cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple Berry Types Prevent N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine-Induced Esophageal Cancer in Rats

Purpose The present study compared the ability of different berry types to prevent chemically-induced tumorigenesis in the rat esophagus. We also determined if berries influence the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum of carcinogen-treated rats.
Synthesis of a Novel, Biodegradable Electrically Conducting Polymer for Biomedical Applications

We report the synthesis and characterization of a novel biomaterial that possesses the unique properties of being both electrically conducting and biodegradable; and thus capable of electronic interfacing with tissue. This polymer was synthesized from conducting oligomers of pyrrole and thiophene that are connected together via degradable ester linkages. We demonstrate that this polymer is conductive, degradable, and biocompatible.
Efficacy of hemostatic agents in improving surgical hemostasis

C URTAILING operative bleeding has always been a surgical priority. Perioperative hemorrhage, and the need for blood product transfusions, increases morbidity, mortality, and cost. The driest fields are usually attributed to the most skillful surgeons. However, despite excellent surgical skill there may be increased bleeding under a variety of circumstances. These include extensive operations versus limited ones, deep dissections versus superficial ones, and reoperations versus primary procedures. Furthermore, other factors over which the surgeon has little or no control may increase surgical hemorrhage. Examples include patient diseases affecting the liver or kidney; recent exposure to medications such as aspirin or anticoagulants; and operations requiting extracorporeal circulation. To control blood loss under these conditions, physicians have turned to a variety of topical and systemic agents thought to have hemostatic properties. In this article, we will examine the safety and efficacy of some of these agents. Plasma, platelets, and specific clotting factors will be excluded because a discussion of these blood components is beyond the scope of this article. Table 1 lists some of the hemostatic agents that have been used at one time or another to control operative bleeding. Many of the topical agents listed are believed to be useful in surgical practice, but most have not been subjected to rigorous clinical trials. Seaweed extracts (Alginate) are used for the arrest of capillary hemorrhage. Styptic pencils can diminish bleeding by cauterizing small vessels. Bismuth subgallate, an analogue of ellagic acid, activates factor XII and may be applied to the tonsillar fossae along with epinephrine to stem bleeding. 1 Collagen and microcrystalline collagen (Avitene) enhance platelet adhesion and aggregation. They have found widespread use in cardiovascular, orthopaedic, and plastic surgery. 2 Gelatin sponges and oxidized cellulose are applied to the bleeding surface, compress severed vessels, absorb fluid, and provide a scaffold for fibrin formation. Russell's viper venom (Stypven) very rapidly clots shed blood and has been used topically to staunch bleeding from lacerations in hemophiliacs. Thrombin, usually of bovine origin, is applied alone or with other topical agents to promote hemostasis. However, the most popular use of thrombin is in combination with fibrinogen to form fibrin glue. Between 1990 and 1995, 318 articles described the preparation, use, and adverse effects of this hemostatic material, and a review was published in these pages in 1993. 3 Some of the salient points about fibrin glue are summarized below.
On the Relationship Between Evolution of Virulence and Host Demography

The effects of density-dependence on the evolution of virulence in super-infection models is the theme of this paper. The qualitative dynamics of three host-pathogen systems are studied numerically in a virulence-superinfection parameter landscape. It is shown numerically that pathogen's competitive exclusion coexistence and host population extinction depend heavily of the population dynamics of the host population. Reported patterns of diversity found using models without demography, are insufficient to account for the coevolutionary dynamics under defined selective pressures. Specifically, virulence and superinfection in the presence of a variable host population give rise to threshold values that divide (as switches) the regions of coexistence and competitive exclusion. Tight coevolution on a variable host population may occur within regions of parameter space that are not connected. We present our numerical results using a simple host-disease system where a homogeneous host population is invaded by two competing pathogen strains (partial analytical results will be published elsewhere).Copyright 1998 Academic Press Limited
Differences in infectivity of neurotropic viruses incubated in distilled water, isotonic NaCI and hypertonic NaCI.

SummaryThree groups of viruses were found to differ in their stability, as judged by infectivity for mice, when diluted in DW, isotonic and hypertonic saline and held at 37°C for 1 hour. Mouse encephalomyelitis (GDVII, FA) was stable in all 3 diluents. EMC virus (Mengo, MM) lost infectivity in isotonic NaCl only. Arbor viruses lost infectivity in all 3 diluents.
Population-based and family-based designs to analyze rare variants in complex diseases.

Genotyping of rare variants on a large scale is now possible using next-generation sequencing. Sample selection is a crucial step in designing the genetic study of a complex disease, and knowledge of the efficiency and limitations of population-based and family-based designs can help researchers make the appropriate choice. The nine contributions to Group 5 of Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 evaluate population-based and family-based designs by comparing the results obtained with various methods applied to the mini-exome simulations. These simulations consisted of 200 replicates composed of unrelated individuals and eight extended pedigrees with genotypes and various phenotypes. The methods tested for association with a population-based and/or a family-based design, tested for linkage with a family-based design, or estimated heritability. We summarize the strengths and weaknesses of both designs. Although population-based designs seem more suitable for detecting the effect of multiple rare variants, family-based designs can potentially enrich the sample in rare variants, for which the effect would be concealed at the population level. However, as of today, the main limitation is still the high cost of next-generation sequencing. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:S41–S47, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding technology adoption through system dynamics modeling: implications for agribusiness management

Abstract This work demonstrates the utility of sophisticated simulation tools in aiding agribusiness managers’ decision making. The system dynamics model developed here provides insight into the use of such models to evaluate potential adoption rates and diffusion patterns of yield mapping and monitoring technologies. The model allows for comparative analyses of the possible effects of different profit assumptions on adoption and diffusion.
Parallel-access memory management using fast-fits

The two most common approaches to managing shared-access memory-free lists and buddy systems-have significant drawbacks. Free list algorithms have poor memory access characteristics, and buddy systems utilize their space inefficiently. In this paper, we present an alternative approach to parallel-access memory management based on the fast-fits algorithm. A fast-fits memory manager stores free blocks in a tree structure, providing fast access and efficient space use. Since the fast-fits algorithm accesses fewer blocks than a free list algorithm, it reduces the amount of cache invalidation overhead due to the memory manager. Our performance experiments show that the parallel-access fast-fits memory manager allows significantly greater access rates than a serial-access fast-fits memory manager does. We note that shared-memory multiprocessor systems need efficient dynamic storage allocators, both for system purposes and to support parallel programs.
Collective Bargaining by Air Line Pilots

Introduction, 533. — Growth of ALPA, 533. — Government of ALPA: membership, 538; councils, 539; the convention, 539; officers, 541; co-pilots, 542; affiliated groups, 544. — Salaries and Earnings: the Pre-NRA period, 545; Decision 83, 546; co-pilots' pay, 551; international service, 551; the Stratoliner arbitrations, 553. — The Four-Engine Dispute, 554. — Hours of work and mileage limitations, 562. — Rules and working conditions, 564. — Theoretical bases of high pilot pay: qualifications, 569; earning life, 571; hazards, 672; technological advance, 573; bargaining power, 574. — Conclusion, 575.
A family history study of neuropsychiatric disorders in the adult siblings of autistic individuals.

ABSTRACT The family history method was used to obtain developmental, social, and psychiatric histories on the 67 adult siblings of 37 autistic probands. Two of 67 siblings (3.0%) were autistic, three siblings (4.4%) had severe social dysfunction and isolation, 10 (15%) had cognitive disorders, and 10 (15%) had received treatment for affective disorder. This study is the first to investigate the frequency of disorders in the adult siblings of autistic probands. These results suggest aggregation of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders in the siblings of autistic individuals.
Christiaan Barnard and his contributions to heart transplantation

Christiaan (Chris) Barnard was born in South Africa in 1922 and qualified in medicine at the University of Cape Town in 1946. Following surgical training in Cape Town and Minneapolis, Barnard established a successful open heart surgery program at Groote Schuur Hospital. In 1967, he led the team that performed the world's first human-to-human heart transplant. Although his first patient survived only 18 days, 4 of his first 10 patients survived for more than 1 year, 2 living for 13 and 23 years, respectively. With his junior colleague, Jaques Losman, Barnard then developed the operation of heterotopic heart transplantation. In 1981, his group was the first to successfully transport donor hearts using a hypothermic perfusion storage device. Several studies on the hemodynamic and metabolic sequelae of brain death were carried out in his department. Barnard retired from the University of Cape Town in 1983 at the age of 61. Now in his 79th year, he continues to pursue his interest in writing for the public. In the words of one of his former colleagues, he is a "surgical visionary and simply the most unforgettable character of the second generation of cardiac surgeons."
Accessory nerve palsy following carotid endarterectomy: Report of two cases

Two patients who had an accessory nerve palsy following carotid endarterectomy are presented. Both patients had high carotid bifurcations necessitating unusually high retraction and dissection. The ipsilateral accessory nerve was injured in the anterior cervical triangle in both cases. It is believed that vigorous lateral retraction of the superior aspect of the sternocleidomastoid muscle led to a stretch injury of the nerve. The symptoms completely resolved in both patients within 6 months.
Nanometer-Scale Solvent-Assisted Modification of Polymer Surfaces Using the Atomic Force Microscope

We describe the response of poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces to localized mechanical stimulation by the tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) in water, methanol, ethanol, and aqueous alcohol solutions. Simply pressing the AFM tip into the surface with no horizontal motion fails to produce visible features in subsequent low contact force images. A single small-area (40 × 40 nm2) high contact force scan has little effect in air but in water or in alcohol−water mixtures produces soft bumps (local volume increase) adjacent to the scanned area. These bumps typically have lateral dimensions of ∼100 nm and rise tens of nanometers above the surrounding surface. Larger, micron-scale scans produce approximately parallel, raised ridges 50−150 nm apart. These structures are stable over time periods of hours or more in air and in solvent. We present evidence that these modifications are due primarily to stress-enhanced solvent uptake in material surrounding the area of tip−polymer contact.
Antimicrobial activity and in vitro susceptibility test development for cefditoren against Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus species.

Cefditoren, a third generation orally administered aminothiazolyl cephalosporin, has demonstrated bactericidal activity against many Gram positive and negative bacterial pathogens and stability against clinically important beta-lactamases. Cefditoren was compared to cefaclor, cefixime, and penicillins against 1 435 recently isolated strains of streptococci (312 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 165 viridans group streptococci, 142 beta-haemolytic streptococci), Haemophilus influenzae (521 strains), and Moraxella catarrhalis (295 strains). Streptococcus pneumoniae and viridans group streptococci had penicillin nonsusceptible rates of 37.8 and 35.8%, respectively. Cefditoren (MIC(90) in microg/ml/% susceptible) activity against all tested H. influenzae (0.03/100) and M. catarrhalis (0.06-0.5/100) was comparable to cefixime and significantly greater than cefaclor. Cefditoren (MIC(90), 0.5 microg/ml) was 4- to 128-fold more active than comparison beta-lactams against the pneumoococci and was the most potent beta-lactam (including penicillin) versus beta-haemolytic streptococci. Cefditoren pharmacokinetics demonstrate a T(1/2) of 1.5-2 h and C(max) values of 2.8 and 4.6 microg/ml, respectively with 200 or 400 mg doses of cefditoren pivoxil; plasma concentrations exceed 1 microg/ml for 4 to 6 hours (33-50% of dosing interval). Consequently, a susceptible MIC of /= 18 and >/= 15 mm (5-microg disk) for all cited fastidious species tested. Categorical agreement between MIC and disk tests was 94.6 to 100% with a correlation coefficient (r) range of 0.50 to 0.90 for streptococci. H. influenzae intermethod comparison results using the same interpretive criteria were in complete agreement, but exhibited a low r = 0.39. Cefditoren clearly possesses the most potent activity among currently studied oral cephalosporins or penicillin against commonly isolated bacterial pathogens causing bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, or pharyngitis and was active against nearly all penicillin-resistant streptococci at </= 0.5 microg/ml. Expanded clinical investigations seem warranted.
Selective activation of dorsal raphe nucleus‐projecting neurons in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex by controllable stress

Exposure to uncontrollable stressors produces a variety of behavioral consequences (e.g. exaggerated fear, reduced social exploration) that do not occur if the stressor is controllable. In addition, an initial experience with a controllable stressor can block the behavioral and neural responses to a later uncontrollable stressor. The serotonergic (5-HT) dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) has come to be viewed as a critical structure in mediating the behavioral effects of uncontrollable stress. Recent work suggests that the buffering effects of behavioral control on the DRN-dependent behavioral outcomes of uncontrollable stress require ventral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFCv) activation at the time of behavioral control. The present studies were conducted to directly determine whether or not controllable stress selectively activates DRN-projecting neurons within the mPFCv. To examine this possibility in the rat, we combined retrograde tracing (fluorogold iontophoresed into the DRN) with Fos immunohistochemistry, a marker for neural activation. Exposure to controllable, relative to uncontrollable, stress increased Fos expression in fluorogold-labeled neurons in the prelimbic region (PL) of the mPFCv. Furthermore, in a separate experiment, a prior experience with controllable stress led to potentiation of Fos expression in retrogradely labeled PL neurons in response to an uncontrollable stressor 1 week later. These results suggest that the PL selectively responds to behavioral control and utilizes such information to regulate the brainstem response to ongoing and subsequent stressors.
Mechanisms of aortic valve incompetence: finite element modeling of aortic root dilatation

Abstract Background . Idiopathic root dilatation often results in dysfunction of an otherwise normal aortic valve. To examine the effect of root dilatation on leaflet stress, strain, and coaptation, we utilized a finite element model. Methods . The normal model incorporated the geometry, tissue thickness, stiffness, and collagen fiber alignment of normal human roots and valves. We evaluated four dilatation models in which diameters of the aortic root were dilated by 5%, 15%, 30%, and 50%. Regional stress and strain were evaluated and leaflet coaptation percent was calculated under diastolic pressure. Results . Root dilatation significantly increased regional leaflet stress and strain beyond that found in the normal model. Stress increases ranged from 57% to 399% and strain increases ranged from 39% to 189% in the 50% dilatation model. Leaflet stress and strain were disproportionately high at the attachment edge and coaptation area. Leaflet coaptation was decreased by 18% in the 50% root dilatation model. Conclusions . Idiopathic root dilatation significantly increases leaflet stress and strain and reduces coaptation in an otherwise normal aortic valve. These alterations may affect valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedures.
β-catenin nuclear localization is associated with grade in ovarian serous carcinoma

Abstract Objectives β-Catenin has been previously associated with oncogenic activity in human cancers. We evaluated whether β-catenin also plays a role in papillary serous ovarian neoplasms. Methods Immunohistochemistry for β-catenin was performed on the primary ovarian serous neoplasms of 105 women. Of these, 10 were low malignant potential (LMP) serous tumors, and 95 were serous cancers. Nuclear β-catenin staining was correlated with grade of tumor and median survival. OVCAR-3, OVCA-420, OVCA-432, and MDAH-277-10c were evaluated for β-catenin localization and transfected with a T-cell factor (TCF) responsive reporter to evaluate β-catenin transcriptional activity. Results Of 105 serous tumors, 13 (12.3%) demonstrated β-catenin nuclear staining. Eleven of 48 high-grade serous carcinomas (23.0%) demonstrated nuclear staining compared with 1 low-grade serous carcinoma (2.1%) ( P = 0.006). One LMP tumor had nuclear staining. β-Catenin nuclear localization was undetectable in the cell lines tested. Furthermore, transient transfection of the cell lines with a TCF-responsive reporter did not demonstrate significant constitutive transcriptional activation. Conclusions We found a statistically significant correlation between β-catenin nuclear localization and ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas. Thus, deregulation of β-catenin may play a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas in contrast to ovarian low-grade serous carcinomas and LMP serous tumors.
Job displacement’s long-run effect on access to employer-provided health insurance and other fringe benefits

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of job displacement on access to employer-provided fringe benefits. We find that displacement is associated with lost access to all seven employer-provided benefits investigated. These losses increase the cost of displacement by 10% per year.
Beneficial effect of amyloid beta after controlled cortical impact.

Background: Worse functional outcomes after controlled cortical impact (CCI) in Bace1−/− mice have previously been demonstrated. This study investigated whether reconstitution of amyloid-beta (Aβ) after CCI in Bace1−/− animals would reverse the detrimental effect of Bace1 deletion.Methods: Bace1−/− and wild type Bace1+/+ (C57Bl/6) mice were subjected to CCI (n = 14–23/group) or sham injury (n = 6/group). After injury, mice underwent intracerebroventricular injections of Aβ40 (n = 23 Bace1−/− and 17 Bace1+/+ per group) or vehicle (n = 14 Bace1−/− and 22 Bace1+/+ per group). Functional outcomes were assessed with wire grip (motor) and Morris water maze (spatial memory). Soluble Aβ levels were assessed at 24 hours and 21 days after CCI. Lesion volume was assessed 21 days after injury.Results: At 24 hours after injury, Aβ-treated Bace1−/− mice had Aβ40 levels similar to vehicle-treated Bace1+/+ mice, but by 21 days after injury there were no differences between Aβ-treated versus vehicle-treated Bace1−/− mice....
Dentin formation in periodontally diseased teeth.

Pulp canals of periodontally healthy and periodontally diseased upper anterior teeth were measured at the "apex," "middle," and "crown end." Teeth were further categorized by age. When mean differences were compared, there was a narrowing of the pulp canal diameters at every morphological level for periodontally diseased teeth. As anticipated, there was also a narrowing of the pulp canal with age.
Wear of coal logs in pipe

The wear characteristics of small (49 mm diameter) coal logs (i.e. compacted coal cylinders) having an approximate length of 76 mm were tested in a steel pipe in the laboratory. For each individual test, three identical coal logs were compacted from the same batch of materials under the same compaction conditions. Six factors that affect coal log wear were varied in the tests, one at a time, to assess their individual effects. These factors include: coal type, binder concentration, coal log diameter, compaction temperature, water pressure encountered by coal logs, and pipe interior roughness. The results showed that logs made of subbituminous coal were more resistant to abrasion than logs made of bituminous coal. The addition of 0.5 wt.% binder to coal mixture made logs six times more wear resistant than binderless logs. Coal logs prepared with larger diameter ratio and tested at lift-off velocity performed better than smaller diameter-ratio logs tested at the same velocity. Lift-off velocity is the minimum mean velocity of the fluid (water) at which the coal logs are completely suspended (levitated) by the flow in the pipe. An optimal compaction temperature of the order 80°C resulted in more wear-resistant logs than the other compaction temperatures tested. Testing coal logs in a pressurized pipe resulted in more durable and less abrasive coal logs. Finally, coal logs tested in a rough pipe encountered more wear than coal logs tested in a smooth pipe. The results of this study suggest that coal can be compacted at coal mines into strong cylinders (logs) for transportation to power plants by using large-diameter underground steel pipelines.
Magic, myth and medicine

Carrots, celery, caraway and cumin and their relatives in the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) have a long history of human use dating from our earliest written records. A large body of folklore has accumulated on their magical and mythical curative properties. Many of the early uses have persisted as part of 20th century folklore, sometimes supplementary to modern medicine. Studies largely during the last half of this century have provided the chemical bases for some of the ancient cures.
Hog Pricing and Evaluation Methods—Their Accuracy and Equity

T HE HOG-PORK sector of the U. S. economy is plagued by both seasonal and cyclical price and production fluctuations. Some industry participants are now trying to alleviate the problems caused by these fluctuations by contractually coordinating some of their production-processing-distribution activities. When hog producers and meat packers negotiate a contract, an equitable pricing procedure is an essential prerequisite. In other marketing systems the pricing system is often the primary means by which producers get feedback about current consumer demands for their hogs relative to other types of hogs which they could potentially produce. This note explores the potential accuracy of a variety of live or carcass pricing or evaluation methods similar to the one examined by Ikerd and Cramer [3]. This information can be useful in comparing and selecting objective live or carcass pricing and grading systems or internal packer-buyer training and evaluation procedures. Some necessary considerations in practical application of this computerized evaluation procedure are also briefly considered.
Spot-profile-analyzing LEED study of the epitaxial growth of Fe, Co, and Cu on Cu(100).

The structure of epitaxial films of Fe, Co, and Cu grown at 80--300 K on Cu(100) has been investigated using a spot-profile-analyzing low-energy electron-diffraction (LEED) instrument. In all three systems rings appear around the substrate LEED spots, although the rings differ in intensity and in diameter depending upon the variables of film thickness and deposition temperature. Rings of this type have been studied extensively by Henzler et al. and correlated with the mean separation between islands. Much can be inferred about the growth mechanism through a study of these Henzler rings. The rings contract radially with increasing deposition temperature or with increasing annealing temperature as thermally activated diffusion permits the formation of larger islands with greater distances between them. For all three systems studied here, the onset of thermal diffusion becomes apparent as the ring contracts radially for deposition temperatures above about 150 K. However, for deposition at 80 K, where thermally activated diffusion should be completely suppressed, rings are observed with a radius corresponding to a mean separation between islands on the order of ten atoms. Of the three elements, Fe gives the strongest rings and Cu the weakest. The value of the mean separation suggests that upon condensation these atoms do not come to rest at the immediate site of impact but instead experience some very transient type of mobility associated with the impact and accommodation process.
Tritiated Uridine Labeling of the Retina: Variations Among Retinal Quadrants, and Between Right and Left Eyes*

We have determined the pattern of RNA labeling (uridine incorporation) in the normal retina of the domestic cat. One eye in each of eight cats was labeled by injecting [3H]uridine into the vitreous cavity. Two of the labeled eyes had the lens and vitreous removed 10 days before labeling. Three additional animals received intravenous (i.v.) injections of C3H]uridine. All animals were injected 4 hr into the light period and fixed 24 hr later: then the retinas were divided into quadrants (ST = superior temporal, SN superior nasal, IT = inferior temporal, and IN = inferior nasal). The ST quadrant contains the area centralis and the SN quadrant the optic nerve head. Autoradiograms were prepared from plastic sections 1 ,um thick taken near the centre of each quadrant. In animals receiving intravitreal r3H]uridine. the ganglion cells and the inner and outer nuclear layers (INL; ONL) were heavily labeled ; the synaptic layers and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were very lightly labeled. Amacrines were the heaviest labeled cells in the INL: cones were more heavily labeled than rods in the ONL. This finding indicates that amacrines and cone photoreceptors may be synthesizing RNA more actively than other retinal neurons. In animals receiving intravenous [3H]uridine the pattern of labeling was the same as above except that the RPE was heavily labeled. Because cells in the ST quadrant appeared to be more heavily labeled than the same cell types in the other retinal quadrants, silver grains over the ONL in each quadrant were counted as grains pm-2 or grains per rod nucleus. In all cases rod nuclei in the ST quadrant are about twice as heavily labeled as in the SN, IT and IN quadrants (P < 0.001, Student’s f-tests). In addition, in three animals with i.v. injections, rods in the ST quadrant of the right eye are more heavily labeled than in the ST quadrant of the lefi eye (P < 0005, Student’s t-tests). Because of the 24-hr incubation period and the nuclear location of the labeling, the species of RNA being observed in this study is probably small nuclear RNA (&&‘A). Our results show that there are large differences in uridine labeling of diierent regions of the retina, with the highest labeling in the quadrant containing the area centralis (the region of high visual acuity). In addition, the right eyes have a higher labeling with uridine than the left eyes.
Ramularia Leaf Spots of Lathyrus Odoratus and L. Latifolius

Evidence is presented that certain Lathyrus-infecting fungi of the genera Scolicotrichum, Ovularia, Ramularia, Cladosporium, and Hyalodendron, including the pathogens causing white blight or white ...
Impairing oral tolerance promotes allergy and anaphylaxis: a new murine food allergy model.

Background Food allergy is a disorder in which antigenic food proteins elicit immune responses. Animal models of food allergy have several limitations that influence their utility, including failure to recapitulate several key immunologic hallmarks. Consequently, little is known regarding the pathogenesis and mechanisms leading to food allergy. Staphylococcus aureus –derived enterotoxins, a common cause of food contamination, are associated with antigen responses in atopic dermatitis. Objective We hypothesized that S aureus –derived enterotoxins might influence the development of food allergy. We examined the influence of administration of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) with food allergens on immunologic responses and compared these responses with those elicited by a cholera toxin–driven food allergy model. Methods Oral administration of ovalbumin or whole peanut extract with or without SEB was performed once weekly. After 8 weeks, mice were challenged with oral antigen alone, and the physiologic and immunologic responses to antigen were studied. Results SEB administered with antigen resulted in immune responses to the antigen. Responses were highly T H 2 polarized, and oral challenge with antigen triggered anaphylaxis and local and systemic mast cell degranulation. SEB-driven sensitization induced eosinophilia in the blood and intestinal tissues not observed with cholera toxin sensitization. SEB impaired tolerance specifically by impairing expression of TGF-β and regulatory T cells, and tolerance was restored with high-dose antigen. Conclusions We demonstrate a new model of food allergy to oral antigen in common laboratory strains of mice that recapitulates many features of clinical food allergy that are not seen in other models. We demonstrate that SEB impairs oral tolerance and permits allergic responses.
Effect of Te and S Donor Levels on the Properties of Ga As 1 − x P x near the Direct-Indirect Transition

The effect of donor impurity levels associated with higher-lying conduction-band minima on the direct-indirect transition in heavily doped $\mathrm{Ga}{\mathrm{As}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{P}}_{x}$ has been studied. Hall-coefficient measurements from 55 to 400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and resistivity measurements under hydrostatic pressure between 0 and 7 kbar at 300, 195, and 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K have been made throughout the alloy composition range. The behavior of Te-doped crystals can best be explained by an impurity level \ensuremath{\sim}0.03 eV below and associated with the [100] minima. The pressure coefficient of this level with respect to the [000] minimum is about 10.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ eV/kbar. Two impurity levels are found in S-doped crystals. The deeper of these two levels is \ensuremath{\sim}0.04 eV beneath the [000] minimum for crystal composition $x=0.30$; the depth increases to \ensuremath{\sim}0.21 eV at $x=0.45$. For further increase in $x$, this level becomes shallower. A persistent photoconductive effect is exhibited by this level at $T\ensuremath{\le}100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K. This behavior has been studied throughout the alloy composition range by means of photo-Hall measurements. The pressure coefficient of the deeper S level with respect to the [000] minimum is (10.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ eV/kbar. From this and from the effect of crystal composition on the dependence of resistivity on pressure, it is concluded that the deeper S level is associated with the [100] conduction-band minima. At 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K a second S level is observed which at $x=0.30$ is degenerate with the [000] minimum and has an estimated depth of 0.06 eV beneath the [100] minima. This level has a pressure coefficient of (10.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ eV/kbar with respect to the [000] minimum, and is observed at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K because of the inability of the deeper S level to accept additional electrons when $T\ensuremath{\le}100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K. The mobility ratio of the two bands, $\frac{\ensuremath{\mu}(000)}{\ensuremath{\mu}(100)}$, is 15-30 at 300 and 195\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K but increases to 60-100 at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The phosphorus concentration $x$ at which the [000] and [100] minima are equal in energy is $x=0.43\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$ at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 0.45\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, implying that the separation between the minima increases with temperature at the rate of \ensuremath{\sim}6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ eV/\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Silent Thyroiditis Presenting as Fever of Unknown (FUO) Etiology in a 12 Year Old Girl 429

Silent thyroiditis(ST) is a self-limiting condition lasting weeks to several months.Typically patients present with variable features of thyrotoxicosis including weight loss, fatigue, malaise, nervousness, increase sweating, goiter, tachycardia and hyperreflexia. The precise etiology of ST is unknown, although thyroid biopsies have revealed lymphocytic infiltration. A majority of the cases reported occur in the postpartum period.
Near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography facilitates identification of biliary anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is the current gold standard for biliary imaging during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, utilization of IOC remains low. Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography (NIRF-C) is a novel, noninvasive method for real-time, intraoperative biliary mapping. Our aims were to assess the safety and efficacy of NIRF-C for identification of biliary anatomy during LC. Patients were administered indocyanine green (ICG) prior to surgery. NIRF-C was used to identify extrahepatic biliary structures before and after partial and complete dissection of Calot’s triangle. Routine IOC was performed in each case. Identification of biliary structures using NIRF-C and IOC, and time required to complete each procedure were collected. Eighty-two patients underwent elective LC with NIRF-C and IOC. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 42.6 ± 13.7 years and 31.5 ± 8.2 kg/m2, respectively. ICG was administered 73.8 ± 26.4 min prior to incision. NIRF-C was significantly faster than IOC (1.9 ± 1.7 vs. 11.8 ± 5.3 min, p < 0.001). IOC was unobtainable in 20 (24.4 %) patients while NIRF-C did not visualize biliary structures in 4 (4.9 %) patients. After complete dissection, the rates of visualization of the cystic duct, common bile duct, and common hepatic duct using NIRF-C were 95.1, 76.8, and 69.5 %, respectively, compared to 72.0, 75.6, and 74.3 % for IOC. In 20 patients where IOC could not be obtained, NIRF-C successfully identified biliary structures in 80 % of the cases. Higher BMI was not a deterrent to visualization of anatomy with NIRF-C. No adverse events were observed with NIRF-C. NIRF-C is a safe and effective alternative to IOC for imaging extrahepatic biliary structures during LC. This technique should be evaluated further under a variety of acute and chronic gallbladder inflammatory conditions to determine its usefulness in biliary ductal identification.
Quality of Green Beans And Energy Required For High Temperature Processing

The objectives of this research were to compare processing of green beans at 15 psig with processing at ten psig to determine if differences in ascorbic acid retention, energy consumption and eating quality would result. Green beans were processed, according to current USDA recommendations (ten psig for 20 minutes), at ten psig for 43 minutes, and at 15 psig for 15 minutes. A significant difference among the three treatments was found in energy consumption, with processing beans at ten psig for 43 minutes requiring significantly more energy than the other two treatments. There were no significant differences among the three treatments in ascorbic acid retention as determined by the 2,4 dinitro-phenyl hydrazine method, and in eating quality as indicated by the results of triangle sensory tests, or in Warner-Bratzler shear values.
Infaunal Burrow Ventilation and Pore-water Transport in Muddy Sediments

The ventilation of burrows by tube-dwelling benthos is understood to be important in determining rates of exchange of solutes between the sediment and overlying water. However, few models have attempted to link the burrow ventilation behavior of tube-dwelling organisms with their geochemical consequences. The classic cylinder model of bioirrigation in muddy sediments (Aller, R.C., 1980. Quantifying solute distributions in the bioturbated zone of marine sediments by defining an average microenvironment. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 44, 1955–1965) links pore-water processes and burrow sizes and distributions in the sediment by assuming that burrows are fully flushed. The equivalence between the cylinder model and the more commonly used one-dimensional non-local exchange model depends upon this assumption. However, this assumption has seldom been tested in the field. We have extended the cylinder model of bioirrigation to include burrow ventilation activities of organisms. Burrow ventilation is modeled as a simple non-local exchange of burrow water with overlying water. Model simulations indicate that burrow ventilation has a large effect on vertical profiles and fluxes of solute tracers. We collected data on burrow geometry in the field by CT-scanning freshly collected sediment cores. At the same study sites, we measured activity profiles of 222 Rn, a naturally occurring radionuclide tracer of pore-water transport. With model geometry independently constrained, we tested the model by comparing our model-predicted profiles with measured profiles. Our results demonstrate that burrows in the field are not fully flushed. Our estimated burrow ventilation rates compare favorably with previous laboratory measurements. The inclusion of realistic burrow ventilation in this pore-water transport model strongly affects modeled solute profiles and fluxes. We demonstrate how model parameters can be determined from field samples and present a model that more realistically simulates pore-water transport processes in muddy sediments.
Secondary metabolites in floral nectar reduce parasite infections in bumblebees

The synthesis of secondary metabolites is a hallmark of plant defence against herbivores. These compounds may be detrimental to consumers, but can also protect herbivores against parasites. Floral nectar commonly contains secondary metabolites, but little is known about the impacts of nectar chemistry on pollinators, including bees. We hypothesized that nectar secondary metabolites could reduce bee parasite infection. We inoculated individual bumblebees with Crithidia bombi, an intestinal parasite, and tested effects of eight naturally occurring nectar chemicals on parasite population growth. Secondary metabolites strongly reduced parasite load, with significant effects of alkaloids, terpenoids and iridoid glycosides ranging from 61 to 81%. Using microcolonies, we also investigated costs and benefits of consuming anabasine, the compound with the strongest effect on parasites, in infected and uninfected bees. Anabasine increased time to egg laying, and Crithidia reduced bee survival. However, anabasine consumption did not mitigate the negative effects of Crithidia, and Crithidia infection did not alter anabasine consumption. Our novel results highlight that although secondary metabolites may not rescue survival in infected bees, they may play a vital role in mediating Crithidia transmission within and between colonies by reducing Crithidia infection intensities.
Human Breast Cancer Cells Harboring a Gatekeeper T798M Mutation in HER2 Overexpress EGFR Ligands and Are Sensitive to Dual Inhibition of EGFR and HER2

Purpose: Mutations in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) genes can confer resistance to receptor-targeted therapies. A T798M mutation in the HER2 oncogene has been shown to confer resistance to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) lapatinib. We studied the mechanisms of HER2-T798M–induced resistance to identify potential strategies to overcome that resistance. Experimental Design: HER2-T798M was stably expressed in BT474 and MCF10A cells. Mutant cells and xenografts were evaluated for effects of the mutation on proliferation, signaling, and tumor growth after treatment with combinations of inhibitors targeting the EGFR/HER2/HER3/PI3K axis. Results: A low 3% allelic frequency of the T798M mutant shifted 10-fold the IC 50 of lapatinib. In mutant-expressing cells, lapatinib did not block basal phosphorylation of HER2, HER3, AKT, and ERK1/2. In vitro kinase assays showed increased autocatalytic activity of HER2-T798M. HER3 association with PI3K p85 was increased in mutant-expressing cells. BT474-T798M cells were also resistant to the HER2 antibody trastuzumab. These cells were sensitive to the pan-PI3K inhibitors BKM120 and XL147 and the irreversible HER2/EGFR TKI afatinib but not the MEK1/2 inhibitor CI-1040, suggesting continued dependence of the mutant cells on ErbB receptors and downstream PI3K signaling. BT474-T798M cells showed increased expression of the EGFR ligands EGF, TGFα, amphiregulin, and HB-EGF. Addition of the EGFR neutralizing antibody cetuximab or lapatinib restored trastuzumab sensitivity of BT474-T798M cells and xenografts, suggesting that increased EGFR ligand production was causally associated with drug resistance. Conclusions: Simultaneous blockade of HER2 and EGFR should be an effective treatment strategy against HER2 gene–amplified breast cancer cells harboring T798M mutant alleles. Clin Cancer Res; 19(19); 5390–401. ©2013 AACR .
Ankle Fracture Spur Sign Is Pathognomonic for a Variant Ankle Fracture

Background:The hyperplantarflexion variant ankle fracture is composed of a posterior tibial lip fracture with posterolateral and posteromedial fracture fragments separated by a vertical fracture li...
Continuous, online monitoring of freestanding, oil-filled current transformers to predict imminent failure

A power-factor-monitoring scheme used successfully to predict catastrophic failures of current transformers on the Tennessee Valley Authority's system is discussed. The method permits removal of the equipment from service before a failure occurs. Other monitoring and relaying schemes have also been evaluated, and the results are compared. >
Neural nets, random design and reverse engineering

Reverse engineering is briefly examined within the context of neural network research. Some historical experiments in reverse engineering are reviewed. The multiple adaptive matched filter (MAMF) scheme is briefly outlined, the feature space view of MAMFs is presented, the Eliashberg-Chomsky orders for intelligent machines are shown, and a color vision example of reverse engineering is given. >
Computed tomography of the pancreas: The use of intravenous contrast to define the dorsal surface of the pancreas

After a non-selective review of 80 abdominal CT examinations, it was found that the use of intravenous contrast markedly improves the recognition of the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein. These veins lie adjacent to the posterior surface of the pancreas. When the pancreas is poorly seen due to inadequate retroperitoneal fat, when pancreatic size is borderline, or when pancreatic ductal obstruction is suspected on scans prior to intravenous contrast administration, the use of contrast may resolve the uncertainty.
BODY MASS AND FORAGING ECOLOGY PREDICT EVOLUTIONARY PATTERNS OF SKELETAL PNEUMATICITY IN THE DIVERSE “WATERBIRD” CLADE

Extensive skeletal pneumaticity (air-filled bone) is a distinguishing feature of birds. The proportion of the skeleton that is pneumatized varies considerably among the >10,000 living species, with notable patterns including increases in larger bodied forms, and reductions in birds employing underwater pursuit diving as a foraging strategy. I assess the relationship between skeletal pneumaticity and body mass and foraging ecology, using a dataset of the diverse “waterbird” clade that encompasses a broad range of trait variation. Inferred changes in pneumaticity and body mass are congruent across different estimates of phylogeny, whereas pursuit diving has evolved independently between two and five times. Phylogenetic regressions detected positive relationships between body mass and pneumaticity, and negative relationships between pursuit diving and pneumaticity, whether independent variables are considered in isolation or jointly. Results are generally consistent across different estimates of topology and branch lengths. “Predictive” analyses reveal that several pursuit divers (loons, penguins, cormorants, darters) are significantly apneumatic compared to their relatives, and provide an example of how phylogenetic information can increase the statistical power to detect taxa that depart from established trait correlations. These findings provide the strongest quantitative comparative support yet for classical hypotheses regarding the evolution of avian skeletal pneumaticity.
Smoking Behavior and Exposure to Tobacco Toxicants during 6 Months of Smoking Progressively Reduced Nicotine Content Cigarettes

Background: Recent federal legislation gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the nicotine content of cigarettes. A nationwide strategy for progressive reduction of the nicotine content of cigarettes is a potential way to reduce the addictiveness of cigarettes, to prevent new smokers from becoming addicted, and to facilitate quitting in established smokers. We conducted a trial of progressive nicotine content tapering over 6 months to determine the effects on smoking behaviors and biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure and cardiovascular effects. Methods: One hundred and thirty-five healthy smokers were randomly assigned to one of two groups. A research group smoked their usual brand of cigarettes followed by five types of research cigarettes with progressively lower nicotine content, each smoked for one month. A control group smoked their own brand of cigarettes for the same period of time. Results: Nicotine intake, as indicated by plasma cotinine concentration, declined progressively as the nicotine content of cigarettes was reduced. Cigarette consumption and markers of exposure to carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as cardiovascular biomarkers remained stable, whereas urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) excretion decreased. No significant changes in biomarkers of exposure or cardiovascular effects were observed in controls. Conclusions: Our data support the proposition that the intake of nicotine from cigarettes of smokers can be substantially lowered without increasing exposure to other tobacco smoke toxins. Impact: These findings support the feasibility and safety of gradual reduction of the nicotine content in cigarettes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 761–9. ©2012 AACR .