cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The MtrD protein of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a member of the resistance/nodulation/division protein family constituting part of an efflux system

Summary: The mtr (multiple transferable resistance) system of Neisseria gonorrhoeae mediates resistance of gonococci to structurally diverse hydrophobic agents (HAs) through an energy-dependent efflux process. Recently, complete or partial ORFs that encode membrane proteins (MtrC, MtrD, MtrE) forming an efflux pump responsible for removal of HAs from gonococci were identified and appeared to constitute a single transcriptional unit. In this study, the complete nucleotide sequence of the mtrD gene was determined, permitting the characterization of the MtrD protein. The full-length MtrD protein has a predicted molecular mass of nearly 114 kDa, putatively containing a 56 amino acid signal peptide. MtrD displays significant amino acid sequence similarity to a family of cytoplasmic, membrane proteins, termed resistance/nodulation/division (RND) proteins, which function as energy-dependent transporters of antibacterial agents and secrete bacterial products to the extracellular fluid. The predicted topology of the MtrD transporter protein revealed 12 potential membrane-spanning domains, which were clustered within the central and C-terminal regions of the primary sequence. Loss of MtrD due to insertional inactivation of the mtrD gene rendered gonococci hypersusceptible to several structurally diverse HAs, including two fatty acids (capric acid and palmitic acid) and a bile salt (cholic acid), but not hydrophilic antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and streptomycin. Since gonococci often infect mucosal sites rich in toxic fatty acids and bile salts, the expression of the mtr efflux system may promote growth of gonococci under hostile conditions encountered in vivo.
Gas separation membranes: needs for combined materials science and processing approaches

Huge markets would exist for high volume gas separation membranes if more robust and higher selectivity membranes were economically available. Many of these markets include totally new paradigms, such as fuel cell driven vehicles and membrane reactors for hydrocarbon production. Other markets involve displacing entrenched large scale separations processes with more advanced versions of first generation conventional membranes. Existing materials and formation processes cannot exploit most of these opportunities, so basic research is needed. This research must occur with an awareness that competition to displace highly optimized conventional technologies such as absorption, cryogenic distillation and adsorption must consider economic as well as technical efficacy. Next generation membrane processes should, therefore, maintain attractive economics associated with current polymer-based membranes, while greatly extending performance properties. Several contender strategies based largely on polymers and specialized polymer processing approaches for achieving this ambitious goal will be considered in more detail.
Real-time rotational ICE imaging of the relationship of the ablation catheter tip and the esophagus during atrial fibrillation ablation

Introduction: Atrioesophageal fistula is a rare complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation that should be avoided. We investigated whether rotational intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can help to minimize ablation close to the esophagus. Methods and Results: We studied 41 patients referred for catheter ablation of refractory AF. A rotational ICE catheter was inserted into the (LA) to determine the location of the esophagus. The esophagus was identified to be either adjacent to the pulmonary vein (PV) ostium or to a cuff 2 cm outside the ostium. Circumferential ablation was performed at the PV ostium, with the exact ablation location determined by ICE. The relationship of the catheter tip to the esophagus was imaged during energy delivery, allowing interruption when respiration moved the tip closer to the esophagus. Out of 41 patients, the esophagus was seen near left-sided PVs in 32 and near right-sided PVs in three patients. The median distance from LA endocardium to esophagus was 2.2 mm (range, 1.4–6 mm). In 21 of 35 patients with a closely related esophagus, ablation over the esophagus was avoided by ablating either lateral or medial to the esophagus. In 14 patients, the esophagus could not be avoided, and risk was minimized by limiting lesion size. Significant movement (>10 mm) of the esophagus during the procedure occurred in 3/41 cases. Conclusion: Rotational ICE can accurately determine the distance of ablation sites from the esophagus. Real-time imaging of the relationship of the ablation catheter tip to the esophagus may reduce the incidence of esophageal injury.
Plantwide Fault Isolation Using Nonlinear Feedback Control

Accurate detection and isolation of faults is a critical component of a reliable and efficient plantwide fault-tolerant control system. In a recent work (Ohran et al. AlChE J. 2008, 54, 223), we demonstrated that using a nonlinear controller to enforce a specific structure in the closed-loop system allows data-based detection and isolation of certain faults that would otherwise not be isolable using data-based techniques that do not impose the necessary closed-loop system structure. In this work, it is demonstrated through a multiunit chemical process example how this approach can be applied in a plantwide setting. By using nonlinear, model-based control laws to decouple certain states from faults of interest, unique fault responses in the state trajectories are obtained in the closed-loop system. On the basis of the unique responses, fault isolation becomes possible using data-based statistical process monitoring methods. The effectiveness of the method was tested through an extensive Monte Carlo simulation study of 500 runs for each of four fault scenarios and through comparison with a conventional (proportional-integral) feedback control law.
Changing pattern of esophageal cancer incidence in New Mexico

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Multiple reports indicate that esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence has increased during the past 20 yr, especially in non-Hispanic white men. We retrospectively reviewed adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cases in our heterogeneous state population to determine the effect of ethnicity on histology. METHODS: We searched the New Mexico Tumor Registry for all cases of esophageal cancer from 1973 to 1997. Inclusion criteria included histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, self- reported ethnicity, and gender. Age-adjusted incidence rates for both adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma were compared among ethnic groups in 5-yr intervals. RESULTS: Six hundred fifteen patients met inclusion criteria. Esophageal adenocarcinoma age-adjusted incidence rates/100,000 increased significantly during the 25-yr period: 1973–1977, 0.25 cases; 1978–1982, 0.33 cases; 1983–1987, 0.45 cases; 1988–1992, 0.85 cases; and 1993–1997, 1.19 cases; p CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal adenocarcinoma age-adjusted incidence increased in New Mexico from 1973 to 1997. This increase was found in non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics and became predominant in non-Hispanic whites. Squamous cell carcinoma remains the primary type in minorities. This study suggests that ethnicity may influence esophageal cancer histology or ethnic background may place an individual at increased risk for certain types of esophageal cancer.
Reproductive bionomics of the soft tick, Ornithodoros turicata (Acari: Argasidae)

The effects of different temperatures and relative humidities (RHs) were tested on various reproductive parameters of Ornithodoros turicata, an argasid tick that inhabits gopher tortoise burrows in Florida, USA. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and incubation periods of the ticks decreased as temperature increased. These periods were also affected by the RH. The number of eggs oviposited was affected significantly by the combined effect of temperature and RH. Fewer eggs were laid by ticks in the 24°C regimes and the 27°C/95%RH regime compared to those in the other temperature/RH groups. There was an inverse relationship between the number of eggs oviposited and the percentage of hatched larvae that was correlated with the temperature and RH. Ticks reared at 27°C/90%RH and 30°C/90%RH laid more eggs than those reared in the other combinations of temperature and humidity but fewer larvae hatched from these eggs. The reproductive fitness index (RFI) values were highest in females held in the 24°C groups and the 30°C/95%RH group, although significantly more larvae hatched at the lower temperatures. The optimum reproductive conditions for O. turicata under laboratory conditions appear to be 24°C and 90–95%RH. While mating occurred at all temperatures, none of the females laid eggs at 22°C. The ticks may move preferentially to low temperatures when not feeding to remain above the critical equilibrium humidity and/or below the critical metabolic level necessary for prolonged survival. However, most female ticks oviposited after 45 days when moved to 27°C/95%RH. Ornithodoros turicata females may have a limited capability to delay oviposition until an optimal microenvironment for egg deposition can be located in the burrow.
Pathogenesis of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: some answers, more questions

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) has long been recognized as unique among childhood arthritides, because of its distinctive clinical and epidemiological features, including an association with macrophage activation syndrome. Here, we summarize research into sJIA pathogenesis. The triggers of disease are unknown, although infections are suspects. Once initiated, sJIA seems to be driven by innate proinflammatory cytokines. Endogenous Toll-like receptor ligands, including S100 proteins, probably synergize with cytokines to perpetuate inflammation. These and other findings support the hypothesis that sJIA is an autoinflammatory condition. Indeed, IL-1 is implicated as a pivotal cytokine, but the source of excess IL-1 activity remains obscure and the role of IL-1 in chronic arthritis is less clear. Another hypothesis is that a form of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis underlies sJIA, with varying degrees of its expression across the spectrum of disease. Alternatively, sJIA with MAS might be a genetically distinct subtype. Yet another hypothesis proposes that inadequate downregulation of immune activation is central to sJIA, supporting evidence for which includes 'alternative activation' of monocyte and macrophages and possible deficiencies in IL-10 and T regulatory cells. Some altered immune phenotypes persist during clinically inactive disease, which suggests that this stage might represent compensated inflammation. Despite much progress being made, many questions remain, providing fertile ground for future research.
Bacterial phylogeny structures soil resistomes across habitats

Ancient and diverse antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have previously been identified from soil, including genes identical to those in human pathogens. Despite the apparent overlap between soil and clinical resistomes, factors influencing ARG composition in soil and their movement between genomes and habitats remain largely unknown. General metagenome functions often correlate with the underlying structure of bacterial communities. However, ARGs are proposed to be highly mobile, prompting speculation that resistomes may not correlate with phylogenetic signatures or ecological divisions. To investigate these relationships, we performed functional metagenomic selections for resistance to 18 antibiotics from 18 agricultural and grassland soils. The 2,895 ARGs we discovered were mostly new, and represent all major resistance mechanisms. We demonstrate that distinct soil types harbour distinct resistomes, and that the addition of nitrogen fertilizer strongly influenced soil ARG content. Resistome composition also correlated with microbial phylogenetic and taxonomic structure, both across and within soil types. Consistent with this strong correlation, mobility elements (genes responsible for horizontal gene transfer between bacteria such as transposases and integrases) syntenic with ARGs were rare in soil by comparison with sequenced pathogens, suggesting that ARGs may not transfer between soil bacteria as readily as is observed between human pathogens. Together, our results indicate that bacterial community composition is the primary determinant of soil ARG content, challenging previous hypotheses that horizontal gene transfer effectively decouples resistomes from phylogeny.
Losing stability: tail loss and jumping in the arboreal lizard Anolis carolinensis

Voluntary loss of an appendage, or autotomy, is a remarkable behavior that is widespread among many arthropods and lower vertebrates. Its immediate benefit, generally escape from a predator, is balanced by various costs, including impaired locomotor performance, reproductive success and long-term survival. Among vertebrates, autotomy is most widespread in lizards, in which tail loss has been documented in close to 100 species. Despite numerous studies of the potential costs of tail autotomy in lizards, none have focused on the importance of the tail in jumping. Using high-speed video we recorded jumps from six lizards (Anolis carolinensis) both before and after removing 80% of the tail to test the hypothesis that tail loss has a significant effect on jumping kinematics. Several key performance metrics, including jump distance and takeoff velocity, were not affected by experimental tail removal, averaging 21 cm and 124 cm s(-1), respectively, in both tailed and tailless lizards. However, in-air stability during jumping was greatly compromised after tail removal. Lizards without tails rotated posteriorly more than 30 deg., on average, between takeoff and landing (and sometimes more than 90 deg.) compared with an average of 5 deg. of rotation in lizards with intact tails. Such exaggerated posterior rotation prevents coordinated landing, which is critical for animals that spend much of their time jumping to and from small branches. This work augments recent experiments demonstrating the importance of the tail as a mid-air stabilizer during falling in geckos, and emphasizes new and severe functional costs associated with tail autotomy in arboreal lizards.
Th/Ex, agreement, and case in expletive sentences

Recent accounts of existential sentences (ES) within the government-and-binding/Minimalist Program tradition (Chomsky 2000, 2001; Deal 2009) claim that nominative Case valuation and ϕ-agreement take place in ES (directly or indirectly) between T and the associate DP, essentially the same as between T and “subject” in non-ES. However, the surface facts of Case and ϕ-agreement in ES run contrary to such claims (e.g., There is only me in that picture/*There am only I in that picture; There is/?*are a boy and a girl at the door). Furthermore, such accounts leave unexplained the short-movement phenomenon (including Milsark's [1974] “Leftmost be Condition”) found in ES (e.g., There is someone being arrested/* There is being someone arrested or There is a train arriving/*There is arriving a train). Following claims of Richards & Biberauer (2005) and Deal (2009) that merger of there in ES is low, I explore the possibility that “short movement” in ES, as well as the ban on multiple instances of there, is accounted for via Extended Projection Principle features of the relevant verbalizing functional heads that are articulated into their Agree and Merge components. Furthermore, an analysis of Case and ϕ-agreement is presented that accounts directly for the broad range of ϕ-agreement forms (including “frozen” forms and first-conjunct agreement), the necessarily accusative Case form of pronominal associates allowable ES, and the ban on ϕ-agreement with pronominal associates in ES.
Sorption and desorption of perchlorate and U(VI) by strong-base anion-exchange resins.

This study investigated the sorption affinity and capacity of six strong-base anion-exchange (SBA) resins for both uranium [U(VI)] and perchlorate (ClO4-) in simulated groundwater containing varying concentrations of sulfate (SO42-). Additionally, desorption of U(VI) from spent resins was studied to separate U(VI) from resins with sorbed ClO4- for waste segregation and minimization. Results indicate that all SBA resins investigated in this study strongly sorb U(VI). The gel-type polyacrylic resin (Purolite A850) showed the highest sorption affinity and capacity for U(VI) but was the least effective in sorbing ClO4-. The presence of SO42- had little impact on the sorption of U(VI) but significantly affected the sorption of ClO4-, particularly on monofunctional SBA resins. A dilute acid wash was found to be effective in desorbing U(VI) but ineffective in desorbing ClO4- from bifunctional resins (Purolite A530E and WBR109). A single wash removed ∼75% of sorbed U(VI) but only ∼0.1% of sorbed ClO4- from the bi...
Basal cell carcinoma covering 4% of total body surface area

This article documents an extensive basal cell carcinoma, perhaps the largest reported yet in the literature, and describes aspects of the host-tumor relationship observed in this patient.
Estrogen regulation of superoxide dismutase in normal rat mammary tissues and mammary tumors.

Abstract Multiple electrophoretic molecular variants of superoxide dismutase were demonstrated in normal rat mammary tissues and DMBA-induced rat mammary tumors. The specific activities of Cu Zu superoxide dismutase in mammary tumors of estrogen-treated rats were not significantly different from those activities seen in normal rat mammary tissues. However, the enzyme activities of mammary tumors from untreated rats (no estrogen) were significantly lower than the activities of normal rat mammary tissues. Exogenous estrogen appeared to raise superoxide dismutase levels in DMBA-induced rat mammary tumors to those levels seen in normal rat mammary tissues.
Oil Spills Abatement: Factors Affecting Oil Uptake by Cellulosic Fibers

Wood-derived cellulosic fibers prepared in different ways were successfully employed to absorb simulated crude oil, demonstrating their possible use as absorbents in the case of oil spills. When dry fibers were used, the highest sorption capacity (six parts of oil per unit mass of fiber) was shown by bleached softwood kraft fibers, compared to hardwood bleached kraft and softwood chemithermomechanical pulp(CTMP) fibers. Increased refining of CTMP fibers decreased their oil uptake capacity. When the fibers were soaked in water before exposure to the oil, the ability of the unmodified kraft fibers to sorb oil was markedly reduced, whereas the wet CTMP fibers were generally more effective than the wet kraft fibers. Predeposition of lignin onto the surfaces of the bleached kraft fibers improved their ability to take up oil when wet. Superior ability to sorb oil in the wet state was achieved by pretreating the kraft fibers with a hydrophobic sizing agent, alkenylsuccinic anhydride (ASA). Contact angle tests on a model cellulose surface showed that some of the sorption results onto wetted fibers could be attributed to the more hydrophobic nature of the fibers after treatment with either lignin or ASA.
Congenital Defect of the Pericardium

A 20-year-old woman with partial absence of the parietal pericardium is described. Radiologically, there was unusual prominence of the pulmonary are segment and the entire heart appeared to be shifted to the left. The electrocardiogram showed abnormal right axis deviation and suggested right ventricular hypertrophy. Right heart catheterization showed no evidence of pulmonary hypertension. Following the induction of left pneumothorax, air appeared in the right pleural space and in the pericardial space. A diagnosis of partial absence of the parietal pericardium was made. The recognition of this disorder is of importance because pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary valve stenosis with post-stenotic dilation of the pulmonary artery may be simulated, both radiologically and electrocardiographically.
Tilted exposure microsphere nanolithography for high-throughput and mask-less fabrication of plasmonic molecules

Fabrication of nanostructures for applications such as plasmonics and metamaterials are typically accompanied by a slow production and limited area due to the required sub-micron feature sizes. In these applications, periodic array of metal/dielectric features can produce optical resonance responses such as optical field enhancement response, Fano response, chiral response, and negative refractive index. Here, we propose a mask-less photolithography technique that can produce a variety of periodic nanostructure clusters. The method is based on microsphere nanolithography, which focuses UV field into the so-called photonic jet which is a propagative intensive field underneath the sphere. The position of photonic jet can be moved by changing the angle of exposure. The method introduces a controllable scheme to realize nano-gap size by controlling the angle of exposure. The feature sizes generated by this method are about one third of exposure wavelength. The method is compatible with highthroughput nano-manufacturing schemes, such as roll-to-roll production. Here we present some examples to demonstrate the capabilities of this method in producing an array of complex plasmonic molecules over a large area. The periodicity of array and element’s diameter can be tuned by microsphere size and exposure/developing time, respectively. Tilted exposure lithography inherently is self-aligned and readily extendible to deep UV lithography due to absent of mask and optical elements. FDTD simulation agrees well with our experimental results, and suggests that much smaller feature sizes can be achieved at shorter wavelengths.
A Self-assembled Fluoride-Water Cyclic Cluster of [F(H2O)]44− in a Molecular Box

We present an unprecedented fluoride–water cyclic cluster of [F(H2O)]44– assembled in a cuboid molecular box formed by two large macrocycles. Structural characterization reveals that [F(H2O)]44– is assembled by strong H-bonding interactions [OH···F = 2.684(3)–2.724(3) A], where a fluoride anion plays the topological role of a water molecule in the classical cyclic water octamer. The interaction of fluoride was further confirmed by 19F NMR and 1H NMR spectroscopies, indicating the encapsulation of the anionic species within the cavity in solution. High-level DFT calculations and Bader topological analyses fully support the crystallographic results, demonstrating that the bonding arrangement in the fluoride–water cluster arises from the unique geometry of the host.
Nucleophilic participation in the solvolyses of 2‐aryl‐2‐halopropanes and the previously claimed advantage of using YBnX scales

Contrary to a recent report, the specific rates of solvolyses of five 2-aryl-2-chloropropanes give only marginally (not significantly) better correlations with use of the Y BnCl scale rather than the Y Cl scale. With the use of the extended (two-term) Grunwald-Winstein equation, some evidence for a weak nucleophilic solvation is obtained, but at a low confidence level. The specific rates of 2-bromo-2(p-trifluoromethylphenyl)propane solvolysis are significantly better correlated using Y Br (rather than Y BnBr ) values and, indeed, the use of N T values in conjunction with Y Br values leads to an l value of 0.17 ± 0.06 and evidence for a weak nucleophilic participation at a 98.7% confidence level
Case of the season

Presentation d'un cas de pneumonie a pneumocystes carinii chez un hemophile de 38 ans avec un SIDA posttransfusionnel
The inhibition of the biosynthesis of long-chain fatty acids by salicylate and nicotinate

Abstract Salicylate and nicotinate inhibit the biosynthesis of long-chain fatty acids in cell-free enzyme systems from rat liver and adipose tissue. These compounds act by inhibiting the enzyme acetyl-CoA: carbon dioxide ligase (ADP) (E.C. 6.4.1.2). Fifty per cent inhibition of the enzyme occurs at a concentration of 10 −3 M for salicylate and 6 × 10 −3 M for nicotinate.
Matrix fracture in fiber-reinforced ceramics

Abstract A fiber-reinforced ceramic subject to tensile stress in the fiber direction can undergo extensive matrix cracking normal to the fibers, while the fibers remain intact. In this paper, the critical conditions for the onset of widespread matrix cracking are studied analytically on the basis of fracture mechanics theory. Two distinct situations concerning the fiber-matrix interface are contemplated : (i) unbonded fibers initially held in the matrix by thermal or other strain mismatches, but susceptible to frictional slip, and (ii) fibers that initially are weakly bonded to the matrix, but may be debonded by the stresses near the tip of an advancing matrix crack. The results generalize those of the Aveston-Cooper-Kelly theory for case (i). Optimal thermal strain mismatches for maximum cracking strength are studied, and theoretical results are compared with experimental data for a SiC fiber, lithium-alumina-silicate glass matrix composite.
Modeling runoff in semiarid rangeland watersheds

Rangeland areas are characterized by sparse and limited hydrological data that make the use of existing mathematical runoff models difficult and impractical. A simple rational mathematical model was developed to predict runoff in three Oregon semiarid rangeland watersheds, using daily precipitation and mean daily temperaturs. The model consists of three main components to estimate snowmelt runoff due to thawing and rainfall, and rainfall runoff. The model calculates daily flows on a continuous basis. Comparison with measured flows for monthly predictions gave coefficients of determination (R2) varying from 0.67 to 0.81 for different basins and different periods of observation, including verification periods. The predicted timing of monthly flows was consistent with observed data. Using the Curve Number method, new approaches are suggested for snowmelt runoff calculations.
n-Hexane cracking at high pressures on H-ZSM-5, H-BEA, H-MOR, and USY for endothermic reforming

Abstract Catalytic cracking of n -hexane was studied over H-ZSM-5, H-BEA, H-MOR, and USY zeolites at pressures between 1 and 137 bar and temperatures between 573 and 673 K, for application to endothermic reforming for cooling of aircraft engines. While the product distributions over each zeolite exhibited characteristics of a bimolecular mechanism, the product distributions were distinctly different on H-ZSM-5, exhibiting much less isomerization and more C-4 and C-5 products. Furthermore, in contrast to results on the larger pore zeolites, the reaction rates on H-ZSM-5 followed a simple Langmuir–Hinshelwood rate expression over the entire range of pressures and were stable for at least several hours at all pressures. Reaction rates on H-BEA, H-MOR, and USY were only weakly dependent on pressure and also exhibited an induction period at 137 bar before decreasing with time. Implications of these results for endothermic reforming are discussed.
Role of electrogenic sodium pump in slow synaptic inhibition is re-evaluated.

THE mechanism of synaptic transmission at most synapses involves an increase in conductance of the postsynaptic membrane to certain ions1,2. Certain slow postsynaptic inhibitions in both the central and peripheral nervous systems are, however, not generated in this way3–13. Nishi and Koketsu3–5 proposed that the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) in bullfrog sympathetic ganglia is due to a unique mechanism, the synaptic activation of the electrogenic Na pump (see also refs 11–15). In many, if not all, neurones, the outward pumping of sodium is coupled to the inward transport of K, with more Na extruded than K taken in, thus producing an outward movement of positive charge16. This electrogenic pumping of Na, which is blocked by ouabain or K-free Ringer, produces a hyperpolarisation of the membrane without a change in membrane permeability16. In the present experiments, the direct role of the electrogenic Na pump in slow synaptic inhibition was tested. The experiments were carried out on the ninth or tenth paravertebral sympathetic ganglion of the bullfrog using the sucrose gap technique. We found that although electrogenic Na pumping was inhibited by ouabain or K-free Ringer, the slow IPSP was not blocked by ouabain and was enhanced by K-free Ringer. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the slow IPSP may result from an inactivation of Na conductance rather than from an activation of the electrogenic Na pump.
Relationship of blood pressure response and the renin-angiotensin system to first-dose prazosin

It has been reported that the first-dose response to prazosin is more common in patients who are salt-depleted or already receiving beta blockers. The relationship between the first-dose blood pressure and plasma renin responses to oral administration of 1 mg prazosin in 13 (seven male, six female) patients with essential hypertension (average blood pressure = 150/100 +/- 5/2 mm Hg) was studied. Eight of 13 patients experienced marked orthostatic decreases in blood pressure associated with nausea and dizziness. The degree of the orthostatic depressor response was inversely correlated with the baseline plasma renin activity (p less than 0.005). This unique sensitivity of low-renin essential hypertension to prazosin may reflect an underlying increased alpha tone and/or an attendant blunted renin reactivity in this form of human essential hypertension.
Gender differences in street economy and social network correlates of arrest among heroin injectors in Baltimore, Maryland.

In a sample of 761 heroin injectors in Baltimore, Maryland, correlates of arrest for drug-related and non-drug-related criminal offenses, by gender, were examined. This investigation examined gender differences in involvement in the drug economy and correlates of arrest. Correlates included roles in the street drug economy, social network attributes, and economic and demographic variables. Gender differences were found. Selling drugs was strongly associated with drug-related arrests for males. Steering (i.e., publicizing drug brands) was highly associated with drug-related arrests for females. Level of heroin addiction was associated with drug-related arrests for males, but not for females. The associations of social network variables with arrests also differed by gender. For females but not males, a higher number of females in one’s network was associated with a lower frequency of arrests. For males, having at least one heroin injector in the personal network was associated with a decreased frequency of arrest, while for females the direction of the association was reversed. These findings suggest the importance of modeling drug behaviors by gender.
Edgewarp: a flexible program package for biometric image warping in two dimensions

Edgewarp, a program in C and XWindows, is a wholly graphical interface for managing the complicated algebra by which thin- plate splines are applied in contemporary biomedical image analysis. This flexible warping package permits the free specification of deformations by arbitrary combinations of landmark point correspondences and constraints. Its parameters may be forwarded for rigorous multivariate statistical analysis at the same time that the associated images can be averaged or correlated after unwarping. This paper describes the kinematics of the interface by which clinical users can exploit these graphics and biometrics. Even though we show an actual clinical finding arrived at by these means, our main purpose is to inveigle the reader into playing with our shareware.
Impact of the 80-hour workweek on surgical exposure and national in-training examination scores in an orthopedic residency program.

Objectives This study examines the impact of the 80-hour workweek on the number of surgical cases performed by PGY-2 through PGY-5 orthopedic residents. We also evaluated orthopedic in-training examination (OITE) scores during the same time period. Methods Data were collected from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) national database for 3 academic years before and 5 years after July 1, 2003. CPT surgical procedure codes logged by all residents 3 years before and 5 years after implementation of the 80-hour workweek were compared. The average raw OITE scores for each class obtained during the same time period were also evaluated. Data were reported as the mean ± standard deviation (SD), and group means were compared using independent t-tests. Results No statistical difference was noted in the number of surgical procedure codes logged before or after the institution of the 80-hour week during any single year of training. However, an increase in the number of CPT codes logged in the PGY-3 years after 2003 did approach significance (457.7 vs 551.9, p = 0.057). Overall, the average number of cases performed per resident increased each year after implementation of the work-hour restriction (464.4 vs 515.5 cases). No statistically significant difference was noted in the raw OITE scores before or after work-hour restrictions for our residents or nationally. Conclusions We found no statistical difference for each residency class in the average number of cases performed or OITE scores, although the total number of cases performed has increased after implementation of the work-hour restrictions. We also found no statistical difference in the national OITE scores. Our data suggest that the impact of the 80-hour workweek has not had a detrimental effect on these 2 resident training measurements.
Data analysis implications of some concepts related to the cuts of a graph

Abstract Connections are pointed out between the concept of a cut in a graph and the data analysis problems of hierarchical clustering and seriation encountered in the social and behavioral sciences. An emphasis is placed on hierarchical clustering by the criterion of k-edge connectivity and on the relationship between several criteria for object seriation proposed in the literature and the appropriate graph-theoretical structures.
Nurse-administered propofol sedation for upper endoscopic ultrasonography: not yet ready for prime time

In nurse-administered propofol sedation (NAPS), a nurse working under the supervision of an endoscopist is delegated responsibility for administration of propofol to a patient and monitoring their sedation during endoscopy. Nursing personnel and endoscopists involved in NAPS receive specialized training, and more than 400,000 reported procedures (mostly esophagogastroduodenoscopies and colonoscopies) have used NAPS. The safety record of NAPS is comparable if not superior to that of standard sedation using an opioid and a benzodiazepine. A study by Fatima et al. attempts to expand the breadth of NAPS applications by testing the safety of the procedure in endoscopic ultrasonographies. This commentary discusses the results reported by Fatima et al., and urges clinicians to interpret this study's findings with caution. Further evidence that NAPS can be implemented for endoscopic ultrasonography in settings other than major hospitals with a full complement of services is necessary before its use can be recommended to community-based practices.
Hispanic Older Adult Mortality in the United States: New Estimates and an Assessment of Factors Shaping the Hispanic Paradox

Hispanics make up a rapidly growing proportion of the U.S. older adult population, so a firm grasp of their mortality patterns is paramount for identifying racial/ethnic differences in life chances in the population as a whole. Documentation of Hispanic mortality is also essential for assessing whether the Hispanic paradox—the similarity in death rates between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites despite Hispanics' socioeconomic disadvantage—characterizes all adult Hispanics or just some age, gender, nativity, or national-origin subgroups. We estimate age-/sex- and cause- specific mortality rate ratios and life expectancy for foreign-born and U.S.-born Hispanics, foreign-born and U.S.-born Mexican Americans, non-Hispanic blacks, and non-Hispanic whites ages 65 and older using the 1989-2006 National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality Files. Results affirm that Hispanic mortality estimates are favorable relative to those of blacks and whites, but particularly so for foreign-born Hispanics and smoking-related causes. However, if not for Hispanics' socioeconomic disadvantage, their mortality levels would be even more favorable.
Drive-bys and Trade-ups: Examining the Directionality of the Crime and Residential Instability Relationship

Most prior research testing the hypothesis of the social disorganization theory that residential instability increases crime has used cross-sectional data. Using a unique dataset linking home sales address matched to census tracts with crime data in Los Angeles, we test the direction of this relationship using a six-year panel data design. We also test whether crime acts as a generator of transition and decline in neighborhoods by testing its effect on property values the following year. Our findings suggest little evidence that home sales volatility in one year leads to more property or violent crime the following year. Instead, higher levels of tract property and violent crime in one year lead to more home sales the following year. This effect of high crime rates is exacerbated in tracts with high levels of racial/ethnic heterogeneity, suggesting that such tracts may engender a distinct combination of fear and uncertainty in their residents, leading to more turn over. We also find that tracts with more violent crime one year have lower property values the following year, suggesting a general process of decline.
Thermogravimetric analysis of cotton fibers: Relationships with maturity and fineness

In this study, we investigated the relationships between the thermal properties versus maturity and fineness (H) of 80 selected cotton fiber samples. The instrument measurements for maturity and H were (1) micronaire as determined with a high-volume instrument, (2) maturity ratio and H as determined with an advanced fiber information system, and (3) gravimetric H as determined by the cut-and-weigh method. Three regions of thermal decomposition were observed between 37 and 150°C for region I, between 225 and 425°C for region II, and between 425 and 600°C for region III. Complete decomposition of the fiber occurred at 600°C. The results showed significant effects of the H/maturity indicators on the weight loss and the peak temperatures in regions II and III. High micronaires (coarse or very mature fibers), high maturity ratios, and low standard H values were associated with low weight losses. However, high weight losses were associated with high primary cell wall areas per unit mass. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3476–3482, 2007
Prediction of respiratory distress syndrome by the novel dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine test

Objective: To determine the accuracy of a new test that measures the concentration in amniotic fluid (AF) of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in predicting respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods: The neonatal respiratory status of 176 newborns delivered within 72 hours of sampling was correlated with the concentration of DPPC, fluorescence polarization (TDx-FLM), lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio (L/S), and phosphatidylglycerol (Amniostat-FLM) in AF. Results: Thirty infants developed RDS (17%), all correctly predicted with DPPC values less than 12 μg/mL (sensitivity 100%). Only six of the 146 cases with no RDS had DPPC values less than 12 μg/mL (specificity 96%). The overall accuracy of the DPPC test was 98% compared with 70% for TDx-FLM, 71% for the L/S, and 67% for Amniostat-FLM. Receiver operating characteristic analysis area was 0.98 ± 0.01, indicating that the DPPC test is superior to both the TDx-FLM and L/S tests. Conclusion: The DPPC test is an accurate predictor of RDS and fetal lung maturity.
Expression of a methotrexate-resistant dihydrofolate reductase gene by transformed hematopoietic cells of mice.

DNA-mediated gene transfer was used to introduce DNA from a methotrexate-resistant mouse fibroblast cell line into mouse bone marrow cells. This cell line contained a methotrexate-resistant dihydrofolate reductase, active at 10−4 M methotrexate, which was electrophoretically separable from the wild-type mouse enzyme. Transformed hematopoietic cells were returned to irradiated mice and selected in vivo by methotrexate administration. Some recipients of transformed marrow cells expressed the electrophoretically distinct, methotrexate-resistant dihydrofolate reductase in hematopoietic cells. These observations suggest that successful transformation of marrow stem cells to methotrexate resistance is accomplished by insertion of a dihydrofolate reductase gene coding for a mutant enzyme that is highly resistant to methotrexate.
Wallerian degeneration in the optic nerve of a reptile: an electron microscopic study.

Numerous optic nerve fibers persist for a period of up to 20 months following enucleation in reptiles, although it is unlikely that a significant number of efferent fibers are present. After varying survival periods, almost all nerve fibers display distinct morphological changes probably associated with degeneration, but most features previously associated with early stages of degeneration can be seen in long-survival material except for the early and rapid loss of all non-myelinated fibers and a honeycomb tubular degeneration associated with the inner and outer myelin layers. Distinct sequential stages of axon and myelin degeneration could not be ascertained despite the slow rate of degeneration in poikilotherms. The varieties of abnormal axon morphology are documented and considered in terms of current light microscopic staining methods.
Effect of estradiol on low density lipoprotein uptake by bovine aortic endothelial cells

The means by which estrogen retards atherosclerosis cannot be explained solely by changes in circulating lipoprotein levels. We studied the effects of 17 beta-estradiol on the binding, incorporation, and degradation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Estrogen receptors in the cytoplasm and nucleus of BAEC could be demonstrated by immunofluorescent staining. Estradiol was found not to affect surface binding of LDL to BAEC. However, at physiologic concentrations (50 pg/ml), estradiol did enhance LDL uptake by the BAEC (P less than 0.005). This enhancement was present but somewhat reduced at higher concentrations of estrogen (P less than 0.05). Only approximately 10% of incorporated LDL was trichloroacetic acid soluble, indicating a low rate of LDL degradation. The relative rate of LDL breakdown within the BAEC was not altered by estrogen. These results, showing estrogen stimulation of LDL uptake by the BAEC, do not clarify the protective effect of this hormone. It is speculated that estrogen may augment the cellular clearance of LDL.
Fine mapping of a peptide sequence containing an antigenic site conserved among arenaviruses.

Abstract The lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) structural glycoproteins GP-1 ( M r 44K) and GP-2 ( M r 35K) are encoded on a single intracellular proteolytic cleavage precursor glycoprotein, GP-C ( M r 76K). We have used a series of synthetic peptides derived from the deduced amino acid sequence of LCMV GP-C to define an antigenic site containing two topographically overlapping epitopes. Three mouse monoclonal antibodies directed against two epitopes on GP-2 were assayed for binding in solution phase blocking and solid-phase enzyme-linked immunoadsorbant assays to a series of peptides representing the sequence of the intracellular precursor glycopeptide GP-C. Both epitopes were initially localized to a single peptide GP-C 370–382 (Cys-Asn-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Phe-Trp-Tyr-Leu-Glu-His-Ala-Lys) in the GP-2 segment of GP-C. Futher analys demonstrated that both epitopes were contained within a nine amino acid segment, GP-C 370–378, which contains five residues conserved among LCMV, Lassa, Pichinde, and Tacaribe viruses. Assays with N-terminal deletions from this sequence suggested that the minimal epitope recognized by the broadly cross-reactive monoclonal 33.6 (epitope GP-2a) consisted of five amino acids, GP-C 374–378 (Lys-Phe-TrpTyr-Leu). Reactivity of a second monoclonal, 9-7.9 (epitope GP-2B) but not 33.6, was abolished when substitution of tyrosine for phenylalanine was made at position 375 in the antigenic sequence corresponding to a naturally occurring sequence difference between LCM and Lassa viruses. Polyclonal sera from human cases and from animals experimentally infected with Junin, LCM, and Lassa viruses, respectively, bound to the antigenic peptide GP-C 370–382 but not to control peptides. As was the case with the monoclonals, this binding activity was abrogated by blocking with the antigenic peptide but not with control peptides in solution.
A 1-year drug utilization evaluation of protamine in hospitalized patients to identify possible future roles of heparin and low molecular weight heparin reversal agents

Despite widespread use of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), protamine sulfate remains the only reversal agent for UFH that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration within the US. Availability of new reversal agents for approved anticoagulants and those in development may improve patient safety and care. Delparantag (PMX-60056) is a novel small molecule that shows ability to neutralize the anticoagulation effects of UFH and LMWH in animals and humans. This study examined the 1-year utilization of protamine within an acute care hospital in order to determine the need for a novel reversing agent like delparantag. All patients having documented protamine administration within a 1-year period were included. Pharmacy automated dispensing machines and computerized medication management systems were queried for all doses of protamine withdrawn, billed for, or dispensed. Scanned medical records were reviewed and protamine and anticoagulant information was abstracted. Primary procedural group categorizations for protamine patients were coronary artery bypass graft, cardiac valve surgeries, abdominal aortic aneurysm and other open abdominal surgeries, fistula placement, non-cardiac vascular, cardiac catheter and electrophysiology lab, and “other.” Average doses of protamine administered were 439, 423, 126, 26, 46, 36, and 35 mg in these groups, respectively. Four major bleeds and one serious adverse event occurred over the year period. Protamine is used in a wide array of procedures. Evaluating protamine’s current use may be beneficial in identifying roles for future UFH and LMWH reversal agent use.