cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased myocardial performance index correlates with biopsy-proven rejection in pediatric heart transplant recipients.

Background To date, cardiac catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy have been considered the "gold standard" for rejection surveillance after heart transplantation. Factors such as patient size (i.e., infant transplantation), loss of vascular access after repeated catheterizations, and anesthesia requirements all present unique problems and risks related to pediatric rejection surveillance. Therefore, additional methods to monitor for rejection in a non-invasive, reliable and frequent manner have been sought. We studied the utility of echocardiographic measurement of the left ventricular myocardial performance index (LVMPI), a reproducible measure of combined systolic and diastolic performance, in pediatric heart transplant recipients as a method of identifying acute rejection. Methods Two-dimensional/Doppler echocardiographic studies ( n = 36) were performed on 21 cardiac transplant patients (ages 6.2 to 21.9 years) at the time of endomyocardial biopsy. The LVMPI, the sum of the isovolumic contraction time and isovolumic relaxation time divided by aortic ejection time, was determined at each study, as well as other echocardiographic measures of systolic and diastolic function. Patients were grouped by concurrent histologic rejection grade and the results compared between groups. Results Significant differences in LVMPI ( p n = 23) and those with moderate to severe rejection (Grade 3; n = 5), as well as between those with no rejection and those with focal moderate (Grade 2; n = 8) rejection ( p n = 7). No significant differences were noted between groups for left ventricular ejection fraction or shortening fraction, percent septal or posterior wall thickening, left ventricular mass index or mitral valve deceleration time. In addition, for those individual patients with multiple studies, the LVMPI consistently increased with higher rejection grades and decreased after therapy. Conclusions In this series, increased LVMPI correlated with biopsy-proven rejection, and frequent serial assessments using this technique may provide a relatively sensitive non-invasive means of rejection surveillance after pediatric cardiac transplantation. False positive results may be encountered, likely due to alterations in diastolic function that have been previously observed in transplant recipients.
Human Development and Macroeconomic Returns within the Context of Investments in Telecoms: An Exploration of Transition Economies

Previous investigations into macroeconomic impact of investments in information and communications technology ICT, while primarily focused on developed economies, have yielded some important insights. For example, it was determined that: 1 the investments-to-revenues model works well only if a threshold level of ICT capital infrastructure has been developed, 2 it is not the quantity but the quality of the full-time ICT workforce that plays an important role in converting a stream of investments in ICT into revenues and in achieving a spillover effect of investments that is captured by total factor productivity TFP. In this study we investigate the impact of human development, as measured by the human development index HDI, on macroeconomic outcomes and TFP. The subject of the study is a group of transition economies, a set of highly related economies that has the Leaders group that has some of the characteristics of developed economies and the Followers group that has some of the characteristics of less-developed economies. Results of our investigation offer evidence that HDI has a statistically significant impact on GDP gross domestic product and TFP only in the case of the Leaders.
Ejecta from large craters on the moon: comments on the geometric model of McGetchin et al.

Amendments to a quantitative scheme developed by T. R. McGetchin et al. (1973) for predicting the distribution of ejecta from lunar basins yield substantially thicker estimates of ejecta, deposited at the basin rim-crest and at varying ranges beyond, than does the original model. Estimates of the total volume of material ejected from a basin, illustrated by Imbrium, also are much greater. Because many uncertainties affect any geometric model developed primarily from terrestrial analogs of lunar craters, predictions of ejecta thickness and volume on the moon may range within at least an order of magnitude. These problems are exemplified by the variability of T, thickness of ejecta at the rim-crest of terrestrial experimental craters. The proportion of T to crater rim-height depends critically upon scaled depth-of-burst and whether the explosive is nuclear or chemical.
Does Sport Affect Character Development in Athletes

(1998). Does Sport Affect Character Development in Athletes? Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 69, No. 1, pp. 15-18.
Detection of anti-tumor antibody in virally induced tumors and its relationship to tumor growth.

The humoral antibody response to virally induced tumors in syngeneic hosts has been studied. The tumors include an SV40 tumor SVT2, the Friend virus-induced leukemias FBL-3 and FLC; and Moloney sarcoma virus-induced tumors. It was found that anti-tumor antibodies could be detected by the isotopic antiglobulin technique in these tumor systems at a relatively early stage of tumor growth. The kinetics of the antibody response in relation to the status of tumor growth varied between different tumors. In general, the antibody levels were higher in the hosts with progressive tumor growth than in the regressors or tumor-free hosts. Reinoculation of tumor cells or recurrence of tumor growth produced elevation of antibody levels (secondary response). The specificity of the antibody reactions also varied in different tumor systems: some antibodies were truly tumor-specific and thus might produce a biological effect on in vivo tumor immunity, whereas others were not. These studies indicated that a sensitive antibody assay could be used for early detection of tumor growth. However, its usefulness in evaluation of the status of tumor growth should be carefully studied in each tumor sys. Detection De L'anticorps Antitumoral Dans Les Tumeurs Viro-Induites Et Rapport Avec La Croissance Tumorale L'auteur a etudie la reponse de l'anticorps humoral aux tumeurs viro-induites chez les hǒtes syngeniques en utilisant une tumeur SVT2 induite par le SV40, les leucemies FBL-3 et FLC induites par le virus de Friend et des tumeurs induites par le virus du sarcome de Moloney. Dans ces systemes, les anticorps antitumoraux ont pu ětre deceles par la technique de l'antiglobuline isotopique a un stade relativement precoce de la croissance tumorale. La cinetique de la reponse de l'anticorps suivant le stade de la croissance tumorale varie selon les tumeurs. En general, les niveaux d'anticorps sont plus eleves chez les hǒtes dont la tumeur pousse progressi-vement que chez les regresseurs ou les hětes non porteurs de tumeur. La reinoculation de cellules tumorales ou la recurrence de la tumeur fait augmenter le niveau des anticorps (reponse secondaire). La specificite de la reaction des anticorps varie egalement dans les differents systemes tumoraux: certains anticorps sont veri-tablement tumorispecifiques et pourraient donc produire un effet biologique sur l'immunite in vitro contrai-rement a d'autres. Ces etudes indiquent qu'un dosage sensible des anticorps peut ětre utilise pour le depistage precoce de la croissance tumorale. Toutefois, son utilite pour l'appreciation du stade de developpement de la tumeur doit ětre etudiee de facon approfondie dans chaque systeme tumoral.
Consumer Evaluation of the Sensory Properties of Fish

A set of 13 sensory attributes for describing cooked fish were identified using data from written surveys and consumer tests. These attributes were applied to the evaluation of 18 common Atlantic species by consumers. The data showed high positive correlations with data previously reported for trained profile panels. The best correlations occurred for the most salient attributes, and cluster analysis for the two sets of data showed the greatest similarily for species possessing these salient attributes. However, regression analysis showed that trained profile panelists used a wider range of the intensity scale than did consumers. Corresponding data from a written survey of "experts" correlated poorly with both trained and consumer panel data.
Simultaneous monitoring of changes in magnesium and calcium concentrations in frog cut twitch fibers containing antipyrylazo III.

Antipyrylazo III was introduced into frog cut twitch fibers (17-19 degrees C) by diffusion. After action potential stimulation, the change in indicator absorbance could be resolved into two components that had different time courses and wavelength dependences. The first component was early and transient and due to an increase in myoplasmic free [Ca] (Maylie, J., M. Irving, N.L. Sizto, and W.K. Chandler, 1987, Journal of General Physiology, 89:83-143). The second component, usually measured at 590 nm (near the isosbestic wavelength for Ca), developed later than the Ca transient and returned towards baseline about 100 times more slowly. Although the wavelength dependence of this component is consistent with an increase in either free [Mg] or pH, its time course is clearly different from that of the signals obtained with the pH indicators phenol red and 4',5'-dimethyl-5-(and -6-) carboxyfluorescein, suggesting that it is mainly due to an increase in free [Mg]. After a single action potential in freshly prepared cut fibers that contained 0.3 mM antipyrylazo III, the mean peak amplitude of delta A (590) would correspond to an increase in free [Mg] of 47 microM if all the signal were due to a change in [Mg] and all the intracellular indicator reacted with Mg as in cuvette calibrations. With either repetitive action potential stimulation or voltage-clamp depolarization, the delta A (590) signal continued to develop throughout the period when free [Ca] was elevated and then recovered to within 40-90% of the prestimulus baseline with an average rate constant between 0.5 and 1.0 s-1. With prolonged voltage-clamp depolarization, both the amplitude and rate of development of the delta A(590) signal increased with the amplitude of the depolarization and appeared to saturate at levels corresponding to an increase in free [Mg] of 0.8-1.4 mM and a maximum rate constant of 3-4 s-1, respectively. These results are consistent with the idea that the delta A(590) signal is primarily due to changes in myoplasmic free [Mg] produced by a change in the Mg occupancy of the Ca,Mg sites on parvalbumin that results from the Ca transient.
Characterization of Proteins in Feeds

Abstract Several methods have been evaluated to partition feed crude protein (CP) into rumen-degradable protein (RDP) and rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) and to estimate the intestinal digestibility of RUP. These methods include in vivo, in situ, and a variety of in vitro methods. In situ-derived protein fractions were adopted for use to estimate RDP, RUP, and RUP digestibility in the most recent Dairy National Research Council model. In vitro, chemically determined protein fractions are used in the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) that was subsequently adopted for use in level 2 of the Beef National Research Council model and in the Cornell-Penn-Miner (CPM) model (version 1). A comparison of the two methods for predicting RDP/RUP and RUP digestibility indicated remarkable similarity. Using data from 78 studies that reported measured flows of nonammonia nonmicrobial N (NANMN) to the small intestine of growing cattle and dairy cows fed 278 different diets, it was observed that the mean bias of prediction for NANMN was +1 g/d for NRC and −24 g/d for CNCPS. Whereas some disparity exists in predicted estimates of RUP for a few feeds, in most cases values are similar. To determine the impact of input uncertainty in the in situ protein system of NRC and the chemical partitioning method of the CNCPS on predicted metabolizable protein (MP) allowable milk and model-predicted RDP, a sensitivity analysis of the two models was conducted. For NRC, the highest variance in MP allowable milk was caused by variance in digestion rates of the B protein fraction, followed by the variance in the proportional sizes of the three CP fractions (i.e., A, B, and C), feed composition (e.g., CP), and RUP digestibility. For CNCPS, the highest variance in MP allowable milk was caused by the variance in feed composition, followed by the variance in the chemical components of feeds that affects the size of the five CP fractions in CNCPS (i.e., CP, soluble CP, neutral detergent insoluble CP [NDICP], acid detergent insoluble CP [ADICP], and nonprotein nitrogen [NPN]), RUP digestibility, and the digestion rates of the CP fractions. This analysis indicates that both models are sensitive to their respective inputs and that the size of the protein pools and the digestion rates of the potentially degradable protein fractions are strongly correlated to feed composition. Whenever possible, actual vs. model-default values for feed composition and pool sizes should be used.
Making the neoliberal precariat: Two faces of job searching in Minneapolis:

This comparative ethnographic study charts the similarities and differences in crafting the job search enterprise following the Great Recession at two nonprofit programs in Minneapolis: Career Net,...
Design and Development of a University-Oriented Personalizable Web 2.0 Mashup Portal

This paper reports several key challenges and solutions when we apply Web 2.0 mashup technology to build a university-oriented services portal. A two-layer mashup service model is proposed as the underlying basis to support multiple granularities of services mashup. We explore a caching technique to facilitate personalizable services requests. We also report our preliminary practice of exploiting Facebook as a social relationship data source.
A 32nm, 0.9V Supply-noise sensitivity tracking PLL for improved clock data compensation featuring a deep trench capacitor based loop filter

An adaptive PLL implemented in a 0.9V 32nm process achieves optimal clock data compensation across a wide range of PVT and operating conditions. This is accomplished by an automated supply-noise sensitivity tracking loop which constantly monitors the BER of a tunable critical path circuit. The proposed PLL achieves a 14.5% to 15.6% improvement in processor Fmax over a conventional design for a 90mV supply noise and has a 92.1% smaller area by employing ultra-high density deep trench capacitors in the loop filter.
Equine Cryptococcal Endometritis and Placentitis with Neonatal Cryptococcal Pneumonia

dying of A. suis septicemia may be remarkably similar to the lation and identification of the offending organism is neclung lesions observed with APP infection, histologic lesions essary to definitively differentiate these 2 diseases, which may in the lungs of these pigs were distinct. The pulmonary hemhave remarkably similar presentations in grow/finish pigs. orrhage and necrosis was not accompanied by an inflammatory cell exudate (oat cells) or sequestra as is typically observed with APP infection. Lesions consisted of focally extensive areas of alveolar necrosis, flooding of alveolar lumina with a fibrinohemorrhagic exudate, and scattered intravascular colonies of bacteria. The identification of foci of necrosis associated with intravascular bacterial colonies in additional organs confirmed a septic process. Actinobacillus suis septicemia has traditionally been perceived as a disease of suckling and recently weaned pigs. As this case and Canadian reports illustrate, this view of the disease syndromes caused by A. suis may need to be expanded. Particularly when high-health status herds are involved, outbreaks of A. suis septicemia may occur in older animals. Caution must be exercised when investigating outbreaks of sudden death in grow/finish pigs with hemorrhagic and necrotizing lung lesions, because these changes may be observed with either A. suis septicemia or APP infection. Although gross and histologic lesions suggestive of a septic process certainly favor a diagnosis of A. suis septicemia, isoReferences
Measuring dietary acculturation in Japanese Americans with the use of confirmatory factor analysis of food-frequency data

Background Epidemiologic evidence suggests that dietary changes associated with acculturation to a Western diet may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in Japanese Americans. Objective We hypothesized that dietary acculturation patterns could be measured by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) by using a culturally sensitive food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We examined the utility of the estimated factor scores by testing for associations with diabetes and 2 risk factors for diabetes-body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Design By using cross-sectional data from a sample of 219 Nisei (second-generation Japanese American; mean age 70 y) and 277 Sansei (third-generation Japanese American; mean age 42 y) participants in the Japanese American Family Study, we conducted CFA on 5 items characteristic of a Japanese diet and 4 items characteristic of a Western diet. The resulting factor scores were examined for associations with diabetes by using logistic regression and for associations with BMI and CRP by using linear regression. Results CFA confirmed the presence of Japanese and Western food factors. The Nisei had a significantly higher average factor score for the Japanese food factor and significantly lower average factor score for the Western food factor than did the Sansei. In Sansei persons, but not in Nisei persons, the Western food factor score was significantly associated with plasma CRP concentration (P = 0.02), BMI (P = 0.02), and diabetes (P = 0.001). Conclusions In this Japanese American sample, dietary acculturation can be estimated by using CFA on FFQ data. Future studies should investigate the effects of dietary acculturation on disease risk independent of other lifestyle factors.
Behavioral deficit, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction precede tau pathology in P301S transgenic mice

Abnormal tau accumulation can lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. P301S mice overexpress the human tau mutated gene, resulting in tau hyperphosphorylation and tangle formation. Mice also develop synaptic deficits and microglial activation prior to any neurodegeneration and tangles. Oxidative stress can also affect tauopathy. We studied the role of oxidative stress in relationship to behavioral abnormalities and disease progression in P301S mice at 2, 7, and 10 mo of age. At 7 mo of age, P301S mice had behavioral abnormalities, such as hyperactivity and disinhibition. At the same age, we observed increased carbonyls in P301S mitochondria (∼215 and 55% increase, males/females), and deregulation in the activity and content of mitochondrial enzymes involved in reactive oxygen species formation and energy metabolism, such as citrate synthase (∼19 and ∼5% decrease, males/females), MnSOD (∼16% decrease, males only), cytochrome C (∼19% decrease, females only), and cytochrome C oxidase (∼20% increase, females only). These changes in mitochondria proteome appeared before tau hyperphosphorylation and tangle formation, which were observed at 10 mo and were associated with GSK3β activation. At that age, mitochondria proteome deregulation became more apparent in male P301S mitochondria. The data strongly suggest that oxidative stress and mitochondrial abnormalities appear prior to tau pathology.
Measuring beta function and phase advance in RHIC with an AC dipole

High energy hadron collider operation requires accurate measurements of the beta functions and phase advances, to check the linear optics and to locate gradient errors. During the RHIC 2003 run, two AC dipoles with vertical and horizontal magnetic field were used to measure the linear optics at storage and at injection energies. The two AC dipoles are set up to adiabatically induce sizable coherent oscillations at a frequency close to the betatron frequencies. The beta functions and phase advances are then calculated from the 1024 turn-by-turn measurements available from all the RHIC BPMs (beam position monitors). Because the coherent excitation is adiabatic, the beam emittance is preserved after the measurement. The algorithm is discussed in this paper, and experimental results are presented.
Amplification of IgG VH and VL (Fab) from single human plasma cells and B cells

Amplification of human immunoglobulin has many potential applications such as analysis of clonality, isolation of immunogenic antigens and antigen-specific immunotherapy. Here we describe a method for amplification of human immunoglobulin heavy and light chains from single B lymphocytes or plasma cells. Cells are isolated by FACS, and Ig is amplified by semi-nested RT-PCR. The method is versatile, sensitive and reliable: it provides appropriately paired heavy and light chains, requiring as little as 2 days to produce amplified Fab DNA from human tissues.
New and Simple Methods for Studying Hemipteran Stylets, Bacteriomes, and Salivary Sheaths in Host Plants

Many hemipteran insects are important agricultural pests because they cause direct feeding damage to their host plants and/or transmit plant disease agents including viruses and bacteria. Microscopic and behavioral studies on Þve hemipteran species from four families (Psyllidae, Aphi- didae, Cicadellidae, and Aleyrodidae) showed that their exuviae (molted skins) normally had either fully or partially extended stylets in a feeding-like position. In most cases these stylets were still partially embedded in their host plants after ecdysis, which indicated that plant-feeding hemipteran nymphs use their stylets to anchor themselves to host plants during molting. This phenomenon was used here to study the stylet length and ultrastructure in exuviae of various instars, which is normally more difÞcult in nymphs than in adults because of the fragility and smaller size of nymphs. Addi- tionally, autosuorescence was used for studying the hemipteran salivary sheaths of nymphs and adults in their host plants. This method is based on Þxation of free hand sections of plant parts on which hemipteran insects have been feeding, then mounting and examination of these sections with epi- suorescence or confocal microscopy. No embedding, microtomy, or staining is necessary for this method that makes it much faster and simpler than other methods. Autosuorescence was also used to study the location and size of bacteriomes/mycetomes (organs containing symbionts) in hemipteran eggs and nymphs. The above methods were applied successfully with the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), melaleuca psyllid (Boreioglycaspis melaleucae Moore), oleander aphid (Aphis nerii Boyer de Fonscolomb), the whitesy Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), and/or the glassy-winged sharpshooter leafhopper (Homalodisca vitripennis Germar).
Low power and broadband 2 × 2 silicon thermo-optic switch

We present a 2×2 silicon thermo-optic switch which requires a switching power of only ∼12.5 mW and has a response time of 5.4 µs. The measured extinction ratio of the switch is >∼20 dB across the C and L communications bands.
One-stage segmental resection of extensive thoracoabdominal aneurysms with left-sided heart bypass

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe a technique for resection of extensive thoracoabdominal aneurysms, which the authors believe will lower morbidity and mortality rates. Methods: In an effort to minimize the risk of spinal cord ischemia, we have used a combination of sided heart bypass (left atrium to left femoral artery) with local cooling of the intercostal and visceral arteries and segmental resection of the aneurysm. Segmental resection of the aneurysm allows perfusion of the spinal cord and abdominal viscera as the proximal anastomosis is completed and as each pair of intercostal arteries is reimplanted. An attempt is made to reimplant all pairs of intercostal arteries from T8 to L2. Before the intercostal or visceral arteries are reimplanted, that segment of aorta is cooled with cold crystaloid solution. Thus no segment of the aorta is exposed to warm ischemia for more than 30 minutes. Left-sided heart bypass allows the patient's temperature to be maintained between 35° and 37° C. Results: We have used this technique in 23 patients with types I and II (Crawford's classification) thoracoabdominal aneurysms. Seven patients (30%) had dissections or rupture associated with their aneurysms and underwent emergency operation. One of these seven patients became paraplegic after operation, for a 4.3% incidence of paraplegia. One patient died of multiple organ failure after operation. No patient had kidney failure requiring dialysis. Conclusions: We believe that our technique allows the operation to be performed in a deliberate manner with a low incidence of paraplegia and kidney failure. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:366-71.)
Structural properties of the C-terminus of vesicular stomatitis virus N protein dictate N-RNA complex assembly, encapsidation and RNA synthesis

The vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) nucleoprotein (N) associates tightly with the viral genomic RNA. This N-RNA complex constitutes the template for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase L, which engages the nucleocapsid via its phosphoprotein cofactor P. While N and P proteins play important roles in regulating viral gene expression, the molecular basis of this regulation remains incompletely understood. Here we show that mutations in the extreme C terminus of N cause defects in viral gene expression. To determine the underlying cause of such defects, we examined the effects of the mutations separately on encapsidation and RNA synthesis. Expression of N together with P in Escherichia coli results predominantly in the formation of decameric N-RNA rings. In contrast, nucleocapsid complexes containing the substitution NY415A or NK417A were more loosely coiled, as revealed by electron microscopy (EM). In addition, the NEF419/420AA mutant was unable to encapsidate RNA. To further characterize these mutants, we engineered an infectious cDNA clone of VSV and employed N-RNA templates from those viruses to reconstitute RNA synthesis in vitro. The transcription assays revealed specific defects in polymerase utilization of the template that result in overall decreased RNA quantities, including reduced amounts of leader RNA. Passage of the recombinant viruses in cell culture led to the accumulation of compensatory second-site mutations in close proximity to the original mutations, underscoring the critical role of structural features within the C terminus in regulating N function.
Influence of additives on melt viscosity, surface tension, and film formation of dry powder coatings

Background: Limited information on thermally cured dry-powder coatings used for solid dosage forms has been available in the literature. Aim: The aim of this study was to characterize the film formation process of Eudragit® L 100-55 dry-powder coatings and to investigate the influence of film additives on melt viscosity and surface tension. Methods: The coating process employed no liquids and the plasticizer was combined with the polymer using hot melt extrusion. Thermoanalytical methods including differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to investigate the thermal properties of the dry-coating formulations. The rheological behavior of the coating formulations were characterized with the extrusion torque, and the surface energy parameters were determined from contact angle measurements. The influence of the level of triethyl citrate (TEC) as plasticizer and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 in the polymer film on film formation was investigated using a digital force tes...
Influence of variations in fluoride intake on the ionic and bound fractions of plasma and muscle fluoride.

SummaryThe changes occurring in the ionic, bound, and total fluoride contents of plasma and muscle from rats shifted from low fluoride intake to high fluoride intake and back to low fluoride intake were examined. Approximately 10 days were required for the reequilibration of the ionic and total fluoride levels of plasma and muscle following changes in the dietary fluoride intake. Data have been obtained that show the systematic changes produced in the bound fraction of plasma and muscle fluoride by variations in dietary fluoride intake.
Molecular Imaging of Therapeutic Response to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Blockade in Colorectal Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate noninvasive molecular imaging methods as correlative biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy of cetuximab in human colorectal cancer cell line xenografts grown in athymic nude mice. The correlation between molecular imaging and immunohistochemical analysis to quantify epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding, apoptosis, and proliferation was evaluated in treated and untreated tumor-bearing cohorts. Experimental Design: Optical imaging probes targeting EGF receptor (EGFR) expression (NIR800-EGF) and apoptosis (NIR700-Annexin V) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Proliferation was assessed by 3′-[ 18 F]fluoro-3′-deoxythymidine ([ 18 F]FLT) positron emission tomography. Assessment of inhibition of EGFR signaling by cetuximab was accomplished by concomitant imaging of NIR800-EGF, NIR700-Annexin V, and [ 18 F]FLT in cetuximab-sensitive (DiFi) and insensitive (HCT-116) human colorectal cancer cell line xenografts. Imaging results were validated by measurement of tumor size and immunohistochemical analysis of total and phosphorylated EGFR, caspase-3, and Ki-67 immediately following in vivo imaging. Results: NIR800-EGF accumulation in tumors reflected relative EGFR expression and EGFR occupancy by cetuximab. NIR700-Annexin V accumulation correlated with cetuximab-induced apoptosis as assessed by immunohistochemical staining of caspase-3. No significant difference in tumor proliferation was noted between treated and untreated animals by [ 18 F]FLT positron emission tomography or Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. Conclusions: Molecular imaging can accurately assess EGF binding, proliferation, and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer xenografts. These imaging approaches may prove useful for serial, noninvasive monitoring of the biological effects of EGFR inhibition in preclinical studies. It is anticipated that these assays can be adapted for clinical use.
Food Expenditures and Economic Well-Being in Early Modern England

The proportion of a household's budget spent on diet has commonly served as an important measure of material welfare. This paper pulls together data concerning trends in food expenditures for early modern England and draws comparisons with figures for later periods. The usefulness of wage assessments, a new source for estimating the proportion of outlays devoted to diet, is examined. The impact on food expenditures of new commodities and other dietary shifts is also explored. The findings call into question earlier estimates of the proportion of total expenditure devoted to food and drink in the pre-industrial period and the assumption that food expenditures are always inelastic.
A Review of Causes and Systemic Approach to Cardiac Troponin Elevation

The first American College of Cardiology/European Society of Cardiology task force published recommendations for a universal definition of myocardial infarction (MI) in 2000 based on the measurement of troponin (Tn). Although this rapid and highly sensitive blood test is certainly valuable in the appropriate setting, its widespread use in variety of clinical scenarios may lead to the detection of Tn elevation in absence of thrombotic acute coronary syndrome. In 2007, the joint European Society of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association/World Heart Federation task force proposed a new definition for acute MI based on detection of Tn and associated clinical evidence. The goal of this article is to review the universal definition of acute MI and to differentiate type 1 MI, type 2 MI, and non–acute coronary syndrome Tn elevations. The prognosis and a clinical approach to this differential diagnosis will be developed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Confessions of a visualization skeptic

There is no doubt that visualization is very useful, by enabling people to understand that masses of data and information otherwise hidden inside of computers. However, after many years developing visualization systems I have to confess to skepticism about many of the hottest (i.e., coolest) visualization ideas.
Physical mapping resources for large plant genomes: radiation hybrids for wheat D-genome progenitor Aegilops tauschii

Development of a high quality reference sequence is a daunting task in crops like wheat with large (~17Gb), highly repetitive (>80%) and polyploid genome. To achieve complete sequence assembly of such genomes, development of a high quality physical map is a necessary first step. However, due to the lack of recombination in certain regions of the chromosomes, genetic mapping, which uses recombination frequency to map marker loci, alone is not sufficient to develop high quality marker scaffolds for a sequence ready physical map. Radiation hybrid (RH) mapping, which uses radiation induced chromosomal breaks, has proven to be a successful approach for developing marker scaffolds for sequence assembly in animal systems. Here, the development and characterization of a RH panel for the mapping of D-genome of wheat progenitor Aegilops tauschii is reported. Radiation dosages of 350 and 450 Gy were optimized for seed irradiation of a synthetic hexaploid (AABBDD) wheat with the D-genome of Ae. tauschii accession AL8/78. The surviving plants after irradiation were crossed to durum wheat (AABB), to produce pentaploid RH1s (AABBD), which allows the simultaneous mapping of the whole D-genome. A panel of 1,510 RH1 plants was obtained, of which 592 plants were generated from the mature RH1 seeds, and 918 plants were rescued through embryo culture due to poor germination (<3%) of mature RH1 seeds. This panel showed a homogenous marker loss (2.1%) after screening with SSR markers uniformly covering all the D-genome chromosomes. Different marker systems mostly detected different lines with deletions. Using markers covering known distances, the mapping resolution of this RH panel was estimated to be <140kb. Analysis of only 16 RH lines carrying deletions on chromosome 2D resulted in a physical map with cM/cR ratio of 1:5.2 and 15 distinct bins. Additionally, with this small set of lines, almost all the tested ESTs could be mapped. A set of 399 most informative RH lines with an average deletion frequency of ~10% were identified for developing high density marker scaffolds of the D-genome. The RH panel reported here is the first developed for any wild ancestor of a major cultivated plant species. The results provided insight into various aspects of RH mapping in plants, including the genetically effective cell number for wheat (for the first time) and the potential implementation of this technique in other plant species. This RH panel will be an invaluable resource for mapping gene based markers, developing a complete marker scaffold for the whole genome sequence assembly, fine mapping of markers and functional characterization of genes and gene networks present on the D-genome.
Steady-state quantum analysis of linear systems

A rigorous basis for the quantum analysis of the steady state of linear distributed systems is established. The analysis of a distributed system of finite length requires, for self-consistency, that excitations be stated at the boundaries of the system even in the absence of externally applied excitations. The commutators of the amplitudes at the boundaries are stated and a useful analogy with thermal noise of classical systems is established. The use of these boundary conditions enables one to formulate the theory of the steady state for distributed quantum systems. When the system under consideration is coupled to a dissipation mechanism, operator-noise sources have to be assigned to the dissipative elements. The commutation relations that must be obeyed by these noise sources are derived. This formalism enables one to analyze the steady-state operation of an attenuator and of a maser amplifier. Finally, properties of multiterminal-pair networks are discussed using the steady-state quantum approach.
A Reconsideration of Pachyschelus schwarzi Kerremans and a Review of American Pachyschelus North of MÉxico (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

The Pachyschelus fauna of America north of Mexico is comprised of eight species plus one additional subspecies. Three species were found in collections under the name of P. schwarzi Kerremans. P. vogti new species from South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida is described and figured as new. P. nicolayi Obenberger, originally described as a variety of P. schwarzi Kerremans, is considered to be a full species and distinguished from P. schwarzi; both are redescribed and figured. A key is given to separate species and full synonymies and hosts are given for each species. Brachys carbonata LeConte, heretofore considered a synonym of P. laevigatus (Say), is transferred to the genus Leiopleura as L. carbonata (LeConte) new combination.
Environmental Sustainabilitys Impact On Earnings

There is ever increasing social pressure for businesses to adopt sustainable methods of production to minimize environmental impacts. While this may be laudable, businesses have a responsibility to their stakeholders to maximize financial results. These potentially competing objectives are often referred to as part of the triple bottom line. In this paper, we restrict our attention to the original bottom line, Earnings per Share, and the Environmental bottom line of conserving resources. Focusing on the health care sector, we find a clear relationship between EPS and the adoption of sustainable practices. We augment this study with a look at expectations. That is, to what extent are sustainable business practices affecting the financial markets assessment of expected future success v. current financial success? Future expectations could be affected if environmental initiatives signal enlightened leadership or if a business that adopts environmental initiatives is thus well-positioned to face regulatory uncertainty in the future. Either of these management advantages would raise expectations of future success and thus be reflected in higher stock prices today, beyond what is currently captured in earnings ratios.
Short answer question case series: toddler groin pains

An infant boy born a few weeks early by natural, spontaneous vaginal delivery without complications is brought in by his mother for right-sided groin swelling that began while he was crying, that ‘won't go down’. There is no history of fussiness, vomiting, obstipation, fever, or change in feeding behaviour. On exam, he is active with normal vital signs. His right hemi-scrotum is moderately filled with a palpable, non-tender mass that readily disappears with pressure. The remainder of the exam is normal. 1. What are the two main causes of painless groin swelling in infants? 2. What are the important anatomical considerations? 3. What else should we know about the management of hernias in infants? 4. What should this child's disposition be? 1. The two main causes of painless infantile groin swelling are …
An Additional Record of Mustela erminea from Utah

In the night of September 10, 1954, I trapped a male ermine, Mustela erminea muricus (Bangs), one-half mile east of Soldier Summit, in Wasatch County, Utah. I had set 42 hardware-cloth, 2½″ x 2½″ x 10″ live-traps and 45 Museum Special mouse-traps in grass along a moist swale and near head-high thickets …
Epidemic Trend of Class-A and Class-B Infectious Diseases in Pixian County,2001-2010

Objective To analyze the epidemic trend of Class-A and Class-B infectious diseases form 2001 to 2010 in Pixian county,so as to provide a scientific basis for the effective prevention and control measures on the diseases. Methods Data of Class-A and Class-B infectious disease during 2001-2010 in Pixian were statistically analyzed with described epidemiological method. Results There were no reported Class-A infectious diseases reported during the period in Pixian county,yet a total of 16 kinds of Class-B infectious diseases with a sum of 11718 cases were reported,with an average annual incidence rate of 239. 58 /105. The lowest incidence rate was 162. 99 /105in 2002 and the highest incidence rate,352. 45 /105in 2005. The incidence rate rose yearly from 2003 to 2005; while the incidence rate dropped yearly from 2006 to 2010. The five diseases with top average annual incidences were respectively hepatitis B,pulmonary tuberculosis,dysentery,gonorrhea and hepatitis B. The average annual incidence of blood and sexually transmitted disease was 122. 53 /105, ranking the first; respiratory disease was 62. 26 /105,ranking the second; intestinal infectious disease was 54. 45 /105,ranking the third; and natural foci infectious and insect-borne disease was 0. 35/105,ranking the fourth. Conclusion The overall incidence rates of Class- A and Class- B infectious diseases appeared a trend which increased firstly and decreased later during 2001-2010,and the blood and sexually transmitted diseases had taken the major portion in the diseases during the period.
Preparation and regeneration of protoplasts of Actioplanes sp.,the producer of acarbose

Objective To investigate the conditions for the preparation and regeneration of protoplasts of Actioplanes sp.the producer of acarbose.Methods Protoplasts of Actioplanes sp.were prepared by bacteriolysis with lysozyme;the factors influencing the preparation and regeneration of protoplasts were investigated.Results and conclusions The conditions for the preparation of protoplasts were confirmed as following:SM2 medium was suitable for the first phase growth of Actioplanes sp;growing time was 33 h;the inoculation volume of seed culture to second phase culture was 15%.Growing for 20 h in R2YE medium was suitable for the second phase growth;.Glycine concentration in the R2YE medium was 0.7%;3 g·L-1 lysozyme concentration and 100 min digestion were suitable for lysis of cell wall.In above conditions the maximum amount of protoplasts prepared was 8×1010 L-1.Meanwhile,the regeneration medium was optimized;the regeneration rate of protoplasts was 9.2% on the optimal regeneration medium.
Protection of chickens vaccinated with combinations of commercial live infectious bronchitis vaccines containing Massachusetts, Dutch and QX-like serotypes against challenge with virulent infectious bronchitis viruses 793B and IS/1494/06 Israel variant 2.

ABSTRACTInfectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a coronavirus which affects chickens of all ages. IBV mainly causes respiratory disease but can also result in reduced weight gain, reduced egg production, increased frequency of abnormal eggs and increased rates of mortality. Vaccination is the most important way to control the disease. Nevertheless, novel strains of infectious bronchitis (IB) continue to emerge in the field. In order to respond promptly, combinations of existing IB vaccines are frequently tested to see whether they can provide cross-protection. The efficacy of a combination of vaccines based on Massachusetts, Dutch and QX-like IB strains against emerging IB Israel variant 2 and IB 793B strains was assessed by means of four challenge studies. At least 80% of the birds vaccinated with IB H120 (Mass type) combined with IB D274 (Dutch type) followed by a QX-like IB vaccine booster or vaccinated with a combination of IB H120, IB D274 and QX-like IB were protected against a challenge with IB 793B. ...
Framing Post-Racialism

Even a superficial analysis of the term “post-racial” illustrates its appeal in contemporary America. Its literal meaning of “after” or “beyond race” speaks to images of a society that has transcended what is surely one of the most problematic and painful threads in the country’s history. Race, as a concept, evokes problems regardless of the angle from which it is viewed. From the perspective of definitions, we find that the concept is not easy to grasp since accepted meanings do not necessarily accord with American realities. One view, no longer dominant but still influential, holds that race is purely a question of biology, with genes defining who a person is and can become. In this essentialist view biology is destiny, and phenotype — especially skin color — is an indicator of in-born traits.
Prevalence and treatment of eating disorders among Hispanics/Latino Americans in the United States

Purpose of reviewWe reviewed the recent literature on prevalence rates, and application of evidence-based treatments for eating disorders among Hispanics/Latinos residing in the United States.Recent findingsLifetime prevalence rates of anorexia nervosa are lower among Hispanic/Latinos than non-Hispanic Whites. There are comparable rates of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder (BED) among Hispanic/Latinos and non-Hispanic Whites. BED is the most common eating disorder among Hispanic/Latinos. Evidence-based treatments have begun to be implemented with Hispanics/Latinos. The core concepts of cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa and BED apply to this population. Culture-specific adaptations include strengthening the collectivistic framework within an individualistic treatment, psychoeducation of immediate and extended family, and adjustment of meal plans that incorporated cultural foods.SummaryThere are more similarities than differences in the prevalence of eating disorders across Hispanics/Latinos and non-Hispanic Whites. However, the social context such as immigration status and acculturation is important to consider in the development of eating disorders. In addition, the Westernization of Latin America may change the future relationship of immigration status and development of eating disorder within the United States. Overall, cultural adaptations of evidence-based treatments involved the inclusion of family within treatment, acculturation-related issues, and managing family conflicts that arise because of the changes in eating patterns.
BROWN TUMORS AND THE ATYPICAL PARATHYROID ADENOMA

ABSTRACT Objective: Present a case of an atypical parathyroid adenoma with extreme clinical features and discuss the uncertainties in differentiating between benign and malignant masses. Methods: The clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings are presented with a literature review of current methods for distinguishing parathyroid adenoma from carcinoma. Results: A 37-year-old man presented to his primary care physician with worsening bone pain and increasing irritability over the span of 2 years. Laboratory evaluation showed a highly elevated serum calcium (15.7 mg/dL) and parathyroid hormone (1,790 pg/mL). Computed tomography revealed multiple brown tumors throughout his body and a 2.8-cm mass in the tracheoesophageal groove. Fine-needle aspiration of the 2.8-cm mass was suggestive of a neoplastic/hyperplastic process but could not definitively identify thyroid or parathyroid cells. The patient underwent surgery 2 weeks after initial diagnosis. Because intra-operative histopathology was suggestive of par...