cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2388: Targeted expression of BAG3 to the murine mammary gland (MMTV-hBAG3) reveals a role in mammary tumorigenesis

We have previously shown that BAG3 is a pro-survival protein in human cancer lines subject to stress. BAG3 overexpression also mediates a decrease in migration and adhesion to matrix in MDA-435 breast cancer cells; this is reversed in a BAG3 mutant with a deleted proline-rich domain (PXXP). Additionally, BAG3 induces the secreted molecule CCN-1 to regulate in vitro invasion of HeLa cells. This led us to hypothesize that MMTV-driven human BAG3 would contribute to mammary tumorigenesis. This was examined through generation and analysis of a transgenic mouse model of human BAG3 ectopically expressed under the MMTV promoter in FVB/N mice. Five of 14 confirmed founder lines were selected for characterization to rule out integration effects. Each line was shown to express hBAG3 in mammary ductal epithelium, a typical feature of the MMTV-driven transgenes. We next applied chemical carcinogenesis with DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene) to eight-week old virgin transgenic females and age-matched FVB/N wild-type females, by weekly orogastric gavage (1 mg DMBA) for 6 weeks. At study end (18 weeks post DMBA-treatment), 5/19 (26%) transgenic animals had pathologically proven atypical hyperplasia [1], and malignant tumors [adenocarcinoma, 1; myoepithelial tumor, 2; adenosquamous carcinoma, 1]. The age-matched non-transgenic controls did not develop premalignant or malignant breast lesions [0/12]. Luminal cell expression of hBAG3 was present in the atypical hyperplasia, but was not observed in highly proliferative, less differentiated regions of tumors where ductal structures are absent. Since the tumors we obtained were both of the myoepithelial and the epithelial lineages, we next investigated whether forced expression of hBAG3 in the ductal epithelium may dysregulate mammary gland development. We collected mammary glands at 5, 7, 10, and 13 weeks of age from transgenic and wild-type animals (n=4 each per time point) for two selected MMTV-hBAG3 transgenic lines. The terminal end buds, epithelial elongation, and glandular differentiation are currently being analyzed. Our preliminary data indicate that the mammary gland of MMTV-hBAG3 mice have a trend to increased epithelial elongation and more secondary acinar structures in the later pubertal stages. A complete analysis of the study cohort will be discussed. The effects of multiple pregnancies and post-lactation involution are under study. Together our findings point to a putative role of BAG3 as contributor to mammary remodeling during puberty and a promoting effect during chemical carcinogenesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2388. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2388
Spatial vectorcardiography: Myocardial infarction. V.

Abstract 1. 1. Simultaneously recorded frontal, sagittal, and horizontal plane vectorcardiograms are described in sixty-seven persons with myocardial infarction. 2. 2. The orientation of the QRS sE loops after infarction depended upon the localization of the infarcted area. 3. 3. The vector loops in infarction are correlated with standard, unipolar extremity, multiple unipolar thoracic, and esophageal leads. 4. 4. Spatial vectorcardiography as recorded by the technique employed in the present study is a superior method for the analysis of the spatial distribution of electromotive forces in infarction.
Two-item same-different concept learning in pigeons.

We report the first successful demonstration of a simultaneous, two-itemsame-different (S/D) discrimination by 6 pigeons, in which nonpictorial color and shape stimuli were used. This study was conducted because the majority of recently successful demonstrations of S/D discrimination in pigeons have employed displays with more than two items. Two pairs of stimulus items were simultaneously presented on a touch screen equipped computer monitor. Pigeons were reinforced for consistently pecking at either thesame (i.e., identical) or thedifferent (i.e., nonidentical) pair of items. These pairs were created from combinations of simple colored shapes drawn from a pool of six colors and six shapes. After acquiring the discrimination with item pairs that differed redundantly in both the shape and the color dimensions, the pigeons were tested for transfer to items that varied in only one of these dimensions. Although both dimensions contributed to the discrimination, greater control was exhibited by the color dimension. Most important, the discrimination transferred in tests with novel colored, shaped, and sized items, suggesting that the mechanisms involved were not stimulus specific but were more generalized in nature. These results suggest that the capacity to judge S/D relations is present in pigeons even when only two stimuli are used to implement this contrast.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulates P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase in human fetal adrenal cells via protein kinase C.

CRH directly stimulates dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) production in human fetal adrenal cells. In the human fetal and adult pituitary, CRH acts via protein kinase A (PKA). We determined the CRH signal transduction pathway in fetal adrenal cells, i.e. whether CRH modulates human fetal adrenal steroidogenesis via PKA and/or protein kinase C (PKC). In primary cultures, CRH increased inositol trisphosphate. After CRH treatment, inositol tris-, bis-, and monophosphates increased within 1 min, reaching maximal levels at 5 min. In contrast, PGF2alpha, known to act via PKC, induced a sustained response for up to 20 min. The response to CRH was dose dependent, maximal at 1 micromol/L at both 1 and 5 min. CRH increased DHEAS production, with a much lesser effect on cortisol. CRH did not stimulate inositol phospholipid in adult adrenal glands, suggesting that this pathway is unique to the fetal adrenal. CRH increased messenger ribonucleic acid encoding 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (P450c17), but not 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta(4-5) isomerase. However, 3betaHSD expression was stimulated by ACTH. PKC, but not PKA, inhibitors blocked CRH-stimulated P450c17 induction, whereas PKA inhibitors blocked ACTH-stimulated cortisol. Thus, CRH is coupled to the phospholipase C-inositol phosphate second messenger system and preferentially induces the expression of P450c17 and DHEAS, suggesting a unique role of CRH regulating human fetal adrenal function via PKC.
Intrasynovial flexor tendon repair: A biomechanical study of variations in suture application in human cadavera

To improve the functional outcomes of intrasynovial tendon suture, prior experiments evaluated individual technical modifications used in the repair process. Few studies, however, have assessed the combinatorial effects of those suture modifications in an integrated biomechanical manner, including a sample size sufficient to make definitive observations on repair technique. 256 flexor tendon repairs were performed in cadavera, and biomechanical properties were determined. The effects of five factors for flexor tendon repair were tested: core suture caliber (4-0 or 3-0), number of sutures crossing the repair site (4- or 8-strand), core suture purchase (0.75 cm or 1.2 cm), peripheral suture caliber (6-0 or 5-0), and peripheral suture purchase (superficial or 2 mm). Significant factors affecting the properties of the repair were the number of core suture strands and the peripheral suture purchase. The least significant factors were core suture purchase and peripheral suture caliber. The choice of core suture caliber affected the properties of repair marginally. Based on these results, we recommend that surgeons continue to focus on multi-strand repair methods, as the properties of 8-strand repairs were far better than those of 4-strand repairs. To resist gap formation and enhance repair strength, a peripheral suture with 2mm purchase is also recommended. Finally, since core suture caliber affected some biomechanical properties, including the failure mode, a 3-0 suture could be considered, provided that future in vivo studies can confirm that gliding properties are not adversely influenced.
Tibial meniscal dynamics using three-dimensional reconstruction of magnetic resonance images

The human knee joint represents a complex biomechanical system of which the menisci are an integral component. At present, little data exists describing the meniscal kinematics of the intact knee. Accordingly, a three-dimensional reconstruction magnetic resonance image model was used to explore this issue. Five fresh cadaveric knees were examined by magnetic resonance imaging throughout a full range of motion at 10 degrees intervals. Computer three-dimensional images of the menisci were generated and evaluated for anteroposterior excursion and deformation. During flexion, the posterior excursion of the medial meniscus was 5.1 mm, while that of the lateral meniscus was 11.2 mm. The anterior horn segments were shown to be more mobile than the posterior horn segments bilaterally. Prior limitations of meniscal kinematic assessment may be overcome with advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction. The menisci are highly mobile and easily deformed structures within the intact, cadaveric knee. This imaging technique may prove useful in the elucidation of meniscal dynamics. In the future, similar techniques may be applied clinically to aid in the diagnosis of joint dysfunction.
Reducing Surfactant Adsorption in Carbonate Reservoirs

This paper compares the adsorption of anionic and cationic surfactants on carbonate minerals. It shows that, in general, cationic surfactants may exhibit significantly less adsorption on carbonate minerals than that exhibited by anionic surfactants. It is also shown that cationic surfactant adsorption on carbonates may be reduced dramatically by the presence of divalent cations, an environment in which the precipitation of anionic surfactants might make their use impractical. It is recommended that cationic surfactants be considered for use in miscible flooding with CO 2
Effect of storage temperature and extraction methods on dormancy and germination of true potato seed

Seed treatments, methods of extraction and storage temperature were examined for effects on viability and dormancy of true potato seed. Dormancy of 4x−2x (S. tuberosum ×S. phureja) hybrids was eliminated after 7 months at room temperature and after 10 months at 4 C. However, data on the velocity and uniformity of germination (coefficient of velocity) revealed the presence of a residual dormancy that persists for nearly two years in seeds stored at 4 C, but which is largely eliminated after one year in seeds stored at room temperature. Seed viability was not affected by blender extraction, although seed extracted by hand gave a significantly lower initial coefficient of velocity (CGV). Application of gibberellic acid (GA, 1000 ppm) as a 24-hour soak to freshly extracted seed eliminates dormancy as effectively as GA applied during germination, and produces no deleterious effects on seed viability up to two years in storage. There were genotypic differences for seed dormancy within the tetraploid and diploid groups examined. SeveralS. tuberosum cultivars displayed a dormancy effect (lower CGV’s) in fresh seed that was not completely eliminated by GA, but which declines over time in storage.
Template-directed reactions of aminonucleosides.

We have studied the reactions between adenosine 5′-phosphorimidazolide and 9-(2-amino-2-deoxyxylofuranosyl) adenine (I) or 3′-methylamino-3′-deoxyadenosine (II), both with and without a poly (U) template. We find that both amino compounds react much more rapidly than does adenosine, in the absence of a template. The rate of reaction is greatly enhanced by a poly (U) template in the case of I, but the enhancement is slight in the case of II.
Adverse Drug Events in the Outpatient Setting: An 11-Year National Analysis

Purpose Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a common complication of medical care resulting in high morbidity and medical expenditure. Population level estimates of outpatient ADEs are limited. Our objective was to provide national estimates and characterizations of outpatient ADEs and determine risk factors associated with these events.
Fans, Nonfans, and the Olympics: Predictors of Audience's Multiplatform Experience with the 2008 Beijing Games

The 2008 Beijing Olympics was the most watched television event in U.S. television history and represented a broad expansion and emphasis on online sports content. This study examined audience's multiplatform experience with the 2008 Beijing Games, particularly differences and commonalities between sports “fans” and “nonfans.” Results indicate key distinctions between sports fans and nonfans in terms of overall behaviors, motivations, and preferences. Although sports fans watched the 2008 Olympics significantly more than nonfans, use of online platforms were not significantly different between fans and nonfans. Explanations of why fans and nonfans watched were notably similar. Findings highlight the dynamic interplay between choice, habit, and structure in newer media environments, particularly for big-event sports programming.
Adolescent drivers' perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of abstention from in-vehicle cell phone use

Driver in-vehicle cell phone use presents a dangerous distraction for adolescent drivers for whom motor vehicle crashes represents the leading cause of death. We used the National Young Driver Survey (NYDS), a nationally representative (N = 5665) cross-sectional study of adolescent driving behavior, to examine potential psychosocial correlates of cell phone use while driving (CPWD). Results indicated that stronger beliefs about the advantages of abstention from CPWD were associated with less frequent CPWD, adjusted OR: 0.46 95% [CI: 0.40–0.53]), while stronger beliefs about the disadvantages of abstention were associated with more frequent CPWD, adjusted OR: 1.41 95% CI: [1.21–1.64]. In the absence of strong advantage beliefs, disadvantage beliefs did not have a meaningful association with less frequent CPWD. Almost 30% of adolescents held weaker advantage beliefs coupled with stronger disadvantage beliefs, placing them most at risk. These findings offer guidance for a wide range of intervention and health promotion efforts.
In Vitro Growth And Maturation of Epithelial Cells From Postembryonic Skin

The in vitro growth and maturation of epithelial cells from normal human skin in organ culture, outgrowth culture, and isolated epithelial cell culture are described. In each model, the patterns of growth and maturation differ in growth rates, formation of keratohyaline granules, and keratinization. The differences and similarities in the behavior of epithelial cells in each system are described, some of the physical and chemical factors which alter these patterns are outlined, and the general advantages and limitations of each model as a research tool are discussed.
Functional residual capacity and passive compliance measurements after antenatal steroid therapy in preterm infants

Studies in preterm animal models have shown that antenatal corticosteroids enhance lung maturation by improving a variety of physiologic variables, including lung volumes. Changes in lung volume of preterm infants treated with a full course of antenatal steroids have not been investigated. We hypothesized that a full course of antenatal steroids would significantly increase functional residual capacity (FRC) in treated vs. untreated preterm infants. The objective of our study was to compare FRC and respiratory mechanics in steroid treated vs. untreated preterm infants. FRC and passive respiratory mechanics were prospectively studied within 36 hr of life in 20 infants (25-34 weeks of gestation) who had received a full course of antenatal steroids and in 20 matched untreated preterm infants. FRC was measured with the nitrogen washout method, and respiratory mechanics with the single-breath occlusion technique. Preterm infants who received steroids (n = 20; mean birth weight = 1,230 g; gestational age = 28.8 weeks) had a significantly higher FRC (29.5 vs. 19.3 mL/kg; P < 0.001) than untreated infants (n = 20; birth weight = 1,202 g; gestational age = 28.5 weeks). Passive respiratory system compliance was also increased in treated vs. untreated infants (P < 0.05). In conclusion, FRC and passive respiratory system compliance were significantly improved in preterm infants (25-34 weeks gestation) treated with a full course of antenatal steroids, compared to matched untreated infants. Although this study was not randomized, it confirms that antenatal steroids have important effects on pulmonary function that may contribute to a decreased risk of respiratory distress syndrome in treated preterm infants.
Hubble Space Telescope STIS Observations of Comet 19P/Borrelly during the Deep Space 1 Encounter

In support of the NASA Deep Space 1 (DS1) mission to comet 19P/Borrelly, we obtained Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images and ultraviolet (UV) spectra of the comet near the time of the DS1 flyby in 2001 September. The HST data provide context information on 19P/Borrelly's circumnuclear dust environment, the rotational period and rotational phase of its nucleus, the H2O and CS2 production rates, the dust production rate, the dust reflectivity in the visible and mid-UV, and the time variability of these quantities around the time of the DS1 encounter. We derive average values of Q = (3.0 ± 0.6) × 1028 molecules s-1, [CS2/H2O] = (1.0 ± 0.3) × 10-3, and Qdust ≈ 240 kg s-1. The corresponding dust-to-gas mass ratio is 0.24, but this is only a rough estimate because the dust production rate is uncertain by about an order of magnitude. The dust continuum was strongly reddened between 2400 and 3200 A, and the Afρ value of 745 ± 15 cm near 6500 A was ~2.5 times larger than the value near 2900 A. The observed coma morphology consisted of a strong jet centered ~6° from the projected solar vector, one broad fan centered ~23° from the sunward direction, and another broad fan centered ~18° from the antisunward direction. The light curve of the optical continuum, as measured in target acquisition images, has an amplitude of ~40% in a square aperture that subtends 160 km at the comet; the rotational period could not be independently derived from the HST images but is consistent with the value of ~26 hr derived from HST observations in 1994 and ground-based images in 2000. The new HST data reveal a prominent offset in the emission peak of neutral gas molecules, and therefore in the peak column densities of gas in the coma, relative to the position of the cometary nucleus, which may be related to the offset in ion densities observed in situ by the DS1 Plasma Experiment for Planetary Exploration (PEPE) plasma spectrometer.
Balancing energy efficiency and structural performance through multi-objective shape optimization: Case study of a rapidly deployable origami-inspired shelter

Abstract For military and disaster relief housing, rapidly deployable shelters must be lightweight, be packaged in a small volume for transportability, and be erected without heavy lifting equipment. A critical design criterion is also energy efficiency in heating and cooling. To meet these priorities, the research team has utilized origami as inspiration for a thermally insulated rigid wall deployable shelter that can be erected manually through counterweighting. To enhance energy efficiency, improvements in the shape of a structure (i.e., member lengths and angles) at a design stage can lead to savings throughout its lifecycle. This is magnified in the context of mass-production of deployable shelters, where any improvements are multiplied. Structural efficiency is also critical to achieve lightweight design. This paper presents a multi-objective shape optimization methodology which balances the priorities of structural performance (i.e., minimum deflections) and energy efficiency (i.e., minimum thermal energy load). This is demonstrated for the case study of a deployable shelter. Design variables include geometric parameters. Constraints relate to the package size and capability of interfacing with existing technologies. Structural analysis is performed using a parametric finite element program. Thermal energy is calculated using EnergyPlus. An optimized solution is found and compared against existing military solutions.
Biogeochemical remanent magnetization in pelagic sediments of the western equatorial Pacific Ocean

Paleomagnetic data from pelagic sediments are an important source of information on the history of the geomagnetic field. However, fundamental uncertainties about how these sediments acquire their magnetizations remain. Here we address whether biogenic magnetite, formed at depth within the sediments, can contribute to remanent magnetizations. In sediments of the western equatorial Pacific Ocean (ODP Site 805), biogenic magnetite found near the Fe-redox boundary carries a natural remanent magnetization. Because the production of biogenic magnetite is tied to the geochemical zonation of the sediments, we call this magnetization a biogeochemical remanence. These data indicate that some pelagic sediments can continue to acquire remanence significantly after the post-depositional lock-in of detrital magnetic grains.
The role of connective tissue in craniofacial development, function and disease

The connective tissue, composed of cells, fibers and ground substance, plays a vital role in the processes of craniofacial development, growth, wound healing and disease. This article reviews current knowledge of connective tissue biology and relates it to certain clinical situations of relevance in oral surgery.
Pressure-Flow Measurements for Selected Nasal Sound Segments Produced by Normal Children and Adolescents

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this prospective study was to: (1) report simultaneous oral-nasal pressures, nasal airflow rates, and velopharyngeal orifice areas for nasal sounds produced by children and adolescents; (2) determine whether data could be statistically classified by age, sex, or utterance type; and (3) provide guidelines for determining typical from atypical productions. Participants: The study involved 56 subjects, with two boys and two girls representing each age from 5 to 18 years. Subjects had no history of speech therapy, were judged as having normal speech and resonance at the time of testing, and had no upper respiratory tract infections or allergies at the time of testing. Methods: All subjects repeated /mɒ/ and “hamper” at normal pitch and loudness after an examiner model. Mean oral-nasal pressures, nasal airflow rates, and velopharyngeal orifice areas were calculated for each subject's utterances. A discriminate function analysis determined whether data could be grouped by age ...
Integrated electrochromic nanoplasmonic optical switch

We demonstrate active switching of light through a nanoslit based plasmonic devices using electrochromic Prussian blue nanocrystals, and achieve large (∼95%) transmission modulation by switching the nanocrystals between oxidized and reduced states.
Penetrating the "black box": financial incentives for enhancing the quality of physician services.

This article addresses the impact of financial incentives on physician behavior, focusing on quality of care. Changing market conditions, evolving social forces, and continuing organizational evolu...
Skin cholesterol adds to Framingham risk assessment

Introduction It has been demonstrated that skin tissue cholesterol (SkinTc) is associated with angiographic disease. Now, we further delineate the relative risk of multivessel disease (>50% stenosis in at least two vessels) in the conjoint presence of high SkinTc and high traditional risk burden. Methods Patients scheduled for angiography (N = 649) had SkinTc measured immediately prior to the procedure. Patients were classified according to the presence of high (>110) SkinTc and high (>10) Framingham global risk scores. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risk of multivessel disease for patients with isolated high skin tissue cholesterol, isolated high Framingham risk or conjoint high skin tissue cholesterol and high Framingham risk (each compared to neither factor elevated). Results The mean age was 63 ± 12 years and 33% (n = 214) were women. Thirty seven percent (n = 237) had angiographically determined multivessel disease. Patients with isolated high SkinTc showed a relative risk of multivessel disease of 1.6 (95% CI = 1.0-2.4), while patients with isolated high Framingham risk had an odds ratio of 1.8 (CI = 1.0-3.4). However, when both scores were elevated, risk of multivessel disease was increased 4.3 times (CI = 2.6-7.2) compared to neither elevated. Conclusions We see an independent, additive risk of concurrent multivessel disease when Framingham risk and skin cholesterol are both elevated. Skin tissue cholesterol may have value in further stratifying subjects with Framingham scores >10.
Factors associated with long-term complications after repair of mandibular fractures.

Educational Objective: At the conclusion of this paper, the participants should be able to identify, compare, and discuss the natural history of complications of mandible fractures and repair. Objectives: To analyze factors affecting the incidence of long-term complications after the repair of mandible fractures. To determine whether the use of antibiotics at any time in the course of treatment impacted the development of complications. Study Design: Retrospective medical record review. Methods: Medical records for patients with mandibular fractures treated surgically over a 5 year period were reviewed for demographics, history of substance abuse, etiology, location of fracture, any associated facial injury, type and timing of repair, pre-, peri-, and postoperative antibiotic treatment, length of hospitalization, and lag time to repair. The development of infectious and other complications after surgery, specifically, the development of abscesses, fistulae, mal/nonunion, hardware exposure, or extrusion, were recorded. Results: Of 273 subjects, 56 fractures were repaired using open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) alone, 112 mandibulomaxillary fixation (MMF), and 105 with a combination of MMF and ORIF. Eighteen (6.6%) patients developed an infectious or related long-term complication. These included abscess (n = 4), infected hardware (n = 1), mal/nonunion (n = 8), and hardware exposure/extrusion (n = 9). Smoking and alcohol abuse (P = .021) and the use of plating techniques (P = .04) correlated with a higher incidence of long-term complications. Patient age, sex, location and etiology of fracture, associated facial injury, lag time to repair, length of hospitalization, and the use of antibiotics at any time after injury or repair were unrelated to the development of complications. Conclusions: The development of infection, nonunion, and related complications after the repair of mandibular fractures correlates with a history of tobacco and alcohol use and ORIF of multiple fractures, but there were no statistically significant relationships to patient demographics, fracture site, lag time to repair, length of hospitalization, or the use of antibiotics. In this series, antibiotic therapy appears to have had no impact on the development of postoperative complications.
Serological Studies of Types A, B, and E Botulinal Toxins by Passive Hemagglutination and Bentonite Flocculation

Johnson, H. M. (Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, Cincinnati, Ohio), K. Brenner, R. Angelotti, and H. E. Hall. Serological studies of types A, B, and E botulinal toxins by passive hemagglutination and bentonite flocculation. J. Bacteriol. 91:967–974. 1966.—Formalinized sheep red blood cells (SRBC), sensitized with types A, B, and E botulinal toxoids and toxins by bis-diazotized benzidine (BDB), were tested against A, B, and E antitoxins prepared in horses and rabbits. Type B antitoxin cross-reacted with A toxoid SRBC, but the reciprocal cross-reaction was not observed. E toxin SRBC were specifically agglutinated by E antitoxin. Flocculation of antigen-sensitized bentonite particles was less sensitive in titration of antitoxin than hemagglutination. Also, reciprocal cross-reactions were observed between types A and B antitoxins. Cross-reactions in both serological tests were eliminated by titration of antitoxins in the presence of the heterologous antigens, with no inhibitory effect on the homologous antitoxins. Generally, equine antitoxins were less suitable for agglutinations, especially of antigen-sensitized bentonite particles. Types A, B, and E antitoxins were specifically inhibited by 43, 39, and 245 mouse ld50 of their respective homologous toxins in the hemagglutination-inhibition test. A, B, and E antitoxins were specifically inhibited by 500, 950, and 1,500 mouse ld50 of their respective homologous toxins in bentonite flocculation inhibitions. Formalinized SRBC sensitized with rabbit types A and B antitoxins by BDB were respectively clumped by as little as 0.75 to 1.3 mouse ld50 of A toxin and 2.3 ld50 of B toxin, whereas bentonite particles sensitized by the same antitoxins were specifically clumped by 150 ld50 of A toxin and 630 ld50 of B toxin. E antitoxin sensitization of SRBC or bentonite particles was not successful. Evidence is presented that indicates that the serological procedures are applicable to the detection of botulinal toxins in food.
Negotiated Identities of Chemical Instrumentation

: What is an NMR spectrometer? Beginning with this seemingly simple question, I will explore the development of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy between the years 1956 and 1969 from two vantage points: the organic chemists who used the new instrument, and Varian Associates—the makers of the first NMR spectrometers—. Through an examination of the articles and advertisements published in the Journal of Organic Chemistry, I will draw two conclusions. First, organic chemists and Varian Associates (along with other actors) are co-responsible for the development of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (i.e., NMR spectroscopy was not created by a single actor). Second, by changing the way NMR spectrometers are used, organic chemists attempted to change to the identity of the instrument. Similarly, when Varian Associates advertised their NMR spectrometers in a different way, they, too, attempted to change the identity of the instrument.
Malpractice Litigation in the Setting of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Introduction: Medical malpractice and prostate cancer screening are important issues in the current landscape of health care. We identified factors contributing to litigation in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Methods: We used the Westlaw database to search for jury verdict reports using the term medical malpractice combined with prostate cancer with dates ranging from January 2000 to December 2013. Each case was examined for trial year, patient age, prostate specific antigen at alleged breach of duty and at diagnosis, defendant specialty, alleged cause of malpractice, whether there was metastasis, the outcome of cases that went to trial or were otherwise settled, and the plaintiff award. Results: The initial search produced 256 results, which was narrowed to 106 cases. Of these cases 64.1% went to trial, including 66.2% that were decided for the defendant. The mean out of court settlement was $945,000, significantly lower than the mean plaintiff verdict award of $2.1 million (p ¼ 0.0009). Primary care physicians (74.1%) were the most commonly named defendants, followed by urologists (19.6%). The most common cause was failure to perform an initial prostate specific antigen test (26.8%), followed by failure to follow elevated prostate specific antigen (22.3%). Conclusions: Causes of malpractice revolved mostly around prostate specific antigen testing. Primary care physicians and urologists must continue to educate patients to minimize malpractice claims made in this setting. It will be important to follow data to see trends following recent guidelines.
Effect of slider lubricant pickup on stability at the head-disk interface

As the flying height in hard disk drives is reduced below 5 nm, a variety of factors such as intermolecular forces, lubricant modulation and meniscus forces affect the ability of the slider to fly stably over the disk. The presence of these forces leads to a dynamic instability. Identification of these forces is important for achieving the necessary interface for the areal density goal of 1 Tb/in/sup 2/. To achieve this identification we conducted touchdown-takeoff tests at different humidities and for different slider-disk combinations. It was found that lubricant pickup by the slider leads to lubricant mediated adhesion. This also contaminates the slider air-bearing surface, increases slider-disk adhesion, and decreases the flying stability of the slider.
Automated affinity chromatography measurements of compound mixtures using a lab-on-valve apparatus coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

We report a fully automated aYnity chromatography system using a lab-on-valve (LOV) apparatus coupled to an electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometer (ESI-MS). The system allows simultaneous measurements of multiple ligand aYnities to proteins immobilized on beads. Bead regeneration, column repacking, and repetitive measurements are achieved on the time scale of several minutes. In this study, the system was used to screen the binding of a peptide mixture to human and Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) truncated Pex5 (tPex5) proteins. Equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) were measured for T. brucei tPex5 and compared to the values obtained by a Xuorescence-based competition assay. The three peptides that showed aYnity toward tPex5 had Kd values that were comparable in magnitude (within a factor of 5) and showed the same ranking order as those from manual Xuorescence measurements. With 12 min of sample infusion, the entire sample-to-sample cycle takes about 15 min and can be repeated without any preparation between runs. For T. brucei tPex5 aYnity measurements, 1 mg of protein was suYcient for 35 repetitive analyses in the automated LOV-ESI-MS apparatus. The system allows rapid determination of Kd in the range of 10 i5 –10 i7 M for sample
Dynamic (Vibration) Testing: Design Certification of Aerospace System

Various types of dynamic testing of structures for certification purposes are described, including vibration, shock and acoustic testing. Modal testing is discussed as it frequently complements dynamic testing and is part of the structural verification/validation process leading up to design certification. Examples of dynamic and modal testing are presented as well as the common practices, procedures and standards employed.
Computer-Aided Optimization of DNA Array Design and Manufacturing

DNA probe arrays, or DNA chips, have emerged as a core genomic technology that enables cost-effective gene expression monitoring, mutation detection, single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, and other genomic analyses. DNA chips are manufactured through a highly scalable process called very large-scale immobilized polymer synthesis (VLSIPS) that combines photolithographic technologies adapted from the semiconductor industry with combinatorial chemistry. Commercially available DNA chips contain more than half a million probes and are expected to exceed 100 million probes in the next generation. This paper is one of the first attempts to apply very large scale integration (VLSI) computer-aided design methods to the physical design of DNA chips, where the main objective is to minimize total border cost (i.e., the number of nucleotide mismatches between adjacent sites). By exploiting analogies between manufacturing processes for DNA arrays and for VLSI chips, the authors demonstrate the potential for transfer of methodologies from the 40-year-old field of electronic design automation to the newer DNA array design field. The main contributions of this paper are the following. First, it proposes several partitioning-based algorithms for DNA probe placement that improve solution quality by over 4% compared to best previously known methods. Second, it gives a new design flow for DNA arrays, which enhances current methodologies by adding flow awareness to each optimization step and introducing feedback loops. Third, it proposes solution methods for new formulations integrating multiple design steps, including probe selection, placement, and embedding. Finally, it introduces new techniques to experimentally evaluate the scalability and suboptimality of existing and newly proposed probe placement algorithms. Interestingly, the authors find that DNA placement algorithms appear to have better suboptimality properties than those recently reported for VLSI placement algorithms [C.C. Chang et al., Optimality and scalability study of existing placement algorithms, Proc. Asia South-Pacific Design Automation Conf., Kitakyushu, Japan, p.621-7, Jan. 2003; J. Cong et al., Optimality, scalability and stability study of partitioning and placement algorithms, Proc. Int. Symp. Physical Design (ISPD), Monterey, CA, p.88-94, 2003]
Clinical Features Of Pediatric Hereditary Angioedema

Background There is a paucity of data that describe the clinical course of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in children. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical features of children with HAE. Methods Electronic medical records from the past 10 years at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and an outpatient allergy community practice were searched for ICD-9 code 277.6 (Other deficiencies of circulating enzyme). Exclusion criteria included laboratory data not supportive of type I or II HAE diagnosis or age at diagnosis greater than 18 years. Chart review was performed and missing data were collected by telephone interviews with patient families. Descriptive statistics were performed using SAS version 9.4. Results Twenty-one children were identified. The median age was 13.2 years (interquartile range [IQR], 9.1-18.8), 71% were male, 86% had an HAE family history, and 95% were Caucasian. The median age of symptom onset and diagnosis was 5.7 (IQR, 5-9 years) and 5.0 (IQR, 4-8 years), respectively. Five children diagnosed were asymptomatic. Three children without a family history had a 6.0-year delay in diagnosis. The most common angioedema attack sites were abdominal, peripheral, and laryngeal, which occurred at least once in 93%, 73%, and 27%, respectively. Of the 15 children with onset of symptoms, only 6 children received on-demand therapy for an acute attack, whereas 13 children were administered either short-term or long-term prophylaxis therapy. Conclusions In this pediatric HAE population, symptom onset and diagnosis occurred at a median age of 5 years with a delay in diagnosis in those without a family history. Abdominal attacks were more common than peripheral attacks in this population.
Changes in [Na+]i, compartmental [Ca2+], and NADH with dysfunction after global ischemia in intact hearts

We measured the effects of global ischemia and reperfusion on intracellular Na+, NADH, cytosolic and mitochondrial (subscript mito) Ca2+, relaxation, metabolism, contractility, and Ca2+ sensitivity...
Activity Recommendations for Postaortic Dissection Patients

Individuals who have survived an aortic dissection are often faced with the question of how life can be maximally and safely lived, with functional independence preserved. Routine exercise is important for both physical and emotional health. During exercise, blood pressure and heart rate increase in part related to the intensity, duration, and specific type of activity performed. The goal of this Cardiology Patient Page is to provide the postaortic dissection patient with an understanding of how blood pressure changes with different activities. We will provide information to patients and families that leads to a greater sense of comfort during physical activity, while possibly decreasing the risk of future aortic complications, thus improving overall quality of life. It is our goal that patients will continue to engage in consistent exercise, given its beneficial effects on mental, physical, and emotional health. When a handgrip (Figure) is squeezed maximally for 1 minute, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) increases by approximately 50 mm Hg. The diastolic pressure increases by about 30 mm Hg.1 When a handgrip is squeezed at 30% of maximal effort, the SBP increases by about 20 to 30 mm Hg, and the diastolic pressure increases by about 10 to 20 mm Hg. Although these studies are limited by small sample size, they do suggest that blood pressure may increase more than is appreciated …
Partial Bitstream 2-D Core Relocation for Reconfigurable Architectures

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) potentially offer enhanced reliability, recovery from failures through partial and dynamic reconfigurations, and eliminate the need for redundant hardware typically used in fault-tolerant systems. Our earlier work on scalable self-configurable architectures for reusable space systems (SCARS) describes a partial reconfiguration based self-healing architecture. The implementation of this architecture with the currently available industry tools has taught us a few valuable lessons. Generating the partially reconfigurable cores has acute restrictions that limit our ability to relocate the cores to other regions of the FPGA leading to poor area utilization. State of the art relocation approaches in the academia employ complex relocation management mechanisms which prohibit these solutions to operate at run time. In this paper, we propose a methodology for run-time 2-D core relocation to overcome the above issues. We show that our approach increases reconfiguration area utilization by 36% and reduces partial bitstream storage memory usage by 91% when compared to our base implementation. Conventional solutions restrict a given functionality to be partially reconfigured in a predetermined area. This technology enables the designer to move any core to anywhere on the FPGA fabric providing more resource availability when recovering from failure.
Covalent immobilization of DNA onto glassy carbon electrodes

Denatured calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and synthetic poly(dG)poly(dC) have been covalently immobilized onto oxidized glassy carbon electrode surfaces using the water-soluble carbodiimide, 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide. Immobilized DNA has been detected using the complex Co(bpy) (bpy = 2,2′ -bipyridine). This complex has a reversible one-electron oxidation (Eo′ = 0.33 V versus SHE), binds electrostatically in the minor groove of the DNA double helix, and preconcentrates at the surface of the DNA-modified electrode prior to a voltammetric scan. Our cyclic voltammetric data indicate that larger Co(bpy) signals are observed at low ionic strength; this is consistent with the larger association constants obtained for the binding of Co(bpy) with calf thymus DNA at low ionic strength. While immobilizations were attempted for four species, poly(dA)poly(dT), native calf thymus DNA, denatured calf thymus DNA, and poly(dG)poly(dC), only the last two species could be successfully immobilized with the carbodiimide procedure; these results show that guanosine and/or cytosine bases will bind covalently to the o-acylisourea on the glassy carbon surface.
Effect of Coronary Target Lesion Revascularization on Late Cardiac Events After Insertion of Sirolimus-Eluting or Bare Metal Stents

Restenosis is associated with acute myocardial infarction (MI) either at presentation or related to complications of target lesion revascularization (TLR). The cumulative late effect of TLR after drug-eluting or bare metal stent placement on cardiac death or MI is uncertain. Of the 1,057 patients with one native coronary lesion randomized to a sirolimus-eluting stent or bare metal stent in the Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in De Novo Native Coronary Lesions (SIRIUS) trial, the 983 who survived free of MI for the first 30 days were evaluated for the primary outcome of cardiac death or MI for 5 years. Patients with events occurring at or after TLR were assigned to TLR group. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with TLR as a time-dependent variable and adjustment for baseline clinical and demographic covariates was used to assess the independent effect of TLR on the primary outcome. TLR occurred in 160 patients (16.3%) and was an independent predictor of the primary end point (hazard ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval 1.7 to 4.5). This association was significant for sirolimus-eluting stents and bare metal stents. TLR was also associated with an increased risk of subsequent stent thrombosis and nontarget vessel revascularization. Intracoronary brachytherapy in the TLR group was associated with an increased risk of cardiac death or MI. In conclusion, restenosis requiring TLR was associated with an increased risk of cardiac death or MI occurring at TLR and during the subsequent 5 years.
Genetic based form exploration of mid-rise structures using cell morphologies

This research explores well-performing forms of mid-rise buildings which use cellular morphologies as perimeter bracing of the structure. The study is based on structural performance under earthquake loading. The geometry of the structure is created by parametric modeling following the principles of cellular space division. Optimization software is employed as a genetic based tool for exploration of design alternatives. The software combines parametric modeling, finite element performance simulation, and a genetic algorithm coupled with database storage. Externally braced frame structures consist of a braced load bearing system in the perimeter of the structure.In this study a parametric, vertical, spatially framed system is developed based on cellular morphology. The parametric model is used in a performance-oriented process of form generation guided by a genetic algorithm (GA). Using the database to store all of the evaluated design alternatives, then exploration of desired solutions will be performed through data mining. A pallet of well performing design alternatives is generated as the exploration result.
Mci Communications Corp.: Capital Structure Theory (a)

This case provides an introductory exercise for estimating the cost of capital (cost of equity, weighted average cost of capital) for a firm contemplating a large increase in debt. Students are asked to compare the debt policy of MCI Communications with that of five other leading telecommunications companies in order to find MCI's optimal capital structure.
The Effects of Initial Conditions on Photoacoustic Waveforms Generated by a Gaussian Heating Source Moving in One Dimension

Although the photoacoustic effect is almost universally generated by radiation whose intensity is varied in time either by amplitude modulation of a continuous optical source or through the use of pulsed irradiation, it is possible to produce sound by movement of a continuous source in space. Here, the characteristics of sound production by movement of a light source in one dimension are discussed by solution to the wave equation for pressure. Solutions to the wave equation for the velocity potential, from which the acoustic pressure can be determined, are found using the D’Alembert integral and by Fourier transformation of the wave equation. The characteristics of the waveform generated by a Gaussian heat source moving uniformly in space are found to depend on the initial conditions for movement of the source.