cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiologic study of the quadriceps muscles during fatiguing exercise and recovery: a comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic postpolio patients and controls.

Abstract This study was performed to determine whether deficits in muscle strength, work capacity, and ability to recover strenght after exhaustion in symptomatic postpolio subjects were due to central inhibition (lassitude) or other physiologic differences. We studied 34 symptomatic polio subjects, 16 asymptomatic polio subjects, and 41 control subjects. Root mean squared electromyography (RMS-EMG) and the median frequency (Fm) of the power spectrum of the quadriceps muscle was determined with surface electrodes during maximal volitional contraction (MVC) of isometric knee extension, an endurance test to exhaustion at 40% of maximal torque, and strength recovery testing that was performed at regular intervals for 10 minutes postexhaustion. Initial Fm during MVC and during the 40% MVC endurance test were similar in all three groups. The Fm decreased during the endurance test and increased during recovery similarly in all three groups. The RMS-EMG also changed in parallel fashion in all three groups during the same procedures. During recovery, a similar degree of RMS-EMG facilitation was seen in all three groups. Thus, reduction in strength, work capacity, and ability to recover from fatiguing exercise do not appear to be related to central factors (lassitude); they are probably related to other factors, such as local muscle fatigue. Each group appears to fatigue and recover in a similar manner electrophysiologically, although symptomatic polio subjects have a deficit in strength recovery, apparently due to local muscular fatigue.
Structure–function studies of the functional and binding epitope of the human 37 kDa laminin receptor precursor protein

Expression of the 37 kDa laminin receptor precursor protein (37LRP) correlates directly with increased invasiveness and the metastatic potential of tumors. The 37LRP matures to a 67 kDa protein which facilitates the binding of cancer cells to basement membranes. The palindrome peptide sequence LMWWML, corresponding to the 173-178-residue stretch of the human 37LRP sequence, has been identified as the laminin-1-binding site. Peptides from 37LRP of species that contain this palindrome-bind laminin-1 with high affinity. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) conformational studies have been undertaken on a synthetic 15-residue peptide (KGAHSVGLMWWMLAR) containing the palindrome to establish the structural basis of this activity. To further correlate the structural data with laminin-1-binding function, analogous structural studies were conducted for a similar peptide (RGKHSIGLIWYLLAR) lacking the palindrome, originating from 37LRP sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and exhibiting low laminin-1-binding affinity. Finally, in vitro cell invasion assays were performed to investigate the possibility that the laminin-1-binding affinity of the peptides influences their inhibitory activity.
Itinerant ferromagnetism to insulating antiferromagnetism: A magnetic and transport study of single crystal SrRu 1 − x Mn x O 3 ( 0 ⩽ x 0.60 )

We report results of a magnetic and transport study of ${\mathrm{SrRu}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}(0\ensuremath{\leqslant}xl0.60)$, i.e., Mn doped ${\mathrm{SrRuO}}_{3}$. The Mn doping drives the system from the itinerant ferromagnetic state (${T}_{\mathrm{C}}=165\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ for $x=0$) through a quantum critical point at ${x}_{\mathrm{c}}=0.39$ to an insulating antiferromagnetic state. The onset of antiferromagnetism is abrupt with a N\'eel temperature increasing from 205 K for $x=0.44$ to 250 K for $x=0.59$. Accompanying this quantum phase transition is a drastic change in resistivity by as much as eight orders of magnitude as a function of $x$ at low temperatures. The critical composition ${x}_{\mathrm{c}}=0.39$ sharply separates the two distinct ground states, namely the ferromagnetic metal from the antiferromagnetic insulator.
Developmental and tissue-specific differential regulation of the mouse dioxin-inducible P1-450 and P3-450 genes

Abstract The murine Ah locus has two structural genes, P 1 -450 and P 3 -450, that are members of the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin-inducible P -450 gene family and are closely linked on mouse chromosome 9. Transcriptional activation of both genes in liver is controlled by the Ah receptor. Inducible P 1 -450 mRNA is correlated with aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity, whereas inducible P 3 -450 mRNA is correlated with acetanilide 4-hydroxylase activity. This report shows that inducible P 3 -450 mRNA is also highly correlated with estradiol 2-hydroxylase activity. Both P 1 -450 and P 3 -450 activities are induced by 3-methylcholanthrene in liver; in contrast, P 1 -450 but not P 3 -450 activity is induced to a significant extent in kidney, lung, and intestine. Constitutive levels of P 3 -450 mRNA in liver are at least five times greater than those of P 1 -450 mRNA, thus accounting for the much greater “fold inducibility” of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase than acetanilide 4-hydroxylase or estradiol 2-hydroxylase. The hepatic P 3 -450 induction response occurs at lower inducer concentrations than the P 1 -450 induction response, suggesting a difference in affinity of the inducer-receptor complex for regulatory regions of the two genes. Developmentally, P 1 -450 inducibility occurs at least 2 weeks earlier in gestation than P 3 -450 inducibility, which occurs near the time of birth. These data thus demonstrate striking differences between the expression of two homologous genes in the same P -450 subfamily, with respect to developmental and tissue specificity and sensitivity to common inducers that interact with the Ah receptor.
Electronic occupation functions for density-matrix tight-binding methods.

We propose a method for including the fractional occupancy of electronic energy levels within a tight-binding density-matrix formalism. This method is based on successful techniques used in first-principles methods. Molecular-dynamics test simulations show that the density-matrix technique accurately reproduces the physics of a direct-diagonalization simulation using Fermi-Dirac occupancy. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Evaluating the likelihood of pipeline failures for future offshore CO2 sequestration projects

Abstract This study sets out to understand the likelihood of pipeline failures associated with offshore CO 2 pipelines for sequestration projects by evaluating the safety track record for offshore natural gas pipelines, using a 20-year detailed dataset available from the agency that regulates offshore pipelines in the US. Based on this analysis, it is concluded that the risks of future fatalities from offshore CO 2 pipelines are on the order of 10 −7 km yr, a level of risk that most authorities would see as negligible. The rate of serious incidents reported for offshore U.S. natural gas pipelines have been significantly increasing over the last decade. Our analysis suggests that this is an artifact correlated with increasing natural gas prices, which results in more incidents exceeding the $US 50,000 damage criterion. The dominant risk of injuries and fatalities in offshore natural gas pipelines come from fires on offshore platforms. The rate of failure for offshore transmission pipelines is estimated as 5 × 10 −4 versus 3 × 10 −4 km yr for gathering pipelines. This may be explained by the difference in average age (27.7 for gathering and 32.9 years for transmission), or because transmission pipelines are operated closer to their maximum allowable operation pressures than are offshore gathering pipelines. The fatality rate for offshore natural gas pipelines is essentially the same as for those onshore however none of the recorded deaths in the data set were related to failures of pipeline integrity. As a result of the minimal exposure of workers (and the general public), to the impacts of CO 2 releases in the offshore environment it is argued that the fatality rate associated with CO 2 pipelines will likely be lower than for natural gas pipelines. Assuming that a future offshore CO 2 sequestration project is based on sea floor injection and control systems, risk mitigation efforts clearly should focus on the near shore portion.
Leukocyte-endothelial-cell interactions in leukocyte transmigration and the inflammatory response.

Abstract Both the innate and adaptive immune responses are dependent on the migration of leukocytes across endothelial cells. The process of diapedesis, in which the leukocyte crawls between tightly apposed endothelial cells, is a unique and complex process. Several molecules concentrated at the junctions of endothelial cells, originally described as having a role in holding the endothelial monolayer together, have also been shown to have a role in the emigration of leukocytes. Several mechanisms have been proposed for ‘loosening' the junctions between endothelial cells to enable leukocyte passage. These leukocyte–endothelial-cell adhesion molecules are probably involved in regulating the signaling as well as the adhesion events of diapedesis. In addition, this Review introduces a new and unified nomenclature for the junctional adhesion molecule (JAM) family.
Molecular Analysis of the Initiation of Insect Metamorphosis: A Comparative Study of Drosophila Ecdysteroid-Regulated Transcription

More than 50 ecdysteroid-regulated Drosophila genes have been described in the literature. These genes were identified using several different ecdysteroid-responsive systems and characterized under a variety of experimental conditions. The diversity of these approaches has made it difficult to compare results and identify common responses to the hormone. As a first step toward characterizing the temporal regulation of these genes by ecdysteroids, we have examined their transcriptional activity throughout third instar larval and prepupal development using a single collection of staged animals. We see four coordinate changes in ecdysteroid-regulated gene activity during third instar larval development, at 78-88 hr, approximately 100 hr, 106-108 hr, and approximately 114 hr after egg laying. A dramatic transition in gene expression occurs at puparium formation, after which the prepupal ecdysteroid pulse induces successive waves of transcription. Our results suggest that several increases in the ecdysteroid titer during third instar larval and prepupal development program a precise temporal progression of gene activity that could direct the appropriate behavioral and developmental changes at the onset of metamorphosis.
A computer program for an illness-death process with time-dependent covariates

Abstract This paper presents a computer program for estimating transition probabilities between states in a stochastic model for an illness-death process which incorporates time-dependent covariates. Parameters are estimated by the method of maximum likelihood using the Newton-Raphson iterative procedure. The program provides the standard normal deviate statistics as well as the value of the maximum of the likelihood function which can be used on repeated applications to test hypotheses concerning coefficients associated with covariates. Although this program is demonstrated by using a model with two ‘illness’ states and two ‘death’ states, it is also suitable for analyzing data with models involving fewer states, such as the analysis of survival time with covariates assuming a proportional hazard model.
Ataxia telangiectasia mutant protein activates c-Abl tyrosine kinase in response to ionizing radiation

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare human autosomal recessive disorder with pleiotropic phenotypes, including neuronal degeneration, immune dysfunction, premature ageing and increased cancer risk. The gene mutated in AT, ATM, encodes a putative lipid or protein kinase. Most of the human AT patient phenotypes are recapitulated in Atm-deficient mice. Cells derived from Atm-/- mice, like those from AT patients, exhibit abnormal response to ionizing radiation. One of the known responses to ionizing radiation is the activation of a nuclear tyrosine kinase encoded by the c-abl proto-oncogene. Ionizing radiation does not activate c-Abl in cells from AT patients or in thymocytes or fibroblasts from the Atm-deficient mice. Ectopic expression of a functional ATM kinase domain corrects this defect, as it phosphorylates the c-Abl tyrosine kinase in vitro at Ser 465, leading to the activation of c-Abl. A mutant c-Abl with Ser 465 changed to Ala 465 is not activated by ionizing radiation or ATM kinase in vivo. These findings identify the c-Abl tyrosine kinase as a downstream target of phosphorylation and activation by the ATM kinase in the cellular response to ionizing radiation.
Membrane interactions of a self-assembling model peptide that mimics the self-association, structure and toxicity of Aβ(1-40)

β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) is a primary protein component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and plays an important, but not fully understood role in neurotoxicity. Model peptides with the demonstrated ability to mimic the structural and toxicity behavior of Aβ could provide a means to evaluate the contributions to toxicity that are common to self-associating peptides from many disease states. In this work, we have studied the peptide–membrane interactions of a model β-sheet peptide, P11-2 (CH3CO-Gln-Gln-Arg-Phe-Gln-Trp-Gln-Phe-Glu-Gln-Gln-NH2), by fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy, and hydrogen–deuterium exchange. Like Aβ(1–40), the peptide is toxic, and conditions which produce intermediate oligomers show higher toxicity against cells than either monomeric forms or higher aggregates of the peptide. Further, P11-2 also binds to both zwitterionic (POPC) and negatively charged (POPC:POPG) liposomes, acquires a partial β-sheet conformation in presence of lipid, and is protected against deuterium exchange in the presence of lipids. The results show that a simple rationally designed model β-sheet peptide recapitulates many important features of Aβ peptide structure and function, reinforcing the idea that toxicity arises, at least in part, from a common mode of action on membranes that is independent of specific aspects of the amino acid sequence. Further studies of such well-behaved model peptide systems will facilitate the investigation of the general principles that govern the molecular interactions of aggregation-prone disease-associated peptides with cell and/or membrane surfaces.
Fractional acquisition in graphs

Abstract Let G be a vertex-weighted graph in which each vertex has weight 1 . Given a vertex u with positive weight and a neighbor v whose weight is at least the weight on u , a fractional acquisition move transfers some amount of weight at u from u to v . The fractional acquisition number of G , written a f ( G ) , is the minimum number of vertices with positive weight after a sequence of fractional acquisition moves in G . In this paper, we determine the fractional acquisition number of all graphs: if G is an n -vertex path or cycle, then a f ( G ) = ⌈ n / 4 ⌉ ; if G is connected with maximum degree at least 3 , then a f ( G ) = 1 .
Effects of Increasing, Decreasing, and Constant Lighting Treatments on Growing Pullets

Abstract THE advent of fan-ventilated windowless houses has greatly broadened the possibilities for growing pullets for market egg production under less than normal daylight. Information is needed as to how various amounts, periods, and increasing or decreasing light during the growing period affects the size, sexual maturity, feed conversion, and productivity of pullets. Experiments of Callenbach et al. (1944), indicated that sexual maturity was not advanced by a constant 24-hour lighting program during the growing period. Wilson et al. (1956), reported Leghorn pullets receiving no supplementary light during the brooding and rearing periods matured 6 days earlier than those illuminated constantly with incandescent light. The data from Ringrose (1952) also indicated that the sexual maturity of heavy breed flocks was retarded about 2 weeks by use of dim all-night lights or a 14-hour day during the rearing period. Similarly, in Tomhave's report (1954) artificial light used on October-hatched pullets so as …
Sibling solidarity: A property of American kinship.

AMERICAN kinship has been described most fully in those aspects in which it differs from other social institutions. The nuclear family stands out from the occupational world like a figure on a ground. The specific technical competence required in the occupational world contrasts sharply with the requirements of familial loyalty and devotion to parents, siblings, and children2 (Parsons 1943). Although American kinship is sharply differentiated from other social institutions, both empirical and theoretical considerations suggest significant points of continuity and consistency between kinship and other parts of the social system (Schneider and Homans 1955). We will describe here findings which draw attention to a feature of American kinship which shows this consistency with other features of the American social system and which has not yet been adequately described. This feature is a solidarity among siblings3 (Pherson 1954:199-202) which we believe to be a special case of the generational solidarity which is a feature of American life4 (Codere 1955). This is an age-graded society. We make a distinction between a nurseryschool child and a kindergarten child, and both differ from a school-aged child. We have "pre-teens" and "teens" and sub-debs and debutantes, and young married couples. At this point, we seem to relax our efforts, only to begin again with middle age, late middle age, older people, and finally old age.5 This rather fine age-grading probably has two important sources; it is generated by the equalitarian ideology which renders us less comfortable with vertical relationships than with horizontal ones, and second, by an industrialized society of refined technology in which it is important to keep the young out of many key roles until they know enough to fill them, and to remove the old before what they know is obsolete. We are familiar with the structural evidence of age-grading. For example, there are the adolescent gangs and cliques (Whyte 1955) and in the middle class, there are women's clubs. In working and lower class societies, there are important men's groupings. We will present here preliminary evidence that solidarity among siblings is the counterpart in the kinship structure of this tendency to horizontal solidarity, and we will trace out some functional implications of this feature.
Abstract 4036: Chromosomal amplification of LRRK2 is required for oncogenic MET signaling in papillary renal and thyroid carcinomas

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The receptor tyrosine kinase MET is frequently amplified in human tumors, resulting in high cell surface densities and constitutive activation even in the absence of growth factor stimulation by its endogenous ligand, HGF. We sought to identify mechanisms of signaling crosstalk that promote MET activation by searching for kinases that are coordinately dysregulated with wild-type MET in human tumors. Bioinformatic analysis identified leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2), which is amplified and overexpressed in papillary renal and thyroid carcinomas. Downregulation of LRRK2 in cultured tumor cells compromises MET activation and selectively impairs MET signaling to mTOR and STAT3. Loss of these critical mitogenic pathways induces cell cycle arrest and cell death concomitant with loss of ATP production and induction of autophagy. Interestingly, knockdown of LRRK2 precisely phenocopies treatment of tumor cells with the endocytic inhibitor chlorpromazine, suggesting that LRRK2 is required for efficient internalization or post-endocytic trafficking of activated MET receptors. We propose that coordinate amplification of LRRK2 and MET functions to promote endosomal signal transduction by MET, which is required for transformation in papillary renal and thyroid cancers. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4036. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4036
Genetic approaches to neurotrauma research: opportunities and potential pitfalls of murine models.

Genetic strategies provide new ways to define the molecular cascades that regulate the responses of the mammalian nervous system to injury. Genetic interventions also provide opportunities to manipulate and control key molecular steps in these cascades, so as to modify the outcome of CNS injury. Most current genetic strategies involve the use of mice, an animal that has not heretofore been used extensively for neurotrauma research. Therefore, one purpose of the present review is to consider how mice respond to neural trauma, focusing especially on recent information that reveals important differences between mice and rats, and between different inbred strains of mice. The second aim of this review is to provide a brief introduction to the opportunities, caveats, and potential pitfalls of studies that use genetically modified animals for neurotrauma research.
Acute exertional superficial posterior compartment syndrome.

This case report of an acute exertional compartment syndrome involving predominantly the superficial posterior compartment emphasizes several important facts: (1) The subacute recurring syndromes, if left untreated, may develop into an acute syndrome. (2) The diagnostic findings separating the acute syndrome from the chronic forms are marked pain with passive stretch of the involved muscles, paresis, and sensory deficit.8,12,15, (3) In the acute form, immediate fasciotomy is mandatory and often results in full recovery. (4) All four major compartments of the leg are susceptible to chronic or acute compartment syndromes initiated by exertion. These compartments can be decompressed as necessary through a limited skin incision as recently reported.11 (5) The need for an easily obtainable and reproducible method for measuring intracompartment pressures (e.g., the wick catheter technique) is indicated.
Constructing an Accounting Journal Website

To increase the effectiveness and efficiency of searches for information, accounting students, researchers, practitioners, and regulators could benefit from a Website devoted to the electronic access to journals. The site described here addresses such a need in the business discipline of accounting. On the site, the titles of over 470 journals are listed and categorized by topical areas within accounting. Then, within each accounting category, the journals are grouped according to their Internet accessibility. To provide the user with quick access to the various journals, the site provides links to the homepages of the various journals. Serials Review 2002; 28:201–205.
Pedestal Structure Model

Predictions are developed for gradients and profiles of the electron density and temperature in tokamak H-mode pedestals that are in transport quasiequilibrium. They are based on assuming paleoclassical processes provide the irreducible minimum radial plasma transport and dominate in the steep gradient regions of pedestals. The predictions agree (within a factor of about two) with properties of a number of pedestal experimental results.
Binding of meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridiniumyl)porphyrin isomers to DNA: quantitative comparison of the influence of charge distribution and copper(II) derivatization.

Factors influencing the binding of tetracationic porphyrin derivatives to DNA have been comprehensively evaluated by equilibrium dialysis, stopped-flow kinetics, etc., for mesotetrakis (4-N-methylpyridiniumyl)porphyrin [TMpyP (4)]. Technical difficulties have previously precluded a comprehensive study of metalloporphyrins. Since electrostatic interactions with the DNA and metal derivatization of the porphyrins have important consequences, we have investigated in greater detail two isomers of TMpyP (4) (meso-tetrakis(3-N-methylpyridiniumyl)porphyrin, [TMpyP (3)] and meso-tetrakis(2-N-methylpyridiniumyl)porphyrin [TMpyP (2)]) in which the position of the charged centers has been varied. A comprehensive study of the Cu(II) derivatives, e.g., CuTMpyP (4), was possible since the difficulties encountered previously with Ni(II) compounds were not a problem with Cu(II) porphyrins [J. A. Strickland, L. G. Marzilli, M. K. Gay, and W. D. Wilson (1988) Biochemistry 27, 8870-8878]. At 25 degrees C, the apparent equilibrium constants [Kobs] decreased with increasing [Na+] for all porphyrins. The Kobs values were comparable for TMpyP (4) and TMpyP (3) binding to either polyd(G-C).polyd(G-C) [poly[d(G-C)2]] or poly[d(A-T)].poly[d(A-T)] [poly[d(A-T)2]]. For the copper(II) porphyrins, the Kobs values were about fivefold greater. The Kobs value for CuTMpyP (2) binding to poly[d(G-C)2] was too small to measure under typical salt conditions; however, Kobs for binding to poly[d(A-T)2] was about two orders of magnitude smaller than those found for CuTMpyP (4) or CuTMpyP (3). Application of the condensation theory for polyelectrolytes suggests about three charge interactions when CuTMpyP (4), CuTMpyP (3), and TMpyP (3) bind to poly[d(G-C)2] or poly[d(A-T)2], a result comparable to that reported for TMpyP (4). At 20 degrees C and 0.115 M [Na+], incorporation of copper decreased the rates of dissociation from poly[d(A-T)2] by a 100-fold compared to those reported for TMpyP (4) but had little effect on the rates of dissociation from poly[d(G-C)2]. Also, movement of the H3CN+ group from the fourth to the third position of the pyridinium ring enhanced the rates of dissociation from poly[d(A-T)2] but decreased the rates of dissociation from poly[d(G-C)2]. From polyelectrolyte theory, the [Na+] dependence of the dissociation rates from poly[d(G-C)2] is consistent with intercalative binding, while that for poly[d(A-T)2] is consistent with an outside binding model. For calf thymus [CT] DNA at 20 degrees C, a greater decrease in the AT than in the GC imino 1H-nmr signal was observed upon addition of CuTMpyP (2), suggesting selective outside binding to the AT regions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Experience with four years of CME teleconferencing at St. Louis Children's hospital, Washington University School of Medicine

Four years of experience at St. Louis Children's Hospital (SLCH) teleconferencing to five remote sites has reinforced this as an effective method of delivering continuing medical education (CME). The program Early Bird Rounds (EBR) for Practitioners is teleconferenced weekly. It focuses on primary care subjects that can be applied immediately to ambulatory care practice. Its agenda is set by the Medical Education and Activities Committee (MEAC) of SLCH, using need assessments and speaker evaluations. Speakers follow a protocol for preparation and meet with the program coordinator. Slides are computer generated. The programs are interactive, and attendees complete evaluations. Educationally influential physicians at all sites have been helpful in maintaining attendance and in stimulating participation. There appears to be a positive effect on referral patterns from teleconferencing areas. The development of additional site-specific programs is a priority. The influence of EBR on referrals to the hospital is also discussed.
Seasonal variability of temperatures and outdoor human comfort in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.

Abstract Recent rapid growth and expansion of urbanized areas in Phoenix, Arizona has brought an increase in the effects of the urban heat island (UHI) and lowered comfort levels in outdoor spaces within the city, especially at night. This study investigates outdoor human comfort, in relation to the UHI, utilizing output from the microclimate model ENVI-met. Outdoor comfort levels are evaluated during different seasons of the year utilizing ENVI-met at three unique landscapes within central Phoenix. Analysis of modeling output focused on mean radiant temperature and predicted mean vote outcomes at key points within each of the three areas. Results indicate that areas in downtown during the summer are more comfortable during the early part of the day (cool island) and less comfortable than surrounding areas from mid-afternoon into the evening hours (heat island). In contrast, areas outside of downtown, in open agricultural fields, have higher discomfort during the daytime and higher levels of comfort in the evening hours. During cooler times of the year, heat retention within downtown raises comfort levels during the late day and early evening, as opposed to heat release in open and exposed areas away from downtown. In Phoenix, model results confirm that increasing the amount of shade trees (and shade structures), as well as increasing the amount of vegetation and permeable surfaces can dramatically decrease heat and increase outdoor human comfort. These results confirm findings from similar studies in cities located in hot and arid environments.
Biofilms: strategies for metal corrosion inhibition employing microorganisms.

Corrosion causes dramatic economic loss. Currently widely used corrosion control strategies have disadvantages of being expensive, subject to environmental restrictions, and sometimes inefficient. Studies show that microbial corrosion inhibition is actually a common phenomenon. The present review summarizes recent progress in this novel strategy: corrosion control using beneficial bacteria biofilms. The possible mechanisms may involve: (1) removal of corrosive agents (such as oxygen) by bacterial physiological activities (e.g., aerobic respiration), (2) growth inhibition of corrosion-causing bacteria by antimicrobials generated within biofilms [e.g., sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) corrosion inhibition by gramicidin S-producing Bacillus brevis biofilm], (3) generation of protective layer by biofilms (e.g., Bacillus licheniformis biofilm produces on aluminum surface a sticky protective layer of γ-polyglutamate). Successful utilization of this novel strategy relies on advances in study at the interface of corrosion engineering and biofilm biology.
What Should Be Done About the Uninsured Poor

To the Editor.— Dr Blendon's 1 article entitled "What Should Be Done About the Uninsured Poor?" outlines a proposal to cover the uninsured poor that the author believes would enjoy popular support. Dr Blendon calls for employermandated coverage with federal subsidization of the premiums of low-income wage earners and the nonworking poor. Dr Blendon, however, dismisses another proposal to resolve the problems of the uninsured poor, the establishment of national health insurance. The reasons he gives are that (1) people are not willing to pay the higher taxes that such a program would entail to cover the costs of expanding health benefits coverage to the whole population and (2) people are not convinced that they personally would benefit from such a universal insurance program, since the majority already have access to health insurance coverage. In support of the first proposition, Dr Blendon quotes polls that show that while the majority
An iterative approach to “atomic background” removal in XAFS data analysis

Abstract In standard XAFS data reduction there is often a spurious peak at low-r in the Fourier transform of the k-space data, which we attribute to features in the X-ray absorption spectrum that are not related to the backscattering of the photoelectron from the neighboring atoms. These features have been observed in the k-space range up to 6 A −1 , and can therefore interfere with the analysis of the XAFS oscillations. We have developed an iterative method to extract the background. First we use a spline to obtain a rough estimate of the background and fit the XAFS data to a sum of standards in r-space. The resulting fit is then substracted from the raw data; the subtraction-corrected function is smoothed to extract a better background, which is used to re-reduce the raw data. This process converges after only a few iterations. Some examples of the extracted background structure are presented, and the ramifications for XAFS analysis are discussed.
Children's Oncology Group's 2013 blueprint for research: Bone tumors

In the US, approximately 650 children are diagnosed with osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma (ES) each year. Five-year survival ranges from 65% to 75% for localized disease and <30% for patients with metastases. Recent findings include interval-compressed five drug chemotherapy improves survival with localized ES. In osteosarcoma a large international trial investigating the addition of ifosfamide/etoposide or interferon to standard therapy has completed accrual. For ES an ongoing trial explores the addition of cyclophosphamide/topotecan to interval-compressed chemotherapy. Trials planned by the Children's Oncology Group will investigate new target(s) including IGF-1R and mTOR in ES, and RANKL and GD2 in osteosarcoma.
Methane Gas Hydrates Viewed through Unified Solid Liquid Vapor Equations of State

The phase behavior of methane gas hydrates (clathrates) has been investigated with unified equations of state for solid–liquid–vapor phases. This is a new way to look at the clathrate-containing system, being radically different from the traditional statistical thermodynamic model for clathrates. The present paper includes modifications and refinements of the previously published method with the unified equations of state. The univariant three-phase equilibrium lines containing clathrates have been successfully predicted with the present equation-of-state model for a wide temperature and pressure range. Particularly, the phase behavior in very high-pressure regions has been modeled for the first time by the present work. Although the present results at high pressures are still tentative, they will shed some light on the unsettled problem of high pressure phases as reported in the literature.
Classical Yang-Mills theory in the presence of external sources

We study in detail the classical Yang-Mills field equations in the presence of static external sources. Their formulation as an initial-value problem in the ${A}_{0}=0$ gauge provides us with a powerful tool for determining the existence of new solutions. In the case of point sources, the only static solutions known so far are the various Coulomb solutions which we classify according to their total energy and isospin. In the case of a localized but extended source, there are, besides the well-known Coulomb solution, two new types of solutions: the "magnetic dipole" solution which has the long-range behavior of a magnetic dipole field and which has lower energy than the Coulomb solution when the total external charge is large enough, and the "total screening" solution which has no long-range field strengths at all and which can have an arbitrarily low energy. We present a detailed study of these new solutions.
THE INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE TO U.S. BUSINESS

Few companies can afford to ignore international competition; those which are comfortable today may be vulnerable tomorrow. There are several strategies that companies can develop to improve their positions in light of the current highly competitive economic environment.
High endoplasmic reticulum activity renders multiple myeloma cells hypersensitive to mitochondrial inhibitors

Multiple myeloma (MM) cells continuously secrete large amounts of immunoglobulins that are folded in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) whose function depend on the Ca2+ concentration inside its lumen. Recently, it was shown that the ER membrane leaks Ca2+ that is captured and delivered back by mitochondria in order to prevent its loss. Thus, we hypothesized that the highly active and abundant ER in MM cells results in greater Ca2+-regulation by mitochondria which would render them sensitive to mitochondrial inhibitors. Here, we indeed find that Ca2+ leak is greater in 3 MM, when compared to 2 B-cell leukemia cell lines. Moreover, this greater leak in MM cells is associated with hypersensitivity to various mitochondrial inhibitors, including CCCP. Consistent with our hypothesis, CCCP is more potent in inducing the unfolded protein response marker, CHOP/GADD153 in MM versus B-cell leukemia lines. Additionally, MM cells are found to be significantly more sensitive to clinically used fenofibrate and troglitazone, both of which were recently shown to have inhibitory effects on mitochondrial function. Overall, our results demonstrate that the unusually high ER activity in MM cells may be exploited for therapeutic benefit through the use of mitochondrial inhibitors including troglitazone and fenofibrate.
Non-transferrin bound iron, cytokine activation and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in hemodialysis patients receiving intravenous iron dextran or iron sucrose

Intravenous (IV) iron supplementation is widely used to support erythropoeisis in hemodialysis patients. IV iron products are associated with oxidative stress that has been measured principally by circulating biomarkers such as products of lipid peroxidation. The pro-oxidant effects of IV iron are presumed to be due at least in part, by free or non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI). However, the effects of IV iron on intracellular redox status and downstream effectors is not known. This prospective, crossover study compared cytokine activation, reactive oxygen species generation and oxidative stress after single IV doses of iron sucrose and iron dextran. This was a prospective, open-label, crossover study. Ten patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis and four age and sex-matched healthy were assigned to receive 100 mg of each IV iron product over 5 min in random sequence with a 2 week washout between products. Subjects were fasted and fed a low iron diet in the General Clinical Research Center at the University of New Mexico. Serum and plasma samples for IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 and NTBI were obtained at baseline, 60 and 240 min after iron infusion. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated at the same time points and stained with fluorescent probes to identify intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) by flow cytometry. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by plasma F2 isoprostane concentration. Mean ± SEM maximum serum NTBI values were significantly higher among patients receiving IS compared to ID (2.59 ± 0.31 and 1.0 ± 0.36 µM, respectively, P = 0.005 IS vs. ID) Mean ± SEM NTBI area under the serum concentration–time curve (AUC) was 3-fold higher after IS versus ID (202 ± 53 vs. 74 ± 23 µM*min/l, P = 0.04) in ESRD patients, indicating increased exposure to NTBI. IV iron administration was associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines. Serum IL-6 concentrations increased most profoundly, with a 2.6 and 2.1 fold increase from baseline in ESRD patients given IS and ID, respectively (P < 0.05 compared to baseline). In healthy controls, serum IL-6 was undetectable at baseline and after IV iron administration. Most ESRD patients had increased intracellular ROS generation, however, there was no difference between ID and IS. Only one healthy control had increased ROS generation post IV iron. All healthy controls experienced a loss of Δψm (100% with IS and 50% with ID). ESRD patients also had loss of Δψm with a nadir at 240 min. IS administration was associated with higher maximum serum NTBI concentrations compared to ID, however, the both compounds produced similar ROS generation and cytokine activation that was more pronounced among ESRD patients. The effect of IV iron-induced ROS production on pivotal signaling pathways needs to be explored.
A Community of Fate: The Political-Economics of Risk In College Athletic Air Travel

By questioning conventional thinking, a sociological examination of air disasters directs attention to the broader, more fundamental political-economic context of these events. This research investigates the rates and patterns of air travel for a limited and defined population, National Collegiate Athletic Association teams for the period 1960-1984. The research findings indicate that the margin of safety among college athletic teams that fly is linked to both the social organization of aviation and the social struc ture of college athletics.
Polyamine-based analogues as biochemical probes and potential therapeutics

The polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine are ubiquitous polycationic compounds that are found in nearly every cell type, and are required to support a wide variety of cellular functions. The existence of multiple cellular effector sites for naturally occurring polyamines implies that there are numerous targets for polyamine-based therapeutic agents. Through a programme aimed at the synthesis and evaluation of biologically active polyamine analogues, our laboratory has identified three distinct structural classes of polyamine derivatives that exhibit promising biological activity in vitro. We have synthesized more than 200 symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted alkylpolyamines that possess potent antitumour or antiparasitic activity, depending on their backbone architecture and terminal alkyl substituents. Along similar lines, we have developed novel polyamino(bis)guanidines and polyaminobiguanides that are promising antitrypanosomal agents and that interfere with biofilm formation in the pathogenic bacterium Yersinia pestis. Finally, we recently reported a series of PAHAs (polyaminohydroxamic acids) and PABAs (polyaminobenzamides) that inhibit HDACs (histone deacetylases), and in some cases are selective for individual HDAC isoforms. These studies support the hypothesis that polyamine-based small molecules can be developed for use as biochemical probes and as potential therapies for multiple diseases.
Factors associated with increasing nursing home closures.

Purpose We determine the rate of nursing home closures for 7 years (1999–2005) and examine internal (e.g., quality), organizational (e.g., chain membership), and external (e.g., competition) factors associated with these closures.
S14.4 Detecting chlamydial and gonococcal infections through social and sexual networks

Background The overall goal of this ASTDA award was to adapt and evaluate Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) to enhance Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) screening activities. Specifically, the aims were to develop and evaluate a programmatic approach using RDS as a method to prospectively screen for Ct/GC in networks of infected persons, to compare the prevalence of Ct/GC infections detected via current venue-based screening activities to the prevalence of infection detected using RDS as a referral mechanism, and to determine and compare the cost per infection detected via current screening activities to the cost per infection using RDS. Methods Using two components of RDS, the systematic referral scheme and the dual incentive structure, we developed a program to refer social and sexual contacts for Ct/GC screening. Initial seed participants ages 15–24 were identified and asked to recruit their peers for screening, who in turn recruited their peers, and so on. Persons received incentive for their own participation ($10) in addition to incentive for participation of those they refer ($10). Participants could refer up to 5 social and sexual contacts. Participants provided a urine specimen for Ct/GC screening and completed a brief survey questionnaire. Results Between December 2008 and March 2010, 66 initial seeds were recruited. Of the 66 seeds, 17 (25%) were successful in recruiting referrals. A total of 439 referrals were recruited, resulting in 7 networks initiated from an infected seed and 10 networks from a non-infected seed. The majority of referrals, 372 (85%), belonged to a single network (Abstract S14.4 figure 1). The remaining 67 referrals belonged to 16 networks ranging in size from 2 to 18 members. Across all networks, 67% of referrals were male and 33% were female. The overall prevalence of infection was 5.7% for Ct and 6.9% for GC among the referrals. This is compared to a prevalence of 12.2% for Ct and 1.5% for GC detected through venue-based screening in the same age demographic. Conclusions With the exception of one large network, RDS was not a particularly efficient way to screen for Ct/GC. Only one-fourth of those initially recruited by research staff in turn referred their social and sexual contacts. While social network testing has been adopted in the HIV testing realm, in the Ct/GC screening realm a focus on messages encouraging those who are tested to get their friends tested may have the greatest public health impact.
Atrial standstill secondary to atrial inexcitability (atrial quiescence). Recognition and treatment following open-heart surgery.

Atrial standstill secondary to atrial inexcitability or atrial quiescence was diagnosed in 11 patients and atrial standstill, in which atrial excitability was still present though depressed, was diagnosed in two patients during the immediate period following open-heart surgery. Atrial quiescence was successfully treated in six patients and atrial standstill with depressed excitability in both patients by the infusion of small doses of isoproterenol. Atrial quiescence was not treated in the other five patients and reverted spontaneously within 24 hours after surgery. It is suggested that atrial quiescence results from relative depolarization of the atrial membrane and that the success of therapy with isoproterenol results from hyperpolarization of the atrial membrane by this drug.
Extensive polymorphism at adenosine deaminase in the marine fish Sciaenops ocellatus (L.)

The enzyme adenosine deaminase (E.C. number 3.5.4.4) has been shown to be polymorphic in a variety of vertebrates. Allelic variation at adenosine deaminase (ADA) has been reported in several species, including humans (Spencer eta/. 1968), pigs (Widar & Ansay 1975), cattle (Carleer eta/. 1978), birds (Grunder & Hollands 1978; Cole & Parkin 1986), and several marine and freshwater fishes (Johnson 1975; Morizot eta/. 1977; Grant eta/. 1984; Kobayashi eta/. 1984; Grant 1986). From two to six alleles typically occur at ADA, and the allelic variants detected by protein electrophoresis are often useful as genetic markers or in populational studies (above references). In this note, we report the occurrence of an exceptionally high number of AD A alleles in the marine fish, Sciaenops ocellatus (L.), commonly called the red drum. The S. ocellatus specimens were obtained from several sampling localities in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast of the south-eastern United States. Specific details as to individual sample localities and numbers of individuals collected from each locality may be found in Bohlmeyer (1989). Tissue samples of white muscle from 474 (total) individuals were prepared and run on vertical starch gels according to the methods of Sicilano & Shaw (1976). Tissue samples were homogenized in 200J.J..l of buffer (0·01M Tris-HCl, 0·001M EDTA, and 0·005M 13-mercaptoethanol) per IOOmg of muscle. The homogenized samples were centri