cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dysphagia: a cost analysis of the diagnostic approach.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: The initial diagnostic approach for dysphagia is controversial. The choices include barium swallow (BaS) versus esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to determine the clinical cost of establishing a diagnosis and treating dysphagia based on initial diagnostic approach (BaS vs EGD). METHODS: Clinical outcome of patients with undiagnosed dysphagia evaluated by either internists in a primary care clinic (n = 100) or gastroentrologists (n = 120) were determined based on the initial diagnostic test: BaS versus EGD. Final diagnoses in each group were determined based on any testing performed subsequent to the initial studies. Total cost in achieving the final diagnosis for each group were determined based on 2002 Medicare reimbursement cost. RESULTS: BaS (66% and 62%) and EGD (34% and 38%) were ordered in equal prevalence by gastroenterologists and internists, respectively. Final diagnoses included: benign obstruction (37% and 36%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (18% and 44%), achalasia (17% and 1%), nonspecific esophageal motility disorder (NSEMD) (17% and 11%), neoplasm (7% and 6%), and infectious esophagitis (4% and 2%) in subspecialty and primary care clinics, respectively. Motility disorders (NSEMD and achalasia) was diagnosed more often by gastroenterologists (40 of 120, 34%) than by internists (12 of 100, 12%) (p CONCLUSIONS: 1) BaS is less costly than EGD for diagnoses and treatment involving abnormal motility. 2) Initial EGD with therapeutic intent is less costly for patients with history suggesting benign obstruction. 3) Primary care physicians identified GERD and benign obstructions as the cause of dysphagia more often in their patient group than the gastroenterologists, making EGD a reasonable initial test in this setting instead of currently practiced BaS.
Observation of an NH3NO complex on the Pt(111) surface

Abstract The coadsorption of nitric oxide and ammonia has been studied on the Pt(111) surface using electron energy loss spectroscopy and thermal desorption spectroscopy to characterize the surface complex which forms between adsorbed molecular ammonia and adsorbed molecular nitric oxide. A stretching frequency of the surface complex occurs at 1280 cm −1 and is formed by the coalescence of the bridge-bonded nitric oxide stretching mode at 1490 cm −1 and the symmetric deformation mode of the low-coverage, high-temperature form of molecular ammonia at 1090 cm −1 . The thermal stabilities of some of the adsorbed nitric oxide and the low-coverage, high-temperature form of adsorbed molecular ammonia are increased as evidenced by the appearance of new high-temperature desorption peaks for both NO and NH 3 at 350 K. Thermal desorption experiments with coadsorbed nitric oxide and ammonia indicate that no nitrogen formation occurs directly from the surface complex. With heating, the NH 3 NO complex simply decomposes at 350 K, and desorption of molecular ammonia and nitric oxide occurs. Ammonia decomposition has been observed on this surface only above 400 K, and therefore it appears that NH 3 decomposition may be necessary to initiate the NONH 3 reaction on this surface.
Crowdsourcing data collection of the retail tobacco environment: case study comparing data from crowdsourced workers to trained data collectors

Objective To assess whether crowdsourcing is a viable option for conducting surveillance of point of sale (POS) tobacco marketing practices. Methods We posted jobs to an online crowdsourcing platform to audit 194 Florida licensed tobacco retailers over a 3-week period. During the same period, trained data collectors conducted audits at the same retail locations. Data were collected on cigarette advertising, cigarette promotions and product availability (electronic cigarettes, snus and dissolvables). We compared data collected by crowdsourced workers and trained staff and computed frequencies, percent agreement and inter-rater reliability. Photographs of e-cigarettes and exterior cigarette advertisements submitted by crowdsourced workers were used to validate responses. Results Inter-rater reliability between crowdsourced and trained data collectors was moderate to high for coding exterior cigarette advertisements, product availability and some tobacco promotions, but poor to fair when coding presence of sales and interior cigarette advertisements. Photos submitted by crowdsourced workers confirmed e-cigarette availability that was missed by trained data collectors in three stores. Conclusions Crowdsourcing may be a promising form of data collection for some POS tobacco measures. Future studies should examine the cost-effectiveness of crowdsourcing compared with traditional trained data collectors and assess which POS measures are most amenable to crowdsourcing.
Recent innovations in the field of interpersonal emotion regulation

Emerging research and theory point to the importance of interpersonal emotion regulation processes in intrapersonal and social functioning. The aim of the present review is to present a definitional framework of interpersonal emotion regulation and highlight recent empirical research and novel paradigms in this area. We suggest that future work in this field would benefit from firstly, converging upon a common terminology; secondly, using innovative paradigms to adequately capture the dyadic nature of these processes; and finally, employing context-sensitive views of the adaptive and maladaptive influences of interpersonal emotion regulation across domains. In particular, further research is needed to identify patterns of interpersonal emotion regulation associated with psychopathology that could serve as targets for intervention.
Deviations in Congressional Roll Call Voting Decisions

This study attempts to reconcile two apparently conflicting characteristics of congressional voting–stability in congressional decisionmaking and efforts to influence change in congressional voting decisions–by developing a concept and measurement of congressional voting response to short-term forces. The analysis indicates that congressional members do occasionally deviate from established policy positions on a subset of votes in response to the President of their party. In general, congressional members are more likely to deviate from their general policy positions when the policy area is characterized by change.
Towards intelligent mapping applications: a study of elements found in cognitive maps

This paper describes a study that examines common elements found in people's mental maps of the city of Boston. The intent of the study is to understand the mental model people have of a city. Understanding this mental model will provide insight into developing mapping applications that present location information in a way that makes it easier to conceptualize and situate new location information in terms of places a person already knows. An analysis of hand-annotated maps showing the locations of prominent places in a person's mental map of Boston suggests that prominent places can be characterized by a certain set of properties and that major transit points (subway stops) play an important role in framing a person's mental map.
Photo-oxidation of cardiolipin and cytochrome c with bilayer-embedded Pc 4

Singlet oxygen, (1)O(2), is produced by absorption of red light by the phthalocyanine dye Pc 4, followed by energy transfer to dissolved triplet molecular oxygen, (3)O(2). In tissues, Pc 4 concentrates in lipid bilayers, and particularly in mitochondrial membranes, because of its positive charge. Illumination of cells and tissues with red light after uptake of Pc 4 results in cell death. The potential initial chemical steps that result in cellular dysfunction have been characterized in this study. Both unsaturated acyl chains of phospholipids and proteins are identified as targets of oxidation. Tetra-linoleoyl cardiolipin was oxidized in both liposomes and mitochondria after Pc 4-mediated (1)O(2) generation. Evidence for the formation of both mono- and bis-hydroperoxide adducts of single linoleoyl side chains is provided by ESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS. Similarly, illumination of Pc 4 in liposomes and mitochondria resulted in cytochrome c oxidation as detected by oxidation of His 26 in the peptide H(26)*KTGPNLHGLFGK, further supporting the potential use of this peptide as a biomarker for the presence of mitochondrial oxidative stress characteristic of (1)O(2) in vivo (J. Kim et al., Free Radic. Biol. Med. 44:1700-1711; 2008). These observations provide evidence that formation of lipid hydroperoxides and/or protein oxidation can be the initial chemical steps in Pc 4-mediated induction of apoptosis in photodynamic therapy.
Delivering scale out data center networking with optics — Why and how

█ Vast majority of computation, storage, and communication will take place in data centers in the years ahead █ Building balanced systems today requires Pb/sec networks. Exabit/sec networks are not far behind █ Tremendous opportunity for optics to define what it means to perform communication in the data center
Assessing the Relationship Between Young Siblings: a Research Note

Abstract Methods for assessing the sibling relationship differ markedly, yet these have rarely been compared, or assessed in terms of retest reliability. We report an examination of sibling relationships as assessed by maternal interview, by videotaped observation in structured and semi-structured situations, and by naturalistic observation in unstructured settings. The different approaches to assessment were compared with data on 84 sibling pairs aged between 3 and 10 years. Test-retest reliabilities, assessed on 30 pairs studied on a second occasion, were good for maternal interview information, moderate for videotaped observations, and mixed for naturalistic observations. Independent positive and negative dimensions of the relationship were revealed by each method, and moderate agreement found between methods. Naturalistic observations of 30 minutes' duration were unsuitable for studying the negative aspects of the relationship.
A novel approach for implant site development through root tipping

Implant site development through orthodontic extrusion can regenerate hard and soft tissue volumes lost to periodontal disease. This extrusive procedure is indicated especially when a maxillary incisor is severely compromised and the esthetic demands are high. This article describes a novel approach to alveolar bone development that enhanced the volume of the implant site. The technique involves tipping the maxillary incisor in the direction of the angular defect to increase alveolar bone volume in the implant site; simultaneous improvement of the interproximal papillary height can also be expected. With this procedure, immediate loading of the endosseous implant is possible due to the quality of the bone developed.
Action of 25-HydroxydihydrotachysteroL on Calcium Metabolism in Normal and Thyroparathyroidectomized Rats1

Intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization activity of 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol; i has been examined in normal and thyroparathyroidectomized rats. The mobilization of calcium from bone in response to 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterola requires the presence of parathyroid tissue, while the intestinal calcium transport response does not. The intestine responds to as little as 0.5 μg of 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol3 per 100 g of body wt and shows saturation behavior. The bone calcium mobilization response, however, appears to be nearly linear with dose ranging from 0.25 μg to 1.00 μg per 100 g of body wt. It is suggested that 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol3 functions to increase serum calcium in the hypoparathyroid animals by substituting for 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in stimulating intestinal calcium transport. However, because the bone calcium mobilization system requires the parathyroid hormone, this system does not respond to 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol3 in the hypoparathyroid rat. The ...
THE RELIABILITY OF A DICHOTOMOUS TEST-ITEM: A “CORRELATIONLESS” APPROACH*

One thing that differentiates measurement in the social sciences from measurement in the physical sciences is that most of the instruments used in the social sciences consist of "items" which are gathered together to form a "test." A measurement of a person's height is a single number which can be read off a scale, but a measurement of a person's intelligence is arrived at by combining scores obtained on various test items. Therefore, the determination of the reliability of a social measurement usually poses quite a different problem than the determination of the reliability of a physical measurement, whereas the determination of the validity of measurement is very similar in the two cases. (Whether a scale is "really" measuring height and whether a test is "really" measuring intelligence are quite comparable considerations.) Classical reliability theory from Spearman (1904) to Gulliksen (1950) assumed, explicitly or implicitly, that psychological tests were composed of relatively large numbers of items drawn from extremely large pools of items. Modifications of this theory (e.g., Lord and Novick, 1968; Cronbach et al., 1972), while substituting the notion of randomly parallel for rigorously parallel, made the same assumption. Even the currently-controversial theories on the reliability of criterion-referenced measurements (e.g., Livingston, 1972; Harris 1972; Hambleton and Novick, 1973) postulate the existence of several items which, taken together, constitute a test. But what if the test consists of just one dichotomously-scored item, such as "How much is two plus two?", "Who is the President of the United States?", etc. which may or may not be drawn from, much less be representative of, a larger item domain? With the exception of a few articles written many years ago (e.g., Holzinger, 1932; Guttman, 1946) and occasional references to the use of the generalized Spearman-Brown formula in reverse (e.g., Emrick, 1971), surprisingly little attention has been given in the educational and psychological literature to the reliability of an item.
Cancer cell fusion with migratory bone marrow-derived cells as an explanation for metastasis: new therapeutic paradigms

‘Should it be determined that fusion does underlie metastasis … new therapeutic paradigms would emerge, for example, in prevention of fusion itself or destruction of fused cells based on unique molecular signatures.’ It is abundantly clear that metastasis – the migration of cancer cells from their site of origin to distant organs and tissues – is what makes cancer so deadly. If we just had to manage the primary tumor and not the spread, cancer survival would soar. The primary tumor can be surgically removed, the local area can be treated by radiation and the patient can receive preventive chemotherapy. If spread has not occurred, there is usually an excellent outcome. However, once the cancer cells enter the vasculature or lymphatics and disseminate throughout the body, treatment is far more problematic. Not only do the metastatic cancer cells migrate to virtually anywhere (lungs, brain, bone marrow and liver), but they are usually devilishly resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. Treatments to combat metastases often become palliative and no longer curative. Mortality occurs when vital organs fail owing to tumor burden. It is therefore surprising that so little is known about the onset of metastasis. To my knowledge, the century-old theory of cancer cell fusion with tumor-associated leukocytes such as macrophages
A comparative study of brain Ca2+-ATPases

1. Particulate brain ATPases from various vertebrates were optimally activated by Ca2+, Mg2+ or Mn2+. 2. Specific enzyme activity with AT32P as substrate was low in lower vertebrates and increased on the evolutionary scale. 3. The properties of the brain ATPases suggested that most of the activity was associated with plasma membrane ecto-ATPase.
Physical Properties of the Lipid Diphytanoyl Phosphatidylcholine (DPhPc) used for Ion Channel Measurements

The synthetic lipid diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPhPC) has been commonly used in measurements of ion-channel activities and in studies of peptide-lipid interactions. As opposed to most natural lipids, DPhPC is more chemically stable, and therefore, it can provide for a more robust model of lipid membranes. However, despite its frequent use, DPhPC has been less investigated than other PC lipids. To measure the physical properties of DPhPC membranes we employ a combination of complementary methods that include x-ray scattering, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and osmotic stress. By X-ray scattering, we obtain the repeat distances (D-spacings) of multilamellar structures formed by DPhPC in solution. By applying osmotic stress, we are able to modify and control intermembrane spacings and molecular conformations, the latter measured by NMR. These structural measurements together with ion channel activity measurements using the standard gramicidin A channels allow us to compare DPhPC with more common and better studied PC lipids. In this way, we can help rationalize the use of DPhPC as a model membrane for studies of membrane function.
Multi-resistant gram-negative organisms in Maryland: A statewide survey of resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Following the development of multi-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii at several area hospitals, a volunteer task force from the Greater Baltimore Chapter of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc (APIC) set out to assess the situation throughout the state. A survey was disseminated to all 70 acute, general, and specialty hospitals in Maryland. The response rate was 57%, and multi-resistant Acinetobacter was the most prevalent resistant gram-negative organism reported.
Carotid endarterectomy to correct asymptomatic carotid stenosis: Ten years later

Abstract The ideal management of the patient with an asymptomatic stenosis of the extracranial internal carotid artery remains controversial. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the effects of prophylactic carotid endarterectomy (CE) done to treat asymptomatic carotid stenosis (greater than 50% diameter reduction by angiography) 10 years later. In 1976, 42 prophylactic CEs were performed. There were no postoperative deaths or strokes. During 10-year follow-up two strokes occurred in the operated hemisphere; one stroke was fatal and was due to an intracranial hemorrhage, whereas the other stroke was thromboembolic in origin. Two other patients suffered strokes in the contralateral hemisphere and seven patients had transient ischemic attacks in the contralateral hemisphere, which necessitated CE. The survival rate at the end of the study period by life-table analysis was 57% (mean 8.7 years). Sixteen late deaths occurred, with coronary artery-related disease the most common cause of death. This review with actual 10-year follow-up demonstrated that prophylactic CE may be performed with minimal risk, that late stroke in the operated hemisphere was negligible, and that long-term survival was similar to that of a comparable age-matched population, possible because late deaths attributed to stroke were reduced. On the basis of long-term follow-up, CE to treat asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenoses appears to be indicated in appropriate patients. (J VASC SURG 1987;6:226-30.)
Comparison of FBP and Iterative Algorithms with Non-Uniform Angular Sampling

Some people may believe that the filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm does not work if the projection data are measured non-uniformly. Some may also believe that iterative algorithms can automatically handle the non-uniformly sampled data in the projector/backprojector. This paper claims that the FBP algorithm can effectively handle the situation where the angular sampling is not uniform. This paper compares the images that are reconstructed by both the FBP and the iterative Landweber algorithms when the angular sampling is non-uniform. When the iteration number is low, the iterative algorithms do not handle the non-uniform sampling properly. A weighting strategy is then suggested and it makes the image resolution more isotropic. In few-view tomography, the FBP and iterative algorithms both perform poorly if no other prior information is used. We have made the following observations: 1) When using an iterative algorithm, one must use early solutions due to noise amplification. 2) An early solution can have anisotropic spatial resolution if the angular sampling is not uniform. 3) The anisotropic resolution problem can be solved by introducing angle dependent weighting, which is not noise dependent. 4) The weighting is not effective when the iteration number is large. The weighting only affects the early solutions, and does not affect the converged solution. 5) When the iteration number is large, the model-mismatch errors are amplified and cause artifacts in the image. 6) The FBP algorithm is not sensitive to the model-mismatch errors, and does not have the “early solution” problems. 7) In few-view tomography, both FBP and iterative algorithms perform poorly, while the FBP algorithm gives a sharper image than the iterative algorithm does.
Mercurial perturbation of brush border membrane permeability in rabbit ileum.

The sulfhydryl reagents Hg++ andp-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (PCMBS) at millimolar concentrations reduced the mucosal entry of sugars and amino acids to 80–90% of control levels within several minutes. Based on 50% levels of inhibition, Hg++ proved to be 20 and 10 times as potent as PCMBS in blocking sugar and amino acid transport, respectively; both systems were equally sensitive to Hg++. Concomitant measurements of203Hg-PCMBS demonstrated a progressive tissue uptake, which, unlike inhibition, did not saturate with increasing times of exposure, thus suggesting appreciable epithelial entry with prolonged exposures (>30 min at 1mm). At similar dose levels, no significant change in mucosal Na+ entry was detected. Inhibition was not reversed by 30-min washes in cholinesalt solutions; however, 10-min exposures to dithiothreitol [10mm] reversed Hg++ and PCMBS inhibition by 40 and 100%, respectively. Alanine and galactose influx kinetics measured at concentrations of 0–100mm exhibited a linear or diffusional entry component in addition to the usual saturable component for both control and Hg++-treated ileum. The presence of a diffusional term in the flux equation resulted in two sets of parameters giving nearly equal fits to these measurements. It was shown that this ambiguity could be resolved by determining the change in diffusional entry with Hg++ treatment. A 20-min exposure to 0.5mm Hg++ caused an increase from 0.050 and 0.045 to 0.064 and 0.070 cm/hr in the coefficient of diffusional entry for alanine and galactose, respectively. On the basis of this increase, it is argued that Hg++ causes a decrease inJ max and little change inK m for both transport mechanisms. This analysis has a general bearing on kinetic measurements of transport in which passive fluxes are comparable to those mediated by specific pathways. The alanine results are consistent with bimolecular reactions between mercurial and two membrane inhibitory sites, each producing ≈40% reduction in membrane translocation rate. The estimated reaction rate constants were 5.0 and 0.4mm min.
Abstract 4479: Targeting non-small cell lung cancer cells harboring a PIK3CA mutation by a novel and oral PI3K selective inhibitor, PF-4989216

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Aberrant phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling occurs commonly in cancer. Gene mutation, amplification, and copy number gains of the PI3K catalytic subunit p110α have been shown in a variety of human cancers. The tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) dephosphorylates the 3-phosphoinositides and is frequently mutated, deleted, or down-regulated in many cancers to constitutively activate the PI3K pathway. In response to activation, PI3Ks phosphorylate membrane phosphatidylinositides to generate phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3); PIP3 serves as an secondary messenger activating AKT and 3’-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1). Phosphorylation of AKT at threonine-308 (T308) by PDK1 and serine-473 (S473) by mTORC2 fully activates the AKT pathway to regulate various cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism. Several inhibitors targeting the PI3K pathway have been developed in preclinical discovery or clinical trials; however, a small molecule inhibitor has not yet been approved for cancer treatment. Most inhibitors have inhibitory activity against both PI3Ks and mTOR kinases. The mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes control critical pathways regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metabolism through AKT-dependent and AKT-independent mechanisms. Therefore, agents targeting PI3K with additional mTOR kinase inhibitory activities may carry extra toxicity through the disruption of mTOR function in normal cells. To develop a drug selectively targeting PI3K, we have identified PF-4989216 as a novel potent and selective PI3K inhibitor. In this study, we describe the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity of PF-4989216 in human non-small-cell lung cancer cells (NSCLCs). PF-4989216 inhibits the phosphorylation of PI3K downstream molecules and subsequently leads to inhibition in cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth in NSCLCs harboring a PIK3CA mutation, including an erlotinib resistant line, NCI-H1975. Although PF-4989216 inhibits the phosphorylation of PI3K downstream molecules in the NSCLCs with PTEN loss (NCI-H1650), PF-4989216 does not sufficiently induce anti-tumor efficacy in NCI-H1650. Our results suggest that there may be a different tumorigenesis mechanism between PIK3CA mutation and PTEN loss in NSCLCs, and indicate that PF-4989216 is a potential cancer drug candidate for erlotinib resistant non-small-cell lung cancer patients with PIK3CA mutation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4479. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4479
Performance of an XUV FEL oscillator on the Stanford storage ring

Abstract Operation of and XUV free electron laser (FEL) oscillator in the 27 m straight section of the 1 GeV Stanford X-Ray Center (SXRC) storage ring is examined. Based on high gain calculations made with the help of the FEL amplifier simulation code FRED, oscillation below 1000 A is found to be readily achievable. FEL longitudinal and transverse acceptances in the high gain regime for a constant parameter wiggler are investigated. Estimates are made of peak and average output powers for 960 A and 285 A oscillators operating in the storage ring cw mode. The case of a 960 A oscillator operating in the pulsed mode is also investigated. Time structures for both modes are calculated for single and multi-bunch ring operation.
GABAC RECEPTOR RHO SUBUNITS ARE HETEROGENEOUSLY EXPRESSED IN THE HUMAN CNS AND FORM HOMO- AND HETEROOLIGOMERS WITH DISTINCT PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

In the central nervous system, receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are responsible for inhibitory neurotransmission. Anatomical and electrophysiological studies indicate that GABAC receptors are composed of rho subunits. While the rho 1 subunit of various species forms homooligomeric receptors with GABAC-like properties, molecular cloning has identified additional rho subunits whose functional role is unclear. By RT-PCR, we demonstrated that rho 1 expression is primarily restricted to the retina, whereas the rho 2 subunit was present in all brain regions tested. Transfection of HEK-293 cells with rho 2 cDNA resulted in GABA-gated whole-cell currents that differed from those mediated by the rho 1 subunit in two respects: maximal amplitude (rho 1:rho 2 approximately 4:1) and inactivation time course (rho 1:rho 2 approximately 2:1). Cotransfection of rho 1 and rho 2 cDNA in a 1:1 ratio generated whole-cell currents with large amplitudes characteristic of rho 1 but more rapid inactivation typical for rho 2. This observation suggested formation of heterooligomeric GABAC receptors with distinct features. Therefore, we tested the assembly of rho 1 and rho 2 subunits by cotransfecting rho 2 cDNA together with a chimeric rho 1 beta 1 subunit, known to interfere with rho 1 assembly in a dominant-negative fashion. Reduction of rho 2 generated currents correlated with the ratio of chimeric to rho 2 cDNA. Secondly, we determined that the picrotoxinin sensitivity of cells transfected with various ratios of rho 1 and rho 2 cDNA differed from that expected of a pure mixture of homooligomeric receptors. The latter two observations support the idea that rho 1 and rho 2 subunits form heterooligomeric GABAC receptors in mammalian cells. Together, our results indicate that the presence of both rho subunits enables the formation of heterooligomeric receptors with physical properties distinct from homooligomers, thus increasing the diversity of GABAC receptors in the CNS.
Two [7.3.1]azabicyclo-z-3-ene-1,5-diyne analogues of dynemicin A.

The crystal structures of methyl 6-methoxy-17-oxo-2-azatricyclo[7.7.1.0 3,8 ]heptadeca-3(8),4,6,13-tetraene-11,15-diyne-2-carboxylate ethyl acetate solvate, (1), 2C 19 H 15 NO 4 .0.5C 4 H 8 O 2 , and tricyclo[3.3.1.1 3,7 ]decyl 6-methoxy-17-oxo-2-azatricyclo[7.7.1.0 3,8 ]heptadeca-3(8),4,6,13-tetraene-11,15-diyne-2-carboxylate ethyl acetate solvate, (2), C 28 H 27 NO 4 .0.5C 4 H 8 O 2 , are reported. For compound (1), two crystallographically independent molecules are observed. Interestingly, for both compounds (1) and (2), a molecule of ethyl acetate is found in the crystal lattice disordered about an inversion center. The azabicyclo[7.3.1]enediyne core appears to be fairly rigid. Only minor differences are observed in the ring conformation between the two independent molecules in (1) and between compounds (1) and (2) themselves. The conformation is also similar to that found in deoxydynemicin A [Shiomi, Iinuma, Naganawa, Hamada, Hattori, Nakamura, Takeuchi & Iitaka (1990). J. Antibiot. 43, 1000-1005] and triacetyldynemicin A [Konishi, Ohkuma, Tsuno, Oki, Van Duyne & Clardy (1990). J. Am. Chem. Soc. 112, 3715-3716]. The transannular diyne distance (C3...C8) averages 3.428 (2) A for compound (1) and is 3.403 (3) A for compound (2)
Behavioral and neurochemical effects of continuous infusion of cocaine in rats.

The ability of continuous intravenous infusion of cocaine (60 mg/kg per day for 11 or 12 days; by osmotic minipump) to alter responses to acute injection of cocaine (20 mg/kg, i.p.; given 24 hr after termination of the infusion by minipump) was tested in conscious, tethered Sprague-Dawley rats. Extracellular levels of cocaine, dopamine and metabolites of dopamine in the striatum were determined by in vivo microdialysis. Locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were evaluated simultaneously during dialysis sampling. Prior infusion of cocaine blunted the ability of acute challenge with cocaine to increase the efflux of dopamine in the striatum, locomotor activity and stereotypy. Increases in extracellular levels of homovanillic acid in the striatum were significantly greater in cocaine-infused rats than vehicle-infused controls, both prior to and after acute injections of cocaine. However, no differences between these two groups were observed in levels of cocaine in the striatum after acute challenge. Extracellular levels of dopamine in the striatum correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with stereotypy in both groups but with locomotor activity only in cocaine-infused rats. The results indicate that behavioral tolerance occurred after continuous intravenous infusions of cocaine, that this was correlated with neurochemical tolerance to acute cocaine challenge and that alterations in the metabolism of cocaine did not account for the observed behavioral responses.
Synthesis and reactivity of\((\mu - H)(\mu _3 - \eta ^2 - H_2 )_4 )Os_3 (CO)_9 \): An unusually reactive triosmium cluster

The synthesis of\((\mu - H)(\mu - \eta ^2 - H_2 )_4 )Os_3 (CO)_{10} \) (4) from piperidine and Os3(CO)10(CH3CN)2 and its solid state structure are reported. The room temperature reactions of the decarbonylation product of4,\((\mu - H)(\mu _3 - \eta ^2 - H_2 )_4 )Os_3 (CO)_9 \) (3), with P(C6H5)3, CNCH3, HCl and H2 are reported. Overall, the products obtained closely resemble those obtained from the analogous,\((\mu - H)(\mu _3 - \eta ^2 - H_2 )_3 )Os_3 (CO)_9 \) (1). The isomerizations of the phosphine addition products\((\mu - H)(\mu - \eta ^2 - H_2 )_n )Os_3 (CO)_9 P(C_6 H_5 )_3 \) (n = 3,6a;n = 4,5a) have been studied by1H-NMR techniques and the initial rearrangement was shown to be an intramolecular process. Slower conversion to the complex\((\mu - H)(\mu _3 - \eta ^2 - H_2 )_4 )Os_3 (CO)_8 P(C_6 H_5 )_3 \) (8) was observed and the solid state structure of this product is reported and compared with a related compound containing an ethyl,n-propylμ3-imidoyl ligand. Compound4 crystallizes in the triclinic space group Pl (#2) withZ= 2, and unit cell parametersa = 9.294(3) A,b = 15.758(5) A,c = 7.406(2) A,a = 81.10(2)°,β=76.47(2)°,y =74.88(2)°, andV =1013(l) A3. Least-squares refinement of 2677 reflections gave a final discrepancy factor ofR = 0.054 (R w = 0.066). Compound8 crystallizes in the space group C2/c with unit cell parametersa = 24.818(3) A,b = 16.389(3) A,c = 18.111(3) A,β= 120.94(2)°,V = 6318(4) A3, andZ = 8. Least squares refinement of 3439 reflections gave a final discrepancy factor ofR = 0.039 (R w =0.047).
Promotion of development of bovine embryos produced in vitro by addition of cysteine and beta-mercaptoethanol to a chemically defined culture system

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of L-cysteine and beta-mercaptoethanol on the in vitro development of bovine embryos that had been produced in vitro. A 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to evaluate the effect of 0.63 or 6.9 microM L-cysteine and 0, 10, or 100 microM beta-mercaptoethanol on the development of bovine embryos in a chemically defined medium. Embryos containing 6 to 8 cells were randomly allocated to one of the six treatment combinations and were cultured for 7 d. Both beta-mercaptoethanol and L-cysteine increased the number of embryos that reached the blastocyst stage of development, although no interaction was observed between the compounds. Embryos that were cultured in the presence of beta-mercaptoethanol had more cells at the blastocyst stage than did embryos cultured in medium without beta-mercaptoethanol. These findings provide evidence that beta-mercaptoethanol and L-cysteine promote increased embryonic development and that beta-mercaptoethanol increases the number of cells in bovine embryos produced in vitro and cultured in a cell-free, protein-free culture system.
Sharing as “frands”: Personified branding strategies on social network sites in China

Prior research on social network sites (SNSs) has focused on interpersonal communication on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. Much less is known about the use of SNSs beyond the individual level and outside of the American context. This study fills in the gaps by offering insight into the personified use of interactive features on SNSs by organizations in China for branding purposes. Based on the notion of the social affordances of technologies, we conducted a content analysis of the presence and activities of 98 organizations on a popular Chinese SNS and identified 15 interactive features, including profile related features ( e.g. , status updates, discussion board, message forwarding) and social game related features ( e.g. , game players, raffles, virtual goods). The results of our statistical analysis indicated that the more interactive features that an organization used, the more page visits and fans it attracted and the more electronic word of mouth (eWOM) behavior occurred. All of these interactive features helped personify the organizations as friends to their fans, followers, service users, and potential customers, which created a new form of organization–public communication: sharing as “frands.”
Purification and properties of a 90-kDa nuclear actin-binding protein.

AbstractA 90 kDa actin-binding nuclear protein (ABNP) with a pI of 5.2 has been purified from the 0.7 M NaCl extracted residue fraction of chromatin prepared from Novikoff hepatoma cell nuclei. This residue fraction was previously shown to contain nuclear actin. Although twice the size, similar in pI, and similar in amino acid composition to actin, the tryptic peptide map for ABNP is distinct and contains the appropriate number of tyrosine-containing tryptic peptides for a protein of 90,000 molecular weight. A comparison of the amino acid composition of ABNP with those reported in the literature for gelsolin and villin, using a calculation of SΔQ as an indication of relatedness, results in values of 30 and 27, respectively. Actin-binding activity, however, was demonstrated for both crude and gel purified ABNP using a gel-overlay technique that employs 125I-G-actin to detect specific actin-binding proteins.
Determination of Cobalt in Soil, Steel, and Graphite Using Excited-State Laser Fluorescence Induced in a Laser Spark

An LIBS/LEAFS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy/laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry) combination with the use of simple open-air ultraviolet (UV) ablation has been investigated in terms of its analytical possibilities for the determination of cobalt in three solid sample matrices: graphite, soil, and steel. The fluorescence of cobalt was excited from a level which was already populated in the ablation plasma and was monitored at the Stokesshifted wavelength. The optimal time delay between the ablating and exciting pulses was 16 mu s. Detection limits in the ppb to ppm range and linearity over about four orders of magnitude were obtained. Excellent correlation of the LIBS/LEAFS with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and the certified value for Co in an SRM soil standard showed that both the precision and the accuracy of the LIBS/LEAFS method were satisfactory.
Infliximab for intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease: a retrospective study.

Objective To test the hypothesis that first re-treatment with infliximab, compared with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), might improve outcomes in IVIG-resistant Kawasaki disease. Study design In a two-center retrospective review from January 2000 to March 2008, we compared duration of fever and coronary artery dimensions in patients with IVIG-resistance whose first re-treatment was with IVIG compared with infliximab given for fever ≥38.0°C beyond 36 hours after first IVIG completion. Results Patients in the IVIG group (n = 86, 2 g/kg) and infliximab group (n = 20, 5 mg/kg) were similar in demographics, days of fever at diagnosis, and baseline coronary artery dimensions. Patients had similar coronary dimensions 6 weeks after diagnosis, both in univariate and multivariate analysis. The infliximab group had fewer days of fever (median 8 days versus10 days, P = .028), and in a multivariate analysis, the infliximab group had 1.2 fewer days of fever ( P = .033). Patients who received infliximab had shorter lengths of hospitalization (median 5.5 days versus 6 days, P = .040). Treatment groups did not differ significantly in adverse events (0% versus 2.3%, P = 1.0). Conclusions In our retrospective study, patients with IVIG-resistant Kawasaki disease whose first re-treatment was with infliximab, compared with IVIG, had faster resolution of fever and fewer days of hospitalization. Coronary artery outcomes and adverse events were similar; the power of the study was limited.
The company, product and market dimensions of new product decision scenarios☆

Abstract Studies show that managers synthesize information and make strategic decisions in a situation-specific mode. Making effective new product decisions is a critical problem and managers are urged to improve their performance by adjusting their decision approach to fit the type of situation. Identifying situation-specific new product scenarios is, therefore, an important prerequisite. This article identifies five basic new product decision scenarios using a cluster analysis of factor scored company, product and market data. These provide insights about the situations managers typically face when evaluating new products.
Combining Cloud Networks and Course Management Systems for Enhanced Analysis in Teaching Laboratories

A cloud network system is combined with standard computing applications and a course management system to provide a robust method for sharing data among students. This system provides a unique method to improve data analysis by easily increasing the amount of sampled data available for analysis. The data can be shared within one course as well as used in interdisciplinary environments. Student accessibility is improved over other data sharing methods with the benefit of minimal oversight required by the instructor. The networked system is ideal for large enrollment and research-based laboratory courses. Methods for implementation in research labs are also described.
Hospice and the Spatial Paradoxes of Terminal Care

The purpose of my paper is to offer an understanding of home hospice from a perspective of political geography. Informed by critical political theories of care, and recent work on the geographies o...
Effect of Freshwater Acclimation on the Swimming Performance and Plasma Osmolarity of the Euryhaline Gulf Killifish

Abstract The objective of this research was to determine the effect of freshwater acclimation on the swimming performance and plasma osmolarity of gulf killifish Fundulus grandis. Fish were acclimated to either freshwater or brackish water (10‰ salinity) for 10 d before experimentation. Plasma osmolarity was significantly lower in the freshwater-acclimated fish; however, no significant changes occurred in plasma osmolarity in fish recovering from a swim challenge at either salinity. Critical swimming speeds of the fish acclimated to freshwater were significantly lower than those of fish acclimated to brackish water. Furthermore, the swimming challenge caused 40% mortality in the freshwater fish but no mortality in the brackish-water fish. Acclimation of gulf killifish to freshwater environments appears to have a substantial metabolic cost.
Establishing the (3 + 2) Mechanism for the Permanganate Oxidation of Alkenes by Theory and Kinetic Isotope Effects.

Permanganate hydroxylation follows the (3 + 2) cycloaddition mechanism established earlier for osmium tetroxide. Density functional theory (Becke3LYP/6-31G*) predicts that the concerted (3 + 2) pat...
Computer expert system for the histopathologic diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms

The design, development, and testing of a prototype interactive histopathologic expert system capable of diagnosing 15 types of primary salivary gland neoplasms is described. The system incorporates a multiple subprogram modular design and makes use of multiple reasoning methods including: data-driven and goal-directed rule-based reasoning, linear pattern recognition, and Bayesian classification. Its user interface incorporates both a “hypertext” context-sensitive information assistance facility and the video display of stored and digitized photomicrographic images. The system can report a differential diagnosis of its findings with assessment of its confidence in its diagnosis. The system's performance was evaluated in a series of tests. The results of a weighted Kappa analysis of the system's diagnoses versus those of four oral pathologists for 20 salivary gland neoplasms indicated no statistical difference in diagnostic performance between the system and the human experts and each of the experts in relationship to the others (Wilcoxon rank sums test). A modified version of Turing's test of artificial intelligence demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the system's diagnoses versus the diagnosis of four human expert pathologists (Fisher's exact test). The knowledge and experience gained in the development and testing of the expert system described in this study have demonstrated the validity of histopathologic diagnostic expert systems in a selected area of oral pathology.
Developing communicative effectiveness through the negotiated resolution of referential conflicts

Abstract This study uses an information-transfer task design, with a population of international graduate assistants (advanced proficiency nonnative speakers of English) at an American university, to explore different conditions for developing communicative effectiveness. The task type presents the learners, in pairs, with a number of referential conflicts which, under different conditions, tend to be resolved in different ways. Nonnegotiated solutions are more frequent when the higher-proficiency student is given repeated practice in the dominant speaker role. More communicatively effective negotiated solutions become more frequent after the higher-proficiency student has had experience in the role of listener to a lower-proficiency student in the dominant speaker role. The study offers support for the idea that an interactive listening experience, rather than additional speaking practice, will foster more effective communication in subsequent speaking performance.
The genetics of hypertension

In the past few years, a number of key insights have been made concerning the genetic basis of hypertension and blood pressure regulation. The genes responsible for two Mendelian forms of hypertension, glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism and Liddle's syndrome, were identified. In addition, research into the role of the renin-angiotensin system in blood pressure regulation has further implicated the angiotensinogen and angiotensin-converting enzyme loci in hypertension and its complications, such as myocardial infarction. Finally, several new candidate genes for hypertension have been identified through the use of genome scanning and contemporary gene expression assays in model organisms.
Composite Quarks and Leptons from Restricted Anomaly Matching

A composite model based on the unique and simple solution $\mathrm{SU}{(3)}_{\mathrm{HC}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}{(6)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}{(6)}_{R}$ (HC denotes hypercolor) of a restricted 't Hooft anomaly-matching program is systematically analyzed. Particular emphasis is placed on implementing the idea that not only fermions but also Higgs scalars should be composite. The composite fermions remaining massless on the level of the physically appealing gauged subgroup $\mathrm{SU}{(3)}_{c}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{R}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}{(1)}_{B\ensuremath{-}L}$ of $\mathrm{SU}{(6)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}{(6)}_{R}$ are identified as conventional quarks and leptons as well as color-sextet quarks and color-singlet "pointlike baryons." The other composite fermions can be shown to become massive in a most economical fashion by participating in dynamical Higgs condensates which effect the required spontaneous symmetry breaking. It is speculated how a second step of dynamical symmetry breaking down to $\mathrm{SU}{(3)}_{c}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}{(1)}_{\mathrm{EM}}$ could be achieved with only massless quarks and leptons surviving. A second embedding of $\mathrm{SU}{(3)}_{c}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1)$ into $\mathrm{SU}{(6)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}{(6)}_{R}$ is shown to lead to Harari and Seiberg's rishons with a $\mathrm{U}{(1)}_{B\ensuremath{-}L}$ charge only. Our whole analysis illustrates a general procedure proposed for relating a given solution of 't Hooft's program to physical reality at present energies.