cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unconventional metals at low temperatures and high magnetic fields

Abstract This paper focuses on recent magnetotransport and magnetization measurements on unconventional metals and molecular conductors down to 350 mK and in magnetic fields up to 60 T. Measurements were performed at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory – Los Alamos Facility. Three variants of unconventional materials will be presented. First, the magnetic field effects on the thermodynamic and magnetotransport properties of the Fermi liquid regime of the heavy Fermion compound YbNi2B2C. Second, we present recent investigations of the Fermiology of the pnictide compound SmSb2 by means of Shubnikov–de Haas and de Haas–van Alphen quantum oscillations. Finally, we present recent Fermi surface measurements of κ-(ET)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br, the layered organic superconductor with the highest Tc at ambient pressure.
An Antiviral Compound That Blocks Structural Transitions of Poliovirus Prevents Receptor Binding at Low Temperatures

Drugs such as WIN51711 that inhibit picornavirus replication are thought to block poliovirus infectivity by binding to the capsid and preventing structural transitions required for uncoating. We examined the activity of WIN51711 at temperatures where capsid flexibility is thought to be decreased. Below 37°C, WIN51711 inhibits the binding of wild-type poliovirus to cells but does not affect the binding of a poliovirus mutant which is believed to undergo structural transitions more readily. These results suggest that the poliovirus capsid must undergo structural changes to bind to its cellular receptor.
Development of Molecular Approaches to Early Lung Cancer Detection.

Lung cancer has been particularly recalcitrant to standard therapeutic interventions. Improvement in the outcome for this disease requires the ability to identify the disease while it is still localized in the airways. Usually, radiation therapy to eliminate this disease fails because of progression of the cancer outside the radiation treatment ports. This is a failure of the diagnostic modalities to detect the extent of the cancer, not a failure of the radiation. With new epithelial-directed diagnostics, the ability to detect the premetastatic phase of lung cancer is emerging. Evolution of the screening infrastructure will be required to allow percolation of this technology out to the medical community, so that a benefit in cancer mortality reduction can be achieved. Some development issues will have to be resolved. Considering our fragmentary understanding of pulmonary carcinogenesis, the heterogeneity of lung cancer suggests that a panel of biomarkers instead of a single marker will be required to clarify the status of an individual's epithelium. However, the data output from multiplexed bioassays performed on large clinical populations will require better integration of information technology to optimize analysis and reporting of test results. An important new area for outcomes research is the systematic analysis of population screening approaches. With population sampling algorithms, selective screening may increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of screening. This type of research requires careful clinical validation. Finally, the general acceptance of population-based screening will be determined by the availability of effective interventions to complement the new diagnostic tools. New measures to prevent the progression of early cancer will be discussed.
Sex differences in the effect of ethanol injection and consumption on brain allopregnanolone levels in C57BL/6 mice

Abstract The pharmacological profile of allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid that is a potent positive modulator of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA A ) receptors, is similar to that of ethanol. Recent findings indicate that acute injection of ethanol increased endogenous allopregnanolone to pharmacologically relevant concentrations in male rats. However, there are no comparable data in mice, nor has the effect of ethanol drinking on endogenous allopregnanolone levels been investigated. Therefore, the present studies measured the effect of ethanol drinking and injection on allopregnanolone levels in male and female C57BL/6 mice. One group was given 17 days of 2-h limited access to a 10% v/v ethanol solution in a preference-drinking paradigm, while another group had access to water only. The ethanol dose consumed in 2 h exceeded 2 g/kg. Then, separate groups of mice were injected with either 2 g/kg ethanol or saline. Mice were killed 30 min after the 2-h drinking session or injection. Blood ethanol concentration was significantly higher in the ethanol-injected versus ethanol-drinking groups, even though the dose was similar. Consumption of ethanol significantly increased brain allopregnanolone levels in male but not female mice, compared with animals drinking water, but did not alter plasma corticosterone levels. In contrast, injection of ethanol did not significantly alter brain allopregnanolone levels in male or female mice and only significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels in the male mice, when compared with saline-injected animals. The sex differences in the effect of ethanol administration on endogenous allopregnanolone levels suggest that the hormonal milieu may impact ethanol's effect on GABAergic neurosteroids. Importantly, these data are the first to report the effect of ethanol drinking on allopregnanolone levels and indicate that ethanol consumption and ethanol injection can produce physiologically relevant allopregnanolone levels in male mice. These results have important implications for studies investigating the potential role of endogenous allopregnanolone levels in modulating susceptibility to ethanol abuse.
Positive staining of protein molecules for electron microscopy: polyiodination of the apoferritin shell in ferritin

Abstract Positive staining by attachment of multiple adventitious heavier atoms to protein molecules should be a useful preparative procedure for certain structural studies with electron microscopy. The present results demonstrate that positive staining by polyiodination permits the direct visualization of the protein shell (apoferritin) in ferritin molecules with conventional transmission electron microscopy.
Inhibition of prostacyclin synthesis in endothelial cells by methylisobutylxanthine is not mediated through elevated cAMP level

Methylisobutylxanthine (MIX) raised cAMP levels and inhibited prostacyclin synthesis and arachidonic acid release in endothelial cells from both pig aorta and human umbilical vein. These effects were reversible and dose dependent on MIX concentrations. Dibutyryl cAMP (3 mM) alone did not inhibit prostacyclin synthesis or arachidonic acid release. When added with MIX, dibutyryl cAMP did not enhance the inhibition elicited by MIX. MIX inhibited the formation of lysophospholipids, 1,2-diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid in bradykinin-stimulated pig endothelial cells, suggesting that the inhibition of prostacyclin synthesis resulted from an apparent inhibition of both phospholipase A2 and phospholipase C. Other phosphodiesterase inhibitors, theophylline and mopidamole, also raised cAMP levels and inhibited arachidonic acid release. However, there was no correlation between cAMP levels and these inhibitions. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, elevated intracellular cAMP levels with no apparent inhibition on prostacyclin synthesis. We conclude that the inhibitory effect of MIX on phospholipase A2 and phospholipase C is probably through mechanisms other than the elevation of the cAMP level.
Computing multivariable Taylor series to arbitrary order

Automatic differentiation, manipulating numerical vectors of coefficients, is the efficient way to compute multivariable Taylor series. This does not require symbolic differentiation or numerical approximation but uses exact formulas applied to numerical arrays. Arrays of Taylor series coefficients of any elementary function can be built-up, as the array for each component (combination or function) is a combination of its argument arrays. The functions TIMES and EXP display the algorithmic ideas that enable all of the other standard functions. We study the interesting recursive formulas for these combinations, the resulting algorithms, and the implementation in APL. To handle all coefficients in n variables up to order m, the arrays are hyper-pyramid data structures, considered conceptually as n-dimensional but implemented as one-dimensional arrays. Unlike previous work, this implementation does not require huge arrays for binomial coefficients and indirect referencing. This APL*PLUS III implementation loops through one nested reference array and takes sub-arrays from another for a practical solution to this problem that can make tremendous demands on time and space.
Developmental evolution: insights from studies of insect segmentation

Rapid advances have been made in the understanding of the genetic basis of development and pattern formation in a variety of model systems. By examining the extent to which these developmental systems are conserved or altered between different organisms, insight can be gained into the evolutionary events that have generated the diversity of organisms around us. The molecular and genetic basis of early pattern formation in Drosophila melanogaster has been particularly well studied, and comparisons to other insects have revealed conservation of some aspects of development, as well as differences that may explain variations in early patterning events.
Production and characterization of a monoclonal anti-anti-idiotype antibody against fumonisin B1

A monoclonal anti-anti-idiotype antibody (mAb3) against fumonisin B 1 (FmB1) was produced from the hybridoma cell line 7C7F4, which was generated by the fusion of P3/NS-1/1-AG4-1 myeloma cells with spleen cells isolated from a Balb/c mouse that had been immunized with the Fab fragments of affinity-purified anti-idiotype antibodies. The mAb3 belongs to the immunoglobulin M, kappa light chain. A direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dc-ELISA) and an indirect competitive ELISA (idc-ELISA) were established for antibody characterization and toxin analysis. In an idc-ELISA using FmB1-ovalbumin (OVA) as the coating antigen, the concentrations causing 50% inhibition of binding (IC 50 ) of mAb3 to the solid-phase FmB1-OVA by free FmB1, FmB2, and FmB3 were found to be 75, 95, and 450 ng/mL, respectively. In the dc-ELISA, the concentration causing IC 50 of FmB1-horseradish peroxidase to the solid-phase mAb3 by free FmB1 was found to be 233 ng/mL. Analysis of 12 samples naturally contaminated with fumonisins with mAb3-based idc-ELISA and polyclonal-based dc-ELISA showed a good correlation between these two methods with a correlation coefficient of 0.76 at p < 0.02. The linear regression slope was found to be y[polyclonal ELISA] = 0.87x[mAb3 ELISA] - 52 ppb.
Immunotoxicological Profile of Morphine Sulfate in B6C3F1 Female Mice

Abstract Immunotoxicological Profile of Morphine Sulfate in B6C3F1 Female Mice. Levier, D. G., McCay, J. A., Stern, M. L., Harris, L. S., Page, D., Brown, R. D., Musgrove, D. L., Butterworth, L. F., White, K. L., Jr., and Munson, A. E. (1994). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 22, 525-542. This study was undertaken to investigate a number of immune parameters which may be compromised with exposure to morphine sulfate. Mice were implanted subcutaneously with 8-, 25-, or 75-mg morphine sulfate pellets. Placebo pellets of identical makeup to the 75-mg morphine pellet (without morphine of course) were used as a control. Twenty-four hours after implantation of a 75-mg morphine pellet, blood levels reached a peak of 1610 ng/ml. Corticosterone increased in parallel with morphine and reached a peak level of 966 ng/ml 24 hr after implantation. The dose response of morphine to increase corticosterone, however, was flat. The weight of the lymphoid organs, spleen and thymus, and the liver were significantly reduced in the morphine-treated groups. Morphine treatment was associated with an increase in serum albumin, SGPT, BUN, and alkaline phosphatase indicative of hepatic damage. In contrast to increased serum proteins, the C3 component of complement was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Leukocyte number in the peripheral blood was significantly reduced, while erythrocyte number and hematocrit were both increased. The number of B cells and T cells was decreased in morphine-treated animals. However, the percentage of T cells relative to B cells was increased. The primary IgM antibody response to the T-dependent antigen, sheep red blood cells, was decreased. Natural killer cell activity was reduced in response to morphine, as was the phagocytic capacity of Kupffer cells. Host-resistance models of Listeria monocytogenes or Streptococcus pneumoniae showed an increased resistance following administration of morphine. This increased host resistance, however, was not due to an increase in antimicrobial action of sera obtained from mice treated with morphine. The majority of morphine's effects on the immune system exhibited a flat dose response, suggesting that these effects may be mediated secondarily through corticosterone.
All Domains of Cry1A Toxins Insert into Insect Brush Border Membranes

A critical step in understanding the mode of action of insecticidal crystal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis is their partitioning into membranes and, in particular, the insertion of the toxin into insect brush border membranes. The Umbrella and Penknife models predict that only α-helix 5 of domain I along with adjacent helices α-4 or α-6 insert into the brush border membranes because of their hydrophobic nature. By employing fluorescent-labeled cysteine mutations, we observe that all three domains of the toxin insert into the insect membrane. Using proteinase K protection assays, steady state fluorescence quenching measurements, and blue shift analysis of acrylodan-labeled cysteine mutants, we show that regions beyond those proposed by the two models insert into the membrane. Based on our studies, the only extended region that does not partition into the membrane is that of α-helix 1. Bioassays and voltage clamping studies show that all mutations examined, except certain domain II mutations in loop 2 (e.g. F371C and G374C), which disrupt membrane partitioning, retain their ability to form ion channels and toxicity in Manduca sexta larvae. This study confirms our earlier hypothesis that insertion of crystal toxin does not occur as separate helices alone, but virtually the entire molecule inserts as one or more units of the whole molecule.
Abstract 1074: Tumor-associated microglia secrete paracrine factors that promote Nf1-deficient optic glial cell growth

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Previous studies have demonstrated that brain tumors are composed of heterogeneous mixtures of neoplastic and non-neoplastic (stromal) brain cells. However, current brain tumor therapies are primarily focused on inhibiting the growth of the cancerous cells, largely ignoring the contribution of the surrounding stromal elements. One of these stromal cell types is an immune system-like cell (microglia), which constitutes as many as half of the cells present in human brain tumors (gliomas). The tumor microenvironment is considered to play an important role in tumor formation and maintenance by providing signals that both negatively and positively influence tumor cell growth. Since children with the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) inherited cancer syndrome are prone to the development of gliomas involving the optic nerve (optic gliomas), we have employed Nf1 genetically-engineered mice as an experimental model system to examine the role of microglia in optic glioma formation and maintenance. We leveraged RNA-sequencing data from FACS-isolated, mouse optic glioma-associated microglia to identify specific paracrine factors that are expressed in tumor-associated, but not normal, microglia. These factors were validated using RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization and investigated for their ability to increase the growth of Nf1-deficient optic nerve astroglial cells in vitro. Current studies are ongoing to determine whether (1) inhibition of microglia function in Nf1 genetically engineered mice reduces the expression of these paracrine factors and (2) inhibiting these factors attenuates optic glioma growth in vivo. Together, these studies identify a novel set of paracrine factors secreted by a key glioma-associated stromal cell type (microglia) relevant to the pathogenesis of NF1-associated tumors, raising the possibility that future therapies might be directed against tumor microenvironment paracrine factors. Citation Format: Anne C. Solga, Winnie W. Pong, Patrick J. Cimino, Keun Y. Kim, Jason Walker, Todd Wylie, Vincent Magrini, Joshua B. Rubin, David Piwnica-Worms, Mark H. Ellisman, Elaine R. Mardis, David H. Gutmann. Tumor-associated microglia secrete paracrine factors that promote Nf1-deficient optic glial cell growth. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1074. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1074
Demonstration of the Supernormal Period in the Intact Human Heart as a Result of Pacemaker Failure

A 47-year-old man with a 23-year history of complete heart block and A-V junctional rhythm was treated with a permanent pacemaker employing a demand type pulse generator and a bipolar endocardial electrode in the right ventricle. Fourteen months later the pulse generator showed evidence of failure and it then became possible to demonstrate that pacemaker stimuli could evoke a response only during a 50 millisecond period toward the end of the T wave, this interval being the supernormal period of the heart in this individual.
Gap junctions are required for enterocyte migration in vitro, and are Inhibited in experimental NEC

Abstract Introduction: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by inadequate mucosal healing due to impaired enterocyte migration along the crypt villus axis (Surgical Forum 2003). Because adjacent enterocytes migrate together, inter-enterocyte communication may be required for mucosal healing. Many cells communicate via gap junctions (GJ) comprised of the protein connexin-43. We therefore hypothesize that enterocyte migration requires inter-enterocyte communication, and that impaired healing during NEC is associated with impaired connexin-43 expression. Methods: Connexin-43 expression was assessed by SDS-PAGE and immunofluorescence in IEC-6 enterocytes. GJ function was determined by the selective inter-enterocyte passage of lucifer yellow microinjected into IEC-6 cells with impermeant rhodamine-dextran ±GJ inhibitor oleamide (25μM).Migration was measured by time-lapse microscopy of IEC-6 cells moving into a scraped wound ±oleamide. NEC was induced in newborn rats by formula gavage + hypoxia and terminal ileal mucosal scrapings were harvested for SDS-PAGE. Results: The GJ protein connexin-43 was expressed between adjacent IEC-6 cells and in mucosal scrapings. Lucifer yellow but not Rd-dextran passed between adjoining cells, indicating functional gap junctions. Oleamide significantly impaired GJs in enterocytes (communicating cells: control 3 ± 1 vs. 0.5 ± .2, p Conclusions: Enterocyte migration requires intercellular communication via gap junctions, which are reduced in NEC. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms leading to impaired mucosal healing in this disease.
Low-temperature homogeneous linewidths of Nd3+ in a phosphate glass

We have used the technique of fluorescence line narrowing to study the temperature dependence of the homogeneous width of the 4 F 3/2 (1)- 4 I 9/2 (1) transition of Nd 3+ in a Li-phosphate glass from 30 to 10 K. The homogeneous width is found to vary as T 2.4 . This behavior is compared and contrasted to that observed for other rare earth optical transitions in glasses.
Modified Newton-Raphson methods for preliminary orbit determination

Preliminary orbit determination is a multipoint boundary value problem which may be solved by the generalized Newton-Raphson iteration. When applied formally the method suffers from extensive computer storage requirements, fairly long execution times and in some cases, insufficient accuracy. In this work we seek to remove these practical difficulties via modification of the computational algorithm in such a way that solution storage is eliminated for the most part and computational speed and tolerance to imprecise integration algorithms is improved. The modified methods are applied to nine typical preliminary orbit determination problems to demonstrate fast convergence and short computation times, even with very poor starting values for the iteration. Excellent precision of the resulting solution is also demonstrated as well as the algorithm's ability to handle circular, elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic orbits.
Physician visits and preventive care among Asian American and Pacific Islander long-term survivors of colorectal cancer, USA, 1996-2006.

Purpose Published literature on receipt of preventive healthcare services among Asian American and Pacific Islander (API) cancer survivors is scarce. We describe patterns in receipt of preventive services among API long-term colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.
Regulation of plasminogen binding to neutrophils

Plasminogen plays an integral role in the inflammatory response, and this participation is likely to depend on its interaction with cell surfaces. It has previously been reported that isolation of human neutrophils from blood leads to a spontaneous increase in their plasminogen-binding capacity, and the basis for this up-regulation has been explored as a model for mechanisms for modulation of plasminogen receptor expression. Freshly isolated human peripheral blood neutrophils exhibited relatively low plasminogen binding, but when cultured for 20 hours, they increased this capacity dramatically, up to 50-fold. This increase was abolished by soybean trypsin inhibitor and was susceptible to carboxypeptidase B treatment, implicating proteolysis and exposure of carboxy-terminal lysines in the enhanced interaction. In support of this hypothesis, treatment of neutrophils with elastase, cathepsin G, or plasmin increased their plasminogen binding, and specific inhibitors of elastase and cathepsin G suppressed the up-regulation that occurred during neutrophil culture. When neutrophils were stimulated with phorbol ester, their plasminogen binding increased rapidly, but this increase was insensitive to the protease inhibitors. These results indicate that plasminogen binding to neutrophils can be up-regulated by 2 distinct pathways. A major pathway with the propensity to markedly up-regulate plasminogen binding depends upon the proteolytic remodeling of the cell surface. In response to thioglycollate, neutrophils recruited into the peritoneum of mice were shown to bind more plasminogen than those in peripheral blood, suggesting that modulation of plasminogen binding by these or other pathways may also occur in vivo.
Depression as a Mediator: Viewing Caregiver Well-Being and Strain in a Different Light

This study examines the relationship between caregiver characteristics and caregiver well-being as comprised of two components, activities of living and basic needs. The role of depression in predicting caregiver well-being is explored using a sample of caregivers of family members with a chronic illness. Using a path-analysis model, multivariate findings suggest that depression explains 56% of the variance in activities of living and 64% in basic needs. Path analysis further identifies depression as a mediator between stress and well-being. Implications for research and practice are highlighted.
Prostaglandin E2 increases cyp19 expression in rat granulosa cells: Implication of GATA-4

The expression of Cyp19, the key gene of estrogen biosynthesis, in granulosa cells (GC) is essential for follicular growth and coordination of the ovulatory process. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of PGE2 and PGF2alpha on Cyp19 expression in undifferentiated and luteinized GC (UGC and LGC). In UGC, PGE2 increased Cyp19 mRNA and Cyp19 protein levels whereas PGF2alpha had no effect. In LGC, PGF2alpha decreased Cyp19 expression whereas PGE2 had no effect. Gene-reporter experiments demonstrated that PGE2 increases Cyp19 transcription in UGC. A protein kinase A inhibitor blocked PGE2-induced increase in Cyp19 promoter activity. PGE2 increased GATA-4 binding to the Cyp19 promoter. Mutation of the GATA binding site resulted in the loss of PGE2 stimulation. This study demonstrates that PGE2 stimulates Cyp19 expression in rat GC and suggests that GATA-4 may mediate (at least in part) the stimulatory effect of PGE2.
Current concepts of laxative action: mechanisms by which laxatives increase stool water.

In this series of reports of What's New in Clinical Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Liver, Dr. Mark Donowitz will provide thoughtful clinicians with an understanding of the relevance of recent physiological studies to clinical practice. Dr. Donowitz has selected several academic clinici
Fellow Travelers: Indians and Europeans Contesting the Early American Trail – By Philip Levy

Today's savvy travelers understand that the locals always know the best way to travel and rightly expect a high price for sharing their wisdom. Apparently this lesson was slow in coming to colonize...
GIS application for the BRT station selection — BRT development in Albany, NY

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is generalized as an approach for using buses as an improved high speed transit system. By applying innovative technologies, e.g. signal prioritization, few stops, and easy-to-board vehicles, BRT can provide faster and more stable service, compared with the regular bus service. BRT has became a popular public transportation approach in many United States cities, such as Albany, NY, which initiated BRT plans to improve public transportation service, enhance community development and improve the environment. One of the important problems for BRT is selecting station locations that attract the greatest number of passengers and enhance community redevelopment. This paper reviews the main characteristics of the BRT system and BRT development on New York State Route 5 in Albany NY. It also illustrates a practical application of ArcGIS in deciding the potential BRT stations through Washington/Western Avenue Corridors in Albany NY.
Energetics of microporous materials

Abstract The enthalpies of formation of a series of high-silica zeolites are only 8–14 kJ/mol less exothermic than that of quartz, with a very weak dependence on volume (framework density), despite a factor of two variation in those parameters. Several mesoporous silicas, with pore diameters in the range 3–5 nm, also are only 14 kJ/mol less stable energetically than quartz. Thus, in the microporous and mesoporous regime, the energy appears to level off at values only about 14 kJ/mol less stable than quartz, with the pores behaving energetically like an inert second phase. Similar trends are seen for AlPO4 zeolites, and for a dehydrated CaAl silicate zeolite. These data suggest that the synthesis of microporous materials is not limited by their energetics but by finding appropriate kinetic pathways for their formation.
Imperatives in conditional conjunction

This paper provides evidence for an ambiguity of bare VPs in the English conditional conjunction construction. This ambiguity, undetected by previous researchers, provides a key to the development of a compositional semantic analysis of conditional conjunction with imperative first conjuncts. The analysis combines existing semantic theories of imperatives, the future tense, modal subordination, and speech act conjunction to yield the correct semantics without further stipulation.
Reciprocal Relations between Coalition Functioning and the Provision of Implementation Support

Community coalitions have been promoted as a strategy to help overcome challenges to the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based prevention programs. This paper explores the characteristics of coalitions that enable the provision of implementation support for prevention programs in general and for the implementation of evidence-based prevention programs with fidelity. Longitudinal cross-lagged panel models were used to study 74 Communities That Care (CTC) coalitions in Pennsylvania. These analyses provide evidence of a unidirectional influence of coalition functioning on the provision of implementation support. Coalition member knowledge of the CTC model best predicted the coalition's provision of support for evidence-based program implementation with fidelity. Implications for developing and testing innovative methods for delivering training and technical assistance to enhance coalition member knowledge are discussed.
Encircling panretinal laser photocoagulation may prevent macular detachment after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Macular detachment due to peripheral retinal tears that occur after pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy can result in severe visual loss despite successful retinal reattachment. The authors reviewed the records of three patients who developed peripheral sclerotomy-related rhegmatogenous retinal detachments one to six months after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, despite the absence of detectable sclerotomyrelated retinal tears by indirect ophthalmoscopy and scleral depression at the conclusion of surgery. All three patients had received standard panretinal laser photocoagulation in a complete encircling pattern either prior to or during the initial vitrectomy. Clinically or echographically, each patient was seen to have a partial or complete annual peripheral sclerotomy-related rhegmatogenous retinal detachment delimited to the equator. In each of these three cases, posterior extension of the peripheral retinal detachment into the macular area was prevented by the most anterior row of the photocoagulation scars. Standard panretinal laser photocoagulation applied in a complete encircling pattern may be useful in the prophylaxis of macular detachment from sclerotomy-related retinal tears that occur after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Accountability in Korean NPOs: Perceptions and Strategies of NPO Leaders

This study examines how senior managers of Korean nonprofit organizations construe their accountability environment, particularly with respect to the perceived expectations of various stakeholders. In-depth interviews were conducted with 42 nonprofit executives in Seoul and six other major Korean cities. Subsequent surveys were completed by 271 organizations. The interview results were used to construct a survey instrument to generalize the findings. The findings suggest that executives of South Korean NPOs perceive board members, staff members, and government agencies as their top three significant stakeholders to whom they are accountable. Regarding the important question of “for what” they are accountable, the respondents emphasized compliance to legal obligations and observance of democratic principles of organizational operation. This study also identified four common components in South Korean NPO accountability obligations: professional integrity, civic engagement, and inter-organizational partnership (civic activism-oriented and professionalism-oriented).
Irinotecan: future directions in small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 20%–25% of all cases of lung cancer and has an especially poor prognosis, resulting in about 25% of all lung cancer deaths. About two thirds of patients with SCLC will present with more advanced and less treatment-sensitive extensive disease (ED). Five-year survival is negligible for patients with ED. Combination chemotherapy is the most effective treatment modality for SCLC. For patients with ED SCLC, chemotherapy can increase median survival from about 1.5 months to 7-11 months, with 2-year survival uncommon. Several new agents, including carboplatin, ifosfamide, and the taxanes, have been shown to be active against SCLC but have not resulted in improvement in overall survival. Among the most active to date has been the topoisomerase I inhibitor, irinotecan. A recent phase III study of the combination of irinotecan/cisplatin indicates improved survival over cisplatin/etoposide. Survival results indicate that overall survival with irinotecan/cisplatin was significantly better than the standard treatment arm (12.8 months vs. 9.4 months, P = 0.0021, unadjusted one-sided log-rank test). These results represent a major advance and, if confirmed, may establish this regimen as the new standard of care for ED SCLC. These future directions will include the confirmation of the Japanese phase III trial in ED SCLC, evaluating the role of irinotecan in limited-stage disease, new doublet and triplet combinations containing irinotecan, and evaluation of irinotecan combinations with the newer molecularly targeted agents (ie, SU5416).
White Matter Hyperintensities and Subclinical Infarction: Associations With Psychomotor Speed and Cognitive Flexibility

Background and Purpose— We examined white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) and subclinical infarction (no history of clinical stroke; SI) in relation to performance on tests of sequencing, cognitive flexibility, and sensorimotor ability. Methods— The Northern Manhattan Study includes a stroke-free community-based sample of Hispanic, Black, and White participants. A subsample (n=656) has undergone measurement of WMHV, SI, and neuropsychological testing. Linear regression was used to examine WMHV and SI in relation to performance on tests of sequencing as measured by Color Trails 1, cognitive flexibility as measured by Color Trails 2, and sensorimotor ability as measured by Grooved Pegboard, using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for the correlation among the cognitive tests and other covariates. Results— Considering performance on the tests of sequencing, cognitive flexibility, and sensorimotor ability simultaneously using GEE, WMHV and subclinical infarction were each associated with w...
Clinical Pearls in Gastroenterology 2011

At the 2001 annual conference of the American College of Physicians, a new teaching format to aid physician learning, Clinical Pearls, was introduced. Clinical Pearls is designed with the 3 qualities of physician-learners in mind. First, we physicians enjoy learning from cases. Second, we like concise, practical points that we can use in our practice. Finally, we take pleasure in problem solving. In the Clinical Pearls format, speakers present a number of short cases in their specialty to a general internal medicine audience. Each case is followed by a multiplechoice question answered live by attendees using an audience response system. The answer distribution is shown to attendees. The correct answer is then displayed and the speaker discusses teaching points, clarifying why one answer is most appropriate. Each case presentation ends with a Clinical Pearl, defined as a practical teaching point that is supported by the literature but generally not well known to most internists. Clinical Pearls is currently one of the most popular sessions at the American College of Physicians meeting. As a service to its readers, Mayo Clinic Proceedings has invited a selected number of these Clinical Pearl presentations to be published in our Concise Reviews for Clinicians section. “Clinical Pearls in Gastroenterology 2011” is one of them.
The structural state of iron in oxidized vs. reduced glasses at 1 atm: A 57 Fe Mössbauer study

A general model for the structural state of iron in a variety of silicate and aluminosilicate glass compositions in the systems Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-Fe-O, CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-Fe-O, and MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-Fe-O is proposed. Quenched melts with variable Al/Si and NBO/T (average number of nonbridging oxygens per tetrahedrally coordinated cation), synthesized over a range of temperatures and values of oxygen fugacity, are analyzed with57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy. For oxidized glasses with Fe3+/∑Fe>0.50, the isomer shift for Fe3+ is in the range ∼0.22–0.33 mm/s and ∼0.36 mm/s at 298 K and 77 K, respectively. These values are indicative of tetrahedrally coordinated Fe3−. This assignment is in agreement with the interpretation of Raman, luminescence, and X-ray,K-edge absorption spectra. The values of the quadrupole splitting are ∼0.90 mm/s (298 K and 77 K) in the Na-aluminosilicate glasses and compare with the values of 1.3 mm/s and 1.5 mm/s for the analogous Ca- and Mg-aluminosilicate compositions. The variations in quadrupole splittings for Fe3+ are due to differences in the degree of distortion of the tetrahedrally coordinated site in each of the systems. The values of the isomer shifts for Fe2+ ions in glasses irrespective of Fe3+/∑Fe are in the range 0.90–1.06 mm/s at 298 K and 1.0–1.15 mm/s at 77 K. The corresponding range of values of the quadrupole splitting is 1.75–2.10 mm/s at 298 K and 2.00–2.35 mm/s at 77 K. The temperature dependence of the hyperfine parameters for Fe2+ is indicative of noninteracting ions, but the values of the isomer shift are intermediate between those values normally attributable to tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated Fe2+. The assignment of the isomer-shift values of Fe2+ to octahedral coordination is in agreement with the results of other spectral studies. For reduced glasses (Fe3+/∑Fe≈<0.50), the value of the isomer shift for Fe3+ at both 298 K and 77 K increases and is linearly correlated with decreasing Fe3+/∑Fe in the range of $$f_{O_2 } $$ between 10−3 and 10−6 atm when a single quadrupole-split doublet is assumed to represent the absorption due to ferric iron. The increase in value of the isomer shift with decreasing $$f_{O_2 } $$ is consistent with an increase in the proportion of Fe3+ ions that are octahedrally coordinated. The concentration of octahedral Fe3+ is dependent on the $$T - f_{O_2 } $$ conditions, and in the range of log $$f_{O_2 } $$ between 10−2.0 and 10−5 a significant proportion of the iron may occur as iron-rich structural units with stoichiometry similar to that of inverse spinels such as Fe3O4, in addition to isolated Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions.
Coherent Optical Processing A Tutorial Review

Optical data processing is often thought of as a relatively new and promising discipline. There are those who believe that this field is a product of the science and technology of this last decade. The more knowledgeable shake their heads wisely and are confident that they know that the work really started in the early 1950's. However, the real officianados are aware of many important forerunners of the current techniques of optical processing. These forerunners include the development of the knife-edge test by Foucault, the introduction of the Schlieren system by Tbpler, the theoretical work of Abbe on image formation in a microscope, and the subsequent illustrative experiments by Porter. Perhaps the real classic is the phase contrast microscope invented by Zernike.© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Standardization of Formaldehyde-Induced Fluoresecence and its Measurement to Quantify Serotonim Emission in Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cells

We describe a modified and standardized quantitative FIF procedure for producing fluorophores and measuring emission intensity of serotonin-containing neuroepithelial bodies (NEB's) in the rabbit lung. This technique, using epifluorescence, was reproduced without significant differences between control groups. Important considerations for reproducibility were: using the same humidity (80% RH) and reaction time (2 h) during the vapor treatment, sectioning at constant relative humidity, avoiding unnecessary heating (sections should not be stretched over a hot plate) and avoiding exposure of sections to light. Optimal emission readings were obtained with sectioning and mounting at 40–50% RH. Readings were reduced by 25% when the mercury light source was switched from 200 W to 100 W. It was also important to let the instruments warm up long enough to avoid drift during quantitation. Each NEB should be subjected to the same duration of light exposure for alignment (30 s) before measuring fluorescence to avoid differences from photodecomposition.
Secondary Metabolites Of Fleshy Vertebrate‐Dispersed Fruits: Adaptive Hypotheses And Implications For Seed Dispersal

We discuss seven hypotheses to explain the adaptive significance of secondary me- tabolites in ripe fleshy fruits and their implications for seed dispersal. These hypotheses are the attraction/association, seed germination inhibition, attraction/repulsion, protein assimilation, gut retention time, directed toxicity, and defense trade-off hypotheses. We examine evidence that supports or refutes these hypotheses and suggest further tests of each. In addition, we summarize recent work with Solanum fruit pulp glycoalkaloids that bears directly on three of these hypothe- ses (directed toxicity, gut retention time, and defense trade-off ). We conclude that evidence ad- dressing many of these hypotheses is either observational or indirect, but most hypotheses find at least some level of support. Because many of the hypotheses are not mutually exclusive, we also conclude that synergistic interactions and multifunctionality in secondary metabolites may provide economical evolutionary solutions for plants facing disparate and temporally variable se- lective pressures that impinge on fruits and seeds.
Photomask Repair Using An Advanced Laser Based Repair System (MARS2)

The ability to deliver high end photomasks free of printable defects is key to the success of the photomask manufacturing process. Although investment in substrate purity, particulate control, and cleaning capability has increased dramatically, they have proven no match for the defects’ ability to destroy an otherwise ideal mask. It is, therefore, essential to continue to have the capability to repair defects in order to deliver high-end photomasks. The vast variety of potential defects, combined with the different mask substrates, has driven the repair capability to not only be very technically driven, but also versatile and quick. Between the major defect categories of clear and opaque defects, opaque defects present the greatest challenge. Traditionally, this challenge lies in the reality that there is no perfect full height defect resulting in no one universal removal process. This is compounded with the fact that on any given photomask, these opaque defects can be greater than a micron, sub micron, very numerous, within tight geometries, or out in an isolated region of the photomask. Furthermore, defects identified as opaque defects have the possibility to be foreign material related, presenting a further challenge. They do not respond to repair in the same manner as the opaque defects. The multitude of issues, combined with the need to repair the defects with high throughput, has driven the need for an advanced opaque repair system. This paper will look into the practical application of a laser-based advanced opaque repair tool. Repair tool capability will show repair performance including substrate damage, transmission effects, and edge placement repeatability. This paper will also present a view of the operations of the repair system including imaging capabilities, and process throughput. This practical review of the advanced opaque repair system will show that technical needs of opaque repair, as well as practical needs of throughput and ease of use, can be achieved within one repair process.
Patterns of food intake and self-selection of macronutrients in rats during short-term deprivation of dietary zinc

Although it has been known for more than 50 years that zinc (Zn) deficiency regularly and consistently causes anorexia in many animal species, the basic mechanism(s) that cause this phenomenon still remain(s) an enigma. The following studies describe feeding behavior in the early stages of zinc deficiency in the rat model. In one experiment, we used computerized feeding monitors that measured the intake of individual rats at 10-min intervals over 24-hr periods. Male rats were acclimated to the cages and fed a Zn-adequate egg-white-based diet, or a similar diet with <1.0 mg Zn/kg. Food intake was monitored for seven, consecutive 24-hr periods. The 24-hr food intake pattern of the Zn-deprived rats did not differ from the controls; they simply ate less food, mainly during the night hours, with no differences between groups during the day. Although Zn-deprived rats ate less food than controls, the percentage of total diet consumed during night and day did not differ between groups. In another experiment, we simultaneously offered male rats three isocaloric diets with different macronutrient compositions and with or without adequate Zn, and measured the amount of each diet selected during seven, 24-hr periods. The three diets contained either 57% protein from egg white, 30% fat from soybean oil, or 80% carbohydrate from a combination of starch, hydrolyzed starch, and sucrose. For the first four days on experiment, rats selected similar amounts of each diet. Then the Zn-deprived rats began to select only 50% as much of the protein diet as the controls. Similar results were obtained when the data were expressed on the basis of each macronutrient as a percentage of the total diet selected. Zn-deprived rats selected a diet that contained 8% protein, 73% carbohydrate, and 6% fat while the Zn-adequate rats selected 12% protein, 69% carbohydrate, and 6% fat. Fat intake was not affected by Zn-deprivation. The results confirm our previous findings, and are discussed in terms of Zn-deprivation blunting the pathways of signal transduction that involve the peptide hormones known to affect food intake regulation.
Body Mass Growth in Common Marmosets: Toward a Model of Pediatric Obesity

While much is known about adult obesity in nonhuman primates, very little is known regarding development of childhood adiposity. As small monkeys that are easy to handle and have a relatively fast life his- tory, common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) offer interesting opportunities to examine the question of fat versus lean mass growth in a nonhuman primate. This article provides an overview of our understanding of early life growth in mass in marmoset monkeys, based primarily upon our past 20 years of research, culminating in our recent findings on early life obesity in this species. Common marmosets display variance in early life growth patterns that is related to both pre- and postnatal factors and the marmoset uterine environment is exquisitely designed to reflect resources available for the gestation of multiple offspring, making them an interesting model of developmental programming. We have demonstrated that obesity can be generated in very early life in captive mar- mosets, with excess adiposity evident by one month of age, making this species a potentially valuable model in which to study pediatric obesity and its sequelae. Birth weight is associated with adiposity in animals vulnerable to obesity. Early life exposure to higher fat diets enhances the chances of postweaning obesity development. How- ever, overall higher food consumption is also associated with obesity development at later ages. One unexpected finding in our studies has been the relatively high body fat percentage of neonatal (12-18%) marmosets suggesting that hypotheses regarding the uniqueness of high human neonatal adiposity merit further examina- tion. Am J Phys Anthropol 150:21-28, 2013. V V C 2012 Wiley