cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tumor size is an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis and survival in early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer

To analyze the impact of tumor size (TS) on risk of lymph node metastasis (PLN) and prognosis in endometrioid endometrial cancer grossly confined to the uterus (EEC). Patients with EEC grossly confined to the uterus were identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results dataset from 1988 to 2007. Only surgically treated patients were included. TS was analyzed as a continuous and categorical variable (TS ≤ 2 cm, >2–5 cm and >5 cm). Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used. 19,692 patients met the inclusion criteria. In patients with TS ≤ 2 cm, only 2.7 % (88/3,244) had PLN; this increased to 5.8 % (372/6,355) with TS > 2–5 cm and 11.1 % (195/1,745) with TS > 5 cm. The odds of PLN increased by 14 % for each 1 cm increase in TS after controlling for age, race, depth of myometrial invasion and grade (HR 1.14, 95 % CI 1.10–1.19, p 5 cm) was significantly associated with worse DSS (HR 2.09, 95 % 1.31–3.35, p = 0.002); however, there was no significant difference between TS > 2–5 cm versus ≤2 cm (HR 1.25, 95 % 0.85–1.83, p = 0.25). The impact of TS remained significant on DSS in subset of patients who underwent lymphadenectomy with negative lymph nodes. TS was an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis and disease-specific survival in patients with EEC grossly confined to the uterus. Tumor >5 cm was a predictor of disease-specific survival but no difference in outcome was noted between tumor >2–5 cm and tumor ≤2 cm.
Narrow-diameter portacaval shunts for management of variceal bleeding.

Over the past decade, we have developed and refined a method for partial portosystemic shunting for the control of bleeding esophageal varices in alcoholic cirrhotic patients. The narrow-diameter interposition portacaval H-graft using 8 mm polytetraffuoroethylene has been performed in 32 patients at our institution with low operativ mortality (16.3%) and nearly complete cessation of variceal bleeding (96.7%) over a mean follow-up period of 43 months. In comparison with total shunts, diminished rates of postshunt encephalopathy (13% versus 40%) have been observed. Prograde portal blood flow has been preserved in 90% of 30 patients studied by perioperative portography. Shunt patency with continued prograde flow has been demonstrated at up to 9 years of follow-up. Investigators at three other centers have studied partial shunting using substantially similar techniques, with similar findings. Based on these results, we conclude that narrow-diameter shunts provide effective, long-lasting treatment for variceal hemorrhage due to portal hypertension in the alcoholic.
Accuracy of Coupled Monte-Carlo/Next-Event-Estimator for Bremsstrahlung Dose Predictions

The accuracy of an efficient hybrid Monte Carlo/ analytic method for predicting the spatial dependence of x-ray energy deposition in common dosimetry is determined by comparing its predictions with those of full Monte Carlo Transport. For x-ray simulators, the hybrid model underpredicts energy deposition in thermoluminescent dosimetry by failing to account for Compton buildup and overpredicts deposition in gold calorimetry by failing to account for the lack of electron equilibration and fluorescence escape. For gamma simulators, the method accurately predicts the deposition in thermoluminescent dosimetry. We also find that the 2.16-mm Al electron equilibrators used with our standard thermoluminescent dosimeters are excessive for x-ray simulators and insufficient for gamma simulators.
STUDIES ON THE ACCELERATION AND INHIBITION OF HÆMOLYSIS. III. THE EFFECT OF MONOVALENT CATIONS ON SAPONIN HÆMOLYSIS

1. The effects of monovalent cations in haemolytic systems, in which saponin is the lysin, depend not only on the dilution of lysin and type of red cell employed, but also upon the concentration of electrolyte present. 2. Introduction of potassium, lithium, or rubidium into systems containing human erythrocytes results in an acceleration of haemolysis, whereas the addition of caesium causes an inhibition. This is true only when sodium chloride is being replaced from the standard system. 3. Similar results are not obtained when ox cells are employed. Here certain concentrations of electrolyte produce acceleration while others cause inhibition. 4. A “polar antagonism” exists between caesium and rubidium in systems containing human cells. 5. The various time-dilution curves corresponding to the addition of different amounts of electrolyte are excellently described by the equation of Ponder and Yeager.
PULMONARY ACTINOMYCOSIS IN A DOG

A six-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog was evaluated for coughing, dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and intermittent fever of four month's duration. Extensive alveolar, interstitial, and peribroncial infiltration was observed throughout the lung fields, Pulmonary actinomycosis was diagnosed by isolation of Actinomyces from anaerobic cuture of a transtracheal aspirate. Therapy for Actinomycs resulted in clinical remission; however, radiographic evidence of a severe pulmonary pathologic condition remained 45 days after the initiation of therapy. The dog was asymptomatic for pulmonary disease two years following treatment.
Allergen challenge in allergic rhinitis rapidly induces increased peripheral blood type 2 innate lymphoid cells that express CD84.

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) produce high levels of Th2 cytokines. Our study demonstrates that cat allergen challenge in allergic rhinitis subjects rapidly induces increased peripheral blood ILC2.
Erwinia carotovora Subspecies Produce Duplicate Variants of ExpR, LuxR Homologs That Activate rsmA Transcription but Differ in Their Interactions with N-Acylhomoserine Lactone Signals

The N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) signaling system comprises a producing system that includes acylhomoserine synthase (AhlI, a LuxI homolog) and a receptor, generally a LuxR homolog. AHL controls exoprotein production in Erwinia carotovora and consequently the virulence for plants. In previous studies we showed that ExpR, a LuxR homolog, is an AHL receptor and that it activates transcription of rsmA, the gene encoding an RNA binding protein which is a global negative regulator of exoproteins and secondary metabolites. An unusual finding was that the transcriptional activity of ExpR was neutralized by AHL. We subsequently determined that the genomes of most strains of E. carotovora subspecies tested possess two copies of the expR gene: expR1, which was previously studied, and expR2, which was the focus of this study. Comparative analysis of the two ExpR variants of E. carotovora subsp. carotovora showed that while both variants activated rsmA transcription, there were significant differences in the patterns of their AHL interactions, the rsmA sequences to which they bound, and their relative efficiencies of activation of rsmA transcription. An ExpR2- mutant produced high levels of exoproteins and reduced levels of RsmA in the absence of AHL. This contrasts with the almost complete inhibition of exoprotein production and the high levels of RsmA production in an AhlI- mutant that was ExpR1-. Our results suggest that ExpR2 activity is responsible for regulating exoprotein production primarily by modulating the levels of an RNA binding protein.
Phage lambda capsids as tunable display nanoparticles.

Nanoparticle technologies provide a powerful tool for the development of reagents for use in both therapeutic and diagnostic, or “theragnostic” biomedical applications. Two broad classes of particles are under development, viral and synthetic systems, each with their respective strengths and limitations. Here we adapt the phage lambda system to construct modular “designer” nanoparticles that blend these two approaches. We have constructed a variety of modified “decoration” proteins that allow site-specific modification of the shell with both protein and nonproteinaceous ligands including small molecules, carbohydrates, and synthetic display ligands. We show that the chimeric proteins can be used to simultaneously decorate the shell in a tunable surface density to afford particles that are physically homogeneous and that can be manufactured to display a variety of ligands in a defined composition. These designer nanoparticles set the stage for development of lambda as a theragnostic nanoparticle system.
Oral dexamethasone improved respiratory distress in children < 2 years of age with acute bronchiolitis.

Source Citation Schuh S, Coates AL, Binnie R, et al. Efficacy of oral dexamethasone in outpatients with acute bronchiolitis. J Pediatr. 2002 Jan;140:27-32. 11815760
Element‐free Galerkin method for thermosolutal convection and macrosegregation

In the present work, the element-free Galerkin (EFG) method is applied to a continuum solidification model that calculates thermosolutal convection and macrosegregation during dendritic solidification of multicomponent alloys. Simulations for directional solidification of a binary Pb-Sn alloy and a Ni-base quaternary alloy have been performed in a rectangular two-dimensional domain. In both calculations, the alloy melt is cooled from below and the growth of the mushy zone is followed in time. The formation of macrosegregation defects known as 'freckles' has been successfully simulated using the meshless EFG method. A varying degree of sensitivity of results to the number and distribution of meshfree particles was obtained. The potential of the method for a broader range of solidification models is discussed.
BaO(X 1Σ+) vibrational relaxation☆

Abstract Vibrationally excited BaO(X 1Σ+) was produced by reacting Ba atoms with O2 under “jet flow” conditions in which the convective flow velocity was large compared with the diffusion velocities so that the relaxation could be spatially resolved. The vibrational level populations were determined by laser-induced fluorescence measurements. By using modeling calculations to fit the spatial variation of the apparent vibrational temperature, we obtained a vibrational relaxation rate for BaO(X 1Σ+), ν = 1 → ν = 0, by Ar, of 9 × 10−13 cm3/molecule s.
Akt demoted in glioblastoma.

In glioblastomas, an Akt-independent, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten)–regulated signaling pathway links EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) to the phosphorylation of TOR (target of rapamycin) and of the ribosomal protein S6 and to the control of cell replication. Although PKCα (protein kinase Cα) has been identified as an essential component, the detailed wiring of this previously unexplored noncanonical pathway remains to be worked out.
Current advances in the development of forsterite lasers

Performance of the chromium-doped forsterite laser for various modes of operation is reviewed. Methods for generation of femtosecond pulses are presented. Stable transform limited tunable femtosecond pulses with FWHM of 50 fs were generated from a self mode- locked chromium-doped forsterite laser. Synchronous pumping provided the starting mechanism for self mode-locked operation.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Office Based—Is My Anesthetic Care Any Different? Assessment and Management

Office-based anesthesia (OBA) is a unique and challenging venue, and, although the clinical outcomes have not been evaluated extensively, existing data indicate a need for increased regulation and additional education. Outcomes in OBA can be improved by education not only of anesthesiologists but also of surgeons, proceduralists, and nursing staff. Legislators must be educated so that appropriate regulations are instituted governing the practice of office-based surgery and the lay public must be educated to make wise, informed decisions about choice of surgery location. The leadership of societies, along with support from the membership, must play a key role in this educational process; only then can OBA become as safe as the anesthesia care in traditional venues.
Complement Activation and Cytokine Generation After Modified Fontan Procedure

Abstract Background . The modified Fontan procedure separates the systemic and pulmonary circulations in patients born with a functional single ventricle. Delayed recovery is frequently observed after this procedure. It was our hypothesis that complement activation or cytokine generation may contribute to the pathophysiology of this problem. Methods . We measured activated complement C3, thromboxane B 2 , interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels by immunoassay in 16 patients undergoing Fontan procedure. Patient plasma samples were obtained preoperatively, on initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, after administration of protamine, and 1, 4, 8, and 24 hours postoperatively. Results . There was no early or late mortality in this cohort of patients. Low cardiac output developed in 3 of 16 patients, and pleural effusions developed in 5. The median length of hospital stay was 9 days. Activated complement C3 levels increased from a baseline of 1,486 ± 564 to 4,600 ± 454 ng/mL after cardiopulmonary bypass and administration of protamine, and returned to baseline by 24 hours. The level of interleukin-6 increased from 42 ± 32 to 176 ± 22 pg/mL and at 24 hours remained elevated at 71 ± 15 pg/mL. Neither thromboxane B 2 nor tumor necrosis factor-α levels increased significantly. Conclusions . The data demonstrate threefold to fourfold increases in activated complement C3 and interleukin-6, indicating that both humoral and cellular systems are affected. It is our conclusion that complement and cytokine activation may contribute to the delayed recovery observed after Fontan procedure.
Toxicokinetics of cinnamaldehyde in F344 rats

The toxicokinetic profile of cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) was investigated in Fischer 344 rats. CNMA was found to be unstable in blood. After iv administration, a large fraction of CNMA was immediately oxidized to cinnamic acid. The biological half-life of CNMA after iv administration was found to be 1.7 hr. After administration by gavage of CNMA at 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight using corn oil as vehicle, the maximum blood concentrations of CNMA were in the order of 1 microgram/ml. These low blood concentrations were maintained over a 24-hr period after a dose of 500 mg/kg, which is relatively long considering the short (1.7 hr) biological half-life of CNMA. The estimated oral bioavailability of CNMA was less than 20% for both the 250 and 500 mg/kg doses. No CNMA was present in blood at any time in rats dosed with 50 mg CNMA/kg body weight. Only a small amount of the administered CNMA was excreted in rat urine as free cinnamic acid or beta-glucuronide-conjugated cinnamic acid. The majority of CNMA administered orally was excreted in urine as hippuric acid within 24 hr. The maximum excretion rate occurred at 8 hr after gavage. Hippuric acid recovered in 50-hr urine samples was found to be directly proportional to the oral dose of CNMA.
Reconstitution of Human Arp2/3 Complex Reveals Critical Roles of Individual Subunits in Complex Structure and Activity

The Arp2/3 complex is a seven-protein assembly that is critical for actin nucleation and branching in cells. Here we report the reconstitution of active human Arp2/3 complex after expression of all seven subunits in insect cells. Expression of partial complexes revealed that a heterodimer of the p34 and p20 subunits constitutes a critical structural core of the complex, whereas the remaining subunits are peripherally located. Arp3 is crucial for nucleation, consistent with it being a structural component of the nucleation site. p41, p21, and p16 contribute differently to nucleation and stimulation by ActA and WASP, whereas p34/p20 bind actin filaments and likely function in actin branching. This study reveals that the nucleating and organizing functions of Arp2/3 complex subunits are separable, indicating that these activities may be differentially regulated in cells.
Bayesian mixture models for complex high dimensional count data in phage display experiments

Summary. Phage display is a biological process that is used to screen random peptide libraries for ligands that bind to a target of interest with high affinity. On the basis of a count data set from an innovative multistage phage display experiment, we propose a class of Bayesian mixture models to cluster peptide counts into three groups that exhibit different display patterns across stages. Among the three groups, the investigators are particularly interested in that with an ascending display pattern in the counts, which implies that the peptides are likely to bind to the target with strong affinity. We apply a Bayesian false discovery rate approach to identify the peptides with the strongest affinity within the group. A list of peptides is obtained, among which important ones with meaningful functions are further validated by biologists. To examine the performance of the Bayesian model, we conduct a simulation study and obtain desirable results.
Transvaginal ultrasound and the success of medical abortion

Outcome predictors of success may help to streamline the medical abortion process. As one of the Population Council mifepristone trial sites in 1994, we gathered ultrasound images prior to discharge from the clinic on Day 3 (same day as misoprostol dosing). This study was designed to determine if Day 3 ultrasound findings predict final outcome in medical abortions up to 63 days gestation using the FDA approved dosing protocol. Enrolled patients underwent medical termination of gestations up to 63 days with 600 mg of mifepristone (Mifeprex), followed in 48 h by 400 mg of oral misoprostol (Cytotec) w1x. Patients received their misoprostol in the clinic and were observed for at least 4 h. Ultrasounds were performed just prior to discharge from the clinic on Day 3. Successful medical abortion was defined as complete expulsion of the pregnancy with no suction curettage (DyC). Failure was defined as the need for suction curettage for any indication. A total of 178 women with gestations of up to 63 days were enrolled in Portland, Oregon. Six patients were lost to follow-up and seven patients
Discrepancies between home medications listed at hospital admission and reported medical conditions.

Abstract Background: One of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization's National Patient Safety Goals is for hospitals to accurately and completely reconcile patients' medications. Unfortunately, medication histories in charts might bc inaccurate and incomplete. In a thorough medication history, each medication should match a particular reported medical condition. The use of medications without a clear reported indication is of particular concern and has bccn associated with inappropriate use and polypharmacy. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the occurrence of discrepancies between home medications listed in hospital admission notes and patients' reported medical conditions and to describe the types of medications most often identified as not having a corresponding indication. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, data were included from adult patients (≥18 years of age) who were receiving ≥3 home medications on admission to medical wards at a university hospital during a 6-month period. Each home medication listed in the admission note, together with any preadmission paperwork, was matched with an indication listed in the note. Medications were deemed unspecified if an indicated disease state or condition for the medication was not reported. Results: Data from 121 patients were included. The majority (91.7%) of the patients were admitted to an internal medicine service. Eighty-four patients (69.4%) had ≥1 unspecified medication listed in the admission note. Patients with ≥1 unspecified home medication reported taking a signifcantly higher number of home medications (10.2 [4.5] vs 7.5 [3.5] in those without unspecified medications; P = 0.007). Thirty-two patients (26.4%) were receiving proton pump inhibitors or histamine type 2 antagonists without a reported indication. Seventeen patients (14.0%) were receiving selective scrotonin rcuptakc inhibitors without a reported indication. Conclusions: Nearly 70% of patients admitted to a medical ward had ≥1 unspecified medication listed in the admission note. Based on these results, health care professionals must bc careful to obtain and document complete medication histories with matching indications.
Relational Spirituality among Adult Students in Nontraditional Programs.

This article presents some of the findings from a recent study on adult students (25 years and older) in Christian nontraditional programs and the implications these findings have for Christian higher education. One goal of the study was to develop a better understanding of adult spirituality. Utilizing a descriptive, cross-sectional survey approach and a causal comparative design, this study obtained data in measures of spirituality from 292 adult students in nontraditional programs and compared those data to that from 375 traditional-aged students in conventional college programs. Both samples were drawn from institutions within the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). The independent variable was age as related to program type: adults 25 years and older in nontraditional programs and traditional-aged students 18 to 24 years in conventional college programs. The dependent variables in this study were measures of spirituality produced by the Furnishing the Soul Inventory (FSI). The FSI i...
Communications with Management in Times of Difficulty and Crisis: Silence Explained∗

Whether and how employees communicate with management in times of difficulty or crisis, was the primary focus of this article. In particular, the spiral of silence theory was reviewed and critically analyzed and its viability in an organizational communication context as explanation for why employees choose not to communicate with management was considered. The theory has considerable potential with regard to explaining and predicting how individuals communicate in such settings. The role silence plays in an organizational context was a primary focus, and recommendations were made for future research in this area.
On the Opening of Premixed Bunsen Flame Tips

The local extinction of Bunsen flame tip and edges of hydrocarbon/air premixtures has been experimentally investigated using a variety of burners. Results show that, while for both rich propane/air and butane/air mixtures tip opening occurs at a constant fuel equivalence ratio of 1.44 and is therefore independent of the intensity, uniformity, and configuration of the approach flow, for rich methane/air flames burning is intensified at the tip and therefore opening is not possible. These results substantiate the concept and dominance of the diffusional stratification mechanism in causing extinction, and clarify the theoretical predictions on the possible opening of two-dimensional flame wedges.
Noninvasive Technique for Detection of Electrical Activity During the P-R Segment

Many recent clinical studies of the His-Purkinje system have utilized intracardiac catheter recordings. This study describes a technique for recording activity of the ventricular specialized conduction system from the body surface. Unlike the standard electrocardiographic signals, approximately one mV at the body surface, the electrical activity of the His-Purkinje system is in the microvolt range at the body surface. In 15 anesthetized dogs, His bundle electrograms, standard ECG recordings, and a highly amplified, filtered bipolar lead across the chest were recorded. The application of signal averaging to the surface leads allows for extraction of the periodic signal (His-Purkinje activity) from random electrical noise. The heart was paced from the right atrium to insure periodicity of the heart rate and to obtain a valid average. By pacing at progressively higher rates, there was a progressive increase in the P-R segment, so that a series of potentials (defined here as the C complex) could be observed occurring prior to ventricular activity. The morphology and temporal relationships of His bundle (H) activity and the G complex to ventricular activity remained constant at all paced rates. H-V times averaged 29 ± 2 msec; correspondingly, the onset of G to V was 29 ± 2 msec. Procainamide was used to alter His-Purkinje conduction times. Comparison of the preventricular activity with the His bundle electrogram showed almost identical time intervals in the control and after drug administration, H-V = 37 ± 3 msec. Thus by using the signal averaging technique, signals that are associated with the His-Purkinje system can be detected on the body surface and validated in various experimental situations.
Reversible logic for supercomputing

This paper is about making reversible logic a reality for supercomputing. Reversible logic offers a way to exceed certain basic limits on the performance of computers, yet a powerful case will have to be made to justify its substantial development expense. This paper explores the limits of current, irreversible logic for supercomputers, thus forming a threshold above which reversible logic is the only solution. Problems above this threshold are discussed, with the science and mitigation of global warming being discussed in detail. To further develop the idea of using reversible logic in supercomputing, a design for a 1 Zettaflops supercomputer as required for addressing global climate warming is presented. However, to create such a design requires deviations from the mainstream of both the software for climate simulation and research directions of reversible logic. These deviations provide direction on how to make reversible logic practical
Characterization of a novel bovine leukocyte protein involved in cell‐cell adhesion

: Preliminary characterization of an apparently novel bovine leukocyte adhesion protein is described. Two IgG1 monoclonal antibodies, UC-C1 and UC-H5, raised against established cultures of IL-2-dependent bovine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were found to react with an antigen expressed by the majority of bovine peripheral blood leukocytes. Immunoprecipitation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the antigen produced a distinct protein band of molecular weight 160 000, and additional diffuse protein bands of approximate molecular weight 180 000, 175 000 and 150 000. Two-color flow cytometric analyses showed that the antigen was expressed at low density on a small proportion of circulating B lymphocytes, but was highly expressed on all circulating T lymphocytes. The majority of monocytes and all granulocytes expressed the antigen at a density lower than that of T lymphocytes. Peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with concanavalin A had an approximately 3-fold increased expression of the antigen, which was apparent within 18 h and remained stable in long-term cultures. Expression of the antigen in thymus, analyzed by the immunoperoxidase technique, was predominantly restricted to thymocytes in the immediate subcapsular cortex and medulla; expression in lymph nodes and spleen was predominantly confined to lymphocytes in T-cell areas. Flow-cytometric analysis demonstrated that thymocytes and the majority of peripheral and mesenteric lymph node-derived T cells had relatively low surface density of antigen compared to circulating T cells. Binding of UC-C1 or UC-H5 to the antigen on lymphocytes induced homotypic aggregation. UC-C1 completely blocked binding of FITC-conjugated UC-H5 to blood mononuclear cells, suggesting that the antibodies recognize the same epitope or proximal epitopes.
Implementing Global Strategy: Characteristics of Global Subsidiary Mandates

Implementing a global strategy requires coordinating subsidiary activities across country locations. The assumption often made is that such coordination must be managed at headquarters. However, an alternate approach is decentralized-centralized responsibilities in which different subsidiaries within the multinational are given worldwide mandates to manage specific products or products lines. This study identifies subsidiary characteristics that are associated with receiving a global mandate by examining foreign subsidiaries located in France, Germany, Japan, U.K., U.S., and Canada.
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation during sea urchin fertilization: Microtubule dynamics require tyrosine kinase activity

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation plays an important role in cell growth, mitosis, and tumorigenesis. It has also been implicated in meiotic maturation and fertilization. We have used anti-phosphotyrosine immunofluorescence and immunoblotting to identify sperm and egg proteins which are phosphorylated on tyrosine residues prior to and during sea urchin fertilization. On immunoblots of sperm proteins, the monoclonal anti-phosphotyrosine antibody detected three major proteins with molecular weights of 44, 82, and 100 kD, and six minor bands at 46, 48, 70, 76, 95, and 150 kD. These phosphotyrosyl proteins were localized to the sperm acrosomal and centriolar fossae. In contrast, staining was found globally in unfertilized eggs, and the antibody recognized two major egg phosphotyrosyl proteins of molecular weights 42 and 50 kD, and five minor bands at 40, 90, 116, 130, and 150 kD. While immunofluorescent staining remained throughout the fertilized egg cytoplasm, there were dynamic changes in the staining intensity of single bands. The 90 kD immunoreactive band increased in intensity, and the 40 and 42 kD bands disappeared by 15 min after fertilization. Loss of the 40 and 42 kD bands was due to dephosphorylation by okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatase(s). The 50 kD immunoreactive protein was unchanged up to the 8-cell stage and was still present in blastulae, indicating its importance throughout fertilization and early development. Alterations in the pattern of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins during fertilization did not depend on nascent proteins and could not be completely mimicked by increasing intracellular calcium, pH, and protein kinase C activity alone. Since changes in the fertilization pattern of phosphotyrosyl proteins occurred during formation of the sperm aster and mitotic spindle, we analyzed the role of protein tyrosine kinase activity in these processes using the tyrosine kinase specific inhibitor, erbstatin. Both the sperm aster and mitotic spindle were disrupted, indicating an involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation in these processes during interphase and mitosis. We conclude that the changes in phosphotyrosyl proteins play an important role in fertilization and early development of sea urchin eggs. Control of microtubule assembly into the sperm aster and mitotic spindle of the first cell cycle are examples of such roles. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Melting behaviour of controlled rheology polypropylene

Abstract The melting behaviour of reactor-made isotactic polypropylene (PP) and various controlled rheology polypropylene (CR-PP) samples crystallized under both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and the crystal structure of isothermally crystallized samples at 120°C was investigated using wide angle X-ray diffraction. Multiple endotherms were observed dependent on the molecular weight of the samples, heating rate and cooling rate, and method of crystallization. Recrystallization or reorganization occurred more easily for low molecular weight samples and also for fast cooled samples during the reheating and the melting process. The isothermally crystallized CR-PPs produced by peroxide controlled degradation showed a small melting endotherm peak at ∼143°C which is probably connected to the β form crystal, while unreacted PP showed the α form crystal only. The small endotherm peak was more prominent in one CR-PP sample of intermediate molecular weight. Attempts were made to explain this behaviour through the observed maximum in the half-time of crystallization versus molecular weight plot.
Massively Parallel Three-Dimensional Toroidal Gyrokinetic Flux-Tube Turbulence Simulation

A massively parallel three-dimensional nonlinear gyrokinetic flux-tube simulation model is discussed. This simulation is used to study turbulent heat transport in core tokamak fusion plasmas. This model allows for high resolution simulations of ion-temperature-gradient-driven turbulence using realistic plasma parameters assuming locality of the turbulent fluctuations. The simulation model, computational techniques, and parallel algorithms are discussed. The use of field-aligned coordinates allows for a natural domain decomposition in the direction along the magnetic field with good parallel performance. Digital filtering along the field line maintains proper toroidal and poloidal periodicity. A new approach to parallelization, “domain cloning,” is presented. Domain cloning is another layer of parallelization. It is an alternative to a two-dimensional domain decomposition and may be useful for clustered symmetric-multiprocessor machines. Performance results are presented for two high-performance massively parallel computers.
Safety and Tolerability of SBRT after High-Dose External Beam Radiation to the Lung.

Purpose: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is commonly used to treat unresectable lung nodules. Given its relative safety and effective local control, SBRT has also been used to treat recurrent lung nodules after high dose external beam radiation (EBRT) to the lung. The toxicity of such treatment is unknown. Methods & Materials: Between 2006 and 2012, 18 subjects at the Mayo Clinic with 27 recurrent lung nodules were treated with SBRT after receiving EBRT to the lung. Median local control, overall survival, and progression free survival were described. Acute toxicity and late toxicity (defined as toxicity >= or > 90 days, respectively) were reported and graded as per standardized CTCAE 4.0 criteria. Results: The median age of patients treated was 68 years. 15 patients had recurrent lung cancer as their primary histology. 12 patients received ≥60 Gy of conventional EBRT prior to SBRT. SBRT dose and fractionation varied; the most common prescriptions were 48 Gy/4 fractions, 54 Gy/3 fractions, and 50 Gy/5 fractions. Only 4 patients had SBRT PTVs that overlapped more than 50% of their prior EBRT planning target volumes. Two patients developed local recurrence following SBRT. With a median follow up of 21.2 months, median SBRT specific overall survival and progression free survival were 21.7 months and 12.3 months respectively. No grade ≥ 3 acute or late toxicities were noted. Conclusion: SBRT may be a good salvage option for select patients with recurrent lung nodules following definitive EBRT to the chest. Toxicity is minimal and local control is excellent.
The Relationship between Hospital-Based Healthcare Personnel Perceptions of Safety Culture and the Occurrence of Sharps Injuries

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hospital-based healthcare personnel (HCP) sustain an estimated 385,000 sharps injuries (SI) each year in the United States. Sharps injury prevention efforts have been primarily focused on providing safer needle devices and reducing unsafe work practices. However, HCP perceptions of institutional safety culture have been associated with adherence to universal precautions and the risk of sustaining blood and body fluid exposures (BBFE). We examined perceptions of safety culture among HCP at a large multi-facility medical center to assess the relationship between HCP attitudes and the risk of SI. METHODS: A 33-item survey was mailed to the home addresses of 13,700 employees of Detroit Medical Center from June-July 2005. Data obtained included occupational demographics, perceptions of safety culture, knowledge of SI/BBFE reporting procedures, SI incident history, reasons for not reporting SI/BBFE, and post-BBFE care experiences. A 13-item safety culture construct measured perceptions of safety culture using a 5-point Likert scale; a total safety culture score was created for each respondent by adding the scores for each question. Associations between perceptions of safety culture and SI occurrence were assessed using bivariate associations and simple logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 13,700 surveys mailed, 3,043 (22%) were returned. One-third of all respondents were employed in patient care services (nursing). Most (87%) respondents were familiar with hospital protocols for reporting SI/BBFE; 109 (3.6%) recalled sustaining an SI in the past 12 months. The average safety culture score was 49.4 (range 4-65; highest possible score = 65); 568 (19%) gave positive responses (agreed or strongly agreed) to all questions. After adjusting for occupation, work shift, and knowledge of hospital reporting procedures, respondents with positive perceptions of safety culture (higher total safety culture score) were less likely (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95, 0.99) to have sustained an SI in the previous 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HCP perceptions of safety culture may influence the risk of sustaining an SI. Perceptions of safety culture should be measured when designing an SI prevention program in hospitals.
Sedimentation and resuspension in a New England salt marsh

Particulate matter in a salt marsh can undergo repeated sedimentation and resuspension. Sedimentation measured with sediment traps, increases with tidal amplitude in areas with fast tidal currents, but is unaffected by tidal amplitude in areas with slow currents. The total sedimentation of particulate nitrogen in areas with slow tidal currents is three times as large as the gross tidal exchanges of particulate nitrogen between the marsh and coastal waters. Net tidal export of particles by the marsh suggests that sedimentation is more than offset by resuspension. Resuspension of fine (4–40 µm) particles occurs early in the flood tide in tidal creeks with slow currents. This resuspension does not increase with tidal amplitude, suggesting that it is not caused by tidal currents.
Load angle based optimal reclosing technique of circuit breakers for power quality enhancement

This paper proposes a new method of optimal reclosing based on the total load angles of the synchronous generators in a multi-machine power system. First the optimal reclosing times are determined, and then the performance of the proposed reclosing method and that of the conventional reclosing technique is compared. In order to analyze the reclosing techniques, the IEEE nine bus power system model is considered. Both balanced and unbalanced temporary and permanent faults at different locations in the power system model are considered. Two indices are considered to evaluate the system performance in terms of power quality enhancement. Simulation results indicate that the proposed total load angles based optimal reclosing technique is effective to maintain the power quality in a multi-machine power system. Moreover, the performance of the proposed reclosing method is better than that of the conventional reclosing method.
MMP9 production by human monocyte-derived macrophages is decreased on polymerized type I collagen

The production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), such as MMP9, by macrophages may be a critical factor in the rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques and aortic aneurysms. Therefore, we studied the role of matrix and soluble cytokines in the regulation of monocyte/macrophage expression of MMP9. Although freshly isolated monocytes synthesize little MMP9, cells cultured on tissue-culture plastic differentiate into macrophages and synthesize maximal amounts of MMP9. Differentiated macrophages cultured on plastic are unresponsive to further stimulation by interleukin 1beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, or platelet-derived growth factor BB. In contrast, monocytes cultured on polymerized collagen synthesize much less MMP9 than cells cultured on plastic and demonstrate a more than three-fold increase in MMP9 synthesis in response to interleukin 1beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and platelet-derived growth factor BB. To determine whether the physical state of the collagen was critical for the decrease in basal synthesis of MMP9, monocytes were cultured in suspension for 5 days to allow differentiation and then seeded onto monomer or polymerized collagen. Synthesis of MMP9 was significantly decreased in cells on polymerized collagen and modestly increased in macrophages seeded on monomer collagen. These results suggest that MMP9 synthesis by macrophages in the vessel wall may be under negative control by native, polymerized collagen and that disruption of this native conformation could increase MMP9 production. In addition, cells in contact with the collagen matrix are potentially more responsive to soluble mediators such as platelet-derived growth factor, interleukin 1beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha.
EFFECT OF A GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSING DECAL PROVISION ON THE RATE OF CRASHES AND CITATIONS AMONG YOUNG PROBATIONARY DRIVERS

Background Decal provisions have been implemented internationally to facilitate police enforcement of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law restrictions (eg, passenger limits, nighttime curfew). However, a rigorous evaluation of this provision has not yet been conducted. The state of New Jersey (NJ) implemented the first-in-the-US decal provision on 1 May 2010. Aims/Objectives/Purpose To evaluate the effect of NJ9s decal provision on the rate of citations issued for violation of GDL restrictions and police-reported crashes among probationary drivers Methods We linked NJ9s crash and licensing databases from 1 January 2008 through 31 May 2011 to identify each driver9s monthly license status, age, and outcome status. Monthly rates were calculated as the proportion of licensed probationary drivers who experienced the outcome in that month. Negative binomial regression models with robust SEs were used to determine the decal9s effect on crash and citation rates. Results/Outcomes In the first year after the law9s implementation, there was a two-fold increase in the GDL citation rate (adjusted RR (95% CI) 2.02 (1.79 to 2.27)), a 9% reduction in the rate of police-reported crashes (adjusted RR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.86 to 0.97)), and a predicted 1624 young probationary drivers whose crashes were prevented by the law. Significance/Contribution to the field This study uniquely contributes to the international scientific evidence base for GDL by providing the first evidence of the effectiveness of a decal provision in enhancing enforcement of GDL restrictions and reducing probationary driver crashes.
Combined malonic, methylmalonic and ethylmalonic acid semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiencies: an inborn error of beta-alanine, L-valine and L-alloisoleucine metabolism?

Defects of branched-chain amino acid metabolism in man unique to the L-valine catabolic pathway are rare. L-Valine aminotransferase (McKusick 277100, EC 2.6.1.32), 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-coenzyme A deacylase (McKusick 277080, EC 3.1.2.4), and methylmalonic acid semialdehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.27) deficiencies have each been documented in one patient (Brown et al 1982; Gray et al 1987). Recently six patients have been identified with elevated excretion of 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid, an intermediate of the L-valine catabolic pathway (Mienie and Erasmus 1990; Ko et al 1991; Brewster et al 1991; Chitayat et al 1992)
Geographic variation in malarial parasite lineages in the common yellowthroat ( Geothlypis trichas )

Our current understanding of migration routes of many birds is limited and researchers have employed various methods to determine migratory patterns. Recently, parasites have been used to track migratory birds. The objective of this study was to determine whether haemosporidian parasite lineages detect significant geographic structure in common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas). We examined liver tissue or blood from 552 birds sampled from multiple locations throughout the continental United States, southern Canada, and the Bahamas. We found a 52.7% overall prevalence of haematozoan infection. We identified 86.1% of these infections to genus: 81% were Plasmodium; 5% were Haemoproteus; and 0.1% were Leucocytozoon. There were significant differences in the prevalence of different parasite genera among regions (χ2 = 36.82, P < 0.0001) and in the proportion of Plasmodium infections versus other parasites among regions (χ2 = 35.52, P < 0.0001). Sequence information identified three Haemoproteus lineages, two Leucocytozoon lineages, and thirteen Plasmodium lineages. Due to the low number of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, only Plasmodium lineages were used in the geographic comparison of lineages. Six Plasmodium lineages were found in eight or more birds and the prevalence of these varied significantly among regions (χ2 = 172.33, P < 0.0001). Additionally, 45 juvenile birds were sampled to determine what parasites could be obtained in the breeding grounds and we found only one lineage. In conclusion, parasite lineages show some geographic structure, with some lineages being more geographically specific than others, but are not useful for determining migratory connectivity in this species.
An application of group theory to the existence and nonexistence of orthogonal latin squares

SUMMARY Three theorems on the construction of orthogonal latin squares are presented. The first describes a general procedure for constructing orthogonal latin squares of odd order. The second theorem proves that the procedure of theorem one fails for some families of latin squares of even order. The last theorem demonstrates that certain families of latin squares of even order are orthogonally mateless.
Symmetry-Induced Modal Characteristics of Uniform Waveguides --- II: Theory

The application of symmetry analysis to uniform waveguides is discussed. Symmetry analysis provides exact information concerning mode classification, mode degeneracy, modal electromagnetic- field symmetries, and the minimum waveguide sectors which completely determine the modes in each mode class. This paper provides a summary of the development. that leads to the results concerning symmetry-induced modal characteristics of uniform waveguides discussed in the previous paper. Some of the concepts of group theory are introduced, including the irreducible representations of symmetry groups. The use of the irreducible representations to determine the mode classes and their degeneracies is described. The projection operators belonging to the irreducible representations are introduced and their application to determining the azimuthal symmetry of the modal fields is explained. The minimum waveguide sectors for the mode classes are obtained from the azimuthal symmetry of the modal fields.
Conservative, Non-conservative and Average Pairwise Statistical Significance of Local Sequence Alignment

Estimation of statistical significance of a pairwise alignment is an important problem in sequence comparison. Recently, it was shown that pairwise statistical significance does better in practice than database statistical significance in terms of retrieval accuracy of homologs. In this paper, we introduce the concept of conservative, non-conservative, and average pairwise statistical significance which can be easily derived from original pairwise statistical significance estimates and use more information specific to the sequence pair under consideration using multiple shuffle spaces. Experimental results for homology detection reveal that the proposed measures give at least comparable or significantly better retrieval accuracy than original pairwise statistical significance and database statistical significance reported by BLAST, PSI-BLAST, and SSEARCH. The use of the proposed measures is further shown to be extremely useful when using sequence-specific substitution matrices.