cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
eComment. Is the USA running out of cardiothoracic surgeons

We have read with great interest the article by Laskar et al. on the demography of thoracic and cardiac surgeons in France [1]. According to the authors, France is not in danger of having a deficiency of cardiothoracic surgeons in the near future, as the number of current residents can cover the number of senior surgeons that will retire. It is clear that France, as well as other European countries, has a distinct advantage over the USA in this specific field. Currently, the median age of US American cardiothoracic surgeons is 52.9 years, with women being the minority (3.4% of adult cardiac surgeons, 5.2% of congenital heart surgeons, and 7.9% of general thoracic surgeons) [2]. Despite the fact that the number of patients with cardiovascular diseases in the USA is increasing as the population ages, the number of practicing cardiothoracic surgeons has started to fall. Grover et al. predicted that by 2025 the demand for cardiothoracic surgeons could increase by 46% on the basis of population growth. In the same time period, the authors predicted a 21% decrease in the number of new cardiothoracic surgeons that graduate from training programmes across the country [3]. Possible factors that make less medical students and general surgery residents to apply for thoracic surgery can be the lengthy training (average 8.7 years), the educational depth (average $56 000), the steady increase of malpractice premiums over the last few years (from $55 947 to $59 673), and the fact that the operative volume has decreased over the past 12 months for 30% of the practicing surgeons. Thus, it is with no suprise that only 46% of the practicing cardiothoracic surgeons in the US are satisfied with their career [2]. In order to prevent the danger to society from a possible shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons, we have to make the specialty attractive again to the young students and doctors. Recently, integrated programmes have started to evolve, cutting the training period down to only 6 years. New techniques driven by technology and integrating minimally invasive methods with the traditional surgery have been developed, with the purpose of making the cardiothoracic surgeon of the future a versatile instrument for the treatment of the cardiovascular diseases. Hybrid operations, such as transcutaneous valve insertion, offer the opportunity to increase the procedure numbers and give the opportunity to develop new set of skills. It is imperative that many strategies to improve training and the specialty's work environment must be explored in order to avert the possible future crisis. Conflict of interest: none declared.
Oligonucleotide therapeutics for human leukemia

As we approach the new millennium, a quick glance backwards reveals that truly astounding progress has been made in the identification of genes responsible for cell growth, development, and neoplastic transformation. With this knowledge has come a natural desire to translate this information into new therapeutic strategies for many of the common maladies which afflict humankind. These include in particular, but are not limited to, cardiovascular, infectious, neurologic, and neoplastic diseases. One obvious way to exploit the insights which have been made in understanding cellular molecular biology is to insert genes into cells which either replace, or counter, the effects of mutated and/or dysfunctional disease causing genes. This technically complex, as yet largely unrealized endeavor (Crystal 1995; Verma 1997), is what most individuals think of when the terms “gene therapy” or “molecular medicine” are discussed. Nevertheless, alternative strategies for treating diseases at the gene level are being developed. The common goal of these various strategies, which are turning out to be as technically demanding as more traditional gene therapy, is to identify disease causing, or disease related, genes and target them for “silencing.” Since the numbers of maladies which might be treated by this approach is genuinely enormous, this is clearly a most important field of endeavor.
Characterization of the cell-specific expression of parathyroid hormone–related protein in normal and neoplastic prostate tissue

Abstract Objectives. Parathyroid hormone–related protein (PTHrP) is a primary factor in the pathogenesis of malignancy-associated hypercalcemia. By alternative splicing, the human PTHrP gene can generate three different species of mRNA that encode three initial translational isoforms of 139, 173, and 141 amino acids. We recently reported that PTHrP was present in normal prostatic neuroendocrine cells and was overexpressed in prostate cancer tissue as demonstrated by immunostaining. This study was undertaken to further clarify the complex expression of PTHrP gene in normal prostate tissue and prostate cancer. Methods. PTHrP mRNA in samples prepared from normal prostate tissue, prostate cancer, and three prostate cancer cell lines, PC3, LNCaP, and DU145 was assessed using Northern hybridization. Expressed PTHrP isoforms were deduced from differential reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays with exon-specific primers. Further localization of different species of PTHrP mRNA was performed using nonradioactive in situ hybridization with exon-specific probes on consecutive sections of normal and neoplastic prostate tissue. Results. Northern hybridization showed that the PTHrP expression level was higher in prostate cancer than in normal prostate tissue. All three PTHrP isoforms could be detected in normal prostate tissues and prostate cancer with differential RT-PCR. Further analysis using in situ hybridization with exon-specific probes revealed that all three PTHrP isoforms were present in prostatic neuroendocrine cells and only PTHrP-1–139 isoform could be clearly detected in prostate cancer tissue. Two androgen-insensitive cell lines, PC3 and DU145, derived from a bone metastasis and a brain metastasis, respectively, expressed all three mRNA species encoding for the three isoforms, but DU145 cells expressed less than PC3 cells. Androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells exhibited a low level of expression of mRNA species encoding for PTHrP-1–139 and PTHrP-1–173, and no expression of PTHrP1-141 isoform. Conclusions. All three initial translational isoforms of PTHrP are produced by prostatic neuroendocrine cells. The mature products of PTHrP might exert their effects on other prostatic epithelial cells in a paracrine fashion and also participate in the homeostatic regulation of the ejaculate. In prostate cancer, differential expression of these three isoforms is evident and PTHrP-1–139 isoform is more abundant than the other two forms. These findings are valuable for designing future research studies to further elucidate the biological functions of PTHrP in normal prostatic glands and prostate cancer.
Beta-endorphin immunoreactivity in rat plasma: variations in response to different physical stimuli.

Abstract The effects of two nociceptive testing procedures and several physical stressors on plasma levels of beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (s-END-LI) were compared in male rats. Tail flick analgesia testing did not significantly alter plasma s-END-LI, whereas hot plate testing increased circulating s-END-LI 2.8 times control values (P
Antigenic properties of 36 new H-2 congenic strains and 4 independently derived strains, W10LT, DDD, BZH, and FM

The antigenic properties of 36 new H-2 congenic C57BL/10 (B10) strains and 4 independently derived strains are described. Class I and class II antigens were assayed by the complement-dependent microcytotoxicity test, using a phase contrast microscope, with splenic lymphocytes as targets
Optimum microchannel plate (MCP) configuration for use in high-speed, high-resolution x-ray imaging

Microchannel plates (MCPs) are incorporated in a wide variety of x-ray imaging and detection devices. Experimental measurements are presented in this paper which are used to determine the MCP and phosphor configuration for optimizing spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and gain in an x-ray framing camera. We investigate with the use of pulsed electron accelerating voltages to attain extraction fields higher than those possible at safe DC levels. In addition, MCPs with exit faces coated with an insulating material, in order to increase the maximum safe DC electron extraction field, were also tested.
Abundance and Distribution of Overwintering Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels in an Agricultural Landscape in Northeastern Arkansas

Abstract Although Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) are common raptors in the U.S.A., their wintering population abundance and distribution has not been studied recently in Arkansas. We assessed the temporal and spatial variation in population abundance of Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels over the winter in northeastern Arkansas. We conducted weekly surveys from an automobile in Craighead and Poinsett counties, Arkansas, October 2012–March 2013. Abundance of Red-tailed Hawks (n = 854 total observations) and American Kestrels (n = 165 total observations) along the transect increased during winter months. The overall abundance indices were 7.05 Red-tailed Hawks per 10 km (highest ever recorded) and 1.36 American Kestrels per 10 km. We found no significant differences in the utilization of the various cover types (i.e., short rice stubble, soybean stubble, and fallow areas/roadsides) for either species. However, both species differed in their use of perch...
Rates of accumulation of marine debris in Chatham County, Georgia

Abstract Marine debris (persistent, solid marine pollution), especially plastics and medical wastes, is a growing concern of coastal communities. In Chatham County, Georgia marine pollution was studied over an eight-month period in 1989–1990 at four sites representing a variety of shoreline types. Anthropogenic solid materials (e.g. plastics, metals, glass) were collected in measured areas from the shoreline to highest high tide line, classified by type, measured to the nearest centimetre, and weighed to the nearest gram. From 2.38 km of shoreline 956 separate items weighing a total of 107.2 kg were collected. The equivalent of 94.4 kg marine debris per km was collected during the first sampling in October 1989. This amount was less than that reported by 12 of the 22 states participating in the 1989 Beachsweep effort. Overall, the rate of accumulation of marine debris in Chatham County, Georgia is 102 kg per km per year. Extrapolating this rate to the total estimated shoreline in Chatham County, 40 800 kg or 40.8 t of marine debris might wash up on its shores annually. No medical wastes were found at any of the sites during the study.
A 1.4 GHz Source Survey in an Area without Nearby Rich Galaxy Clusters

The paper reports on 1.4 GHz continuum observations for 56 contiguous VLA fields, using the D configuration, in a region devoid of nearby, rich galaxy clusters (at z less than 0.4). 354 continuum sources are tabulated, with fluxes down to about 1.5 mJy, in an area of about 12 sq deg. Only about seven of the 354 radio sources are associated with known rich galaxy clusters at z greater than 0.4 (tabulated by Gunn, Hoessel, and Oke, 1986). Source positions are compared with those from an optical catalog and mild correlations on angular scales of order 1 arcmin are found. This suggests some association of radio sources with galaxy groups (sizes of order 200 kpc) at redshifts of order z = 0.1, even though there are no rich galaxy clusters in this redshift range.
The solubilities of lanthanum chloride 7-hydrate and lanthanum chloride 6-hydrate in water, and a study of the thermal decomposition of hydrated lanthanum chloride

Abstract Thermal decomposition of LaCl 3 7H 2 O results in the stepwise formation of LaCl 3 3H 2 O, LaCl 3 ·H 2 O, LaCl 3 and LaOCl. Under proper conditions either LaCl 3 6H 2 O or LaCl 3 7H 2 O may separate from aqueous solutions of lanthanum chloride. The solubilities of the 6- and 7-hydrates at various temperatures are given.
Variational problems and partial differential equations on implicit surfaces

A novel framework for solving variational problems and partial differential equations for scalar and vector-valued data defined on surfaces is introduced in this paper. The key idea is to implicitly represent the surface as the level set of a higher dimensional function and to solve the surface equations in a fixed Cartesian coordinate system using this new embedding function. The equations are then both intrinsic to the surface and defined in the embedding space. This approach thereby eliminates the need for performing complicated and inaccurate computations on triangulated surfaces, as is commonly done in the literature. We describe the framework and present examples in computer graphics and image processing applications, including texture synthesis, flow field visualization, and image and vector field intrinsic regularization for data defined on 3D surfaces.
A novel role of sphingosine kinase-1 in the invasion and angiogenesis of VHL mutant clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1), the enzyme responsible for sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) production, is overexpressed in many human solid tumors. However, its role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has not been described previously. ccRCC cases are usually associated with mutations in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) and subsequent normoxic stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). We previously showed that HIF-2α up-regulates SK1 expression during hypoxia in glioma cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that the stabilized HIF in ccRCC cells will be associated with increased SK1 expression. Here, we demonstrate that SK1 is overexpressed in 786-0 renal carcinoma cells lacking functional VHL, with concomitant high S1P levels that appear to be HIF-2α mediated. Moreover, examining the TCGA RNA seq database shows that SK1 expression was ∼2.7-fold higher in solid tumor tissue from ccRCC patients, and this was associated with less survival. Knockdown of SK1 in 786-0 ccRCC cells had no effect on cell proliferation. On the other hand, this knockdown resulted in an ∼3.5-fold decrease in invasion, less phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and an ∼2-fold decrease in angiogenesis. Moreover, S1P treatment of SK1 knockdown cells resulted in phosphorylation of FAK and invasion, and this was mediated by S1P receptor 2. These results suggest that higher SK1 and S1P levels in VHL-defective ccRCC could induce invasion in an autocrine manner and angiogenesis in a paracrine manner. Accordingly, targeting SK1 could reduce both the invasion and angiogenesis of ccRCC and therefore improve the survival rate of patients.
Reactivity and Structure of the 5-Dehydro-m-xylylene Anion

The electronic structure of dehydro-m-xylylene anion (DMX-) has been investigated by using chemical reactivity studies and electronic structure calculations. DMX- has been generated in the gas phase via the sequential reaction of trimethyl-3,5-bis(trimethylsilylmethyl)phenylsilane with F- and two molecules of F2. Reactivity and thermochemical properties of the ion indicate a phenyl-like anion (1a), consistent with theoretical predictions. Density functional calculations predict a nonplanar triplet anion, with an allenic singlet anion slightly higher in energy. The driving force for the out-of-plane distortion is more efficient charge delocalization that is achieved at lower symmetry.
Detection of vasoactive intestinal peptide and localization of its mRNA within granulomas of murine schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic disease resulting in the deposition of ova predominantly in the liver and intestines. These ova secrete antigens which induce host sensitization and evoke focal granulomas. The granulomas are intricate delayed-hypersensitivity reactions governed by numerous cellular and humoral interactions. They displace or destroy normal tissue. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is one of several neuropeptides which exert a broad range of biologic actions that may include modulation of immune responses. In this study, VIP was sought within liver granulomas isolated from Schistosoma mansoni-infected, CBA/J mice. Granuloma extracts contained appreciable amounts of immunoreactive VIP as detected by radioimmunoassay. Immunoreactive VIP was shown, by each of two chromatographic methods, to elute as a single peak coinciding with that of synthetic VIP. In situ hybridization was performed with an oligonucleotide probe complementary to a portion of the nucleotide sequence encoding VIP on preproVIP mRNA (antisense probe). Radiolabeled VIP probe adhered exclusively to granuloma eosinophils and to eosinophils within a peritonitis induced in normal mice by proteose peptone. Hybridization of radiolabeled VIP probe in the presence of unlabeled probe substantially attenuated binding. A sense probe failed to bind. These data suggest that the granulomas contain authentic VIP and that eosinophils express the gene for this molecule.
Oxygen incorporation in Mo/Ni multilayers

Abstract We describe the effects of oxygen incorporation on the structural and elastic properties of Mo/Ni multilayers. Auger depth profiling analyses of the multilayers show that the oxygen level in the nickel layers saturates at 7 at.% while that in the molybdenum layers steadily increases as the average oxygen incorporation in the multilayers is increased to 20 at.%. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that a structural transition from coherent superlattices to incoherent multilayers occurs at an average bilayer oxygen concentration of about 10–12 at.%. At oxygen concentrations above this level the structural analyses of the individual molybdenum and nickel layers indicate a continuous breakdown in the ordering of the molybdenum layers concurrent with an improvement in the structural order in the nickel. Surface acoustic wave velocity measurements demonstrate an elastic hardening with increasing oxygen incorporation that is consistent with the observed relaxation in the nickel layers and with previous work on the elastic properties of Mo/Ni multilayers.
Complexes of disubstituted benzene positional isomers with α-cyclodextrin

Abstract Stability constants for complex formation between α-cyclodextrin and some ortho-, meta -, and para -disubstituted benzenes were measured in aqueous solution at 25°C by potentiometry, spectrophotometry, competitive spectrophotometry, and solubility. All systems form 1:1 complexes, some para substrates form 1:2 complexes (one substrate to two cyclodextrins), but no meta substrates form 1:2 complexes. Ortho substrates form weak complexes. These observations are accounted for in terms of a binding site molecular model. On the average over many systems, K 11 ( para ) and K 11 ( meta ) are approximately equal. Major discrepancies (greater than a factor of two) are diagnostic of significantly different electronic or steric effects in the complexing abilities of the isomeric substrates.
Surprise After the Prize: Innate Immune Signaling Required for Pluripotency

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells—which can be made from differentiated cells such as fibroblasts—are big news, leading to this year’s Nobel prize for Yamanaka and Gurdon, who discovered that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent. The hope is that exposure of mature cells to four key transcriptional factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc), which reverses differentiation to yield stem cells, can produce cells needed for repair of damaged tissues—myocytes, neurons, or insulin-producing β cells, for example. Use of iPS cells would circumvent the ethical problems arising from fetus-derived embryonic stem cells and alleviate concerns about immune reactions because iPS cells could be derived from a patient’s own fibroblasts. Nevertheless, for translation into the clinic, major hurdles have to be overcome first, including efficient and safe delivery of the key factors. Lee and colleagues now report a surprising facilitator of reprogramming: signaling through Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), a serendipitous effect of the retrovirus carrying the reprogramming factors into the cell. So far, to switch mature cells to iPS cells, the factors have been overexpressed after delivery via a retroviral vector, a technology not ideal for clinical use as foreign DNA becomes integrated into the genome. While looking for alternatives, Lee et al. stumbled upon a previously unknown fact: The retrovirus is not just a delivery vehicle for the transcriptional factors. Rather, it also activates innate immune pathways, which turn out to be critical for cellular reprogramming. The authors show that signaling through TLR3 is a key step for reprogramming the cells, required for altering expression of epigenetic modifiers. TLR4 signaling reduces HDAC1, changing the methylation status of the promotors of Oct4 and Sox2 and leading to an open chromatin state for the pluripotency genes. Knockdown of TLR3 inhibited pluripotency gene expression and generation of iPS cells. When the authors replaced the retrovirus with a synthetic ligand of TLR3, polyinosinic polycytidylic acid, and provided the key factors as cell permeant proteins, iPS cells could be efficiently induced. These findings have implications beyond the generation of iPS with virus-free systems because they imply that innate immune signaling—and inflammation in general—alters the epigenetic state of cells, enhancing plasticity of TLR3-expressing cells in the presence of pathogens. J. Lee et al., Activation of innate immunity is required for efficient nuclear reprogramming. Cell 151 , 547–558. [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.cell.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867412011816
Colloidal dispersion stability of unilamellar DPPC vesicles in aqueous electrolyte solutions and comparisons to predictions of the DLVO theory.

Abstract The colloidal dispersion stability at 25 °C of aqueous dispersions of sonicated DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) vesicles was quantitatively evaluated from the Fuchs–Smoluchowski stability ratio W . Data of average particle size vs. time were obtained with dynamic light scattering measurements. Dispersions in water, 1, 10, or 150 mM aqueous sodium chloride, and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solutions were tested. The W -values ranged from about 8 × 10 6 to 6 × 10 8 . The dispersed particles had small but significant zeta-potentials ζ , implying that the vesicles had some significant charge due to preferential adsorption of negative hydroxyl ions over hydronium ions in water, and chloride ions over sodium ions in the electrolyte solutions. Hence, there was some contribution of the double-layer electrostatic forces to the dispersion stability. The initial values of ζ ranged from −30 to 8 mV. The vesicle non-retarded Hamaker constants were estimated from the published values of the Hamaker constants of DPPC and water in vacuum, and they varied with the vesicle size. A new dimensionless model of the DLVO theory for spherical particles was formulated, focusing on the conditions for the existence of a positive interaction potential energy maximum, Φ max , which is linked to W . The dimensionless number N , which is defined as the ratio of the electric double layer energy to the Hamaker constant A , was found to be the key determinant of Φ max and W . DLVO calculations of Φ max , and W with error analysis show that the charged DPPC vesicles tested are quite more stable than predicted. This discrepancy highlights some significant weaknesses in the premises and approximations of the DLVO theory, and the need for improved theories, possibly considering other repulsive forces.
Butyrylcholinesterase for protection from organophosphorus poisons; catalytic complexities and hysteretic behavior

Butyrylcholinesterase is a promiscuous enzyme that displays complex kinetic behavior. It is toxicologically important because it detoxifies organophosphorus poisons (OP) by making a covalent bond with the OP. The OP and the butyrylcholinesterase are both inactivated in the process. Inactivation of butyrylcholinesterase has no adverse effects. However, inactivation of acetylcholinesterase in nerve synapses can be lethal. OP-inhibited butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase can be reactivated with oximes provided the OP has not aged. Strategies for preventing the toxicity of OP include (a) treatment with an OP scavenger, (b) reaction of non-aged enzyme with oximes, (c) reactivation of aged enzyme, (d) slowing down aging with peripheral site ligands, and (e) design of mutants that rapidly hydrolyze OP. Option (a) has progressed through phase I clinical trials with human butyrylcholinesterase. Option (b) is in routine clinical use. The others are at the basic research level. Butyrylcholinesterase displays complex kinetic behavior including activation by positively charged esters, ability to hydrolyze amides, and a lag time (hysteresis) preceding hydrolysis of benzoylcholine and N-methylindoxyl acetate. Mass spectrometry has identified new OP binding motifs on tyrosine and lysine in proteins that have no active site serine. It is proposed, but not yet proven, that low dose exposure involves OP modification of proteins that have no active site serine.
Gastrostomy Tube Placement by Endoscopy Versus Radiologic Methods in Patients with ALS: A Retrospective Review of Complications and Outcome (P01.101)

Objective: To better define the best method of gastrostomy (G) tube placement for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Background Weight loss and nutritional status are prognostic factors for survival during the course of ALS. Ultimately, a G-tube is often needed to deliver nutrition. G-tube placement can be performed by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or radiologically inserted gastrostomy (RIG) procedures. Further, RIG can be performed as internal-external pull-type (pull-type-RIG) or external-internal (push-type-RIG) methods. Safe G-tube placement must overcome specific challenges in the ALS population. Most ALS patients in need of G-tubes have concomitant respiratory failure. Aspiration, post-operative pneumonia, and peri-procedure respiratory failure are important concerns for ALS patients that undergo surgical procedures that necessitate sedative medications and anesthetic agents. The best method for G-tube placement has not been well defined in this population. Design/Methods: Retrospective cohort study of ALS patients that underwent G-tube placement by PEG or RIG. Results: Statistical analysis was performed on consecutive ALS patients that underwent G-tube placement by PEG and RIG. 50 patients were analyzed in each group. The two methods were compared with respect to peri-interventional aspects and clinical results. Parameters assessed included procedure success rate, peri- and post-procedural complications, length of hospital stay, 6-month mortality, and pain. Age, FVC, and ALSFRS were assessed in separate analysis to determine their impact on the success and complication rate of both procedure types. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare these parameters in the pull-type-RIG and push-type-RIG groups. Conclusions: Procedural related complications, including aspiration and post-operative pneumonia, are more common in ALS patients that undergo G-tube placement by the PEG method. RIG is a safer and more efficacious alternative in patients with ALS. We speculate that the limited use of general anesthesia and sedation during the RIG procedure accounts for the superior outcome in the RIG population. Disclosure: Dr. Allen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hall has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wallery has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ajroud-Driss has nothing to disclose. Dr. Armstrong has nothing to disclose. Dr. McManus has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cook has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sufit has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chrisman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wolfe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Siddique has nothing to disclose.
Visual and song nuclei correlate with courtship skills in brown-headed cowbirds

We assessed courtship success in 14 adult male brown-headed cowbirds, Molothrus ater. Volumes of song control nuclei and visual nuclei were measured in Nissl stained tissue. Variation in courtship success was found to be related to variation in two areas of the avian brain: the song control nucleus, area X, and the thalamic visual area, nucleus rotundus. Volume of area X was negatively correlated with song potency, as assessed by female playback, and with rate of vocalizing. Volume of nucleus rotundus was positively correlated with song potency, vocalizing to females and courtship persistence. These data are the first to implicate a visual nucleus in the use of song. The data also complement previous findings with cowbirds suggesting that song learning involves visual attention to females. Taken as a whole, these results suggest that use of song depends on integration of auditory, vocal and visual information. In that female songbirds in many species assess multimodal performance of song, these findings with cowbirds suggest that future studies of brain and behaviour include a broader view of possible behavioural and neural correlates. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Investigation of the percentage of prescribed enteral nutrition actually delivered to hospitalized companion animals

Objective: To investigate the percentage of prescribed enteral nutrition that is actually delivered; the percentage of goal feeds [defined in terms of the animal's estimated resting energy requirement (RER)] that are delivered; and the reasons animals are under or overfed in a small animal teaching hospital. Design: Prospective investigation. Setting: Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Animals: All dogs and cats that received tube feeding while admitted to the Ryan Veterinary Hospital during the months of August–December 2003. Interventions: The medical record for each animal was reviewed to determine the feeding prescription, the amount of tube feeds actually delivered, and any reasons why the amount delivered differed from the amount prescribed. The amount prescribed was also compared with the animal's goal feeds which were defined for a patient as 50% RER/day on the first day of feeding and 100% RER/day for the remaining days of hospitalization. Main results: Twenty-five animals (23 cats and 2 dogs) were enrolled in the study. Animals received a median of 91% (range: 68–100%) of their prescribed feeds/day and a median of 90% (range: 36–133%) of goal feeds/day. Nausea or vomiting and conflict with other treatments were the most common recorded reasons for incomplete feeds. Conclusions: Both prescribed and goal feeds were delivered to the animals in this investigation with a good rate of success. Consultation with the Nutrition Support Service improved the likelihood that prescribed feeds would meet the animal's estimated RER.
Pulmonary artery sling

Pulmonary artery "sling" indicates the vascular anomaly wherein the left pulmonary artery arises from the right pulmonary artery and traverses between the esophagus and trachea to enter the left lung. Respiratory symptoms may result from compression of the trachea and right mainstem bronchus by the anomalous vessel as well as by associated tracheobronchial defects. Six cases are described. The distinctive radiologic features include anterior indentation of the barium esophagogram and a characteristic pulmonary angiogram. Surgery is the usual recommended treatment for life-threatening airway obstruction, but results are often poor. In patients with less severe symptoms the physician's approach may be modified by the presence of associated intracardiac defects and intrinsic airway disease.
Favorable outcomes with in situ techniques for surgical repair of complex renal artery aneurysms

Objective The optimal method of operative management of complex branch renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) remains unclear, with recent reports predominantly espousing endovascular and ex vivo repair. We sought to determine the long-term outcome of RAA repair performed with autogenous in situ techniques. Methods This was a cohort study of patients undergoing surgical repair of RAAs identified from our prospective vascular division registry (1984-2009). Results Twenty-six RAAs were repaired in 24 patients (17 women, 7 men; mean age, 52 ± 16 years). Mean size was 2.3 ± 0.7 cm (range, 0.7-4.0 cm). Twenty RAAs were repaired based on size and six for hypertension alone. Multiple RAAs were present in 13 patients (54%). Associated conditions included hypertension in 24 (100%), fibromuscular dysplasia in 6 (25%), coexistent renal artery stenosis in 6 (25%), and aortic aneurysm in 3 (12.5%). Reconstruction of first- or second-order branches was required in 25 RAAs (96%). In situ techniques were used in 22 repairs and included resection combined with autogenous vein bypass and interposition in 11, primary anastomosis to conjoined outflow vessels in 3, and aortic reimplantation in 2. Aneurysmorrhaphy was combined with vein patch angioplasty in 6, exclusion in 2, tailored primary closure in 1, and autogenous bypass in 1. Four patients underwent ex vivo reconstruction. Perioperative mortality was 0% and morbidity was 11.5%, including one nephrectomy during ex vivo repair for immediate thrombosis. Renal function was preserved (preoperative creatinine, 0.94 ± 0.3 vs postoperative creatinine 1.06 ± 0.4 mg/dL; P = .11). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) control improved after operation: preoperative SBP 142 ± 18 vs postoperative SBP 130 ± 15 mm Hg (P = .007) and preoperative DBP 86 ± 14 vs postoperative DBP 78 ± 10 mm Hg (P = .01). Long-term patency was evaluated in 18 reconstructions (69%) by duplex imaging or contrast radiography at an average long-term follow-up of 99 months (range, 1-300 months) and was 94%. Five-year freedom from rupture and survival by the Kaplan-Meier method was 100%. Conclusion In situ techniques allow repair of complex RAAs involving branch vessels with minimal morbidity, improved blood pressure control, and maintenance of renal function. This operative approach further provides excellent long-term patency and survival in this relatively young patient population.
A unified model-based fault diagnosis scheme for non-linear discrete-time systems with additive and multiplicative faults

In this paper, a unified model-based fault diagnosis (MFD) scheme that deals with both multiplicative actuator and additive system faults is designed. For a class of uncertain non-linear discrete-t...
Immunopathologic studies of cutaneous lupus erythematosus

The studies, as outlined above, strongly suggest that there may be several pathophysiologic mechanisms resulting in the development of cutaneous lupus lesions. It appears that all lupus lesions are associated predominantly with a T-cell infiltrate. Based upon the studies of the neonatal lupus infants, it has been hypothesized that the U1RNP and Ro(SS-A) autoantibodies of maternal origin play a direct pathologic role in the genesis of the annular polycyclic SCLE lesions and this may be mediated by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mechanisms in which the antibody binds to the respective antigen present on the keratinocyte plasma membrane and the effector cells are T cells derived from the infants. Other studies, using direct immunofluorescence techniques, have demonstrated an association of cutaneous lupus lesions occurring in the presence of immunoglobulin and complement at the dermal/epidermal junction (positive lupus band test) in which the neoantigen of the complement membrane attack complex (C5b-C9) is detected. These data have been interpreted as indicating that immunoglobulin and complement, perhaps in the form of immune complexes, may play a role in the pathogenesis of some cutaneous lupus lesions. Additional studies have determined that there is a substantial number of lupus patients with cutaneous disease, without antinuclear antibodies, who fail to demonstrate the deposition of immunoglobulin and complement at the dermal/epidermal junction. Furthermore, other studies have indicated that ultraviolet light is capable of inducing lesions in lupus patients that histologically are identical to those of cutaneous lupus erythematosus but that failed to demonstrate the deposition of the immunoglobulin and complement components. Since discoid lupus lesions demonstrate a preponderance of T cells, it has been proposed that some of these lesions are the direct result of a T-cell cytotoxic event. However, the nature of the autoantigens responsible for this putative T cell-mediated cytotoxic response is unknown at the present time. The role of ultraviolet light in the genesis of the cutaneous lupus lesions appears to involve, within the epidermis, the generation of autoantigen macromolecules which then react with autoantibodies or specific T cells of the lupus host.
Electroporation-mediated gene transfer in free-swimming embryonic Xenopus laevis

Xenopus laevis are a rich resource for vertebrate embryology and cell biology. Transplantation and transgenesis have provided much information about the developmental mechanisms of embryogenesis and molecule function, however existing methods have faced limitations regarding either the precise localization of gene expression or flexibility in the timing of gene transfer. Here we have found that electroporation of tailbud (stage 29/30) embryos is a rapid and efficient method of combining cell-specific expression with variation in temporal delivery. At the low voltages required for electroporation, embryos resumed normal swimming behavior and development. We conclude that electroporation has wide experimental application to Xenopus developmental and cell biology.
Cauchy Functions for Dynamic Equations on a Measure Chain

Abstract We consider the nth-order linear dynamic equation Px(t) = ∑i = 0npi(t)x(σi(t)) = 0, where pi(t), 0 ≤ i ≤ n, are real-valued functions defined on T . We define the Cauchy function K(t, s) for this dynamic equation, and then we prove a variation of constants formula. One of our main concerns is to see how the Cauchy function for an equation is related to the Cauchy functions for the factored parts of the operator P. Finally we consider the equation Px(t) = ∑i = 0npix(σi(t)) = 0, where each of the pi's is a constant, and obtain a formula for the Cauchy function. For our main results we only consider the time scale T such that every point in T is isolated.
Excitation Versus Emission Spectra as a Means to Examine Selective Fluorescence Quenching Agents

To ascertain whether fluorescence quenching is best studied with the use of excitation or emission spectra, and to expand our existing PAH spectral data file, we have recorded excitation spectra of benzo[b]perylene, dibenzo[hi,wx]heptacene, tetrabenzo[de,hi,mn,qr]naphthacene, perylene, benzo[a]fluoranthene, benzo[def]indeno[1,2,3hi]chrysene, naphtho[2,1a]fluoranthene, naphtho[2,3b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, 2-azapyrene, naphtho[8,1,2hij]pyreno[9,10,1def]phthalazine, indeno[1,-2,3ij]isoquinoline, benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline, and 7-methyldibenzo[b,def]chrysene at various nitromethane concentrations. Results of these measurements verify our earlier observations concerning the nitromethane selective quenching rule and further illustrate the importance of considering inner-filtering artifacts in quenching studies.
Competition–defense tradeoffs and the maintenance of plant diversity

Ecologists have long observed that consumers can maintain species diversity in communities of their prey. Many theories of how consumers mediate diversity invoke a tradeoff between species’ competitive ability and their ability to withstand predation. Under this constraint, the best competitors are also most susceptible to consumers, preventing them from excluding other species. However, empirical evidence for competition–defense tradeoffs is limited and, as such, the mechanisms by which consumers regulate diversity remain uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis of 36 studies to evaluate the prevalence of the competition–defense tradeoff and its role in maintaining diversity in plant communities. We quantified species’ responses to experimental resource addition and consumer removal as estimates of competitive ability and resistance to consumers, respectively. With this analysis, we found mixed empirical evidence for a competition–defense tradeoff; in fact, competitive ability tended to be weakly positively correlated with defense overall. However, when present, negative relationships between competitive ability and defense influenced species diversity in the manner predicted by theory. In the minority of communities for which a tradeoff was detected, species evenness was higher, and resource addition and consumer removal reduced diversity. Our analysis reframes the commonly held notion that consumers structure plant communities through a competition–defense tradeoff. Such a tradeoff can maintain diversity when present, but negative correlations between competitive ability and defense were less common than is often assumed. In this respect, this study supports an emerging theoretical paradigm in which predation interacts with competition to both enhance and reduce species diversity.
Tolerance analysis of packaging for free-space optical interconnects

A bi-directional free-space holographically interconnected crosspoint switch and FFT processor are under development at the Optoelectronic Computing Systems Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Both systems include two sets of optoelectronic modules which communicate with each other using free-space interconnects. The size of the detector array and the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array on each module is 8 by 8. The packaging of such system is critical for the proper operation of the systems. The overview of the systems and the techniques used for fabrication are provided. A model f the tolerance analysis of the system is presented, in which the misalignments of the VCSEL array, microlens array, hologram array, Fourier lens, and the detector array are taken into account. The fabrication tolerances for each component required for correct system operation is given. Statistical analysis based on Monte Carlo simulation for the detection efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio is calculated given misalignment distribution of 17 misalignments of the components of the system. The methods used for the alignment of the system are discussed.
Galectin-1 and Immune Suppression during Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy induces galectin-1 (Gal-1) secretion by tumors, which induces CD8 + T-cell apoptosis and lymphopenia. These effects are substantially decreased by Gal-1 shRNA. Inhibition of Gal-1 may be an effective strategy for overcoming radiation-induced lymphopenia, which may improve clinical outcomes. Clin Cancer Res; 20(24); 6230–2. ©2014 AACR .
Genetic dissection and prognostic modeling of overt stroke in sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a paradigmatic single gene disorder caused by homozygosity with respect to a unique mutation at the β-globin locus. SCA is phenotypically complex, with different clinical courses ranging from early childhood mortality to a virtually unrecognized condition. Overt stroke is a severe complication affecting 6–8% of individuals with SCA. Modifier genes might interact to determine the susceptibility to stroke, but such genes have not yet been identified. Using Bayesian networks, we analyzed 108 SNPs in 39 candidate genes in 1,398 individuals with SCA. We found that 31 SNPs in 12 genes interact with fetal hemoglobin to modulate the risk of stroke. This network of interactions includes three genes in the TGF-β pathway and SELP, which is associated with stroke in the general population. We validated this model in a different population by predicting the occurrence of stroke in 114 individuals with 98.2% accuracy.
Enzymatic synthesis of (R) and (S) 1-deuterohexanol

This paper describes practical enzymatic procedures for the synthesis of (R) and (S) 1-deuterohexanol, a useful building block for chiral poly isocyanated liquid crystals. Alcohol dehydrogenases from horse liver andPseudomonas catalyzed the reduction of hexanal with deuterated NAD (NADD) resulting in 50% and 89% yields of (R) and (S) 1-deuterohexanol, respectively. The deuterated cofactor was regeneratedin situ by alcohol dehydrogenase catalyzed oxidation of ethanol-d6 or 2-propanol-d8. The (S) alcohol was also synthesized by the horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase reduction of 1-deuterohexanal, which was prepared chemically from hexanal. The yields of the reaction were greatly increased by the use of a biphasic system or with the immobilized enzyme in anhydrous organic solvents. Horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase was stabilized by immobilization on PAN or noncovalent entrapment on XAD resin.
Parallel cluster algorithms

Abstract Cluster update algorithms dramatically reduce critical slowing down in spin models, but unlike the standard Metropolis algorithm, it is not obvious how to implement these algorithms efficiently on parallel or vector computers. Here we present two different parallel implementations of the Swendsen-Wang algorithm which give reasonable efficiencies on various MIMD parallel computers.
Disadvantaged Consumers: An Ethical Approach to Consumption by the Poor

This essay presents my research stream on impoverished citizens as it relates to transdisciplinary work at the intersection of consumer behavior, applied ethics, public policy, and marketing practice. The original studies that inform this discussion were conducted using ethnographic methods with subpopulations that included the homeless, rural poor, children living in poverty, and aborigines isolated in the Australian outback. The opening section frames my work within the context of the larger marketing domain. The next section describes dysfunctional business activities that reduce the consumer quality of life of disadvantaged citizens. Their reactions to this maltreatment then are presented, with an emphasis on the various groups noted. The essay closes with a brief discourse on restricted consumer behavior in business ethics research.