cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Target organ stimulation of parasympathetic nerve growth in the developing mouse submandibular gland.

Abstract Parasympathetic nerve growth from the mouse submandibular ganglion is stimulated and directed by the glandular epithelium. Cultured alone, the submandibular ganglion shows little axon extension, but in the presence of salivary epithelium, either cisfilter or transfilter, stimulation of axon outgrowth occurs. The capacity to stimulate such outgrowth from the ganglion is restricted, but not completely specific to salivary epithelium. Stimulation of directed outgrowth occurs even through a 0.1 μm pore size filter and over distances of up to 0.5 mm. Preliminary studies with the parasympathetic ganglia of the pelvic plexus show that axon outgrowth in this case is dependent on a target issue, with salivary epithelium being capable of directing nerve outgrowth from this source.
An exploratory study of social support: a cross-cultural comparison of Chinese-, Japanese-, and Anglo-American breast cancer patients

This paper investigated the nature of social support for Asian- and Anglo-American women post breast cancer treatment. Forty-six Anglo- and Asian-American (13 Anglo-American, 18 Chinese-American and 15 Japanese-American women) women were assessed 6 months to 3 years post-treatment. Assessments consisted of a semi-structured interview plus standardized psychological tests. Three major hypotheses were developed and tested in the study. Results showed: (1) Anglo-American women indicated a greater need for social support than either of the two Asian-American groups in 66% of the categories; (2) no differences were found between the three ethnic groups in receipt of emotional or tangible social support; and (3) the network size and composition differed significantly in 83% of the categories between the Anglo group and at least one of the Asian groups. These differences were in size, mode, and perceived adequacy of social support. Implications for culturally-based clinical practice which emerge from these findings are discussed.
Concept and organization of a clinical gene therapy lab

Designing a dedicated clinical facility to meet the needs of existing and developing Gene Therapy Protocols presents a unique challenge. Here, we review some of the issues we faced and share some of our design concepts. An optimal Clinical Gene Therapy Lab must meet relevant regulatory guidelines, interface with other hospital labs as well as the clinic and patient care areas, be efficient and flexible in utilization of space, and have the potential to meet future needs without continual renovation. As clinical science expands to include more gene transfer approaches, specific laboratory areas for this type of work will become increasingly necessary.
Forecasting time series with outliers

Time-series data are often contaminated with outliers due to the influence of unusual and non-repetitive events. Forecast accuracy in such situations is reduced due to (1) a carry-over effect of the outlier on the point forecast and (2) a bias in the estimates of model parameters. Hillmer (1984) and Ledolter (1989) studied the effect of additive outliers on forecasts. It was found that forecast intervals are quite sensitive to additive outliers, but that point forecasts are largely unaffected unless the outlier occurs near the forecast origin. In such a situation the carry-over effect of the outlier can be quite substantial. In this study, we investigate the issues of forecasting when outliers occur near or at the forecast origin. We propose a strategy which first estimates the model parameters and outlier effects using the procedure of Chen and Liu (1993) to reduce the bias in the parameter estimates, and then uses a lower critical value to detect outliers near the forecast origin in the forecasting stage. One aspect of this study is on the carry-over effects of outliers on forecasts. Four types of outliers are considered: innovational outlier, additive outlier, temporary change, and level shift. The effects due to a misidentification of an outlier type are examined. The performance of the outlier detection procedure is studied for cases where outliers are near the end of the series. In such cases, we demonstrate that statistical procedures may not be able to effectively determine the outlier types due to insufficient information. Some strategies are recommended to reduce potential difficulties caused by incorrectly detected outlier types. These findings may serve as a justification for forecasting in conjunction with judgment. Two real examples are employed to illustrate the issues discussed.
NAT2 Genetic Polymorphism in Child Liver Disease. • 471

N-Acetyltransferase (NAT) participates in detoxification reactions of compounds with arylamine and hydrazine moieties as well as in activation pathways of occupational and environmental pollutants with mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. There are three NAT gene loci (NAT1, NAT2, NAT3) and the NAT2 gene locus (chromosome 8) has 4 alleles (M1, M2, M3, and M4). Any mutant NAT2 allele or 2 heterozygous defective alleles cause the slow acetylator phenotype. We hypothesized that if liver failure in children withα 1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is toxin exposure related then these children would have a lesser or greater than expected NAT2 mutant rate compared to children with biliary atresia (BA) or neonatal hepatitis (NH) induced liver failure.
Polymer recycling: opportunities and limitations.

Abstract The disposal of polymer solid waste by means other than landfilling is necessary. The various approaches-source reduction, incineration, degradation, composting, and recycling-all have their roles and must be employed in an integrated manner. Where appropriate, recycling has ecological advantages, but its application is dependent upon the feasibility of collection, sorting, and/or compatibilization of resulting mixtures to produce economically viable products. The practice should be encouraged by societal or legislative pressure which recognizes that the cost of disposal should be a factor in determining the cost of a product.
The stability of de sitter space with a scalar quantum field (I). The linearized semiclassical Einstein equations

Abstract Spatially homogeneous perturbations of a spatially flat de Sitter metric, which arise from the fluctuations of a free, massive, minimally coupled scalar quantum field about the Bunch-Davies vacuum state, are considered. The semiclassical Einstein equations are applied to this system and linearized in the perturbations. These are coupled to an equation describing the evolution of the quantum state of the matter field in the perturbed space-time, which is solved to linear order. Combining these results, two linear, integro-differential equations obeyed by the metric perturbation are obtained, which are related to each other by energy-momentum conservation. The initial data required to specify a unique solution of these equations is discussed. In a subsequent paper it will be shown that the exact solution for the metric perturbation with arbitrary initial data may be obtained in terms of its Laplace transform. The asymptotic behavior of this solution will also be analyzed to determine if any unstable modes are present.
The association between antiepileptic drug and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor co-medication and cholesterol management in patients with epilepsy

Summary Purpose Pharmacokinetic interactions have been demonstrated in enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) and statins; however, their clinical significance is not well established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of EIAEDs and non-enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (NEIAEDs) on statin dose adjustments and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in patients with epilepsy. Methods Retrospective insurance claims from 2000 to 2006 from the Ingenix Impact (formerly Integrated Health Care Information Services) database were analyzed. Two cohorts were compared, EIAEDs + statin and NEIAEDs + statin: 1118 patients were analyzed (58% men; 66% aged >55 years); 506 (45%) initiated with an EIAED. Outcomes assessed included statin dose adjustments and, for a subset of subjects, risk of mean LDL >100 mg/dL during the 12-month follow-up period. Descriptive statistics were calculated and regression models estimated. Results Among the EIAED group, 72% initiated with phenytoin; among the NEIAED group, 57% initiated with gabapentin. For the EIAED group, the risk of upward statin dose adjustments was significantly greater (odds ratio = 1.36; P = 0.04) compared with the NEIAED group; similarly, the risk of having mean LDL >100 mg/dL was significantly greater (odds ratio = 41.22; P = 0.005) and increased during the follow-up period (+26.6 mg/dL; P = 0.001) for the EIAED group. Discussion This study suggests that concomitant use of EIAEDs and statins may be associated with reduced clinical effectiveness of statins. Patients with epilepsy who use EIAEDs and statins concomitantly may require greater vigilance for optimal cholesterol management.
Calcimedins: Purification and characterization from chicken gizzard and rat and bovine livers

A procedure for the simultaneous extraction and purification of four calcimedins from chicken gizzard, rat liver, and bovine liver is described. These proteins bind to hydrophobic resins in a calcium-dependent manner similar to calmodulin and troponin C. The four calcimedins purified had molecular weights 67,000 (67K), 35,000 (35K), 33,000 (33K), and 30,000 (30K) as determined by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Their ability to bind calcium was demonstrated using the Hummel-Dreyer method. Their tissue concentration ranged between 1-4 mg/100 g wet weight in the three tissues studied. During gel filtration, calcimedins 67K and 35K, had Rf (Ve-Vo/Vt-Vo) values of 0.46 and 0.74, respectively, indicating monomeric structure. However, the 33K and 30K calcimedins had Rf values of 0.26 (molecular weights greater than 90,000) suggesting that they occur as subunit complexes in their native state. Antibodies raised against the 67K and 35K calcimedins showed cross reactivity suggesting possible common origin. However, peptide mapping studies showed that they are independent proteins with considerable peptide homology. Antibodies to 30/33K calcimedins did not cross-react with either 67K or 35K calcimedins. Moreover, their peptide maps were strikingly different from those of 67K and 35K calcimedins indicating that they are unique. At present, the regulatory function of this group of proteins is not clear. Indirect evidences support the possibility that they are involved in membrane associated events, such as endocytosis and secretion.
Pharmaceutical Drug Separations by HPCE: Practical Guidelines

Abstract As governmental regulations become more encompassing and restrictive, it has become more important to develop high efficiency separation methods for pharmaceutical drugs. High Performance Capillary Electrophoresis (HPCE) is becoming accepted as a primary and complementary (with HPLC) separation technique. Researchers that have not previously used HPCE may not be familiar with the myriad of parameters that can be manipulated to achieve the desired efficiency, selectivity, or resolution. The purpose of this work is to develop some practical advice, guidelines, and limitations of HPCE in the separation of pharmaceutical drugs. Several classes of pharmaceutical drugs are used to illustrate the physical and buffer parameters that can be manipulated. Some important physical parameters are discussed. Free solution concepts are illustrated using pH control, ionic strength, ion pairing reagents, and organic modifiers. Examples illustrate Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography (MECC)-a tool for t...
Body condition and order of arrival affect cooperative nesting behaviour in four-toed salamanders Hemidactylium scutatum

Joint nesting is defined as two or more conspecific females laying eggs in the same nest. Female four-toed salamanders may lay and brood eggs in a solitary nest, lay eggs in a joint nest and brood them along with eggs of other females, or lay eggs in a joint nest that is brooded by another female. Using data from a 9-year study in mesocosms, I found that body condition index scores were associated with nesting behaviour. Joint nesters who stayed with the nest were in the best condition, whereas joint nesters who deserted the nest were in the worst condition. Solitary nesters, who almost always stayed with their nests, were in intermediate condition. Nesting behaviour was also a function of whether a female founded or joined a nest. Females that laid eggs first in what ultimately became a joint nest tended to stay regardless of relative body condition. Nest joiners stayed if they were in relatively good condition, but deserted if they were in relatively poor condition. Nest founders may tolerate nest joiners because there is no cost to doing so, they cannot nest again within a season, and the costs of fighting to exclude a potential nest joiner are prohibitive. Body condition of individuals varies in populations and may often affect costs and benefits of nesting decisions. Therefore, the inclusion of body condition variation into models of joint nesting will lead to a more predictive theory of nesting and breeding decisions.
Micro- and Nanofluidics for Cell Biology, Cell Therapy, and Cell-Based Drug Testing

Many biological studies, drug screening methods, and cellular therapies require culture and manipulation of living cells outside of their natural environment in the body. The gap between the cellular microenvironment in vivo and in vitro, however, poses challenges for obtaining physiologically relevant responses from cells used in basic biological studies or drug screens and for drawing out the maximum functional potential from cells used therapeutically. One of the reasons for this gap is because the fluidic environment of mammalian cells in vivo is microscale and dynamic whereas typical in vitro cultures are macroscopic and static. This presentation will give an overview of efforts in our laboratory to develop microfluidic systems that enable spatio-temporal control of both the chemical and fluid mechanical environment of cells. The technologies and methods close the physiology gap to provide biological information otherwise unobtainable and to enhance cellular performance in therapeutic applications. Specific biomedical topics that will be discussed include, in vitro fertilization on a chip, microfluidic tissue engineering of small airway injuries, breast cancer metastasis on a chip, electrochemical biosensors, and development of tuneable nanofluidic systems towards applications in single molecule DNA analysis.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Electrophysiologic effects of thrombolytic therapy in patients with a transmural anterior myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular aneurysm formation

Abstract To assess the effects of early thrombolytic therapy on the incidence of clinical and induced ventricular arrhythmias in high risk postmyocardial infarction patients, 32 patients with a transmural anterior myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular aneurysm formation were prospectively evaluated. Sixteen patients (Group A) received routine care because of contraindication to thrombolytic therapy or other factors and 16 (Group B) received either tissue plasminogen activator or streptokinase within 6 h of the onset of chest pain. The two groups were similar in left ventricular ejection fraction (mean ± SD, 28 ± 9% [Group A] versus 30 ± 8% [Group B]) and occurrence of spontaneous nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, new bundle branch block and congestive heart failure. Group B patients had higher peak creatine kinase MB levels (446 ± 336 versus 205 ± 120 IU; p = 0.017) and earlier time to peak creatine kinase values (13.4 ± 6.6 versus 19.1 ± 6.1 h; p = 0.006). Twenty patients who had no clinical sustained ventricular arrhythmias underwent electrophysiologic study 13 ± 6 days after infarction. Ventricular tachycardia was induced during the study in 7 (88%) of 8 Group A patients, but in only 1 (8%) of 12 Group B patients given thrombolytic therapy (p = 0.0008). During a mean follow-up period of 11 ± 8 months, eight Group A patients (50%) died suddenly or were resuscitated from sustained ventricular tachycardia; all Group B patients are alive and have had no clinical arrhythmic events (p = 0.002). Four of the 8 patients with inducible ventricular tachycardia at electrophysiologic study have had a clinical arrhythmic event, whereas the 12 patients without inducible tachycardia are arrhythmia free (p = 0.020). Thus, patients with a transmural anterior myocardial infarction and subsequent left ventricular aneurysm formation had an improved arrhythmic outcome if they received early thrombolytic therapy. Furthermore, thrombolytic therapy dramatically improved electrical stability as elucidated by electrophysiologic study. These results were observed despite the failure of thrombolytic therapy to significantly improve global left ventricular ejection fraction or affect clinical variables normally associated with a poor prognosis.
Dissatisfied with the fruitfulness of learning ecologies

In the discipline of science education, we seek ways to improve the process of teaching and learning in the sciences, and to inform these efforts we often look to expand our understanding of what it means to learn science. This journal, as well as others in the field, disseminates work that we continually build upon, expanding and narrowing our explanations of how learning takes place. In this piece, we attempt to make sense of science education’s current use of conceptual change theory. In particular, we wish to address the use of the recent construct within conceptual change theory known as “learning ecologies” (Abd-El-Khalick & Akerson, 2004). Conceptual change theory as described by Posner, Strike, Hewson, and Gertzog (1982) explains the process of learning in the individual as echoing knowledge production in science in its most ideal sense; thus, this model in its original formulation describes learning as based on a learner’s rational assessment of competing knowledge claims. As with many models, after some applications the authors recognized its shortcomings and that its original
Exact Statistical Mechanics of a One-Dimensional Self-Gravitating System

The statistical mechanics of an isolated self-gravitating system consisting of N uniform mass sheets is considered using both canonical and microcanonical ensembles. The one-particle distribution function is found in closed form. The limit for large numbers of sheets with fixed total mass and energy is taken and is shown to yield the isothermal solution of the Vlasov equation. The order of magnitude of the approach to Vlasov theory is found to be 0(1/N). Numerical results for spatial density and velocity distributions are given.
Trace element distributions in man-made fibers

A preliminary study to evaluate the use of neutron activation analysis for the characterization of six groups of man-made fibers for forensic purposes has been made. A total of 81 samples of acetate, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polyester and rayon were analyzed. Small samples, approximately the size typically found during a crime scene search, were analyzed using a Ge(Li) detector system following a 20 min irradiation at a flux of 5·1013 n·cm−2·sec−1. The following elements were determined quantitatively in one or more of the samples: Ti, Sr, Au, Zn, Sb, Br. Mn, Mg, Cu, In, Co, Cu, V, K, Al, Cl, Na, Ca, and S. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences were found both between and within the six groups. However, within certain groups some fibers from different manufacturers showed marked similarities in qualitative and quantitative composition.
Qualities of Influential Literacy Teacher Educators

An online survey of award-winning literacy teachers was conducted to determine the most influential qualities of literacy teacher educators in teacher preparation programs. Sixty-two recipients of literacy awards participated in the study, representing teachers of excellence from all U.S. geographic regions. Using a backward mapping process, teachers identified a literacy teacher educator who most influenced their own teaching and responded to the online survey (Qualities of Influential Literacy Teacher Educators) about the named educator. Half of the survey participants were interviewed to provide clarification of survey ratings about the influential educator. Findings derived from three triangulated data sources reveal consensus that mentoring is most influential, followed by qualities related to teaching. Research qualities appear to be least influential in teacher preparation.
Five-parameter fluorescence imaging: wound healing of living Swiss 3T3 cells

Cellular functions involve the temporal and spatial interplay of ions, metabolites, macromolecules, and organelles. To define the mechanisms responsible for completing cellular functions, we used methods that can yield both temporal and spatial information on multiple physiological parameters and chemical components in the same cell. We demonstrated that the combined use of selected fluorescent probes, fluorescence microscopy, and imaging methods can yield information on at least five separate cellular parameters and components in the same living cell. Furthermore, the temporal and spatial dynamics of each of the parameters and/or components can be correlated with one or more of the others. Five parameters were investigated by spectrally isolating defined regions of the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectrum based on five distinct fluorescent probes. The parameters included nuclei (Hoechst 33342), mitochondria (diIC1-[5] ), endosomes (lissamine rhodamine B-dextran), actin (fluorescein), and the cell volume Cy7-dextran). Nonmotile, confluent Swiss 3T3 cells did not show any detectable polarity of cell shape, or distribution of nuclei, endosomes, or mitochondria. These cells also organized a large percentage of the actin into stress fibers. In contrast, cells migrating into an in vitro wound exhibited at least two stages of reorganization of organelles and cytoplasm. During the first 3 h after wounding, the cells along the edge of the wound assumed a polarized shape, carried the nuclei in the rear of the cells, excluded endosomes and mitochondria from the lamellipodia, and lost most of the highly organized stress fibers. The cell showed a dramatic change between 3 and 7 h after producing the wound. The cells became highly elongated and motile; both the endosomes and the mitochondria penetrated into the lamellipodia, while the nuclei remained in the rear and the actin remained in less organized structures. Defining the temporal and spatial dynamics and interplay of ions, contractile proteins, lipids, regulatory proteins, metabolites, and organelles should lead to an understanding of the molecular basis of cell migration, as well as other cellular functions.
Changes in lipoprotein composition in horses fed a fat-supplemented diet☆

Abstract This study was designed to compare the effects of a fat-supplemented diet versus a traditional diet on the lipoprotein (LP) content in horses. In the first of two trials, eight two-year old horses were fed a basal diet, in which 80% of the digestible energy was supplied as chopped alfalfa hay. One group of four horses (fat-supplemented group, FS) was fed the remaining 20% of the digestible energy as corn oil, while the other group of four horses (control) was fed rolled corn to complete their diet. Blood samples were collected at the start of the experiment and every 2.5 weeks thereafter for 10 weeks. Total serum lipids were measured in both groups of horses and the lipoproteins were fractionated into very low density LP (VLDL), low density LP (LDL), and high density LP (HDL) using ultracentrifugation and agarose-column chromatography. Each LP fraction was measured for protein, cholesterol (CH) and triglyceride TG) content. Total serum lipids were increased in the FS group above the control (9.16 vs. 4.65 mg/ml, week 5). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were elevated in the FS group, but were highly variable. Variations in lipid concentrations may have been due to variation in time of sampling during the day. In the second trial, four of the eight horses were used and divided into the same two groups; FS vs. control. After an initial sample, postprandial serial blood samples (1 hour intervals for 8 hours) were drawn at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Upon examination of the data, Hour 3 post-feeding was chosen to represent postprandial LP values. In both trials, the horses were able to adapt to the added dietary fat. Maintenance of body weight and increased speed of lipid clearance from the blood by the end of each trial in the FS group support this statement. In the FS group, there was an increase in VLDL TG concentration, but not in LDL. This indicates an increase in VLDL TG clearance from the circulation, presumably by increased lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity. Cholesterol concentrations were also increased in the FS horses in the LDL and HDL. The rise in cholesterol may be attributed to endogenous recycling of liver products such as bile salts, which aid in digestion and absorption and are cholesterol based. In addition, there were greater quantities of LDL and HOL produced in the FS horses as supported by the increased protein concentrations as well as larger peaks for the eluate from the gel filtration column.
Overview of CERES sensors and in-flight performance

The Clouds and Earth Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument is designed to measure the Earth's radiation budget and also to make measurements from which the anisotropy of reflected solar radiation can be computed. The instrument design, which is based on the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE), and its operations are described. The instrument can scan in elevation and azimuth simultaneously. The azimuthal rotation is important for gathering data to describe the anisotropy of the reflected solar radiance field. The ground vacuum calibration facility ties the calibration of the instrument to the International Temperature Scale of 1990. In-flight calibration sources are included to maintain and demonstrate the required 1 percent accuracy of each mission. Flight operations to achieve the accuracy are also discussed. The CERES Proto-Flight Model is flying on the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission spacecraft and successive models are scheduled to fly aboard the EOS/AM-1 and EOS/PM-1 platforms. The objectives of each flight of the instrument are discussed.
Excitatory amplification through divergent-convergent circuits: the role of the midline thalamus in limbic seizures.

Abstract Introduction The midline thalamic nuclei are an important component of limbic seizures. Although the anatomic connections and excitatory influences of the midline thalamus are well known, its physiological role in limbic seizures is unclear. We examined the role of the midline thalamus on two circuits that are involved in limbic seizures: (a) the subiculum–prefrontal cortex (SB–PFC), and (b) the piriform cortex–entorhinal cortex (PC–EC). Methods Evoked field potentials for both circuits were obtained in anesthetized rats, and the likely direct monosynaptic and polysynaptic contributions to the responses were identified. Seizures were generated in both circuits by 20 Hz stimulus trains. Once stable seizures and evoked potentials were established, the midline thalamus was inactivated through an injection of the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX), and the effects on the evoked responses and seizures were analyzed. Results Inactivation of the midline thalamus suppressed seizures in both circuits. Seizure suppression was associated with a significant reduction in the late thalamic component but no significant change in the early direct monosynaptic component. Injections that did not suppress the seizures did not alter the evoked potentials. Conclusions Suppression of the late thalamic component of the evoked potential at the time of seizure suppression suggests that the thalamus facilitates seizure induction by extending the duration of excitatory drive through a divergent–convergent excitatory amplification system. This work may have broader implications for understanding signaling in the limbic system.
Direct drag measurement on thin-element riblets with suction and blowing

Turbulent, direct drag has been measured for a series of riblet models in air with continuous, low-level suction or blowing applied through narrow streamwise slots located at the peak, base, or valley of the rectangularly shaped riblets. Riblet spacing was approximately that of low-speed wall streaks. The models were designed to test whether wall vortices which are known to occur along widely spaced riblets are integral to turbulence production by attempting to alter them with localized suction or blowing. The drag data show trends that are consistent with reduced or enhanced inflectional breakdown of wall vortices. The trends, however, may also be explained by more fundamental mean-flow effects.
Using Einstein’s method to derive both the Planck and Fermi–Dirac distributions

Many quantum mechanics textbooks give the remarkable argument of Einstein wherein he introduces his famous ‘‘A and B coefficients’’ and uses detailed balancing to derive the Planck distribution for thermal photons. But it seems to be not widely known that the same approach can yield the Fermi–Dirac distribution for thermal electrons.
Two results about points, lines and planes

Abstract Given n points in three dimensional euclidean space, not all lying on aplane, let l be the number of lines determined by the points, and let p be the number of planes determined. We show that l 2 ⩾ cnp , where c >0. This is the weak version of the so-called Points-Lines-Planes conjecture (a conjecture of considerable interest to combinatorialists) being an instance of the conjectured log-concavity of the Whitney numbers. We also show that there is always a point incident with at least cl planes, where c >0, provided that the n points do not all lie on two skew lines. This result lends support to our conjecture, published in 1981, that n − 1 + p + 2 ⩾ 0.
Optimizing Bead Size Improves Force Precision in Optical Traps

Optical traps are used to measure force (F) over a wide range (0.1 to 100 pN). Variation in bead radius (r) hinders comparing forces applied using different individual beads since, for small beads, trap stiffness (ktrap) varies as r3. Additionally, one does not typically calibrate ktrap for each individual bead. Rather, a prior stiffness calibration is deduced for each batch of a given bead size. This leads to systematic errors in ktrap and resulting force errors of ∼15%. Prior work has shown ktrap is maximized near 800 nm when trapping with 1064-nm light. At this maximum, variation in r should lead to minimal variation in ktrap. In this work, we show that by choosing an optimum sized bead (r = 390 nm in our trap) we reduced the standard deviation (σ) in ktrap by 2.8fold as compared to a smaller bead (250-nm) with a comparable variation in r. This improvement was validated by pulling on a DNA hairpin using a force clamp. The probability of a hairpin being open is highly sensitive to applied force - a less than 1% change in F leads to a measurable shift in the open and closed populations near F1/2 - the force at which the probability of a hairpin being open is 50%. Using this metric, the smaller beads had a σ in F1/2 of 1.2 pN while the optimum sized beads had a σ of 0.6 pN, a two-fold improvement. This improvement in precision was corroborated by the statistically indistinguishable measurement of F1/2 between both sets of data: 13.7 ± 0.4 pN and 13.6 ± 0.2 pN (mean ± SEM; N = 11). Thus, ktrap is maximized and errors in F are minimized by a simple choice of an optimum bead size.
Food Insecurity Is Associated With Food-Related Psychosocial Factors and Behaviors Among Low-Income African American Adults in Baltimore City

Using a sample of 175 low-income urban African American adults, we examined the relationship between food insecurity and knowledge, self-efficacy, intentions, healthy and unhealthy food getting, and preparation. Food security was positively associated with employment, possession of health insurance, and residence in West Baltimore. Contrary to expectation, food insecure adults had greater healthy eating self-efficacy and got healthy foods more frequently than food secure respondents. However, they were also less likely to prepare foods using healthy cooking practices. Respondents with higher healthy eating intentions prepared food in healthful ways and acquired unhealthy foods less frequently. Efforts to improve the nutritional health of the food insecure population should focus on psychosocial factors and food-related behaviors.
Global namespace for files

We propose a name service that enables construction of a uniform, global, hierarchical namespace, a key feature needed to create a file-system grid. Combined with other grid replication and location-lookup mechanisms, it supports independence of position for users and applications as well as transparency of data location in a scalable and secure fashion. This name service enables federation of individual files as well as file-system trees that are exported by a variety of distributed file systems and is extensible to include nonfile-system data such as databases or live data feeds. Such a federated namespace for files can be rendered by network file servers, such as NFS (Network File System) or CIFS (Common Internet File System) servers, proxies supporting the NAS (network-attached storage) protocol, or grid data service interfaces. File access proxies, which handle protocol translation, can also include caching and replication support to enhance data access performance. A uniform namespace with global scope and hierarchical ownership allows sharing file data between and within organizations without compromising security or autonomy.
Medical Student Core Curriculum in Dermatology Survey

Background Few published articles focus on undergraduate dermatology education. Objective To quantify the amount and type of dermatology instruction for medical students and to rank specific diseases by the expectations of learners. Methods Electronic surveys were sent via e-mail to 109 dermatology residency programs as well as to 33 medical schools without dermatology programs. Results Responses were received from 64% of dermatology residency programs. Half of the responding institutions require 10 or fewer hours of dermatology instruction, and 8% require no dermatology instruction. Seventy-five percent or more of the responding dermatologists expected medical students to learn to diagnose or treat 33 skin diseases after completing a clinical dermatology rotation. Limitations Surveys were sent only to academic institutions. Conclusions Dermatology educators expect medical students to learn to diagnose or treat common skin diseases, but little time is designated for this in most medical schools. The aggregate opinions of dermatology educators may be used to prioritize future curricula.
Antigen Retrieval Immunohistochemistry Review and Future Prospects in Research and Diagnosis over Two Decades

As a review for the 20th anniversary of publishing the antigen retrieval (AR) technique in this journal, the authors intend briefly to summarize developments in AR-immunohistochemistry (IHC)–based research and diagnostics, with particular emphasis on current challenges and future research directions. Over the past 20 years, the efforts of many different investigators have coalesced in extending the AR approach to all areas of anatomic pathology diagnosis and research and further have led to AR-based protein extraction techniques and tissue-based proteomics. As a result, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archival tissue collections are now seen as a literal treasure of materials for clinical and translational research to an extent unimaginable just two decades ago. Further research in AR-IHC is likely to focus on tissue proteomics, developing a more efficient protocol for protein extraction from FFPE tissue based on the AR principle, and combining the proteomics approach with AR-IHC to establish a practical, sophisticated platform for identifying and using biomarkers in personalized medicine.
Performance and Compatibility of California Reformulated Gasoline in On-Road, Off-Road, and Non-Vehicle Engines

As part of its comprehensive program to reduce air pollution, California has mandated the use of a cleaner burning reformulated gasoline introduced in March 1996. In 1995 the Air Resources Board, with oversight from an industry, public interest, and governmental advisory committee, undertook an extensive study of the performance and compatibility characteristics of California reformulated gasoline in on-road, off-road, and non-vehicle engines. The evaluation included in-use comparison of California reformulated gasoline to conventional gasoline in normal fleet operations. Fleets totaling 829 test and 637 control vehicles were studied. Additionally, off-road and non-vehicle in-use testing was conducted covering engine technologies in the following uses: utility, lawn and garden applications; pleasure craft and small marine vessels; agricultural and industrial engines; and recreational snowmobiles and personal watercraft. California reformulated gasoline was found to perform as well as conventional gasoline in terms of driveability, starting, idling, acceleration, power, and safety.
Simulation of the plume generated by a micro laser-ablation plasma thruster

An end-to-end model is presented of the transient plume created by a micro laser-ablation plasma thruster. The laser ablation and plasma formation processes are modeled using a semi-analytical approach. This procedure provides boundary conditions at the target surface for the plume model that is based on a particle computational approach. The present study considers a 2 W diode-based laser irradiating a poly- vinyl chloride target over a spot radius of 10 micrometers for a pulse of about 100 microsecond(s) ec. The plume simulations reveal many details of the multi-component plasma expansion. The results are used to predict plume induced contamination effects.
Transmission Electron Microscopic Analysis Showing Structural Changes to Bacterial Cells Treated with Electrolyzed Water and an Acidic Sanitizer

: The effects of various sanitizers on the viability and cellular injury to structures of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua were investigated. A food grade organic acidic formulation (pH 2.5) and acidic, neutral, and basic electrolyzed water [AEW (pH 2.7, oxidation reduction potential; ORP: 1100 mV, free available chlorine; FAC: 150 ppm), NEW (pH 6.9, ORP: 840 mV, FAC: 150 ppm), BEW (pH 11.6, ORP: –810 mV)] were used to treat E. coli and L. innocua cells. After 10 min of exposure to the sanitizers, changes to the bacterial numbers and cell structures were evaluated by plate counting and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. It was concluded from the results that the sanitizers reduced the E. coli cells between 2 and 3 log CFU/mL. Except for the BEW treatment, reductions in L. innocua population were greater (>1 log CFU/mL) than that of E. coli for all treatments. Data from the TEM showed that all sanitizers caused changes to the cell envelope and cytoplasm of both organisms. However, smaller changes were observed for L. innocua cells. Decrease in the integrity of the cell envelope and aggregation of the cytoplasmic components appeared to be mainly because of exposure to the sanitizers. The organic acid formulation and AEW were the most effective sanitizers against bacterial cells, indicating that penetration of acidic substances effectively caused the cell inactivation. Practical Application: An understanding of the method in which E-water and an acidic sanitizer cause injury to E. coli and L. innocua would be helpful in selecting an effective chemical agent as a food safety tool. This will allow a scientist to target similar microorganisms such as food borne bacteria with structures that are vulnerable to the sanitizer.
Strong associations between microbe phenotypes and their network architecture

Understanding the dependence and interplay between architecture and function in biological networks has great relevance to disease progression, biological fabrication, and biological systems in general. We propose methods to assess the association of various microbe characteristics and phenotypes with the topology of their networks. We adopt an automated approach to characterize metabolic networks of 32 microbial species using 11 topological metrics from complex networks. Clustering allows us to extract the indispensable, independent, and informative metrics. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we identify relevant subgroups of these metrics and establish that they associate with microbial phenotypes surprisingly well. This work can serve as a stepping stone to cataloging biologically relevant topological properties of networks and toward better modeling of phenotypes. The methods we use can also be applied to networks from other disciplines.
The possible occurrence of "alcoholic hepatitis" in a patient with bulimia in the absence of diagnosable alcoholism.

A case of a 20-yr-old female with possible “alcoholic hepatitis” and a mixed micro/macronodular cirrhosis occurring in association with overt bulimia and a history of anorexia nervosa, but without any objective evidence of either alcoholism or alcohol abuse, is reported. The possible factors that may have contributed, either alone or in combination, to produce this unusual occurrence are discussed.
Evidence That Multiple Genes Influence Baseline Concentrations and Diet Response of Lp(a) in Baboons

We investigated the response of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels to dietary fat and cholesterol in 633 baboons fed a series of 3 diets: a basal diet low in cholesterol and fat, a high-fat diet, and a diet high in fat and cholesterol. Measurement of serum concentrations in samples taken while the baboons were sequentially fed the 3 diets allowed us to analyze 3 Lp(a) variables: Lp(a)(Basal), Lp(a)(RF) (response to increased dietary fat), and Lp(a)(RC) (response to increased dietary cholesterol in the high-fat environment). On average, Lp(a) concentrations significantly increased 6% and 28%, respectively, when dietary fat and cholesterol were increased (P 0.5). To begin identifying the non-LPA genes that influence the Lp(a) response to dietary cholesterol, we tested, in bivariate quantitative genetic analyses, for correlation with low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDLC; ie, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol less the cholesterol contribution from Lp(a)]. LDLC(Basal) was weakly correlated with Lp(a)(Basal) (rho(P)=0.018). However, LDLC(RC) and Lp(a)(RC) were strongly correlated (rho(P)=0. 382), and partitioning the correlations revealed significant genetic and environmental correlations (rho(G)=0.587 and rho(E)=0.251, respectively). The results suggest that increasing both dietary fat and dietary cholesterol caused significant increases in Lp(a) concentrations and that the response to dietary cholesterol was mediated by a gene or suite of genes that appears to exert pleiotropic effects on LDLC levels as well. The gene(s) influencing Lp(a) response to dietary cholesterol is not linked to the LPA locus.
Methods for incorporating uncertainty into dispersion and deposition models

Dispersion and deposition models are critical components of risk assessments for airborne discharge from industrial facilities. The probabilistic nature of risk assessment, the complexities of dispersion and deposition models, and the natural variability of input parameters all support the need for probabilistic output from dispersion/deposition, models. However, difficulty in implementation and data availability has prevented the routine use of uncertainty in dispersion/deposition modeling. A series of relatively simple case studies demonstrate that the Taylor series is a flexible and computationally efficient method for incorporating input uncertainty into a widely used air transport model (ISCST). Relatively simple dispersion and dispersion with deposition modeling scenarios using real input data demonstrate that the Taylor series: (1) provides similar estimates of uncertainty compared to traditional Monte Carlo simulation, (2) is far more computationally efficient, and (3) in most cases provides conservative estimates of output concentration. More over, an evaluation the computational time needed for traditional Monte Carlo simulation when considering several input variables simultaneously demonstrates the potential of the Taylor series technique to estimate uncertainty in far more complicated modeling scenarios.
Load balancing using semi-private memory

The author introduces the concept of semi-private memory as an architectural means of load balancing. In distributed, message-passing systems, each processing element is typically associated with a private input queue and a private local memory. The semi-private memory concept, however, allows each processing element to service a small, unique subset of the queues and memories that overlaps with the subset serviced by neighboring processing elements. Thus, when a hot-spot occurs, or when a region of higher work occurs, service can be skewed towards that hot-spot or region. This type of architectural load balancing would be useful when the overhead incurred by dynamic software load balancing is prohibitive. Simulations are presented that illustrate the possible performance difference between private and semi-private memory. Higher processor utilization was achieved and hot-spots were cooled-off using semi-private memory. >
TWIN-TWIN TRANSFUSION SYNDROME IN A DICHORIONIC-MONOZYGOTIC TWIN PREGNANCY: The End of a Paradigm?

The patient was a 30-year-old female, gravida-5, para-4, referred at 25 3/7 weeks’ gestation with the diagnosis of a dichorionic-diamniotic twin gestation with discordant amniotic fluid volumes. Th...
Deterrent to Healthy Lifestyles in Our Communities: In Reply

I am gratified that the group from British Columbia has expanded on my comment and pointed out the distressing hazards to child safety posed by both vehicles and the roadways they occupy, the design of which seldom shows much thought for pedestrians or cyclists. Long distance and parents' fear of crime are other notable barriers to walking or biking to school that they cite. Long distance is inherent in urban design subservient to automobiles, where the fabric must be stretched just to make room for cars, their storage, and the possibility that they …
Microarrays and High-Throughput Sequencing in Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis and Scar

Genome and transcriptome analysis of desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) and scar tissue with DNA microarray and high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has yielded abundant data. Given the similar histologic appearance of normal scars, keloids, and DTF, and yet markedly dissimilar invasive and recurrent nature of DTF, it is critical to elucidate the underlying biologic differences contributing to the aggressiveness of DTF. Multiple gene sets and biologic pathways have been found to be enriched in DTF when compared with other noninvasive fibroblastic lesions. Investigation is required to fully characterize the pathogenesis with the hope of identifying novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.