cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Counterpoint: is the era of viral culture over in the clinical microbiology laboratory?

Conventional tube culture systems have long been the mainstay in clinical virology for the growth and identification of viruses from clinical specimens. Innovations such as centrifugation-enhanced shell vial and multiwell plate cultures and the use of genetically engineered and mixed cell lines, coupled with faster detection of viral replication, have allowed for reasonable turnaround times for even some of the most slowly growing clinically important human viruses. However, molecular methods, in particular, the PCR, have usurped the role of viral culture in many laboratories, limiting the use of this traditional method of virus detection or replacing it altogether. Advances and improvements in molecular technology over time have also resulted in newer generations of more rapid and accurate molecular assays for the detection, quantification, and genetic characterization of viruses. For this point-counterpoint, we have asked two individuals, Richard L. Hodinka of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, a clinical virologist whose laboratory has completely eliminated viral culture in favor of molecular methods, and Laurent Kaiser, head of the Virology Laboratory at the University of Geneva Hospital, who continues to be a strong advocate of viral culture, to discuss the relevance of viral culture in the molecular age.
An automatic test pattern generation framework for combinational threshold logic networks

We propose an automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) framework for combinational threshold networks. The motivation behind this work lies in the fact that many emerging nanotechnologies, such as resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) and quantum cellular automata (QCA), implement threshold logic. Consequently, there is a need to develop an ATPG methodology for this type of logic. We have built the first automatic test pattern generator and fault simulator for threshold logic, which has been integrated on top of an existing computer-aided design (CAD) tool. These exploit new fault collapsing techniques we have developed for threshold networks. We perform fault modeling to show that many cuts and shorts in RTD-based threshold gates are equivalent to stuck-at faults at the inputs and output of the gate. Experimental results with the MCNC benchmarks indicate that test vectors were found for all testable stuck-at faults in their threshold network implementations.
Warning issued on connection between global warming, health

A new report warning of sudden, catastrophic effects from global warming should provide an impetus for change, a leading researcher says. ![Figure][1] Figure. Thar she blows Photo by: Canapress The report, from the US National Academies' National Research Council, warns that people can
Yes, U.S. Stocks are Getting Riskier

Over the last few decades U.S. stocks have become significantly more volatile. This result holds even when excluding the financial crisis period of 2008-2009. Both the market index and individual stocks have become more volatile indicating that higher volatility is not just the result of higher idiosyncratic risk or increased correlations among stocks. Instead, the increase in risk is due entirely to more frequent and more extreme spikes in volatility. We find that after decomposing volatility into a long-run component and a transitory component, there is no meaningful trend in the long-run component. In contrast, our measure of transitory volatility has tripled over the last 40 years. The upward trend in the transitory component is primarily the result of changing characteristics of the typical publicly-traded firm due to the appearance of many new and riskier firms (e.g., technology stocks). Our findings show that the expansion of U.S. stock markets in recent decades has fundamentally altered the types of risks born by equity investors.
Slow Spike Frequency Adaptation in Neurons of the Rat Subthalamic Nucleus

Neurons of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) are very sensitive to applied currents, firing at 10–20/s during spontaneous activity, but increasing to peak firing rates of 200/s with applied currents <0.5 nA. They receive a powerful tonic excitatory input from neurons in the cerebral cortex, yet in vivo maintain an irregular firing rate only slightly higher than the autonomous firing rate seen in slices. Spike frequency adaptation acts to normalize background firing rate by removing slow trends in firing due to changes in average input. Subthalamic neurons have been previously described as showing little spike frequency adaptation, but this was based on tests using brief stimuli. We applied long-duration depolarizing current steps to STN neurons in slices and observed a very strong spike frequency adaptation with a time constant of 20 s and that recovered at a similar rate. This adaptation could return firing to near-baseline levels during prolonged current pulses that transiently drove the cells at high rates. The current responsible for adaptation was studied in voltage clamp during and after high-frequency driving of the cell and was determined to be a slowly accumulating K+ current. This current was independent of calcium or sodium entry and could be induced with long-duration voltage steps after blockade of action potentials. In addition to the adaptation current, driven firing produced slow inactivation of the persistent Na+ current, which also contributed to the reduced excitability of STN cells during and after driven firing.
Simulation of robotic manufacturing cells: a modular approach

This research provides a general modeling approach for the design and analysis of computer-controlled manufacturing cells containing robots, sensors, automatic machines, and orientation devices. The development process is described and alternative concepts are discussed. The developed ap proach allows a simulation model to be constructed by se lecting appropriate modules from an available library and linking them together. A demonstration manufacturing cell developed by McDonnell Douglas for the Air Force In tegrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) program is utilized to illustrate the concepts and a more complex exam ple is presented to illustrate the versatility. This approach is flexible because alternative configurations can be modeled quickly and easily. Individuals with significant expertise in cell design but little experience in simulation can create simulation models of manufacturing cells and perform mean ingful analysis.
A role for MAP kinase signaling in behavioral models of depression and antidepressant treatment.

Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is upregulated in the hippocampus by antidepressant treatments, and centrally administered BDNF can produce antidepressant-like effects in rodent behavioral models of depression. BDNF-regulated signaling pathways are thus potential targets for investigation of antidepressant mechanisms. Methods We examined the effects of inhibition of MAPK kinase (MEK) in mouse behavioral models for depression including interactions with effects of antidepressant drugs. We also assessed the behavioral consequences of a heterozygous gene deletion for BDNF combined with MEK inhibition or stress. Results Acute administration of the MEK inhibitor PD184161 produced depressive-like behavior. PD184161 blocked the antidepressant-like effects of desipramine and sertraline in the forced swim test and blocked the effects of desipramine in the tail suspension test. Heterozygous deletion of BDNF alone did not influence behavior in the forced swim test but resulted in a depressive phenotype when combined with a low-dose MEK inhibitor or stress exposure. Conclusions We demonstrate that acute blockade of MAPK signaling produces a depressive-like phenotype and blocks behavioral actions of antidepressants. We also demonstrate in BDNF heterozygous knockout mice an example of a how a defined genetic alteration can confer vulnerability to a pharmacologic or environmental challenge resulting in a depressive behavioral phenotype.
The synthesis of selectively protected β-diketones and α-ketoaldehydes

Abstract The reaction of acyl cyanides with enol silyl ethers produces β-cyano, β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds.
8-Aminoquinoline Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles: A Fluorescent Nanosensor for Detection of Divalent Zinc in Aqueous and in Yeast Cell Suspension

Zinc is one of the most important transition metal of physiological importance, existing primarily as a divalent cation. A number of sensors have been developed for Zn(II) detection. Here, we present a novel fluorescent nanosensor for Zn(II) detection using a derivative of 8-aminoquinoline (N-(quinolin-8-yl)-2-(3 (triethoxysilyl)propylamino)acetamide (QTEPA) grafted on silica nanoparticles (SiNPs). These functionalized SiNPs were used to demonstrate specific detection of Zn(II) in tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.22), in yeast cell (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) suspension, and in tap water. The silane QTEPA, SiNPs and final product were characterized using solution and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric techniques, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The nanosensor shows almost 2.8-fold fluorescence emission enhancement and about 55 nm red-shift upon excitation with 330 ± 5 nm...
A spectrofluorometric survey of UV-induced blue-green fluorescence in foliage of 35 species.

Summary Upon excitation by ultraviolet radiation (UV), plant foliage exhibits a blue-green fluorescence (BGF). In order to assess the prevalence and variability of this fluorescence we examined UV-induced blue-green fluorescence from foliage surfaces of 35 species comprising seven life forms (grasses/sedges, conifers, herbaceous dicotyledons, succulents, palms, woody deciduous dicotyledons, and woody evergreen dicotyledons) growing in Tempe, AZ, USA. Excitation (260–380 nm) and emission (400–600 nm) spectra of the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of foliage from five non-stressed plants of each species were measured with a spectrofluorometer. When excited with UV all species had violet to blue emission peaks (range = 405475 nm; adaxial mean = 443 ± 1nm (SE), abaxial mean =442 ± 1nm), while about a third also had a welldefined green emission peak (range = 510–550nm; adaxial mean = 523 ± Inm, abaxial mean = 524 ± 1nm) and one species also had a yellow emission peak at 568 nm. Fluorescence excitation peaks ranged from 285–370 nm (mean adaxial excitation peak = 342 ± 1nm and mean abaxial excitation peak = 341 ± 1nm) among surveyed species. There was a significant positive correlation between adaxial and abaxial excitation peak wavelengths (r = 0.66), as well as between adaxial and abaxial emission peak wavelengths (r = 0.97). To quantify and compare emission peak intensities among species we determined a fluorescence yield index (FYI) calculated as the emission peak energy divided by total incident excitation energy. The FYI varied over an order of magnitude among species. On average, grasses/sedges and succulents had significantly greater FYIs than the other five life forms. The FYI of blue
Oral Contraceptive Use and Mortality during 12 Years of Follow-Up: The Nurses' Health Study

Clinical researchers prospectively followed 166755 female nurses 30-55 years old between 1976 and June 1 1988 to compare the mortality risk of women who had ever used oral contraceptives (OCs) with those who had never used OCs. Most of the women did not use OCs after 1976 indicating that if they had used OCs they were likely to be the high-dose OCs. During the 20 years 2879 women had died. The causes of death included cancer (1456) cardiovascular conditions (568) suicide (114) other traumatic causes (151) and other causes (590). The age-adjusted relative risk of total mortality for women who had ever used OCs was 0.99. When the researchers also controlled for body mass index and cigarette smoking the relative risk for ever users was 0.93. Whey they controlled for all of the above and follow-up interval parity age at menarche age at 1st birth and menopause they observed that ever use had an increased relative risk of breast cancer mortality (1.09) and a reduced risk for mortality from ovarian and endometrial cancer (0.34 and 0.81 respectively). The reduced risk for ovarian cancer continued after cessation of use (relative risk = 0.79). The apparent increased risk for breast cancer was mostly limited to current users (relative risk = 1.63). When the researchers controlled for age body mass index and cigarette smoking they noted that women who had used OCs for at least 10 years had a somewhat increased relative risk of mortality (1.06). An elevated cardiovascular mortality risk (1.54) among these women was largely offset by the reduced cancer mortality risk (0.84). There was no overall trend in risk with increasing duration of past use of OCs for total mortality or mortality related to cardiovascular disease or cancer. The research indicates that OC use is safe.
Does strong linkage disequilibrium guarantee redundant association results

A substantial amount of effort has been expended recently towards the identification and evaluation of tag single nucleotide polymorphisms; markers that, due to linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns in the genome, are able to act as ‘‘proxies’’ for other polymorphic sites. As such, these tag markers are assumed to capture, on their own, a large proportion of the genetic variation contributed by a much greater number of polymorphic sites. One important consequence of this is the potential ability to reduce the cost of genotyping in an association study without a corresponding loss of power. This application carries an implicit assumption that strong LD between markers implies high correlation between the accompanying association test results, so that once a tag marker is evaluated for association, its outcome will be representative of all the other markers for which it serves as proxy. We examined this assumption directly. We find that in the null hypothesis situation, where there is no association between the markers and the phenotype, the relationship between LD and the correlation between association test outcomes is clear, though it is not always ideal. In the alternative case, when genetic association does exist in the region, the relationship becomes much more complex. Here, reasonably high LD between markers does not necessarily imply that the association test result of one marker is a direct substitute for that of the other. In these cases, eliminating one of these markers from the set to be genotyped in an association study will lead to a reduction in overall power. Genet. Epidemiol. 32:546–552, 2008. r 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Research Process in Classroom Discourse Analysis: Current Perspectives edited by COLE, KIMMARIE, & JANE ZUENGLER

The article reviews the book "The Research Process in Classroom Discourse Analysis: Current Perspectives," edited by Kimmarie Cole and Jane Zuengler.
Bird's eye lesions of tomato fruit produced by aerosol and direct application of clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis.

Development of the bird's eye fruit lesion of tomato was studied by inoculating flowers and the surface of young tomato fruit with strains of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. Flowers were sprayed once or twice with C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis at 108 CFU/ml. The maximum incidence (80%) and severity (12 spots/fruit) of spotted fruit resulted when inoculum was sprayed twice, 3 days apart. Flowers were most susceptible to infection 2 days after anthesis. When a paintbrush was used to apply inoculum to the surface of small fruit, a large number of fruit spots (≤456 spots/fruit) resulted. Even strains determined to be avirulent based on a tomato stem inoculation assay and a hypersensitive response on four-o'clock leaves (Mirabilis jalapa) were able to produce fruit spots, although at a reduced level. The inoculation methods developed in this study can provide opportunities to observe subtle host-pathogen interactions between C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains and tomato and to help formulate methods to quantify infection.
The effects of growth temperature on the methyl sterol and phospholipid fatty acid composition of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath)

Growth of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) at temperatures ranging from 30 to 50°C resulted in changes to the whole cell lipid constitutents. As temperature was lowered, the overall proportion of hexadecenoic acid (C16:1) increased, and the relative proportions of the Δ9, Δ10 and Δ11 C16:1 double bond positional isomers changed. Methyl sterol content also increased as the growth temperature was lowered. The highest amounts of methyl sterol were found in 30°C cells and the lowest in 50°C cells (sterol-phospholipid ratios of 0.077 and 0.013, respectively). The data are consistent with a membrane modulating role for the sterol produced by this prokaryotic organism.
Antimicrobial activity of cefepime tested against bush group I β-lactamase-producing strains resistant to ceftazidime a multilaboratory national and international clinical isolate study

The potency of cefepime, a parenteral aminothiazolyl methoxyimino cephalosporin, was assessed against 256 ceftazidime-resistant Gram-negative bacilli from five medical centers in the United States. In addition, cefepime activity was compared with that of ciprofloxacin and imipenem against 506 ceftazidime-resistant Gram-negative bacilli collected during an 11-medical-center international study. All US clinical isolates were susceptible ( 80% cefepime susceptible with the exception of those from Brazil (48% susceptible) and Italy (55% susceptible). These international, enteric isolates were also very susceptible to ciprofloxacin (55%-100% susceptible) and imipenem (84%-100% susceptible). Nonenteric organisms (Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas, and Acinetobacter) from the same international locations had overall rates of susceptibility of 47% for ciprofloxacin, 28% for imipenem, and only 5% for cefepime. Cross-resistance between the broad-spectrum cephalosporins (cefepime or ceftazidime) with either imipenem or ciprofloxacin was incomplete. Cefepime appears to have a spectrum of use against a significant number of contemporary, ceftazidime-resistant Gram-negative bacillus isolates worldwide.
Electron microscopic studies of wallerian degeneration in rat optic nerves. II. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and adventitial cells.

Fibrous astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and adventitial cells have been studied in rat optic nerves undergoing Wallerian degeneration. Postoperative survival times ranged from five hours to 250 days. Fibrous astrocytes fill the spaces made available by the removal of degenerating nerve fibers. In addition, some astrocytes apparently become phagocytic and engulf degenerating myelin fragments. This reaction is small in comparison to that of multipotential glia (Vaughn), Hinds and Skoff, '70, and it appears to be secondary to the role of astrocytes in scar formation. There is no evidence from this study suggesting that oligodendrocytes engulf degenerating nerve fibers. Indeed, they do not exhibit dramatic changes during fiber degeneration beyond forming aberrant myelin sheaths during the late postoperative stage. Similarly, adventitial cells generally remain unaltered although a few adventitial cells containing numerous inclusions are encountered in degenerating tissue. Adventitial cells are always located within the perivascular space and neither they nor leukocytes have been observed in transit from blood vessels into the neural parenchyma. Finally, an attempt is made to reconcile some of the diverse results concerning the origin of CNS phagocytes. It is suggested that in most pathological situations there is contribution of phagocytes from several different sources and the relative importance of each source is determined by the extent of degeneration and the degreed of inflammation.
Isobaric spin mixing in 8 Be

Abstract The energy splittings of isobaric doublets near proton threshold in 8Be are explained solely by allowing for Coulomb distortion of the proton wave functions in the asymptotic region. These results provide further support for Marion's cluster model for the 2+ doublet.
Entrapment of soy bean trypsin inhibitor and alpha1-antitrypsin by multilamellar liposomes.

Abstract The broad-spectrum protease inhibitors, soy bean trypsin inhibitor and α 1 -antitrypsin, were entrapped within anionic multilamellar liposomes; the efficiency of entrapment was 12% for α 1 -antitrypsin and 14% for soy bean trypsin inhibitor. Entrapment of 3 H-labeled d -glucose, a marker for the aqueous compartment, was dependent upon the nature and concentration of coentrapped antiprotease. Rechromatography of the pooled liposome fractions following solubilization with the detergent Triton X-100 demonstrated latency of the entrapped materials. In addition, entrapment of soy bean trypsin inhibitor, as well as 3 H-labeled d -glucose, was shown to be proportional to the net anionie surface charge in the lipid bilayers, suggesting sequestration within the aqueous compartments of the liposomes. This localization was also indicated by the minimal adsorption of antiproteases to anionic liposomes, contrasted with the extensive electrostatic binding of the antiproteases to cationic liposomes.
Molecular Predictors of Response to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antagonists in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

In the last 5 years the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has emerged as one of the most important targets for drug development in oncology. Monoclonal antibodies targeting the external domain of EGFR have been shown to have clinical benefit in colorectal and head and neck cancer when combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Small molecules that inhibit the tyrosine kinase (TK) domain of EGFR have become critical new weapons in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The discovery that mutations in the TK domain are associated with dramatic and sustained responses to EGFR TK inhibitors (TKIs) has allowed the design of trials to test these agents as potential first-line therapies and has provided a fascinating window into the future of genotype-directed targeted therapy. Recent advances in understanding the biologic basis of acquired resistance to these agents have great potential to improve the clinical effectiveness of this class of drugs. This review summarizes the biology of EGFR in NSCLC, the clinical and molecular predictors of benefit from treatment with EGFR TKIs, the use of patient-specific molecular profiling, and future directions of clinical and basic scientific research.
Flexible queers, serious bodies: transgender inclusion in queer spaces.

Queer spaces are significant for understanding transgender inclusion as “queer spaces were places where individuals were expected to be attentive to or aware of alternative possibilities for being, including non-normative formulations of bodies, genders, desires and practices” (Nash, 2011, p. 203). Indeed, in this interview study of members of a queer leather group called the Club, members described a flexible “sexual landscape” that easily includes transgender members. However, these same queer spaces have been criticized for the way they regulate queer bodies and organize queer subjectivities. In this study, queer members of the Club also contrasted playful queer flexibility with serious transgender bodies. This article argues that, although there is a reiterative relation between transgender inclusion and queer spaces, the idealization of flexibility within queer spaces can also serve to marginalize and regulate transgender bodies.
A quantitative analysis of cooling power in container-based data centers

Cooling power is often represented as a single taxed cost on the total energy consumption of the data center. Some estimates go as far as 50% of the total energy demand. However, this view is rather simplistic in the presence of a multitude of cooling options and optimizations. In response to the rising cost of energy, the industry introduced modular design in the form of containers to serve as the new building block for data centers. However, it is still unclear how efficient they are compared to raised-floor data centers and under what conditions they are preferred. In this paper, we provide comparative and quantitative analysis of cooling power in both container-based and raised-floor data centers. Our results show that a container achieves 80% and 42% savings in cooling and facility powers respectively compared to a raised-floor data center and that savings of 41% in cooling power are possible when workloads are consolidated onto the least number of containers. We also show that cooling optimizations are not very effective at high utilizations; and that a raised-floor data center can approach the efficiency of a container at low utilizations when employing a simple cooling optimization.
Reaction of NH(a1Δ) with HN3

Abstract This research is a preliminary survey to explore a possible analogy between the chemistry of the NH singlet radical and its electronic isomer, O( 1 D). The flash decomposition of HN 3 forms NH(a 1 Δ) as the predominant observable primary product. The time dependence of the absorption by NH(X 3 Σ − ), NH(a 1 Δ), NH 2 , N 3 , the emission by NH( 3 Π), NH( 1 Π), and the initial and final absorbance by HN 3 were observed and correlated. The decomposition appears to result from the electrical disturbance which accompanies the photolysis flash rather than (or in addition to) photolysis. The disappearance of NH(a 1 Δ) is consistent with the mechanism The combined rate of disappearance of NH(a 1 Δ) by all processes, 2.5 ± 1.0 × 10 −11 cm 3 /molecule sec, is independent of inert gas pressure, although the product distribution is not. The implications of this result are discussed.
Effective bulk moduli of two functionally graded composites

This paper considers the effective bulk moduli and the underlying elastic fields of a particle- and a fiber-reinforced composite whose matrix properties are graded linearly along the radial distance. The governing Fuchsian equations are first transformed into Riemann equations which, by means of change of the dependent variable, are further transformed into hypergeometric equations which are solved in terms of the hypergeometric function. This set of solutions provides an explicit dependence of the effective bulk behavior of the composites with arbitrary variations of the slope of the matrix moduli.
TrkA Activation Is Sufficient to Rescue Axotomized Cholinergic Neurons

To test the molecular nature of the NGF receptor responsible for the ability of NGF to rescue septal cholinergic neurons following axotomy, we infused polyclonal antibodies that act as specific agonists of trkA (RTA) into the lateral ventricle of fimbria–fornix lesioned animals. Rats receiving chronic intraventricular infusions of RTA showed significantly more low affinity NGF receptor immunoreactive (p75NGFR-IR) neurons on the lesioned side than did control animals 2 weeks following unilateral fimbria–fornix lesion. RTA also initiated cholinergic sprouting. Infusions of RTA in combination with an antibody that blocks p75NGFR (REX) did not reduce the cell savings effect observed with RTA alone. However, animals infused with RTA plus REX demonstrated significantly less sprouting. These findings suggest that antibody-induced trkA activation is sufficient to mediate NGF-promoted survival of axotomized cholinergic neurons in vivo.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy for scimitar syndrome

Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by partial or total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the right lung into the inferior vena cava. The description “scimitar” comes from the classic appearance resembling the Turkish sword of a crescent vascular density at the lower right heart border on the chest radiograph. 1 Scimitar syndrome may appear as early as infancy but has been discovered as late as the eighth decade of life. Treatment options are close observation, repair with an intra-atrial baffle, direct reim plantation of the anomalous drainage to the left atrium, or pneumonectomy. This case presentation concerns a woman who had repair of scimitar syndrome at age 3 and who at age 34 years required right extrapleural pneumonectomy after multiple pulmonary infections. She may be the oldest patient documented in whom pneumonectomy was performed for scimitar syndrome and the only one in whom extrapleural pneumonectomy was carried out.
Regulation of human monocyte functions by acute ethanol treatment: decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and elevated interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-beta production.

We and others have previously shown that even acute ethanol exposure has the capacity to modulate immune functions, particularly monocyte functions. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that acute ethanol treatment inhibits inflammatory, while increasing inhibitory cytokine production in human blood monocytes that, in turn, could contribute to the overall immune abnormalities seen after alcohol use. Our data show that in vitro treatment of blood monocytes with a physiologically relevant dose of alcohol (25 mM) results in significantly decreased induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin (IL)-1 beta by bacterial stimulation of either Gram-positive [staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), 1 microgram/ml of SEB] or Gram-negative [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 1 microgram/ml of LPS] origin both at the protein and mRNA levels. In contrast, acute ethanol treatment induces monocyte production of mediators with immunoinhibitory potential, including transforming growth factor-beta and IL-10. We further show that ethanol not only induces monocyte/macrophage (Mo) IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta, but even augments bacterial (both LPS and SEB) stimulation-induced production of both of these cytokines. IL-10 is a potent inhibitor of Mo TNF alpha production. We found that ethanol-induced elevation in Mo IL-10 levels contributes to the decreased Mo TNF alpha production to bacterial challenge in ethanol-exposed Mo. However, mRNA levels for TNF alpha are downregulated as early as 1.5 hr after ethanol treatment, suggesting that ethanol likely has an IL-10 independent, direct effect on early signaling events of TNF alpha induction.
The effects of audit committee activity and independence on corporate fraud

Examines whether two key audit committee characteristics combined, activity and independence, reduce likely fraud or aggressive financial statement actions. Utilizes evidence on potential of Blue Ribbon Committee (1999) recommendations regarding composition of audit committees, and further involves a sample of 156 firms — 78 subject to SEC Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases and 78 similar sized non‐sanctioned firms. Closes by stating future research may be required regarding young and mature firms ‐ that could affect monitoring.
CRT-149 Differential Cost Analysis of 4 French Femoral Approach Revealed Significant Savings Over Radial Approach for Diagnostic Catheterization

Approximately one million diagnostic cardiac catheterizations are performed annually. The Accountable Care Act means that cost savings measures are becoming increasingly more important. Through advances in flat panel X-ray in the cath lab, coronary arteriogram quality has significantly improved for
Trends in assertion training research and practice: A content analysis of the published literature

Investigated historical trends in the assertion training literature by content analyzing 344 documents published between January 1942 and December 1977. Documents were collected through standard literature and search procedures and were content-coded according to their primary methods (e.g., case study, experimental research) and major foci (e.g., assessment, treatment). The results of four separate descriptive analyses performed on the coded reports revealed that although the assertion training literature has shown a very rapid acceleration of growth over the past five years, empirical documentation of the effects of a few important parameters of training and treatment is lacking. Future research needs that clearly emerged from the analyses were discussed.
Hydrogenation of methyl linolenate. I. The formation of methyl isolinoleate on the hydrogenation of methyl linolenate

A highly purified sample of methyl linoleate was prepared from linolenic acid obtained by debromination of hexabromostearic acid. The methyl linolenate was hydrogenated to varying degrees of saturation, using palladium on barium sulfate as the catalyst. Ethyl acetate was used as the solvent and all hydrogenations were conducted at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The hydrogenated samples were analyzed for their fatty acid composition (as methyl esters).
Constraints on the world oil monopoly price

Abstract The consuming nations have the power to damage or wreck the world oil monopoly, but prefer cooperation, because of their fixed belief that otherwise the market will fail to clear, and generate a ‘gap’. Yet they may use the power inadvertently. The monopoly acts essentially as a loose cartel with a safety net: a large seller (Saudi Arabia) could act as restrictor of last resort. But this would maximize Saudi profits at a much lower price, penalizing the other sellers. The conflict can be held off by ad hoc agreements while raising the price. But the risk of conflict and highly uncertain long-run demand and supply make it likely that the cartel will only slowly and gradually approach profit- or wealth-maximization. ‘Political objectives’ coincide with economic and can be neglected.
THE BEHAVIOR OF INVERTASE IN MODEL SYSTEMS AT LOW MOISTURE CONTENTS

Enzyme-catalyzed reactions occur at a wide range of moisture levels, including those corresponding to water activities (aw) well below unity. The model system of microcrystalline cellulose, sucrose and invertase was selected to study the behavior of invertase as functions of aw, time and temperature. The results show that the Onset of reaction occurs below the anticipated mobilization for crystalline sucrose (aw 0.81) and that measurable reaction occurs at an aw as low as 0.58. The Maximum Extent of reaction is independent of moisture content at or above aw 0.75. The overall Rate of reaction for a given treatment fitted a first-order kinetic model. Rate constants (a) obeyed Arrhenius plots (25° to 47°C) with activation energies (Ea) varying from 15.7 to 4.8 Kcal/mole for aw's from 0.58 to 0.90, respectively, (b) increased in direct proportion to enzyme concentration, and (c) increased strongly and nonlinearly with aw and moisture. A model with two rate-limiting steps has been postulated. At high moisture content, sucrose diffusion through a resistance shell confined to the vicinity of an invertase molecule is limiting. At low moisture content, aw and temperature may affect the conformation of the enzyme itself, or the diffusion coefficient in the rate-controlling resistance shell.
The representation number of some sparse graphs

Abstract We study the representation number for some special sparse graphs. For graphs with a single edge and for complete binary trees we give an exact formula, and for hypercubes we improve the known lower bound. We also study the prime factorization of the representation number of graphs with one edge.
Two Novel Mutations Identified in an African-American Child with Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

Background. Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, immunodeficiency, coagulopathy and late-onset, progressive neurological dysfunction. It also has an “accelerated phase” characterized by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The disease is caused by mutations in the CHS1/LYST gene located on chromosome 1, which affects lysosome morphology and function. We report the case of an African-American child with CHS in Case. This 16-month old African-American girl presented with fever and lethargy. The proband had pale skin compared to her parents, with light brown eyes, silvery hair and massive hepatosplenomegaly. Her laboratory evaluation was remarkable for pancytopenia, high serum ferritin and an elevated LDH. Bone marrow aspirate revealed large inclusions in granulocytes and erythrophagocytosis consistent with HLH. Genetic evaluation revealed two novel nonsense mutations in the CHS1 gene: c.3622C > T (p.Q1208X) and c.11002G > T (p.E3668X). Conclusions. Our patient is one of the few cases of CHS reported in the African American population. We identified 2 nonsense mutations in the CHS1 gene, the first mutation analysis published of an African-American child with Chediak-Higashi Syndrome. These two mutations predict a severe phenotype and thus identification of these mutations has an important clinical significance in CHS.
Imaging for provocative discography and minimally invasive percutaneous procedures for treatment of discogenic lower back pain

The imaging for diagnostic and minimally invasive therapeutic procedures for treatment of discogenic pain is comprised mostly of the fluoroscopic real-time imaging. Computed tomography is mainly used following provocative discography to assist in establishing the diagnosis. Intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty, radiofrequency annuloplasty using DiscTrode™, or transdiscal biacuplasty all utilize fluoroscopy imaging with C-arm features to facilitate the placement of the electrodes. In this review, fluoroscopic imaging for each of these techniques when used for lower back pain, as well as suggested appropriate imaging approaches utilizing minimal radiation exposure are described.
A SOFT-X-RAY-EMISSION INVESTIGATION OF COBALT IMPLANTED SILICON CRYSTALS

The Si L2,3 emission spectra of silicon crystals implanted with Co at doses of (1–8) × 1017 Co/cm2 have been examined using soft‐x‐ray‐emission (SXE) spectroscopy. At the lowest dose, the spectra are little modified from that of crystalline Si, indicating that only a small fraction of Si is in the form of silicides within the probe depth of SXE spectroscopy. For higher doses and implant profiles with Co extending to the surface, there is clear evidence for ordered CoSi2 combined with richer Co phases, but little evidence for pure Si or for ordered regions of CoSi.
The cluster analysis technique of pattern recognition: application to the trace metal composition of cardiovascular tissues.

Abstract Application of the statistical method of cluster analysis as a pattern recognition technique was investigated by classification of cardiovascular tissues on the basis of their trace metal composition. The distribution patterns of 13 trace metals among 17 tissues of the heart and its appended blood vessels were determined. Cluster analysis of the data resulted in ready differentiation of tissues derived from ordinary and specialized myocardium from those of blood vessels and heart valves. Further similarities and differences among the 17 tissues were identified by comparing the patterns generated when different numbers of groups (i.e., 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 groups) were designated. It is suggested that cluster analysis may provide a generally useful tool in the interpretation of data from multi-phasic laboratory testing procedures.
Is regadenoson an appropriate stressor for MPI in patients with left bundle branch block or pacemakers

Background Patients with LBBB or ventricular pacemaker undergoing MPI are at risk for false positive MPI results in the setting of an elevated heart rate (HR) with exercise or dobutamine stress. The areas of increased apparent ischemia are typically the LAD and septal territories.
A preliminary study of particle velocity during phonation in an in vivo canine model

Summary The particle velocity across the glottis was measured with simultaneous electroglottography, photoglottography, and subglottic pressure in an in vivo canine model of phonation. A constant temperature anemometer measured flow velocity at five midline anterior to posterior glottal positions. Tracheal input air flow was varied in five steps from 175 to 500 cc/s, while vocal fold approximation was achieved by constant electrical stimulation of the laryngeal nerves. For all levels of air flow, a decreasing peak velocity gradient was observed from the anterior commissure to the arytenoids. Time-varying features of the flow velocity are discussed in relation to glottal vibratory events and aerodynamics.
Sample Size Determination for Interval Estimation of Multinomial Probabilities

Abstract Sample size determination is an important component of study design and can frequently be addressed using the multinomial probability model. The sample size determination procedures of Tortora and also Thompson describe two approaches to the problem based upon simultaneous interval estimation of multinomial probabilities. This article compares these procedures and highlights their differences. An alternative procedure is also developed. The new procedure employs Tortora's approach but is based upon different confidence limits and results in smaller recommended sample sizes.
Stellar systems in theory

Galactic Dynamics. By James Binney and Scott Tremaine. Princeton University Press: 1988. Pp. 733. Hbk $75, £42.10; pbk $25, £14.
Influence of potassium source (sediment vs. open water) and sediment composition on the growth and nutrition of a submersed freshwater macrophyte (Hydrilla verticillata) (L.f.) Royle)

Abstract Potassium uptake by Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle from sediment versus overlying water was evaluated in relation to the K demands incurred by this species during an 8-week period of growth. The investigation was conducted on a heterogeneous assemblage of sediments and in two solutions differing fundamentally in the presence (2.3 mg l −1 ) and absence of K. Both biomass production and shoot morphology in Hydrilla varied significantly between solutions and among sediments. In contrast to N and P, which were readily mobilized from most sediments, K was mobilized from all sediments to only a minor extent by this species. Mobilization of K was proportional to interstitial water K concentration; yet on at least four of the six sediments examined, K supplied from sediments was insufficient to support the maximal growth of Hydrilla . The open water rather than the sediment appears to be the primary source of K supply to this species and perhaps to most other submersed freshwater macrophytes. Where K was supplied in solution, sediment-related differences in the growth of Hydrilla negatively correlated with sediment organic matter content over the range 0.2–56.2% dry sediment mass. It is tentatively suggested that the organic composition of sediments may influence the species composition of aquatic macrophyte communities.
WATER REGULATORY EFFICIENCY IN HETEROMYID RODENTS: A MODEL AND ITS APPLICATION'

We have developed and tested a model of water regulatory efficiency for the rodent family Heteromyidae. The model is based on the premise that granivory coupled with increasing aridity and seasonality of rainfall has been the major theme throughout the evolutionary history of the family; it states further that water regulatory efficiency is negatively correlated with body mass in the family, and that member species are largely dependent upon a common resource packet (seeds) to meet both energy and water needs. A test of the model with five genera and 13 species revealed positive results across the entire family, but the two most speciose genera, Perognathus and Dipod- omnys, showed seemingly conflicting patterns: the smaller (in mass) genus, Perognathus, conformed strongly to the model, while in Dipodomys water regulatory efficiency was fixed at a level equivalent to that of the largest Perognathus spp. (-35-40 g). At this mass in these genera, in addition, occurs the demarcation between strict quadrupedality (Perognathus) and bipedality (Dipodomys), a strict scaling of cheek pouch volume with mass in Perognathus but independence of mass in Dipodomys, and the common use of torpor in Perognatlhus, with its near absence in Dipodomys. We interpret our findings to indicate that initially selection favored a decrease in mass with a concomitant increase in water regulatory efficiency and reduction in absolute energy need in heteromyids, tracking pro- gressive aridity during the Tertiary. In Dipodomys, the option of bipedality was adopted, apparently freeing them from energetic constraints imposed strictly by mass, coupled with an intermediate and fixed level of water regulatory efficiency that dictates use of seeds with high metabolic water yields. The quadrupedal Perognathus have retained a mass-specific water regulatory efficiency, ensuring maintenance of both water and energy balance on a broad array (with respect to protein: lipid: carbohydrate and metabolic water yield) of seeds, when their more-limited locomotor powers are consistent with seed availability; torpor is the tradeoff, enhancing survival during energetically de- manding periods.
Alzheimer disease biomarkers and insights into mild cognitive impairment

Persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have overt changes in thinking and memory, but they are still largely independent in daily affairs. They have a far higher rate of developing dementia (progressing to a more debilitating state of cognitive impairment) than cognitively normal persons, but at the individual patient level, prognosis is variable. Sometimes persons with MCI do not worsen and a few even revert back to cognitive normality.1,2 The variable prognosis in MCI is one reason why the term “MCI” has caught on: not only does it denote a sense of severity at the mildest level, it also conveys uncertainty of prognosis. Identification of the subset of patients with MCI at highest risk to progress to more severe cognitive impairment is a very important goal for research and future clinical care. Quantitating the degree of cognitive impairment by traditional history-taking, brief mental status testing, and more detailed neuropsychological assessment are necessary and informative first steps. However, knowledge of cognitive and functional status in MCI still leaves much uncertainty regarding the ability to predict worsening.
Preparation and properties of uniform colloidal indium compounds of different morphologies

Abstract Colloidal indium compounds, consisting of uniform particles of narrow size distribution of different morphologies were prepared by precipitation from homogeneous solutions at elevated temperatures. The forced hydrolysis of indium nitrate and chloride solutions yielded prismatic In(OH) 3 crystals. In the presence of sulfate ions, aging of solutions resulted in dispersions of different particle shapes, which depended on the reaction time, temperature and the pH. These solids contained sulfate ion which could not be removed by washing. A mechanism for the formation of such dispersions is suggested. All powders, so prepared, were transformed by calcination to In 2 O 3 , while the particle shape was preserved.
Evolution of growth responses to spleen protein in cultures of pig kidney cells.

1. Freshly isolated pig kidney cells grow poorly in a serum-supplemented synthetic medium, and are markedly stimulated by adult spleen protein fractions. Derivative strains after 30 or more passages develop a limited potential for growth in the absence of spleen protein; permanent cell populations proliferate rapidly without additives. 2. The effect of spleen fractions on cell cultures is related to population density, and can be duplicated in part by increasing the starting inoculum. Cultures initiated with low cell numbers fail to proliferate in the absence of spleen supplements. 3. Acquisition of independence from the growth-promoting effects of spleen fraction is correlated with a rise in plating efficiency, i.e., ability of isolated single cells to proliferate as clones. 4. Activity of spleen protein extracts in primary cell cultures is nondialyzable, pHsensitive, and heat resistant. Growth facilitation in this system appears to depend on a protective or supportive action by protein factors on the cell surface.