cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective Whole Genome Amplification for Resequencing Target Microbial Species from Complex Natural Samples

Population genomic analyses have demonstrated power to address major questions in evolutionary and molecular microbiology. Collecting populations of genomes is hindered in many microbial species by the absence of a cost effective and practical method to collect ample quantities of sufficiently pure genomic DNA for next-generation sequencing. Here we present a simple method to amplify genomes of a target microbial species present in a complex, natural sample. The selective whole genome amplification (SWGA) technique amplifies target genomes using nucleotide sequence motifs that are common in the target microbe genome, but rare in the background genomes, to prime the highly processive phi29 polymerase. SWGA thus selectively amplifies the target genome from samples in which it originally represented a minor fraction of the total DNA. The post-SWGA samples are enriched in target genomic DNA, which are ideal for population resequencing. We demonstrate the efficacy of SWGA using both laboratory-prepared mixtures of cultured microbes as well as a natural host–microbe association. Targeted amplification of Borrelia burgdorferi mixed with Escherichia coli at genome ratios of 1:2000 resulted in >105-fold amplification of the target genomes with <6.7-fold amplification of the background. SWGA-treated genomic extracts from Wolbachia pipientis-infected Drosophila melanogaster resulted in up to 70% of high-throughput resequencing reads mapping to the W. pipientis genome. By contrast, 2–9% of sequencing reads were derived from W. pipientis without prior amplification. The SWGA technique results in high sequencing coverage at a fraction of the sequencing effort, thus allowing population genomic studies at affordable costs.
Acute hematological effects in mice exposed to the expected doses, dose-rates, and energies of solar particle event-like proton radiation

The nature and assignment of the Martian spectral features observed by W. M. Sinton in the 3-4 micron region have been re-examined. It is shown that it is not possible to state unequivocally that there are absorption bands at 2710 (3.69 microns), 2790 (3.58 microns) and 2900 (3.45 microns) cm-1. Rather the possibility of the presence of true reflection features complicates the issue and enables only a wide range to be specified for the corresponding resonant frequencies. To clarify the assignment of these a large number of pure organic and inorganic solids, together with a selection of biological samples, have been recorded in reflection. The assignment of the features to organic matter, implying the presence of life on the Martian maria, is found to be improbable. While inorganic carbonates have bands in this region, they also do not provide a satisfactory explanation of the observations. The assignment of these Martian spectral features is then an open question.
genegames.org: High-Throughput Access to Biological Knowledge and Reasoning through Online Games

At genegames.org we are exploring the use of games to access the knowledge and reasoning abilities of biologist players. Through the gene annotation game i®GenESP', players can contribute their knowledge of gene function and disease relevance to a new kind of public gene annotation database. In the i®The Cure' game, players help to identify biomarker gene sets that can be used to improve predictions of breast cancer prognosis. The poster will provide details about the design of the games as well as preliminary results from ongoing experiments. In addition, the game prototypes will run live during the conference allowing attendees to play and provide the developers with important feedback.
ACUTE VARICELLA (VZV) IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT (LA), IGG AND IGM BINDING TO VITAMIN K-DEPENDENT PROTEINS AND INCREASED THROMBIN GENERATION IN PREVIOUSLY HEALTHY CHILDREN. ▴ 937

ACUTE VARICELLA (VZV) IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT (LA), IGG AND IGM BINDING TO VITAMIN K-DEPENDENT PROTEINS AND INCREASED THROMBIN GENERATION IN PREVIOUSLY HEALTHY CHILDREN. ▴ 937
Critical illness polyneuromyopathy

Purpose The clinical characteristics of and treatment approaches for critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM) are reviewed. Summary CIPNM is an acute axonal sensory-motor polyneuropathy that tends to occur after the development of respiratory insufficiency in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, or multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of CIPNM, most of which are complex and not fully understood or proven. While the rate of intensive care unit-acquired weakness varies greatly among patients, an estimated 25–85% of critically ill adult patients will develop neuromuscular weakness, most commonly CIPNM, during hospitalization. While no specific pharmacologic treatments exist for CIPNM, the outcome for most patients is related to the severity of the illness and neuromyopathy, as well as early intervention to treat the underlying condition. Electrophysiologic studies, such as electromyography, electroneurography, and muscle and nerve biopsies, are considered the gold standard for aiding in the diagnosis of CIPNM. Preventive measures such as the early provision of appropriate nutrition, glucose control, physical rehabilitation, and the cautious use of medications such as corticosteroids and neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) can help reduce the occurrence of CIPNM. Conclusion CIPNM is an acute axonal sensory-motor polyneuropathy commonly seen in critically ill patients with sepsis and multiorgan failure. While no specific pharmacologic treatments exist, preventive measures such as the early provision of appropriate nutrition, glucose control, physical rehabilitation, and the cautious use of medications, including corticosteroids and NMBAs, can help reduce the incidence of CIPNM.
If there is LV myocardial fibrosis should we expect to find RV myocardial fibrosis? A cardiovascular MRI study

Summary In HCM, LGE defined LV fibrosis is commonplace and generally not considered in the RV. However, by CMRLGE it may be more commonplace than expected. Background CMR has become the leading technique to detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) providing complete coverage of both ventricles with high spatial resolution. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) accurately identifies regions of myocardial fibrosis. Via CMR, innumerable studies have established LVH as the predominant phenotypic expression. It is well known that myocardial fibrosis can occur in patients with HCM and is independently linked to worse prognosis than those without fibrosis by CMR. The genotypic expressions would appear to affect the entire heart yet, conventionally; descriptions have been limited to the LV, likely due to the inability to image the smaller, thinner RV. Thus, little information is available about the RV in HCM. We hypothesize there may be RV involvement in HCM when incorporating CMR analysis for RV hypertrophy and fibrosis. Methods
The potential of mid- and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for determining major- and trace-element concentrations in soils from a geochemical survey of North America.

Abstract In 2004, soils were collected at 220 sites along two transects across the USA and Canada as a pilot study for a planned soil geochemical survey of North America (North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes Project). The objective of the current study was to examine the potential of diffuse reflectance (DR) Fourier Transform (FT) mid-infrared (mid-IR) and near-infrared (NIRS) spectroscopy to reduce the need for conventional analysis for the determination of major and trace elements in such continental-scale surveys. Soil samples ( n = 720) were collected from two transects (east–west across the USA, and north–south from Manitoba, Canada to El Paso, Texas (USA), n = 453 and 267, respectively). The samples came from 19 USA states and the province of Manitoba in Canada. They represented 31 types of land use (e.g., national forest, rangeland, etc.), and 123 different land covers (e.g., soybeans, oak forest, etc.). The samples represented a combination of depth-based sampling (0–5 cm) and horizon-based sampling (O, A and C horizons) with 123 different depths identified. The set was very diverse with few samples similar in land use, land cover, etc. All samples were analyzed by conventional means for the near-total concentration of 49 analytes (C total , C carbonate and C organic , and 46 major and trace elements). Spectra were obtained using dried, ground samples using a Digilab FTS-7000 FT spectrometer in the mid- (4000–400 cm −1 ) and near-infrared (10,000–4000 cm −1 ) at 4 cm −1 resolution (64 co-added scans per spectrum) using a Pike AutoDIFF DR autosampler. Partial least squares calibrations were develop using: (1) all samples as a calibration set; (2) samples evenly divided into calibration and validation sets based on spectral diversity; and (3) samples divided to have matching analyte concentrations in calibration and validation sets. In general, results supported the conclusion that neither mid-IR nor NIRS would be particularly useful in reducing the need for conventional analysis of soils from this continental-scale geochemical survey. The extreme sample diversity, likely caused by the widely varied parent material, land use at the site of collection (e.g., grazing, recreation, agriculture, etc.), and climate resulted in poor calibrations even for C total , C organic and C carbonate . The results indicated potential for mid-IR and NIRS to differentiate soils containing high concentrations (>100 mg/kg) of some metals (e.g., Co, Cr, Ni) from low-level samples (
Development and applications of fringing electric field dielectrometry sensors and parameter estimation algorithms

Abstract Recent advances in the field of interdigital ωW - κ (frequency-wavenumber) dielectrometry are described. The paper offers an overview of several applications of this technology developed during the last few years. Interdigital ω-κ dielectrometry offers the ability to non-destructively measure from one side dielectric permittivity, conductivity and related physical properties distributed spatially throughout the volume of dielectric materials. A separate mapping may be required to translate the distribution of the complex dielectric permittivity into the distribution of other properties, which include moisture concentration, impurity concentration, density, porosity, thickness of films, structural integrity, surface coatings, etc. As representative examples of applications of this technology, the results of the measurement of moisture diffusion into a 1.5 mm thick oil-free transformer pressboard are presented, followed by an illustrative case of spectroscopy-based landmine detection.
STAR FORMATION IN THE OUTER DISKS OF SPIRAL GALAXIES: ULTRAVIOLET AND Hα PHOTOMETRY*

We present an analysis of ultradeep UV and H{alpha} imaging of five nearby spiral galaxies to study the recent star formation in the outer disk. Using azimuthally averaged ellipse photometry as well as aperture photometry of individual young stellar complexes, we measure how star formation rates (SFRs) and UV and H{alpha} colors vary with radius. We detect azimuthally averaged UV flux to {approx}1.2-1.4 R{sub 25} in most galaxies; at the edge of the detected UV disk, the surface brightnesses are 28-29 mag arcsec{sup -2}, corresponding to SFR surface densities of {approx}3 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -4} M{sub Sun} yr{sup -1} kpc{sup -2}. Additionally, we detect between 120 and 410 young stellar complexes per galaxy, with a significant number of detections out to {approx}1.5 R{sub 25}. We measure radial FUV-NUV profiles, and find that the dispersion in the UV colors of individual young stellar complexes increases with radius. We investigate how radial variations in the frequency of star formation episodes can create color gradients and increasing dispersion in the UV colors of star-forming regions, like those observed in our study. Specifically, we use recently published, high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of {Sigma}{sub SFR} throughout the disk of M33 to estimate the frequencymore » of star formation episodes throughout the disk of a typical spiral galaxy. We use stellar synthesis models of these star formation histories (SFHs) to measure the variations in UV colors and find that we can replicate large dispersions in UV colors based on episodic SFHs.« less
Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Choice depends on patient's weighting of severity and bother, with risks and benefits of various options

Papers p 1059 Lower urinary tract symptoms consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia become increasingly prevalent with age. While rarely life threatening, bothersome irritative urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, and nocturia, and obstructive ones like a weak stream, hesitancy, intermittency, and incomplete emptying occur in up to 70% of men aged 70 years and older. Community and practice based studies suggest that men can expect slow progression of the symptoms. However, these symptoms can wax and wane without treatment, and rates of acute urinary retention range from 1-2% per year.1 By the age of 80 years, an estimated one in four men will have undergone treatment to relieve symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia that reduce quality of life.2 Treatment options depend, in part, on the severity of symptoms and how bothersome they are. Options include watchful waiting (conservative or lifestyle management), phytotherapies, prescription medications, surgical procedures, and minimally invasive techniques. To help choose between treatments patients and providers rely on evidence from randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews to provide reliable information about efficacy and safety of various treatments. For many years, transurethral resection of the prostate has been the gold standard treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. In 1994, almost 400 000 procedures were performed in the United States at a total cost of $5 billion.3 In the United Kingdom approximately 40 000 resections are carried out annually.4 …
Effects of transverse beam variation on bifurcations in an intrinsic bistable ring cavity

Instabilities associated with bistable branches of positive differential gain are investigated numerically in a ring-cavity bistable device, allowing for transverse variation of the laser beam. Additional instability domains beyond those predicted by plane-wave analysis are shown to occur. The nature of the bifurcation sequences within each domain is different from the plane-wave case and is characterized by quasiperiodic and frequency-locked behavior. Some sequences are very similar to experimentally observed bifurcations in hydrodynamics.
Platelet dense granule secretion and aggregation in adolescents with conduct disorder: effects of marijuana use

Abstract Background: We had previously reported a decrease in agonist-induced platelet dense granule secretion in blood samples from male adolescents with and without Conduct Disorder (CD). In an augmented sample, we have now employed multivariate modeling to examine the simultaneous effects of CD and regular monthly alcohol and marijuana use on both the dense granule secretion and aggregation phases of agonist-induced platelet responses. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from adolescents with and without a CD diagnosis. Platelet dense granule secretion and aggregation responses to a variety of agonists were examined in the laboratory. Results: Significant multivariate interactions of CD status with regular marijuana use were found for responses to collagen, ADP alone, and ADP plus 0.2 μg. of serotonin. Responses in platelets from youth with CD, but without regular marijuana use differed from other subjects. Multivariate main effects of marijuana use alone on platelet responses to arachidonic acid and ADP plus 1.0 μg. of serotonin were found. No effects of alcohol use were found. Conclusions: The results demonstrate an interaction between CD and the effects of chronic marijuana use for several agonists in this platelet model system, and further support the possibility of a variation in signal transduction mechanisms in CD.
G2, G3, and complete basis set calculations of the thermodynamic properties of aminoborane, diaminoborane, and triaminoborane

Following our recent studies on cyclic boron compounds potential use as high energy materials, we calculate various properties of aminoborane, diaminoborane, and triaminoborane. Calculated properties include optimized geometries, enthalpies of formation, enthalpies of combustion, proton affinity, and hydride affinity. Of the three molecules studied, aminoborane represents the best candidate for a new high energy material at about 38.6 kJ of energy given off for every 1 g of aminoborane combusted.
The Scope of Comparative Political Theory

The article examines the emergence and implications of comparative political theory (CPT). It distinguishes theorizing based on travel and observation from that based on contemplation. Tracing the rise of the term CPT to 1997, it explains the academic, geopolitical, and cultural transformations that gave rise to some of the earlier work in the field. The acceleration of globalization also led to the rapid appearance of new intercultural and transnational approaches to political theory that move beyond the West. The article proceeds to analyze the methodological variety and alternatives within CPT work, arguing that we ought to take a broad, ecumenical approach to non-Western and cross-cultural theorizing rather than posit one single method as best. It presents two broad categories of CPT, one that is normative and another that is interpretive. The article closes by examining regional contributions in CPT, critiques, and supporting stances for CPT.
Design of a spherical focal surface using close-packed relay optics

This paper presents a design strategy for close-packing circular finite-conjugate optics to create a spherical focal surface. Efficient packing of circles on a sphere is commonly referred to as the Tammes problem and various methods for packing optimization have been investigated, such as iterative point-repulsion simulations. The method for generating the circle distributions proposed here is based on a distorted icosahedral geodesic. This has the advantages of high degrees of symmetry, minimized variations in circle separations, and computationally inexpensive generation of configurations with N circles, where N is the number of vertices on the geodesic. These properties are especially beneficial for making a continuous focal surface and results show that circle packing densities near steady-state maximum values found with other methods can be achieved.
Hall mobility measurements in enhancement-mode GaAs field-effect transistors with Al2 O3 gate dielectric

We report the direct measurement of the inversion charge density and electron mobility in enhancement-mode n-channel GaAs transistors using gated Hall bars. The Hall data reveal the existence of a reduced mobile charge density in the channel due to significant charge trapping. The peak electron mobility was found to be relatively high (∼2140 cm2/V s), in agreement with inherent high carrier mobility of electrons in III-V materials.
Teaching Compassion and Respect: Attending Physicians’ Responses to Problematic Behaviors

OBJECTIVE: To describe how and why attending physicians respond to learner behaviors that indicate negative attitudes toward patients. SETTING: Inpatient general internal medicine service of a university-affiliated public hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Four ward teams, each including an attending physician, a senior medicine resident, two interns, and up to three medical students. DESIGN: Teams were studied using participant observation of rounds (160 hours); in-depth semistructured interviews (n=23); a structured task involving thinking aloud (n=4, attending physicians); and patient chart review. Codes, themes, and hypotheses were identified from transcripts and field notes, and iteratively tested by blinded within-case and cross-case comparisons. MAIN RESULTS: Attending physicians identified three categories of potentially problematic behaviors: showing disrespect for patients, cutting corners, and outright hostility or rudeness. Attending physicians were rarely observed to respond to these problematic behaviors. When they did, they favored passive nonverbal gestures such as rigid posture, failing to smile, or remaining silent. Verbal responses included three techniques that avoided blaming learners: humor, referring to learners’ self-interest, and medicalizing interpersonal issues. Attending physicians did not explicitly discuss attitudes, refer to moral or professional norms, “lay down the law,” or call attention to their modeling, and rarely gave behavior-specific feedback. Reasons for not responding included lack of opportunity to observe interactions, sympathy for learner stress, and the unpleasantness, perceived ineffectiveness, and lack of professional reward for giving negative feedback. CONCLUSIONS: Because of uncertainty about appropriateness and effectiveness, attending physicians were reluctant to respond to perceived disrespect, uncaring, or hostility toward patients by members of their medical team. They tended to avoid, rationalize, or medicalize these behaviors, and to respond in ways that avoided moral language, did not address underlying attitudes, and left room for face-saving reinterpretations. Although these oblique techniques are sympathetically motivated, learners in stressful clinical environments may misinterpret, undervalue, or entirely fail to notice such subtle feedback.
On the velocity and temperature distributions in the turbulent wake behind a heated body of revolution

The velocity distribution in the wake behind a body of revolution calculated by Miss Swain on the momentum transfer theory with l constant over a cross-section of the wake is not in accordance with experiment.On the generalized vorticity transfer theory the equation for the first approximation to the velocity defect u far downstream isThere are two methods of simplifying this equation on the analogy of the successful simplification of the corresponding equation for the two-dimensional case. One method gives the same equation as if the turbulence were symmetrical; the other gives the equation of the modified vorticity transfer theory.For the former there is no real solution if l is constant over a cross-section; for a real solution l must be infinite on the axis of symmetry. The equation was integrated with l ∝ r−1 over a cross-section; this variation of l was suggested by putting the change in the area enclosed by a circular vortex-line proportional to the area of the section of the wake. The agreement with experiment is fairly good over the middle portion of the wake, but not near the edge, where the theoretical value of ∂u/∂r is not zero. If l2 ∝ rp, ∂u/∂r vanishes at the edge of the wake only if p = − 3. The solution is carried through for this case; it shows only fair agreement with experiment over the middle of the wake, and none at the edge.The calculation on the modified vorticity transfer theory is carried out with l constant over a section; in this case there is no definite edge to the wake, nor does u fall off sufficiently rapidly to make the momentum integral for the drag converge. (u ∝ r−2 for large r.) Even over the middle of the wake there is a discrepancy with experimental results, rather like that shown by the momentum transfer theory.The temperature distribution behind a heated body was calculated according to each of the foregoing theories.The temperature distribution was also calculated from the experimental velocity distribution, without any assumption being made concerning the kinematic coefficient of turbulent diffusion, which was eliminated between the equations for the velocity and temperature. The vorticity transfer theory with symmetrical turbulence gives an impossible result. The modified vorticity transfer theory gives θ/θmax < u/umax when the experimental velocity distribution is used.
Significance of unsuspected celiac disease detected at endoscopy

Background: Endoscopy provides an opportunity to diagnose unsuspected celiac disease. Methods: We prospectively identified patients undergoing endoscopy for reasons other than the evaluation of diarrhea or suspected malabsorption, who had endoscopic signs in the duodenum suggestive of celiac disease and in whom villous atrophy was confirmed. Patients were assessed for nutritional deficiencies, reduced bone density, parameters of calcium metabolism, and malignancies. Results: Nine patients (3 women and 6 men) were identified among 1749 patients undergoing endoscopy between January 1990 and May 1998, representing a rate of unsuspected celiac disease of 1 per 194 endoscopies. The duodenal abnormalities were as follows: reduced or absent folds in 6, scalloped folds in 5, mosaic appearance in 3, and mucosal fissures in 2. Assessment revealed iron deficiency in 5, folate deficiency in 1, osteopenia in 4, osteoporosis in 1, and hypocalciuria in 4. Three had malignancies associated with celiac disease, 2 esophageal squamous carcinomas, and 1 jejunal adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: Unsuspected celiac disease can be diagnosed at endoscopy by recognition of changes in the duodenum. When detected, patients have one or more manifestations of the disease. Celiac disease is more common in the United States than previously considered and endoscopy provides an opportunity to establish the diagnosis. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;51:60-5)
A comparison of conditioned and unconditioned neuronal responses in the inferior colliculus of cats

Multiple-unit neuronal responses were recorded from the inferior colliculus of four cats during classical and instrumental conditioning. For three cats, the CS elicited a neuronal inhibition (unconditioned response) that was not modified by various training procedures. For the fourth cat, a conditioned neuronal response was observed during instrumental, but not during classical, conditioning.
Isolation and Properties of α-Ketobutyrate-resistant Lysine-producing Mutants from Brevibacterium flavum

The growth of Brevibacterium flavum FA1-30, a L-lysine-producing mutant strain with an aspartokinase desensitized to feedback inhibition, was almost completely inhibited by a-ketobutyrate (αKB) at concentrations more than 4 mg/ml. Aspartic acid hydroxamate (Asphx) did not inhibit the growth at a concentration up to 6 mg/ml, but slightly stimulated the αKB inhibition. Mutants resistant to αKB in the presence and absence of Asphx (type-I and -II, respectively) were derived and further selceted by their lysine productivity. The best producers among the type-I and -II mutants produced 41.9 and 29.4 g/liter of L-lysine·HCl, 1.9- and 1.4-fold that by the parent, respectively. The type-II mutant was confirmed to be resistant to αKB alone, but was still sensitive to aKB in the presence of Asphx, similar to the parent. The type-I mutants were resistant to αKB in the presence and absence of Asphx. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PD) activity or both PD and citrate synthase (CS) activities significantly decreased in the type-II or -I mutants, respectively. The apparent Km of PD with respect to pyruvate and that of CS with respect to oxaloacetate increased 1.7-fold higher than those of the parent, respectively.
Spectroscopic imaging of human brain glutamate by water-suppressed J-refocused coherence transfer at 4.1 T.

The authors report the development and implementation of a water-suppressed J-refocused coherence transfer sequence to observe glutamate in human brain at 4.1 T. The sequence is modeled for I 2 S 2 and I 2 S 2 M spin systems analytically and plotted for a range of echo times. In this sequence, water suppression and refocusing of J-coupled resonances are achieved through a brief multiple quantum step without significant loss of signal. Phantom data are shown. Human brain spectroscopic imaging of glutamate, acquired with a total echo of 36 ms, demonstrates the application of the sequence to observe gray and white matter differences in glutamate content.
Factors affecting Bolivian mahogany exports with policy implications for the forest sector

Abstract A model of mahogany export supply and demand is developed to analyze how factors that have previously affected mahogany exports may impact future policy and management options for the government. Results lend some support to the conventional wisdom that commercial mahogany stocks have been declining substantially over time. Results also suggest that the total area under concession has had a less than proportional impact on mahogany exports. Coupled with the evidence that export supply is highly price sensitive, we conclude that if the Bolivian government is to control the extraction of mahogany, policy instruments that influence mahogany prices will likely be more influential than those that regulate the total area under forest concession.
The World is Taking Back What it Let Me Have

Childhood was when tomorrows were forever, and time so distant, horizons were imaginary. Yesterdays were novels of a thousand pages, with happy endings tinged by an occasional skinned knee. And todays lingered forever, the minutes like hours, and hours like days, sun forever in the sky, night arriving only after hide’n’seek, bike rides, and running to the call of dinner. Then, in the twilight before sleep, chapters of the day were revisited, ready to find their places in the pages of a neoteric yesterday, before the coming of morning when another story would unfold anew. But now, some 60 plus years on, the nights are often sleepless, disturbed by the uncertainties of being, with wrinkles scratched out of skin leathered by the bleached sun, the same sun that long ago was forever in the sky. The tomorrows come so quickly, while the todays slip away so easily. Yesterdays are the only solid ground, and they seem garbled by age. So it’s no surprise that life seems so uneven, since nothing stays, and time continues to unspool. It’s like broken pieces glued together, one piece always missing, never found, and never to be found. And regrets, they can be haunting - but we all have them. Part of being human and part of love. But mine seem never-ending, wrapped in heartache and loss, for 8 years past, four entered a hospital and three came home.
Selection of emergency medicine residents

The selection of emergency medicine residents requires review of medical school performance and, usually, an interview in which applicants and program directors exchange important information. Computer technology is available to assist programs in the analysis of information about applicants. Ethnic diversity and minority recruitment should also be considered as 40% of all emergency medicine residencies have no minority residents. Suggestions for developing a valid, humane, and fair selection process are made.
The Pavlovian analysis of instrumental conditioning.

An account was given of the development within the Russian literature of a uniprocess formulation of classical and instrumental conditioning, known as the bidirectional conditioning hypothesis. The hypothesis purports to offer a single set of Pavlovian principles to account for both paradigms, based upon a neural model which assumes that bidirectional (forward and backward) connections are formed in both classical and instrumental conditioning situations. In instrumental conditioning, the bidirectional connections are hypothesized to be simply more complex than those in classical conditioning, and any differences in empirical functions are presumed to lie not in difference in mechanism, but in the strength of the forward and backward connections. Although bidirectional connections are assumed to develop in instrumental conditioning, the experimental investigation of the bidirectional conditioning hypothesis has been essentially restricted to the classical conditioning operations of pairing two CSs (sensory preconditioning training), a US followed by a CS (backward conditioning training) and two USs. However, the paradigm involving the pairing of two USs, because of theoretical and analytical considerations, is the one most commonly employed by Russian investigators. The results of an initial experiment involving the pairing of two USs, and reference to the results of a more extensive investigation, leads us to tentatively question the validity of the bidirectional conditioning account of instrumental conditioning.
MAGNETO-FLUID-MECHANIC HEAT TRANSFER FROM HOT FILM PROBES

Abstract This paper presents results of an experimental investigation of magneto-fluid-mechanic heat transfer from quartz-coated hot film probes (0.015 cm and 0.005 cm dia) traversed vertically through a tank filled with mercury and aligned axially with a horizontal magnetic field. Findings exhibit a reduction in the probe's heat transfer due to the magnetic field in the Reynolds number range from 0 to 130 and Hartmann number range from 0 to 4.68 for magnetic interaction parameter values of order one. Four regions of heat transfer are identified, each associated with a specific flow configuration about the probe, and are described as follows: 1. (1) In the free convection region the magnetic field suppresses the free convective heat transfer, eventually limiting the heat transfer to thermal conduction. Heat transfer in this region is examined through an approximate solution of the momentum and energy equations. 2. (2) For very low Reynolds numbers of about three there is an increase in the heat transfer from the free convection state. The Reynolds number at which this initial region of forced convection becomes important is predicted by a theoretical criterion which compares free and forced convection velocities. This increase becomes detectable at a lower Reynolds number in the presence of a magnetic field. 3. (3) Beginning at a Reynolds number of about five, the Nusselt number can be expressed in a power law relation with the Reynolds number where the power is independent of magnetic field strength. Also a theoretical correlation is presented which determines the Reynolds numbers for various Hartmann numbers at which this stationary Foppl vortex pair initiates. The magnetic field inhibits the formation of this pattern. 4. (4) The generation of von Karman vortex shedding behind the probe at a Reynolds number of about 34 yields a slight increase in the power law of the heat transfer relation which is again independent of magnetic field strength. Reynolds numbers for various Hartmann numbers at which shedding begins are represented mathematically. The magnetic field delays the onset of the vortex street and suppresses its size.
Neural Regulation of Endothelial Cell-Mediated Inflammation

There is increasing evidence that the cutaneous neurosensory system can directly modulate inflammatory responses in the skin by the release of neuropeptides such as substance P (SP). Dermal microvascular endothelial cell (DMEC) cellular adhesion molecule (CAM) expression plays a key role in directing leukocyte trafficking during cutaneous inflammatory responses. In recent studies, our laboratory examined the direct effect of SP on DMEC CAM expression and function in vitro and in vivo . Our studies indicate that DMEC express high affinity functional receptors for SP. After exposure to SP, DMEC expressed significant levels of both intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), which was accompanied by increased binding to leukocytes expressing the appropriate integrin counter receptors for these CAM. We then determined the in vivo effect of released neuropeptides on DMEC CAM expression. Our results indicate that the topical cutaneous application of the neuropeptide-releasing agent capsaicin resulted in increased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 immunostaining of microvascular cells in the skin of human volunteers. Little is known regarding the cellular regulatory events by which SP modulates DMEC CAM expression. Our studies indicate that SP-induced cellular Ca +2 signals led to the activation of the NF-κB pathway, resulting in nuclear translocation of p65/p50 heterodimers that bind to high-affinity tandem κB sites on the VCAM-1 promoter, whereas SP activation induced NF-AT activation and ICAM-1 DNA binding. Thus, these studies further support the role of the cutaneous neurologic system in modulating inflammatory processes in the skin.
Prevention of Recurrences of Erosive Reflux Esophagitis: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Maintenance Proton Pump Inhibition

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of three management strategies for healed erosive reflux esophagitis: maintenance therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) from the outset; no maintenance therapy unless a patient's symptoms recur once over a year; and no maintenance therapy unless a patient's symptoms recur twice over a year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Decision analysis using data from randomized trials of lansoprazole, case series, and expert opinion. RESULTS: For patients with grade 4 esophagitis, maintenance from the outset is the most efficient approach. For all other patients, providing maintenance PPI after a patient experiences two recurrences is the least costly but least effective approach. The other two approaches prevent more recurrences: waiting to initiate maintenance therapy until symptoms recur once requires an additional $73 for each recurrence prevented whereas maintenance PPI from the outset requires an additional $819 for each recurrence prevented. Maintenance therapy from the outset is cost effective if symptoms of esophagitis cause a 22% or greater decrement in quality of life (using $50,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained as a cost-effectiveness definition). However, withholding maintenance until the time of a first recurrence is cost effective if symptoms cause a 2% or greater decrement in quality of life. CONCLUSION: For grades 2 and 3 esophagitis, providing maintenance therapy after a patient experiences a further recurrence is a preferred option that appears cost-effective across a wide array of assumptions. Maintenance therapy from the outset, however, appears cost-effective only for those patients who report a significant decline in quality of life associated with esophagitis or for those patients with baseline grade 4 esophagitis.
Heme binding to Leishmania mexicana amazonensis.

Abstract Leishmania mexicana amazonensis is a pathogenic parasite whose growth, due to a biosynthetic deficiency, is dependent on a supply of exogenous heme. Utilizing [ 55 Fe]hemin, we have demonstrated that heme binding to non-dividing cultured promastigotes of L. m. amazonensis at 4°C reaches equilibrium within 6 h, is 95% dissociable by 28 h and is elevated approximately 5-fold by decreasing the pH of the binding buffer to 5.4. Metalloporphyrins substituted either at the central metal atom or in the porphyrin ring all displaced [ 55 Fe]hemin binding to varying extents. Scatchard analysis revealed the affinity of the interaction to be 0.03 nM −1 and the number of binding sites to be 400 per promastigote. These findings are remarkably similar to those demonstrated in murine erythroleukemia cells and are characteristic of a receptor-ligand interaction. During logarithmic growth, promastigote heme binding was increased approximately 10-fold compared to stationary phase organisms. The increase was caused by a 4-fold greater number of binding sites per promastigote with no significant change in affinity. These findings demonstrate not only that L. m. amazonensis promastigotes bind heme specifically, but that the binding may be regulated by the growth phase of the parasite.
Areola and Nipple-Areola-Sparing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer Treatment and Risk Reduction: Report of an Initial Experience in a Community Hospital Setting

Background The use of areola-sparing (AS) or nipple-areola-sparing (NAS) mastectomy for the treatment or risk reduction of breast cancer has been the subject of increasing dialogue in the surgical literature over the past decade. We report the initial experience of a large community hospital with AS and NAS mastectomies for both breast cancer treatment and risk reduction.
Exfoliation and characterization of bismuth telluride atomic quintuples and quasi-two-dimensional crystals.

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) and its alloys are the best bulk thermoelectric materials known today. In addition, stacked quasi-two-dimensional (2D) layers of Bi2Te3 were recently identified as promising topological insulators. In this Letter we describe a method for “graphene-inspired” exfoliation of crystalline bismuth telluride films with a thickness of a few atoms. The atomically thin films were suspended across trenches in Si/SiO2 substrates, and subjected to detail material characterization, which included atomic force microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The presence of the van der Waals gaps allowed us to disassemble Bi2Te3 crystal into its quintuple building blocks—five monatomic sheets—consisting of Te(1)−Bi−Te(2)−Bi−Te(1). By altering the thickness and sequence of atomic planes, we were able to create “designer” nonstoichiometric quasi-2D crystalline films, change their composition and doping, the type of charge carriers as well as other properties. The exfoliated quintuples and ultrathin film...
CUSTOMER‐ORIENTED CORPORATE CULTURES ARE CRUCIAL TO SERVICES MARKETING SUCCESS

This paper argues that a genuinely customer‐oriented organizational culture is a prerequisite if service firms are to excel in the marketplace. It presents several traits or values representing such a culture and discusses the importance of those values by linking them to unique features of the nature and delivery of services. The paper also addresses problems and prospects associated with developing a customer‐oriented culture, and it concludes with implications for services marketing practitioners and researchers.
Clinical use of anti-CD25 antibody daclizumab to enhance immune responses to tumor antigen vaccination by targeting regulatory T cells

CD4(+) regulatory T cells frustrate productive tumor immune surveillance and represent an obstacle for cancer immunotherapy. In mice, anti-CD25 antibody is an effective method of depleting CD25(+) FOXP3(+) T regulatory cells (Tregs) in vivo and enhancing cancer immunity. Here, we propose the use of the anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody daclizumab for the depletion of Tregs in cancer patients. In early results from an ongoing clinical trial, a single intravenous infusion of daclizumab in patients with metastatic breast cancer is associated with a marked and prolonged elimination of CD25(+) FOXP3(+) Tregs in peripheral blood. When a cancer antigen peptide vaccine is administered during the daclizumab-induced Treg nadir, effective generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes has been observed, including those specific for neo-antigens, such as cytomegalovirus peptide used as an immunological control. If confirmed in additional patients, these observations suggest that daclizumab may be an effective and available therapeutic agent for Treg modulation in patients with cancer.
Depression and cognitive impairment in older adults

Late life depression (LLD) is a heterogeneous illness with high rates of treatment resistance. Cognitive impairment is common in the context of LLD, and LLD may be a prodromal symptom and/or potentially a risk factor for dementia. This manuscript reviews the most recent research into the cognitive deficits associated with LLD and risk of conversion to dementia in the context of LLD. We discuss potential moderators and mediators of cognitive deficits in LLD, including demographic and clinical variables, in addition to brain structure and function. Potential interventions for cognitive symptoms of LLD are reviewed. We conclude with a discussion of the broader implications of what is now known about LLD, and how this might be applied toward improved prognosis and models for effective treatment.
Titanium nitride nanoparticles for therapeutic applications

Titanium nitride nanoparticles exhibit plasmonic resonances in the biological transparency window where high absorption efficiencies can be obtained with small dimensions. Both lithographic and colloidal samples are examined from the perspective of nanoparticle thermal therapy.
Studies on Fowl Typhoid II. Control of the Disease

Abstract ALTHOUGH fowl typhoid has been recognized in this country for nearly half a century it was not until recent years that it became a major cause of poultry mortality. Control of the disease was relatively simple in the days when poultry raising was largely confined to small, widely scattered farm flocks. At that time control procedures consisted of culling sick birds, vaccination or depopulation, followed in some cases by cleaning and disinfection, and in others by merely depopulation for a variable period. Under those methods of poultry raising simple control methods were effective in keeping the disease in check. With the coming of mass poultry production such control procedures proved to be wholly inadequate. Losses in large breeding flocks and broiler plants mounted until the disease threatened the existence of the industry in some of the large poultry raising centers. It became apparent that new methods of control must be . . .
Scattering of Free Carriers by Oxide Precipitates in Czochralski-Grown Silicon

Annealing of oxygen-rich Czochralski silicon at temperatures between 700°C and 1000°C introduces a new scattering mechanism which correlates very well with the presence of oxide precipitates. In lightly doped crystals (n,p ∼1015cm−3) this mechanism becomes dominant at T<170°C, and it determines to a large extent the value of the electron (hole) mobilities. The effect vanishes upon annealing at 1300°C; such heat treatment causes the dissolution of oxide precipitates. The new component mobility related to precipitates was found to exhibit a characteristic temperature dependence μ ∝ T0.5. This dependence was explained in terms of scattering of free carriers by spacially slowly varying potential associated with oxide precipitates of varying size.
COMPARISONS OF FRENCH AND U.S.A. PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Consecutive admissions to two pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in France (n = 93) and the United States (n = 248) were compared using admission demographics, and daily therapeutic and severity of illness data. Analysis of the major demographic characteristics revealed that patients in the French PICU were younger (median age; 3 months vs. 31 months, P 3 stat blood studies/shift, 69% vs. 45%, P < 0.0001). Patients in France were more likely to receive mechanical ventilation (81% vs. 56%, P < 0.0001) and nutritional support (40% vs. 7%, P < 0.05). Mortality rates in both PICUs were similar and accurately predicted by admission-day severity of illness scores. We conclude that differential resource utilization, possibly arising from different care philosophies, may result in equivalent care.
Incidental Affect and Message Processing: Revisiting the Competing Hypotheses

Using six television public service announcements (PSAs) and with a 3 (message topic) × 4 (frame combination) × 2 (messages) mixed design (N = 270), this study explores the impact of incidental affect on message processing in a broader horizon that incorporates operationalization of depth of message processing and how incidental affect is conceptualized and induced. Results showed that (a) there was no significant main effect of incidental affect on message processing in support of the cognitive capacity or affect as information explanations, and (b) there were significant simple main effects of incidental affect on message processing, but such an effect was consistent with the affect as resource explanation, rather than the hedonic contingency model. Implications and direction for future studies were discussed.