cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The mystery of transfusion-related acute lung injury.

Transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a major concern amongst transfusion medicine clinicians and researchers, justly so given its high incidence and sometimes fatal outcome.1 There are a number of mysteries about the syndrome related to mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. It was originally recognized in patients receiving non-leukoreduced whole blood or red cell transfusions almost a half century ago, and carried names such as pulmonary hypersensitivity and leukoagglutination reaction. The cause was considered to be recipient antibodies against white cells from the donor.2 Popovsky and Moore renamed the syndrome TRALI and documented that it was most often due to anti-white cell antibodies in the transfused plasma.3 Silliman, Ambruso and co-workers made the seminal observation that additional substances, namely bioactive lipids, were potential mediators,4 and also confirmed Van Buren and colleagues’ hypothesis 5 that the patient’s underlying critical illness was a key determinant of whether TRALI occurred.1,6 In a study from 2003, mediators other than antibodies were documented as more prominent causes of TRALI.6 sCD40L was later identified as an additional likely mediator contributing to TRALI pathophysiology in the 2003 cohort.7 In a recent paper, transfusion of ABO compatible but not identical FFP was associated with an increased incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) in trauma patients (a hazard ratio of 4 in recipients of >6 Units of FFP).8 Kopko and colleagues determined that not all recipients of antibody containing plasma develop the same, or even any symptoms, and that TRALI was frequently not recognized and/or not reported by clinical staff.9 More recently, the role of platelets in mediating TRALI, at least in animal models, has been described by Looney and colleagues,10 providing support for the role of the primarily platelet derived inflammatory and pro-thrombotic mediator sCD40L, first reported by Khan and colleagues.7 Most recently, Vlaar and colleagues have reported that TRALI may have a coagulopathic mechanism, further emphasizing the crosstalk between immune and hemostatic systems.11
Rocket observations of electron density in the nighttime E region using Faraday rotation

A rocket radio propagation experiment is described in which the electron density profile of the nighttime E region is obtained with an accuracy of 100 per cu cm. The factors limiting the accuracy of the experiment are found to be related to atmospheric and receiver noise and to the use of a magnetometer to determine the spin rate of the rocket. The Fourier analysis used for the frequency measurement may also contribute error under conditions of steep electron density gradients. The accuracy being achieved appears to be adequate for present applications of the experiment.
1. Appetite Suppressant Activity of Supplemental Dietary Amino Acids and Subsequent Compensatory Growth of Broilers

This study was conducted to take advantage of the appetite-suppressant effect of excessive dietary amino acids in reducing feed intake and, in turn, restricting the early rapid growth of broilers to minimize metabolic disorders. Dietary amino acids were supplemented to a basal diet to yield a total of 1.57, 2.57, and 3.57% His; 2.7, 4.3, and 5.9% Lys; 1.36, 2.16, and 2.96% Met; 2.8, 3.8, and 4.8% Thr; and 1.27, 2.27, and 3.27% Trp and were fed to 408 chicks from 4 to 11 d of age. Fifteen dietary treatments of His, Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp were compared to the basal diet. Feed consumption was measured daily. Body weight measurements were taken at 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, and 21 d. At 21 d, pectoralis major and minor muscles, liver, and abdominal fat pad were weighed. High levels of Met and His caused the greatest depression in appetite from 4 to 11 d, and Thr, Trp, and Lys were found to be less potent. The exponential growth rate (EGR) of birds from 4 to 11 d of age was significantly reduced by the intermediate and high levels of the amino acid supplementation. From 11 to 14 d, EGR was greatest with high levels of Met or Trp, indicating more potential compensatory growth realized with these treatments. The high level of His decreased the percentage of pectoralis minor muscle yield, whereas the high level of Lys and Met increased the percentage of liver compared to those fed the basal diet. These results indicate that it is possible to use excessive individual amino acids in diets to suppress the appetite and early rapid growth to alleviate or minimize metabolic disorders.
Clinical Behaviors for Addressing Religious/Spiritual Issues: Do We Practice What We Preach?

To determine if counselors integrate clinical behaviors for addressing religious/spiritual issues in counseling consistent with their ratings of the importance of such behaviors, the authors conducted a national survey of American Counseling Association (ACA) members. Seventy-eight ACA members rated the importance of and frequency with which they engaged in a set of 30 clinical behaviors that were identified in the existing literature as addressing religious/spiritual issues within counseling. Results indicated possible disparities between importance and frequency ratings. Potential barriers to counselors' utilization of religious and spiritually directed clinical behaviors were identified.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE GAMETE OF PEDIASTRUM DUPLEX (CHLOROPHYCEAE)

Gametes of Pediastrum duplex Meyen were investigated ultrastructurally, with emphasis on the flagellar apparatus. The cells are naked, biflagellate, and measure approximately 2.5 × 8 μm. Distinguishing them from zoospores is their possession of an eyespot and mating structure (the apical cap), and their lack of the peripheral band of cytoplasmic microtubules involved in colony formation. Four featurs of the flagellar apparatus are especially noteworthy: (1) the basal bodies are directly opposed and (2) are interconnected via their cores, (3) the central portion of the distal fiber is elaborated into an unusual ribbed structure which overlies the striated microtubule-associated component (SMAC) of the two-membered rootlets, and (4) the X-rootlets are dissimilar in microtubular number. The smaller X-rootlet consists of four microtubules in a three over one (3/1) configuration, whereas the larger has been found to be either 5 / 1, 6 / 1 or 7 / 1. The former rootlet extends past the nucleus whereas the latter extends down the opposite side of the cell, passing near the eyespot. The first two of these flagellar apparatus features have been previously noted in other motile cells of the Hydrodictyaceae. Although not specifically mentioned, published micrographs suggest the presence of the latter two as well, which may indicate that all four flagellar apparatus features are characteristics of all motile cells in the Hydrodictyaceae.
Experimental study of secret key generation in underwater acoustic channels

Preestablished secret keys are often used to encrypt and decrypt data in communication systems, including underwater acoustic (UWA) systems. However, once the keys are compromised, the communication is not secure. It is desirable to establish shared secrets in the field. One method is to generate secret keys dynamically using correlated channel measurements, which relies on the randomness in the environment and does not require the secrecy of information exchanged during the process. We explore this concept in UWA channels and lake tests show that secret keys can be dynamically generated based on the channel frequency responses.
Ultrasound array photoacoustic microscopy for dynamic in vivo 3D imaging

ABSTRACT Using realtime ultrasound array photoacoustic microsc opy (UA-PAM), we demonstrated the feasibility of noninvasive in vivo imaging of human pulsatile dynamics, as well as 3-D dynamic imaging of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in a murine model. The system, capable of realtime B-scan imaging at 50 Hz and high-speed 3-D imaging, was validated by imaging the subcutaneous microvasculature in rats and humans. After the validation, a human superficial palmar was imaged, and its pulsatile dynamics monitored, with 20-ms B-scan imaging temporal resolution. In addition, noninvasive photoacoustic sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping with high spatial resolution has the potential to reduce the false negative rate and eliminate the use of radioactive tracers. Upon intra-dermal injection of Evans blue, the system maps SLNs accurately in mice and rats. Furthermore, the ~6 s 3-D imaging temporal resolution offers the capability to quantitatively and noninvasively monitor the dye dynamics in SLNs in vivo through sequential 3-D imaging. The demonstrated capability suggests that high-speed 3-D photoacoustic imaging should facilitate the understanding of the dynamics of various dyes in SLNs, and potentially help identify SLNs with high accuracy. With the results sh own in this study, we believe that UA -PAM can potentially enable many new possibilities for studying functional and physiological dynamics in both preclinical and clinical imaging settings. Keywords: photoacoustic microscopy, ultrasound array, dynamic in vivo imaging, three-dimensional imaging, microvascular imaging
Solid-state nanopores integrated with low-noise preamplifiers for high-bandwidth DNA analysis

Nanopore sensing platforms have been limited in bandwidth and noise performance by the use of external measurement electronics with significant parasitic impedances. In this work, we describe progress toward integrating detection electronics with solid-state nanopore sensors. This new platform for high-bandwidth single-molecule electrochemical DNA analysis includes a low-noise 8-channel 0.13µm CMOS preamplifier with integrated Ag/AgCl microelectrodes. We also demonstrate monolithic integration of solid-state nanopores in the amplifier chip. This arrangement provides an opportunity to extend the useful bandwidth of nanopore sensors by a factor of ten or more.
A proposed super‐thick sedimentary basin, Bay of Bengal

A super-thick (∼22km) sedimentary basin under the northern Bay of Bengal is proposed. The hypothesis is based on data from surface wave dispersion, seismic refraction, Sn attenuation, and geology. We present new high frequency Sn data which indicate a cold upper mantle beneath the Bay of Bengal. We propose that the oceanic crust in this region is in fact nearly normal, and that the sedimentary section is at least 6 km thicker than previously thought, with velocities at the base of the sediments having been increased to near 6.5 km/sec by high pressure metamorphism. Reinterpretation of the refraction data indicate a post India-Asia collision thickness of over 16 km.
Robotic inhibition assay for determination of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in human plasma.

The cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin (SIMV, Zocor®) reduced heart attacks by 42% in patients who had high cholesterol levels and suffered from heart disease. Upon oral administration, SIMV is quickly hydrolyzed to its β-hydroxyacid and other acid metabolites, which are potent inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. A Tecan-based enzyme inhibition assay has been developed to improve the existing Zymark-based assay for the determination of both active and total concentrations of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in human plasma. A Tecan Genesis 200 robotic workstation equipped with eight probes and customized hardware was utilized to achieve higher sample throughput and improve assay reproducibility and mechanical stability. The developed enzyme inhibition assay was validated over two concentration ranges of 0.4–20 ng equivalent/mL, and 2–50 ng equivalent/mL. Intra- and interday precision data (coefficient of variation (CV)) for both concentration ranges were less than 9%, with an accuracy of 93–107%. The interday precision for the determination of quality control (QC) samples was less than 2% and 8%, respectively. The respective interday QC accuracy values were 93–103% and 97–104%. Good linearity across the two concentration ranges was observed, with acceptable reproducibility. This improved enzyme inhibition assay has been utilized to analyze human plasma samples from several clinical studies. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:209–215, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gender as a moderator of the relation between PTSD and disgust: a laboratory test employing individualized script-driven imagery

The present study examines anxiety and disgust responding during exposure to trauma cues as a function of gender and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma exposed adults without PTSD were compared to adults with PTSD during a script-driven imagery procedure that exposed each participant to individualized traumatic event cues. Anxiety responding during exposure to an individualized traumatic event script was not associated with gender, PTSD, or interaction of gender and PTSD in the present study. However, gender did moderate the relation between disgust responding and PTSD, such that females with PTSD reported more disgust during the script in comparison to females without PTSD and males with and without PTSD. Heart rate during the individualized trauma script was significantly higher among males with PTSD compared to males without PTSD and females with PTSD. Implications of these findings for conceptualizing how gender differences in emotional and physiological responding contribute to development and course of PTSD are discussed.
Early Childhood Education in China

(1993). Early Childhood Education in China. Childhood Education: Vol. 69, No. 4, pp. 196-200.
Quantifying and Explaining the New Issue Premium in the Post Glass-Steagall Corporate Bond Market

In this paper, we document and rationalize the premium paid by bond issuers in the corporate bond markets. Changes in the bond market over the past thirty years have shifted the new issue pricing risk from investors to banks and back to investors, with large institutional investors acting as a de facto adjunct underwriting group, and this process has required both capital commitment as well as a commitment to taking on unsystematic risk for which investors require compensation. In this paper, we use the superior data prevalent in trades under the TRACE system to compute the New-Issue Premium (NIP) as well as relating the magnitude of that premium to predetermined economic variables: The level of the corporate-bond spread; the future volatility of swap spreads; the prevailing value of unsystematic risk in the bond markets; the spread of the issuer to Treasury market at time of issuance; and the tenor of the new bond issue. We then present a model for the required NIP based on compensation for information uncertainty and the bearing of unsystematic risk. In so doing, we also address the issues of oligopolistic pricing and wealth transfer that occur at time of issuance.
Vectorial fiber laser using intracavity axial birefringence

In this paper we investigate the polarization properties of a fiber laser with an intracavity c-cut calcite crystal that is capable of producing reconfigurable vectorial output modes. Vectorial modes with radial, azimuthal and generalized cylindrical vector polarizations can be generated by translating one lens within the laser cavity. Detailed studies of the mode polarization evolution show that the modes inside the laser cavity can be spatially homogeneously polarized in one section of the cavity while being spatially inhomogeneously polarized in another section of the cavity, which opens the opportunities for many potential new fiber laser design possibilities and applications. Furthermore, more complicated vectorial vortex output modes are also observed by purposefully introducing angular misalignments.
Forensic course development

In recent years, digital technology has experienced dramatic growth. Many of these advances have also provided malicious users with the ability to conceal their activities and destroy evidence of their actions. This has raised the need of developing specialists in computer digital forensics -- the preservation, identification, extraction and documentation of evidence stored in the form of digitally encoded information (data).In this paper, we present the procedures and rationale used in the development of forensic courses at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels. We also demonstrate our decision making process of selecting topics included in each course.
Generalized theory of fatigue crack propagation: Part II — Derivation of threshold and Paris regime crack growth rates

Abstract Expressions for the growth rate of fatigue cracks by the continuous advance of the crack front normal to itself, as well as by the discontinuous ledge-controlled processes, are derived in the presence and absence of strong crystallographic constraints on crack front motion. With no crystallographic constraints, the functional trends found are consistent with the Paris law and the sharply ΔK eff- dependent threshold regime behaviors commonly observed in ductile materials. In the case where strong crystallographic constraints may be operating at all ΔK eff levels, the fatigue crack growth rates derived, based on crack advance rate controlled by the lateral motion of pre-existing ledges on the cusporiented and crystallographic crack front, are proportional to ΔK eff 4 at all ΔK eff levels.
Mechanism of regulation of complement receptor type 1 transcription by cytosine arabinoside in a pre-erythroid model

Binding to erythrocyte complement receptor type 1 (CR1) clears immune complexes from blood and tissues, preventing complement-mediated pathological inflammation in disease. Previous work has demonstrated that Ara-C, a cytosine analogue, induces an 11-fold increase in CR1 mRNA expression in K-562 erythroleukaemia cells. In this work we therefore investigated whether the Ara-C/K-562 system could be used as a model for studying the pre-erythroid regulation of CR1. We demonstrated that increased CR1 expression could be induced independently of increased haemoglobin expression. Increases in CR1 mRNA levels produced by Ara-C treatment were not a function of increased stability of the message. However, Ara-C induced a protein synthesis-dependent increase in transcription initiation rate as early as 12h after treatment. Further data suggest that the effect of Ara-C on transcription is not a result of its direct DNA-damaging or DNA polymerase-inhibition activities. Induction of receptor transcription was inhibited by tyrosine kinase (TK) and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. These data suggest that TK, PKC and dCTP-adducted phospholipid signalling pathways may all play a role in the mechanism of Ara-C-induced CR1 transcription.
Administration of the first dose of palivizumab immunoprophylaxis against respiratory syncytial virus in infants before hospital discharge: What is the evidence for its benefit?

Abstract Background: Palivizumab is 1 of 2 agents used to prevent severe lower respiratory tract disease due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend administering the first dose of RSV immunoprophylaxis to eligible infants before hospital discharge. Unfortunately, third-party payers frequently do not separately reimburse administration of this therapy to hospitalized infants. Objective: Because palivizumab is commonly used to provide RSV immunoprophylaxis, we systematically reviewed all published data on this drug to determine whether the evidence supports the recommendation of administering the first dose before hospital discharge. Methods: MEDLINE was searched for all articles published in English from January 1, 1996, to October 31, 2003, using the search terms palivizumab and Synagis , and the following data were extracted onto a standardized form: author(s), year of publication, study design, patient population, sample size, criteria used for administration of RSV prophylaxis, location of palivizumab prophylaxis (inpatient or outpatient), parental satisfaction with administration of prophylaxis, incidence of RSV infection, and hospitalization rates for RSV. All selected publications were reviewed to determine whether they reported differences in the incidence of RSV infection or hospitalization in patients who received palivizumab before discharge compared with those who received it after discharge. Only those publications that specifically documented administration of the first dose of palivizumab before hospital discharge were included in the final analysis. Results: Six of the 166 studies reviewed met the selection criteria. Although all 6 studies reported reduced RSV hospitalization rates with palivizumab prophylaxis, no study directly compared inpatient and outpatient administration with regard to parental satisfaction or rates of RSV infection or hospitalization. Furthermore, based on the data in these studies, it was not possible to detect any differences in parental satisfaction or rates of RSV infection or hospitalization between the 2 locations of administration. Conclusions: Based on our literature review, there is no evidence to support the recommendation that palivizumab be administered before hospital discharge in every infant who meets the criteria for RSV immunoprophylaxis. Eligible infants may be given the initial dose of RSV prophylaxis as outpatients, reducing the cost to institutions that currently provide palivizumab before hospital discharge.
Calling all “I-cops”: Bone marrow transplant unit's vancomycin-resistant Enterrococcus (VRE) outbreak arrested through the use of infection control “cops”

ISSUE: VRE surveillance cultures have been routinely performed on patients in a bone marrow transplant unit with a low endemic VRE rate. An increase in colonized/infected patients was identified. Traditional infection control/education methods failed to stem the outbreak. A massive, three-tiered, 24-hour approach was created and successfully employed. PROJECT: A multidisciplinary VRE control team, comprised of infection control, hospital epidemiologist, bone marrow transplant unit (BMTU) and ancillary staff, environmental services, administration, and physicians identified the need to develop an aggressive approach. All aspects of the patient experience, inpatient and outpatient, were targeted. The infection control team performed a reassessment of the continuing problem. The “I-COP” program was created as an answer to meet the identified needs. A team of nurses, specially trained by the ICP, were nicknamed the infection cops, or “I-cops.” With administrative support, I-cops were scheduled around the clock and provided dedicated, 24 hour/day individualized education. Positioned at the entrance to the BMTU, the I-cops targeted entering staff, physicians, patients, and visitors. Education included hand hygiene, donning and removal of PPE, and review of isolation and VRE policies and procedures. Return demonstration of handwashing and PPE garbing/removal techniques was required. Environmental staff demonstrated knowledge of terminal cleaning, “wet-bucket” procedure before working in the unit. This system was employed by the outpatient clinics, with emphasis on use of waterless handwash during the patient's office visit and the same environmental cleaning requirements. I-COPs were empowered to monitor for compliance and given the authority to take corrective on-the-spot action. A record was kept of all I-cop activities. The infection control department provided ongoing guidance. RESULTS: Since the beginning of the I-cop program, healthcare-associated VRE colonization cases have been “arrested.” Environmental cultures have been negative. The staff has incorporated learning into daily practice. LESSONS LEARNED: Increased IC presence via I-cops on a 24-hour basis, with the requirement of return demonstration of infection control practice for all, turned the tide in the battle of VRE colonization in this unit. Administrative support and multidisciplinary leadership provided means and support. A “back to basics” approach to infection control practice was of benefit to even the most dedicated and seasoned employees.
GUTs or no GUTs (Grand Unified Theories): Does/Can/Should Cognitive Engineering have G.U.T.s?

What are the GUTs of Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE)? G.U.T. is an abbreviation for Grand Unified Theory. As Cognitive Science matured, Allen Newell proposed a unifying model of cognition expressed as a software architecture SOAR. Similarly, John Anderson developed ACTR also claiming it represented a unified theory of cognition in the form of a computer simulation. Both of these cognitive architectures are computer programs that claim to simulate or be the basis for creating simulations of how people perform and learn cognitive tasks. Taking the development of Cognitive Science as a possible analogy for the potential development of Cognitive Systems Engineering, this panel discussion provides a platform to stimulate a vigorous exchange of ideas about the foundation of and potential futures of CSE.
Isocyanurate anion radicals via electron-initiated cycloaddition of isocyanates.

Room temperature sodium metal reductions of alkyl isocyanates lead to the rapid electron-initiated formation of alkyl isocyanurate anion radicals, which exhibit EPR coupling to only two equivalent ...
Abstract 46: Interdependence of choline kinase and phospholipase D in human breast cancer cells

One hallmark of cancer is an increase of cellular phosphocholine (PC) and total choline-containing compounds (tCho), which are closely related to malignant transformation, invasion and metastasis. Enzymes in choline metabolism present attractive targets that can be exploited for treatment. Choline kinase (Chk) is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of choline (Cho) to phosphocholine (PC) by using ATP in the presence of magnesium. Over-expression of Chk-α has been observed in breast, prostate and lung cancers, making it an obvious choice for targeting. Down-regulation of Chk-α results in a significant reduction of cell proliferation and increased differentiation in highly invasive MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells after siRNA-Chk transfection. Another potential target is phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D (PC-PLD). Two mammalian isoforms of PLD, PLD1 and PLD2 have currently been identified. PLD1 is activated by G proteins such as ARF, Rho and Rac. Elevated PLD1 has been reported in gastric, renal, colon and breast carcinoma. We characterized the expression of PLD1 in metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells, poorly metastatic MCF-7 cells, and nonmalignant MCF-12A cells and used siRNA to transiently down-regulate PLD1 and Chk-α in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Forty-eight hours post-transfection cells were harvested for protein and RNA. To determine the effective knock-down of Chk-α or PLD1, about 30µg of protein was resolved on 7.5% acrylamide gel, transferred to nitrocellulose membrane and probed with antibody specific to either Chk-α or PLD1. The effects of Chk-α downregulation on PLD1 expression and the effects of PLD1 downregulation on Chk-α expression were determined by western blots, and the message was quantified with q-RT-PCR. Downregulation of Chk resulted in an increase of PLD1 in MDA-MB-231 cells stably expressing shRNA against Chk or transiently transfected with Chk siRNA. Similar data were obtained for MCF-7 cells. PLD1 levels were highest in the metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells. Effective downregulation of PLD1 was achieved with transient PLD1 siRNA transfection, which resulted in an increase of Chk-α in these cells. These data demonstrate the adaptability of cancer cells, the interdependence of Chk-α and PLD1, and the importance of multiple targeting to eliminate any adaptive compensatory effects that would allow cancer cells to survive. This work was supported by NIH P50 CA103175. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 46.
Bench-scale development and evaluation of a fungal bioreactor for color removal from bleach effluents.

A recently developed color removal method uses a ligninolytic fungus,Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and a rotating biological contactor to decolorize pulp and paper bleach effluents. Bench-scale studies were undertaken with the objective of developing an aeration reactor to remove color. Culture conditions and biomass characteristics of the process were established. Experiments determined that the aeration process had a maximum color removal rate of 1300 color units per liter per day.
A general method for the preparation of cerebrosides

Abstract A new method applicable to spleen and brain tissue for the large-scale preparation of cerebrosides is described. The procedure involves the extraction of total lipides from fresh tissue with a boiling mixture of chloroform-methanol and the isolation of the cerebrosides by virtue of their property of accumulating at the interphase zone when dilute trichloroacetic acid is added to the lipide extract. Cerebroside preparations thus obtained account for 65–75% of the total tissue cerebrosides. Infrared absorption spectra of different cerebroside preparations from three Gaucher spleens and cattle brains are presented.
Ferrocenyl surfactants at the surface of water : Principles for active control of interfacial properties

We report the use of redox-active surfactants Fc(CH2)nN+(CH3)3·Br-, where Fc = ferrocene = [η5-C5H5]Fe[η5-C5H5] and n = 8, 11, or 15, in a study of principles for active control of interfacial properties of aqueous solutions. By comparing the surface activity of Fc(CH2)11N+(CH3)3 with that of HO(CH2)11N+(CH3)3 and CH3(CH2)11N+(CH3)3, we demonstrate that Fc(CH2)nN+(CH3)3 behave as unsymmetrical bolaform surfactants with one ionic “head” group (N+(CH3)3) and one nonionic “head” group (Fc), whereas ferrocenyl surfactants, when oxidized to Fc+(CH2)nN+(CH3)3, have properties of symmetrical bolaform surfactants such as N+(CH3)3(CH2)15N+(CH3)3. Oxidation of Fc(CH2)nN+(CH3)3 to Fc+(CH2)nN+(CH3)3 leads to changes in interfacial properties through three mechanisms, at least. First, near their critical micellar concentrations (cmc's), oxidation caused desorption of monolayers of Fc(CH2)8N+(CH3)3 and Fc(CH2)11N+(CH3)3 from the surfaces of their aqueous solutions, thereby recovering the surface tension of the aqueous ...
Hepatic mixed function oxidase activity in rapidly prepared microsomes

Abstract A new method for rapid isolation of hepatic microsomes has been evaluated with respect to the drug biotransformation system. The new preparation requires approximately one hour from the isolation of liver to a working microsomal suspension. The microsomes obtained by this Ca +2 -aided sedimentation did not differ in drug metabolizing activity or hemoprotein content from the conventionally prepared microsomes. Morphologically, however, the microsomes prepared in the presence of Ca +2 lose their ribosomes, which aggregate.
Abstract P2-11-15: Development of a web-based survey tool to assess change in breast cancer (BrCa) survivor knowledge after receipt of cancer treatment summary and survivorship care plan (SCP).

Intro: The Institute of Medicine advocates survivorship care plans (SCPs) as tools to improve coordination of care by improving survivor knowledge of follow-up recommendations and future risks. No evidence exists to demonstrate that SCPs impact survivor knowledge of diagnosis, treatment, or future/chronic side effects. Furthermore, there is a lack of information on existing surveys and their ability to assess survivor knowledge regarding these issues, without change over time. The purpose of this research is to report on the development of a survey assessing knowledge of diagnosis, treatment, and side effects in BrCa survivors. Methods: Using existing literature, two oncologists created 24 questions addressing knowledge of diagnosis, treatment, and side effects. Content experts including breast oncology providers (representing multiple subspecialties), Survey Research Shared Service (SRSS) and patient advocates reviewed and revised the questions. Next, potential questions were administered in a group setting to BrCa survivors to evaluate clarity of instructions and survey wording. The Breast Cancer Knowledge (BreaCK) survey was further revised based on survivor feedback. For pilot testing, BrCa survivors were recruited from clinic to test BreaCK survey content and clarity. Survey 1 was administered in clinic online. SRSS conducted verbal assessments regarding content after Survey 1. Four weeks later, survivors received Survey 2 via email and answered online. Correct answers were abstracted from the medical record. Results: Nine subjects completed both surveys. Qualitatively, little intra-subject variation was seen between surveys. Subjects did not feel that the survey was burdensome or intrusive. No subject was able to correctly answer all questions. Final survey adjustments were made based on subject feedback and common incorrect answers encountered when grading the surveys. Specifically, subjects had difficulty understanding “endocrine or hormone therapy.” Furthermore, subjects reported guessing in response to some questions – additional answer categories were added, including “I don9t know.” Conclusion: Survivor knowledge did not change significantly between surveys. This suggests survivor knowledge was not impacted by the survey over the four-week interval. The revised BreaCK survey may be a useful tool for assessing survivor knowledge of diagnosis, treatment and side effects. A larger cohort of BrCa survivors is being recruited, starting Summer 2012, and will be evaluated using the survey. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-11-15.
The effects of splanchnicectomy on the blood pressure in hypertension; a controlled study.

The effect of supradiaphragmatic splanchnicectomy on the blood pressure of 294 hypertensive patients followed for 10 to 18 months after surgery is compared with the effects of nonspecific medical management in a control group of 79 patients similarly studied. The data are presented in simple graphic form. It is concluded that 29 per cent of the hypertensive patients had reductions in blood pressure outside the range of spontaneous variation, that the vascular complications of hypertension decreased the likelihood of a good result, and that extension of the sympathetic ganglionectomy upward appeared to increase the frequency of good results without requiring a two-stage operation or producing significant postoperative orthostatic hypotension.
Optimal path selection for minimizing the differential delay in ethernet-over-SONET

We consider the problem of minimizing the differential delay in a virtually concatenated Ethernet-over-SONET (EoS) system by suitable path selection. In such a system, a service provider can dynamically add virtual channels to or drop them from a Virtually Concatenated Group (VCG). A new virtual channel can be added to the VCG provided that the differential delays between the new channel and the existing ones are within a certain limit that reflects the available memory buffer of the EoS system. We model the problem of finding such a virtual channel as a constrained path selection problem, where the delay of the required (feasible) path is constrained not only by an upper bound but also by a lower bound. We consider two cases: exactly known link delays and imprecisely known link delays. For the first case, we propose two algorithms for finding a feasible path. The first is based on a link metric that linearly combines the original link weight (the link delay) and its inverse. The theoretical properties of such a metric are studied and used to develop a highly efficient heuristic for path selection. The second algorithm is a "backward-forward" heuristic in which the nodes in the graph are prelabeled during the backward phase. The labels are then used in the forward phase to identify a feasible path. For the imprecise-link-state case, the problem is modeled as one of finding the most probable feasible path, where link weights are random variables. A "backward-forward" heuristic is proposed which again uses prelabeling of the graph in the backward direction followed by a forward search that attempts to minimize an objective function. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms and to demonstrate the advantages of the probabilistic path selection approach over the classic trigger-based approach.
Bentho-Pelagic Divergence of Cichlid Feeding Architecture Was Prodigious and Consistent during Multiple Adaptive Radiations within African Rift-Lakes

Background How particular changes in functional morphology can repeatedly promote ecological diversification is an active area of evolutionary investigation. The African rift-lake cichlids offer a calibrated time series of the most dramatic adaptive radiations of vertebrate trophic morphology yet described, and the replicate nature of these events provides a unique opportunity to test whether common changes in functional morphology have repeatedly facilitated their ecological success. Methodology/Principal Findings Specimens from 87 genera of cichlid fishes endemic to Lakes Tanganyka, Malawi and Victoria were dissected in order to examine the functional morphology of cichlid feeding. We quantified shape using geometric morphometrics and compared patterns of morphological diversity using a series of analytical tests. The primary axes of divergence were conserved among all three radiations, and the most prevalent changes involved the size of the preorbital region of the skull. Even the fishes from the youngest of these lakes (Victoria), which exhibit the lowest amount of skull shape disparity, have undergone extensive preorbital evolution relative to other craniofacial traits. Such changes have large effects on feeding biomechanics, and can promote expansion into a wide array of niches along a bentho-pelagic ecomorphological axis. Conclusions/Significance Here we show that specific changes in trophic anatomy have evolved repeatedly in the African rift lakes, and our results suggest that simple morphological alterations that have large ecological consequences are likely to constitute critical components of adaptive radiations in functional morphology. Such shifts may precede more complex shape changes as lineages diversify into unoccupied niches. The data presented here, combined with observations of other fish lineages, suggest that the preorbital region represents an evolutionary module that can respond quickly to natural selection when fishes colonize new lakes. Characterizing the changes in cichlid trophic morphology that have contributed to their extraordinary adaptive radiations has broad evolutionary implications, and such studies are necessary for directing future investigations into the proximate mechanisms that have shaped these spectacular phenomena.
Vascular‐type disruptive defects in fetuses with homozygous α‐thalassemia: report of two cases and review of the literature

Background The thalassemias are an inherited group of heterogeneous anemias in which one or more of the globin chains in the hemoglobin tetramer are absent. Fetuses with homozygous α-thalassemia, which is particularly prevalent in people of Southeast Asian extraction, experience deficient α-globin chain synthesis and cannot produce hemoglobin F (the primary fetal hemoglobin after 8 weeks' gestation). Instead, they produce an anomalous hemoglobin, hemoglobin Bart's, with an unusually high affinity for oxygen, leading to profound anemia and tissue hypoxia. Methods and Results Here we report on two fetuses with homozygous α-thalassemia who displayed structural defects of a vascular disruptive type. Both fetuses demonstrated limb anomalies, including terminal transverse limb deficiencies, and one fetus was found to have a brain malformation consisting of a neuronal migrational defect. The limb anomalies and suspected brain malformation were detected on prenatal ultrasound prior to confirmation of the diagnosis of α-thalassemia in one case; in the other case prenatal records were not available. While microcephaly, hydrocephalus, and retarded brain growth have been rarely reported in association with homozygous α-thalassemia, this is the first report of a true brain malformation in an affected fetus. Limb anomalies, on the other hand, appear to be more frequent. Recently, aggressive in utero and postnatal therapies for homozygous α-thalassemia have been attempted with some success. Conclusions Our cases and those from the medical literature suggest that couples need to be counseled about the risks of congenital anomalies of a vascular disruptive type in affected fetuses. Furthermore, data from the literature suggests that in utero therapy may not significantly decrease these risks as such anomalies may be present prior to the institution of therapy. In addition, in hydropic infants with vascular disruptive defects, especially in those of Southeast Asian origin, homozygous α-thalassemia should be suspected as a likely etiology. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave spectra, r0 structural parameters, and conformational stability from xenon solutions of silylcyclohexane

Abstract The FT-microwave spectrum of silylcyclohexane, c-C 6 H 11 SiH 3 has been investigated from 11,000 to 21,000 MHz and 43 transitions for the 28 Si isotopomer have been observed and assigned for the chair-equatorial conformer and likewise for 23 and 18 transitions for the 29 Si and 30 Si isotopomers, respectively. The SiH a and SiH s distances have been determined from their stretching frequencies with values of 1.486 and 1.487 A, respectively. With these parameters and by utilizing ab initio MP2(full)/6-311+G(d,p) predicted structural values, adjusted r 0 have been obtained. The determined heavy atom structural parameters for the most stable chair-equatorial conformer are: the distances (A) r 0 (C 1 –C 10 , 11 ) = 1.534(3); r 0 (C 10 , 11 –C 16 , 17 ) = 1.530(3); r 0 (C 4 –C 16 , 17 ) = 1.544(3); r 0 (C 4 –Si 6 ) = 1.880(5) and the angles in degrees: C 1 C 10 , 11 C 16 , 17 = 111.1(5)°; Si 6 C 4 C 16 , 17 = 111.6(5)° with the dihedral angle C 1 C 10,11 C 16,17 C 4 = 56.0(10)°. Variable temperature (−55 to −100 °C) studies of the infrared spectra (4000 to 400 cm −1 ) of silylcyclohexane dissolved in liquefied xenon have been carried out as well as the infrared spectra of the gas and solid. By measuring the temperature dependency of three conformer pairs from the spectra of xenon solutions, a standard enthalpy difference of 414 ± 19 cm −1 (1.18 ± 0.05 kcal/mol) was obtained with the chair-equatorial conformer the more stable form. At ambient temperature, the abundance of the axial conformer is 12.7 ± 1%. From MP2 ab initio calculations utilizing various basis sets, the equatorial conformer is predicted to be more stable by 525 ± 10 cm −1 from the four largest basis set calculations, which is consistent with experimental results. However, the average from the corresponding B3LYP density functional theory calculations is 671 ± 5 cm −1 which is certainly too large. A few of the previously reported vibrational assignments have been corrected. The results of these spectroscopic and theoretical studies are discussed and compared to the corresponding results for some similar molecules.
Social TV: Designing for Distributed, Sociable Television Viewing

Media research has shown that people enjoy watching television as a part of socializing in groups. However, many constraints in daily life limit the opportunities for doing so. The Social TV project builds on the increasing integration of television and computer technology to support sociable, computer-mediated group viewing experiences. In this article, we describe the initial results from a series of studies illustrating how people interact in front of a television set. Based on these results, we propose guidelines as well as specific features to inform the design of future “social television” prototypes.
Knowledge and Behavioral Effects in Cardiovascular Health: Community Health Worker Health Disparities Initiative, 2007–2010

Introduction Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and disparities in cardiovascular health exist among African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics, and Filipinos. The Community Health Worker Health Disparities Initiative of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) includes culturally tailored curricula taught by community health workers (CHWs) to improve knowledge and heart-healthy behaviors in these racial/ethnic groups. Methods We used data from 1,004 community participants in a 10-session curriculum taught by CHWs at 15 sites to evaluate the NHLBI's health disparities initiative by using a 1-group pretest-posttest design. The curriculum addressed identification and management of cardiovascular disease risk factors. We used linear mixed effects and generalized linear mixed effects models to examine results. Results Average participant age was 48; 75% were female, 50% were Hispanic, 35% were African American, 8% were Filipino, and 7% were American Indian. Twenty-three percent reported a history of diabetes, and 37% reported a family history of heart disease. Correct pretest to posttest knowledge scores increased from 48% to 74% for heart healthy knowledge. The percentage of participants at the action or maintenance stage of behavior change increased from 41% to 85%. Conclusion Using the CHW model to implement community education with culturally tailored curricula may improve heart health knowledge and behaviors among minorities. Further studies should examine the influence of such programs on clinical risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The Efficacy of EMLA versus ELA‐Max for Pain Relief in Medium‐Depth Chemical Peeling: A Clinical and Histopathologic Evaluation

Background.Medium-depth chemical peels are an effective and popular treatment for actinic damage, fine wrinkles, and pigmentary dyschromias. However, they are also uncomfortable. A previous attempt to study the effectiveness of a topical anesthetic gel in 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling found
Instrumental variable estimation in a probit measurement error model

Probit regression is studied when normally distributed covariates are subject to normally distributed measurement errors. Under the assumption that surrogate instrumental variables are available, the parameters in the probit model are shown to be identified. The maximum likelihood estimator and an easily computed two-stage estimator are derived and studied. The two-stage estimator is shown to be asymptotically efficient. Simulation results complement the theory and provide evidence of robustness to the normality assumptions.
Characterization of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients with Non-Detectable Circulating Tumor Cells.

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are independent predictor of progression free and overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients, with superior prognosis for patients with CTC Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3006.