cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modes of Disorder in Poly(carbon monofluoride).

Poly(carbon monofluoride), or (CF)n, is a layered fluorinated graphite material consisting of nanosized platelets. Here, we present experimental multidimensional solid-state NMR spectra of (CF)n, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of NMR parameters, which overhauls our understanding of structure and bonding in the material by elucidating many ways in which disorder manifests. We observe strong 19F NMR signals conventionally assigned to elongated or "semi-ionic" C-F bonds and find that these signals are in fact due to domains where the framework locally adopts boat-like cyclohexane conformations. We calculate that C-F bonds are weakened but are not elongated by this conformational disorder. Exchange NMR suggests that conformational disorder avoids platelet edges. We also use a new J-resolved NMR method for disordered solids, which provides molecular-level resolution of highly fluorinated edge states. The strings of consecutive difluoromethylene groups at edges are relatively mobile. Topologically distinct edge features, including zigzag edges, crenellated edges, and coves, are resolved in our samples by solid-state NMR. Disorder should be controllable in a manner dependent on synthesis, affording new opportunities for tuning the properties of graphite fluorides.
Chemokine receptor antagonists as immunotherapy agents and adjuncts for glioblastoma

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary central nervous system malignancy in adults and continues to carry a poor prognosis despite standard of care involving surgical resection and concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Recently, immunotherapy has become a rapidly evolving area of novel therapies for various cancers. For gliomas, antibodies including immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1, and agents targeting tumor neovascularization were studied, but results from clinical trials show no survival benefit with immunotherapy in GBM. Combination immunotherapy and novel forms of targeted therapy are critical to ongoing and current GBM research. Because the glioma microenvironment is so immunosuppressive, therapies that address tumor-promoting cell populations and mechanisms are promising and could be synergistic with existing agents. Chemokine and chemokine receptors important to GBM development and malignancy include CXCL12 and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7, and targeting those axes has shown promise in improving survival rates in glioma models and deserves ongoing study in patients.
Large-Scale Microanalysis of U.S. Household Food Carbon Footprints and Reduction Potentials

Promoting sustainable food consumption is critical to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The existing research using average diets and the individual one-day diet recall data t...
Laser Safety in Medicine

There is no doubt that the laser technology is being applied to a vast number of procedures, many of which have clear advantages over the other methods. Regardless of the kind of medical applications; lasers safety to the patient and administering staff against any harmful exposure or effects that may arise in the use and handling of lasers is an important consideration. The goal of this chapter is to present information that will assist all parties involved to work in a safe manner. Throughout the chapter, and particularly at the end of this chapter, a number of laser accidents in the medical field will be presented. It is hoped that the reader will see a comparison to one’s own experiences and take corrective steps.
The sense of effort

Exerting ‘effort’ or ‘self-control’ is experienced as aversive. From an evolutionary point of view, this is something of a mystery insofar as aversive phenomenology is usually associated with fitness costs or threats, whereas exerting self-control seems to be associated with positive outcomes. Recent theorizing surrounding the sense of effort suggests that there are costs to exerting effort, and these costs explain the accompanying unpleasant sensations. Debate remains, however, about the nature of and the mechanisms underlying these costs.
PILE AND PIER FOUNDATIONS

In the design of pile and pier foundations the construction procedures play a significant and often dominant part in determining the extent of settlement that may occur. Settlements are examined under two simplified categories; (1) those that occur although adequate knowledge already exists for their prevention, and (2) those that occur for reasons inadequately understood. Because the first category is much the larger it is examined in most detail. Illustrations of excessive settlements caused by lack of knowledge of soil mechanics and of construction practices on the part of the designer are presented. The designer must be aware of the construction problems involved in his choice of foundation and transmit this awareness to the inspector. Examples of outdated knowledge and misconceptions still in use are given. Among the problems still requiring further investigation are (1) increase of point load with time of a pile passing through a compressible cohesive soil to embedment in a stiffer material, (2) estimation of settlements of long friction piles in cohesive soils of uniform or of stratified character, and (3) influence of the size of the pile group or foundation as a whole on the magnitude of settlement.
Poly(p‐hydroxycinnamic acid)

Poly(p-hydroxycinnamic acid) was synthesized by thionyl chloride activated polycondensation of p-hydroxycinnamic acid at ambient temperatures and by polycondensation of its various monomeric esters at elevated temperatures. The thionyl chloride activated polycondensation proceeds as a 2-stage process, yielding reduced viscosities of up to 102 mL/g. 360 MHz proton NMR spectra indicate an all-trans structure and the absence of side reactions. The polymer with a melting temperature of 313°C can be pressed into films.
Engineering Properties of Simulated Lunar Soils

Lunar soil composition and environmental conditions in simulated study from available data, noting vacuum effect on silica and olivine
The actin-bundling protein L-plastin regulates alveolar macrophage pro-inflammatory cascade (INM2P.426)

Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton is essential to multiple immune cell functions, including cell motility, adhesion, and activation. In lymphocytes, the actin-bundling protein L-plastin (LPL) plays critical roles in sustaining cell polarization and formation of the immunological synapse. We now show defects in the innate immune system that lead to profound susceptibility to pulmonary pneumococcal infection. LPL is required for generation of alveolar macrophages: there are fewer alveolar macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of LPL-/- mice, and regeneration of alveolar macrophages following sublethal irradiation is delayed when bone marrow is donated by LPL-/- mice. Activation of LPL-/- alveolar macrophages is also defective, with reduced upregulation of IL-1-beta and IL-6 following LPS stimulation. Reduced numbers and activation of alveolar macrophages in LPL-/- mice correlate with disrupted podosome formation. Reduced numbers and activation of alveolar macrophages would be expected to result in an inability to clear pulmonary pathogens. When challenged with pulmonary infection with pneumococcus, LPL-/- mice show a clearance defect within 3 hours, with a ten-fold increase in recoverable pneumococci compared to wild-type mice. LPL-/- mice thus offer a model system in which to detail how actin cytoskeletal integrity regulates macrophage development and activation.
Investigating the relative importance of individual differences on the work-family interface and the moderating role of boundary preference for segmentation.

This study examines the relative importance of individual differences in relation to perceptions of work–family conflict and facilitation, as well as the moderating role of boundary preference for segmentation on these relationships. Relative importance analyses, based on a diverse sample of 380 employees from the USA, revealed that individual differences were consistently predictive of self-reported work–family conflict and facilitation. Conscientiousness, neuroticism, negative affect and core self-evaluations were consistently related to both directions of work–family conflict, whereas agreeableness predicted significant variance in family-to-work conflict only. Positive affect and core self-evaluations were consistently related to both directions of work–family facilitation, whereas agreeableness and neuroticism predicted significant variance in family-to-work facilitation only. Collectively, individual differences explained 25–28% of the variance in work–family conflict (primarily predicted by neuroticism and negative affect) and 11–18% of the variance in work–family facilitation (primarily predicted by positive affect and core self-evaluations). Moderated regression analyses showed that boundary preference for segmentation strengthened many of the relationships between individual differences and work–family conflict and facilitation. Implications for addressing the nature of work and family are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the novel USPIO GEH121333 for MR imaging of cancer immune responses

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) maintain a chronic inflammation in cancers, which is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to: (1) evaluate the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of the novel ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (USPIO) compound GEH121333; (2) assess whether GEH121333 can serve as a MR imaging biomarker for TAM; and (3) compare tumor MR enhancement profiles between GEH121333 and ferumoxytol. Blood half-lives of GEH121333 and ferumoxytol were measured by relaxometry (n = 4 each). Tolerance was assessed in healthy rats injected with high dose GEH121333, vehicle or saline (n = 4 each). Animals were monitored for 7 days regarding body weight, complete blood counts and serum chemistry, followed by histological evaluation of visceral organs. MR imaging was performed on mice harboring MMTV-PyMT-derived breast adenocarcinomas using a 7 T scanner before and up to 72 h post-injection (p.i.) of GEH121333 (n = 10) or ferumoxytol (n = 9). Tumor R1, R2* relaxation rates were compared between different experimental groups and time points, using a linear mixed effects model with a random effect for each animal. MR data were correlated with histopathology. GEH121333 showed a longer circulation half-life than ferumoxytol. Intravenous GEH121333 did not produce significant adverse effects in rats. All tumors demonstrated significant enhancement on T1, T2 and T2*-weighted images at 1, 24, 48 and 72 h p.i. GEH121333 generated stronger tumor T2* enhancement than ferumoxytol. Histological analysis verified intracellular compartmentalization of GEH121333 by TAM at 24, 48 and 72 h p.i. MR imaging with GEH121333 nanoparticles represents a novel biomarker for TAM assessment. This new USPIO MR contrast agent provides a longer blood half-life and better TAM enhancement compared with the iron supplement ferumoxytol. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Supporting information may be found in the online version of this paper
A Study of Performative Hactivist Subcultures and Threats to Businesses

Performative hactivism is the use of the Internet for expressing extreme political dissent online. It differs from cyber harassment in that performative hactivism is politically motivated. We found that there are contagion and other social effects among hactivists and that hactivism exhibits feature patterns that define them as subcultures. To conduct our research, we created a provocative Website and blog and then promoted it on the Internet. Using sentiment analyses and logistic regression, we identified features associated with performative hactivism. We then studied the blog remarks and used Website analytics to gain a better understanding of the implications for business security. The results from this work should help business and information security researchers especially in social engineering, as well as business practice managers, strategists, and security analysts, to predict the lifecycles and impacts of hactivism on their operations and assist them in the creation of interventions.
A hinged metalloplastic anastomotic device: a novel method for choledochoduodenostomy

Background In biliary obstruction, the creation of a large-diameter permanent fistula between the bile duct and the duodenum would be attractive. Objective To invent, prototype, and test a new method of forming a biliary duodenal anastomosis. Design Survival and nonsurvival porcine model. Setting An animal laboratory with general anesthesia. Intervention A novel hybrid metalloplastic 7F anastomosis device that consisted of a central ferrous metallic tube sandwiched between 2 tapered flexible plastic end pieces was used. The device was hinged on either side of the metal insert so that a magnetic force could form an anastomosis and then the plastic components of the device could deform to fall through the compression anastomosis. These devices were inserted into the bile duct of the pigs over a 0.035-inch guidewire with a pusher tube. Cylindrical-shaped magnets were then positioned over the intraduodenal bile duct so that they exerted compressive ischemic force on the duodenum and bile duct above the papilla. Main Outcome Measurements Choledochoduodenal anastomoses created were inspected at subsequent endoscopy and postmortem for patency and size. Results Seven anastomosis devices were placed in the bile duct of pigs (weight 22-54 kg). All 4 survival animals were well and eating as soon as they were awake. Anastomoses were successfully accomplished in all survival animals. The supra-ampullary opening into the bile duct ranged from 5 to 10 mm. Limitation The small number of animals. Conclusions A new method for achieving larger-diameter biliary drainage was developed. Four animals were euthanized after 2 to 7 days. Our best anastomosis resulted from 2 magnets left in the animals for 4 days.
North-American aboriginal curators' understandings of aboriginal cultural heritage: a discourse-analytic approach

This poster presents the main aspects of my dissertation proposal, which focuses on discourses around aboriginal cultural heritage produced by aboriginal museum and gallery professionals in North America. This is a particularly important and timely project, given the scarcity in Library and Information Science of studies exploring the notion of cultural heritage, especially aboriginal cultural heritage. Moreover, since aboriginal curators are key actors in the production and circulation of aboriginal cultural heritage, their perspective on aboriginal cultural heritage is invaluable.
Heterodimerization With the Prostacyclin Receptor Triggers Thromboxane Receptor Relocation to Lipid Rafts

Objective— Prostacyclin and thromboxane mediate opposing cardiovascular actions through receptors termed IP and TP, respectively. When dimerized with IP, the TP shifts to IP-like function. IP localizes to cholesterol-enriched membrane rafts, but TP and IPTP heterodimer localization is not defined. We examined these receptors’ membrane localization and the role of rafts in receptor function. Methods and Results— Microdomain distribution of IP, TP, and IPTP heterodimers was examined in COS-7 cells by measuring energy transfer from renilla luciferase-fused receptors to fluorescently labeled rafts. IP raft association was confirmed. TP was raft excluded, but redistributed to rafts upon dimerization with IP. Signaling of the IP and IPTP heterodimer, but not TP alone, was suppressed after raft disruption by cholesterol depletion. Cholesterol enrichment also selectively suppressed IP and IPTP function. Native IP and IPTP signaling in smooth muscle cells and macrophages were similarly sensitive to cholesterol manipulation, whereas macrophages from hypercholesterolemic mice displayed suppressed IP and IPTP function. Conclusion— IP and TP function within distinct microdomains. Raft incorporation of TP in the IPTP heterodimer likely facilitates its signaling shift. We speculate that changes in IP and IPTP signaling after perturbation of membrane cholesterol may contribute to cardiovascular disease associated with hypercholesterolemia.
The role of biogenic amines in the regulation of growth hormone and corticotropin secretion in the trained conscious dog

We evaluated the regulation of GH secretion in the unanesthetized dog by systemic administration of drugs which affect noradrenergic and dopaminergic receptors. L-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) produced significant increments in plasma GH, but with associated emesis and significant increases in plasma corticoids and blood pressure (BP). Apomorphine, a dopamine receptor agonist, similarly produced GH elevation only when given in emetic doses, again with increases in corticoids and BP. The dopamine receptorblocking drug, pimozide, did not modify the GH or glucose response to L-dopa, although it abolished emesis and changes in BP and corticoids. Inhibition of peripheral decarboxylation of L-dopa with carbidopa completely blocked the GH and glucose responses to L-dopa. Clonidine, an a receptor agonist, produced significant secretion of GH without affecting BP or the concentration of plasma corticoids. The failure of pimozide to modify the GH response to L-dopa, and the stimulatory GH response to clonidine su...
Adiabatic self-similar blast waves, their radial instabilities, and their application to supernova remnants

It is shown that adiabatic self-similar motion resulting from a strong spherical explosion in a medium with density rho/sub 0/=Ar/sup -omega/is unstable to radial perturbations of arbitrary amplitude when ..omega.. ..omega../sub +/, or ..omega.. (5..gamma..-4)/..gamma.., instability has not been proved or disproved. This result indicates that physical systems subject to these instabilities do not evolve to the self-similar state from the initial chaotic explosion. It is also shown that many self-similar systems violate the adiabatic and single-fluid assumptions which are made in deriving the motion. The usual model taken to apply to the evolution of supernova remnants (..omega..=0, ..gamma..=5/3) is unstable and violates both the adiabatic and one-fluid assumptions. Thus, supernova remnants cannot be evolving in an adiabatic self-similar manner, though further quantitative analysis is needed to determine the magnitude of the deviations.
Node-positive cervical cancer: impact of pelvic irradiation and patterns of failure.

Abstract Purpose: The roles of postoperative pelvic and prophylactic paraaortic irradiation in pelvic node positive cervical cancer are currently controversial. A retrospective study was undertaken to examine the effect of pelvic irradiation on pelvic control and survival and to analyze the patterns of recurrence to determine whether indications exist for prophylactic paraaortic irradiation. Methods and Materials: From 1964 to 1991, 143 cases of FIGO Stage I and II cervical cancer undergoing explanatory laparotomy, pelvic lymph node dissection, and radical hysterectomy had positive pelvic lymph nodes. Postoperatively, 108 cases were treated with whole pelvic irradiation while 35 patients were observed. Prophylactic paraaortic irradiation was not given. Results: Patients who received postoperative whole pelvic irradiation compared with those treated with radical hysterectomy alone had a significantly improved pelvic control rate, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival. The 5-year actuarial pelvic control rate was 78% vs. 45% ( p = p = 0.0004). The 5-year actuarial overall survival was 58% vs 46% ( p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, pelvic irradiation continued to show a positive effect on DFS ( p = 0.0001) and overall survival ( p = 0.0035). Lymphatic invasion and the total number of positive lymph nodes were the only other independent predictors of overall survival and DFS. The actuarial 5-year pelvic, paraaortic, and distant failure rates were 30%, 10%, and 28%, respectively. An isolated first recurrence in the paraaortic nodes occurred in only three cases. Conclusion: Postoperative pelvic irradiation significantly improves pelvic control, DFS, and overall survival, and should be used in patients with early stage cervical cancer and pathologically proven pelvic nodal metastases. The low incidence of isolated paraaortic nodal failure calls into question the value of routine porphylactic paraaortic irradiation in these patients.
Array Processing for Multi-User Multi-Antenna Interference Channels Using Precoders

In this paper, we investigate how to send space-time codes with full diversity and low decoding complexity for interference channels using precoders. We assume that we have two transmitters and two receivers. Each transmitter sends codewords to respective receiver at the same time. We propose an orthogonal transmission scheme that combines space-time codes and array processing to achieve low-complexity decoding and full diversity for transmitted signals. To our best knowledge, this is the first scheme which can achieve low-complexity decoding and full diversity for any transmitted codeword in interference channel when all the users transmit at the same time. Simulation results validate our theoretical analysis.
Diet mixing time affects nursery pig performance.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of mixing time (mixer efficiency) of diets containing several low-inclusion ingredients (crystalline AA, ZnO, a medication, and vitamin and trace mineral premixes) on growth performance of nursery pigs. In a pilot study, mixing efficiency of a 1,360-kg capacity, horizontal ribbon mixer was evaluated with salt of different particle sizes (440, 730, 2,000, and 3,000 microm). Sample preparation was evaluated by analyzing diet samples as collected (unground) or by grinding the entire sample to approximately 400 microm in particle size (ground). Diets (907 kg) were mixed, and samples were collected after 0, 30, 60, 120, 210, 330, 480, and 630 s of mixing. The coefficient of variation among 10 samples for each mixing time was used to measure mixer efficiency as determined by Cl concentration. A salt particle size x sample preparation x mixing time interaction was observed (P = 0.04). Samples with 2,000- or 3,000-microm salt particle size (unground or ground) never reached the desired mixing efficiency of a 10% CV. Using 440-microm salt (unground or ground) or 730-microm salt particle sizes (ground) was necessary to accurately achieve a mixing efficiency of a 12%) reduces nursery pig performance.
Benchmarks for Expected Annual Academic Growth for Students in the Bottom Quartile of the Normative Distribution.

Effect sizes are commonly reported for the results of educational interventions. However, researchers struggle with interpreting their magnitude in a way that transcends generic guidelines. Effect sizes can be interpreted in a meaningful context by benchmarking them against typical growth for students in the normative distribution. Such benchmarks are not currently available for students in the bottom quartile. This report remedies this by providing a comparative context for interventions involving these students. Annual growth effect sizes for K–12 students were computed from nationally normed assessments and a longitudinal study of students in special education. They reveal declining growth over time, especially for reading and math. These results allow researchers to better interpret the effects of their interventions and help practitioners by quantifying typical growth for struggling students. More longitudinal research is needed to show growth trajectories for students in the bottom quartile.
A mouse model of Salmonella typhi infection

Summary Salmonella spp. are gram-negative flagellated bacteria that can cause food- and waterborne gastroenteritis and typhoid fever in humans. We now report that flagellin from Salmonella spp. is recognized in mouse intestine by Toll-like receptor 11 (TLR11). Absence of TLR11 renders mice more susceptible to infection by S. Typhimurium, with increased dissemination of the bacteria and enhanced lethality. Unlike S. Typhimurium, S. Typhi, a human obligatory pathogen that causes typhoid fever, is normally unable to infect mice. TLR11 is expressed in mice, but not in humans, and remarkably, we find that tlr11 −/− mice are efficiently infected with orally administered S. Typhi. We also find that tlr11 −/− mice can be immunized against S. Typhi. Therefore, tlr11 −/− mice represent a small-animal model for the study of the immune response to S. Typhi and for the development of vaccines against this important human pathogen.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte recognition sites on influenza virus hemagglutinin

When influenza virus infection occurs, part of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses induced are directed to the major surface molecule of the virus, the hemagglutinin. However, despite their potential use as a peptide vaccine, little information is available concerning the submolecular areas in the hemagglutinin that are responsible for its immunologic recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether submolecular areas recognized by antibodies and helper T cells are also important in the virus-specific, T lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxic responses generated towards virus-infected cells. A panel of synthetic peptides representing areas of the hemagglutinin, homologous to those in influenza AX-31 virus which have previously been shown to bind anti-influenza virus antibodies and provoke proliferation of virus-primed T-helper lymphocytes, was tested in two different cytotoxicity assays. In the experiments presented here, it was found that when selected peptides were incubated with appropriate L929 target cells, lysis by virus-specific cytotoxic T cells was observed. In addition, AX-31-primed lymphocytes preincubated with these synthetic peptides (both individually and as an equimolar mixture) exhibited enhanced lysis of virus-infected syngeneic targets. The cytotoxic responses showed dose-response characteristics in all cases, and in each of the two assays used the same patterns of cytotoxic induction were observed. The recognition of peptides was MHC-restricted since virus-specific cytotoxic T cells from C3H/He mice (H-2k) lysed L929 (H-2k) target cells after incubation with peptides or viruses, but did not lyse P815 (H-2d) targets under the same conditions.
Measurement of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol in human plasma with high-performance liquid chromatography using electrochemical detection

A new method utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection for the determination of unconjugated 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, a major metabolite of norepinephrine, in human plasma is described. A novel internal standard, 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, was used to correct for variations in extraction efficiency and detector sensitivity. Separation of sample components was achieved isocratically in 20 min per sample in a reversed-phase system. Column temperature had to be carefully regulated. The sensitivity of the assay is suitable for clinical studies, with a limit of detection of 2 pmol/ml. Intra- and interassay precision was good, with observed coefficients of variation of 7.5 and 8.8%, respectively. Accuracy was tested by comparing the results of the present HPLC method to those found with a specific gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric assay. A satisfactory correlation of 0.96 was obtained, with no significant bias between the two methods.
Medical Management of Multiple Traumatic Vertebral Subluxations and Fractures in a Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)

Abstract A 2-year-old castrated male Holland lop rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) was presented for loss of hind limb motor function after leaping from the owner's arms. Results of a neurologic examination revealed appropriate mentation, normal thoracic limb posture and gait, paralysis in the right pelvic limb, and voluntary movement of the left pelvic limb. Superficial pain perception and withdrawal reflexes were present bilaterally in the hind limbs. Bilateral proprioception was evident in the forelimbs but absent in the hind limbs. Standard radiographs and a myelogram were performed, revealing subluxations at T5-T6, L1-L2, and L3-L4, a comminuted fracture of the T9 vertebral body, fractures of the right articular facets of L3-L4, and spinal cord swelling at T9. The clinical signs continued to decline, resulting in paraplegia with loss of deep pain perception in the left hind limb after the myelogram procedure. The owners of the rabbit were given a guarded-to-poor prognosis for the animal to regain mobility in the hind limbs. The rabbit was hospitalized and medical treatment including pain management, intravenous fluid therapy, nutritional support, and cage rest was initiated. After the initial decline of the clinical signs, the neurologic deficits stabilized during hospitalization. At the time of discharge, partial voluntary movement had been regained in the right hind limb, but there was no movement or pain perception in the left hind limb. This gradually resolved over 3 months of conservative therapy, at which point the rabbit had recovered the voluntary movement in both hind limbs and was able to ambulate by walking and hopping. This case report documents acute spinal cord trauma in a rabbit, as well as recovery of the neurologic deficits after prolonged medical management.
Surveillance in Barrett's esophagus: a failed premise.

Background: It is recommended that patients in whom Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed undergo surveillance endoscopy. However, multiple issues regarding the efficacy and feasibility of surveillance remain.Methods: Quantitative techniques were used to examine surveillance in patients with Barrett's esophagus. A retrospective case-control study was performed to determine whether surveillance endoscopy prolonged survival in a cohort of U.S. veterans diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Cost-effectiveness analysis was employed to compare competing strategies of management for patients with Barrett's esophagus to determine whether surveillance strategies using alternative biomarkers could out-perform dysplasia based surveillance, and whether new techniques for eradicating Barrett's metaplasia would constitute cost-effective strategies.Results: Surveillance did not improve long-term survival among veterans diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Lead-time bias has confounded previous reports claiming the efficacy of endoscopic surveillance. Cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that while screening 50-year old Caucasian males with heartburn may be cost-effective, surveillance even at 5 year intervals among patients with Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia exceeded the threshold of cost-effective care. If a biomarker were developed whose sensitivity and specificity to predict cancer development exceeded 80%, this could represent a more viable strategy than dysplasia-based surveillance and overcome the inherent inter- and intra-observer variations in dysplasia diagnosis that currently limit the effectiveness of surveillance programs. Finally, techniques that reduce cancer incidence such as endoscopic mucosal resection or ablation will likely be more cost-effective than current surveillance strategies that rely on early detection of cancer.Conclusions: Current recommendations for the management of patients with Barrett's esophagus are flawed. Future guidelines should include alternative markers of cancer risk and focus on strategies that reduce cancer incidence instead of cancer detection.
Witness and presence in the work of Pierre Huyghe

The relation between “presence” and “representation” is an age-old topic in the arts, but it is further complicated in our time of advanced media conditions. Pierre Huyghe is one artist who has consistently addressed questions of presence and representation throughout his artistic oeuvre, including the role of the witness within it. Considering the sophistication of Huyghe’s work with regard to the riddle of presence in the realm of contemporary means of representation, the artist’s work is taken as a case study for a broad range of artists exploring related topics within the arts and the media. This paper argues that art that interrogates the question of presence within the context of contemporary media culture—from Marina Abramovic to Stelarc, Jeffrey Shaw to Julia Scher—asks for being interpreted through presence theories developed within the field of media studies in addition to methods of art theory and criticism. Accordingly, Huyghe’s work is productively related to one such theory, namely the YUTPA model by Caroline Nevejan, which theorizes the interrelated concepts of natural, mediated, and witnessed presence.
Effect of adrenergic receptor ligands on metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake and storage in neuroblastoma cells

The effects of adrenergic receptor ligands on uptake and storage of the radiopharmaceutical [125I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) were studied in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. For uptake studies, cells were incubated for 15 min with varying concentrations of alpha-agonist (clonidine, methoxamine, and xylazine), alpha-antagonist (phentolamine, tolazoline, phenoxybenzamine, yohimbine, and prazosin), beta-antagonist (propranolol, atenolol), beta-agonist (isoprenaline and salbutamol), mixed alpha/beta antagonist (labetalol), or the neuronal blocking agent guanethidine, prior to the addition of [125I]MIBG (0.1 microM). The incubation was continued for 2 h and specific cell-associated radioactivity was measured. For the storage studies, cells were incubated with [125I]MIBG for 2 h, followed by replacement with fresh medium with or without drug (MIBG, clonidine, or yohimbine). Cell-associated radioactivity was measured at various times over the next 20 h. Propanolol reduced [125I]MIBG uptake by approximately 30% (P xylazine >clonidine=methoxamine. The alpha-antagonists demonstrated a broad range of inhibition (phenoxybenzamine >>phentolamine >prazosin >>yohimbine=tolazoline)(P< 0.05). The mixed ligand, labetolol, inhibited MIBG uptake in a dose-dependent manner with an apparent IC50 of 0.65 microM. The retention studies demonstrated that unlabeled MIBG caused profound self-inhibition (P<0.01). Clonidine produced a modest inhibition of retention and yohimbine had no effect. Labetalol, phenoxybenzamine, guanethidine, and propranolol reduced uptake of [125I]MIBG by neuroblastoma cells in culture. Although only labetalol has been reported to cause false-negative MIBG scans, our results suggest that these other drugs have the potential to interfere with MIBG imaging and therapy, particularly at high doses. Adrenergic drugs did not alter cytoplasmic retention of [125I]MIBG in neuroblastoma cells but may have potential in tumors such as phenochromocytoma, where granular storage of MIBG has been observed. Inhibition of [125I]MIBG retention by unlabeled MIBG supports the use of high specific activity radioiodinated MIBG for both diagnosis and therapy.
Gait analysis in rats with peripheral nerve injury

Rats are commonly used to study peripheral nerve repair and grafting. The traditional footprint method to assess functional recovery is messy, indirect, and not useful when contractures develop in the animal model. The aim of the present study was to establish an accurate, reproducible, but simple, method to assess dynamic limb function. The basic quantitative aspects of a normal gait were characterized from 59 recorded walks in 23 rats. The video was digitized and analyzed frame by frame on a personal computer. Seven parameters of the gait were assessed: (1) walking speed; (2) stance phase, swing phase and right to left stance/swing ratio; (3) step length and step length ratio; (4) ankle angles at terminal stance and midswing; (5) tail height; (6) midline deviation; and (7) tail deviation. These gait parameters were then applied to groups of animals with sciatic (group S), tibial (group T), and peroneal (group P) nerve injuries. A discriminant analysis was performed to analyze each parameter and to compute a functional score. We found that the video gait analysis was superior to the footprint method and believe it will be very useful in future studies on peripheral nerve injury.
Guiding Principles for the Development of Competency‐Based Business Curricula

Both environment and learning process must be planned to maximise their special contributions to managerial competence. Kolb's Experiential Learning Model provides a framework for matching each managerial competence with the training most likely to instil it. Optimally, student and teacher will join in collaborative ventures, seeking and creating a wide variety of competency‐based learning experiences.
The Effectiveness of Calcium Cyanide in the Extermination of the Black Tail Prairie Dog, Cynomys ludovicianus (Ord.).

The efficiency of calcium cyanide as a control for prairie dogs was tested in 1922 and 1923 in Kansas. The flake form of the chemical was used in dosages of ¾, 1, 1 ½, and 2 ounces. The material was placed in each burrow entrance from 1 to 2 feet. below the rim. In three "dog towns" doses of 1, ½, and 2 ounces were used and all entrances to dens closed. Total kills resulted in each instance. Eight infested areas were treated with ¾, 1, and 1½ ounce doses and all burrow entrances left open. In the two tests with 1 ½ ounce doses total kills were obtained. Complete extermination resulted in one test with 1 ounce doses. In the remaining five tests where doses of ¾ to 1 ounce were used, the effectiveness varied from 90 to 99 per cent. The killing power of the chemical in open burrows in an important factor, since the closing of burrows involves considerable time and labor. Preliminary tests by Professor F. L. Hisaw, Kansas State Agricultural College, indicate that calcium cyanide might be effectively used in the eradication of the pocket gopher, Geomys bursarius (Shaw). Doses of 1 and 2 ounces were used. The dose was placed in the main run through an opening made with a trowel. After dosing the holes were closed. Effectiveness varied from 88 to 94 per cent.
Some biological effects of the flavonoids.

There are known at present at least 137 natural ilavonoids, occurring in at least 62 families, 153 genera, and 277 species of plants.About 33 different types of physiological and biochemical activities have been reported for one or another of 30 of these ilavonoids.This paper summarizes these activities and what is known about the relation of structure to such activities.It is suggested that this is a fruitful field for further research.
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate: An Ethnographic Study of Recreational Use and Abuse

Abstract Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a psychoactive substance with complex neurophysiological activity and significant potential for abuse, addiction, and dangerous toxicity. In this study, a semistructured interview was administered to 17 subjects to investigate GHB use, including: manner of use; setting; positive and negative consequences; other drug history; and sexual practices. Respondents were overwhelmingly male, but otherwise had a broad demographic background. Settings varied from nightclubs to private use at home. There was significant variability in the drug obtained, which subjects found problematic because of the narrow therapeutic window and ease of accidental overdose. Common positive experiences included increased sexual desire, decreased sexual inhibitions, and decreased anxiety. Common negative consequences included oversedation, loss of consciousness, motor incoordination, and mental confusion. Nine subjects reported that they would use GHB again, some despite severe negative consequ...
Biotransformation of tea polyphenols by gut microbiota

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide and has received increasing attention from researchers and food industries for various reasons mainly related to its health benefits. Polyphenols, such as catechins for green tea and theaflavins and thearubigins for black tea, are considered to be the main active components of tea. Recently, there is increasing awareness that the beneficial health effects of tea could be partly contributed by breakdown products of its polyphenols formed in the gut. Different studies have been carried out to understand the formation of microbially derived metabolites of tea components and their bioactivities. In general, tea catechins are typically transformed to specific hydroxyphenyl-γ-valerolactones, which could be further metabolized to smaller phenolic acids by gut flora. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the metabolism of major tea components by gut microbiota and the bioactivities of their metabolites.
Carrion's Disease. I. Some Growth Factors Necessary for Cultivation of Bartonella bacilliformis.

SummarySolid media for the rapid isolation of Bartonella bacilliformis are described. It is shown that this organism requires the × growth factor of blood. No growth was obtained with the v factor alone.
BACH and the megakaryocyte symphony

Comment on Toki et al, page [3100][1] Final differentiation of an erythroid-megakaryocyte precursor cell into one or the other lineage may involve a balance between 2 related transcription factors, NF-E2, which leads to megakaryocytic differentiation, and BACH1, which leads to erythroid
Educational Leadership and Globalization: Literacy for a Glocal Perspective.

This article synthesizes and presents literature in support of the argument that the preparation and practice of educational leadership must be rethought to be relevant for 21st-century schools. Specifically, the authors explore how the concept of glocalization, a meaningful integration of local and global forces, can help educational leaders inform and enhance their pedagogy and practice. They suggest that contemporary educational leaders must develop glocal literacy in nine specific knowledge domains: political literacy, economic literacy, cultural literacy, moral literacy, pedagogical literacy, information literacy, organizational literacy, spiritual and religious literacy, and temporal literacy. Furthermore, they explain that each of these domains of literacy is dynamic, interconnected, and can be influenced by the discrete agency of educational leaders.
Normal-preserving linear transformations

Abstract Linear transformations on the set of n × n complex matrices which preserve normal matrices are characterized.
Systematic Identification of Conserved Metabolites in GC/MS Data for Metabolomics and Biomarker Discovery

Analysis of metabolomic profiling data from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) measurements usually relies upon reference libraries of metabolite mass spectra to structurally identify and track metabolites. In general, techniques to enumerate and track unidentified metabolites are nonsystematic and require manual curation. We present a method and software implementation, freely available at http://spectconnect.mit.edu, that can systematically detect components that are conserved across samples without the need for a reference library or manual curation. We validate this approach by correctly identifying the components in a known mixture and the discriminating components in a spiked mixture. Finally, we demonstrate an application of this approach with a brief analysis of the Escherichia coli metabolome. By systematically cataloguing conserved metabolite peaks prior to data analysis methods, our approach broadens the scope of metabolomics and facilitates biomarker discovery.
Infrared spectroscopy of Micrococcus lysodeikticus membranes and membrane fractions

Abstract As in other cell membrane systems, the principal characteristics of the infrared spectra of membranes from the bacterium, Micrococcus lysodeikticus, originate from the Amide I and II bands of the proteins and from the vibrations of the OH, CH, CO, PO, COC and POC groups of the lipids. In addition the asymmetric and symmetric methylene stretching vibrations at 2930 and 2855 cm−1, respectively, have provided a parameter interpretable in terms of protein-lipid interactions. Lipid-depleted membrane protein fractions had substantially higher CH2 asymmetric:symmetric ratios than those observed for whole membranes. The effects of lipid extraction, sonication, and dissociation with deoxycholate have been determined.
Understanding key issues in designing and using knowledge flow networks: An optimization-based managerial benchmarking approach

There is an increasing recognition that knowledge can be an organization's source of competitive advantage. Hence, knowledge management (KM) has been extensively researched. Prior knowledge management research has recognized the importance of making individual knowledge available throughout the organization. Most KM research, however, has thus far focused on a technology-based KM strategy with relatively little discussion on how knowledge can be effectively shared using organizational social relationships. This paper focuses on how knowledge-intensive organizations can design and use ''knowledge flow networks (KFNs)'' in order to facilitate knowledge sharing. Designing and using KFNs to maximize knowledge sharing is a complex problem. We formulate a mixed integer programming model (MIP), and present a heuristic in order to facilitate systematic analysis and understanding of effective KFNs. We consider organizations that support multiple skills and have workers with varying levels of competence who are connected through IT-facilitated organizational social relationships. Our results, based on computational experiments, provide several interesting insights and intelligence into the design of an effective KFN. First, our results highlight that average workers play a vital bridging role in knowledge sharing. Second, social networking concepts of ties and cohesiveness are used to better understand the dynamics of knowledge sharing. The importance of indirect relationships between expert workers and the network effects due to indirect relationships are illustrated. For effective KM, we also illustrate how organizations can reduce the total number of ties required in a multi-skill environment. In our model extensions, we study the impact of worker turnover and knowledge depreciation on the design and use of effective KFNs. Managerial implications of these results are discussed. The model and solution procedure proposed in this paper can serve as a managerial benchmarking framework for effective management of KFNs.
Combination clinical trials with thymidine and fluorouracil: A phase I and clinical pharmacologic evaluation

Phase I observations of combined therapy with thymidine (TdR) and 5-fluorouracil (FU) have demonstrated that when TdR is administered by rapid infusion at a dose of 7.5 or 15g and FU is given by bolus injection 60 minutes after the start of the TdR dose, the biologic activity of Fu is increased five- to eight-fold. The observed toxicity is primarily hematopoietic: 15g TdR and 7.5 or 10mg/kg FU produced median white blood count nadirs of 2,600 on day 16 and platelet count nadirs of 150,000 on day 14. The combined therapy produced two partial remissions in 18 patients with colon cancer, 17 of which had experienced progression of disease on FU containing regimens. Partial remissions were also obtained in two heavily pretreated patients with ovarian cancer and diffuse, poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma. Plasma analyses for TdR and FU and their metabolic products by high pressure liquid chromatography have demonstrated a marked elevation and prolongation of FU levels. The beta phase T 1/2 for 7.5mg/kg FU were: FU alone 6 minutes, 7.5g TdR + FU 135 minutes, 15g TdR + FU 188 minutes, and TdR 45g + FU 190 minutes. The addition of TdR all but eliminated oxidative metabolism of FU; renal clearance became the primary detoxification route. Thymidine levels exceeded 10(-3)M; the beta phase T 1/2 of TdR varied with the administered dose: 3gTdR, 7 minutes; 7.5g TdR, 24 minutes; 15g TdR, 52 minutes; and 45g TdR, 98 minutes.