cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous activity in the developing auditory system.

Spontaneous electrical activity is a common feature of sensory systems during early development. This sensory-independent neuronal activity has been implicated in promoting their survival and maturation, as well as growth and refinement of their projections to yield circuits that can rapidly extract information about the external world. Periodic bursts of action potentials occur in auditory neurons of mammals before hearing onset. This activity is induced by inner hair cells (IHCs) within the developing cochlea, which establish functional connections with spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) several weeks before they are capable of detecting external sounds. During this pre-hearing period, IHCs fire periodic bursts of Ca(2+) action potentials that excite SGNs, triggering brief but intense periods of activity that pass through auditory centers of the brain. Although spontaneous activity requires input from IHCs, there is ongoing debate about whether IHCs are intrinsically active and their firing periodically interrupted by external inhibitory input (IHC-inhibition model), or are intrinsically silent and their firing periodically promoted by an external excitatory stimulus (IHC-excitation model). There is accumulating evidence that inner supporting cells in Kolliker's organ spontaneously release ATP during this time, which can induce bursts of Ca(2+) spikes in IHCs that recapitulate many features of auditory neuron activity observed in vivo. Nevertheless, the role of supporting cells in this process remains to be established in vivo. A greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for generating IHC activity in the developing cochlea will help reveal how these events contribute to the maturation of nascent auditory circuits.
IN VIVO AND IN VITRO INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF SILDENAFIL ON RAT CAVERNOUS SMOOTH MUSCLE

Purpose: We investigated the effect of sildenafil on rat erectile tissues in vivo and in vitro.Materials and Methods: Intracavernous pressure was recorded in pentobarbital anesthetized, male Sprague-Dawley rats and we studied the effect of 100 or 200 μg./kg.−1 sildenafil given intravenously. In an isolated endothelin-1 contracted strip preparation of rat corpus cavernosum we also assessed the effect of sildenafil on the response to electrical field stimulation of the nerves.Results: Electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve induced a frequency dependent increase in intracavernous pressure of a mean plus or minus standard error of mean 55 ± 3 mm. Hg at 20 Hz., corresponding to a mean of 47% ± 2% of mean arterial pressure. The 100 μg./kg.−1 dose did not increase intracavernous pressure but significantly increased mean decay time of the pressure response from 16 ± 3 to 35 ± 3 seconds (p <0.001). In vitro sildenafil significantly enhanced the amplitude and duration of the relaxation induced by the electri...
THE HISTOLOGICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE BLOOD GROUP SUBSTANCES IN MAN AS DISCLOSED BY IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE : II. THE H ANTIGEN AND ITS RELATION TO A AND B ANTIGENS.

The H antigen was mapped out by immunofluorescence in human tissues (including those of fetuses from 15 cm crown-heel length) from individuals of the various groups within the ABO system, both secretors and non-secretors. The distribution of the antigen can be summarized under the following headings: Cell walls of endothelium: present throughout the cardiovascular system; Cell walls of stratified epithelia: in skin, non-cornifying squamous stratified membranes, transitional epithelia; Mucus: occurring wherever the latter is produced in secretor individuals and confined to a few special topographical areas in non-secretors; Secretions and excretions: the pancreatic and sudoriferous (independent of secretor status), and mammary and uterine (governed by the secretor makeup) all contain it. The distribution of the H antigen is most fully represented in tissues of group O. It follows an over-all universal pattern, characteristically modified in non-secretors, equally valid for antigens A and B described in a preceding study. Within this pattern, in tissues of the non-O groups, the complement of the H substance in its various forms wanes in a manner consistent with the hypothesis that it serves as a substrate for the A(1), A(2), B genes, exerting their action with different degrees of efficiency. The secretor:non-secretor phenomena can be most simply interpreted by viewing the non-secretor, recessive gene (in the homozygous, ss condition) as inhibiting the production of some of the water-soluble forms of the blood group substances. Since the gene was never found responsible for dissociation of the H and A, B antigens its inhibitory action is thought to be wrought at the point of formation of the basic H substance or its precursor.
Arthroscopic treatment of glenoid labral tears

We reviewed 52 consecutive patients who had undergone arthroscopic labral debridement. The average age was 29 and there were 35 men and 17 women. At operation, 27 patients had superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions, 20 patients had anteroinferior labral lesions, and 5 patients had posterior labral lesions. Despite the fact that, preoperatively, none of these patients had a history of dislocations or clinically evident instability, 70% of the patients with superior labral lesions, and all of those with anteroinferior and posterior lesions had instability on examination under anesthesia. The average followup was 36 months. At 1 year after arthroscopy, 78% of the patients with superior lesions had excellent relief compared with 30% of the patients in the anteroinferior group. At 2 years followup, these results decreased to 63% and 25%, respectively, and only 45% of the patients with superior labral lesions and 25% of those with anteroinferior lesions had returned to their previous athletic performance level. Four patients required a reoperation: 2 for instability and 2 for impingement. We conclude that occult instability is frequently present in patients with glenoid labral tears. The overall results are not encouraging, but this procedure may have an indication for short-term goals in competitive athletes or those who are willing to accept some compromise in function.
Immunology, microbiology, and virology following placement of NobelPerfect scalloped dental implants: analysis of a case series.

Background Cytokine-microbiology-virology monitoring after implant placement may help to develop profiles of variables that can help to explain interaction between the immune system and alveolar bone. Descriptive information at the molecular and cellular levels after implant placement is important in the emerging field of osteoimmunology and may help to formulate hypotheses and intervention strategies in periodontology and implantology. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the presence or absence of selected cytokines in association with periodontopathogens and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) after placement of dental implants. Materials and methods Charts of seven consecutive patients with 19 NobelPerfect (Nobel Biocare, Yorba Linda, CA, USA) implants were reviewed for crevicular fluid sample outcomes. Anaerobic culture determined periodontopathogens 2 to 5 days, 3 and 6 months postimplant insertion. At 3, 6, and 12 months, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect active HCMV, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interferon-gamma (INF-gamma). Results Four of five, and six of seven patients harbored no periodontopathogens at 3- or 6-month intervals, respectively. In spite of absence of a bacterial challenge, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha activity was significant. INF-gamma was not detected, and HCMV was present at one time interval only. Conclusions TNF-alpha is produced mainly in the early stages of acute inflammation, and high levels of this cytokine at 3 and 6 months postimplant placement may be related to a repetitive acute-phase inflammatory response. Lack of INF-gamma and a high cytokine presence without significant corresponding periopathogens or viruses raise a concern that inflammation and, thus, inflammatory bone destruction, is possible outside of these variables. Inflammation and bone loss around this same group of scalloped implants, reported by our previous study, may have been initiated by local factors, such as particular implant design features.
Abnormal Platelet Function in Chediak‐Higashi Syndrome

Platelets in an infant with Chediak-Higashi (C-H) syndrome without bleeding manifestations and not in the accelerated phase showed abnormal function consistent with storage pool disorder as shown by abnormal aggregation, decreased storage capacity and release of [14C]5-HT, low endogenous 5-HT, reduced ATP and ADP with an increased ATP/ADP ratio, increased specific radioactivity of ADP after [14C]adenine labelling, decreased release of adenine nucleotides after stimulation, impaired secretion of acid hydrolases despite normal stores, and decreased calcium content. Incorporation of [14C]adenine into metabolic pool adenine nucleotides was normal. Nucleotide conversion to hypoxanthine in stimulated platelets was mildly impaired. Platelet cyclic-AMP (c-AMP) was initially elevated, but even when c-AMP returned to normal levels after ascorbate treatment, platelet function was not improved. Elevated intracellular c-AMP was not solely responsible for the abnormal platelet function.
The application of stairclimbing to ergometry.

Experimental data on the oxygen uptake of eight U.S. subjects for climbing stairs at free pace and two subjects climbing on an oscalator with and without a load of 10.75 kg are compared to group mean data on 6-8 Indian subjects drawn from a pool of 20 subjects climbing stairs of varying designs at controlled rates with loads up to 30 kg on their heads. From the pooled data on these subjects, a regression of the oxygen uptake ( Vo 1 ml/kg min) on speed of ascent S(m/min) has been derived: Vo 1(ml/kgmin) = l.2+ 1.74 S(m/min)(r / 0.97). This regression for stairclimbing is compared to similar relations for other climbing tests, namely, stool stepping and laddermill. The slope constants for Vo 1, on speed for these latter tests are higher than for stairclimbing. The reasons for the differences in the regressions for the throe climbing tests are discussed. The potential for ergometric application of the stairclimbing test is indicated.
A novel 3D volumetric voxel registration technique for volume-view-guided image registration of multiple imaging modalities

Purpose: To provide more clinically useful image registration with improved accuracy and reduced time, a novel technique of three-dimensional (3D) volumetric voxel registration of multimodality images is developed. Methods and Materials: This technique can register up to four concurrent images from multimodalities with volume view guidance. Various visualization effects can be applied, facilitating global and internal voxel registration. Fourteen computed tomography/magnetic resonance (CT/MR) image sets and two computed tomography/positron emission tomography (CT/PET) image sets are used. For comparison, an automatic registration technique using maximization of mutual information (MMI) and a three-orthogonal-planar (3P) registration technique are used. Results: Visually sensitive registration criteria for CT/MR and CT/PET have been established, including the homogeneity of color distribution. Based on the registration results of 14 CT/MR images, the 3D voxel technique is in excellent agreement with the automatic MMI technique and is indicatory of a global positioning error (defined as the means and standard deviations of the error distribution) using the 3P pixel technique: 1.8° ± 1.2° in rotation and 2.0 ± 1.3 (voxel unit) in translation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such positioning error has been addressed. Conclusion: This novel 3D voxel technique establishes volume-view-guided image registration of up to four modalities. It improves registration accuracy with reduced time, compared with the 3P pixel technique. This article suggests that any interactive and automatic registration should be safeguarded using the 3D voxel technique.
“Normothermic range” temperature affects myocardial infarct size

Objectives: This study tested the hypothesis that small changes in temperature above the hypothermic range may alter myocardial infarct size after acute coronary occlusion-reperfusion. A secondary hypothesis, that a correlation between temperature and infarct size may be independent of an associated change of heart rate, was also evaluated. Methods: Eighteen pentobarbitone-anaesthetised, open chest rabbits underwent 30 min coronary artery occlusion and 3 h reperfusion at blood temperatures ranging from 35-42°C, achieved and maintained using surface methods (not paced, group NP). In a second group of 11 animals, heart rate was held constant across the same range of temperatures (paced, group P), before and throughout coronary artery occlusion-reperfusion. Infarct sizes were assessed by the tetrazolium method. Results: Target temperature was effectively controlled over the duration of the experimental protocol to within ±0.25°C. Area at risk did not vary with temperature. Infarct size, normalised to area at risk, was correlated with temperature in both groups (infarct size = 7.9 × temp − 250.0, r = 0.75, p = 0.0003, group NP; infarct size = 11.7 × temp − 404.5, r = 0.88, p = 0.0004, group P). There was no significant difference between the slopes of these two lines (p = 0.18), indicating that the positive correlation between infarct size and temperature is not related to changes of heart rate. Conclusion: Temperatures in the range of 35-42°C affect myocardial infarct size significantly, independent of heart rate. Cardiovascular Research 1994; 28: 1014-1017
Log-Concavity and the Exponential Formula☆

Abstract A 1996 result of Bender and Canfield showed that passing a log-concave sequence through the exponential formula resulted in a log-concave sequence which was almost log-convex. We generalize that result to q –log-concavity. Our proof follows Bender and Canfield for one part. For the other part, we use the theory of symmetric functions to show that the second part of the Bender–Canfield result follows directly from the first part. We also give several corollaries and examples.
Physiological responses to short-term water and light stress in native and invasive plant species in southern California

As climate variability increases in low-resource environments, the ability of native and invasive species to tolerate stress and respond to large, ephemeral resource pulses will strongly influence plant fitness and, consequently, competitive outcomes. We examined how native and invasive species occurring in arid coastal sage scrub communities in southern California responded to water and high-light stress. We also examined how plants responded to irrigation following short-term water stress. While species responded differently to water and light treatments, no general pattern emerged between native and invasive species. Photosynthetic function of Ricinus communis (invasive) and Salvia mellifera (native) was most robust to water stress and most responsive to irrigation following water stress. Leaf transpiration data suggested that Ricinus and Salvia maintained photosynthetic function by high water use efficiency rather than higher water status via large root biomass. Brassica nigra (invasive) and Encelia californica (native) were more resistant to photoinhibition in response to high-light stress than Ricinus, Salvia, Artemesiacalifornica (native) or Nicotiana glauca (invasive). Our data suggest that native and invasive species in these arid systems display a range of physiological responses to stress and that strategies for invasive species control or native ecosystem restoration based on plant responses to stress may require species-specific approaches.
Cyclic AMP regulates potassium channel expression in C6 glioma by destabilizing Kv1.1 mRNA

The tissue distributions and physiological properties of a variety of cloned voltage-gated potassium channel genes have been characterized extensively, yet relatively little is known about the mechanisms controlling expression of these genes. Here, we report studies on the regulation of Kv1.1 expressed endogenously in the C6 glioma cell line. We demonstrate that elevation of intracellular cAMP leads to the accelerated degradation of Kv1.1 RNA. The cAMP-induced decrease in Kv1.1 RNA is followed by a decrease in Kv1.1 protein and a decrease in the whole cell sustained K+ current amplitude. Dendrotoxin-I, a relatively specific blocker of Kv1.1, blocks 96% of the sustained K+ current in glioma cells, causing a shift in the resting membrane potential from −40 mV to −7 mV. These data suggest that expression of Kv1.1 contributes to setting the resting membrane potential in undifferentiated glioma cells. We therefore suggest that receptor-mediated elevation of cAMP reduces outward K+ current density by acting at the translational level to destabilize Kv1.1 RNA, an additional mechanism for regulating potassium channel gene expression.
Shallow-source aeromagnetic anomalies observed over the West Antarctic Ice Sheet compared with coincident bed topography from radar ice sounding—new evidence for glacial "removal" of subglacially erupted late Cenozoic rift-related volcanic edifices

Abstract Aeromagnetic and radar ice sounding results from the 1991–1997 Central West Antarctica (CWA) aerogeophysical survey over part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) and subglacial area of the volcanically active West Antarctic rift system have enabled detailed examination of specific anomaly sources. These anomalies, previously interpreted as caused by late Cenozoic subglacial volcanic centers, are compared to newly available glacial bed-elevation data from the radar ice sounding compilation of the entire area of the aeromagnetic survey to test this hypothesis in detail. We examined about 1000 shallow-source magnetic anomalies for bedrock topographic expression. Using very conservative criteria, we found over 400 specific anomalies which correlate with bed topography directly beneath each anomaly. We interpret these anomalies as indicative of the relative abundance of volcanic anomalies having shallow magnetic sources. Of course, deeper source magnetic anomalies are present, but these have longer wavelengths, lower gradients and mostly lower amplitudes from those caused by the highly magnetic late Cenozoic volcanic centers. The great bulk of these >400 (40–1200-nT) anomaly sources at the base of the ice have low bed relief (60–600 m, with about 80% 10 million years ago. Eighteen of the anomalies examined, about half concentrated in the area of the WAIS divide, have high-topographic expression (as great as 400 m above sea level) and high bed relief (up to 1500 m). All of these high-topography anomaly sources at the base of the ice would isostatically rebound to elevations above sea level were the ice removed. We interpret these 18 anomaly sources as evidence of subaerial eruption of volcanoes whose topography was protected from erosion by competent volcanic flows similar to prominent volcanic peaks that are exposed above the surface of the WAIS. Further, we infer these volcanoes as possibly erupted at a time when the WAIS was absent. In contrast, at the other extreme, there are a number of shallow-source, volcanic appearing magnetic anomalies overlying the very smooth bed topography in the survey area beneath Ice Stream D (Bindshadler Ice Stream); the glacial bed probably comprises a very thin layer of unconsolidated sediments (till). Probably, the volcanic edifices here were removed at a more rapid rate because of fast glacial flow. A few of the very shallow-source “volcanic” anomalies overlie the ice shelf just downstream of the grounding line of Ice Stream D, suggesting a causal relationship, if the volcanism is recent.
DAX1 Gene Expression Upregulated by Steroidogenic Factor 1 in an Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Line

Two nuclear hormone receptor superfamily members, DAX1 and SF1, are required for normal adrenal cortical development. Mutations in DAX1 are responsible for X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Steroidogenic Factor 1 (SF1) regulates the expression of a number of steroidogenic genes and a putative SF1 response element (SF1-RE) in the DAX1 promoter which binds SF1 specifically. Therefore, we examined deletions in the DAX1 promoter driving expression of beta-galactosidase, with and without coexpression of SF1, in the human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line NCI-H295. We defined the DAX initiation start site and localized the putative SF1-RE at -135 to -143 bp. Loss of the putative SF1-RE region or specific removal of the 9-bp SF1 site resulted in decreased transcriptional activity by 2.3-to 2.5-fold. When cotransfected with 1550 bp of the DAX1 promoter, an SF1-containing expression vector increased the transcriptional activity of the DAX1 promoter by 4-fold. No significant change above baseline occurred when the cells were cotransfected with the 1541-bp fragment containing the entire 1550-bp promoter region minus the 9-bp SF1-RE. We conclude that the SF1-RE is an enhancer element within the DAX1 promoter and speculate that SF1 may be a transcription factor that acts, at least in part, through DAX1 for normal adrenal cortical development.
Use of fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect chromosome‐specific changes in exfoliated human bladder and oral mucosa cells

Change in chromosome number, numerical aneuploidy, has been consistently linked with cancer development. Since 90% of cancers arise in epithelial tissues, techniques that measure aneuploidy in these tissues would be very useful. Here we describe methods of optimization and suggest use of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect aneuploidy in exfoliated epithelial cells collected from the mouth and bladder. A total of 10,383 urothelial cells and 4,691 buccal cells were scored in order to determine a baseline frequency of aneuploidy in human volunteers using a classical satellite probe for chromosome 9. Protein digestion with pepsin was found to be more efficient at removing the keratinized cell membrane and optimizing probe penetration than acid washes, detergent washes, or hypotonic treatments. A 20 min cellular digestion with 200 μg/ml and a 30 min digestion with 300 μg/ml of pepsin in 0.01 M HCI optimized probe penetration in urothelial and buccal cells, respectively. Average frequencies for 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hybridization regions were 10.3, 10.1, 78.4, 1.0, and 0.3% for urothelial cells and 8.8, 9.8, 79.4, 1.3, and 0.3% for buccal cells, respectively. These results are very similar to those previously described in lymphocytes. The urothelial cells of males had a lower frequency of diploid cells and a higher frequency of cells without hybridization regions than females (P < 0.02). No statistically significant variability was found between individuals or sex groups in buccal cells. Our data show that FISH is a useful tool to detect changes in frequency of aneuploidy in exfoliated epithelial cells and has good potential for monitoring human populations exposed to genotoxic agents. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Breast Center review of compliance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network Breast Cancer guidelines

Abstract Background National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline compliance for breast cancer was determined in a breast center. Methods A retrospective study of 200 new breast cancer patients seen in 2004 was performed. Results NCCN guideline compliance rates for preoperative evaluation, breast surgery, lymph node surgery, radiation treatment, and systemic adjuvant therapy were 87%, 97%, 97%, 77%, and 63%, respectively. The most common reasons for noncompliance were partial breast radiation, no radiation, limited life expectancy, and patient choice to defer systemic treatment. Conclusions The investigation of quality of breast cancer care requires measurement of compliance and reasons for noncompliance with established guidelines. A review that focuses only on percentage compliance has the potential to penalize institutions that (1) practice informed consent detailing absolute risks of survival with and without systemic therapy, (2) practice evidence-based medicine before the standardized guideline is changed to reflect it, and (3) serve populations with limited life expectancy.
Dynamic remodeling of K+ and Ca2+ currents in cells that survived in the epicardial border zone of canine healed infarcted heart

Action potentials (APs) of the epicardial border zone (EBZ) cells from the day 5 infarcted heart continue to be altered by day 14 postocclusion, namely, they shortened. However, by 2 mo, EBZ APs ap...
Waterproofing the heme pocket. Role of proximal amino acid side chains in preventing hemin loss from myoglobin

Abstract The ability of myoglobin to bind oxygen reversibly depends critically on retention of the heme prosthetic group. Globin side chains at the Leu89(F4), His97(FG3), Ile99(FG5), and Leu104(G5) positions on the proximal side of the heme pocket strongly influence heme affinity. The roles of these amino acids in preventing heme loss have been examined by determining high resolution structures of 14 different mutants at these positions using x-ray crystallography. Leu89 and His97 are important surface amino acids that interact either sterically or electrostatically with the edges of the porphyrin ring. Ile99 and Leu104 are located in the interior region of the proximal pocket beneath ring C of the heme prosthetic group. The apolar amino acids Leu89, Ile99, and Leu104 “waterproof” the heme pocket by forming a barrier to solvent penetration, minimizing the size of the proximal cavity, and maintaining a hydrophobic environment. Substitutions with smaller or polar side chains at these positions result in exposure of the heme to solvent, the appearance of crystallographically defined water molecules in or near the proximal pocket, and large increases in the rate of hemin loss. Thus, the naturally occurring amino acid side chains at these positions serve to prevent hydration of the His93-Fe(III) bond and are highly conserved in all known myoglobins and hemoglobins.
Reduced adherence to traumatized rat heart valves by a low-fibronectin-binding mutant of Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract Isogenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus, differing in fibronectin binding, were constructed for studies of the contribution of fibronectin binding to the in vivo pathogenesis of staphylococcal disease. Mutagenesis of S. aureus 879R4S was accomplished by mating with Enterococcus faecalis FA378 that carried the transposon Tn918. Four low-fibronectin-binding mutants were identified that bound 24- to 35-fold less fibronectin than the parent strain did. A spectinomycin-resistant strain, R4SSp, was transduced by a bacteriophage (80 alpha) lysate propagated on a low-binding mutant of 879R4S to produce R4SSp/1536, which bound less fibronectin, contained a single copy of the transposon, and grew on spectinomycin-containing medium. Using a rat model of endocarditis, we determined the distribution of S. aureus R4SSp and its transductant in normal and cardiac catheterized rats. Cultures of heart tissue showed that catheterized rats challenged with the fibronectin-binding parent strain had over 250-fold more organisms in the left heart than did rats challenged with the low-binding transductant. The ability to bind fibronectin had no effect on the number of S. aureus cells cultured from other tissues. These data suggest that the ability of S. aureus to bind fibronectin is an important factor in establishing adherence to damaged heart valves in vivo.
Ethical dilemmas among nurses as they transition to hospital case management: implications for organizational ethics, part II

Purpose of study The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of ethical concerns by clinical nurses as they transitioned into their new role in hospital case management. Through this study, an attempt was made to explore experiences of ethical concerns and identify the implications for organizational ethics. Primary practice setting(s) In this study, nurse case managers practicing in the acute care setting, military, not-for-profit community, and teaching hospitals were interviewed. The majority of the nurse case manager participants were engaged in hospital discharge planning and utilization review activities. Methodology and sample An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to identify the themes inherent in ethical concerns and articulate them within the context of hospital nurse case management. Fifteen participants were interviewed to obtain a qualitative description of the nurse case managers' lived experiences of ethical dilemmas and how they were resolved. Results Nurse case managers' perceptions of solutions/options to resolve such ethical dilemmas were explored. As nurses transition into the expanded role of case management in the present healthcare delivery system, they frequently face situations demanding ethical choices and judgments to accommodate diverse patient interests and needs. These ethical decisions required in daily practice of case management represent ethical dilemmas to nurses. The insights derived from the analysis of the interviews have implications for nursing practice, education, policy, ethics, and research; recommendations for organizations employing nurse case managers in terms of recruitment, orientation, training, and continued need for educational support are identified. Implications for case management practice 1. The clinical decisions required in daily practice of case management represented challenges to the nurses. This highlights the critical role of adequate educational orientation to case management for beginning case managers. 2. Nurse case managers should be cognizant of the "disconnect" that could occur between their obligations to the organizations that employ them and the healthcare needs of the patients that they advocate for. 3. Aside from the importance of linking patient care outcomes with accountability, nurse case managers may need to advocate for policy change and system reform.
Democracy, Individual Rights and the Regulation of Science

Whether the US Constitution guarantees a right to conduct scientific research is a question that has never been squarely addressed by the United States Supreme Court. Similarly, the extent to which the First Amendment protects the right to communicate the results of scientific research is an issue about which there is scant judicial authority. This article suggests that a crucial guidepost for exploring both these uncharted areas of constitutional law should be whether restrictions on scientific research or communication truly implicate fundamental individual rights or instead primarily concern issues of general social welfare—issues that in a democracy are properly decided by the representative branches of government or their delegates, not by the judiciary.
Malignant Catarrhal Fever: Inching Toward Understanding

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is an often lethal infection of many species in the order Artiodactyla. It is caused by members of the MCF virus group within Gammaherpesvirinae. MCF is a worldwide problem and has a significant economic impact on highly disease-susceptible hosts, such as cattle, bison, and deer. Several epidemiologic forms of MCF, defined by the reservoir ruminant species from which the causative virus arises, are recognized. Wildebeest-associated MCF (WA-MCF) and sheep-associated MCF (SA-MCF) are the most prevalent and well-studied forms of the disease. Historical understanding of MCF is largely based on WA-MCF, in which the causative virus can be propagated in vitro. Characterization of SA-MCF has been constrained because the causative agent has never been successfully propagated in vitro. Development of molecular tools has enabled more definitive studies on SA-MCF. The current understanding of MCF, including its etiological agents, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prevention, is the subj...
Hybrid transcoding for adaptive transmission of 3D content

For traditional multimedia types, transcoding has proven successful in serving variations of the same object at different sizes and using different modalities. Transcoding, which is defined as a transformation that is used to convert multimedia content from one form to another, can be naturally extended to 3D data. By their very nature, 3D models are amenable to access through various representation modalities that typically imply trade-offs between complexity, interaction, and download times. In this paper we describe the design and development of an adaptive environment for rendering of 3D models over networks. This environment monitors the resources available and selects the appropriate transmission and representation modalities to match these resources.
Clinical curiosity: cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background. There is an increasing awareness of the association of papillary thyroid carcinoma and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Although the incidence is rare, most tend to occur in women. Several authors have described a distinctive histologic variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, the cribriform-morular variant, which is associated with FAP but also may be encountered in patients with non-FAP. This diagnosis may precede the symptoms of colorectal polyposis. Methods. A healthy 36-year-old woman was seen with a left thyroid nodule, and a 34-year-old woman with FAP was seen with a right thyroid nodule; both masses were suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Both patients underwent total thyroidectomy. Results. Pathologic examination of both specimens revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma, cribriform-morular variant. The first patient subsequently underwent colonoscopy, which was negative for polyposis. Conclusions. Patients diagnosed with the cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid cancer should be screened for the presence of FAP. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck28: 471–476, 2006
An insert in the covS gene distinguishes a pharyngeal and a blood isolate of Streptococcus pyogenes found in the same individual.

Expression of the extensive arsenal of virulence factors by Streptococcus pyogenes is controlled by many regulators, of which CovRS is one of the best characterized and can influence ∼15 % of the genome. Animal models have established that mutants of covRS arise spontaneously in vivo resulting in highly invasive organisms. We analysed a pharyngeal and a blood isolate of S. pyogenes recovered from the same individual 13 days apart. The two isolates varied in many phenotypic properties including SpeB production, which were reflected in transcriptomic analyses. PFGE, multilocus sequence typing and partial sequencing of some key genes failed to show any differences except for an 11 bp insert in the covS gene in the blood isolate which caused a premature termination of transcription. Complementation of a fully functional covS gene into the blood isolate resulted in high expression of CovS and expression of speB. These results, showing a pharyngeal and a blood isolate from a single individual differing by a simple insertion, provide evidence for the model that regulatory gene mutations allow S. pyogenes to invade different niches in the body.
Comparison of screw post fixation and free bone block interference fixation for anterior cruciate ligament soft tissue grafts: Biomechanical considerations

Endoscopic (single-incision) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with bone patellar tendon bone can usually be secured with interference screws on the femur and tibia. Infrequently, patella alta, which results in a longer tendinous component of the graft construct, can result in construct mismatch, resulting in a large portion of the tibial bone plug extruding from the tibial tunnel, requiring graft fixation with staples or a suture/screw and post technique. This study investigated the hypothesis that initial graft fixation could be enhanced if the bone plug was removed and press fit into the tibial tunnel and then secured with an interference screw in the scenario of graft construct mismatch. Initial biomechanical fixation strengths of bovine patellar tendon were compared using a screw and post suture fixation compared with a free bone plug, which was removed from the graft and sandwiched along with the soft tissue with an interference screw. Twenty-eight bovine knees were randomly divided into two groups. Graft fixation was performed with a free bone plug excised from the tibial tubercle portion of the bone tendon bone construct. Fixation was achieved with a cannulated 9-mm x 20-mm interference screw. Fixation was performed in group 2 patients with a Krackow suture of no. 5 Ticron secured over a screw and post. An Instron materials testing system was used and loading rates at 1 mm/sec until failure was performed. Statistically significant differences were noted for load to failure and stiffness (P < .001). Group 1 specimens' mean maximum load to failure was 669 N (range, 511 to 819 N), whereas the load to failure for group 2 patients was 374 N (range, 266 to 491 N). Group 1 stiffness was 90 N/mm (range, 50 to 122 N/m) compared with a mean stiffness of 24 N/m (range, 16 to 33 N/m) for group 2 knees. In our bovine model, free bone block interference fixation was stronger and stiffer than fixation using sutures tied over a post. This fixation method of securing a soft tissue graft with an interference screw warrants further clinical investigation and may offer an improvement to the alternative of suture/post fixation.
Hitting Time Analysis for Fault-Tolerant Communication at Nanoscale in Future Multiprocessor Platforms

This paper investigates the on-chip stochastic communication and proposes an analytical model for computing its mean hitting time. Toward this end, we model the on-chip stochastic communication of any source-destination pair as a branching and annihilating random walk taking place on a finite mesh. The evolution of this branching process is studied via a master equation which helps us estimate the mean number of communication rounds needed to reach a destination node from a particular source node. Besides the probabilistic performance analysis, we also present experimental results for two concrete platforms and assess the potential of stochastic communication for future nanotechnologies.
Structural insights into the amino-terminus of the secretin receptor: I. Status of cysteine and cystine residues.

The secretin receptor is prototypic of the class II family of G protein-coupled receptors, with a long extracellular amino-terminal domain containing six highly conserved Cys residues and one Cys residue (Cys11) that is present only in the most closely related family members. This domain is critical for function, with some component Cys residues believed to be involved in key disulfide bonds, although these have never been directly demonstrated. Here, we examine the functional importance of each of these residues and determine their involvement in disulfide bonds. Secretin binding was markedly diminished after treating cells with cell-impermeant reducing reagents, supporting the presence of important extracellular disulfide bonds. To determine whether the amino-terminal domain was covalently attached to the receptor body by disulfide linkage, a strategy was implemented that involved introduction of an acid-labile Asp-Pro sequence to enable specific cleavage at the boundary of these domains. Under nonreducing conditions, the amino terminus was released from the receptor body, supporting the absence of covalent association between these domains. Quantitative [14C]iodoacetamide incorporation into the isolated amino-terminal domain of the receptor in the absence and presence of chemical reduction established the ratio of free to total Cys residues as 1:7, consistent with three disulfide bonds. Mutagenesis of each of the amino-terminal Cys residues to Ala was tolerated only for Cys11, suggesting that these bonds linked the conserved Cys residues. This was further supported by treatment of intact cells expressing wild-type or C11A mutant secretin receptor with a cell-impermeant sulfhydryl-reactive reagent. Thus, the functionally important amino terminus of the secretin receptor represents a structurally independent, highly folded, and disulfide-bonded domain, with a pattern that is likely critical and conserved throughout this receptor family.
Ambulatory Energy Expenditure Estimation: A Machine Learning Approach

This paper presents a machine learning approach for accurate estimation of energy expenditure using a fusion of accelerometer and heart rate sensing. To address short comings in existing off-the-shelf solutions, we designed Jog Falls, an end to end system for weight management in collaboration with physicians in India. This system is meant to enable people to accurately monitor their energy expenditure and intake and make educated tradeoffs to reach their weight goals. In this paper we describe the sensing components of Jog Falls and focus on the energy expenditure estimation algorithm. We present results from controlled experiments in the lab, as well results from a 15 participant user study over a period of 63 days. We show how our algorithm mitigates many of the issues in existing solutions and yields more accurate results.
Implicit Contracts, Economic Efficiency, and Bondholder- Stockholder Conflict

In the aftermath of the 1980s wave of corporate capital restructurings through leveraged buyouts and other means, bondholders have not responded by demanding more protective provisions in their contracts with corporations. In fact, the trend has been toward fewer rather than more restrictive covenants. This has raised concern regarding lender behavior and has given rise to fears about undisciplined lending. In this article, we argue that the lack of restrictive covenants is consistent with rational investor behavior and hence is not cause for concern. The key to this conclusion is the recognition that there is an implicit ex-post settlement component to debt contracts, which is enforced by the courts.
Effect of available intravenous access on accuracy and timeliness of epinephrine administration

Purpose To evaluate the effect of available intravenous (IV) access on the accuracy and timeliness of epinephrine administration during a surprise mock severe contrast reaction.
Anthocoris melanocerus as a Predator of the Green Peach Aphid on Sugar Beets and Broccoli

Anthocoris melanocerus Reuter suppressed a population of green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), on sugar beets below the control population (100/cage) in a laboratory study at Yakima, Washington, in 1966. However, on broccoli the predator was only temporarily suppressive, and the aphid population subsequently accelerated its rate of growth. The difference in effectiveness was attributed to the influence of the 2 host plants (the control on broccoli had an average density of 200–250 aphids per cage). Egg mortality of predators was as high as 95% because the limited area in cages, available for oviposition, concentrated the eggs and increased cannibalism. When predators were allowed to oviposit on a semiopen stand of alfalfa, the egg deposition was widespread through the plant, an indication that in nature egg cannibalism would not reach the proportions it did in cages.
Full-Field Dynamic Characterization of Superhydrophobic Condensation on Biotemplated Nanostructured Surfaces

While superhydrophobic nanostructured surfaces have been shown to promote condensation heat transfer, the successful implementation of these coatings relies on the development of scalable manufacturing strategies as well as continued research into the fundamental physical mechanisms of enhancement. This work demonstrates the fabrication and characterization of superhydrophobic coatings using a simple scalable nanofabrication technique based on self-assembly of the Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) combined with initiated chemical vapor deposition. TMV biotemplating is compatible with a wide range of surface materials and applicable over large areas and complex geometries without the use of any power or heat. The virus-structured coatings fabricated here are macroscopically superhydrophobic (contact angle >170°) and have been characterized using environmental electron scanning microscopy showing sustained and robust coalescence-induced ejection of condensate droplets. Additionally, full-field dynamic characteriza...
Studies on the pigments of the purple bacteria

1. A method for the isolation and purification of spirilloxanthin, the purple pigment of Spirillum rubrum Esmarch, has been described. 2. The analytical results indicate that its empirical formula is C48H66O3; that its molecule contains 15 double bonds; that no more than one of its oxygen atoms is present in a hydroxyl group; and that no free carboxyl group is present. 3. The absorption spectrum of the pigment substantiates the high degree of unsaturation found by catalytic hydrogenation. 4. Other carotenoid pigments seem to be present in this organism, but these have not yet been isolated in sufficient quantity to be examined chemically.
Epidemiological characteristics of public health emergencies in a Pudong new area of Shanghai from 2006 to 2010

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of public health emergencies during 2006-2010 in a Pudong new area of Shanghai and to provide evidence for prevention and managing.Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the data of public health emergencies reported by internet based online system during 2006-2010 in a Pudong new area.Results A total of 67 public health emergencies were reported from 2006 to 2010 in which 1 481 patients and 16 death cases were involved.Most of the emergencies were general events.Litterally,the number of emergencies declined over the years except for 2008.47.7% of the events were caused by infectious diseases,the majority of which were respiratory infectious diseases,such as chickenpox and mumps.The peak months were from April to June and from November to December.30 public health emergencies occurred in schools,which accounted for 44.8%.15 patients died from occupational poisoning and heat stroke accounting for 93.8% of death cases.Conclusions The number of public health emergencies declines annually and majority of the events are caused by infectious diseases which usually occur in schools.Occupational poisoning and heat stroke are the main reasons resulting in death.
Conjugacy classes of derangements in finite transitive groups

Let G be a permutation group acting transitively on a finite set Ω. We classify all such (G, Ω) when G contains a single conjugacy class of derangements. This was done under the assumption that G acts primitively by Burness and Tong-Viet. It turns out that there are no imprimitive examples. We also discuss some results on the proportion of conjugacy classes which consist of derangements.
Autoimmune diabetes superimposed on type 2 diabetes in a patient initiated on immunotherapy for lung cancer.

Diabetes & Metabolism - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since vendredi 10 juin 2016