cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary Menhaden and Corn Oils and the Red Blood Cell Membrane Lipid Composition and Fluidity in Hyper- and Normocholesterolemic Miniature Swine

Fatty acids in the diet are readily incorporated into lipids in various tissues. However, it is not clear whether all tissues have the same level of incorporation. Second, (n-6) unsaturated fatty acids increase the fluidity of membranes, but this has not been shown for (n-3) fatty acids. In this study, we measured the incorporation of (n-6) and (n-3) fatty acids into erythrocyte membrane lipids and studied their effects on the fluidity of erythrocyte membranes. One group of female miniature swine was made hypercholesterolemic by feeding the swine cholesterol and lard for 2 mo; the other group served as controls and was fed a stock diet. Both groups were then fed either corn oil or menhaden oil or a mixture of the two for 23 additional weeks. Blood was collected at 0, 2, 4, 12 and 23 wk after initialization of the experimental diets, and fatty acid composition of phospholipids was assessed. Membrane phospholipids of pigs fed menhaden oil had elevated (n-3) fatty acids (20:5 and 22:6), and lower 18:2 than those fed corn oil. There was no difference in 20:4 content. The fatty acid changes occurred as early as 2 wk after consumption of the corn oil or menhaden oil in pigs previously fed a stock diet, but it took longer in pigs previously fed lard + cholesterol, indicating residual effects of pretreatment. Menhaden oil increased anisotropy (indicating decreased fluidity) more than corn oil for the nonpolar probe diphenylhexatriene (DPH) at earlier time points, but not at 23 wk. Erythrocyte membrane fluidity was significantly related to membrane polyunsaturate content, with (n-6) fatty acids having a greater influence than (n-3) fatty acids. A comparison of the present red blood cell fatty acid compositions with brain synaptosome fatty acid compositions for the same animals showed poor correlations for some of the fatty acids. There was no significant direct relationship between docosahexaenoate (DHA) concentrations in erythrocyte membranes with DHA concentrations in brain synaptosomes from cerebellum, forebrain and caudate nucleus.
42. Paramedic Evaluation of Clinical Indicators of Cervical Spine Injury

Purpose : Standard prehospital practice includes frequent immobilization of blunt trauma patients, some based solely on mechanism. Unnecessary cervical spine (c-spine) immobilization does have disadvantages, including morbidity such as low back pain and splinting, increased scene time and costs, and patient-paramedic conflict. Emergency physicians (EPs) use clinical criteria to clear trauma patients of c-spine injury. If paramedics were able to apply clinical criteria in the out-of-hospital setting, then unnecessary c-spine immobilization could be safely avoided. We designed a prospective, randomized, simulated trial to determine the level of agreement between paramedic and EP assessment of clinical indicators of cervical spine injury. We hypothesized that there would be substantial agreement between paramedic and EP evaluation of standardized patients. Methods : A convenience sample of ten paramedics and ten attending EPs participated. Ten standardized patients, with various combinations of positive and negative findings, were examined simultaneously by EP-paramedic pairs. Each pair evaluated five randomly assigned patients for six clinical criteria, which were: 1) alteration in consciousness, 2) evidence of intoxication, 3) complaint of neck pain, 4) cervical tenderness, 5) neurologic deficit or complaint, and 6) distracting injury. If any criterion was positive, that was considered an immobilization decision. The kappa statistic was utilized to determine level of agreement between the two groups for each individual criterion and for the immobilization decision. A kappa of 0.40 to 0.75 denotes good reproducibility and >0.75 denotes excellent reproducibility.
Postoperative Infection in Cochlear Implant Patients

Abstract Objective Recently, the association of meningitis with cochlear implants has raised concern over the safety of these devices. We examined the incidence of all postoperative infections in patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery. Study design and settings A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing cochlear implants at a private tertiary referral center from 1993 to 2002 was performed. Cochlear implant surgeries in 462 adults and 271 children were reviewed. Patients with evidence of a postoperative infection or infectious complication related to cochlear implantation were identified, and data on patient characteristics, surgery, and treatment outcome were obtained. Results The overall incidence of postoperative infection in our cochlear implant series was 4.1%. Major infectious complications occurred in 3.0% of cases, and the majority of infections required surgical intervention. A history of chronic ear disease may increase the risk of infectious complications. There were no cases of meningitis. Conclusions Cochlear implants remain a safe procedure with a low complication rate. The majority of infections can be managed without removing the implant device. Advances in surgical technique and flap design have decreased the occurrence of wound-related complications. However, identification of risk factors for infection and optimization of treatment regimens will further reduce the complications associated with postoperative infection.
Beet curly top virus from phloem exudate of Amsinckia douglasiana

SUMMARY Amsinckia douglasiana when infected with beet curly top virus (BCTV) produces more exudate, which is highly infective, than any other known host. Attempts were made to purify BCTV from the phloem exudate of infected Amsinckia douglasiana by differential centrifugation and sucrose density gradient fractionation. A260/280 ratio of virus preparations was 1.58; S values were 74 and 147. Infectivity was distributed among several fractions during density gradient purification. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of pentagonal and hexagonal particles of 14–23 nm, some of which were paired. The virus was insensitive to DNAse, RNAse, and trypsin when these enzymes were tested individually but infectivity was substantially decreased when the virus was subjected to trypsin treatment followed by DNAse, suggesting that DNA is associated with the beet curly top virus.
Eosinophilic vasculitis in connective tissue disease.

Abstract Background: Neutrophilic and lymphocytic vascular inflammation is common in vasculitis associated with connective tissue disease (CTD). We recently identified eight patients with CTD and eosinophilic vasculitis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize a variant form of vasculitis in CTD with eosinophilic infiltration. Methods: Of 98 CTD patients with cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis, eight were found with predominantly eosinophilic vascular infiltration. Nine CTD patients with cutaneous neutrophilic vasculitis were identified for comparison. Clinical and laboratory findings were reviewed and compared. Indirect immunofluorescence for eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP), neutrophil elastase, and mast cell tryptase was performed on lesional tissue. MBP levels and eosinophil survival enhancing activity were assayed in sera from three patients. Results: The patients with eosinophilic vasculitis had depressed serum complement levels and peripheral blood eosinophilia; MBP levels were elevated in serum and eosinophil survival was prolonged. Immunofluorescence of tissue showed marked angiocentric eosinophil MBP staining with peripheral neutrophil elastase staining; mast cell tryptase staining was notably absent. The patients with neutrophilic vasculitis were variably hypocomplementemic and did not have peripheral blood eosinophilia. Immunofluorescence showed marked angiocentric neutrophil elastase staining with scattered eosinophil MBP staining; mast cell tryptase staining showed normal mast cell numbers. Conclusion: Patients with eosinophilic vasculitis, CTD, and hypocomplementemia show vessel wall destruction in association with vessel wall deposition of cytotoxic eosinophil granule MBP, which suggests that eosinophils mediate vascular damage in this disease process. In addition, perivascular mast cells appear diminished, therby suggesting that mast cell degranulation occurs.
Simulating the sunspot cycle

Fossil records of presumed solar activity1,2 in 680-Myr-old varves reveal two periods, ∼314 and 350 varve years respectively, which also appear in recent sunspot records. These periodicities, combined with a nonlinear feature of sunspot number and a theory of the asymmetry of the solar cycle, enable the sunspot record to be extrapolated back to 1800 so well that the next magnetic cycle may be predicted. Fossil records offer the hope of going beyond numerical analysis into physics; one result is the demonstration that part of the 8–15 yr spread of the 11-yr cycle is due to shifts in the year of sunspot minimum caused by the 350-yr cycle. The annual sunspot number can be represented by3: Rsim(t)=∣ℋ[Re{E(t)exp{i[ω0t+φ(t)]}}+U(t)]∣ (1) where ω0 is the angular frequency corresponding to the magnetic period (∼22 yr), E(t) is an instantaneous envelope amplitude, φ(t) is the associated instantaneous phase, U(t) is an additive undulation of low amplitude, ℋ is a nonlinear function, and Rsim(t) is the estimated annual mean sunspot number. Here I consider these parameters, in turn, to derive an evaluation of equation (1) from AD 1800 to 2000.
Interhemispheric influence of surface buoyancy conditions on a circumpolar current

[1] This study shows that the surface buoyancy conditions in the Northern Hemisphere may influence the stratification and transport of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). We use a course-resolution ocean general circulation model (OGCM) in an idealized single-basin configuration with a circumpolar channel. A decrease in the magnitude of the surface temperature meridional gradient in the Northern Hemisphere reduces production of the deep water, affecting the interhemispheric Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) and deepening the thermocline in both hemispheres. The induced change of stratification in the Southern Hemisphere circumpolar region increases the zonal volume transport of circumpolar current because of an increase in the local meridional density gradient and the associated thermal wind shear, which is the dominant baroclinic component of the total volume transport. The result is robust to variations in the background vertical mixing and the parameterization scheme for mesoscale eddies.
Pressure effects on the charge yield and ion nucleation induced by resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization

Abstract The pressure effects on the charge yield and ion nucleation induced by resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) in a diffusion cloud chamber have been investigated. The ion nucleation spectrum is similar to the charge spectrum produced by the chromophore ion, thus providing further evidence for the identity of the nucleating ions. The measured charge decreases as the carrier gas pressure increases. Models based on collisional quenching of the intermediate state and ion-electron collisional recombination have been used to interpret the observed pressure effects.
The clustered cell system is present before formation of the ACh patches in the intermediate gray layer of the cat superior colliculus.

Abstract Projection neurons from the superior colliculus (SC) to the cuneiform region (CFR) of the midbrain form distinct cell clusters in the intermediate gray layer which precisely overlap the cholinergic fiber patches in this region of the cat SC (Jeon and Mize, J. Comp. Neurol., 337 (1993) 127–150). The acetylcholine (ACh) -containing fiber patches do not express ACh until after birth. It is not known when the cell clusters first appear. In this study, we examined the development of the clusters by retrogradely labeling the cells with a tracer injected into the CFR. Kittens aged from embryonic day E34 to E57 and postnatal day P1 to P14 were perfused with aldehyde fixatives and crystals of the carbocyanine dye DiI were placed into the CFR. After 5- to 8-week incubations, the SC was sectioned and examined using epi-fluorescent microscopy. At E34, very few labeled cells and fibers were present in SC. Between E41 and E46, both labeled cells and fibers were found within the intermediate gray (IGL) and deep gray (DGL) layers of SC. In one E46 case, a few labeled cells were grouped together within the IGL, suggesting the onset of clusters seen at later ages. By E51, DiI labeling produced an obvious pattern of clustered cells. Up to 4 clusters were seen in a single section, each containing 4–12 labeled neurons. By E57, labeled cell clusters were conspicuous in the IGL in caudal sections and the number of cells per cluster was increased. This pattern was also present at birth (P1). Scattered labeled neurons were also found outside the clusters and throughout the deep layers as were fibers innervating this region of SC. In summary, the axonal projections of the IGL clustered cells appear to reach the cuneiform region as early as E46 and are well-developed by E57. The clustering of efferent neurons precedes the formation of cholinergic fiber patches in the cat SC which is first identifiable using ChAT antibodies around the second postnatal week of life.
Diffraction of a Released Bose-Einstein Condensate by a Pulsed Standing Light Wave

We study the diffraction of a released sodium Bose-Einstein condensate by a pulsed standing light wave. The width of the momentum distribution of the diffracted atoms exhibits strong oscillations as a function of the pulse duration, corresponding to periodic focusing and collimation of the condensate inside the standing light wave. Applications of this thick grating regime of diffraction to atom interferometry are discussed.
salvador Promotes Both Cell Cycle Exit and Apoptosis in Drosophila and Is Mutated in Human Cancer Cell Lines

The number of cells in an organism is determined by regulating both cell proliferation and cell death. Relatively few mechanisms have been identified that can modulate both of these processes. In a screen for Drosophila mutations that result in tissue overgrowth, we identified salvador (sav), a gene that promotes both cell cycle exit and cell death. Elevated Cyclin E and DIAP1 levels are found in mutant cells, resulting in delayed cell cycle exit and impaired apoptosis. Salvador contains two WW domains and binds to the Warts (or LATS) protein kinase. The human ortholog of salvador (hWW45) is mutated in three cancer cell lines. Thus, salvador restricts cell numbers in vivo by functioning as a dual regulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Overexpression of hydroxynitrile lyase in cassava roots elevates protein and free amino acids while reducing residual cyanogen levels.

Cassava is the major source of calories for more than 250 million Sub-Saharan Africans, however, it has the lowest protein-to-energy ratio of any major staple food crop in the world. A cassava-based diet provides less than 30% of the minimum daily requirement for protein. Moreover, both leaves and roots contain potentially toxic levels of cyanogenic glucosides. The major cyanogen in cassava is linamarin which is stored in the vacuole. Upon tissue disruption linamarin is deglycosylated by the apolplastic enzyme, linamarase, producing acetone cyanohydrin. Acetone cyanohydrin can spontaneously decompose at pHs >5.0 or temperatures >35°C, or is enzymatically broken down by hydroxynitrile lyase (HNL) to produce acetone and free cyanide which is then volatilized. Unlike leaves, cassava roots have little HNL activity. The lack of HNL activity in roots is associated with the accumulation of potentially toxic levels of acetone cyanohydrin in poorly processed roots. We hypothesized that the over-expression of HNL in cassava roots under the control of a root-specific, patatin promoter would not only accelerate cyanogenesis during food processing, resulting in a safer food product, but lead to increased root protein levels since HNL is sequestered in the cell wall. Transgenic lines expressing a patatin-driven HNL gene construct exhibited a 2–20 fold increase in relative HNL mRNA levels in roots when compared with wild type resulting in a threefold increase in total root protein in 7 month old plants. After food processing, HNL overexpressing lines had substantially reduced acetone cyanohydrin and cyanide levels in roots relative to wild-type roots. Furthermore, steady state linamarin levels in intact tissues were reduced by 80% in transgenic cassava roots. These results suggest that enhanced linamarin metabolism contributed to the elevated root protein levels.
PRIMARY AND TECTONIC FABRIC INTENSITIES IN MUDROCKS

Abstract In this paper, we present a summary of quantitative measurements of the preferred orientation of phyllosilicate grains in a variety of tectonically weakly deformed to undeformed, fine-grained, pelitic rocks. We also briefly examine a small amount of data on clay fabrics in deep sea cores, and compare them to fabrics in deformed equivalents from the Mariposa Formation and Calaveras Complex, Sierra Nevada, California. The measured fabric ellipsoids support the following conclusions: (1) a bedding-parallel foliation forms in pelitic rocks during compaction that in our samples is associated with shortening between 3% and 74%; (2) the amount of compaction is in part controlled by the quartz-feldspar content: interbedded sandy layers undergo little to no compaction and do not develop bedding parallel foliations; and (3) it is impossible to determine precisely the amounts of compaction, horizontal shortening, and later tectonic strain in deformed samples because of the variability of initial compactions. Our data, and results presented by others, indicate that strain paths in pelitic rocks always include early compaction, followed by an episode of simultaneous compaction and plane strain in accretionary wedges, and by a variety of other types of strain in other settings.
Antigenic Correspondence of Serum Albumins among the Primates

The relative cross-reactivities as judged by tile quantitative precipitation reaction of 22 primate serum albumins were determined with pooled antiserums against human Serum albumnini. The atitgenic correspondences to human serum albumin of all but three serum albumin fell into narrow ranges, and the groups defined by these ranges are distinct taxonomic categories. The values of the cross-reactivity ranges are consistent with the presumed phylogenetic relationships to man on the assumption that the evolutionary modification of protein structure has been progressive and divergent.
Strategies for Cataloging Historical Serials

The challenges the cataloger of historical serials faces are many and they come from all aspects of the cataloging process. For those who primarily catalog contemporary materials, these issues can be particularly daunting. The object of this article is to examine some of the more commonly experienced issues with emphasis on how to address them in a practical sense. The article is organized by broad functional categories: types of material, iterations, bibliographic data, and name authority control.
The Use of Plantar Insole Pressure Sensors to Predict the Free Torque Produced at the Shoe-Surface Interface During Internal Rotation of the Body Relative to a Planted Foot

High ankle sprains are commonly associated with injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmotic ligaments and represent a more disabling problem for athletes than other ankle sprains [1]. This injury is associated with excessive internal rotation of the body relative to a planted foot [2]. Torsional traction between the shoe and the playing surface is a factor in these injuries [3].Copyright © 2013 by ASME
NONLINEAR MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL

Abstract Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC), a strategy for constrained, feedback control of nonlinear processes, has been developed. The algorithm uses a simultaneous solution and optimization approach to determine the open-loop optimal manipulated variable trajectory at each sampling instant. Feedback is incorporated via an estimator, which uses process measurements to infer unmeasured state and disturbance values. These are used by the controller to determine the future optimal control policy. This scheme can be used to control processes described by different kinds of models, such as nonlinear ordinary differential/algebraic equations, partial differential/algebraic equations, integra-differential equations and delay equations. The advantages of the proposed NMPC scheme are demonstrated with the start-up of a non-isothermal, non-adiabatic CSTR with an irreversible, first-order reaction. The set-point corresponds to an open-loop unstable steady state. Comparisons have been made with controllers ...
Catalytic Molecular Beacons

We have constructed catalytic molecular beacons from a hammerhead-type deoxyribozyme by a modular design. The deoxyribozyme was engineered to contain a molecular beacon stem-loop module that, when closed, inhibits the deoxyribozyme module and is complementary to a target oligonucleotide. Binding of target oligonucleotides opens the beacon stem-loop and allosterically activates the deoxyribozyme module, which amplifies the recognition event through cleavage of a doubly labeled fluorescent substrate. The customized modular design of catalytic molecular beacons allows for any two single-stranded oligonucleotide sequences to be distinguished in homogenous solution in a single step. Our constructs demonstrate that antisense conformational triggers based on molecular beacons can be used to initiate catalytic events. The selectivity of the system is sufficient for analytical applications and has potential for the construction of deoxyribozyme-based drug delivery tools specifically activated in cells containing somatic mutations.
Effects of phencyclidine on 5-hydroxytryptophan- and suckling-induced prolactin release.

Abstract The effects of acute and chronic exposure to phencyclidine (PCP) on the regulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion were examined. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with PCP (10 mg/kg) or saline for 14 days, or just prior to the administration of the serotonin precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). A single injection of PCP had no effect on the 5-HTP-induced rise of plasma PRL levels. In contrast, chronic administration of PCP facilitated the release of PRL induced by 5-HTP. Peak plasma PRL levels were more than 3-fold higher after chronic PCP. The acute effect of PCP on suckling-induced PRL release was also examined. PCP delayed the rise of plasma PRL levels by suckling. The magnitude and profile of PRL, however, were similar to saline controls. The pups of PCP-treated dams failed to obtain milk during the suckling episode. Exogenous oxytocin restored the milk ejection reflex in PCP-treated dams. PCP had no effect on basal PRL release from anterior pituitary cells in vitro, and failed to alter the effects of TRH or dopamine. Conclusions: (1) chronic, but not acute, administration of PCP facilitates the 5-HTP-induced release of PRL, (2) acute exposure to PCP delays the suckling-induced rise in PRL and appears to inhibit oxytocin release. These data demonstrate that both acute and chronic PCP may alter the regulation of PRL release, likely through an indirect central mechanism.
Abstract 4146: Optical imaging of bladder cancer with cancer-specific molecular contrast agents

Introduction and Objectives: Current diagnosis of bladder cancer is by white light cystoscopy, which has suboptimal specificity for differentiating non-papillary cancer from inflammation. Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) provides dynamic in vivo imaging of the endoluminal tracts with micron-scale resolution. Real-time analysis of confocal images remains challenging with non-specific contrast agents such as intravesical fluorescein. Tumor imaging specificity may be enhanced by coupling pCLE with fluorescently labeled tumor-specific antibodies or peptides. We report our preliminarily efforts of ex vivo bladder tumor imaging by pCLE using a mouse antibody against a known human tumor-specific surface biomarker and a dodecapeptide that binds human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as contrast. Studies have shown that both the antibody and peptide bind surface markers abundant in cancer but not present on the superficial layer of normal urothelium. METHODS: The antibody or peptide was instilled intravesically into a fresh cystectomy specimen (n=4 for antibody; n=1 for peptide). Excess antibody or peptide was drained, and the bladder was opened for pCLE. Imaging was performed of normal-appearing, tumor, and suspicious areas, followed by excision of imaged tissues for histopathology with HE 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4146. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4146
Pilot Study of Cryoplasty with Use of PolarCath Peripheral Balloon Catheter System for Dialysis Access

Purpose To evaluate the safety and feasibility of cryoplasty as the initial balloon treatment for dialysis access venous stenoses. Materials and Methods Twenty patients with grafts ( n = 18) or arteriovenous fistulas ( n = 2) were enrolled in an institutional review board–approved prospective study. Patients with high venous dialysis pressures ( n = 7), poor flow ( n = 3), abnormal thrill ( n = 3), nonmaturation ( n = 2), poor clearance ( n = 2), edema ( n = 1), prolonged bleeding ( n = 1), or recurrent clotting ( n = 1) in the presence of stenoses ≥50% were eligible. Mean stenosis measurement was 62.8% (range, 51%–82%). Mean lesion length was 2.57 cm (range, 0.4–5.7 cm). Device success required complete cryoplasty balloon expansion. Procedure success required anatomic success combined with a clinical or hemodynamic indicator of success. Primary circuit patency ended with any restenosis. Primary lesion patency ended with index lesion restenosis. Results The device success rate was 53% (nine of 17). The anatomic success rate after cryoplasty was 35% (seven of 20). Eighty percent of lesions (16 of 20) were treated with conventional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloons after cryoplasty. The procedure success rate after supplemental PTA was 80% (16 of 20). The primary circuit patency rates were 82% (14 of 17) at 3 months and 19% (three of 16) at 6 months. The primary lesion patency rates were 88% (15 of 17) at 3 months and 25% (four of 16) at 6 months. All patients reported pain during cryoplasty, and the 16 who underwent supplemental PTA described cryoplasty as more painful than PTA. Cryoplasty-related complications included one case of transient spasm. Conclusions Use of the PolarCath peripheral balloon catheter system as the initial balloon for dialysis access venous stenoses is safe but painful. Anatomic success rates after cryoplasty are low. Results of cryoplasty supplemented by PTA appear comparable to those of PTA alone.
Heterotic string theory (II). The interacting heterotic string

Abstract The theory of interacting heterotic strings is presented. Vertex operators are derived in both the bosonic and fermionic formulations of the theory and are shown to be consistent with gauge invariance, Lorentz invariance, and supersymmetry. Three- and four-point amplitudes for the scattering of massless string states are calculated and used to derive the low-energy field theory limit of the heterotic string. Divergences in string theories are discussed and it is shown that one-loop heterotic string amplitudes are finite and modular invariant only for gauge group E 8 ×E 8 or spin (32)/Z 2 .
A parametric study of mean loading effects on airfoil gust interaction noise

The influence of airfoil mean loading parameters on the sound generated by interaction with short wavelength vorticity and entropy gusts is examined. It is found that there are two mean flow parameters of importance, the effective leading edge incidence angle and the airfoil lift coefficient. The former controls the total sound power level, while the latter has an important effect on the directivity pattern. For vorticity gusts, positive gust angles result in noise levels which increase with leading edge loading (LEL), while for negative gust angles an increase in LEL may actually reduce the noise level. For low levels of LEL, entropy gusts generate less sound than vorticity gusts, while for larger values of LEL, entropy gusts are at least as important as vorticity gusts.
Strain Difference in Photoreceptor Cell Death After Retinal Detachment in Mice

Purpose. To evaluate the potential for mouse genetic background to effect photoreceptor cell death in response to experimental retinal detachment (RD).
Laparotomy after using the gastroepiploic artery graft: Retrogastric versus antegastric route

Background. Most cardiac surgeons prefer the antegastric route for the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) graft. When placed anterior to the stomach, the RGEA pedicle may adhere to the greater omentum, or to the anterior abdominal wall, and may be injured during future abdominal operations. Methods. To avoid this potentially lethal complication, we prefer to place the RGEA graft behind the stomach and the left lobe of the liver. In our experience with 144 patients in whom the retrogastric route was used, 7 patients required an abdominal operation (2 had cholecystectomy, 2 had a partial colectomy, 1 had repair of paraesophageai hernia, and 2 had repair of abdominal wall complications). There was no need to dissect the RGEA graft in any of these patients. Results. There was no evidence of myocardial ischemia or other complications during or after the operation in any patient. Conclusions. Based on our experience and the fact that any injury to the RGEA graft may have catastrophic consequences, we strongly advocate the retrogastric route to minimize the risk of injury to the RGEA graft during a subsequent laparotomy.
Could Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) become established in California tree holes?

The ability of temperate zone-adapted Aedes albopictus (Skuse) to survive and complete development in California tree holes was evaluated in laboratory experiments that assessed development under simulated wet-season conditions, larval competition with Aedes sierrensis at different food levels, temporal survivorship of eggs stored under different humidities and temperatures, and suitability of larvae as hosts for the indigenous parasite Lambornella clarki. At all resource levels, Ae. albopictus completed development at temperatures similar to those in natural tree hole water in spring and early summer (> or = 16 degrees C), but not those during the rainy winter months (4-11 degrees C). In competition studies at 21 degrees C, the population performance (i.e., survivorship, pupation time, and adult size) of Ae. albopictus at all resource levels was as good or better when larvae developed with Ae. sierrensis compared with when reared with only conspecifics. Egg survivorship declined with increased storage time, increased temperature, and decreased humidity; > 55% of eggs hatched following 24-wk storage at 11 degrees C with relative humidities > 78%. In host suitability tests, parasitic theronts of L. clarki consistently attacked Ae. albopictus larvae at rates significantly lower than Ae. sierrensis. L. clarki that successfully invaded Ae. albopictus larvae failed to multiply and kill their hosts; thus, Ae. albopictus is not a suitable host for L. clarki. The protracted drying of most tree holes and low water temperatures during the rainy season will hinder but not preclude establishment of Ae. albopictus in California.
Dopamine transporter genotype as a risk factor for obesity in African-American smokers.

Objective: To assess the association between a polymorphism related to dopamine function, dopamine transport (SLC6A3), and obesity in smokers. Research Methods and Procedures: Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between this genetic polymorphism and obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) from a sample of 510 smokers who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day and who were participating in a study designed to examine genetic and nongenetic predictors of response to a pharmacological treatment. Results: The likelihood of obesity in African Americans (N = 90) with the 10/10 SLC6A3 genotype was 5.16 times that of African Americans with 9/9 or 9/10 SLC6A3 genotypes (odds ratio = 5.16, confidence interval = 1.60 to 16.65). There was no association of the SLC6A3 genotype with obesity for non-Hispanic whites (N = 420). Discussion: These results suggest that variants of the dopamine transporter gene may be related to obesity in African-American smokers. Possible mechanisms responsible for the association between dopamine transport and obesity in African-American smokers are discussed.
Paradoxical relationship between mitral valve prolapse and left ventricular function in Marfan's syndrome

A child with Marfan's syndrome had cardiac failure during infancy. Aortic sinus aneurysms, mitral prolapse with severe regurgitation, and atrial septal defect were present. After myocardial infarction at age 4 years, the mitral prolapse became less and the regurgitation disappeared. After recovery of left ventricular function, mitral regurgitation reappeared. The unusual relationship between mitral valve and left ventricular function could be related to redundant chordae and leaflet. Myocardial infarction occurs in Marfan's syndrome even during childhood.
Exenterative pelvic surgery.

A review of the history, indications, basic technique, end results, and complications of exenterative surgery for pelvic neoplasms is provided. The authors discuss their broad personal experience with the operation. Much of this experience evolved from work at Barnes Hospital and the Ellis Fischel State Cancer Hospital. The techniques are applicable to advanced neoplasms of the cervix uteri, scrotum, urinary bladder, and other, less frequent neoplasms still confined to the pelvis.
Human hepatocyte isolation and transplantation into an athymic rat, using prevascularized cell polymer constructs

Human hepatocyte viability and function in vivo in an athymic rat was assessed after transplantation on prevascularized polymer constructs with hepatotrophic stimulation. Sixteen liver biopsy specimens, weighing 5 to 12 g, were obtained from the New England Organ Bank and from the operating room after liver resection. In the laboratory they were catheterized and perfused to obtain liver cell suspensions. From eight of the 16 cell suspensions, only in vitro studies were performed. They showed 40% cell attachment 24 hours after initial cell plating. For patients aged 2, 35, and 60 years, they showed a 20% increase, a 1% decrease, and a 57% decrease (respectively) in cell number from day 2 to day 4, after cell plating. Eight cell suspensions were transplanted into athymic rats. On sections examined histologically, implanted hepatocytes were seen within the fibroblast ingrowth, in the space of the polymer device, until day 21 after cell injection. On day 9 after hepatocyte injection, reorganized hepatic parenchyma was seen on the tissue section. Implanted hepatocyte areas, quantitated through morphometric analysis on days 0, 3, and 7, showed a 36% increase in engraftment 3 days after injection, and a 42% decrease 7 days after injection. At the same time-points, immunoperoxidase staining visualized intracellular albumin, which was specific for the implanted hepatocytes. In conclusion, the authors demonstrated the feasibility of their technique (prevascularized polymer device with hepatotrophic stimulation), using human hepatocytes. Further studies are underway, before implementation of human clinical trials.
The interaction of H2O with a TiO2(110) surface

Abstract The interaction of H2O with rutile TiO2(110) surfaces with different defect densities (oxygen vacancies) was studied with TPD, work function measurements and XPS. On the nearly perfect surface, a thermal desorption peak is observed at 250–300 K which is attributed to molecularly adsorbed H2O at Ti4+ sites based on its O(1s) peak position and work function change. The heat of adsorption of water in this state is estimated to be 71-9θ kJ/mol. The coverage of water in this state is estimated from O(1s) signals to be about one per unit cell, or one for every Ti4+ site. A tail of this peak which extends to 375 K is attributed to disproportionation of surface hydroxyl groups present in lower concentrations. Higher coverages of water give rise to a TPD peak at 170 K, which we attribute to water bound to bridging oxygen anion sites. Finally, multilayer water is populated, which desorbs in a peak at 160 K. Surface hydroxyls bound to thermally-induced oxygen vacancies of ∼ 1% concentration disproportionate to give a water TPD peak at ∼ 500 K.
Nonlinear Optical Interactions In Polymer Thin Films

Third-order nonlinear optical interactions have been studied for thin films of a number of organic polymeric systems to derive an understanding of these processes. Picosecond and subpicosecond degenerate four wave mixing was used to derive the nature of the nonlinearity and the associated response time. The dominant contribution is found to be derived from the 7-electron conjugation and a subpicosecond response is confirmed. In the case of a polymeric photoconductor, the nonlinearity due to 7-electrons dominates if the structure is conjugated. In the case of a non-conjugated photoconductor, contribution due to charge-carriers seems to dominate and has response times of hundreds of picoseconds. Vibrationally resonance enhanced nonlinearity is also investigated by coherent Raman scattering. The resonance enhancement is three orders of magnitude, and vibrational dephasing is found to be extremely fast. For studies of optical nonlinearity in monolayer and successively-built multilayer Langmuir-Blodgett films, the surface plasmon technique is found to be ideally suited. A power dependence study of the total reflectivity vs the internal ii Bence angle in a prism coupling geometry is used to obtain the magnitude as well as the sign of x (3).
Changing the economics of environmental degradation in Madagascar: Lessons from the national environmental action plan process

Abstract This paper examines the economic logic and implicit assumptions used to develop and support the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) process in Madagascar. The study focuses on three key issues: how were the costs of the main environmental problems identified and estimated; what underlying factors were identified as causing these problems; and how is the NEAP implementation strategy designed to change these underlying factors. The most difficult tasks for NEAPs will continue to be identifying the key specific underlying factors causing the problem and determining which of these factors are actually feasible for a NEAP process to change. The analysis of the Madagascar makes clear that key environmental problems are driven by land use decisions of large numbers of geographically dispersed rural and urban inhabitants. These problems are not easy or even feasible targets for specific “environmental” policy changes. If this is the case, as it seems to be in Madagascar, then it is perhaps unrealistic to hope that NEAPs as constituted can provide a framework for both understanding and alleviating a country's key environmental problems.
Personality traits and subjective health in the later years: The association between NEO-PI-R and SF-36 in advanced age is influenced by health status

Abstract This study examined the association between personality traits (as measured by the NEO-PI-R) and subjective ratings of mental and physical health (as measured by the SF-36) in two samples of older adults differing in health status (Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, BLSA, n = 393, vs. Medicare Primary and Consumer-Directed Care Demonstration, Medicare PCC, n = 648). The association between personality traits and subjective mental health did not differ significantly across samples. The association between personality and subjective physical health, however, was significantly stronger in the healthy BLSA sample than in the medically challenged Medicare PCC sample. Differences in health conditions and recent hospitalizations partially accounted for this effect. Lifespan developmental considerations and implications for the use of subjective health ratings as outcome measures in clinical studies are discussed.
Robotic Versus Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Comparative Study at a Single Institution

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains one of the most challenging abdominal procedures, and its application is poorly reported in the literature so far. To date, few data are available comparing a minimally invasive approach to open PD. The aim of the present study is to compare the robotic and open approaches for PD at a single institution. Data from 83 consecutive PD procedures performed between January 2002 and May 2010 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified into two groups: the open group (n = 39; 47%) and the robotic group (n = 44; 53%). Patients in the robotic group were statistically older (63 years of age versus 56 years; p = 0.04) and heavier (body mass index: 27.7 vs. 24.8; p = 0.01); and had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (2.5 vs. 2.15; p = 0.01) when compared to the open group. Indications for surgery were the same in both groups. The robotic group had a significantly shorter operative time (444 vs. 559 min; p = 0.0001), reduced blood loss (387 vs. 827 ml; p = 0.0001), and a higher number of lymph nodes harvested (16.8 vs. 11; p = 0.02) compared to the open group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of complication rates, mortality rates, and hospital stay. The authors present one of the first studies comparing open and robotic PD. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions concerning the long-term outcomes, short-term results show a positive trend in favor of the robotic approach without compromising the oncological principles associated with the open approach.
Accelerated Ripening of Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese Using Four Attenuated Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ-32 Adjuncts

Abstract Cheddar cheese that contained 33% less fat than normal was made with Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ-32 adjuncts attenuated by spray-drying, freeze-drying, or freezing. Cheeses were analyzed during 6 mo of ripening for lactobacilli, pH, lactose, galactose, total lactic acid, D(–)-lactic acid, 5% phosphotungstic acid-soluble N, and 12% TCA-soluble N. Chemical analytical results for cheeses made with adjuncts could largely be explained using the cellular properties of the adjuncts. The extent of cell attenuation was a better tool for predicting changes in lactose, galactose, total lactic acid, and proteolysis than was cell viability. Cell viability was a better tool for predicting cheese pH, initial concentrations of lactobacilli, and D(–)-lactic acid than was cell attenuation. Cheese flavor intensity was enhanced in all cheeses made with adjuncts, but cheeses made with adjuncts spray-dried at a high outlet air temperature of 120°C had the least off-flavor intensity. Other sensory measures were not statistically different among the cheeses, even though the cellular properties of the adjuncts and chemical measures of cheese ripening were statistically different.
Correcting the bias of spike field coherence estimators due to a finite number of spikes.

The coherence between oscillatory activity in local field potentials (LFPs) and single neuron action potentials, or spikes, has been suggested as a neural substrate for the representation of inform...
Nutrition issues in the HIV-infected injection drug user: findings from the nutrition for healthy living cohort.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to highlight disparities between injection drug users (IDUs) and those who had never been IDUs from the Nutrition for Healthy Living (NFHL) cohort. Although IDUs were enrolled in the cohort throughout its duration, few analyses have sought to highlight findings specific to them.Methods: NFHL, a prospective, longitudinal cohort conducted from 1995–2005, included 881 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) –infected men and women over the age of 18. Subjects were seen every 6 months; body composition and dietary and laboratory data were collected. Individuals were classified as current IDUs, past IDUs, and never-IDUs. The classification of ever-IDU combined current and past users.Results: In NFHL, a higher proportion of ever-IDUs were women, African American, had a high school education or less, smoked, and were housing insecure and food insecure compared to never-IDUs. Ever-IDUs had lower total, soluble, and insoluble fiber and individual micronutrient intakes. A higher p...
Almond supplementation in the absence of dietary advice significantly reduces C-reactive protein in subjects with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Heart disease and stroke are primary causes of morbidity and mortality among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The objective of this 12-week randomized, parallel-arm controlled study was to determine if almond supplementation (1.5 oz/d) without further diet instruction improves diabetic and cardiovascular risk markers in individuals with T2D (hemoglobin A1c between 6.5 and 9.0%) who were not taking insulin (n = 10) compared to matched controls who were instructed to maintain their customary diet (n = 11). Subjects in the almond-treated group tended to consume fewer carbohydrates (p = 0.073). There were no significant differences in biomarkers of glucose regulation or oxidative stress; however, the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein was significantly reduced in the almond-treated group versus controls (−1.2 vs. +4.33 mg/L, p = 0.029). Daily almond ingestion in the absence of other dietary or physical activity modification is beneficial in reducing inflammation in individuals with T2D. Funding was provided by The Almond Board of California.
Early and mid-metamorphic larvae of the tarpon,Megalops Atlantica, from the Cape Fear River Estuary, North Carolina, 1973–74

Sampling of larval fishes in the Cape Fear River Estuary and at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant intake and discharge structures, near Southport, North Carolina, yielded 24 metamorphic tarpon,Megalops atlantica, larvae during 1973–74. These larvae were probably spawned somewhere off or to the south of Cape Fear from April or May to September. All larvae taken in the river were collected near the bottom at or just after low tide, while most of those caught in tidal creeks were near the surface, but also were caught near the time of low tide. A possible explanation for this difference is the development of air-breathing in the shrinking larvae. Larvae appear to be more active at night and may thereby avoid high daytime predation.