cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Explorations into the Provenance of High Throughput Biomedical Experiments

The field of translational biomedical informatics seeks to integrate knowledge from basic science, directed research into diseases, and clinical insights into a form that can be used to discover effective treatments of diseases. We demonstrate methods and tools to generate RDF representations of a commonly used experimental description format, MAGE-TAB, mappings of MAGE documents to two general-purpose provenance representations, OPM (Open Provenance Model) and PML (Proof Markup Language). We show through a use case simulation that the data represented in MAGE documents can be completely represented in OPM and PML through use of round trip analysis of certain examples. The success in mapping MAGE documents into general-purpose provenance models shows that promise in the implementation of the translational research provenance vision.
Advances in integrative nanomedicine for improving infectious disease treatment in public health

Introduction Infectious diseases present public health challenges worldwide. An emerging integrative approach to treating infectious diseases is using nanoparticle (NP) forms of traditional and alternative medicines. Advantages of nanomedicine delivery methods include better disease targeting, especially for intracellular pathogens, ability to cross membranes and enter cells, longer duration drug action, reduced side effects, and cost savings from lower doses.
Ionization in low-energy atomic collisions of neon with neon and krypton with krypton.

Total ionization cross section for symmetric collisions measured as function of energy by using neutral atomic beams of neon and krypton
Behavioral-Diagnostic Analysis of Worker Compliance with Hearing Protectors:

This paper presents a behavioral-diagnostic model for fostering self-protective behavior in the workplace and applies the model to hearing protector usage in industry. Central to the model is the i...
Hydrogen bond formation to cyclic and acyclic polyethers

Equilibrium constants and enthalpies of hydrogen-bond formation of mcresol to various cyclic (crown) and acyclic polyethers have been determined in benzene solvent. Equilibrium constants indicated no evidence for an operative macrocyclic effect; the relationship between the increasing size of the equilibrium constant and the number of ether oxygens was rationalized with a simple statistical thermodynamic model. Enthalpies of interactions ranged between −19 and −23 kJ-mol−1. In agreement with PCILO calculations, enthalpies of interaction were essentially independent of the number of oxygen atoms in the ether; no significant difference in enthalpies of interaction between cyclic and acyclic ethers was found.
OMP Gene Deletion Results in an Alteration in Odorant-Induced Mucosal Activity Patterns

Previous behavioral work, using a complex five-odorant identification task, demonstrated that olfactory marker protein (OMP) is critically involved in odor processing to the extent that its loss results in an alteration in odorant quality perception. Exactly how the lack of OMP exerts its influence on the perception of odorant quality is unknown. However, there is considerable neurophysiological evidence that different odorants produce different spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity at the level of the mucosa and that these patterns predict the psychophysically determined perceptual relationship among odorants. In this respect, OMP gene deletion is known to result in a constellation of physiologic defects (i.e., marked reduction in the electroolfactogram (EOG) and altered response and recovery kinetics) that would be expected to alter the odorant-induced spatiotemporal activity patterns that are characteristic of different odorants. This, in turn, would be expected to alter the spatiotemporal pattern...
Sulfate-Mediated Bacterial Population Shift in a Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)-Degrading Anaerobic Enrichment Culture

ABSTRACT The effects of sulfate on the population dynamics of an anaerobic hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)-degrading consortium were studied using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. One hundred percent of the initial RDX was degraded in the sulfate-amended culture within 3 days of incubation. In the sulfate-unamended cultures, 35% of the initial RDX remained after 3 days and 8% after 7 days of incubation. Based on the T-RFLP distribution of the community 16S rDNA genes, the microcosm consisted predominantly of two organisms, a Geobacter sp. (78%) and an Acetobacterium sp. (14%). However, in the presence of sulfate, both species decreased to less than 3% of the total population within 3 days and an unclassified Clostridiaceae became the dominant organism at 40% the total fragment distribution. This indicated the explosive-degrading consortium had greater diversity than initially perceived and rapidly adapted to a readily available electron acceptor, which in ...
Fate of Bacteriophage Lambda in Non-immune Germ-free Mice

THE clearance of colloidal particles in animals has been studied in several experiments1–16. The use of bacteriophage in such studies offers a sensitive tool to augment materials such as dyes, radioactive colloids and enzymes for analysing mechanisms of handling foreign particulate material. Furthermore, such use of bacterial viruses may enhance the general understanding of virus–host interactions.
Gender differences in implicit weight identity

Objective This study examined gender differences in explicit and implicit attitudes toward overweight and explicit and implicit weight identity. Method Normal weight women (n=22) and men (n=20) and overweight women (n=20) and men (n=21) completed the Implicit Association Test and portions of the Eating Disorders Questionnaire. Results Although explicit and implicit anti-fat attitudes were ubiquitous, gender differences emerged for weight identity. Both men and women provided accurate explicit appraisals of their weight status. However, men implicitly identified themselves as light regardless of actual weight status. Women's implicit weight identity was associated with their actual weight status, explicit weight appraisal, and implicit self-esteem. Discussion These findings may provide additional insight into why men are underrepresented among those seeking weight loss and why women are at increased risk for developing eating disorders. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 34: 125–135, 2003.
The efficacy of the tension-free vaginal tape in the treatment of five subtypes of stress urinary incontinence.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of five sub-types of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and methods: A retrospective review was performed from November 1998 to November 2001 on all patients with SUI who underwent a TVT procedure either alone or with other reconstructive pelvic procedures. The patients were subdivided into five categories. Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) was defined by a maximum urethral closure pressure <20 cm H2O or a mean Valsalva leak point pressure <60 cm H2O above baseline. Urethral hypermobility (UH) was defined by a straining Q-tip angle greater than 30° from the horizontal. Cure was defined as the subjective resolution of SUI without the development of voiding dysfunction or de novo urge incontinence. Improvement was defined as the subjective improvement of SUI without complete resolution or the subjective resolution of SUI occurring with the development of prolonged voiding dysfunction lasting greater than 6 weeks or de novo urge incontinence. Failure was defined as the subjective lack of improvement of SUI, the need for an additional procedure to correct SUI or the need for revision or takedown of the TVT for persistent voiding dysfunction or mesh erosion. Results: The cure, improvement and failure rates for each of the following groups are respectively as follows: group 1 (+UH, -ISD) (n=121): 101 (83.5%), 13 (10.7%), 7 (5.8%); group 2 (-UH, +ISD) (n=22): 17 (77.3%), 3 (13.6%), 2 (9.1%); group 3 (+UH, +ISD) (n=32): 26 (81.3%), 4 (12.5%), 2 (6.2%); group 4 (-UH, -ISD) (n=25): 21 (84.0%), 3 (12.0%), 1 (4.0%); group 5 (occult SUI) (n=67): 57 (85.1%), 10 (14.9%), 0 (0%). Conclusion: This study shows that the TVT is effective in treating all five sub-types of SUI.
Comparative description of haplotype structure and genetic diversity of MDR1 (ABCB1) in HIV-positive and HIV-negative populations.

Human P-glycoprotein (P-gp), encoded by MDR1 (ABCB1), is an efflux transporter with a wide specificity for substrates/drugs, including HIV protease inhibitors which are commonly used in HIV/AIDS treatment. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MDR1 have been shown to affect P-gp expression and function, and may affect HIV/AIDS treatment outcome: 1236C>T [G412G, exon-12], 2677G>T/A [A893S/T, exon-21] and 3435C>T [I1145I, exon-26]. In the present study, our aims were (i) to compare the 3-SNP MDR1 haplotype structure and genetic diversity between North American HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals belonging to four major ethnic groups and (ii) to determine whether the haplotype structure and genetic diversity observed in these ethnically admixed populations differ from that in ethnically non-admixed populations. For these aims, we analyzed a cohort of 447 HIV/AIDS patients (White [n = 193], Black [n = 235], Hispanic [n = 17], and Asian [n = 2]). Results obtained for these patients were compared with the results for (i) HIV-negative individuals (n = 356) and (ii) various HapMap and Environmental Genome Project populations. We observed that the genetic characteristics of MDR1 were largely consistent between HIV-positive and HIV-negative populations, but there were striking interethnic differences in the genetic characteristics of MDR1 in both populations. Although it appeared that the genetic characteristics of MDR1 were largely consistent between ethnically admixed and non-admixed populations, genetic characterization of the admixed populations remains to be done. Thus, our results provide useful comparative insights about the genetic characteristics of MDR1 that could be extrapolated across population groups worldwide. For a meaningful interpretation of these results regarding HIV/AIDS treatment outcome, MDR1 haplotype/diplotype structure data, genetic characterization of population admixture, and polymorphisms in other relevant drug transporter and/or metabolizing enzyme genes should be considered in future clinical studies.
Perturbative triple and quadruple excitation corrections to MRCISD

Abstract A non-iterative approximation to the effects of triple and quadruple excitations in the framework of the multireference configuration interaction method, including single and double excitations (MRCISD), for molecular electronic structure is suggested. The approximation is derived from perturbative expansions of lower and upper bounds of a self-consistent, second-order approximation to the MRCISDTQ energy. Numerical studies on a number of well studied model systems support the hypothesis that the suggested method, which can be referred to as MRCISD(TQ), is a new, viable, ultrahigh accuracy method.
The Relative Toxicity of Intraperitoneally Injected Amino Acids and the Effect of Glycine and Arginine Thereon

Abstract RECENT studies by Anderson and Dobson (1959), Maddy et al. (1960), Fisher et al. (1960) and by Snetsinger and Scott (1961) have indicated that excess essential amino acids in chick diets can increase the chick’s requirement for certain of the essential amino acids. The work of Anderson et al. (1951) measuring the toxicity of high supplemental levels of single amino acids would seem to indicate that, on a practical basis, not all essential amino acids when present in excess are detrimental as measured by mortality or depression of growth. 2 However, ascertaining the relative toxicity of the amino acids in the above work is complicated by the fact that dl -isomers were used for certain of the amino acids. It has been shown that the d -isomer does not always have the same toxicity as the l -isomer (Snetsinger, 1959). In an attempt to assess the relative toxicities of the l -amino acids for the…
Complications After Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate complications of the medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) procedure at our institution. Methods All cases of medial opening wedge HTO performed between 2001 and 2004 at our institution were identified. Medical records, operative reports, and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed for all patients who experienced a complication within 12 months postsurgery. All complications were identified for analysis. Results Forty-six patients were included in this study; 17 (36.9%) patients had a documented complication. There were 7 patients (15.2%) with loss of correction, 2 (4.3%) with intraoperative lateral cortex fractures, 2 (4.3%) with postoperative lateral cortex fractures, 2 (4.3%) with deep venous thrombosis, 2 (4.3%) with delayed unions, and 2 (4.3%) with symptomatic hardware. Patients with a loss of angular correction had a greater body mass index (BMI) than those without a loss of correction (mean BMI, 32.5 v 28.8; P = .0416). Of the 7 patients with loss of angular correction, 6 had a first-generation fixation device and 1 had a second-generation device. There was no apparent association between delayed union and graft type (allograft v autograft). Conclusions The medial opening wedge HTO is associated with a moderate frequency of complications. The frequency and type of complications seem to be similar to those reported for the lateral closing technique. Although there are technical advantages offered by the medial opening wedge HTO, their influence on the frequency and type of complications experienced by patients in our series was not apparent. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.
Genotype to phenotype via network analysis

A prime objective of genomic medicine is the identification of disease-causing mutations and the mechanisms by which such events result in disease. As most disease phenotypes arise not from single genes and proteins but from a complex network of molecular interactions, a priori knowledge about the molecular network serves as a framework for biological inference and data mining. Here we review recent developments at the interface of biological networks and mutation analysis. We examine how mutations may be treated as a perturbation of the molecular interaction network and what insights may be gained from taking this perspective. We review work that aims to transform static networks into rich context-dependent networks and recent attempts to integrate non-coding RNAs into such analysis. Finally, we conclude with an overview of the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Suppression of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary carcinogenesis by pre-initiation treatment of rats with β-naphthoflavone coincides with decreased levels of the carcinogen-derived DNA adducts in the mammary gland

Abstract Background: Mechanisms underlying prevention by β-naphthoflavone (β-NF) of mammary carcinogenesis initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a ]anthracene (DMBA) in the rat were elucidated. Methods and results: Treatment of female Sprague–Dawley rats with β-NF at 40mg/kg b.wt. for 4 days by oral gavage in corn oil before a single oral dose of DMBA (112mg/kg b.wt.) suppressed mammary gland carcinogenesis as shown by an increase in the median latent period from 10 to 24 weeks and a 60% decrease in the multiplicity of mammary adenocarcinomas. In contrast, a 20-day treatment with β-NF starting 3 weeks after DMBA had no significant effects on mammary tumorigenesis. The activities of phase I and phase II enzymes were examined in the liver and mammary gland 24h after treatment of rats with β-NF, DMBA, or β-NF followed by DMBA as in the first bioassay. Treatment with either β-NF or DMBA increased the hepatic activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1, 1A2, and 2B1/2, and glutathione S-transferase, and the mammary activity of CYP1A1. The activity of mammary CYP2B1/2 induced by DMBA was decreased by β-NF. In the liver, the increase of UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (GT) activity in rats treated with β-NF and DMBA was 2.3-fold greater than in rats treated with DMBA alone. Thus, treatment with β-NF likely increased the rate of glucuronidation of DMBA dihydrodiols leading to carcinogen detoxification. The levels of the DMBA adducts determined by 32 P-postlabeling of the mammary gland DNA were decreased in the β-NF-pretreated rats. Conclusion: The β-NF-induced increase in the hepatic UDP-GT activity and decrease in the mammary DNA-DMBA adducts occurred under the same treatment regimen that led to suppression of DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis.
Diabetes and Multiple Stents Independently Double the Risk of Short‐term Revascularization

Several studies show worse outcome for diabetic patients after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). There are relatively few studies evaluating outcome in the modern era of coronary stenting. We compared the incidence of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat target lesion revascularization (RTLR) by PTCA or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) over a 6-month follow-up in 110 diabetic and 400 nondiabetic patients receiving Palmaz-Schatz stents. All patients received aspirin/ticlopidine and stents were deployed using high-pressure inflations. Seventy-five (68.2%) diabetic patients and 272 (68%) nondiabetic patients had single stents, while 35 (31.8%) diabetic and 128 (32%) nondiabetic patients had multiple stents (≥ 2stents in the same vessel). The success rate and acute major complications were not significantly different between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. There was also no significant difference in death, MI, and repeat PTCA between these two groups. Diabetic patients underwent CABG more frequently than nondiabetic patients (12.7% vs 3.2%, respectively, P =0.001) and diabetic patients also had RTLR more frequently than nondiabetic patients (25.5% vs 12.8%, respectively, P = 0.002) during 6-month follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes and multiple stents independently contributed to the 6-month RTLR rate. Coronary stenting in diabetic patients can be carried out with a high success rate and low incidence of acute major complications. The presence of diabetes mellitus and multiple stent placement significantly increase the incidence of repeat target lesion revascularization.
Reconceptualizing the chlamydial inclusion as a pathogen-specified parasitic organelle: an expanded role for Inc proteins

Chlamydia is an obligate intracellular pathogen that develops in the host cell in a vacuole termed the chlamydial inclusion. The prevailing concept of the chlamydial inclusion is of a parasitophorous vacuole. Here, the inclusion is the recipient of one-way host-pathogen interactions thus draining nutrients from the cell and negatively impacting it. While Chlamydia orchestrates some aspects of cell function, recent data indicate host cells remain healthy up until, and even after, chlamydial egress. Thus, while Chlamydia relies on the host cell for necessary metabolites, the overall function of the host cell, during chlamydial growth and development, is not grossly disturbed. This is consistent with the obligate intracellular organism’s interest to maintain viability of its host. To this end, Chlamydia expresses inclusion membrane proteins, Incs, which serve as molecular markers for the inclusion membrane. Incs also contribute to the physical structure of the inclusion membrane and facilitate host-pathogen interactions across it. Given the function of Incs and the dynamic interactions that occur at the inclusion membrane, we propose that the inclusion behaves similarly to an organelle-albeit one that benefits the pathogen. We present the hypothesis that the chlamydial inclusion acts as a pathogen-specified parasitic organelle. This representation integrates the inclusion within existing subcellular trafficking pathways to divert a subset of host-derived metabolites thus maintaining host cell homeostasis. We review the known interactions of the chlamydial inclusion with the host cell and discuss the role of Inc proteins in the context of this model and how this perspective can impact the study of these proteins. Lessons learnt from the chlamydial pathogen-specified parasitic organelle can be applied to other intracellular pathogens. This will increase our understanding of how intracellular pathogens engage the host cell to establish their unique developmental niches.
Molar occlusion and mandibular movements during occlusion in the American opossum, Didelphis marsupialis L.

The dentition of the American opossum, Didelphis marsupialis, has been examined using prepared skulls, occlusal casts and, during normal function in chewing, by cinefluorography. The information obtained from these studies has been used in a simulation of the power stroke of mastication on a stereotaxic machine. The directions and amplitudes of the movements used in chewing have been demonstrated. Two types of power stroke are described; a crushing-puncturing stroke associated with tooth-food-tooth contact occurring in the early stages of mastication, and a shearing stroke with tooth-tooth contact occurring later. The first type produces a rapid flattening of the tips of the cusps, the second a series of striated wear facets on the slopes of the cusps. In the shearing stroke the food is triturated by an anteromedial movement of the paracristid of the lower molars across the metacrista of the upper. Active chewing occurs on one side of the mouth only at any one time and for a considerable number of cycles. The symphysis does not cross the midline during any sequence of cycles. The anteromedially directed power stroke is mediated in part by the mobile symphysis which allows asymmetrical movement of the two dentaries and by a Bennett shift of the mandibular condyles. The similarity between the molars of Didelphis and those of the early therians, notably Alphadon, Pappothm’um and Holoclemensia is recognized. It is suggested that the information obtained from this study may assist in the interpretation of early therian molars.
Performance interpolation for computer simulation models: a simulation-based approach

This paper proposes a new approach for interpolation in order to obtain an efficient algorithm which will help to reduce the time and computational efforts for estimating system performance at multiple settings from a simulation run at only two or more parameter settings. The algorithm properties and the validity of the estimates were examined by applying it to a multi-component reliability model with a known analytic solution. When implementation of this algorithm becomes operational under a true multi-tasking system, it will provide helpful insights for realization of similar software on parallel computer systems.
Sharp-line electronic spectroscopy and metal-ligand geometry in chromium(III) complexes with triazacyclononane ligands

An angular overlap model analysis of the sharp-line electronic spectrum of bis(triazacyclononane)chromium(III) chloride indicates that the nitrogen coordination sphere is only slightly distorted from an octahedral arrangement. The best fit to the spectrum was obtained for a geometry in which the nitrogens within a ring are displaced 1.1° away from the cartesian axes towards the molecular C3 axis and the two rings are twisted by 3.4° away from an antiprismatic orientation. The blue-shift often observed for triazacyclononane complexes compared to complexes with other amine ligands appears not to be due to large geometric distortions in the [9]aneN3 complexes, and in fact the nitrogen ligand field strengths in [9]aneN3 and ethylenediamine complexes are not very different when geometric distortions in both complexes are accounted for. A similar analysis of the sharp-line spectrum of triazacylononanetriacetatochromium(III) was undertaken, making use of the known ligand geometry. The ligand field strength of the nitrogens is significantly smaller for this ligand because of inductive effects from the acetato groups. The acetato ligands are strong π- and δ-donors.
Upregulation of the maturation-inducing steroid membrane receptor in spotted seatrout ovaries by gonadotropin during oocyte maturation and its physiological significance

Abstract Changes in ovarian maturation-inducing steroid (MIS; 17,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one [20β-S]) membrane receptor concentrations during the reproductive cycle were investigated in spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) captured at their spawning grounds. Ovarian receptor concentrations increased gradually during ovarian recrudescence and subsequently increased rapidly during oocyte maturation, reaching 3.5-fold the prematuration values by the beginning of ovulation. The significant elevation of receptor concentrations by the germinal vesicle migration stage of oocyte maturation was accompanied by increases in circulating levels of gonadotropin (LH, GTH II) and MIS (20β-S). The regulation and physiological significance of the increase in ovarian MIS membrane receptor concentrations were investigated in a double in vitro incubation system. Incubation of fully grown, follicle-enclosed oocytes with hCG (10 IU/ml) for 6 h caused a two- to fourfold increase in oocyte and ovarian MIS receptor concent...
Perception of static respiratory forces in young and old subjects.

Respiratory sensations were measured by magnitude production in 15 young (23–33 years) and 15 old (61–85 years) healthy males to compare exponents for static respiratory muscle forces in the two age groups. Perceptions of static inspiratory and expiratory forces were scaled both at the end of normal expiration and at lung volume extremes. Exponents for young and old groups did not differ, and were independent of lung volume. The average exponent for perceived respiratory force was 1.7.
Structural racism and myocardial infarction in the United States

There is a growing research literature suggesting that racism is an important risk factor undermining the health of Blacks in the United States. Racism can take many forms, ranging from interpersonal interactions to institutional/structural conditions and practices. Existing research, however, tends to focus on individual forms of racial discrimination using self-report measures. Far less attention has been paid to whether structural racism may disadvantage the health of Blacks in the United States. The current study addresses gaps in the existing research by using novel measures of structural racism and by explicitly testing the hypothesis that structural racism is a risk factor for myocardial infarction among Blacks in the United States. State-level indicators of structural racism included four domains: (1) political participation; (2) employment and job status; (3) educational attainment; and (4) judicial treatment. State-level racial disparities across these domains were proposed to represent the systematic exclusion of Blacks from resources and mobility in society. Data on past-year myocardial infarction were obtained from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (non-Hispanic Black: N = 8245; non-Hispanic White: N = 24,507), a nationally representative survey of the U.S. civilian, non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. Models were adjusted for individual-level confounders (age, sex, education, household income, medical insurance) as well as for state-level disparities in poverty. Results indicated that Blacks living in states with high levels of structural racism were generally more likely to report past-year myocardial infarction than Blacks living in low-structural racism states. Conversely, Whites living in high structural racism states experienced null or lower odds of myocardial infarction compared to Whites living in low-structural racism states. These results raise the provocative possibility that structural racism may not only harm the targets of stigma but also benefit those who wield the power to enact stigma and discrimination.
Home syrup of ipecac use does not reduce emergency department use or improve outcome.

Background. The usefulness of syrup of ipecac as a home treatment for poisoning and the need to keep it in the home has been increasingly challenged. Many poison centers do not recommend any use of syrup of ipecac. Objective. To determine if use of syrup of ipecac in children at home is associated with reduced utilization of emergency department (ED) resources or improved outcome after unintended exposure to a pharmaceutical. Design. Cohort comparison. Setting. American Association of Poison Control Centers’ Toxic Exposure Surveillance System Database. Patients. Blinded data for each of the 64 US poison centers included ED referral recommendation rate, actual rate of ED use, actual home use of syrup of ipecac, and outcome. These data were derived from cases in 2000 and 2001 involving children Outcome Measures. Correlation between rate of home use of syrup of ipecac and rate of recommendation for ED referral was the primary outcome sought. Rate of adverse outcome was also compared. In addition, the actual ED use and home syrup of ipecac utilization rates at 7 specific centers were identified and compared with the published rates from these same centers from 1990 data to look for the trend in practice for this subgroup. Results. Mean rate of referral to ED was 9% (range: 3%–18%). Mean home use of syrup of ipecac was 1.8% (range: 0.2%–14%). Increased home use of syrup of ipecac was not associated with referral to ED (r = 0.18; 95% confidence interval of r = −0.06–0.41). Adverse outcome was rare: 0.6% (range: 0.2%–2.1%). There was no difference in referral rate or adverse outcome rate between 2 groups of 32 centers divided by relative syrup of ipecac use. In the 7 centers, ED use decreased from a mean of 13.5% in 1990 to a mean of 8.1% in 2000–2001. Ipecac use decreased from a mean of 9.6% to 2.1%. Conclusions. This study suggests there is no reduction in resource utilization or improvement in patient outcome from the use of syrup of ipecac at home. Although these data cannot exclude a benefit in a very limited set of poisonings, any benefit remains to be proven.
Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium on a sheep farm with neonatal diarrhea by immunofluorescence assays

Abstract An outbreak of diarrhea in neonatal lambs occurred on a a sheep farm in northern Ohio. Diarrhea commenced as early as 1 week of age and lasted for about 3–4 days. Although 100% of the newborn lambs were affected, most had recovered by 3 weeks of age. Cryptosporidium infection appeared to be the cause of diarrhea. Fecal examination of nine diarrheic newborn lambs (5–10 days old), 23 older lambs (2–3 weeks old, six with diarrhea) and 23 clinically normal ewes by immunofluorescence assays revealed infection rates of 100%, 78.3% and 17.4%, respectively. Most newborn lambs had high oocyst counts. Ewes were considered to be an important source of infection for lambs.
DETECTABLE AMOUNTS OF ACTH IN BLOOD FOLLOWING SALICYLATE ADMINISTRATION

ALTHOUGH a tabulation (Hailman, 1952) of various physiological responses induced by cortisone, ACTH, and salicylate (SAL) suggests an ACTH mechanism of SAL effect, an increase in circulating ACTH following SAL has not been demonstrated. Because of our general interest in the effect of salicylate upon adrenal function and the probability that some, at least, of these effects may be mediated through the pituitary gland we have undertaken to determine, by the transfusion technique of Farrell and McCann (1952), whether SAL administration stimulates release of ACTH into the circulation.
New class of universal correlations in the spectra of hydrogen in a magnetic field.

In the chaotic region the spectra of hydrogen are shown to display universality in the response of the energy levels to magnetic field. Several autocorrelation functions are measured and shown to be in close agreement with recent theoretical predictions. These results represent the first experimental verification of universality beyond distributions of level spacings.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES OF THE FORMATION OF NODES OF RANVIER IN MOUSE SCIATIC NERVES

Observations with the electron microscope of longitudinal sections of the sciatic nerves of infant mice during the period of early myelin formation are described. These observations are interpreted in relation to previous studies of transverse sections, and a general picture of the formation of an internodal length of the myelin sheath in three dimensions is formulated. In general, an internodal length of myelin sheath is attained by the spiral wrapping of the infolded Schwann cell surface; the increase in length of the internode during maturation is at least partially explained by the increased length of axon covered by the overlapping of successive layers during the wrapping of the infolded Schwann cell surface; and the nodes of Ranvier refer to the structure complex at the junctions of adjacent non-syncytial Schwann cells. The fact that the mode of formation of myelin brings each of its layers into intimate contact with the axon surface at the nodes is emphasized because of the possible functional significance of this arrangement. The manner of origin of Schmidt-Lantermann clefts remains obscure. Certain isolated observations provide evidence for the possibility that occasional internodes of myelin may form from several small segments of myelin within a single Schwann cell.
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus microRNAs

Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human pathogenic -herpesvirus strongly associated with the development of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and B cell proliferative disorders, including primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). The identification and functional investigation of non-coding RNAs expressed by KSHV is a topic with rapidly emerging importance. KSHV miRNAs derived from 12 stem-loops located in the major latency locus have been the focus of particular attention. Recent studies describing the transcriptome-wide identification of mRNA targets of the KSHV miRNAs suggest that these miRNAs have evolved a highly complex network of interactions with the cellular and viral transcriptomes. Relatively few KSHV miRNA targets, however, have been characterized at a functional level. Here, our current understanding of KSHV miRNA expression, targets and function will be reviewed.
Niche differentiation and colonization of a novel environment by an asexual parasitic wasp

How do asexual taxa become adapted to a diversity of environments, and how do they persist despite changing environmental conditions? These questions are linked by their mutual focus on the relationship between genetic variation, which is often limited in asexuals, and the ability to respond to environmental variation. Asexual taxa originating from a single ancestor present a unique opportunity to assess rates of phenotypic and genetic change when access to new genetic variation is limited to mutation. Diachasma muliebre is an asexual Hymenopteran wasp that is geographically and genetically isolated from all sexual relatives. D. muliebre attack larvae of the western cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis indifferens), which in turn feed inside bitter cherry fruit (Prunus emarginata) in August and September. R. indifferens has recently colonized a new host plant with an earlier fruiting phenology (June/July), domesticated sweet cherries (P. avium), and D. muliebre has followed its host into this temporally earlier niche. We tested three hypotheses: 1) that all D. muliebre lineages originate from a single asexual ancestor; 2) that different D. muliebre lineages (as defined by unique mtDNA haplotypes) have differentiated on their ancestral host in an important life-history trait, eclosion timing; and 3) that early-eclosing lineages have preferentially colonized the new sweet cherry niche. We find that mitochondrial COI and microsatellite data provide strong support for a single ancestral origin for all lineages. Furthermore, COI sequencing revealed five mitochondrial haplotypes among D. muliebre, and individual wasps possessing one distinctive mitochondrial haplotype (haplotype II) eclosed as reproductive adults significantly earlier than wasps with all other haplotypes. In addition, this early-eclosing lineage of D. muliebre is one of two lineages that have colonized the P. avium habitat, consistent with the preferential colonization hypothesis. These data suggest that D. muliebre has evolved adaptive phenotypic variation despite limited genetic variation, and that this variation has subsequently allowed an expansion of some wasps into a novel habitat. The D. muliebre system may allow for in-depth study of adaptation and long-term persistence of asexual taxa.
Electron spin resonance investigation of the effects of methanol on microscopic viscosity, ordering, and polarity in different phases of ionomer membranes with sulfonated polyarylene backbones

Abstract Membranes constituted from sulfonated poly (arylene ether sulfone) (SPES) and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) are characterized using electron spin resonance (ESR) to monitor the local environment of the TEMPONE spin probe (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone N-oxide). The probe occupies two phases of very different polarities and mobilities in both the swollen SPES and SPEEK membranes. ESR lineshape analysis allows the individual phases to be characterized in terms of their microviscosity, local polarity, and solvent ordering. The effects of sulfonation and methanol on the individual phase properties were studied by equilibrating different membranes with water–methanol mixtures over the full range of compositions. At sulfonation levels below 50%, SPES and SPEEK membranes have numerous but smaller, elongated hydrophilic domains in which lead to restricted motion and partial ordering of the probes in comparison with Nafion. The less polar phase of the aromatic polymers is attributed to a probe population associated with the polymer backbone. Methanol penetrates this region and disrupts the backbone structure at a concentration that depends upon the level of sulfonation.
The NAT1 C1095A polymorphism, maternal multivitamin use and smoking, and the risk of spina bifida.

BACKGROUND The risk of having a child with a neural tube defect (NTD) can be reduced by maternal, periconceptional supplementation with folic acid, but the underlying folate-dependent protective mechanism remains unclear. N-acetyltransferase 1 is involved in acetylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amines and the catabolism of folates. Hence, functional polymorphisms in NAT1, the gene encoding N-acetyltransferase 1, are plausible risk factors for NTDs. Such variants could exert an influence on the risk of NTDs via their role in acetylation or folate catabolism and could act through the maternal or the embryonic genotype. METHODS NAT1 C1095A genotypes and information on maternal, periconceptional multivitamin use and smoking were obtained as part of a family-based study of spina bifida. Associations between spina bifida and the embryonic and maternal NAT1 C1095A genotypes, and potential NAT1 C1095A genotype–exposure interactions were evaluated using log-linear modeling. RESULTS The analyses provided no evidence that the embryonic or maternal NAT1 C1095 genotypes influence the risk of spina bifida independently, or through interactions with maternal use of multivitamins. There was evidence that the embryonic, and possibly the maternal, NAT1 C1095A genotype influence the risk of spina bifida via interactions with maternal smoking status. CONCLUSIONS The genotype for the NAT1 C1095A polymorphism does not appear to be an independent risk factor for spina bifida. However, the results of these analyses provide preliminary evidence that this polymorphism may be associated with the risk of spina bifida in the offspring of women who smoke during early pregnancy. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Outcomes of coronary angioplasty procedures performed in rural hospitals.

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine how many rural hospitals in the United States performed coronary angioplasty; to compare patient outcomes in rural and urban hospitals; and to assess whether outcomes were better in rural hospitals in which more procedures were performed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In 1996, among patients 65 years of age and older, 201,869 coronary angioplasties were performed in 996 hospitals that were included in the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files. Geographic location was defined as rural or urban, according to U.S. Census Bureau criteria. Outcome variables were in-hospital death and coronary artery bypass surgery performed during the same admission. Hospital volumes were categorized as low (≤ 100 cases or fewer per year), medium (101 to 200 cases per year), or high (> 200 cases per year). RESULTS: Fifty-one rural hospitals accounted for 4% of all angioplasties performed. After angioplasty, in-hospital mortality was greater in rural hospitals (8.1% versus 6.4%, P = 0.001) among patients with acute myocardial infarction, but was not different for patients without infarction (1.4% versus 1.3%, P = 0.41). Coronary artery bypass surgery rates during the same admission were similar in rural and urban hospitals. In general, in-hospital mortality and same-admission surgery rates were lower in high-volume centers in both rural and urban areas. CONCLUSION: Although in-hospital mortality after angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction was worse in low- and medium-volume rural centers, overall outcomes in rural and urban hospitals were similar.
Wandering Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) in Kansas

Historically, the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) ranged across Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States and south on the Rocky Mountains to Colorado and perhaps New Mexico (Hall 1981, Frey 2006). Boreal or boreomontane forest, especially areas supporting populations of the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), is favored habitat of the species (Quinn and Parker 1987). However, it sporadically occurs outside its natural range in seemingly unsuitable habitats during population irruptions that typically follow a cyclical pattern like that of the snowshoe hare (Jones et al. 1985, Wilson and Reeder 2005). At those times, the Canada lynx may be found in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, and Nebraska well to the south of its natural range (Gunderson 1978, Hoffman and Genoways 2005). However, the Canada lynx has never been recorded on the Great Plains as far south as Kansas.
Psychophysiological symptoms in alcoholics and matched comparison persons

Respondents identified in a representative community sample as presumed alcoholics, persons with chronic stomach trouble, and persons with neither pathology were reinterviewed in the current study. Almost all psychophysiological symptoms were reported significantly more often by the alcoholics than by all adults in the earlier study. Reinterviews with alcoholics and matched controls confirmed the initial differences and revealed a decreasing order of symptom occurrence by alcoholics, persons with stomach trouble, and persons with neither pathology, respectively. The findings suggest that psychological impairment is associated to a marked degree with alcoholism, and to a smaller, although considerable, extent with stomach disorder.
Free as a Butterfly

I am always excited when I find a letter in my mailbox containing reviews of one of my manuscripts. To be sure, there are times when a set of reviews is more critical than I would like to believe is warranted, but even in such cases, these reviews are useful, because they provide a valuable source of information about how the manuscript would be received by a particular audience. All journals, even those that welcome a diverse range of ideas and perspectives, have a particular mission and audience to consider, and consequently, each journal necessarily has certain parameters or boundaries within which manuscripts must fall if they are to be accepted for publication. The reviewers' feedback helps establish where, how, and if a fit between a manuscript and a journal might exist. Thus, even comments that could be construed as negative serve a useful purpose. Although I do not consider the current set of reviews overly critical, they do contain a host of concerns about my manuscript. Even so, I found these comments to be thoughtful reflections and helpful. After reading these reviews, I remain largely content with my original manuscript; however, I concur with the reviewers that some elaboration on certain key issues would help clarify my message. Thus, I am pleased to have an opportunity to address these issues further. All of the concerns raised by the reviewers can be addressed through elaboration on what I mean by "true freedom." Arguably, the most central statement in Chuang Tzu's writings regarding true freedom can be found in the famous "Butterfly Dream" passage:
A Lagrangian parcel based mixing plane method for calculating water based mixed phase particle flows in turbo-machinery

A method for calculating particle transport through turbo-machinery using the mixing plane analogy was developed and used to analyze the energy efficient engine $$(\hbox {E}^{3})$$ . This method allows the prediction of temperature and phase change of water based particles along their path and the impingement efficiency and particle impact property data on various components in the engine. This methodology was incorporated into the LEWICE3D V3.5 software. The method was used to predict particle transport in the low pressure compressor of the $$\hbox {E}^{3}$$ . The $$\hbox {E}^{3}$$ was developed by NASA and GE in the early 1980s as a technology demonstrator and is representative of a modern high bypass turbofan engine. The $$\hbox {E}^{3}$$ flow field was calculated using the NASA Glenn ADPAC turbo-machinery flow solver. Computations were performed for a Mach 0.8 cruise condition at 11,887 m assuming a standard warm day for ice particle sizes of 5, 20 and 100 microns and a free stream particle concentration of $$0.3\,\hbox {g}/\hbox {m}^{3}$$ . The impingement efficiency results showed that as particle size increased average impingement efficiencies and scoop factors increased for the various components. The particle analysis also showed that the amount of mass entering the inner core decreased with increased particle size because the larger particles were less able to negotiate the turn into the inner core due to particle inertia. The particle phase change analysis results showed that the larger particles warmed less as they were transported through the low pressure compressor. Only the smallest 5 micron particles were warmed enough to produce melting with a maximum average melting fraction of 0.18. The results also showed an appreciable amount of particle sublimation and evaporation for the 5 micron particles entering the engine core (22.6 %).