses have been recorded from control plots in copper-based bactericide screening nurseries naturally infected primarily by this pathogen at Rocky Ford during 1996 to 1998. Disease progression into bulbs has not been observed. Gram negative, rod-shaped, yellow bacteria were consistently recovered from infected foliar and bulb tissues on nutrient agar. The bacterial isolates utilized glucose in an oxidative manner, were catalase positive, oxidase negative, and negative for the tetrazolium salt tolerance test (0.1 and 0.02%). Two strains, one recovered during 1996 and the other in 1997, were identified by Microbe Inotech Laboratories (St. Louis, MO) as Xanthomonas campestris based on fatty acid methyl ester analysis (similarity indices of 0.81 and 0.82). A literature search indicated that classification to pathovar is lacking (2). To prove pathogenicity, a suspension (108 CFU/ml sdw) of one of the strains was sprayed to runoff onto a flat of approximately 100 8-week-old plants. Inoculated plants were placed in a dew chamber for 24 h, and then transferred to a bench and maintained at 25 to 28°C with a 12-h photoperiod and misting period for 14 days. A sample of 10 randomly selected plants with symptoms of water-soaking and discoloration was collected from which X. campestris was reisolated. No symptoms developed on seedlings sprayed with water only. This is the first report of X. campestris from onions grown in Colorado and the western continental United States. References: (1) T. Isakeit et al. Plant Dis. 84:201, 2000. (2) M. Van Den Mooter and J. Swings. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 40:348-369, 1990.
Optimal molecular design under property prediction uncertainty

A systematic method that quantitatively assesses property prediction uncertainty (imprecision) on optimal molecular design problems is introduced. Property - structure relations are described with specific nonlinear finctionalities based on group contribution methods. Property prediction uncertainty is explicitly quantified by using multivariate probability density distributions to model the likelihood of different realizations of the group contribution parameters. Assuming stability of these probability distributions, a novel approach is introduced for transforming the original nonlinear stochastic formulation into a deterministic MINLP problem with linear binary and convex continuous parts with separability. The resulting convex MINLP formulation is solved to global optimality for molecular design problems involving many uncertain group contribution parameters. Results indicate the computational tractability of the method and the profound effect that property prediction uncertainty may have in optimal molecular design. Specifically, trade-off curves between pegormance objectives, probabilities of meeting the objectives, and chances of satisfiting design specifications offer a concise and systematic way to guide optimal molecular design in the face of property prediction uncertainty.
Efficiency measure, modelling and estimation in combined array designs

In off-line quality control, the settings that minimize the variance of a quality characteristic are unknown and must be determined based on an estimated dual response model of mean and variance. The present paper proposes a direct measure of the efficiency of any given design-estimation procedure for variance minimization. This not only facilitates the comparison of different design-estimation procedures, but may also provide a guideline for choosing a better solution when the estimated dual response model suggests multiple solutions. Motivated by the analysis of an industrial experiment on spray painting, the present paper also applies a class of link functions to model process variances in off-line quality control. For model fitting, a parametric distribution is employed in updating the variance estimates used in an iteratively weighted least squares procedure for mean estimation. In analysing combined array experiments, Engel and Huele (Technometrics, 1996; 39:365) used log-link to model process variances and considered an iteratively weighted least squares leading to the pseudo-likelihood estimates of variances as discussed in Carroll and Ruppert (Transformation and Weighting in Regression, Chapman & Hall: New York). Their method is a special case of the approach considered in this paper. It is seen for the spray paint data that the log-link may not be satisfactory and the class of link functions considered here improves substantially the fit to process variances. This conclusion is reached with a suggested method of comparing ‘empirical variances’ with the ‘theoretical variances’ based on the assumed model. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of transient intermediates in the metal-dependent nonoxidative decarboxylation catalyzed by alpha-amino-beta-carboxymuconate-epsilon-semialdehyde decarboxylase.

The first description of a metalloenzyme-mediated nonoxidative decarboxylation reaction was that catalyzed by α-amino-β-carboxymuconate-e-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) (Li, T.; Walker, A. L.; Iwaki, H.; Hasegawa, Y.; Liu, A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 12282−12290 and Liu, A.; Zhang, H. Biochemistry 2006, 45, 10407−10411). Here, we report a rapid kinetic study of the ACMSD reaction using the cobalt(II)-reconstituted enzyme. Two previously undetected intermediates of the reaction are characterized. These are proposed to be the aminomuconate-e-semialdehyde (AMS) product of the decarboxylation in complex with the enzyme and the free AMS after release from ACMSD. It was possible to determine the rates of formation of the enzyme−substrate complex (2.4 × 106 s-1 M-1), release of the AMS product (8.8 s-1), and spontaneous cyclization of AMS to picolinic acid (0.05 s-1), which is the final product of the reaction. Reconstructed spectra of these reaction intermediates and a kinetic mechanism for the overall ...
Diltiazem and Metoclopramide Overdose

j Abstract i A fatality resulting from the suicidal Ingestion of diltlazem and metoclopramide Is described. The decedent was a 25-year-old female with a history of alcoholism and cocaine abuse who overdosed on her mother's medications. On admission she was bradycardlc with severe hypotension and third-degree heart block which progressed to asystole. She was resuscitated but remained comatose until her death four days later. Serum samples from the first 15 h of hospitalization were analyzed for diltiazem and metoclopramlde by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection. Dlltlazem levels 1 hour post admission were 8.49 mg/L. DIItlazem elimination followed zero-order kinetics with an e|lmination rate of 0.68 mgJL/h. Metoclopramide levels 1 hour post admission were 4.40 mg/L. Data Indicated a blphasic elimination curve for metocloprsmlde with an initial half-life of 1.3 h and a terminal half-life of 20 h. eral dopaminergic antagonist properties, and high dose therapy (1-2 mg/kg I.V.) has become common for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy (8). Reports of metoclopramide overdose are rare and include only two deaths (9-11). One death was attributed to an idiosyncratic drug reaction after low dose therapy, while the second involved a sudden cardiac arrest in an individual who had suffered an acute dystonic reaction after high dose therapy (9,10). Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, disorientation, and acute dystonic reactions including involuntary movement or spasms of the limbs, opisthotonus, facial spasms, stridor, and dyspnea. No drug levels in overdose have been reported. This paper describes a death due to the suicidal ingestion of both diltiazem and metoclopramide in an individual with no known preexisting cardiac disease.
Inpatient diabetes control: rationale.

This is the first of two articles on the Consensus Development Conference on Inpatient Diabetes Control, which was sponsored by the American College of Endocrinology and held in Washington, DC, 14–15 December 2003. Donald Bergman (New York, NY), President of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, suggested the importance of endocrinologists beginning “to partner … for practical reasons,” perhaps in this one fashion emulating trial lawyers and the National Rifle Association by finding strength in numbers! Nathaniel Clarke, on behalf of the American Diabetes Association, which cosponsored the meeting, stressed the importance of developing common conclusions and guidelines. Representatives of the Endocrine Society, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, the Society of Hospital Medicine, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists agreed on the importance of the topic. Alan Garber (Houston, TX), who moderated the conference, pointed out the frequency of diabetes among hospitalized persons and noted that at his institution, approximately one-third of persons in the coronary care unit have diabetes, with one-third of this group having glucose levels ≥200 mg/dl. There are, he noted, few existing standards for glycemic control of persons with diabetes in hospital. Robert Frye (Rochester, MN) gave “a historical perspective” of the rationale for the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation (BARI) study of patients with multivessel coronary disease, with objective evidence of ischemia and without prior revascularization. At the time of patient enrollment in the study, the majority of patients were considered unsuitable for angioplasty, so that only a minority of potential patients were randomized, leading to some uncertainty as to whether the results can be fully generalized. Diabetes was prespecified as a subgroup by the data monitoring and safety group, with 19% of those enrolled having treated diabetes, although diabetes was not prespecified for analysis of outcome, which has been another source of controversy about …
EARLY MATING AND PREGNANCY IN THE MONKEY1

THE FUNDAMENTAL similarity of the menstrual cycles of the human and the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) provides an opportunity for collecting exact information on mating in relation to pregnancy by the use of a superb experimental animal under objective observation. The breeding of the rhesus monkey has been carried on in this laboratory under controlled conditions since 1935. Following the basic work of others (Corner 1923, Allen 1926, and Hartman 1932), our results have been such that we have maintained a self-replacing and expanding colony of animals, now including four generations, which has yielded a considerable mass of mating records. A review (van Wagenen 1945) of the first ten years enabled us to state that during the latter half of that time when the mating routine had become stabilized and confined to a discrete number of hours in the cycle, about one-third of,the animals, whether nulliparous or multiparous, became pregnant after a single mating. Of course, certain obvious contributive conditio...
Protein structure prediction by pro-Sp3-TASSER.

An automated protein structure prediction algorithm, pro-sp3-Threading/ASSEmbly/Refinement (TASSER), is described and benchmarked. Structural templates are identified using five different scoring functions derived from the previously developed threading methods PROSPECTOR_3 and SP3. Top templates identified by each scoring function are combined to derive contact and distant restraints for subsequent model refinement by short TASSER simulations. For Medium/Hard targets (those with moderate to poor quality templates and/or alignments), alternative template alignments are also generated by parametric alignment and the top models selected by TASSER-QA are included in the contact and distance restraint derivation. Then, multiple short TASSER simulations are used to generate an ensemble of full-length models. Subsequently, the top models are selected from the ensemble by TASSER-QA and used to derive TASSER contacts and distant restraints for another round of full TASSER refinement. The final models are selected from both rounds of TASSER simulations by TASSER-QA. We compare pro-sp3-TASSER with our previously developed MetaTASSER method (enhanced with chunk-TASSER for Medium/Hard targets) on a representative test data set of 723 proteins 0.4 in the top five clusters) increases from 472 to 497 for all targets, and the relative increases for medium and hard targets are 10% and 15%, respectively. A server that implements the above algorithm is available at http://cssb.biology.gatech.edu/skolnick/webservice/pro-sp3-TASSER/. The source code is also available upon request.
Identification of a PTEN-regulated STAT3 brain tumor suppressor pathway

Activation of the transcription factor STAT3 is thought to potently promote oncogenesis in a variety of tissues, leading to intense efforts to develop STAT3 inhibitors for many tumors, including the highly malignant brain tumor glioblastoma. However, the function of STAT3 in glioblastoma pathogenesis has remained unknown. Here, we report that STAT3 plays a pro-oncogenic or tumor-suppressive role depending on the mutational profile of the tumor. Deficiency of the tumor suppressor PTEN triggers a cascade that inhibits STAT3 signaling in murine astrocytes and human glioblastoma tumors. Specifically, we forge a direct link between the PTEN–Akt–FOXO axis and the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR)–STAT3 signaling pathway. Accordingly, PTEN knockdown induces efficient malignant transformation of astrocytes upon knockout of the STAT3 gene. Remarkably, in contrast to the tumor-suppressive function of STAT3 in the PTEN pathway, STAT3 forms a complex with the oncoprotein epidermal growth factor receptor type III variant (EGFRvIII) in the nucleus and thereby mediates EGFRvIII-induced glial transformation. These findings indicate that STAT3 plays opposing roles in glial transformation depending on the genetic background of the tumor, providing the rationale for tailored therapeutic intervention in glioblastoma.
Rapid detection of Pneumocystis carinii using a direct fluorescent monoclonal antibody stain.

A collaborative study was undertaken at two institutions to assess the performance of a direct fluorescent-antibody stain for the detection of Pneumocystis carinii in respiratory specimens from patients with known or suspected human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infections. A total of 163 specimens (125 induced sputa, 37 bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, and 1 tracheal aspirate) from 124 patients were examined by using modified Giemsa (Diff-Quik; Baxter American Scientific Products, Chicago, Ill.) and direct fluorescent-antibody stains. A total of 73 specimens contained P. carinii, which was detected in 66 (92%) of the specimens by using the modified Giemsa and in 71 (97%) of the specimens by using the fluorescent-antibody stain. One bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimen in which P. carinii was detected only with the fluorescent-antibody stain was determined to be a false-positive based on subsequent clinical evaluation of the patient. Although the overall time for processing and examining specimens stained with either stain was not significantly different for those specimens containing P. carinii, considerably less time was required for microscopic examination of those fluorescent-antibody-stained specimens lacking P. carinii. Images
Virtual Fashion as an Industry: Making the World Look Better One Avatar at a Time

When one imagines a virtual world, fantasy may come to mind. The fashion industry seems to be the ideal match for environments built on the creativity of its designers and consumers. Virtual worlds illustrated via simulation of the real world or as a by-product of material culture have inspired alternate identities of its members as avatars; in this way promoting ideals of perfection as nearly achievable particularly in Second Life (SL). This chapter reviews the state of Second Life virtual fashion, mainly appearance as it has allowed for avatar customization to evolve into what has become a full blown industry that now entails cross-over into the real world. Considerations relevant to this discussion include race, ethnicity and gender as well as body image. This chapter draws upon virtual studies research in media, marketing, sociology and other areas in addition to practical examples of those immersed within these spaces.
Electron Transfer at the n-InP | Poly(Pyrrole) Interface

Measurements of the barrier height by capacitance-voltage techniques and of the equilibrium exchange current density by current-voltage techniques are performed on the rectifying interface between n-InP and poly(pyrrole) (chemically polymerized and characterized by an electrochemical potential of ≈0.2V vs. SCE). The current-voltage data yielded a quality factor of 1.2±0.1 and an equilibrium exchange current density of (1.2±0.6) x 10 −9 . A cm −2 . The capacitance-voltage data yielded a barrier height of 0.73 ± 0.02 V and measured dopant densities within 15% of the expected value. These data, taken together, are inconsistent with thermionic emission theories developed to describe inorganic semiconductor I metal interfaces and often applied to inorganic semiconductor I doped conjugated polymer interfaces. In particular, the ratio of the rate constant for majority carrier electron capture (surface recombination velocity) at the n-InP | poly(pyrrole) interface to that at n-InP | metal interfaces is found to be (6 ± 5) × 10 −3 .
The toxicity of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) to the freshwater green alga Selenastrum capricornutum

RDX was not acutely toxic to the green alga Selenastrum capricornutum when tested at the solubility limit of the compound in algal assay media. A maximum reduction of 38% in cell density occurred after a 96-h exposure to 36.7 mg L−1; thus, an EC50 could not be determined. The lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) and no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) for the green alga were 4.8 and 0.5 mg L−1 (reduction in cell density), respectively, when chronic end points were used to analyze the data. A comparison of the data in this study with RDX toxicity data from the literature for the diatom Navicula pelliculosa, and the blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) Microcystis aeruginosa and Anabeana flos-aquae shows that S. capricornutum is the most sensitive to RDX. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) numerical water quality criterion Final Plant Value based on the green alga data should protect the above algal groups.
Where do you want to give report

Traditionally, nurses have met in a conference room to give each other end-of-shift report. Many hospitals are now moving to bedside report. Which does the research support as best practice? What are the ethical and practical issues of each? This article answers those questions.
Oxygen Interactions with Silica Surfaces: Coupled Cluster and Density Functional Investigation and the Development of a New ReaxFF Potential

We consider oxygen interactions with realistic silica surfaces, including both experimentally observed nondefective surface reconstructions and experimentally observed surface defects. Nondefective models include clusters representing the site above a fully coordinated surface Si atom and bridging O atoms, and the defective models include clusters representing an under-coordinated Si defect, a nonbridging O defect, and a ring structure. Energies were obtained for the approach of atomic and molecular oxygen to these clusters in various configurations by using explicitly correlated CCSD(T)-F12b electronic structure theory and the Minnesota density functionals, which were found to be in good agreement. The Minnesota functionals were employed in binding energy calculations for all of the clusters, considering the singlet and triplet spin states for nondefective clusters and doublet and quartet spin states for defective clusters. We find that the chosen defects are energetically favorable sites for binding. Th...