cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alterations in Photosynthetic Pigment Synthesis in Tissue Cultured Tobacco Callus

Tobacco stem pith in tissue culture forms green callus, followed by shoot regeneration. Inclusion of excess manganese (10 mM) in the medium leads to inhibition of growth and of photosynthetic pigment biosynthesis. Growth is inhibited about 40% throughout the 7 week period of study. Pigment synthesis is initially delayed in manganese treated cultures, then the extent of inhibition decreases. The amounts of lutein and β-carotene relative to chlorophyll a. are reduced during the first few weeks of manganese treatment7 while the relative amount of chlorophyll b remains the same. During later stages of manganese treatment, both lutein and chlorophyll b increase relative to chlorophyll a.
Quality Improvement and Clinical Psychological Science

Clinical psychological science (CPS) faces significant challenges including low uptake of empirically supported treatment, slow progress in improving efficacy, and low treatment seeking. Quality improvement (QI) offers a number of promising insights that may help address these challenges. This chapter discusses how key QI themes are exemplified in promising research directions within CPS and how these efforts can be further clarified and enhanced. Themes that are explored include: examining quality as a multifaceted construct, focusing on systems for improvement, identifying and targeting sources of variability in quality, focusing on consumers, reducing costs while improving quality, and using iterative improvement cycles and continuous evaluation. This chapter explores each of these QI themes within the context of promising and innovative CPS research examples. In doing so, the chapter seeks to highlight how QI principles might help guide a more progressive approach to CPS research that addresses current challenges.
Sarcomas of the Breast with a Spotlight on Angiosarcoma and Cystosarcoma Phyllodes

Breast sarcomas are a diverse group of neoplasms arising from the nonepithelial and mesenchymal tissues of the breast. Their behaviors vary from the more indolent tumors like cystosarcoma phyllodes to the extremely aggressive angiosarcoma. They should be approached in a similar fashion to their soft tissue sarcoma counterparts in other locations and managed by multidisciplinary sarcoma specialists with attention to wide-margin surgical excision. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy is controversial and should be discussed on a case-by-case basis and preferably given in the context of a clinical trial.
Tricuspid Valve Intervention: New Direction and New Hope.

Increasingly, attention has turned toward therapies that correct severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), stimulated in part by the success of transcatheter therapies for aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. In addition, recent evidence suggesting worse survival for patients with untreated isolated
Transport SDN enabled by flexible optical system

SDN technology is being extended to the transport layer to simplify network management and to increase operation flexibility. This paper introduces various flexible optical system technologies that enable the physical layer of transport SDN.
Response Speed and Response Consistency as Mutually Validating Indicators of Data Quality in Online Samples

We examine the appropriateness of response speed and response consistency as data quality indicators within online samples. Across several inventories, results show that response consistency decrea...
Introducing the IT Economics Department

The new IT Economics department seeks to advance the understanding of various microeconomic and macroeconomic issues that IT managers need to examine in their decisions to adopt and implement information and communications technology-related systems, services, processes, and practices.
Social Relationships, Inflammation Markers, and Breast Cancer Incidence in the Women’s Health Initiative

Abstract Objectives Previous research has reported associations between social relationships and carcinogenesis. Inflammation is a potential mediator of these associations. To clarify these links for one tumor site, we examined associations between social relationships, circulating inflammation markers, and breast cancer incidence. Materials and Methods Among 132,262 participants from the prospective Women’s Health Initiative, we used linear and logistic regression to evaluate associations between social relationship characteristics (social support, social strain, social network size) and inflammation markers of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC). Cox regression was used to evaluate associations between inflammation markers and breast cancer incidence, as well as associations between social relationship characteristics and breast cancer incidence with and without adjustment for inflammation markers. Results Larger social networks were associated with lower continuous CRP (beta = −0.22, 95% CI -0.36, −0.08) and WBC (beta = −0.23, 95% CI -0.31, −0.16). Greater social strain was associated with higher continuous CRP (beta = 0.24, 95% CI 0.14, 0.33) and WBC (beta = 0.09, 95% CI 0.04, 0.14). When WBC was dichotomized at 10,000 cells/uL, high WBC was associated with greater hazards of in situ breast cancer (HR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.17, 2.33) but not invasive breast cancer. Social relationship characteristics were not associated with incidence of invasive or in situ breast cancer. Conclusion Larger social networks were associated with lower inflammation and greater social strain was associated with higher inflammation. Higher inflammation might be associated with development of in situ breast cancer, but this appeared to be due to factors other than social relationships.
Ecological neighborhoods as a framework for umbrella species selection

Abstract Umbrella species are typically chosen because they are expected to confer protection for other species assumed to have similar ecological requirements. Despite its popularity and substantial history, the value of the umbrella species concept has come into question because umbrella species chosen using heuristic methods, such as body or home range size, are not acting as adequate proxies for the metrics of interest: species richness or population abundance in a multi-species community for which protection is sought. How species associate with habitat across ecological scales has important implications for understanding population size and species richness, and therefore may be a better proxy for choosing an umbrella species. We determined the spatial scales of ecological neighborhoods important for predicting abundance of 8 potential umbrella species breeding in Nebraska using Bayesian latent indicator scale selection in N-mixture models accounting for imperfect detection. We compare the conservation value measured as collective avian abundance under different umbrella species selected following commonly used criteria and selected based on identifying spatial land cover characteristics within ecological neighborhoods that maximize collective abundance. Using traditional criteria to select an umbrella species resulted in sub-maximal expected collective abundance in 86% of cases compared to selecting an umbrella species based on land cover characteristics that maximized collective abundance directly. We conclude that directly assessing the expected quantitative outcomes, rather than ecological proxies, is likely the most efficient method to maximize the potential for conservation success under the umbrella species concept.
The Discursive Construction of Death

Two people in distress over the death of a parent converse with each other about the loss. Death must convey some meaning. The attempt at creating such meaning appears to be a function of the comfort to be derived to the survivors. To the extent that death is seen as transition to some other form of further existence, e.g., to some place of tranquility, the survivors remain at peace. That vision, however, presents considerable difficulties since it demands some form of contact with the deceased. In the absence of such contact, doubts remain and the survivors suffer from a sense of abandonment and apathy due to the lack of meaning.
Vitamin C and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Interest in the possible role of antioxidant vitamins in the prevention of heart disease has recently awakened in the medical and research community. Vitamin C in particular, however, has lagged behind lipid-soluble antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and carotenoids, in terms of the research conducted and the general impression of the strength of its role. Before reviewing the existing data, it may be useful to describe some of the reasons why there is a paucity of research and a generally unenthusiastic attitude in the medical and clinical trial community.
Quantum mechanics based mechanisms for selective activation of hydrocarbons by mixed metal oxide heterogeneous catalysts – A tribute to Robert Grasselli

We are gathered here to pay tribute to the enormous impact that Robert Grasselli has had on heterogeneous catalysis. At the forefront is the deep insight he brought to the field with such concepts as site isloation to explain complex multifunctional transformations such as ammoxidn. of propene to acrylonitrile and his ingenious expts. to ext. mechanistc insights. This proved to industry the impact of research on profits. He was also a keen judge of talent surrounding himself with smart innovative scientists and engineers that he mentored and stimulated to tackle quite a variety of industrial probems. From a personal level Bob's atomistic mechanisms for ammoxidn. stimulated my interest in applying quantum chem. to heterogeneous catalysis that drives me to this day. Indeed I will discuss some of these systems. Namely: Ammoxiation of propene by BiMoO3 Ammoxidn. by the combined M1 and M2 phases of the MoVNbTeOx mixed metal oxide (MMO) catalyst, with suggestions for improvments. These studies led to the Redn.-coupled Oxo Activation (ROA) principle that may play a role in a many selective oxidn. heterogeneous catalysts. If there is time, I will summarize our recent work on the Haber Bosch synthesis of ammonia from N2 and H2.
Data Quality Assessment and Multi-Organizational Reporting: Tools to Enhance Network Knowledge.

Objective: Multi-organizational research requires a multi-organizational data quality assessment (DQA) process that combines and compares data across participating organizations. We demonstrate how such a DQA approach complements traditional checks of internal reliability and validity by allowing for assessments of data consistency and the evaluation of data patterns in the absence of an external “gold standard.” Methods: We describe the DQA process employed by the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for Kaiser Permanente’s (KP) Center for Effectiveness and Safety Research (CESR). We emphasize the CESR DQA reporting system that compares data summaries from the eight KP organizations in a consistent, standardized manner. Results: We provide examples of multi-organization comparisons from DQA to confirm expectations about different aspects of data quality. These include: 1) comparison of direct data extraction from the electronic health records (EHR) and 2) comparison of non-EHR data from disparate sources. Discussion: The CESR DCC has developed codes and procedures for efficiently implementing and reporting DQA. The CESR DCC approach is to 1) distribute DQA tools to empower data managers at each organization to assess their data quality at any time, 2) summarize and disseminate findings to address data shortfalls or document idiosyncrasies, and 3) engage data managers and end-users in an exchange of knowledge about the quality and its fitness for use. Conclusion: The KP CESR DQA model is applicable to networks hoping to improve data quality. The multi-organizational reporting system promotes transparency of DQA, adds to network knowledge about data quality, and informs research.
Cyber Infrastructure: Training and Mentoring: A way to engage students in their technology future

The Cyber Infrastructure: Training and Mentoring (CI:TraM) program is designed to engage with local-area high school students and undergraduates in Las Cruces, New Mexico to teach them technology skills, as well as provide career mentoring. We have seen a variety of results, mostly aligned with the amount of effort and involvement the student demonstrates. As part of the program, students leave behind the "do for me" mindset of high school and early college and enter the "how do I" mindset of successful adults.CI:TraM is an individualized program designed to give students the freedom to explore career options in-depth, as well as expose students to the technology needed in their desired career choice. Students engage with professionals in possible disciplines to decide their career paths and determine how to reach those goals both academically and financially. Students learn core technology skills, such as Excel, and discipline-specific ones, such as Matlab and Auto-CAD.The CI:TraM program has helped engaged students to solidify their career paths and feel more confident both professionally and as persons on college campuses. Although longitudinal data is forthcoming, students have identified their believed benefits of the program and its impact on their lives.
Surgical delay of anterior chest wall prior to open coronary arterial bypass grafting surgery may decrease postoperative sternal complications

Abstract Open coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG) procedures are inherently risky in regards to the healing capacity of the subsequent sternal wound. Patients often have underlying risk factors for poor healing and the procedure itself often reduces vascularity to the anterior chest with internal mammary artery (IMA) dissection. Currently unrelated is the surgical delay procedure. It is a well-established technique for augmenting vascularity and ultimately tissue survival. It involves partial disruption of the blood supply to a flap for a period of time prior to fully elevating the flap (usually between 3 and 21 days). Recently, endoscopic robotic IMA dissection has become possible as a part of totally endoscopic CABGs for left-sided vessel disease. We are proposing a new technique, using surgical delay for patients who require open sternotomies for CABGS to reduce the rate of postoperative sternal wound complications. To delay the CABG, the majority of a robotic internal IMA dissection would be performed prior to an open CABG via a midline sternotomy. We hypothesize that this may decrease sternal wound complication rates. Potential pitfalls include consequences of disrupting the normal anatomic location of the IMAs and causing inflammation before the open CABG. Animal models will be the next step, as they will evaluate the feasibility of the delay as well as help to determine the optimal timing for the procedure.
CARVEDILOL REVEALS REVERSIBLE CATECHOLAMINE CARDIOMYOPATHY DUE TO METASTATIC PARAGANGLIOMA

Catecholamine cardiomyopathy due to pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are reported in the literature and are a rare cause of reversible non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). Recognition and treatment of PPGLs is life-saving and relies on gathering key aspects of a patient's history, use of
Menthol cigarette use in substance use disorder treatment before and after implementation of a county-wide flavoured tobacco ban.

Introduction This study examined the impact of a San Francisco City and County ban on all flavoured tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, among clients in residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Methods We conducted cross-sectional surveys of clients at two residential SUD programmes before the County began enforcing the ban (n=160) and twice after enforcement began (n=102, n=120). The samples were compared on demographic characteristics, smoking status, smoking behaviours and the proportion reporting menthol as their usual cigarette. Menthol smokers were asked whether they smoked only menthol cigarettes, mostly menthol, both menthol and non-menthol or mostly non-menthol. Post-ban samples were asked about awareness of the ban and access to menthol cigarettes. Results In multivariate analyses, we found no evidence that the ban was associated with decreased number of cigarettes per day or increased readiness to quit among current smokers. However, odds were lower post-ban for reporting menthol as the usual cigarette (OR=0.80, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.90), and for smoking only menthol cigarettes (OR=0.19, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.19). Perhaps most importantly, and with the ability to influence all other findings, 50% of self-identified menthol smokers reported purchasing menthol cigarettes in San Francisco nearly 1 year after the ban was implemented. Conclusion In subgroups where smoking has remained elevated, like those receiving SUD treatment, local menthol bans may have only modest impacts on smoking behaviour. Broader regional, state or national bans, that effectively restrict access to menthol products, may be needed to show stronger effects on smoking behaviour.
SARS-CoV-2 B cell receptor signatures in risk populations.

Many individuals possess B cells capable of recognizing epitopes on the spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this issue of the JCI, Paschold and Simnica et al. interrogated the frequency of SARS-CoV-2-specific B cell receptor rearrangements in healthy subjects based on age and cancer status. The authors found that while SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody signatures can be identified in the repertoires of young, healthy individuals, such sequences are less frequent in elderly subjects or patients with cancer. Overall, this study sheds light on B cell repertoire restrictions that might lead to an unfavorable clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 infection in at-risk populations.
Vaginal oligometastatic disease of colorectal primary: Report of a novel therapeutic approach.

Vaginal oligometastatic disease of colorectal primary is a rare malignancy with few reported cases in the literature and no standardized treatment paradigm. We report on the definitive management o...
A study of users' experiences and beliefs about software update messages

We distribute two surveys to gauge participants' attitudes and behaviors related to software updates and warnings.We use two human information processing models to design our study and analyze results.Participants report common annoyance, confusion, and hesitation with software update and warning messages.Some emotions (e.g., annoyance/confusion, noticeability/importance) were found to be correlated.We identify areas of improvement for communication of software warnings and updates. Prior studies report that computer users are often confused by software update messages. This study complements prior efforts by examining the relationship between self-reported ratings of specific software types and users self-reported measure of confusion, annoyance, and message noticeability for different software types using data gathered via two surveys (N1=78, N2=172) from anonymous computer users. The survey results showed that participants are commonly hesitant to apply updates, even though they report caring a lot about computer security and privacy, a trend which applies to many different software. Annoyance and confusion with messages were common complaints from our participants. Also, the level of reported annoyance and/or confusion with a software's messages proved a predictor of participants' hesitation in applying the updates for some software we tested. Finally, we use data gathered as participants viewed real-world update messages to highlight and explain some "good" and "bad" update/warning messages as well as draw connections between the emotions annoyance, confusion, importance, and noticeability.
Psyche and Eros: Mind and Gender in the Life Course

Acknowledgments 1. Prelude Part I. The Mind Divided: 2. The rage of Aphrodite: the vertical mind 3. The marriage of death: ascent and loss in development 4. Night and day: reason and gender Part II. The Mind Restored: 5. Knife and lamp: Mythos rediscovered 6. Psyche's trials: the transformation of desire 7. Postlude: the sacred marriage Notes References.
Climatology of extreme rainfall and flooding from orographic thunderstorm systems in the upper Arkansas River basin

[1] Analyses of the spatial and temporal distribution of extreme rainfall in the Arkansas River basin above Pueblo, Colorado, are based on volume scan reflectivity observations from the Pueblo WSR-88D radar during the period 1995–2003. A storm catalog of 66 rainfall events during the 9-year period has been developed. Climatological analyses of extreme rainfall are carried out both from an Eulerian perspective, in which distributional aspects of rainfall at fixed locations are examined, and from a Lagrangian perspective, in which distributional aspects of rainfall are based on storm-tracking algorithms. Of particular interest is the spatial heterogeneity of extreme rainfall in the complex terrain of the upper Arkansas River basin. Lagrangian analyses are used to characterize the spatially varying distribution of storm initiation, storm motion, and storm structure. Climatological analyses indicate that convective rainfall in the Arkansas River basin above Canon City (drainage area of 8070 km2) does not contribute to the extreme flood response of the Arkansas River at Pueblo (drainage area of 12,140 km2). There is pronounced diurnal variation in warm season rainfall in the Arkansas River basin, and this feature of extreme rainfall is a key element of flood response in the upper Arkansas River basin. Climatological analyses of extreme rainfall in the upper Arkansas River basin are examined relative to the spatial and temporal properties of rainfall for extreme flood events that have occurred in the basin, including major flood episodes in June 1921 and June 1965.
An Array Data Flow Analysis Based Communication Optimizer

We present an efficient array data flow analysis based global communication optimizer which manages the analysis cost by partitioning the data flow problems into subproblems and solving the subproblems one at a time in a demand driven manner. In comparison to traditional array data flow based techniques, our scheme greatly reduces the memory requirement and manages the analysis time more effectively. The optimizer performs message vectorization, global redundant communication elimination and global communication scheduling. Our experience with the optimizer suggests that array data flow analysis for communication optimization is efficient and effective.
Development of an Augmented Reality Game to Teach Abstract Concepts in Food Chemistry

One of the most pressing issues for many land grant institutions is the ever increasing cost to build and operate wet chemistry laboratories. A partial solution is to develop computer-based teaching modules that take advantage of animation, web-based or off-campus learning experiences directed at engaging students’ creative experiences. We used the learning objectives of one of the most difficult topics in food chemistry, enzyme kinetics, to test this concept. Students are apprehensive of this subject and often criticize the staid instructional methods typically used in teaching this material. As a result, students do not acquire a useful background in this important subject. To rectify these issues, we developed an interactive augmented reality application to teach the basic concepts of enzyme kinetics in the context of an interactive search that took students to several locations on campus where they were able to gather raw materials and view videos that taught the basics of enzyme kinetics as applied to the production of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The students needed this background to prepare for a mock interview with an HFCS manufacturer. Students and instructors alike found the game to be preferable to sitting in a classroom listening to, or giving, a PowerPoint presentation. We feel that this use of gaming technology to teach difficult, abstract concepts may be a breakthrough in food science education and help alleviate the drain on administrative budgets from multiple wet labs.
Involvement of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases in the signal transduction pathway for interleukin-1

Abstract Expression of a highly specific protein inhibitor for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases in interleukin-1 (IL-1)-responsive cells blocked IL-1-induced gene transcription that was driven by the kappa immunoglobulin enhancer or the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat. This inhibitor did not affect protein kinase C-mediated gene transcription, suggesting that cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases are involved in the signal transduction pathway for IL-1 in a number of responsive cell types.
Crustal structure of the outer Banda arc: New free-air gravity evidence

Abstract Marine gravity data from the Banda arc in the vicinity of western Timor and the central Savu Sea, integrated with geophysical and geological information, support the postulated subduction of Australian continental crust beneath the Timor trough and the island of Timor. Gravity analysis also indicates the presence of a mass deficit in the upper mantle or crust beneath the entire Savu Sea. This mass deficit is interpreted to be related to a combination of 1. (1) subducted, lighter continental crust, 2. (2) downward flexing of the upper crustal plate in the forearc area, and 3. (3) possibly anomalous, low-density upper mantle below the Savu Sea. The North Sumba ridge, a bathymetric and structural high dividing the Savu Sea, is underlain by high-density material possibly related to an older volcanic arc located between the present-day volcanic arc and Timor. The crust beneath the northern Savu basin appears nearly oceanic in character but thickens beneath the modern volcanic arc. Finally, our analysis suggests thickening of crust beneath Timor forming a root in relation to the Savu Sea crust to the north.
DNA photocleavage by a supramolecular Ru(II)-viologen complex.

A novel Ru(II) complex possessing two sequentially linked viologen units, Ru−V1−V26+, was synthesized and characterized. Upon excitation of the Ru(II) unit (λexc = 532 nm, fwhm ∼ 10 ns), a long-lived charge-separated (CS) state is observed (τ = 1.7 μs) by transient absorption spectroscopy. Unlike Ru(bpy)32+, which cleaves DNA upon photolysis through the formation of reactive oxygen species, such as 1O2 and O2-, the photocleavage of plasmid DNA by Ru−V1−V26+ is observed both in air and under N2 atmosphere (λirr > 395 nm).
Dithioamide Peptides and Proteins: Synthesis and Application to Tracking Protein Conformational Changes by Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Tracking protein conformational change is important to understand the folding and function of proteins. Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) and photo-induced electron transfer (PET) are widely used to get time-resolved structural information on protein motions. However, the relatively large size of fluorophores and quenchers may introduce significant perturbations to protein structure. The thioamide bond, a single atom substitution of the peptide bond, has recently been shown to be a minimalist fluorescent quencher of various fluorophores by either FRET- or PET- based mechanisms. Unlike commonly used fluorescence probes, thioamides are sufficiently small that they can be placed at nearly any position in the protein sequence without significant alteration of the secondary structure. However, moderate quenching efficiency may limit its sensitivity for some applications. Here, we show that two consecutive thioamide bonds can be incorporated into peptide and protein backbones, and the quenching effect is strengthened compared with a mono-thioamide. Thus dithioamide bonds provide increased sensitivity to detect protein conformational changes and may be used for advanced spectroscopy applications like Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).
PowerPoint: avoiding the slide to damnation

Summary PowerPoint slides are now almost expected of anyone preparing a presentation. The rise of the slide has generated considerable debate, with some people concerned that PowerPoint diminishes the potential of critical thinking by the audience, and others encouraging innovative graphic design as assisting the transmission of information. We examine these two viewpoints and offer steps and resources for incorporating design elements when preparing slides.
Colonic schwannoma visualized on FDG PET/CT

Abstract:Isolated colonic schwannomas are rare gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors; only a small number of cases have been reported. The incidence is 2% to 6% of all submucosal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. They are thought to be distinctive from conventional schwannomas that arise in soft t
An 8-year-old girl with unilateral facial and ear pain and isolated frontal headaches

An 8 1/2-year-old with chronic but fluctuating unllateral facial pain, earache, frontal headache and facial swelling is presented. Her journey through the health care system provides an instructional lesson for all who deal with patients with unusual or difficult to recognize conditions.
Low loss surface imaging and transmission microscopy of growth of some thin films

Abstract The low-loss surface imaging STEM technique together with conventional TEM and SEM have been applied to study surface morphology and the evolution of microstructure in vapor deposited thin films of gold principally but also of copper and silver. Such films are shown to have cellular surfaces which are not related to the film grain size. Surface relief is observed where twins emerge. Islands of gold are deduced from TEM observations to be cubo-octahedra which can be physically aligned by cleavage steps. These observations give a new insight into the evolution of preferred orientations and defect structures in thin films.
CLINICAL UTILITY OF MEASUREMENTS OF FREE AND TOTAL PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA): A REVIEW

BACKGROUND. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a widely-used tumor marker to aid in the early detection of prostate cancer. PSA testing has appreciable false-positive and false-negative results, particularly in the 2.5-10.0 ng/ml range. Measurements of the percentage of nonprotein-bound (free) PSA in serum, which is lower in patients with prostate cancer, has been evaluated as a method for increasing the accuracy of PSA testing. METHODS. The literature on forms of PSA in serum, as it relates to issues of clinical utility for prostate cancer screening, was reviewed and summarized through May 1996. RESULTS. Measurements of the percentage of free PSA in serum increases the accuracy of PSA testing for prostate cancer in men whose total PSA levels are 2.5-10.0 ng/ml. Cutoffs for screening are affected by prostate volume and total PSA levels. One study also demonstrated a correlation between percentage of free PSA and pathologic features of cancer aggressiveness. CONCLUSIONS. Measurement of free PSA in serum has potential clinical utility for increasing the sensitivity and specificity of PSA screening. Insufficient data are available to establish cutoffs to be used in clinical practice. Cutoffs are affected by total PSA level and prostate volume. The prevalence rate of cancer in the screened population (age, race, previous biopsy history, etc.) will also influence screening cutoffs. Percentage of free PSA may also correlate with the potential aggressiveness of early-stage prostate cancer.
Transtubular bioreactor: a perfusion device for mammalian cell cultivation

A transtubular mammalian cell perfusion chamber has been developed that allows separate delivery and control of medium and gas flow to the cells. The hydrodynamic and mass transfer characteristics of the reactor are studied experimentally for both gas and liquid components. Feasibility and potential of the transtubular reactor are demonstrated by the growth of a hybridoma cell line.
Does gender influence resource utilization in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery?

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine if gender influences duration of tracheal intubation, blood transfusion needs, intensive care unit length of stay (ICULOS), postoperative length of stay (PLOS), and total length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. Design: Retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing OPCAB surgery. Setting: University teaching hospital. Tertiary care referral center for cardiac surgery. Participants: Three hundred seventy-two consecutive male and female patients undergoing OPCAB surgery. There were 110 women and 262 men. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Gender, duration of tracheal intubation, units of blood transfused, ICULOS, PLOS, and LOS were collected from the records of patients undergoing OPCAB surgery at the authors’ institution over a period of 16 months. There were a total of 372 patients: 110 women and 262 men. Median intubation time was 4.5 hours for women and 4.0 hours for men (p = 0.749); 59.1% of women received red blood cells versus 31.3% of men (p < 0.001). Median ICU LOS was 1 day for women and 1 day for men (p = 0.597) Median PLOS was 4 days for women and 4 days for men. Median LOS was 8 days for women and 6 days for men (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Female sex was a predictor of increased blood transfusion and longer PLOS and LOS in patients undergoing OPCAB surgery. The study implies that female sex does not predict increased duration of tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation and ICULOS in this group of patients. Females undergoing OPCAB surgery require increased resource utilization as measured by increases in blood transfusion, PLOS, and LOS.
Effect of age on response to zafirlukast in patients with asthma in the Accolate clinical experience and pharmacoepidemiology trial (ACCEPT)

Background The Accolate Clinical Experience and Pharmacoepidemiology Trial (ACCEPT), evaluated zafirlukast in a wide spectrum of patients from a variety of clinical practices. Objective To determine the effect of age on the response to zafirlukast 20 mg twice daily in 3759 patients with mild, moderate, or severe asthma. Methods Patients received open-label administration of zafirlukast 20 mg twice daily (bid) for 4 weeks. Pulmonary function was measured twice daily, and overall asthma symptom scores, number of nighttime awakenings, severity of morning asthma symptoms, and β 2 -agonist use were recorded daily. Trial results were analyzed to compare the efficacy of zafirlukast in 263 adolescent (12 to 17 years old), 2602 adult (18 to 65 years old), and 321 elderly (66 years old and older) patients (the evaluable population). Results After 4 weeks of zafirlukast therapy, improvements in pulmonary function decreased with age and were significant for all measures in adolescents and adults and for morning peak expiratory flow in elderly patients. Improvements in symptom response were statistically significant across age groups. Reduction in β 2 -agonist rescue was similar in adolescents and adults but significantly less in elderly patients. Conclusions Zafirlukast is an effective treatment for asthma in all patients, regardless of age. In elderly patients, improvement in asthma symptoms rather than pulmonary function may represent a primary marker for efficacy with zafirlukast.
Development of a novel equine whole transcript oligonucleotide GeneChip microarray and its use in gene expression profiling of normal articular-epiphyseal cartilage.

Summary Reasons for performing study: No large scale equine microarray is available commercially to allow genomic and transcriptional profiling of the majority of genes that would define the genetic basis of equine disease. Objectives: To generate a whole transcript target labelled GeneChip to interrogate the equine transcriptome and validate chip performance using RNA samples derived from organs, articular cells and normal cartilage. Methods: Equine mRNA and selected equine gene sequences derived from perfect cross-hybridisation of equine RNA on human microarray GeneChips, were used to design a custom equine gene microarray. Sequence data were used as a template for generation of a glass-slide based 5′-3′ multiexon-encompassing gene chip. The microarray was characterised using RNA derived from organs including spleen, liver, brain and kidney, and RNA from cultured chondrocytes, cartilage, synovial tissue and stem cells, employing a whole transcript target labelling assay to sample mRNA across the 5′-3′ spectrum. Results: The custom microarray simultaneously interrogated over 12,300 equine specific genes. Probing the chip with mixtures of total RNA derived from parenchymatous organs and articular tissues resulted in 61.7 and 62.8% present calls, respectively. This gene chip provided expression information on up to 90% of the key molecules in important signalling, metabolic and development pathways. Cartilage specific matrix genes were abundantly expressed in normal articular cartilage, but surprisingly high levels of collagen types I, III, V and XI, reflected expression from the epiphyseal layers of maturing articular epiphyseal cartilage. Conclusion: An oligonucleotide microarray with over 12,300 probe sets was generated by uniquely combining a labelling strategy incorporating expressed sequence tags from the entire transcriptome and supplementing selected human sequences that cross-hybridised with the horse. Validation showed robust performance of the microarray. Potential relevance: This array may be a useful tool to elucidate the pathogenesis of equine diseases.
Nitrate Control of Root Hydraulic Properties in Plants: Translating Local Information to Whole Plant Response

The sessile lifestyle of plants constrains their ability to acquire mobile nutrients such as nitrate. Whereas proliferation of roots might help in the longer term, nitrate-rich patches can shift rapidly with mass flow of water in the soil. A mechanism that allows roots to follow and capture this source of mobile nitrogen would be highly desirable. Here, we report that variation in nitrate concentration around roots induces an immediate alteration of root hydraulic properties such that water is preferentially absorbed from the nitrate-rich patch. Further, we show that this coupling between nitrate availability and water acquisition results from changes in cell membrane hydraulic properties and is directly related to intracellular nitrate concentrations. Split-root experiments in which nitrate was applied to a portion of the root system showed that the response is both localized and reversible, resulting in rapid changes in water uptake to the portions of the roots exposed to the nitrate-rich patch. At the same time, water uptake by roots not supplied with nitrate was reduced. We believe that the increase in root hydraulic conductance in one part causes a decline of water uptake in the other part due to a collapse in the water potential gradient driving uptake. The translation of local information, in this case nitrate concentration, into a hydraulic signal that can be transmitted rapidly throughout the plant and thus coordinate responses at the whole plant level, represents an unexpected, higher level physiological interaction that precedes the level of gene expression.
Azaserine: further evidence for DNA damage in Escherichia coli

Abstract Azaserine causes DNA damage in stationary-phase cells. In our investigation of this damage, we used strains of Escherichia coli differing in repair capabilities to study azaserine-induced DNA damage, detected as DNA strand breaks by sucrose gradient sedimentation techniques. Reduced sedimentation in alkaline and neutral sucrose gradients indicated the presence of both alkali-labile sites and in situ strand breaks. Azaserine induced DNA single-strand breaks (SSbs) abundantly in all but the recA strain, in which SSBs were greatly reduced. Treatment of purified DNA with azaserine from bacteriophages T4 and PM2 produced no detectable SSBs. Several other studies also failed to detect DNA damage induced directly by azaserine. Increased levels of β-galactosidase were induced in an E. coli strain possessing a rec:lac fusion. providing further evidence for azaserine induction of the recA gene product. In addition, azaserine induced adaptation against killing but not against mutagenesis in wild-type E. coli strain.
What Rule(s) Should I Use

Rules in schemas apply to shapes in terms of embedding. This melds calculating with art and design, and has many uses in teaching and in practice.
Pharmacology of drug self-administration

Limited access to drugs provides a reliable model for their acute-reinforcing effects and a means by which to explore neuropharmacological mechanisms involved in these effects. In limited access situations intravenous self-administration rates of opiates and psychomotor stimulants is inversely related to dose, and competitive antagonists at low doses increase the number of injections self-administered. Competitive agonists decrease drug self-administration. However noncompetitive antagonists tend to produce decreases in self-administration and the specificity of these results are difficult to interpret. A limited access procedure of ethanol (10% v/v) self-administration using a sucrose or saccharin fade out procedure resulted in reliable and stable ethanol (10% v/v) and water self-administration in a concurrent choice situation using nondeprived unselected Wistar and alcohol preferring P-rats. As observed by others, the opiate antagonist naloxone decreased fluid intake in both strain of rats. However, contrary to earlier results naloxone did not produce a selective decrease in ethanol preference. The serotonin antagonist methysergide had no significant effect on fluid intake or ethanol preference. However, the long-acting dopamine agonist bromocriptine decreased ethanol intake and increased water intake producing a significant decrease in ethanol preference. The results with naloxone suggest that opiate interactions with ethanol may reflect a more general effect on consummatory behavior and the results with bromocriptine suggest that the reinforcing effects of low doses of ethanol may involve a dopaminergic component. Future studies should explore further the interactions of ethanol with competitive antagonists (if possible), and fluid intake or ethanol preference with limbic-extrapyramidal circuitry involved in mediating the reinforcing actions of other drugs of abuse.
Effect of cyclodextrin cavity size on sensitization of room-temperature phosphorescence of biacetyl.

Abstract The triplet-triplet energy-transfer reactions of several polynuclear aromatic compounds are enhanced to different degrees in α -,β and γ-cyclodextrin (CD) media when biacetyl is used as the acceptor species. The phosphorescence intensity of biacetyl increases as the size of the CD cavity increases. The CD cavities have specific dimensions which place constraints on the number of donor and acceptor molecules that can be included in them. The larger the cavity, the better it is able to include the reactants and, apparently, position them to increase the rate of triplet-triplet energy transfer. Compounds such as chrysene and triphenylene, which are unresponsive as biacetyl sensitizers in α-CD and β-CD, are excellent sensitizers of biacetyl in the larger γ-CD. Typically, limits of detection of 1 x 10−6, 5 × 10−7 and 1 × 10−7M were found with α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD, respectively.
A randomized prospective trial of OKT3 induction in the current immunosuppression era

Recent improvements in immunosuppression and subsequent decreases in the incidence of acute rejection have brought into question the benefit of the use peri-transplant antibody therapy (i.e. induction therapy). In the current era of immunosuppression that includes mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclosporine emulsion (Neoral, Novartis, Basle, Switzerland), we designed and have completed a prospective, randomized trial to address this question. Cadaveric and living donor renal allograft recipients were randomized to receive either OKT3/MMF/delayed Neoral/prednisone or MMF/immediate Neoral/ prednisone without OKT3. The incidence of rejection episodes was the primary end point. Patients with delayed graft function were excluded. All rejection episodes were biopsy proven and all patients have been followed for a minimum of 2 yr. Fifty-four patients received OKT3 induction, of which 6 patients suffered a rejection episode (11%), while 13 patients (27%) not receiving OKT3 (p = 0.04) had a rejection episode. Four patients in the no OKT3 group suffered multiple rejections, while there were only 2 with more than one episode in the OKT3 group. There was no increased incidence of infectious complications in the group receiving OKT3. Hospital costs tended to be higher in the OKT3-treated group, but were not significantly different. The low incidence of rejection in the OKT3-treated group was intriguing and validates the use of antibody therapy in the early post-operative periods even in the era of improved baseline immunosuppression.
Logistics, electronic commerce, and the environment

Organizations realize that a strong supporting logistics or electronic logistics (e-logistics) function is important from both commercial and consumer perspectives. The implications of e-logistics models and practices cover the forward and reverse logistics functions of organizations. They also have direct and profound impact on the natural environment. This paper will focus on a discussion of forward and reverse e-logistics and their relationship to the natural environment. After discussion of the many pertinent issues in these areas, directions of practice and implications for study and research are then described.
Vent-type taxa in a hydrocarbon seep region on the Louisiana slope

Recent discoveries on the northern Gulf of Mexico continental slope have altered our understanding of biological and chemical processes occurring in the deep ocean. A biological community of hydrothermal vent-type organisms was recently discovered at the base of the Florida Escarpment1, where the fauna are apparently nourished by hydrogen sulphide-rich hypersaline water seeping out onto the sea floor. Dense colonies of deep living chemosynthetic benthic organisms were first discovered during investigations of warm water anomalies along the axis of the Galapagos Rift in the Pacific Ocean in 19772—4, and this first discovery of clusters of clams, tube worms and other filter feeders in the immediate proximity of warm water vents has been followed by the discovery of a number of other hydrothermal vent sites, for example Guaymas Basin, East Pacific Rise at 21° N. The dense population assemblages at these sites are apparently restricted to small areas of the ocean floor where hydrogen sulphide-rich water is escaping from spreading centres, but the Florida Escarpment discovery indicates that these communities can also exist on passive margins. Here we report the discovery of dense biological communities associated with regions of oil and gas seepage on the Louisiana continental slope. These communities of large epi- and infaunal organisms are similar to those associated with the vents of the Pacific and the hypersaline brine seeps of the Florida Escarpment. Carbon isotope analyses suggest that these communities are chemosynthetic and derive their energy from hydrogen sulphide and/or hydrocarbons. Similar communities may be widely distributed on the sea floor in other oil-producing regions of the ocean.