cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is a complicated VATS lung resection better than no VATS at all?-converting our stance on intraoperative conversions.

Since its introduction in the early 1990s, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been the focus of several technological advances, improvements in technique, and increased utilization (1,2). Compared to open thoracotomy, VATS lung resections are associated with improved outcomes of reduced postoperative morbidity and length-of-stay without evidence of inferior long-term survival or disease recurrence (3-5). However, one potential barrier to increased adoption of VATS into routine practice is the concern for requiring an intraoperative conversion.
Fibrinogen Chains Intrinsic to the Brain

We observed fine fibrin deposition along the paravascular spaces in naive animals, which increased dramatically following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Following SAH, fibrin deposits in the areas remote from the hemorrhage. Traditionally it is thought that fibrinogen enters subarachnoid space through damaged blood brain barrier. However, deposition of fibrin remotely from hemorrhage suggests that fibrinogen chains Aα, Bβ, and γ can originate in the brain. Here we demonstrate in vivo and in vitro that astroglia and neurons are capable of expression of fibrinogen chains. SAH in mice was induced by the filament perforation of the circle of Willis. Four days after SAH animals were anesthetized, transcardially perfused and fixed. Whole brain was processed for immunofluorescent (IF) analysis of fibrin deposition on the brain surface or in brains slices processed for fibrinogen chains Aα, Bβ, γ immunohistochemical detection. Normal human astrocytes were grown media to confluency and stimulated with NOC-18 (100 μM), TNF-α (100 nM), ATP-γ-S (100 μM) for 24 h. Culture was fixed and washed/permeabilized with 0.1% Triton and processed for IF. Four days following SAH fibrinogen chains Aα IF associated with glia limitans and superficial brain layers increased 3.2 and 2.5 times (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) on the ventral and dorsal brain surfaces respectively; fibrinogen chains Bβ increased by 3 times (p < 0.01) on the dorsal surface and fibrinogen chain γ increased by 3 times (p < 0.01) on the ventral surface compared to sham animals. Human cultured astrocytes and neurons constitutively expressed all three fibrinogen chains. Their expression changed differentially when exposed for 24 h to biologically significant stimuli: TNFα, NO or ATP. Western blot and RT-qPCR confirmed presence of the products of the appropriate molecular weight and respective mRNA. We demonstrate for the first time that mouse and human astrocytes and neurons express fibrinogen chains suggesting potential presence of endogenous to the brain fibrinogen chains differentially changing to biologically significant stimuli. SAH is followed by increased expression of fibrinogen chains associated with glia limitans remote from the hemorrhage. We conclude that brain astrocytes and neurons are capable of production of fibrinogen chains, which may be involved in various normal and pathological processes.
Nanomechanical insights: Amyloid beta oligomer-induced senescent brain endothelial cells

Senescent cells accumulate in various peripheral tissues during aging and have been shown to exacerbate age-related inflammatory responses. We recently showed that exposure to neurotoxic amyloid β (Aβ1-42) oligomers can readily induce a senescence phenotype in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). In the present work, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to further characterize the morphological properties such as cell membrane roughness and cell height and nanomechanical properties such as Young's modulus of the membrane (membrane stiffness) and adhesion resulting from the interaction between AFM tip and cell membrane in Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced senescent human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Morphological imaging studies showed a flatter and spread-out nucleus in the senescent HBMECs, both characteristic features of a senescent phenotype. Furthermore, the mean cell body roughness and mean cell height were lower in senescent HBMECs compared to untreated normal HBMECs. We also observed increased stiffness and alterations in the adhesion properties in Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced senescent endothelial cells compared to the untreated normal HBMECs suggesting dynamic reorganization of cell membrane. We then show that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) knockdown or overexpression of Rho GTPase Rac 1 in the endothelial cells inhibited senescence and reversed these nanomechanical alterations, confirming a direct role of these pathways in the senescent brain endothelial cells. These results illustrate that nanoindentation and topographic analysis of live senescent brain endothelial cells can provide insights into cerebrovascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Life Trajectories and Pattern Formation Sequences

The formation of sequences of patterns has been discussed in Chaps. 6 and 7 for type 1 and type 2 pattern formation sequences, respectively. Let us apply pattern formation sequences to describe how human individuals and groups of individuals evolve over extended periods such as a day, a week, a year, a life or several generations.
White Matter Microstructure in Adolescents and Young Adults With Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a growing public health concern that commonly begins in adolescence, and can persist into young adulthood. A promising approach for advancing our understanding of NSSI in youth is to examine white matter microstructure using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI). Method The present study examined whole-brain group differences in structural connectivity (as measured by generalized fractional anisotropy [GFA]) between 28 female adolescents and young adults ages 13-21 years with NSSI and 22 age-matched healthy controls (HC). We also explored the association between clinical characteristics including NSSI severity and duration, impulsivity, emotion regulation and personality traits within the NSSI group and GFA of the uncinate fasciculus and cingulum. Results Compared to the HC group, participants with NSSI had lower GFA in several white matter tracts, including the uncinate fasciculus, cingulum, bilateral superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi, anterior thalamic radiation, callosal body, and corticospinal tract. When controlling for depressive symptoms, the NSSI group showed an association between NSSI duration (time since initiating NSSI behavior) and lower GFA in the left cingulum. Higher levels of attentional impulsivity were related to lower GFA in the left uncinate fasciculus within the NSSI group. Conclusions We found evidence suggesting widespread white matter microstructure deficits in adolescents and young adults with NSSI versus HC. We also report inverse associations between white matter integrity and clinical characteristics (duration of NSSI and attentional impulsivity). These white matter microstructural deficits may represent a possible neurobiologically-based vulnerability to developing maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as NSSI. Additionally, results suggest that this white matter disorganization may either worsen with prolonged engagement in NSSI or predict persistent NSSI; thereby highlighting the importance of early intervention targeting this behavior.
Health Care Providers' Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators to Care for Low-Income Pregnant Women With Diabetes

OBJECTIVE | Treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes during pregnancy can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes; yet, self-care burdens for pregnant women with diabetes are high, particularly for low-income and minority women. Although prior studies have investigated patient-perceived barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-management during pregnancy, little work investigates the perspectives of health care providers (HCPs) on these factors. The objective of this study was to investigate HCPs' perspectives on patient barriers and facilitators to diabetes care during pregnancy. METHODS | In this qualitative investigation, focus groups were conducted using a semistructured interview guide designed to elicit HCPs' perceptions of patient barriers and facilitators to successful diabetes-related self-care. HCPs included physicians, nurses, health educators, and other personnel who care for low-income pregnant women with diabetes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative technique to identify themes and subthemes, using the Social Ecological Model as a theoretical framework. RESULTS | Participants (n = 29) identified barriers and facilitators to women's achievement of optimal diabetes self-care according to six levels (environment, access, institution, interpersonal, knowledge, and individual). Example subthemes included inflexible work schedule, poor access to medication and supplies, overburdened clinic, perceived patient "policing," and low health literacy. Individual factors included self-efficacy, motivation, and engagement. HCPs identified barriers, but not facilitators, for each theme. CONCLUSION | HCPs described facilitators and barriers to diabetes care at all levels of the Social Ecological Model. These data can inform interventions to dismantle barriers patients face and thus create meaningful health care interventions to improve outcomes for low-income pregnant women with diabetes.
Make Sure You Have a Safety Net: Updates in the Prevention and Management of Infectious Complications in Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients are at increased risk of infection and immune dysregulation due to reception of cytotoxic chemotherapy; development of graft versus host disease, which necessitates treatment with immunosuppressive medications; and placement of invasive catheters. The prevention and management of infections in these vulnerable hosts is of utmost importance and a key “safety net” in stem cell transplantation. In this review, we provide updates on the prevention and management of CMV infection; invasive fungal infections; bacterial infections; Clostridium difficile infection; and EBV, HHV-6, adenovirus and BK infections. We discuss novel drugs, such as letermovir, isavuconazole, meropenem-vaborbactam and bezlotoxumab; weigh the pros and cons of using fluoroquinolone prophylaxis during neutropenia after stem cell transplantation; and provide updates on important viral infections after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Optimizing the prevention and management of infectious diseases by using the best available evidence will contribute to better outcomes for stem cell transplant recipients, and provide the best possible “safety net” for these immunocompromised hosts.
The possibilities of bilingualism: Perceptions of bilingual learners in Arizona

This qualitative study examines students’ perceptions of their bilingualism in a school that is attempting to disrupt inequalities through the promotion of social justice through bilingual/bicultur...
Cross-generational comparability of hip- and wrist-worn ActiGraph GT3X+, wGT3X-BT, and GT9X accelerometers during free-living in adults

ActiGraph accelerometers are frequently used to characterize physical activity, but free-living cross-generational comparability of newer models has not been verified. Participants (N = 70) wore GT...
Is it time to incorporate point-of-care ultrasound into the anesthesiology resident's training curriculum?

Abstract Background The role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) continues to expand, yet in most anesthesia residency programs, trainees have limited exposure to a specific curriculum. Furthermore, anesthesiologists in private practice have even less exposure or access to training pathways. Methods We searched peer-reviewed literature using PubMed for this review article, which discusses the training pathways and certifications for ultrasound in perioperative patient care, the evolution of POCUS, and the ways that skilled anesthesiologists can use the technique for cardiac and noncardiac surgery. We also discuss the possible specific curriculum and pathways for POCUS training among anesthesiologists. Results In 1996, the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists developed the first set of guidelines for a comprehensive intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination. Subsequently several countries and organizations have published guidelines on perioperative TEE training requirements and certifications. In the United States, the primary organizations include the American Society of Echocardiography and Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists. To date, there have been no published training requirements or certification processes for anesthesiology trainees in POCUS in perioperative patients. Conclusions Any examination evaluating the competency use of POCUS would need to be comprehensive and involve a technical skill as well as written/audiovisual examination.
First Record of Coccus hesperidum L. (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Industrial Hemp in Kentucky

This article is the first report on the phytophagous activity of C. hesperidum on hemp plants grown in greenhouses in Kentucky, USA. Hemp plants were grown in a greenhouse where ornamental plant species were previously grown but were not present at the same time. Coccus hesperidum may have been carried by wind because greenhouse windows were kept open. Coccus hesperidum successfully fed and reproduced on the stems and leaves of hemp. After 2 wk a single plant, kept in laboratory for further studies, died as a consequence of the feeding damage caused by a large population of scales. As hemp is expanding to different production areas, C. hesperidum might be a potential pest for hemp grown in greenhouses. The surveillance and early detection of C. hesperidum will contribute to the production of healthy hemp plants to be planted in open fields, especially in southern states of the USA.
Una lectura de Memorias póstumas de Blas Cubas a través del Elogio de la locura

En este articulo se plantea que el desarrollo del tema de la locura en Memorias postumas de Blas Cubas del brasileiro Machado de Assis es una adaptacion del cuadro teorico de los planteamientos de Erasmo en Elogio. Un examen del dialogo entre estas dos obras muestra que no solo Memorias hace referencias directas e indirecta a Elogio, sino que tambien se apropia de los propositos encubiertos en esa obra que fueron estudiados por Foucault en Madness and Civilization. Esto lo lleva a cabo a traves de un efecto especular por medio del cual la critica hecha en Elogio contra el conocimiento de su tiempo se replantea y refleja en Memorias, manifestandose en un cuestionamiento de la sociedad de su tiempo y sus nociones del conocimiento y otros conceptos tales como razon y locura.
Controlling ATV Steering Angle on a Forest Path Using Machine Learning

This paper discusses research to control the steering wheel angle of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) in a forest environment using machine learning techniques and a camera feed. The research uses different semantic segmentation (S.S.) techniques to analyze visual data gathered from the ATV driven in the forest. It then uses different linear regression models to find the best suited model to predict the steering wheel angle. This paper discusses the data gathering process for the visual data and steering wheel angles. It also discusses the data preparation for the S.S. models and the S.S. models used. Then it presents the data preparation for the linear regression models used after the S.S‥ Finally, the training and usage of the different linear regression models, the final results, and conclusions are represented. All models were computed offline on a Jetson Nano Nvidia GPU. Our objective is to find the best model which will allow the vehicle to drive in real-time in future trials.
Linear Extension of Anthracene via B←N Lewis Pair Formation: Effects on Optoelectronic Properties and Singlet O2 Sensitization.

The functionalization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) via B←N Lewis pair formation offers an opportunity to judiciously fine-tune the structural features and optoelectronic properties, to suit the demands of applications in organic electronic devices, bioimaging, and as sensitizers for singlet oxygen. We demonstrate that the N-directed electrophilic borylation of 2,6-di(pyrid-2-yl)anthracene offers access to linearly extended acene derivatives Py-BR (R = Et, Ph, C6F5). In comparison to indeno-fused 9,10-diphenylanthracene, the formal "BN for CC" replacement in Py-BR selectively lowers the LUMO, resulting in a much reduced HOMO-LUMO gap. An even more extended conjugated system with seven six-membered rings in a row (Qu-BEt) is obtained by borylation of 2,6-di(quinolin-8-yl)anthracene. Fluorinated Py-BPf shows particularly advantageous properties, including low-lying HOMO and LUMO levels, strong yellow-green fluorescence, and effective singlet oxygen sensitization, while resisting self-sensitized conversion to its endoperoxide.
Presence of a beta II protein kinase C-selective nuclear membrane activation factor in human leukemia cells.

In human promyelocytic (HL60) leukemia cells beta II protein kinase C (PKC) is selectively translocated to the nucleus in response to proliferative stimuli. At the nucleus, beta II PKC directly phosphorylates the nuclear envelope polypeptide lamin B at two consensus PKC phosphorylation sites, Ser395 and Ser405. Phosphorylation of these sites by beta II PKC leads to solubilization of lamin B indicative of mitotic nuclear envelope breakdown in vitro (Hocevar, B.A., Burns, D.J., and Fields, A.P. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 7545-7552). We have now investigated the molecular basis for beta II PKC-selective nuclear translocation and lamin B phosphorylation using an in vitro reconstitution system. We find that beta II PKC phosphorylates nuclear envelope lamin B at 10-20 times the rate of alpha PKC, whereas both kinases phosphorylate soluble lamin B at similar rates. Comparative tryptic phosphopeptide analysis demonstrates that alpha PKC and beta II PKC phosphorylate identical sites, Ser395 and Ser405, on soluble lamin B. These data suggest that a component(s) of the nuclear envelope confers beta II PKC-selective nuclear activation and lamin B phosphorylation. Extraction of nuclear envelopes with either non-ionic detergent (2% n-octyl glucoside) or organic solvent (CHCl3/CH3OH/H2O; 10:10:3) abolishes beta II PKC-selective phosphorylation of nuclear lamin B. Nuclear membrane extracts reconstitute beta II PKC-selective phosphorylation, indicating the presence of a beta II PKC-selective nuclear membrane activation factor (NMAF). NMAF selectively activates beta II PKC histone H1 kinase activity 3-4-fold above the level achieved with optimal concentrations of Ca2+, diacylglycerol, and phosphatidylserine. Finally, NMAF activity is not affected by exhaustive protease treatment, suggesting that it is a nuclear membrane lipid(s) or lipid metabolite. These data suggest that NMAF plays a physiologic role in the nuclear activation of beta II PKC.
Review: Feminism, Inc. by Emilie Zaslow

Does so-called girl power media culture accurately represent the plight of the modern woman? Are the hidden cultural contradictions and the strategic actions of various interested parties building pitfalls and barriers for young women across the country and the western world? This review evaluates the claims made by the author as she answers these questions and considers the importance of these discussions in the field of science, technology and society.
Carbon Fiber Microelectrodes for the in vivo Measurement of Neurotransmitters: A Close Up Look at Neurochemical Activity in the Brain

The sections in this article are Introduction A Mathematical Description of Extracellular Neurochemistry Histology of Microelectrode and Microdialysis Probe Tracks in vivo Monitoring Electrically Evoked Dopamine Release with Microelectrodes In vivo Electrochemistry with Very High Spatial Resolution Monitoring Spontaneous, as Opposed to Evoked, Dopamine Release Electrochemical Sensors for in vivo Measurement Conclusion
Streptomycin-Induced Synthesis of Abnormal Protein in an Escherichia coli Mutant

To determine directly the effects of streptomycin on translational fidelity in intact cells, we studied the synthesis of beta-galactosidase and of the coat protein of bacteriophage R17 in an Escherichia coli mutant in which the bactericidal effects of streptomycin are delayed. After the addition of streptomycin to exponentially growing mutant cells, protein synthesis continues at an undiminished rate for approximately an hour; however, as measured by enzyme assays, little functional protein is produced. Serological assays designed to detect beta-galactosidase and bacteriophage R17 coat protein show that substantial amounts of the protein synthesized can react with antisera prepared against active beta-galactosidase and phage R17, indicating the aberrance of the protein produced in the presence of the antibiotic. The polypeptides synthesized in the presence of streptomycin are degraded in the cell to a much greater extent than protein synthesized in the absence of the antibiotic. The proteolytic attack on this protein is not affected by inhibitors of serine proteases, suggesting that enzymes other than those involved in "normal turnover" of cellular protein are responsible. In this strain, certain of the multiple effects of streptomycin are separated in time and the production of abnormal protein (enzymatically inactive and susceptible to proteolytic attack) could be studied in the absence of the lethal effect of the drug.
Optimal traffic grooming in WDM mesh networks under dynamic traffic

We consider the sparse placement of grooming-nodes in WDM mesh networks under dynamic traffic. We formulate the problem as a weighted minimum dominating set of graphs; and compare our scheme, via simulation, to known heuristics.
Applied topics in the essentials of public health: a skills-based course in a public health certificate program developed to enhance the competency of working health professionals.

Introduction: In addition to understanding core public health fundamentals, health professionals must also be equipped with the skills necessary to implement strategies to promote population health. In response, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) has developed a unique Public Health Certificate (PHC) Program designed to strengthen knowledge and skills in basic public health competencies of working health professionals. A distinctive feature of this program is its culminating course Applied Topics in the Essentials of Public Health, which entails a practical, applied learning experience where students explore a variety of essential public health services (EPHS) relevant to their career goals. Objectives: 1) Explain the rationale for educating working health professionals about public health; 2) Describe the UNH graduate PHC Program, its framework and innovative process for implementing a skills-based course to improve the competency of practitioners to perform the EPHS; 3) Review the benefits and challenges of implementing a skills-based course for working health professionals; and 4) Evaluate the PHC Program. Discussion: The UNH PHC Program and its capstone course serve as a model for providing a unique, skills-based learning opportunity for working health professionals pursuing advanced public health education in U.S.-based or international public health education programs. This novel course design allows for students to develop the skills necessary to perform the EPHS.
ReCAP: Serum Tumor Marker Use in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

QUESTION ASKED:The objective of this study is to evaluate the frequency of tumor marker use in patients with advanced solid tumors.SUMMARY ANSWER:Over a 1-year period, the mean number of any individual test per patient was seven tests, and the maximum number was 35 tests; the mean number of total tests per patient was 12 tests, and the maximum number was 70 tests. In a 1-year time frame, 16.3% of patients had more than 12 individual tests, and 34.3% had more than one individual test in a 1-month span.METHODS:For each patient with a diagnosis of advanced solid tumor who had outpatient visits between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014, at Columbia University Medical Center, we recorded the dates of the following tumor marker tests: α-fetoprotein, CA-125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CA 27-29, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS:This was a 1-year evaluation of tumor marker use at a single institution. As a result, our findings may be skewed by the practice patterns of a few individual...
Lyotard and the Political

Lyotard and the Political is the first book to consider the full range of the political thought of the French philosopher Francois Lyotard and its broader implications for an understanding of the political. James Williams clearly and carefully traces the development of Lyotard's thought from his early Marxist essays on the Algerian struggle for independence to his break with the thought of Marx and Freud. This is compared with Lyotard's later, highly influental writings on the politics of desire and his attempts to base a postmodern political discourse on the sublime. An indispensable work for all who are interested in modern continental philosophy, Lyotard and the Political offers the first systematic analysis of the political dimension of the work of one of the most controversial and influential philosophers of the twentieth century. Also available in this series: Lacan and the Political Pb: 0-415-17187-3: GBP12.99 Heidegger and the Political Pb:0-415-13064-6: GBP12.99 Derrida and the Political Pb: 0-415-10967-1: GBP13.99 Nietzche and the Political Pb: 0-41510069-0: GBP12.99 Foucault and the Political Pb: 0-415-10066-6: GBP12.99
Hawaii and Massachusetts: Lessons from the States

As the nation gears up for another presidential season and a major national debate over the reform of our health-care system, policy makers in Washington would be well advised to look to the states for advice and experience. There is not a state in the country that is not currently struggling with the skyrocketing cost of Medicaid. Employers are crying for relief from health insurance costs that have risen by over fifty percent in the last three years. Businesses and unions are telling governors across the country that something has to be done to control workers' compensation costscosts that are being driven up largely by the runaway cost of health care. A handful of states are far ahead of the federal government in seeking to develop universal and affordable health-care systems. Thus, as has happened so often in American history, the states are likely to serve as models for Congressional action. Practices in other countries like Canada and Germany have received considerable media attention lately and may influence the course of national health-care reform here. Since outright adoption of public national health insurance seems unlikely, however, such influence will be indirect and will be modified by state-level experimentation in the United States. Two states, in particular, stand out: Hawaii and Massachusetts.1 Both states have generous Medicaid programs. Hawaii approved legislation requiring all employers to provide health insurance for their employees in 19742 and created a state health insurance program (SHIP) in 19893 to cover all those not otherwise insured under the 1974 law. Massachusetts enacted an employerbased universal plan in 1988. Each state's successes and failures are well worth examining as we prepare for a critically important national debate on the future of health care in America.
CORRELATED RESPONSES IN MALE REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN MICE SELECTED FOR LITTER SIZE AND BODY WEIGHT

ABSTRACT Correlated responses in male reproductive traits were determined at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age in lines of mice selected for large litter size (L+), large 6-week body weight (W+), large litter size and small body weight (L+W-) and small litter size and large body weight (L-W+), and in an unselected control (K). Concentration of serum testosterone and weights of testes, seminal vesicles, epididymides and adrenal glands increased with age. Line differences in testosterone concentration were not detected. L+ and W+ males exhibited positive correlated responses in testes, epididymides and seminal vesicle weights. Testis weight adjusted for body weight was significantly larger for L+ than controls and approached significance for Wf . Realized genetic correlation betestis weight and litter size was 0.60 ± 0.04, and the realized partial genetic correlation holding body weight constant was 0.42. Therefore, pleiotropic loci, acting via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, affect testis weight and litter size independently of body weight. Additionally, genes influencing overall growth have a pleiotropic effect on testis weight and litter size in mice; the realized genetic correlations of body weight with testis weight and with litter size were 0.60 ± 0.03 and 0.52 ± 0.10. Testis weight increased in both L+W- and L-W+ males. The positive correlated response in L+W- may have resulted from changes in frequency of genes controlling reproductive processes; whereas, in L-W+ it could have been the result of changes in the frequency of genes associated with body weight.
INCORPORATION OF ISOBUTYRATE AND VALERATE INTO CELLULAR PLASMALOGEN BY BACTEROIDES SUCCINOGENES

Wegner, G. H. (University of Wisconsin, Madison) and E. M. Foster. Incorporation of isobutyrate and valerate into cellular plasmalogen by Bacteroides succinogenes. J. Bacteriol. 85:53–61. 1963.—Bacteroides succinogenes was found to require both a branched-chain volatile fatty acid (e.g., isobutyric) and a straight-chain acid (e.g., valeric) for growth. The organism used the acids as precursors for the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids and fatty aldehydes, which in turn were employed in the synthesis of phospholipid, mainly ethanolamine plasmalogen. Isobutyric acid was incorporated primarily into branched-chain C14 and C16 acids (tentatively identified as 12-methyl tridecanoic and 14-methyl pentadecanoic acids, respectively), and into fatty aldehydes. Valeric acid was used mainly for the synthesis of n-C13 and n-C15 fatty acids and fatty aldehydes. Apparently the two short-chain fatty acids were built up by the addition of two-carbon units to form the long-chain acids and aldehydes of the plasmalogen.
« Handed » particle of spin 1/2 with finite mass

It is possible to formulate a four-component spinor theory for a particle of spin 1/2 with a definite chirality (handed-ness), which has a finite mass. Interaction between an achiral (nonhanded) spinor and a chiral spinor requires an eight-component frame-work. Such an interaction manifests a parity-violating property. Two formulations are possible: 1) The theory can be made invariant separately for time-reversal and for the combination of space-inversion and charge-conjugation, or 2) it can be made invariant for space-and-time-inversion and for charge-conjugation. The present theory may have applications for hyperons. The Salam-Lee-Yang-Landau type (1) of neutrino theory can be derived from the present formalism for the case m = 0. (See Appendix).
Use of facial motion capture for hands free control of computer applications

In this work, we propose a framework that enables the use of facial motion capture data as a means of user interface.
The Charismatic Intellectual: Origen's Understanding of Religious Leadership

Origen's vocabulary is quite definitely that of an intellectual; it owes little to daily life or to the vernacular of his time.… He seems …to manufacture his own language, often hermetic, abstract, or difficult to understand, the language of a man concerned above all with ideas, somewhat cut off from the real world, and constitutionally separated from concrete realities. Are we wrong in attaching a particular significance to the fact, so characteristic of his passionate idealism as well as of his introversion, that he made himself a eunuch ?
Symptomatic ectopic gastric epithelium of the cervical esophagus. Demonstration of acid production with Congo red

Four patients were found with patches of gastric fundal type epithelium just distal to the cricopharyngeus, separated from the gastroesophageal junction by 15-20 cm of normal squamous epithelium. Three of the four had symptoms of dysphagia localized to the area of the esophagus containing the epithelium. Congo red dye (a pH indicator) applied to the mucosa during endoscopy revealed acid production by the mucosa after stimulation with pentagastrin. Interestingly, the patients' symptoms decreased during treatment with cimetidine only to return on cessation of therapy.
Evidence for avoidance of Ag nanoparticles by earthworms ( Eisenia fetida )

Silver nanoparticles have been incorporated into a wide variety of consumer products, ideally acting as antimicrobial agents. Silver exposure has long been known to cause toxic effects to a wide variety of organisms, making large scale production of silver nanoparticles a potential hazard to environmental systems. Here we describe the first evidence that an organism may be able to sense manufactured nanoparticles in a complex, environmentally relevant exposure and that the presence of nanoparticles alters the organism’s behavior. We found that earthworms (Eisenia fetida) consistently avoid soils containing silver nanoparticles and AgNO3 at similar concentrations of Ag. However, avoidance of silver nanoparticles occurred over 48 h, while avoidance of AgNO3 was immediate. It was determined that avoidance of silver nanoparticles could not be explained by release of silver ions or any changes in microbial communities caused by the introduction of Ag. This leads us to conclude that the earthworms were in some way sensing the presence of nanoparticles over the course of a 48 h exposure and choosing to avoid exposure to them. Our results demonstrate that nanoparticle interactions with organisms may be unpredictable and that these interactions may result in ecologically significant effects on behavior at environmentally relevant concentrations.
The future of neuroergonomics

This paper addresses the theoretical, the philosophical, and the ethical considerations associated with the advent and future of neuroergonomics. These issues will demand increasing attention as knowledge of the linkage of brain function to technology-based action improves from its current coarse-grained level to a more fine-grained understanding. These developments promise to open extraordinary opportunities for improved human-machine and human-human interaction, and represent the next major step in human-machine evolution. The social and psychological implications of these changes, however, must be considered if abuse of this conception is to be circumvented.
O-012 The Effect of Pipeline Embolisation Device on Intra-Aneurysmal Pressures: In-Vitro Study

Introduction Pipeline (PED) has become commonly used to treat cerebral aneurysms, studies have found that 1% of cases that use the device result in devastating subarachnoid haemorrhage due to aneurysm rupture. The cause of these complications is still unclear, and some hypothesise it may be due to the effect the PED has on the intra-aneurysmal pressure. Materials and Methods We performed in vitro studies on two patient-specific models of cerebral aneurysms (fig 1). While both aneurysms were similar in size they had different fundamental geometries, as the first was a basilar tip and the other a side wall. In order to measure the intra-aneurysmal pressure a 0.42 mm tap was drilled into the model and a 0.40 mm micro-catheter was thread into the hole and attached to a pressure transducer (Harvard Apparatus, Holliston, MA, USA). pressure measurements were acquired and collected with Labview Signal Express (National Instruments, Austin, TX, USA). Along with the intra-aneurysmal pressure, pressure measurements were also collected at the inlet and outlet of the model. In conjunction with the pressure measurements, particle image velocimetry, a flow visualisation technique, was used to observe the haemodynamic flow patterns within the aneurysm. Results Results from the sidewall aneurysm showed that the deployment of the PED led to a dampening of the pulsatile waveform within the aneurysm. However, the PED also led to an increase in average intra-aneurysmal pressure of over 7 mmHg (fig. 2). In contrast, the BTA model did not show an increase in intra-aneurysmal pressure. This difference is likely related to the fact that the sidewall aneurysm is a closed system (only one inlet and outlet), while the BTA has an additional untreated outflow. In fact the BTA model also showed an increase in pressure drop across the untreated vessel during PED deployment, which indicates that the blood flow is being directed in that direction. The flow visualisation patterns of both models indicated a reduction in the velocities within the aneurysm, indicating that the PED is leading to reductions in fluid dynamic activity, making the increase in pressure of even greater interest. Conclusion The results of this study, while preliminary, give insight into the intra-aneurysmal pressure changes associated after deployment of the PED. Our results indicate that the PED does lead to haemodynamic changes in pressure within the aneurysm that could lead to ruptured. Disclosures F. Gonzalez: None. B. Roszelle: None. H. Babiker: None. D. Frakes: None.
Early laryngeal cancer

For early-stage laryngeal cancer, both surgery and radiotherapy are effective treatment modalities, offering a high rate of local control and cure for this select group of patients. The probability of obtaining local control for early glottic cancer is similar when comparing the results of radiation therapy, cordectomy, and hemilaryngectomy. Radiation therapy has been the treatment of choice for all previously untreated T1 and T2 vocal cord cancers at our institution. We currently treat most patients with irradiation and consider transoral laser excision for the small subset of patients with welldefined T1 tumors that are limited to the mid-third of the cord. In this area, excision will not significantly diminish voice quality. Stage I and stage II supraglottic cancers may be treated with either radiation therapy alone or with a supraglottic laryngectomy with bilateral selective neck dissections (levels II-IV). In experienced hands, transoral laser excision also is an acceptable alternative for selected lesions. Overall, approximately 80% of patients at our institution are treated initially by irradiation.
New Germanium Isotope, Ge 65

A new germanium isotope, ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{65}$, has been produced by the ($\ensuremath{\alpha}, 3n$) reaction on ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{64}$. The mass assignment was established through cross bombardments, "milking" experiments, and excitation function measurements. The half-life of ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{65}$ is 1.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 minutes. It decays by positron emission to 15-minute ${\mathrm{Ga}}^{65}$. The ground-state transition occurs in over 90% of the disintegrations and has a positron end-point energy of 3.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 Mev and a $log(\mathrm{ft})$ value of 4.8. Gamma rays of 0.67 Mev and 1.72 Mev have been observed with intensities of $\frac{0.03}{{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}}$ and $\frac{0.02}{{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}}$, respectively.
Reductive Coupling of Carbon Monoxide in a Rhenium Carbonyl Complex with Pendant Lewis Acids

Phosphinoborane ligands impart unique reactivity to a rhenium carbonyl cation relative to simple phosphine complexes. Addition of either triethylborohydride or a platinum hydride (that can be formed from H2) forms a rhenium boroxycarbene. This carbene, which crystallizes as a dimer, disproportionates over a period of days to afford the starting cation and a structurally unprecedented boroxy(boroxymethyl)carbene, in which a new C−C bond has been formed between two reduced CO ligands. This product of C−C bond formation can be independently synthesized by addition of 2 equiv of hydride to the rhenium carbonyl cation.
Immersive and 3D viewers for CUMULVS: VTK/CAVE TM and AVS/Express

This paper will discuss the development of two viewer interfaces for the CUMULVS system, one for virtual reality (VR) visualization via ImmersaDeskTM/CAVETM systems, and one for 3D data visualization using the commercial component-based AVS/Express visualization environment. The CUMULVS (Collaborative, User Migration, User Library fee Visualization and Steering) system, developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is an essential platform for interacting with high-performance scientific simulation programs on-the-fly. It provides runtime visualization of data while they are being computed, as well as coordinated computational steering, application-directed checkpointing and fault recovery mechanisms, and rudimentary model coupling functions. CUMULVS consists of a set of cooperative libraries that enable the dynamic attachment of front-end "viewer" programs to running applications, for interactive visualization of extracted data snapshots using a variety of visualization tools. A development strategy will be presented for integrating CUMULVS with the given visualization libraries and environments, including discussion of the various data transformations and the visualization pipeline necessary for converting raw CUMULVS data into fully rendered graphical entities. In addition to the immersive VR CUMULVS viewer, an overview of the object-based AVS/Express CUMULVS viewer design will be presented, including discussion of the various components, modules, macros and user interfaces. A comparison will be made of the two viewer design approaches.
Affinity immobilization of a genetically engineered bifunctional hybrid protein.

Abstract Protein A from Staphylococcus aureus (SpA) is a receptor for the Fc domain of several classes of antibodies including immunoglobin G (IgG). A hybrid protein consisting of protein A and the enzyme β-lactamase has been constructed using recombinant DNA techniques. The functional characteristics of the hybrid protein adsorbed on IgG-coated Sepharose matrices were studied in detail and compared to those of (i) the hybrid protein in solution and (ii) β-lactamase covalently immobilized on CNBr-activated Sepharose. Protein A-β-lactamase bound tightly and specifically to IgG-Sepharose and could be stored for at least 4 weeks without dissociation. The rate of penicillin G hydrolysis by the β-lactamase domain of the immobilized hybrid protein was found to depend on the amount of IgG covalently coupled to the support. For all IgG loads, higher specific activities and lower K m values relative to covalently immobilized β-lactamase were obtained. Adsorption of the hybrid protein on the support resulted in increased stability to thermal deactivation. These results indicate that bifunctional hybrid proteins can be useful for the affinity immobilization of enzymes.
Some Pharmacological and Toxicological Properties of Several Phthalimidoaldehydes

Four phthalimidoaldehyde derivatives were prepared and several parameters of pharmacological activity were examined: acute toxicity, coordination deficit, ability to alter barbiturate-induced “sleep” in mice, provoke lacrimation and chromodacryorrhea in rats, and influence contractility of excised guinea pig ileum. Gammaphthalimidobutyraldehyde and α-phthalimido-β-methylbutyraldehyde, the more toxic members of the group, significantly prolonged hexobarbital sleep time. The most intense lacrimatory effects were produced by α-phthalimido-β-methylbutyraldehyde while the most pronounced contractile response in isolated gut was provoked by phthalimidoacetaldehyde. The two latter responses were blocked by atropine premedication. None of the compounds produced chromodacryorrhea.
Long-chain polyenoics and the essential dietary fatty acid requirement of the waxmoth, Galleria mellonella

Abstract The essential fatty acid requirement for normal pupal-adult ecdysis in Galleria mellonella was studied using non-axenic casein-based semisynthetic diets with or without various 99% pure fatty acids. The abilities of linoleic and linolenic acids to alleviate faulty adult emergence differed markedly, linolenic acid being 10-fold more potent than linoleic acid. One other ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, C20:2ω6, resembled its analogue, linoleic acid (18:2ω6), in efficacy at high dosage, but three others, C18:3ω6, C20: ω6 and C20:4ω6 (arachidonic acid), were without effect. Of five ω3 polyunsatures tested, C22:3ω3 and C20:3ω3 were as effective as linolenic acid (C18:3ω3), their shorter-chained analogue. Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6ω3) was totally ineffective, but eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5ω3), though supporting no perfect emergences, produced some active adults having wing malformations only, and was therefore considered partially active. It is suggested that a C18 polyunsaturate is physiologically required by G. mellonella and can be derived from various dietary longer-chained analogues by simple carbon chain shortening so long as there are no additional double bonds carboxylwards of an active di- or trienoic sequence. The partial activity of C20:5ω3 suggests there may additionally be a physiological requirement for this or a related long-chain polyunsaturate. The possibility of multiple essential fatty acid requirements in Lepidoptera in general is discussed.
Attitudes and beliefs in a marching band: stereotyping and accentuation in a favorable intergroup context

Inter-group perception was examined in a context characterized by positive interdependence and extensive contact across group boundaries. The attitudes and beliefs of the woodwind, brass, and percussion sections of a university marching band were examined using measures of ingroup favoritism, outgroup homogeneity, and 12 scales assessing adult temperament. Although there was no evidence of ingroup favoritism or outgroup homogeneity, and few actual temperament differences across groups, stereotypic expectations based on temperament characteristics were strong. For each target group, strength of stereotype was accentuated by ingroup judges and, most strongly, by outgroup judges. Accentuation of differences between groups occurred when the expectation, and not the reality, of group differences were present. Correlations between contact measures and individual measures of perceived ingroup–outgroup differences were generally low, but suggested that degree of contact correlated positively, rather than negatively, with the magnitude of perceived differences between groups. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HCV core/gC1qR interaction arrests T cell cycle progression through stabilization of the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip1.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is efficient in the establishment of persistent infection. We have previously shown that HCV core protein inhibits T cell proliferation through its interaction with the complement receptor, gC1qR. Here we show that HCV core-induced inhibition of T cell proliferation involves a G 0 /G 1 cell cycle arrest, which is reversible upon addition of anti-gC1qR antibody. Correspondingly, the expression of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk) 2/4 and cyclin E/D, as well as subsequent phosphorylation of retinoblastoma (pRb), is reduced in core-treated T cells in response to mitogenic stimulation. Remarkably, degradation of p27 Kip1 , a negative regulator of both Cdk4/cyclin D and Cdk2/cyclin E complexes, is significantly diminished in T cells treated with HCV core upon mitogenic stimulation. These data indicate that the stability of p27 Kip1 by HCV core is associated with blocking activated T cells for the G 1 to S phase transition and inhibiting T cell proliferation.
Response to Right Talk and Philip C. Wander

“It's the economy, stupid.” This statement is simple, concise, repeatedly resonates with voters, and is a position that the Republican Party is astutely aware of. The importance of Mark Smith's boo...