cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peptidoglycan Induces Nitrosative Injury and Primary Oligodendrogliopathy (P05.175)

OBJECTIVE: To examine the development of nitrosative injury mediated primary oligodendrogliopathy following in vitro and in vivo exposure to peptidoglycan. BACKGROUND: We had previously shown that injection of LPS into white matter tracts of the CNS induces primary demyelination and resembles Type III oligodendrogliopathy. In this model, apoptosis of oligodendrocytes and loss of cellular markers of astrocytes precede the histological development of demyelination. Since the development of an autoimmune syndrome is often preceded by an exposure to a "danger signal" we examined if activation of other TLR ligands is capable of inducing nitrosative injury to oligodendrocytes in vitro and nitrosative mediated primary demyelination in vivo. DESIGN/METHODS: Primary oligodendrocytes were cultured in vitro with peptidoglycan and the activation of nitric oxide synthase and injury to mitochondrial enzymes were determined . Adult rats were anesthetized and injected into the corpus callosum of soluble of peptidoglycan or saline. Animals were sacrificed at different time points and the development and examined by immunohistochemistry for the development of demyelination. RESULTS: Culture of oligodendrocytes in vitro led to activation of nitric oxide synthase, increase in NO production and NO mediated mitochondrial injury. Injection of peptidoglycan into the white matter tracts leads to a rapid loss of oligodendrocyte and the accumulation of tyrosninated proteins in oligodendrocytes which co-localized to oligodendrocytes undergoing apoptosis. This was followed by the extensive development of demyelination in the corpus callosum. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that activation of the NOD/2 ligand of PGN, leads to the activation of NO in oligodendrocytes and accumulation of nitrosative products. Injection of PGN in vivo led to the development of primary demyelination and accumulation of nitrotyrosine in oligodendroctyes. Demyelination mediated by PGN shows similarities to primary oligodendrogliopathy seen in MS and hence is a model of primary oligodendrogliopathy. Disclosure: Dr. Yao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Natarajan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zhang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sriram has nothing to disclose.
Education Research: Electronic patient portal enrollment and no-show rates within a neurology resident clinic

Objective To identify factors that affect appointment adherence and investigate the association of electronic patient portal (ePP) enrollment and patient adherence rates to appointments in the Neurology Resident Clinic (NRC). Methods Patients scheduled for an appointment during the months of October 2015, February 2016, and June 2016 in the NRC were included. ePP enrollment, date of clinic appointment, method of referral to the clinic, and key demographic criteria were collected. χ 2 tests were performed to assess the association of appointment status (i.e., no-show, showed, and canceled) with demographic, comorbidity, and visit information. Results Patients with ePP enrollment had significantly lower rates of no-show (19% vs 27%) and higher rates of showed (59% vs 48%) compared to patients without ePP enrollment. Younger patients (18–49) had the highest rates of no-show (28%), while older patients (65+) had the lowest rates of no-show (17%). Caucasian patients had significantly lower rates of no-show compared to non-Caucasian patients (14% vs 24%). Non-English-speaking patients had high rates of no-show (34%). Patients with a physician referral had significantly lower rates of no-show (20% vs 28%) and higher rates of showed (61% vs 44%) compared to patients with a self-referral. Conclusions Our study indicates that ePP enrollment, age, race, and physician referral might be associated with reduced no-show rates in the NRC.
A Unified Force and Torque Balance for Colloid Transport: Predicting Attachment and Mobilization under Favorable and Unfavorable Conditions.

Colloid attachment and detachment behaviors concern a wide range of environmental contexts but have typically been mechanistically predicted exclusive of one another despite their obvious coupling....
On estimating physical and chemical properties of hydrocarbon fuels using mid-infrared FTIR spectra and regularized linear models

Abstract The concept of a compact, economical FTIR-based analyzer for estimating the properties of hydrocarbon fuels with small amounts of fuel is proposed. The high correlations between mid-IR FTIR absorption spectra of fuel vapor in the range 3300–3550 nm and 15 physical and chemical properties, such as density, initial boiling point, surface tension, kinematic viscosity, number of carbon and hydrogen per average molecule, and derived cetane number, for 64 hydrocarbon fuels are demonstrated. Lasso-regularized linear models based on linear combination of absorption cross sections at selected wavelengths are built for each of these physical and chemical properties, yielding accurate estimations.
Medical tourism in Japan: an examination of Japan's international hospitals' online communication

This study examines the online information about Japanese hospitals, designated Japan international hospitals by the Japanese government, provided at JAPAN Hospital Search, a government portal site, and the hospital websites in order to explore how these hospitals are presented online and attempt to appeal to the perceived needs of prospective medical tourists. The content of 39 hospital websites are analysed across five dimensions: hospital information and facilities, admissions and medical services, interactive online services, external activities, and technical items. Results show differences in the extent to which the hospitals convey information across the five dimensions. Additionally, the findings reveal inconsistencies between the hospital information presented at JAPAN Hospital Search and the hospital websites. Recommendations for improving the online communication about the hospitals are discussed, and suggestions for future research are proposed. The study serves as a starting point for further research on the online communication about Japan international hospitals as Japan strives to grow its medical tourism industry.
Development of a Silver Diamine Fluoride Protocol in Safety Net Dental Settings.

Purpose: In the United States, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a new method to arrest dental caries. Protocols for using SDF are under development as the research evolves and experience is gained with different populations and settings. The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive SDF protocol for young children tailored to safety net dental clinics (SNDCs). Methods: We developed the SDF protocol for SNDCs through a two-step process: (1) an expert panel of pediatric dentists reviewed, modified, and expanded existing SDF protocols including clinical, pre- and post-clinical components; and (2) the new SDF protocol was implemented in three SNDCs in North Carolina with on-site didactic training, clinical observations and discussion. We obtained feedback from SNDC dentists, staff, and administrators to further refine the SDF protocol. Results: The SDF protocol was tailored to SNDCs based on recommendations from SNDCs themselves. Suggested improvements were primarily non-clinical in nature, such as the provision of laminated SDF information with color pictures of staining in each operatory, a timer for SDF procedure, and templates for documentation, coding, and billing. Conclusion: To facilitate SDF use in SNDCs, we developed an expert-consensus protocol that incorporated the clinical experience of SNDCs that implemented the protocol. (J Dent Child 2019;86(1):32-9) Received September 17, 2018; Last Revision November 7, 2018; Accepted November 7, 2018.
Detecting empathy in public organizations: Creating a more relational public administration

Public organizations fulfill critical needs in communities across the United States, such as housing, environmental protection, public education, and more. In this important role, healthy public or...
Review of Communication Alternatives in Autism: Perspectives on Typing and Spelling Approaches for the Nonspeaking

Communication Alternatives in Autism consists of ten chapters credited, respectively, to ten individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who share two key characteristics: they struggle to comm...
Standards and Trends in Lipoabdominoplasty.

Background Lipoabdominoplasty has evolved over the last 6 decades through contributions from numerous luminaries in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Methods The authors review historical perspective and provide a contemporary examination of trends in lipoabdominoplasty. Results In 1967, Pitanguy popularized abdominoplasty (without liposuction) as a technique for augmenting ventral hernias repairs and subsequently for aesthetic improvement of the abdomen. After the introduction of suction assisted lipectomy by Illouz in 1983, abdominoplasty became a central tool in a diverse armamentarium of anterior and lateral abdominal wall contouring procedures. Liposuction was initially utilized with mini-abdominoplasty in order to improve contour. Subsequently, Matarasso advanced the safe combination of liposuction with full abdominoplasty. Additionally, he systematized the variety of cutaneous undermining, excision, and liposuction procedures utilized in abdominal contouring as indicated by the degree of skin laxity and musculofascial diastasis. Lockwood advocated high lateral tension closure of the superficial fascial system of the abdomen to improve the contour of the hips and flanks. Saldanha advanced selective undermining and anterior abdominal wall perforator preservation to minimize wound healing and seroma complications associated with lipoabdominoplasty procedures. Conclusion In abdominal contour surgery, surgeons can rely on classic techniques and algorithms that have withstood the test of time while modifying their approaches with advances backed by compelling and rigorously obtained evidence.
Parental Leave and Classism: Balancing Rights and Interests Utilizing Weber’s Model of Analysis

Several federal statutes protect women from pregnancy-related discrimination (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA Amendments Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act) and provide for unpaid maternity lea...
Histological features of complete tracheal rings in congenital tracheal stenosis.

Congenital tracheal stenosis is a disease in which complete tracheal cartilage rings (CTCR) cause airway narrowing. Although tracheal cartilage malformation has been suggested as a cause of CTCR, no histological studies have been performed. Here, we report a comparison of the tissues from CTCR and normal tracheal cartilage. Thirty-one infants who underwent slide tracheoplasty at our institution from May 2016 to August 2019 were included. Tissues from ten autopsy cases without tracheal lesions were used as controls. The survey items were tracheal cartilage cell density, cartilage thickness, and chondrocyte findings. The median cartilage cell density from cases was 23/125 × 125 µm2 and from controls was 23.5/125 × 125 µm2 (p = 0.90). The median cartilage thickness from cases was 689 µm and from controls was 840 µm (p = 0.11). Comparing the ventral and dorsal sides of the CTCR tissues, the cell density was significantly different (median ventral 23/125 × 125 µm2; median dorsal 19.5/125 × 125 µm2; p = 0.034). There were no significant findings in the chondrocytes of the CTCR tissues. CTCR tissues did not differ in cartilage density and thickness from normal tracheal cartilage.
Can primary hepatocellular carcinoma histomorphology predict extrahepatic metastasis

Summary Studies comparing the histomorphologic features and phenotypic heterogeneity between primary and its corresponding metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the histomorphologic features and heterogeneity between primary and metastatic HCC. A total of 39 cases with both primary and metastatic tissues were identified from pathology archives (2000–2019). The common sites of metastasis included lung (28.21%), abdominal cavity (25.64%), lymph nodes (20.51%), bone (17.95%), soft tissue (15.38%), and adrenal gland (10.26%). Both the primary and metastatic tumors showed heterogeneity in intratumoral histologic patterns (87.18% and 76.92%, respectively). The most common histologic pattern was solid in both primary (61.54%) and metastases (56.41%), followed by macrotrabecular in primary (17.95%) and metastases (10.26%). Among HCC-subtypes, macrotrabecular-massive HCC was the most common subtype in both primary and metastases (28.21% each). Primary tumors in noncirrhotic livers were more likely to have larger size and microvascular invasion than those in cirrhotic livers. The histomorphology (histologic pattern, subtype, and grade) between the primary and metastases was discordant in about 50% cases (48.72%, 48.72%, and 51.28%, respectively). Our findings exhibit significant intratumoral heterogeneity and histomorphologic discordance between primary and metastatic HCCs. The solid and macrotrabecular histologic patterns and the macrotrabecular-massive subtype were the most common histomorphologic features seen in primary tumors associated with metastasis. Further studies to identify and explore different pathways that promote HCC metastasis and to compare the differences between primary and metastatic tumors on a larger cohort are needed to better understand the pathogenesis of metastasis.
Optimizing Smoke Alarm Signals for Those at Highest Risk for Residential Fire-Related Death: Testing the Effectiveness of Children’s Smoke Alarms for Sleeping Older Adults

To test whether alarms that are effective in awakening children and prompting their escape are also effective among older adults 60 to 84 years old. These two age groups are at highest risk of residential fire-related death. Using a randomized, non-blinded, repeated measures design, 31 older adults were exposed during the N2 or N3 sleep stages to four different smoke alarms signals: female voice, low-frequency tone, female voice combined with low-frequency tone (hybrid alarm), and high-frequency tone. The median age of study subjects was 62.0 years and 87.1% were female. All (n = 31) subjects awakened and performed the escape procedure to all four alarms; The median time-to-awaken was 1.0 s for all four alarms and the median time-to-escape was 4.0 s for the female voice alarm and 5.0 s for the other three alarms. Pairwise comparisons among all four alarms did not show any significant differences in the probability functions for time-to-awaken or time-to-escape. Older adult participants rapidly awakened and performed the escape procedure to all the alarm types tested. Study results suggest that smoke alarms that were developed for the unique developmental requirements of sleeping children are also effective among sleeping older adults. The findings of this study contribute to identification of smoke alarm signals that are effective for individuals of all ages.
Difference in Response to Feedback and Gender in Three Therapeutic Community Units

Therapeutic communities (TCs) for substance abuse incorporate a system of peer feedback through written affirmations and corrections. Previous research has found that TC residents show a response to affirmations that is detectable for roughly 8 weeks, with response to corrections being of shorter duration and weaker overall. It is not clear whether and to what extent response to feedback in TCs varies between men and women. Previous research in other settings suggests that women should be more responsive to feedback than men. In order to test this hypothesis we draw on a large dataset of affirmations and corrections sent and received in three 80 bed TC units, two of which house men and one of which houses women. The analysis uses a multilevel negative binomial model, treating affirmations and corrections that TC residents receive as predictors of affirmations that they send over a 9 week period (week 0, the week during which affirmations and corrections are actually sent, and eight subsequent weeks). The model controls for gender, age, race, unit and scores on the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R). The relationship between affirmations received and those sent is stronger for women during the initial week and on lags 1-2 and 5-8. The relationship between corrections received and affirmations sent is stronger for women on lags 2 and 8. Graphs suggest that response to affirmations falls off in an exponential curve, while that to corrections appears to include a periodic element. These results indicate that both men and women respond to feedback, but that the strength of the women's response is somewhat greater. These results suggest that any difference in suitability by gender to the feedback approach that characterizes TCs may favor women.
Visceral artery aneurysms

Visceral artery aneurysms are uncommon, approximately 3000 splanchnic artery aneurysms having been reported in the literature1. The incidence has been increasing in recent years due to the judicious use of arteriography and infusion computed tomography (CT) scanning in the diagnosis of abdominal complaints. These aneurysms may cause abdominal pain or rupture, leading to a catastrophic event.
Some Properties of Natural Language Quantifiers: Generalized Quantifier Theory

L'un des succes de la semantique formelle ces dernieres annees a porte, a partir de la collaboration entre linguistes et logiciens, sur les problemes de quantificateurs du langage naturel. L'A. s'interesse aux resultats obtenus, en particulier concernant le pouvoir expressif logique du langage naturel et la decouverte d'une grande variete de types de quantificateurs et de leurs proprietes relevant de la theorie des quantificateurs generalises. Ces resultats ont souleve des problemes pour les mathematiciens et pour les linguistes et ont permis d'apporter des reponses semantiques a des questions syntaxiques de grammaire generative.
Cardamonin sensitizes tumour cells to TRAIL through ROS- and CHOP-mediated up-regulation of death receptors and down-regulation of survival proteins.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is currently in clinical trials as a treatment for cancer, but development of resistance is a major drawback. Thus agents that can overcome resistance to TRAIL are urgently needed. Cardamonin (2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxychalcone) has been shown to affect cell growth by modulating various cell signalling pathways. Hence, we investigated the effect of cardamonin on the actions of TRAIL. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effect of cardamonin on TRAIL was measured by plasma membrane integrity, phosphatidylserine exposure, mitochondrial activity, and activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in human colon cancer cells. KEY RESULTS Cardamonin potentiated TRAIL-induced apoptosis and this correlated with up-regulation of both the TRAIL death receptor (DR) 4, 5 at mRNA and protein levels. TRAIL-decoy receptor DcR1 was down-regulated by cardamonin. Induction of DRs by cardamonin occurred in a variety of cell types. Gene silencing of the DRs by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished the effect of cardamonin on TRAIL-induced apoptosis, suggesting that sensitization was mediated through the DR. Induction of the DR by cardamonin was p53-independent but required CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP); cardamonin induced CHOP, and its silencing by siRNA eliminated the induction of DR5. Cardamonin increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and quenching ROS abolished its induction of receptors and enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Cardamonin also decreased the expression of various cell survival proteins. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Cardamonin potentiates TRAIL-induced apoptosis through ROS-CHOP-mediated up-regulation of DRs, decreased expression of decoy receptor and cell survival proteins. Thus, cardamonin has the potential to make TRAIL more effective as an anticancer therapy.
Neighborhood Poverty and Adolescent Development

This article provides a comprehensive review of studies conducted over the past decade on the effects of neighborhood and poverty on adolescent normative and nonnormative development. Our review includes a summary of studies examining the associations between neighborhood poverty and adolescent identity development followed by a review of studies addressing both direct and indirect linking among neighborhood poverty to academic achievement as well as internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Available neighborhood studies that examined physical health disparities, as well as genetic and environmental influences on adolescent development, were also included. Within each section we summarize findings that address the direct and indirect effects of neighborhood poverty. We conclude with promising strategies for future research, including recommendations for addressing theoretical and methodological issues that continue to plague this field of research.
TU-AB-303-05: Clinical Guidelines for Determining When An Adaptive Replan May Be Warranted for Head and Neck Patients

Purpose: Tools are now available to perform daily dose assessment in radiotherapy, however, guidance is lacking as to when to replan to limit increase in normal tissue dose. This work performs statistical analysis to provide guidance for when adaptive replanning may be necessary for head/neck (HN) patients. Methods: Planning CT and daily kVCBCT images for 50 HN patients treated with VMAT were retrospectively evaluated. Twelve of 50 patients were replanned due to anatomical changes noted over their RT course. Daily dose assessment was performed to calculate the variation between the planned and delivered dose for the 38 patients not replanned and the patients replanned using their delivered plan. In addition, for the replanned patients, the dose that would have been delivered if the plan was not modified was also quantified. Deviations in dose were analyzed before and after replanning, the daily variations in patients who were not replanned assessed, and the predictive power of the deviation after 1, 5, and 15 fractions determined. Results: Dose deviations were significantly reduced following replanning, compared to if the original plan would have been delivered for the entire course. Early deviations were significantly correlated with total deviations (p<0.01). Using the criteria that a 10% increase in the final delivered dose indicates a replan may be needed earlier in the treatment course, the following guidelines can be made with a 90% specificity after the first 5 fractions: deviations of 7% in the mean dose to the inferior constrictors and 5% in the mean dose to the parotid glands and submandibular glands. No significant dose deviations were observed in any patients for the CTV _70Gy (max deviation 4%). Conclusions: A 5–7% increase in mean dose to normal tissues within the first 5 fractions strongly correlate to an overall deviatios in the delivered dose for HN patients. This work is funded in part by NIH 2P01CA059827-16
Nineteenth-Century American Literature and the Long Civil War

American literature in the nineteenth century is often divided into two asymmetrical halves, neatly separated by the Civil War. In Nineteenth-Century American Literature and the Long Civil War, Cody Marrs argues that the war is a far more elastic boundary for literary history than has frequently been assumed. Focusing on the later writings of Walt Whitman, Frederick Douglass, Herman Melville, and Emily Dickinson, this book shows how the war took imaginative shape across, and even beyond, the nineteenth century, inflecting literary forms and expressions for decades after 1865. These writers, Marrs demonstrates, are best understood not as antebellum or postbellum figures but as transbellum authors who cipher their later experiences through their wartime impressions and prewar ideals. This book is a bold, revisionary contribution to debates about temporality, periodization, and the shape of American literary history.
Growth and characterization of InGaN/GaN double heterostructure LEDs grown by MOCVD

We have achieved high quality InGaN epitaxial layers by atmospheric pressure MOCVD on c-plane sapphire. The indium segregation coefficient is shown to depend not only on the growth temperature, but also on the growth rate of the InGaN film. Strong band edge photoluminescence was observed for InGaN films grown at temperatures as low as 700/spl deg/C with In mole fractions up to 0.20. Preliminary results are presented on blue InGaN/GaN double heterostructure LEDs.
Why Unparticle Models with Mass Gaps are Examples of Hidden Valleys

Hidden valleys, hidden sectors with multi-particle dynamics and a mass gap, can produce striking and unusual final states at the LHC. Unparticle models, hidden-sectors with conformal dynamics and no (or a very small) mass gap, can result in unusual kinematic features that indirectly reflect the conformal dynamics. When sufficiently large mass gaps are added to unparticle models, they become hidden valley models. Predictions using unparticle propagators alone overlook the most striking signals, which are typically of hidden-valley type. Inclusive signatures often cannot be predicted from unparticle dimensions, and exclusive signatures are often visible and can be spectacular. Among possible signatures are: Higgs decays to pairs of particles that in turn decay to two quarks, leptons or gauge bosons, possibly with displaced vertices; Higgs, top, and neutralino decays to more than six particles; resonances below an ``unparticle'' continuum which produce multi-body final states; etc. The Stephanov model is deconstructed, reconstructed, and shown to be a hidden valley model. Some effects of strong dynamics on hidden valley observables, not predictable using unparticle methods, are discussed, including resonances, reduced flavor symmetry breaking, reduced supersymmetry breaking, and a strongly enhanced hidden parton shower.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 23

Abstract This evaluation of A = 23 has been updated from previous evaluations published in 1998En04, 1990En08, and 1978En02. Coverage includes properties of adopted levels and γ rays, decay-scheme data (energies, intensities and placement of radiations), and cross reference entries. The following tables continue the tradition of showing the systematic relationships between levels in A = 23. These assignments are based on spectroscopic factors and energy differences where Δ E x = E x ( Mg 23 ) − E x ( Na 23 ) .
Milestones in medical management of trauma

Trauma care appears to be a relatively young science because of the major strides made after World War II. A historical foundation of today's practice is provided, with interesting anecdotes concerning some of the pioneers, their motivations, and the reactions of their medical peers. A chronology of trauma care highlights the growth of multiple fields of science that eventually blended to become the basis for modern care.
Imaging Voltage and Synaptically Activated Sodium Transients in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells

Transient changes in sodium concentration in response to electrical activity were detected in Purkinje cells by using the fluorescent indicator SBFI (Minta & Tsien (J. biol. Chem. 264, 19 449 (1989)). Fast sodium action potentials caused large increases in internal sodium concentration, [Na]$\_{\text{i}}$, in the soma and axon, and were generally undetectable in the dendrites. No changes were detected in the dendrites corresponding to calcium action potentials. The spatial distribution of these transients corresponds to that expected if the increase in [Na]$\_{\text{i}}$ were the result of Na$^{+}$ entry through voltage-dependent Na channels generating sodium spikes in the axon hillock and soma. The [Na]$\_{\text{i}}$ transients rapidly recovered ($\tau $ < 1 s) in the axon hillock, probably by Na$^{+}$ diffusion into the soma. Climbing fibre activation produced distinct [Na]$\_{\text{i}}$ transients in the dendrites in addition to somatic and axonal signals. As regenerative potentials did not produce transients in this region, these signals may be caused by Na$^{+}$ entry through ligand-gated channels. These results confirm and extend the description of channel distribution and electrical signalling in Purkinje cells.
Fabrication of the D022-type intermetallic compound Al3Ta via powder metallurgy processes and its characterization

Abstract The ordered b.c.t. D022-type intermetallic compound Al3Ta is difficult to fabricate homogeneously via conventional alloying methods owing to the different physical properties (density and melting and boiling points) of the component elements. Three powder metallurgy methods were used, and hot isostatic pressing is found to be a good means of fabricating the compound from powder mixtures of the elements, aluminum and tantalum. Hot isostatically pressed powders became almost a single-phase D022-type compound of Al3Ta with a small fraction of a second phase formed incoherently inside the grains. The compound fractured at room temperature revealed a cleavage transgranular mode in regions where the grain size is large and an intergranular mode in regions where it is smaller than around 2 μm. The compound slightly deformed at room temperature showed perfect superlattice dislocations lying on (111)f.c.c. whose Burgers vectors are of the [1 1 0] and 1 2 [ 1 1 2] types.
Integration of λ and λb2 genomes in nonimmune host bacteria carrying a λ cryptic prophage

Abstract Bacteria that carry a λ cryptic (λ cry) prophage are not λ-immune and can be further lysogenized with suitably marked λ phages. The genetic structure of these double lysogens, which are obtained at high frequency, has been analyzed by P1 transduction. When the superinfecting phage is λb2+, it enters with equal frequency either between gal and λ cry or between λ cry and bio. In contrast, λb2 enters efficiently only near bio. No case insertion of the second phage genome within the λ cry prophage has been found out of 40 strains studied. These results fit the idea that in nonimmune bacteria lysogenization is due to an effective, phage-directed integrating mechanism, presumably an enzyme specific for the host and phage attachment sites. The results also imply that λb2 still possesses both the ability to produce such an enzyme and at least a part of the substrate on which the integrating enzyme acts. Singly lysogenic bacteria that appear to carry only a λb2 genome as an integrated prophage have been obtained; these prove to be low-phage yielders. Multiple lysogens in which one or more prophages are b2 upon UV induction are normal yielders. The phage they produce consists mainly of phage genomes that contain neighboring segments of adjacent prophages (internal excision).
INDUCED REPAIR IN ESCHERICHIA COLI: INDUCTION BY ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AT-79°C

— Two of the phenomena associated with induced (S.O.S.) repair, namely induced inhibition of post radiation DNA degradation and induced radioresistance have been shown to be elicited by 245 nm radiation applied to E. coli cells in the frozen state at -79°C. The effect of radiation in this condition is considerably less photoreactivable than similar effects produced by exposure in the wet state. Since protein-DNA crosslinks are believed to be formed under these conditions, such consequences of UV radiation appear to be a potent inducer of induced repair.
Clinical implications of autonomic drugs

Drugs that influence autonomic function are used more frequently than surgeons generally imagine. This article summarizes principles of autonomic pharmacology and highlights specific drugs that are useful to the practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Minimum quality standards as a barrier to innovation

Abstract Most models of minimum quality standards do not deal with the dynamic nature of regulation. This note shows that presence of minimum quality standards may reduce firm incentives to innovate, leading to a lower level of social welfare under regulation.
Intramolecular photocycloadditions: synthesis of stericallycongested substituted [4.5.5.5] Fenestranes. Models for the total synthesis of laurenene and silphinene

Abstract The synthesis of the first example of a fenestrane substituted at opposing ring junctures utilizing an intramolecular photocycloaddition at elevated temperatures as the key step is reported.
The road to effective software development

Object-oriented programming enhances the productivity of developers, simplifies software management, and helps overcome the limitations of traditional procedural programming. In a reality of ever-increasing software cost and complexity, object-oriented programming (OOP) is a paradigm that enhances the productivity of developers and simplifies software management. The article describes the OOP paradigm and its contribution to overcoming the limitations of traditional procedural programming (PP). The key concepts of the OOP paradigm are demonstrated by an illustrative programming example. A glossary of OOP terminology and a suggested reading list are also provided. >
The geometric and electronic structure of the ZnO(0001) surface

The scanning tunneling microscope has been used to examine the geometric and electronic structure of the ZnO(0001) surface in ultrahigh-vacuum. Constant current images show that single crystal surfaces cleaned by vacuum annealing have numerous steps consisting mainly of (1010) and (1120) faces. Tunneling spectroscopy data demonstrate that spatially localized mid-gap electronic states are associated with these steps.
Use of the granulosa cell aromatase bioassay for measurement of bioactive follicle-stimulating hormone in urine and serum samples of diverse species

Ovarian steroids and growth factors are intragonadal modulators which augment a key endpoint of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) action in granulosa cells: the induction of aromatase activity. Studies of these paracrine hormones that enhance FSH-stimulated estrogen biosynthesis by cultured rat granulosa cells, have led to the development of a sensitive and specific in vitro bioassay for FSH. This newly developed granulosa cell aromatase bioassay (GAB) allows for the measurement of bioactive FSH levels in serum and urine of humans and animals with various physiological and pathological conditions. These studies have demonstrated that the GAB assay is useful in detecting possible changes in the molecular forms of FSH. The adaptation of this method for urine samples allows for the measurement of bio-FSH levels in situations where venipuncture is not practical or in species for which specific radioimmunoassays are not available.
Composite cardiac binding in experimental heart failure.

Abstract Background . Composite cardiac binding consists of wrapping the heart with a synthetic membrane and a pericardial interposition. The goal of the present study was to apply composite cardiac binding to a canine model of heart failure. Methods . Twenty dogs were randomized to 2 groups: untreated heart failure (group 1, n=13) and heart failure pretreated by composite cardiac binding (group 2, n=7). They received a total dose of 1 mg × kg −1 of intracoronary doxorubicin over 4 weeks. Hemodynamic data were obtained at weeks 0, 7, and 12. All animals were followed up with weekly echocardiography for 12 weeks. Results . Survival in group 1 was 54% and in group 2 was 100% at week 12 ( p = 0.0438). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased by 153% in group 1 and by 59% in group 2 ( p = 0.0395) at week 12. Ejection fraction decreased by 27% in group 1 and by 19% in group 2 ( p = 0.4401) at week 12. Conclusions . Composite cardiac binding significantly prolongs survival and attenuates left ventricular dilatation and the increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure associated to chronic heart failure. Further evaluation in established heart failure is needed. Composite cardiac binding may be used for the prevention of recurrent dilatation following reduction ventriculoplasty.
Characterization of graft polymers for biomedical applications

Graft copolymer systems have frequently been suggested for biomedical applications. Since the properties of polymers are altered by the grafting process, thorough characterization is critical, particularly for the surface region of these copolymers. This review briefly discusses the grafting process and then describes characterization procedures for graft copolymers. Gravimetric characterization, thermodynamic measurements, surface chemistry analysis, and surface topographical analysis are considered in detail. Also, the relevance of materials characterization for predicting and understanding the biocompatibility response is discussed. Most of the analytical techniques described are applicable to all biomaterials and should be considered for the routine characterization of materials which will be interfaced with biological systems.
Use of localized descriptive statistics for exploring the spatial pattern changes of bird species richness at multiple scales

Abstract We used localized descriptive statistics (e.g., localized mean, standard deviation, and correlation coefficient), local Moran’s I and a nonparametric test to explore the spatial patterns, variations, and autocorrelations of bird species richness changes, and the spatial association between bird species richness changes and three climatic variables in New York State at multiple spatial scales. We found that the spatial distributions of species richness between two time periods (1980–85 and 2000–05) were significantly different. The local spatial autocorrelation index revealed that the spatial patterns of bird species richness changes were spatially non-random and scale-dependent. Using localized correlation coefficients we found that the associations between bird species richness changes and three climatic variables were spatially heterogeneous and also scale-dependent. Our results illustrate that localized descriptive statistics are useful tools for characterizing bird species richness changes across time and space, visually describing geographic patterns of species diversity changes, and identifying scale-dependent hot spots of those changes.
Lipid composition of azolla caroliniana biomass and its seasonal variation

Abstract The chemical composition of the lipid fraction of the aquatic fern, Azolla caroliniana , grown in outdoor mass culture in Florence, was investigated. Palmitic acid was the main fatty acid, particularly in summer when it reached 51.6% of the total fatty acids. In autumn a decrease in palmitic acid content and an increase in α-linolenic acid content occurred. The percentage of unsaturated fatty acids changed from 36.1% in summer to 54% in the biomass harvested in November.
An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Human Development and Quasi Public Goods

Abstract This paper empirically examines the proposition that levels of social welfare are related to a country's ability to provide itself with quasi-public goods. It also argues that less developed countries in recent years have been forced to reduce public spending on such goods as a result of the need to service external debt obligations. The result for these countries then is a reduction in broad-based social welfare
Effect of ingestion-contingent hypothermia on ethanol self-administration

This study tested the hypothesis that ethanol intake and preference for ethanol-paired flavors are inversely related to the magnitude of hypothermia induced by ethanol. Fluid-deprived rats were given 15-min daily access to 7% ethanol in one of two flavored saccharin solutions. Consumption of one flavored ethanol solution (counterbalanced) was consistently followed by 6-hr placement in a room maintained at 32 degrees C, whereas, consumption of the other flavored ethanol solution was followed by maintenance at room temperature (21 degrees C). Animals experienced less hypothermia when ethanol was followed by exposure to 32 degrees C and eventually drank more of the flavored ethanol that preceded this exposure. Moreover, intermittent two-bottle choice tests revealed development of a preference for the flavor that preceded exposure to 32 degrees C. An "extinction" phase indicated that this preference was not due to association with the thermal environments, but depended on differences in ethanol-induced hypothermia. These results support the conclusion that oral intake of ethanol is modulated by ethanol-induced hypothermia, most likely through a conditioned taste aversion mechanism.
Concentration of diatom frustules in Lake Michigan sediment cores1

The concentration of diatom frustules was determined in 14 sediment cores that were dated by /sup 210/Pb and /sup 137/Cs techniques. The concentration in the 0--0.5-cm sediment layer varied from 6.31 x 10/sup 5/ to 3.71 x 10/sup 7/ frustules g dry wt. The annual deposition of frustules to the sediment ranged from 7.00 x 10/sup 3/ to 5.20 x 10/sup 5/ frustules cm/sup -2/ yr/sup -1/, less than 5 percent of the estimated annual diatom production based on average annual diatom standing crop, turnover rate, and depth of the euphotic zone. The vertical distribution of frustules in every core showed a logarithmic decrease of at least two orders of magnitude in a depth equivalent to 80--100 years B.P. Scanning electron photomicrographs of frustules from the sediment show evidence of dissolution. Dissolved silica concentrations in deep and interstitial water support the conclusion that diatom frustules are dissolving in both the water column and sediment. The permanent sediment is probably not a major sink for particulate biogenic silica in Lake Michigan.
Perioperative Medicine Update

Evidence-based preoperative risk stratification and implementation of therapies to decrease morbidity and mortality are the focus of the preoperative evaluation that internists often perform in the office or the hospital setting. In this paper, we summarize some recent key advances in the field of perioperative medicine. We used a systematic search strategy to survey the relevant literature for the period January 1, 2007 through April 1, 2008. We performed a MEDLINE search using the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, preoperative care, intraoperative care, perioperative care, postoperative care, intraoperative period, preoperative period, acute renal failure, cirrhosis, venous thromboembolism, and surgery. We added the following text words: intraoperative OR perioperative OR postoperative AND/OR complication OR event. As our target audience is general internists, we excluded studies of transplantation surgery, cardiac surgery, and pediatric surgery. We discuss studies that the four authors agreed had the most important practice implications for perioperative medicine. We have divided the articles into four sections: perioperative cardiac care, perioperative anticoagulant therapy, prevention of postoperative respiratory failure, and predicting postoperative risk of morbidity and mortality.
Trends in Research Design and Data Analytic Strategies in Organizational Research

We coded all articles that were published in the Journal of Applied Psychology in the 1975-1993 period (N = 1,929) in terms of the type research design used in studies (e.g., experimental, nonexperimental), and the major strategies used in analyzing the data of the studies (e.g., analysis of variance, multiple correlation/regression, covariance structure analysis) and computed annual frequencies of use of the research designs and the data analysis strategies. These frequencies were used to compute yearly percentage use indices (PUIs) for each of the designs and data analytic strategies. Results showed that over the period considered: (I) there were fairly minor fluctuations in the PUIs for experimental and nonexperimental designs; (2) the PUI for covariance structure analysis procedures (e.g., LISREL, EQS) was very low during the 1975-1984 period but has increased dramatically thereafter; (3) the PUIs for multiple regression and several other multivariate data analytic strategies have increased somewhat o...
Can amyotrophic lateral sclerosis chronically elevate troponin T

Abstract A 57-year-old woman with progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) presented repeatedly with atypical chest pain over a period of 4 years. Her initially normal cardiac troponin T (cTnT) value became progressively elevated during subsequent visits in the absence of clinically overt heart disease, and in the absence of alternative explanations for cTnT elevation. In this one patient there appeared to be a relationship between her rising levels of cTnT and increasing severity of ALS.
Plasma and whole blood clot strength measured by thrombelastography in patients treated with clopidogrel during acute coronary syndromes.

Introduction Treatment with clopidogrel, a selective platelet P2Y12 receptor antagonist, reduces risk of recurrent ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), by limiting platelet aggregation and activation. Stable whole blood clot formation requires activation of platelets, generation of fibrin and final fibrin crosslinks. In this study we intended to compare plasma and whole blood thrombelastography (TEG) measurements in patients during ACS.
Elucidation of the mechanism of electrolytic hydrogen evolution by the use of H-T separation factors

Abstract Tafel parameters and H-T separation factors have been determined on Pt, Rh, W, Ni, Cu, Cd, Hg and Pb in acid solutions and on Pt, W, Ni and Pb in alkaline solutions at a current density of 10 −2 A/cm 2 . The S T values in acid solution fall into three groups: 6–7 on Hg, Pb, W; 9–11 on Pt, Rh and Cd; 16–18 on Cu and Ni. In alkaline solutions, Ni, W and Pb gave S T values of 4–7, and Pt, 15–16. Tafel slopes greater than 2 RT / F V are due either to adsorption of organic impurities or to the presence of conducting films. The mechanisms indicated from separation factors are slow recombination on Pt and Rh in acid solution, slow electrochemical desorption on Cu and Ni in acid solution, and Pt in alkaline solution, slow-discharge-fast-recombination on Ni and W in alkaline solution, linked-discharge-electrochemical desorption on Hg, Pb (discharge rate-determining) and Cd (electrochemical desorption rate-determining).
Prescribing Scalar Curvature on S3, S4 and Related Problems

Abstract We show that for the prescribing scalar curvature problem on Sn (n = 3, 4), we can perturb (in an explicit way) any given positive continuous function in any neighborhood of any given point on Sn such that for the perturbed function there exist many solutions. The related critical exponent equations −Δu = K(x) u(n + 2)/(n −2) in Rn (n = 3, 4), with K(x) being asymptotically periodic in one of the variables, are also studied and infinitely many positive solutions (modulo translations by its periods) are obtained under some additional mild hypotheses on K(x). Some a priori estimates to solutions of the prescribing scalar curvature problem on S3 are as given.
Interactions of NO2 with activated carbons modified with cerium, lanthanum and sodium chlorides.

Abstract Highly porous wood-based activated carbon was impregnated with cerium, lanthanum and sodium chlorides using incipient impregnation method. On the samples prepared adsorption of NO 2 was carried out from moist (70% humidity) air either with or without the prehumidification. The materials were characterized using adsorption of nitrogen, thermal analysis, FTIR, and potentiometric titration. The results indicated that for all materials a significant amount of NO 2 was reduced to NO and released from the system. In the case of virgin carbons, the NO 2 interacting with the surface along with nitric and nitrous acids formed there in the presence of water significantly increased the acidity of the carbons by the formation of oxygen-containing groups and organic nitrates. On the other hand, when chlorides were present the capacity to interact with nitrogen dioxide increased since the inorganic phase, depending on the nature of metal, bound NO 2 in the forms of nitrates (Ce, La, Na), got oxidized/oxidized carbon surface (for Ce) or contributed to the formation of nitrosyl chloride (for Na).