cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Absence of proteinuria predicts improvement in renal function after conversion to sirolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens in lung transplant survivors with chronic kidney disease.

Background Improvement in renal function has been noted in some lung allograft recipients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) converted from a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)- to a sirolimus (SRL)-based immunosuppressive regimen. However, not all patients have such a positive response. We sought to investigate independent predictors of a favorable renal response in a cohort of lung transplant recipients. Methods We retrospectively studied 56 lung transplant recipients with CKD, defined as a pre-conversion estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 , who had been converted to CNI-sparing regimens using SRL (CNI-free: n = 10; CNI dose reduction + SRL: n = 46). Proteinuria prior to conversion, defined as ≥1 + on urine dipstick, was determined when available ( n = 51). Changes in mean eGFR post-conversion and independent predictors of a favorable renal response, defined as a rise in eGFR ≥20% within 1 month, were investigated. Results Mean eGFR at conversion was 35 ± 14 ml/min/1.73 m 2 , increasing by 8 ± 14 ml/min/1.73 m 2 ( p n = 24) of patients had a rise in eGFR ≥20%. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) remained stable in survivors maintained on SRL and only 1 rejection episode occurred. When controlling for gender, age, pre-conversion eGFR and CNI-free vs CNI-dose reduction, the only variable that remained independently predictive of a favorable renal response was absence of proteinuria, with an odds ratio=3.3 (95% confidence interval 1.0 to 12.5, p = 0.05). Conclusions Non-proteinuric lung transplant survivors with CKD are more likely to respond favorably from a renal standpoint after conversion to SRL with CNI-dose reduction or elimination.
The absence of resurgent sodium current in mouse spinal neurons.

The Scn8a gene encodes a neuronal, voltage-gated sodium channel, which is highly expressed in both cerebellar Purkinje neurons and spinal motoneurons [D.L. Burgess, D.C. Kohrman, J. Galt, N.W. Plummer, J.M. Jones, B. Spear, M.H. Meisler, Mutation of a new sodium channel gene, Scn8a, in the mouse mutant 'motor endplate disease', Nature Genetics 10 (1995) 461-465; K.L. Schaller, D.M. Krzemien, P.J. Yarowsky, B.K. Krueger, J.H. Caldwell, A novel, abundant sodium channel expressed in neurons and glia, J. Neurosci. 15 (1995) 3231-3242]. Sodium channels in Purkinje cells produce an unusual, "resurgent" current when the cells are repolarized to intermediate potentials (-60 to -20 mV) following a strong depolarization that completely inactivates transient sodium current [I.M. Raman, L.K. Sprunger, M.H. Meisler, B.P. Bean, Altered subthreshold sodium currents and disrupted firing patterns in Purkinje neurons of Scn8a mutant mice, Neuron 19 (1997) 881-891; I.M. Raman, B.P. Bean, Resurgent sodium current and action potential formation in dissociated cerebellar Purkinje neurons, J. Neurosci. 17 (1997) 4517-4526]. Here, we have examined whether large spinal neurons (predominantly motoneurons), isolated from P6-P8 mice and cultured overnight, produce sodium currents resembling those either of Purkinje cells or of Xenopus oocytes after heterologous expression of Scn8a. We found that P10-P14 Purkinje cells exhibited resurgent current (ranging from -3.6 to -15.4 pA/pF in 16 cells at -40 mV), but cultured spinal neurons had little or no such current (<0.5 pA/pF in 13 of 16 cells; -1.2 to -2.3 pA/pF in three of 16 cells). Furthermore, unlike Scn8a channels heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes [M.R. Smith, R.D. Smith, N.W. Plummer, M.H. Meisler, A.L. Goldin, Functional analysis of the mouse Scn8a sodium channel. J. Neurosci. 18 (1998) 6093-6102], there was not a prominent component of persistent sodium current in either Purkinje neurons or large spinal neurons. Based on analysis of cells from mice with a Scn8a null mutation, Scn8a channels appear to contribute significantly to total sodium current in both in P10-P14 Purkinje cells (approximately 40%; [21]) and cultured P7-P8 spinal motoneurons (approximately 70% [K.D. Garcia, L.K. Sprunger, M.H. Meisler, K.G. Beam, The sodium channel Scn8a is the major contributor to the postnatal developmental increase of sodium current density in spinal motoneurons, J. Neurosci. 18 (1998) 5234-5239]). Thus, the presence or absence of resurgent current, and of persistent sodium current, appears to depend on cellular factors other than the mere presence of the Scn8a transcript.
Sources and Detection of Atmospheric Wind Shear

This paper outlines a range of phenomena producing significant atmospheric wind shears, providing more details on the shears related to thunderstorm gust fronts. A case study from a wintertime Colorado front-range experiment during 1980 documents strong wind gradients that can occur in the lees of mountains. Strengths and weaknesses of some detection methods are discussed, and evaluations of both remote-sensor and in situ sensor approaches for detecting atmospheric wind shear are emphasized.
The national front in France and the construction of political legitimacy

The National Front in France has experienced a meteoric increase in support since 1981, attacting about ten per cent of the vote in elections at every level. The principal issues on which the party has won support ‐ immigration and security ‐ have become key domestic issues. This article analyses the rise of the party and the inability of the established parties of the right to maintain the confidence of their supporters. It also examines a process of construction of legitimacy in which political elites of right and left participated. Finally, an evaluation is made of the National Front's ability to maintain and expand its electoral strength.
Management and Prevention of Stroke Associated with Elevated Homocysteine.

Observational data from prospective and retrospective studies indicate that elevated homocyst(e)ine (Hcy) is associated with preclinical markers of cerebrovascular disease and ischemic stroke.
Suboccipital resection of a medial acoustic neuroma with hearing preservation.

BACKGROUND Many reports indicate that acoustic neuromas greater than 2.0 cm should be removed without hearing preservation attempted, even if hearing is present preoperatively. These studies advocate a translabyrinthine approach because the likelihood of hearing preservation is low. Medial acoustic neuromas, unlike the more common lateral tumors that involve the internal auditory canal, originate medial to that portion of the eighth nerve complex where the cochlear and vestibular nerves are fused. This anatomical feature suggests that these tumors may be amenable to resection with hearing preservation. METHODS A patient with a 3.5 cm medial acoustic neuroma and useful preoperative hearing is presented. RESULTS Gross total tumor removal with functional hearing was achieved after a two-stage procedure using a suboccipital approach. CONCLUSION Based on the anatomico-pathologic features in this case, we believe that, if a patient has reasonable preoperative hearing (speech discrimination score > 70%) and a medial acoustic neuroma, an approach to preserve hearing should be considered regardless of tumor size.
Evaluation of enhanced sampling provided by accelerated molecular dynamics with Hamiltonian replica exchange methods.

Many problems studied via molecular dynamics require accurate estimates of various thermodynamic properties, such as the free energies of different states of a system, which in turn requires well-converged sampling of the ensemble of possible structures. Enhanced sampling techniques are often applied to provide faster convergence than is possible with traditional molecular dynamics simulations. Hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics (H-REMD) is a particularly attractive method, as it allows the incorporation of a variety of enhanced sampling techniques through modifications to the various Hamiltonians. In this work, we study the enhanced sampling of the RNA tetranucleotide r(GACC) provided by H-REMD combined with accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD), where a boosting potential is applied to torsions, and compare this to the enhanced sampling provided by H-REMD in which torsion potential barrier heights are scaled down to lower force constants. We show that H-REMD and multidimensional REMD (M-REMD...
From the editor: Systems engineering

This issue of EMR is devoted to thinking about systems and the application of systems engineering. "Systems thinking" is a widely adopted concept that appears in almost every professional discipline. The logic of looking for interactions between system components and "emergent behaviors" of systems resulting from these interactions is attractive and contributes an effective methodology for understanding complexity.
Fuzzy commutative algebra and intersection equations

Abstract In this paper, we discuss the status of fuzzy commutative algebra as it applies to intersection equations. We give an up to date account of the theory of nonlinear systems of intersection equations of L -singletons. The concept of an algebraic L -variety is presented in order to bring fuzzy commutative algebra to bear on the solution of such intersection equations.
Towards an open ubiquitous computing environment

Ubiquitous computing has been a vision for decades but yet come to pass. This paper investigates the lack of adoption of ubiquitous computing technologies through a survey on 35 top tier research projects in this field. We find five major resistances in the adoption process and propose an open ubiquitous environment initiative to solve this problem. We have developed OUCE, an Internet-scale context service provisioning platform to support an open ubiquitous environment. Our evaluation shows the performance of OUCE exceeds existing specialized ubiquitous computing middleware infrastructures.
Technology in introductory geophysics: the high - low mix

Abstract Geophysical concepts are challenging to teach at introductory levels because students need to understand both the underlying physics and its geological application. To address this, we are upgrading an introductory course with a mix of ‘high’ and ‘low’ educational technology. The primary focus is ‘low’ technology, using class demonstrations and experiments to demonstrate underlying physical principles and their geological applications. We integrate these into the course, together with the ‘high’ technology of computer simulations and the vast resources of the World-Wide Web, using a course webpage (http://www.earth.nwu.edu/people/seth/B02). The ‘high’/‘low’ mix provides students with different representations of the same concept. We hope that by using both methods, we help students to better visualize concepts from class. Simulations and demonstrations also serve as a break from a steady diet of equations and make the class more fun for instructors and teaching assistants to teach.
MK-801 prevents cognitive and behavioral deficits produced by NMDA receptor overstimulation in the rat hippocampus.

The overstimulation of receptors for l-glutamate, particularly those of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) type, has been suggested to play a role in mediating damage in a variety of neurodegenerative conditions or disorders ranging from ischemia/hypoxia to senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT). We report here that the functional deficits and histological damage mediated by the overactivation of NMDA receptors in the Fischer 344 rat hippocampus can be blocked effectively by systemic administration of the noncompetitive NMDA antagonist, MK-801. These results suggest that MK-801 may be effective clinically in attenuating memory loss and hippocampal damage in disorders associated with the overstimulation of NMDA receptors.
The Role of Ecotones in Emerging Infectious Diseases

Recognition of the significance of the boundary between ecological systems, often referred to as the ecotone, has a long history in the ecological sciences and in zoonotic disease research. More recent research in landscape ecology has produced an expanded view of ecotones and elaboration of their characteristics and functions in ecosystems. Parallel research on emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and the causes of increased rates of pathogen transmission, spread, and adaptation suggests a correspondence between ecotonal processes and the ecological and evolutionary processes responsible for zoonotic and vector-borne emerging infections. A review of the literature suggests that ecotones play a role in a number of the most important EIDs. Yet these are the only diseases for which specific landscape ecological information exists in the literature or disease reports. However, the similar disease ecologies of these with about half of the approximately 130 zoonotic EIDs suggests ecotones, particularly their anthropogenic origination or modification, may be generally associated with ecotones and the global trend of increasing EIDs.
The Disconnect between China's Public Health and Public Security Responses to Injection Drug Use, and the Consequences for Human Rights

This Perspective discusses the following new study published in PLoS Medicine: Cohen JE Amon JJ (2008) Health and human rights concerns of drug users in detention in Guangxi Province China. Based on their review of Chinese government legislation and policy documents and using interviews with recently detained injection drug users and officials in Guangxi Province Elizabeth Cohen and Joseph Amon find evidence of antinarcotics policies and practices that may compromise the health and human rights of drug users.
Hits, Fhits and Nits: Beyond enzymatic function

We have briefly summarized what is known about these proteins, but in closing wish to feature the outstanding questions. Hint1 was discovered mistakenly as an inhibitor of Protein Kinase C and designated Pkci, a designation that still confuses the literature. The other Hint family members were discovered by homology to Hint1. Aprataxin was discovered as a result of the hunt for a gene responsible for AOA1. Fhit was discovered through cloning of a familial chromosome translocation breakpoint on chromosome 3 that interrupts the large FHIT gene within an intron, in the FRA3B chromosome region (Ohta et al., 1996), now known to be the region of the human genome most susceptible to DNA damage due to replication stress (Durkin et al., 2008). The NitFhit fusion gene was discovered during searches for Fhit homologs in flies and worms because the fly/worm Nit polypeptide is fused to the 5’-end of the Fhit gene; the mammalian Nit gene family was discovered because of the NitFhit fusion gene, in searches for homologs to the Nit polypeptide of the NitFhit gene. Each of the Hit family member proteins is reported to have enzymatic activities toward putative substrates involving nucleosides or dinucleosides. Most surprisingly, each of the Hit family proteins discussed has been implicated in important DNA damage response pathways and/or tumor suppression pathways. And for each of them it has been difficult to assign definite substrates, to know if the substrates and catalytic products have biological functions, to know if that function is related to the DNA damage response and suppressor functions, and to precisely define the pathways through which tumor suppression occurs. When the fly Nit sequence was found at the 5’-end of the fly Fhit gene, this gene washailed as a Rosetta stone gene/protein that would help in discovery of the function of Fhit, because the Nit protein should be in the same signal pathway (Pace et al., 2000). However, the mammalian Nit family proteins have turned out to be at least as mysterious as the Fhit proteins, with the Nit1 substrate still unknown and the surprising finding that Nit proteins also appear to behave as tumor suppressor proteins. Whether the predicted enzymatic functions of these proteins are relevant to the observed biological functions, remain among the outstanding unanswered puzzles and raise the question: have these mammalian proteins evolved beyond the putative original enzymatic purpose, such that the catalytic function is now vestigial and subservient to signal pathways that use the protein substrate complexes in pathways that signal apoptosis or DNA damage response? Or can these proteins be fulfilling catalytic functions independently but in parallel with signal pathway functions, as perhaps observed for Aprataxin? Or is the catalytic function indeed part of the observed biological functions, such as apoptosis and tumor suppression? Perhaps the recent, post-genomic focus on metabolomics and genome-wide investigations of signal pathway networks will lead to answers to some of these outstanding questions.
An ab initio study of annulation effects on the valence isomerism of benzene

Abstract Annulation should tilt the benzene/Dewar-benzene equilibrium toward benzene, the largest effective annulating ring being six-membered; MP2(fc)/6-31G*//RHF/6-31G* methods are needed to reproduce experimental isomerization energies, but 6-31G calculations suffice to show trends for molecular design. Download : Download full-size image Smaller “n” should favor isomerization; effective rings will have n≤6.
Seeking the Christian Tutelage: Agency and Culture in Chinese Immigrants' Conversion to Christianity

This paper explores the social mechanism through which assimilation and ethnic identification can be conceptualized not as mutually exclusive, but instead as intimately involved. Based on an ethnographic study of a Chinese immigrant church, this study finds that aspects of Chinese culture, particularly its understanding of the self, its imageries of deities, as well as its emphasis on practical blessings, have shaped the content of the religion in such a way that Protestantism is transformed into a local faith in the process. The central argument of this paper is that in the process of converting to mainstream religions in the United States, immigrants come to learn the "American way" through a creative deployment of their own cultural categories, symbols, and practices. The notion of agency as the conceptual link allows researchers to see assimilation and ethnic identification as different aspects of the same process of immigrants' social reidentification.
Effects of heat processing diet mixtures on bioavailability of iron

Abstract Iron absorption was measured in anemic rats fed diets that were heat processed with glucose, minerals, and ferrous sulfate, in all possible combinations, present during heat treatment or added after processing. The presence of glucose in the heated mixture increased iron utilization, possibly as a result of formation of iron-glucose complexes. The mixture of minerals providing all nutritionally essential, inorganic elements except iron significantly reduced subsequent iron utilization if it was present during heating. This detrimental effect occurred even if the ferrous sulfate was not in the heated diet indicating that it was due to reaction of minerals with some component other than iron. Division of the complete mineral mixture into major and minor fractions showed that the effect of minerals was due to one or more of the major minerals, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, or potassium chloride.
Human interindividual variability in susceptibility to toxic effects: from annoying detail to a central determinant of risk

It is unusual to find variability issues as the central focus of a scientific conference. The discussion below first suggests why variability has often been an "annoying detail" in both basic animal toxicology and the human testing of new drugs. Then it gives some reasons why improved quantitative variability information is likely to be important. Better definition of the sources and magnitude of variability in susceptibility in the human population is a central issue for, (1) making more quantitative estimates of both cancer and non-cancer risks from occupational and environmental exposures, and (2) designing protocols for the use of drugs that maximize benefits for the risks incurred in a diverse patient population. Finally, it offers some suggestions about how better variability information is to be obtained and/or extracted from existing information.
Current therapeutic approaches in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Objectives To review the causes, classification, treatment, and new treatment modalities of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Data Sources Published literature and experimental therapies. Conclusions The increasing incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be attributed to a growth in the number of immunodeficiency and autoimmune disorders, infectious agents, and human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus. Treatment options include watch-and-wait, radiation, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and stem cell/bone marrow transplant. New therapies include the use of monoclonal antibodies and radioimmunotherapy. Experimental therapies include high-dose radioimmunotherapy and stem cell transplantation, vaccines, and antisense antiangiogensis agents. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses will need to become versed in this modality, and will play an important part not only in therapy but also in patient education.
Tissue loss, early primary graft occlusion, female gender, and a prohibitive failure rate of secondary infrainguinal arterial reconstruction.

Abstract Purpose: This study tested the hypothesis that a subset of secondary infrainguinal arterial reconstructions show prohibitive failure rates. Methods: Records of 79 consecutive patients, 44 men and 35 women, with a mean age of 60 years, who underwent secondary infrainguinal bypass from 1992 to 2000 at the University of Michigan Hospital, were reviewed. Data were analyzed with life-table analysis, logistic regression, and descriptive statistics. Results: Secondary infrainguinal reconstructions were performed in patients who had undergone earlier ipsilateral bypasses once (n = 35) or twice (n = 44). Among the prior procedures, 68% (n = 54) were done at an institution other than the authors'. Comorbidities included coronary artery disease (72%), tobacco use (77%), and diabetes mellitus (34%), but no patient had hemodialysis-dependent renal failure. Disabling claudication, with average ankle brachial index of 0.48, had been the indication for the primary operation in 77% of cases. Femoral-popliteal bypass was the primary procedure in 67%, with a prosthetic graft used in 62%. The mean patency duration of these earlier bypasses was 25 months. The indication for the final bypass was rest pain or tissue loss in 51% of patients, with an average ankle brachial index of 0.37. The most common procedure was a femoral-distal bypass with autologous vein (63%). Mean patency duration of the secondary bypasses was 30 months. Graft failure within 30 days of operation occurred in 22 patients (28%), and amputation was necessitated in 86% of these patients. The presence of rest pain or tissue loss, when accompanied with a history of early prior graft thrombosis in female patients, correlated with worse mean patency rates, recurrent graft failure ( P ≤.05), and a 94% amputation rate. Men in a similar setting incurred a 57% amputation rate. No association of final patency existed with regard to age, number of prior bypasses, conduit types, tobacco use, or diabetes. Conclusion: Secondary infrainguinal bypasses are associated with an increased rate of graft failure and significant limb loss, particularly in those with a history of rest pain or tissue loss, female gender, and early prior graft failure. More appropriate initial operations in carefully selected patients and aggressive postoperative graft surveillance is speculated to improve these outcomes. (J Vasc Surg 2002;35:902-9.)
Compressed sensing and Cholesky decomposition on FPGAs and GPUs

Compressed sensing (CS) is a revolutionary signal acquisition theory, enabling signal acquisition at a rate that is below the Nyquist sampling rate. However, CS signal reconstruction algorithms are computationally expensive. One of the key computation steps in CS algorithms is to iteratively compute a Cholesky decomposition. Modern application acceleration devices, such as FPGAs and GPUs, can accelerate Cholesky decomposition and CS signal reconstruction computation. This paper presents high performance parallel Cholesky decomposition algorithms for GPU and FPGA implementation. For GPUs, an optimized Cholesky decomposition algorithm is developed with high parallelism, reduced data copying, and improved memory access. For FPGAs, a dedicated pipelined hardware architecture for Cholesky decomposition is designed. Only one pipelined triangular linear equation solver is needed for solving Cholesky decomposition and Cholesky decomposition-based linear equation systems. Moreover, CS signal reconstruction algorithms are accelerated on GPUs and FPGAs for fast signal recovery based on our iterative Cholesky decomposition. Results show that the proposed Cholesky decomposition on FPGAs and GPUs are much faster than LAPACK and MAGMA for small matrices. For accelerating CS signal reconstruction algorithms, our FPGA implementation can achieve around 15x speedup and our GPU implementation can achieve about a 38x speedup compared with the CPU using LAPACK and the hybrid CPU/GPU system with MAGMA.
The effect of temperature, metabolic rate and dynamic localized airflow on thermal comfort

Abstract The conventional approach to thermal environment design is concerned with delivery and distribution of the air inside the spaces rather than designing the airflow patterns to provide comfort in the occupied zone. Air has a relatively low heat capacity and using airflow solely for its energy carrying capacity, and not for its dynamic properties, underutilizes this medium as a thermal comfort factor. However, there is increasing evidence that airflow around the human body provides thermal comfort even in cool temperatures and varying airflow is more effective in providing a cooling sensation than the constant airflow. A human subject test was designed to study the cooling effectiveness of dynamic airflow conditions which was directed to the head, hands and the feet of the people for neutral (23.9 °C) and warm (28.3 °C) ambient temperatures as well as sedentary (1.2 Met) and high metabolic rate (4 Met) conditions. The concept of Dynamic Localized Airflow was introduced. Results showed that most subjects were either satisfied with the increased airflow speeds or preferred more airflow in all conditions. Airflow preference did not differ for neutral and warm room temperatures. The 30-s pulsed airflow was more effective in providing a cooling sensation than constant airflow and 60-s pulsed airflow. In addition, the simultaneous head/hands/feet airflow was more effective in providing cooling sensation that the head only airflow. It was concluded at the end of the study that people can tolerate warm room temperatures even in high metabolic conditions provided that airflow is present with a certain pattern around them.
A novel surface preparation methodology for epi-ready antimonide based III-V substrates

Surfaces of GaSb substrates currently available from various commercial vendors are nowhere close to device grade GaAs, Si or InP wafer surfaces. Hence epitaxial growth and device fabrication on as-received commercial substrates poses significant difficulties amongst antimonide based researchers. Antimonide based materials are known to have poor surface oxide quality and not so well understood chemical reactions with various chemicals used to remove the oxides prior to growth. There are no existing reports on the detailed recipe for the preparation of "atomically flat and clean" surfaces that works on wafers obtained from various commercial vendors. This paper presents a detailed recipe for obtaining atomically flat and clean GaSb surfaces, irrespective of the initial polishing source. The same recipe (with slight modification) has been found to be successful with other III-V and II-VI compounds. The novel surface preparation process developed in our laboratory includes, chemical-mechanical polishing using an agglomerate-free sub-micron alumina slurry on a soft pad such as velvet, surface cleaning using dilute ammonium or potassium hydroxide-H2O solution and surfactant or glycerol, surface degreasing using organic solvents, oxide desorption using HCl-H2O and HF-H2O mixtures, mild chemical etching using ammonium sulfide and a final rinse in high purity deionized (DI) water and methanol. Using this recipe, we have been able to achieve surfaces with atomic flatness (RMS surface roughness close to 0.5 nm over a 10 x 10 mm2) and extremely clean surfaces, irrespective of the initial contamination or the sources of the wafers. Results of wafer surfaces before and after polishing using our recipe will be presented.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Bacteriology of the paranasal sinuses in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients.

Abstract Objectives To review the characteristic microbiology of the paranasal sinuses in patients with cystic fibrosis who undergo endoscopic sinus surgery. To examine the subtypes of organisms cultured from the maxillary sinuses and determine their sensitivity to antibiotic therapy. Study design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary care children's hospital. Methods Sinus cultures were obtained from 51 patients with cystic fibrosis during endoscopic sinus procedures between 2000 and 2004 at a tertiary care children's hospital. A retrospective chart review was undertaken to obtain culture and sensitivity data of the sinus contents. Results The most common bacteria isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (71%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) (27%), Haemophilus influenzae (21%), Staphylococcus non-aureus (16%) and Streptococcus viridans (12%). Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis were rarely isolated (2% and 0% respectively). Twenty-nine percent of the patients with cultures positive for PSA were of the mucoid variant. Only one patient had culture positive Escherichia coli. Antibiotic resistance among the more common organisms cultured from the sinus samples is also listed. Conclusion Staph. aureus is the most common isolate in the sinuses of this pediatric CF population followed by P. aeruginosa and H. influenzae. Although many isolates are pansensitive, some isolates are panresistant.
Distinguishing Patient Satisfaction With Treatment Delivery From Treatment Effect: A Preliminary Investigation of Patient Satisfaction With Symptoms After Physical Therapy Treatment of Low Back Pain

Abstract George SZ, Hirsh AT. Distinguishing patient satisfaction with treatment delivery from treatment effect: a preliminary investigation of patient satisfaction with symptoms after physical therapy treatment of low back pain. Objective To investigate the discrepancy between ratings of pain intensity and patient satisfaction by evaluating a questionnaire item that assesses patient satisfaction with treatment effect. Design Inception cohort. Setting Ambulatory care. Participants Sixty-six consecutive patients referred to outpatient physical therapy (PT) with acute low back pain (LBP). Intervention PT using treatment-based classification guidelines. Main Outcome Measure Patient satisfaction 6 months after receiving PT for LBP. Results Patient satisfaction with symptoms was considerably lower than the other patient satisfaction items. Patient satisfaction with symptoms was responsive to measures of treatment effect (Spearman ρ range, .36–.44, P P P Conclusions This study suggested that a questionnaire item assessing patient satisfaction with symptoms allows patients to distinguish between satisfaction with treatment effect and treatment delivery.
Parathyroid Hormone and Adenosine-3′,5′-Monophosphate Acutely Increase Phospholipids of the Phosphatidate-Polyphosphoinositide Pathway in Rabbit Kidney Cortex Tubules in Vitro by a Cycloheximide-Sensitive Process*

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) rapidly increased the concentrations of phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol, diphosphoinositide, and triphosphoinositide during incubations of rabbit kidney cortical tubules in vitro. These effects were preceded by increases in cAMP, which also induced virtually identical increases in these phospholipids. Pretreating the tubules with cycloheximide inhibited these phospholipid effects of PTH and cAMP. These findings are similar to those reported for ACTH and cAMP in the adrenal cortex. Hormones that utilize cAMP as their ”second messenger“ may influence membrane structure and function via stimulation of the phosphatidate-polyphosphoinositide pathway.
Posttraumatic stress disorder with and without alcohol use disorders: diagnostic and clinical correlates in a psychiatric sample.

This study compared outpatients (n = 196) with PTSD versus PTSD + alcohol use disorders (AUD) on clinical measures. PTSD + AUD patients were more likely to meet criteria for Borderline and Antisocial Personality Disorders. Emotion dysregulation may help account for the relationship between PTSD and AUD.
Reaction of vinylmagnesium bromide with hexacyclo[10.2.1.02,11.04,9.04,14.09,13]pentadeca-5,7-diene-3,10-dione: Transannular hemiketal formation

Reaction between vinylmagnesium bromide and the cage dione leads to attack of only one equivalent of Grignard and intramolecular nucleophilic attack on the second ketone. The product compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group, P21/a, witha=9.509(1),b=11.071(2),c=12.492(4) A, β=104.32(2)°, andZ=4.
Inactivation and degradation of messenger ribonucleic acid from the lactose operon of Escherichia coli

Abstract Metabolism of lac operon mRNA has been studied in Escherichia coli growing at 30 °C in amino acids-glycerol medium. Bacteria were induced for brief intervals before adding rifampicin to block further initiations of transcription. The amounts of the first (β-galactosidase) and the last (β-galactoside transacetylase) enzymes of the operon and the level of labeled lac mRNA (detected by hybridization to φ80dlac DNA) were then followed with time. The lac mRNA in polysomes was detected by hybridization of selected fractions from sucrose gradients. We favor the following conclusions. 1. (1) Functional decay or the loss of capacity to synthesize enzyme: mRNA chains are inactivated at random with a half-life of 1 minute 40 seconds. Some are attacked at the start of transcription, whereas others are inactivated only after several minutes. 2. (2) Chemical decay or the loss of mRNA: lac mRNA molecules are also degraded on a random basis as soon as transcription begins; however, the half-life for loss of molecules is 2 minutes 40 seconds. Total cell mRNA is degraded with this same half-life. However, breakdown of a lac molecule can occur in as short a time as it takes for its synthesis (less than four minutes per complete length). 3. (3) lac mRNA first appears in small polysomes, then also in larger ones and finally mostly in smaller structures again. There is no evidence that lac mRNA is ever free of ribosomes; however, our techniques could not detect very small amounts. 4. (4) Judging by the amounts of enzyme synthesized after very short intervals of induction, initiations of transcriptions may occur synchronously, but if so, they occur very frequently (about every 10 seconds). The different half-lives for inactivation and degradation suggest that more than one variable is involved in the destruction of a molecule of mRNA. Once started, chemical degradation may proceed at different rates for different molecules; alternatively, nucleases may move as fast on all molecules as does the RNA polymerase, but chains begin to be destroyed at different times after their inactivation.
Statistical design considerations in animal studies published recently in cancer research

Good statistical design is one hallmark of meritorious research. Elements such as replication, randomization, and blinding are widely recognized as being fundamental to producing valid research results ([1][1]). Although widely used in clinical research, these practices seem to be less often
Pulse propagation in a nonlinear optical fibre of parabolic index profile by direct numerical solution of the Gel'fand-Levitan integral equations

The evolution of an optical pulse in a graded-index (parabolic profile) single-mode nonlinear optical fibre is treated by means of differential equation techniques. Using a slowly varying envelope approximation and an averaging method over the transverse direction, a differential equation of the nonlinear Schrodinger type is obtained for the unknown envelope function of the electric field. The inverse scattering method is then applied, leading to the equivalent system of Gel'fand-Levitan-Marchenko coupled integral equations. A new iterative solution to these equations is presented. As an example, numerical results for a hyperbolic secant initial pulse profile of variable amplitude are obtained and the behaviour of both the soliton and the radiation part of the solution is examined. Finally, in the special case of reflectionless potentials, the well known analytical single and double solitons are recovered.
Modelling techniques and computer simulation of agricultural waste treatment processes.

Abstract Modelling techniques developed for continuous-flow biological waste treatment processes are described. Development of the theory of mathematical representation of continuous-flow, mass-culture biological reactors is taken from the field of chemical reactor engineering. The purpose of this paper is to describe the techniques necessary to use this theory to build models of animal-waste treatment processes. Following the general development of the necessary equations for modelling, specific examples of the technique are illustrated for anaerobic lagoons and anaerobic digestion of a food waste and swine waste.
WNK4 regulates the secretory pathway via which TRPV5 is targeted to the plasma membrane

TRPV5 and TRPV6 are two closely related epithelial calcium channels that mediate apical calcium entry in the transcellular calcium transport pathway. TRPV5, but not TRPV6, is enhanced by protein kinase WNK4 when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We report that the majority of human TRPV5 exogenously expressed in the Xenopus oocyte plasma membrane was complexly N-glycosylated whereas that for human TRPV6 was core-glycosylated. Unglycosylated N358Q mutants of TRPV5 and TRPV6 were able to be expressed in the plasma membrane albeit with decreased abilities in mediating calcium uptake. Syntaxin 6, a SNARE protein in the trans-Golgi network, blocked the complex glycosylation of TRPV5 and TRPV6, rendered the channels in core-glycosylated form. Blocking complex glycosylation of TRPV5 either by syntaxin 6 or by N358Q mutation abolished the enhancing effect of WNK4 on TRPV5. Thus the difference in membrane expression of TRPV5 and TRPV6 explains the selective effect of WNK4 on TRPV5, which is likely on the secretory pathway involving complex glycosylation of channel proteins.
The neoliberalization of ecosystem services: wetland mitigation banking and problems in environmental governance

Wetland mitigation banking is an American neoliberal environmental policy that has created a functioning market in `ecosystem services', commodities defined using the holistic measures of ecological science. The development of this market is discussed as a project of environmental governance, defined as the nation-state's regulation of ecological relations within its territory towards stabilizing capitalist relations of power and accumulation. I argue that the wetland banking industry serves as a bellwether that presages problems that other strategies of neoliberal environmental governance will experience. Ethnographic, economic and ecological data from the Chicago-area wetland banking industry inform a discussion of two major obstacles to neoliberal strategy: the problem of relying on ecological science to define the unit of trade, and the problem of aligning the somewhat independent relations of law, politics, markets and ecosystems across an array of spatial scales. Theoretical guidance is sought from recent work on `social natures' and from the Regulationist approach to institutional political economics.
Considerations for test selection: How do validity and reliability impact diagnostic decisions?

Nine preschool and school-age language assessment tools found to have acceptable levels of identification accuracy were evaluated to determine their overall levels of psychometric validity for use in diagnosing the presence/absence of language impairment. Eleven specific criteria based on those initially devised by McCauley and Swisher (1984) were applied to each of the selected tests in order to determine each test’s overall level of psychometric validity. Results indicated that each of the selected assessment tools met at least eight of the 11 criteria used to evaluate each assessment tool. Five tests met 10 out of 11 criteria. Findings are discussed to assist clinicians in applying psychometric criteria to these selected tests, as well as those not reviewed as part of this current review of standardized assessment tools. A decision tree is included within the discussion of this study’s findings to aid clinicians in the selection of standardized assessment tools that are most appropriate for clinical us...
Mutation of the Highly Conserved Pore-Lining Leucine Residue Increases Agonist Sensitivity of a Glutamate-Gated Chloride Channel

The glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) is an invertebrate, ligand-gated anion channel of the Cys-loop receptor family. It is activated by the endogenous neurotransmitter L-glutamate and by the antiparasitic drug ivermectin. The crystal structure of the Caenorhabditis elegans GluCl alpha homopentamer (3.3A resolution; Hibbs & Gouaux, 2011) shows the location of the glutamate binding site, the separate ivermectin site, and the highly conserved leucine residue at the 9’ position of the pore-lining M2 transmembrane domain. Mutation of this L9’ residue in other Cys-loop receptors dramatically increases agonist sensitivity. Using whole-cell patch clamp, we found that six of seven mutations at this position (L9's, A, F, I, T, V, but not G) increased the glutamate sensitivity of the heteromeric GluCl channel by factors of 5- to 80-fold. Beta-branched amino acids (Ile, Thr, Val) gave the greatest reductions in EC50. Analysis of side chain properties revealed that helix-destabilizing energy correlated with increased glutamate sensitivity. Except for WT and the L9’F mutation, we were unable to detect glutamate- and/or ivermectin-induced changes in membrane potential using a fluorescent membrane potential assay (FlexStation, Molecular Devices), probably because the spontaneous activity of the mutant channels obscured the fluorescence changes. However, whole-cell patch clamp and fluorescent membrane potential experiments confirmed that the L9’F mutation increased both the glutamate and ivermectin sensitivity of the GluCl channel. Increasing GluCl sensitivity to ivermectin will benefit its use as a neuronal silencing tool.
Preparation of large-area electron-transparent samples from silicon devices

A technique using a pulsating chemical jet has been developed for thinning and polishing large areas (750 to 1000 µm in diameter) of silicon devices. The thickness can be reduced to a few micrometers. This technique has been used to prepare bipolar and FET samples for transmission electron microscopy. Physical characterization of more than twenty devices can be achieved by one sample preparation.
Upper mantle seismic structure beneath the Pacific Northwest: A plume-triggered delamination origin for the Columbia River flood basalt eruptions

Abstract We invert teleseismic P and S body waves constrained by an ambient-noise surface wave model and Moho depth inferred from receiver function analysis ( Gao et al., 2011 ) to image mantle structures continuously from the surface to the base of the upper mantle. The major structures coincide with prominent geological features. We focus on a NE-Oregon structure, termed here the Wallowa anomaly, which coincides with the source area for the ∼16 Ma Columbia River flood basalt eruptions and a circular area of topographic relief created during and after these eruptions. Resolution tests indicate that the curtain-like structure previously interpreted as Farallon lithosphere connects with the Wallowa anomaly above 150 km along the northeast margin of the Wallowa anomaly. This connection, along with the pre-flood basalt magmatic and tectonic history of the Pacific Northwest, lead us to conclude that arrival of the Yellowstone plume to south-central Oregon initiated delamination of remnant Farallon lithosphere from the base of NE Oregon, exposing ocean crust to Yellowstone asthenosphere. This hypothesis accounts for the propagation of flood basalt volcanism far north of the Yellowstone hotspot track, and for the high-silica composition of most of the flood basalt magmas.
Applications of multimedia computers and video mixing to neuroethology

Inexpensive multimedia computers offer new possibilities for mixing video and computer images, videotaping these mixed images, and extracting quantitative data from videotape. In this paper we describe methods for mixing images from a video camera and a Macintosh computer display using chroma keying, and we describe a simple circuit for analog video mixing and frame-counting. We present three applications of these video mixing methods to our neurophysiological and behavioral research with awake, behaving animals. These technologies enhance accuracy, speed, and flexibility during experiments, by allowing us to record an information-rich videotape of the subject and state of the experimental apparatus. After the experiment, these technologies facilitate selecting and extracting quantitative data from the videotape for further analysis. The videotape is especially useful in resolving minor inconsistencies or incomplete information in the notes and data files that often arise during analysis of complex experiments.
Isolation of selected segments from the genome of Hfr Escherichia coli.

Abstract Selected segments from the chromosomes of Escherichia coli have been isolated using a cell division-synchronized culture. Pulse-labeled hybrid 5-bromouracil DNA fractions replicated at different intervals throughout the cell division cycle were isolated by equilibrium density centrifugation. The uniqueness of each hybrid DNA fraction was demonstrated by cross-reacting DNA fractions from different periods of the cell division cycle using a DNA-DNA hybridization technique. Most of the DNA fractions are unique but several fractions show a small amount of cross-reaction. It is suggested that this cross-reaction may represent the existence of some redundancy in the genome.
Synthesis of purines and nucleic acids and catabolism of purines by rat liver and hepatomas.

Summary Studies of the in vivo metabolism of formate-C 14 and adenine-8-C 14 by hepatomas and host liver, of the in vitro metabolism of adenine-8-C 14 and hypoxanthine-8-C 14 by minced hepatomas, host liver, and regenerating liver, and of the in vitro catabolism of adenosine-8-C 14 monophosphate (5′) and inosine-8-C 14 monophosphate (5′) by sonicates of hepatomas, host liver and regenerating liver have been carried out. The quantities of C 14 derived from the labeled substrate under the described conditions and present in a number of low molecular weight compounds and nucleic acids were determined. As a result of these studies it is suggested that control of cellular proliferation of liver and regenerating liver might be partially mediated through control of de novo synthesis of purine ribonucleotides and of DNA polymerase activity, while in hepatomas a faulty control of de novo synthesis permits purine ribonucleotides to be formed continuously and the levels of activity of catabolic enzymes and of DNA synthetase determine the rates of synthesis of nucleic acids and subsequent cell division.