cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconstructive surgery for immunosuppressed organ-transplant recipients.

Abstract Prolonged vascularized organ allograft survival and an improved quality of life are now possible for many transplant recipients. These advances are due largely to greater understanding of the immune response, the development of potent immunosuppressive agents (cyclosporin A), and improved surgical techniques. Thus more of these patients may require surgical procedures related or unrelated to their original operation, and the plastic surgeon, among other specialists, should be aware of the special problems of the immunocompromised transplant recipient who needs to undergo reconstructive surgery. We report our experience with 15 kidney, heart, and liver transplant recipients who required reconstructive surgery for a variety of conditions. The combined team approach by reconstructive and transplant surgeons is described, as well as the perioperative drug protocol and the special problems that immunosuppressed transplant recipients present. We conclude that these patients can successfully undergo major reconstructive procedures as long as the plastic surgeon not only performs technically flawless surgery, but also familiarizes himself or herself with the special problems of the immunosuppressed host, including the ever-present risk of sepsis and delayed and impaired wound healing, the potential for acute Addisonian crisis, and the possibility of multiple complicating comorbid conditions.
Inpatient management of migraine.

Migraine is a frequently disabling disorder which may require inpatient treatment. Admission criteria for migraine include intractable migraine, nausea and/or vomiting, severe disability, and dependence on opioids or barbiturates. The inpatient treatment of migraine is based on observational studies and expert opinion rather than placebo-controlled trials. Well-established inpatient treatments for migraine include dihydroergotamine, neuroleptics/antiemetics, lidocaine, intravenous aspirin, and non-pharmacologic treatment such as cognitive–behavioral therapy. Short-acting treatments possibly associated with medication overuse, such as triptans, opioids, or barbiturate-containing compounds, are generally avoided. While the majority of persons with migraine are admitted on an emergency basis for only a few days, outcome studies and infusion protocols during elective admissions at tertiary headache centers suggest a longer length of stay may be needed for persons with intractable migraine.
Effect of Macromolecular Anchoring Layer Thickness and Molecular Weight on Polymer Grafting

Carboxylic acid-terminated polystyrene (PS) of different molecular weights from 4500 to 672 000 was grafted from melt onto silicon substrates modified with a macromolecular anchoring layer. The study was focused on influence of thickness and molecular weight of the layer on the permanent attachment of the end-functionalized PS layers by the “grafting to” approach. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) was used to form the reactive anchoring interface. The grafting trends observed and the amount of PS anchored were not significantly affected by the thickness and molecular weight of the anchoring layer, except for the case of lower molecular weight PS (4500 g/mol). The higher grafting in the latter case may be a result of formation of an extremely extended interphase between loops of the adsorbed PGMA and the low molecular weight PS.
Determination of non-aminoid nitrogen by the micro-Kjeldahl method I. aromatic nitro compounds

A program has been initiated to evaluate the various modifications of the micro-Kjeldahl method and study their application and limitations for the determination of nitrogen in non-aminoid compounds. This paper describes a procedure for aromatic nitro compounds. The sample (3 to 8 mg) is weighed directly into a 30-ml micro-Kjeldahl flask, dissolved in 1 ml acetic acid and 1.5 ml methanol, and reduced with 100 mg zinc metal and 0.4 ml hydrochloric acid. Two drops of concentrated sulfuric acid are added and the organic solvents are removed by heating. The product is then incinerated with 2 ml sulfuric acid, 700 mg potassium sulfate, and 25 mg selenium catalyst. Regular micro-Kjeldahl distillation follows, the ammonia being absorbed in 2% boric acid and titrated with 0.01N potassium biniodate using methyl red-bromcresol green mixed indicator. More than 100 mono- and poly-nitro compounds have been tested by this method; no difficulty has been encountered. Precision and accuracy are within ± 0.3% nitrogen.
Disruption of oncogenic K-Ras4B processing and signaling by a potent geranylgeranyltransferase I inhibitor

Prenylation of the carboxyl-terminal CAAX (C, cysteine; A, aliphatic acid; and X, any amino acid) of Ras is required for its biological activity. We have designed a CAAX peptidomimetic, GGTI-287, which is 10 times more potent toward inhibiting geranylgeranyltransferase I (GGTase I) in vitro (IC50 = 5 nM) than our previously reported farnesyltransferase inhibitor, FTI-276. In whole cells, the methyl ester derivative of GGTI-287, GGTI-286, was 25-fold more potent (IC50 = 2 μM) than the corresponding methyl ester of FTI-276, FTI-277, toward inhibiting the processing of the geranylgeranylated protein Rap1A. Furthermore, GGTI-286 is highly selective for geranylgeranylation over farnesylation since it inhibited the processing of farnesylated H-Ras only at much higher concentrations (IC50 > 30 μM). While the processing of H-Ras was very sensitive to inhibition by FTI-277 (IC50 = 100 nM), that of K-Ras4B was highly resistant (IC50 = 10 μM). In contrast, we found the processing of K-Ras4B to be much more sensitive to GGTI-286 (IC50 = 2 μM). Furthermore, oncogenic K-Ras4B stimulation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase was inhibited potently by GGTI-286 (IC50 = 1 μM) but weakly by FTI-277 (IC50 = 30 μM). Significant inhibition of oncogenic K-Ras4B stimulation of MAP kinase by GGTI-286 occurred at concentrations (1-3 μM) that did not inhibit oncogenic H-Ras stimulation of MAP kinase. The data presented in this study provide the first demonstration of selective disruption of oncogenic K-Ras4B processing and signaling by a CAAX peptidomimetic. The higher sensitivity of K-Ras4B toward a GGTase I inhibitor has a tremendous impact on future research directions targeting Ras in anticancer therapy.
Religion and Sexuality in Walker Percy, William Gass, and John Updike: Metaphors of Embodiment in the Androcentric Imagination

When John Updike's Rabbit, Run appeared in 1960, the American reading public was variously shocked, grieved, perhaps tickled, and certainly sobered by this portrait of the earthy gyrations of the feckless modern spirit of the title. Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom considers seducing the minister's wife before, during, and after church and, while making love with a prostitute, is acutely and pleasurably aware of the silent witness of the darkened church windows across from her room. Indeed, throughout this and subsequent novels, Updike persistently confronts the reader with a sexualized sacramentality that spotlights with demanding clarity the usually submerged tensions between religion and sexuality in American culture. Perhaps it is common knowledge that we use the language of one event to describe the other. But while we recognize that religion has always presumed to regulate sexual affairs, and that sex may even function as a religious experience under the "proper" circumstances, it is far riskier to suggest the possibility of a reciprocal relationship. Sexuality may be spiritual, but spirituality may not be sexual, it seems, and this is especially so in the transcendent patriarchalism of Western Christianity, which has never found it easy to reconcile bodies with souls. In fact, the undignified subjection of the human spirit to the physical body is the heart of the topic of religion and sexuality, and it is this grave and awkward conjunction which I refer to as embodiment.
Photodynamic therapy and endoscopic mucosal resection for Barrett's dysplasia and early cancer

Purpose: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic ablation with porfimer sodium photodynamic therapy (PDT) has recently been combined to improve the accuracy of histologic staging and remove superficial carcinomas. We report our experience using these techniques in patients with Barrett's high-grade dysplasia (BE+HGD).
Product of the oncogene‐activating gene Tpr is a phosphorylated protein of the nuclear pore complex

We have identified a component of the human nuclear pore complex and have shown that it is the product of a gene involved in oncogenic activation. A monoclonal antibody raised against purified nuclear matrix proteins recognizes a single protein with an electrophoretic mobility of approximately 300 kDa and stains the nuclear envelope in a punctate pattern typical of nuclear pores. The antibody was used to screen lambda gt11 human cDNA libraries, and the resulting clones were sequenced and compared to sequences in the Genbank database. An exact match was found with the human tpr (for translocated promoter region) gene, a gene shown previously to be involved in the oncogenic activation of several protein kinases. Double-label immunofluorescent microscopy with the anti-Tpr antibody and an antibody to the previously characterized nuclear pore complex protein nup153 confirms that Tpr is localized to the nuclear pore complex. Tpr is located on the cytoplasmic face of the nucleus, as demonstrated by immunofluorescent staining of cells permeabilized with digitonin. Tpr is a 2,349-amino acid protein with extensive coiled-coil domains and an acidic globular C-terminus. The protein contains 10 leucine zipper motifs and numerous sites for phosphorylation by a variety of protein kinases. Immunoprecipitation of Tpr from 32P-orthophosphate-labeled cells shows that it is a phosphoprotein. Potential functions for Tpr and possible mechanisms for the transforming activity of Tpr fusion proteins are discussed.
Chemical microinjections into brain of free-moving small laboratory animals ☆

Abstract A simple cannula-swivel unit which allows chronic discrete or continuous injections into brains of moving and behaving small laboratory animals is described. The cannula-swivel unit, with minor modifications, may also be used for intravenous and intragastric injections.
Context-aware office assistant

This paper describes the design and implementation of the Office Assistant — an agent that interacts with visitors at the office door and manages the office owner's schedule. We claim that rich context information about users is key to making a flexible and believable interaction. We also argue that natural face-to-face conversation is an appropriate metaphor for human-computer interaction.
Effect of layer-thickness fluctuations on superlattice diffraction.

We investigate the effect of layer-thickness fluctuations on diffraction in compositionally modulated materials. Two types of fluctuation distributions are considered: continuous random fluctuations which result from disordered or amorphous interfaces and discrete fluctuations resulting from coherent interfaces. We show that these two types of fluctuations produce identical superlattice diffraction structure at small scattering vector, but entirely different structure at large scattering vector corresponding to the discrete fluctuation spacing. Both structures are observed in experimental x-ray diffraction spectra.
COMPARISON OF FUZZY SET AND CONVEX MODEL THEORIES IN STRUCTURAL DESIGN

A methodology for the treatment of uncertainty in the loads applied to a structural system using convex models is presented and is compared to the fuzzy set finite-element method. The analytical results for a beam, a truss and a frame structure indicate that the two methods based on convex model or fuzzy set theory are in good agreement for equivalent levels of uncertainty applied to linear structures. Convex model or fuzzy set theories have shown that the worst-case scenario response of all possible load combinations cannot be captured simply by load factorisation, as is the current design practice in building codes. Design problems including uncertainty with a large number of degrees of freedom, that are not computationally feasible using conventional methods described in building codes, can be solved easily using convex model or fuzzy set theory. These results can be used directly and efficiently in the analyses required for the optimal design of structural systems, thus enabling optimisation of complex structural systems with uncertainty.
Activation pattern controlled rules: Towards an integration of data-driven and command-driven programming

The attractions and drawbacks of data-driven programming are discussed in the context of rule-based forward chaining systems. The relationships between data-driven and command-driven programming are analyzed in the context of a course-registration example. A new form of production rule, called an activation pattern controlled rule, that generalizes classical forward chaining rules is introduced. Activation pattern controlled rules are triggered by calls of commands; that is, by the intension to perform a command but not necessarily by the result of applying the command itself. We demonstrate that activation pattern controlled rules facilitate the integration of data-driven and command-driven programming, support preventive programming as well, and allow for writing rule-based programs more transparently. We also survey our experiences in implementing an inference engine for activation pattern controlled rules.
Radiologic diagnosis of hemothorax during neonatal extracorporeal life support

The recognition of a significant hemothorax by chest radiography can be difficult during extracorporeal life support (ECLS) because diffuse pulmonary opacification is typically present. Five newborns who developed he- mothoraces after repair of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia while on ECLS were evaluated. The presence of a clinically important hemothorax was suspected when a shift in the position of the ECLS venous cannula was noted on comparable chest films. Four patients required operative evacuation of hematomas and one responded successfully to suction-catheter evacuation of clot through a chest tube. All patients improved in their clinical status without re- currence of the hemothorax. A shift in the position of the ECLS venous cannula may be a radiographic clue that a significant hemothorax exists in newborns on ECLS. Awareness of this finding may allow early recognition and appropriate intervention. operative interventions that may have occurred prior to or during ECLS. The radiologic recognition of significant bleeding into the thoracic cavity can be quite difficult be- cause diffuse pulmonary opacification is typically present during ECLS (5, 6). We recently treated five infants who developed bleeding into the thoracic cavity following op- erative procedures for a CDH while on ECLS. In each case, displacement of the intrathoracic ECLS venous cannula was the initial radiographic clue that led to prompt diag- nosis of the unilateral hemothorax and successful surgical treatment.
The lunar disturbance effect.

The observed phenomenon of darkening of the lunar surface when gently disturbed is investigated. It is suggested that this disturbance effect is due to changes in the photometric function of the lunar soil caused by rearrangement of the soil particles, rather than to any physical or chemical differences between the uppermost layer and the underlying materials.
Response of native Hawaiian woody species to lava-ignited wildfires in tropical forests and shrublands

Wildfires are rare in the disturbance history of Hawaiian forests but may increase in prevalence due to invasive species and global climate change. We documented survival rates and adaptations facilitating persistence of native woody species following 2002–2003 wildfires in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. Fires occurred during an El Nino drought and were ignited by lava flows. They burned across an environmental gradient occupied by two drier shrub-dominated communities and three mesic/wet Metrosideros forest communities. All the 19 native tree, shrub, and tree fern species demonstrated some capacity of postfire persistence. While greater than 95% of the dominant Metrosideros trees were top-killed, more than half survived fires via basal sprouting. Metrosideros trees with diameters >20 cm sprouted in lower percentages than smaller trees. At least 17 of 29 native woody species colonized the postfire environment via seedling establishment. Although the native biota possess adaptations facilitating persistence following wildfire, the presence of highly competitive invasive plants and ungulates will likely alter postfire succession.
Children's early literacy growth in relation to classmates' self-regulation.

Classmates' academic skill level (peer effects) is emerging as an important predictor of individual student achievement, particularly in the early grades. However, less is known about the influence of peer effects with regard to classmates' self-regulation skills and whether they are associated with students' academic gains. Examining this is the purpose of the current study. Using a direct measure of self-regulation, the head--toes--knees--shoulders (HTKS), which assesses students' ability to coordinate their attention, ability to inhibit and switch tasks, and working memory, the classroom mean HTKS was computed to represent peer effects. With 2 cohorts of 1st graders, the effect of peers' self-regulation on literacy outcomes was examined, controlling for individual student self-regulation. In Cohort 1, 445 participants from 46 1st grade classrooms in 10 schools were included. In Cohort 2, 633 students in 68 classrooms in 18 schools were included. Using hierarchical linear modeling, peer effects predicted children's growth in passage comprehension (Cohen's d = 0.35 for Cohort 1 and 0.31 for Cohort 2) as well as their vocabulary growth (Cohen's d = 0.24 for Cohort 1 and 0.16 for Cohort 2). These were independent effects above that of individual children's fall self-regulation and school-wide percentage of students qualifying for the U.S. free and reduced price lunch program, which were both significantly related to student literacy outcomes.
Importance of Exposure Model in Estimating Impacts When a Water Distribution System is Contaminated

The quantity of a contaminant ingested by individuals using tap water drawn from a water distribution system during a contamination event depends on the concentration of the contaminant in the water and the volume of water ingested. If the concentration varies with time, the actual time of exposure affects the quantity ingested. The influence of the timing of exposure and of individual variability in the volume of water ingested on estimated impacts for a contamination event has received limited attention. We examine the significance of ingestion timing and variability in the volume of water ingested by using a number of models for ingestion timing and volume. Contaminant concentrations were obtained from simulations of an actual distribution system for cases involving contaminant injections lasting from 1 to 24 h. We find that assumptions about exposure can significantly influence estimated impacts, especially when injection durations are short and impact thresholds are high. The influence of ingestion timing and volume should be considered when assessing impacts for contamination events.
Associations between family history of colorectal cancer and genetic alterations in tumors

A family history of colorectal cancer has been consistently associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer. However, there is limited information on the association between family history of colorectal cancer and genetic alterations that occur in colon tumors. In this study, we evaluate the association among genetic alterations of Ki-ras and p53, microsatellite instability and having a family history of colorectal cancer in a study of incident colon cancer cases (n = 1993) and population-based controls (n = 2,410). Although there was a slight nonsignificant increase in risk of having an unstable tumor among those with a family history of colorectal cancer, this increase in risk disappeared after excluding those people with a known mutation in either of the mismatch repair genes hMLH1 or hMSH2. A family history of colorectal cancer was not associated with Ki-ras mutations overall, although those with a G to T mutation of the second base of codon 12 were more likely to have a family history of colorectal cancer than were those without this specific type of Ki-ras mutation. Cases with p53 mutations were less likely to have a family history of colorectal cancer than were cases without a p53 mutation. We believe that, given the general lack of association between having a family history of colorectal cancer and genetic alterations in tumors, these alterations are acquired through disease pathways that involve exposure from diet, lifestyle or other environmental factors.
A review on tough and sticky hydrogels

In this review, we survey recent literature (2009–2013) on hydrogels that are mechanically tough and adhesive. The impact of published work and trends in the field are examined. We focus on design concepts, new materials, structures related to mechanical performance and adhesion properties. Besides hydrogels made of individual polymers, concepts developed to toughen hydrogels include interpenetrating and double networks, slide ring polymer gels, topological hydrogels, ionically cross-linked copolymer gels, nanocomposite polymer hydrogels, self-assembled microcomposite hydrogels, and combinations thereof. Hydrogels that are adhesive in addition to tough are also discussed. Adhesive properties, especially wet adhesion of hydrogels, are rare but needed for a variety of general technologies. Some of the most promising industrial applications are found in the areas of sensor and actuator technology, microfluidics, drug delivery and biomedical devices. The most recent accomplishments and creative approaches to making tough and sticky hydrogels are highlighted. This review concludes with perspectives for future directions, challenges and opportunities in a continuously changing world.
Research forefronts in optical networking

Present-day data networks are being challenged by the relentless growth of bandwidth demand. Most of this future growth, however, is not arising from more users with the same application bandwidth demands, but rather from the dramatic increase in bandwidth demand of emerging applications. The compounding of these two trends has set the stage for optical networking technology to make significant contributions in next-generation data network architecture. In this talk, we will explore key research problems of optical network architecture (such as flow switching) that, if properly exploited, will enable significant growth and cost-effective scalability of next-generation data networks.
Continuous-wave high-power rotational Raman generation in molecular deuterium

We report the generation of more than 300 mW of rotational Stokes output power in a CW Raman laser. The generation is achieved in low-pressure molecular deuterium inside a high-finesse cavity.
A Molecular Model for Cocaine Binding by the Immunotherapeutic Human/Mouse Chimeric Monoclonal Antibody 2E2

Immunotherapy by cocaine-binding monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of cocaine addiction. The human (gamma1 heavy chain)/murine (lambda light chain) chimeric mAb 2E2 has excellent affinity and specificity for cocaine and recent animal studies have demonstrated 2E2's ability in vivo to reduce cocaine levels in the brain as well as alter cocaine self-administration behavior in rats. In this study, we used mAb 2E2 amino acid sequence information to create a homology model for the 3-D structure of its Fv fragment. Subsequent computational docking studies revealed the intermolecular interactions potentially responsible for mAb 2E2's cocaine binding properties. The driving force of cocaine binding was identified as a combination of hydrophobic interactions and a single hydrogen bond between a light chain tyrosine residue and a carbonyl oxygen atom of cocaine. The model also allowed for an in silico evaluation of single/double residue mutations in the heavy and light chain variable regions that might further enhance mAb 2E2's cocaine binding properties.
Use of creative arts as a complementary therapy by rural women coping with chronic illness.

Purpose: To investigate the spontaneous use of creative arts as a complementary therapy by rural women in the Western United States who are coping with chronic illness. Design: Women to Women Proje...
Chromosomal control of glutenin subunits in aneuploid lines of wheat: analysis by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Glutenin subunits from nullisomic-tetrasomic and ditelocentric lines of the hexaploid wheat variety ‘Chinese Spring’ (CS) and from substitution lines of the durum wheat variety ‘Langdon’ were fractionated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) at 70 °C using a gradient of acetonitrile in the presence of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. Nineteen subunits were detected in CS. The presence and amounts of four early-eluted subunits were found, through aneuploid analysis, to be controlled by the long arms of chromosomes 1D (1DL) (peaks 1–2) and 1B (1BL) (peaks 3–4). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that these four subunits are the high molecular weight subunits of glutenin, which elute in the order 1Dy, 1Dx, 1By, and 1Bx. Similar amounts of 1DL subunits were present (6.3 and 8.8% of total glutenin), but 1BL subunits differed more in abundance (5.4 and 9.5%, respectively). Results indicate that most late-eluting CS glutenin subunits were coded by structural genes on the short arms of homoeologous group 1 chromosomes: 6 by 1DS, 5 by 1AS, and 4 by 1BS. Glutenin of tetraploid ‘Langdon’ durum wheat separated into nine major subunits: 6 were coded by genes on 1B chromosomes, and 3 on 1A chromosomes. Gene locations for glutenin subunits in the tetraploid durum varieties ‘Edmore’ and ‘Kharkovskaya-5’ are also given. These results should make RP-HPLC a powerful tool for qualitative and quantitative genetic studies of wheat glutenin.
World Renal Nutrition Week Congress: From Hawaii to Germany

IN THIS ISSUE of the journal, we present several important contributions that were presented in Honolulu, Hawaii, during the recent XVI International Congress on Nutrition and Metabolism in Renal Disease (ICRND) part of World Renal Nutrition Week (www.Renal NutritionWeek.com) June 25 to 30, 2012. The International Society for Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) has organized these Congresses since 1977 to promote research, education, and clinical use of nutrition and metabolism for the benefit of people with kidney disease. The World Renal Nutrition Week 2012 was a joint project of the ISRNM (www.RenalNutrition.com), the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii (www.kidneyhi. org), and the National Kidney Foundation Council of Renal Nutrition (www.kidney.org). World Renal NutritionWeek 2012 also included the first International Dietary Phosphorus Consensus Conference (www.PhosInFood. com), aworkshop on basic and translational muscle science, a course on protein-energy wasting, and the 4th biannual ISRNMDietitian Education Program. The 16th ICRNM was the largest and most diverse congress ever with 70 faculty and over 700 participants from over 40 countries and 5 continents, and it included nephrologists, other physicians, nutrition specialists, dieticians, and basic scientists. It was also the most diverse in subject matter with wide representation of basic, translational, and clinical research. Although diet, intermediate metabolism, body composition, muscle metabolism, clinical trials, outcomes research, and dietetics continued to be well represented, there was a great outpouring of studies on protein-energy wasting, mineral metabolism, cardiovascular risk, dialysis modalities, transplantation, and progression of renal disease. Rather than trying to present comprehensive proceedings, we selected 16 of the invited lectures for this issue and may present others as selected reviews in upcoming issues of this journal. Much of the content of the meeting has already
Information theoretic upper bound on the capacity of wireless backhaul networks.

We derive an information theoretic upper bound on the capacity of a wireless backhaul network modeled as a classical random extended network, except that we assume the number of antennas at each base station (BS) also scales up as an arbitrary function of network size. The antenna scaling is justified because of the increasing maturity of higher transmission frequencies which enables us to pack large number of antennas in small form factors. The main technical arguments are based on the generalization of geometric exponential stripping technique of [1] to channel matrices with complex-valued channel gains. An important consequence of our result is a lower bound on the number of antennas per BS required for network scalability.
Oleic and vaccenic acid levels in lipid classes of tumors

The isomeric octadecenoate composition of triglyceride, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine classes from a variety of rat and mouse tumors was examined. Phosphatidylethanolamine from the tumors contained a higher percentage of octadecenoate than reported for many normal tissues. The octadecenoate fractions of the three lipid classes from various tumors consisted of ca. 75% or greater oleate, with vaccenate making up the balance. These data indicate that the loss of lipid class specificity for isomeric octadecenoates reported in hepatomas (Lipids 10∶746, 1975, andLipids 9∶987, 1974) also occurs in other tumors.
NCX-4040, a nitric oxide-releasing aspirin, sensitizes drug-resistant human ovarian xenograft tumors to cisplatin by depletion of cellular thiols.

Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of mortality among gynecological cancers in the world. The high mortality rate is associated with lack of early diagnosis and development of drug resistance. The antitumor efficacy and mechanism of NCX-4040, a nitric oxide-releasing aspirin derivative, against ovarian cancer is studied. NCX-4040, alone or in combination with cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, cDDP), was studied in cisplatin-sensitive (A2780 WT) and cisplatin-resistant (A2780 cDDP) cell lines as well as xenograft tumors grown in nude mice. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used for measurements of nitric oxide and redox state. Immunoblotting analysis of A2780 cDDP tumor xenografts from mice was used for mechanistic studies. Cells treated with NCX-4040 (25 μM) showed a significant reduction of cell viability (A2780 WT, 34.9 ± 8.7%; A2780 cDDP, 41.7 ± 7.6%; p < 0.05). Further, NCX-4040 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of A2780 cDDP cells (cisplatin alone, 80.6 ± 11.8% versus NCX-4040+cisplatin, 26.4 ± 7.6%; p < 0.01) and xenograft tumors (cisplatin alone, 74.0 ± 4.4% versus NCX-4040+cisplatin, 56.4 ± 7.8%; p < 0.05), to cisplatin treatment. EPR imaging of tissue redox and thiol measurements showed a 5.5-fold reduction (p < 0.01) of glutathione in NCX-4040-treated A2780 cDDP tumors when compared to untreated controls. Immunoblotting analysis of A2780 cDDP tumor xenografts from mice treated with NCX-4040 and cisplatin revealed significant downregulation of pEGFR (Tyr845 and Tyr992) and pSTAT3 (Tyr705 and Ser727) expression. The results suggested that NCX-4040 could resensitize drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin possibly by depletion of cellular thiols. Thus NCX-4040 appears to be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of human ovarian carcinoma and cisplatin-resistant malignancies.
The MogR transcriptional repressor regulates nonhierarchal expression of flagellar motility genes and virulence in Listeria monocytogenes.

Flagella are surface structures critical for motility and virulence of many bacterial species. In Listeria monocytogenes, MogR tightly represses expression of flagellin (FlaA) during extracellular growth at 37 °C and during intracellular infection. MogR is also required for full virulence in a murine model of infection. Using in vitro and in vivo infection models, we determined that the severe virulence defect of MogR-negative bacteria is due to overexpression of FlaA. Specifically, overproduction of FlaA in MogR-negative bacteria caused pleiotropic defects in bacterial division (chaining phenotype), intracellular spread, and virulence in mice. DNA binding and microarray analyses revealed that MogR represses transcription of all known flagellar motility genes by binding directly to a minimum of two TTTT-N5-AAAA recognition sites positioned within promoter regions such that RNA polymerase binding is occluded. Analysis of MogR protein levels demonstrated that modulation of MogR repression activity confers the temperature-specificity to flagellar motility gene expression. Epistasis analysis revealed that MogR repression of transcription is antagonized in a temperature-dependent manner by the DegU response regulator and that DegU further regulates FlaA levels through a posttranscriptional mechanism. These studies provide the first known example to our knowledge of a transcriptional repressor functioning as a master regulator controlling nonhierarchal expression of flagellar motility genes.
Hospital roommates and development of health care-onset Clostridium difficile infection.

There is potential for person-to-person transmission in Clostridium difficile outbreak settings. A limited number of studies have examined the role of hospital roommates in the development of nosocomial infections. This retrospective cohort study evaluated room cooccupancy and duration of exposure to roommates as predictors of health care–onset C difficile infection (CDI). Among roommates of patients with CDI, duration of room cooccupancy was significantly longer in those developing CDI.
Edge Wave and Non-trapped Modes of the 25 April 1992 Cape Mendocino Tsunami

The 25 April 1992 Cape Mendocino earthquake generated a tsunami characterized by both coastal trapped edge wave and non-trapped tsunami modes that propagated north and south along the U.S. West Coast. Both observed and synthetic time series at Crescent City and North Spit are consistent with the zero-order edge wave mode solution for a semi-infinite sloping beach depth profile. Wave amplitudes at Crescent City were about twice that observed at North Spit, in spite of the fact that the source region was three times farther from Crescent City than North Spit. The largest observed amplitude was due to an edge wave which arrived almost three hours after the initial onset of the tsunami; since such waves are highly localized nearshore, this suggests that the enhanced responsiveness at Crescent City is at least partly due to local dynamic processes. Furthermore, the substantially delayed arrival of this wave, which was generated at the southern end of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, has significant implications for hazard mitigation efforts along the entire U.S. West Coast. Specifically, this study demonstrates that slow-moving but very energetic edge wave modes could be generated by future large tsunamigenic earthquakes in the CSZ, and that these might arrive unexpectedly at coastal communities several hours after the initial tsunami waves have subsided.
Synthesis of fault-tolerant concurrent programs

Methods for mechanically synthesizing concurrent programs from temporal logic speciﬁcationsobviate the need to manually construct a program and compose a proof of its correctness. A seriousdrawback of extant synthesis methods, however, is that they produce concurrent programs formodels of computation that are often unrealistic. In particular, these methods assume completelyfault-free operation, that is, the programs they produce are fault-intolerant. In this paper, we showhow to mechanically synthesize fault-tolerant concurrent programs for various fault classes. Weillustrate our method by synthesizing fault-tolerant solutions to the mutual exclusion and barriersynchronization problems.Categories and Subject Descriptors: C.2.4 [
Neuroendocrine control of sweat glands.

Eccrine glands perform two functions: those on the foot pads of animals and the palms of humans facilitate prehension and are controlled by both adrenergic and cholinergic nerves; those on the general body surface regulate body heat and are controlled by cholinergic nerves. The adrenergic effect in the glands of the palms and soles is mediated through α-receptors. The function of these glands is also modified by humoral agents. Circulating catecholamines increase sweating by stimulating the β-receptors, a matter of physiologic significance because sweating facilitates dissipation of heat induced by exercise. Circulating catecholamines do not seem to cause the sweating observed in pheochromocytoma, insulin hypoglycemia, and hypotension, all of which arc associated with elevated levels of plasma catecholamines. Aldosterone acts on the epithelium lining the excretory duct and stimulates the absorption of sodium, in partial exhange for potassium, from the fluid secreted by the cells of the secretory coil. This absorption produces a hypotonic secretion. In some species, e.g., horses and cows, apocrine glands perform a thermoregulatory function. In all animals so far studied, an adrenergic nerve supply to apocrine sweat glands has been demonstrated; in some species, however, nerve terminals have not been detected histologically. A neurohumoral type of sudomotor transmission has been proposed in which the transmitter is released into the circulatory system in close proximity to the sweat glands. In equine species, circulating catecholamines have been shown to supplement neural stimulation during exercise.
Studies of ion channels using expressed protein ligation

Expressed protein ligation (EPL) is a semisynthetic technique for the chemoselective ligation of a synthetic peptide to a recombinant peptide that results in a native peptide bond at the ligation site. EPL therefore allows us to engineer proteins with chemically defined, site-specific modifications. While EPL has been used mainly in investigations of soluble proteins, in recent years it has been increasingly used in investigations of integral membrane proteins. These include studies on the KcsA K+ channel, the non-selective cation channel NaK, and the porin OmpF. These studies are discussed in this review.
Testing Resistance: Busno-cratic power, standardized tests, and care of the self

I will argue in what follows, following the insights of James Marshall on busno‐cratic power, that resistance to this new power is already well underway, and that this resistance is potentially problematic and potentially transgressive (in Marshall's words ‘a reflective reconstitution’) . The self is not only a chooser in busno‐cratic land, it is also re‐commodifying itself and in so doing, beginning to struggle at the limits of its commodified situation. I will argue that commodified selves, as much as they are constrained, are also potent sites for resistance. Part of that resistance is being waged in the terrain of the high stakes test, where the self that could ‘choose’ runs headlong into a product that definitively limits its range of choice. In order to engage critically with this resistance, I examine the cracks in the monolithic power of testing, cracks that point to the uncertainty of numbers and the ambivalent anxieties of test takers.
Pilot-scale gasification of woody biomass

Abstract The gasification of pine and mixed-hardwood chips has been carried out in a pilot-scale system at a range of gas flow rates. Consuming ∼17–30 kgh −1 of feedstock, the producer gas was composed of ∼200 dm 3 m −3 carbon monoxide, 12 dm 3 m −3 carbon dioxide, 30 dm 3 m −3 methane and 190 dm 3 m −3 hydrogen, with an energy content of ∼6 MJ m −3 for both feedstocks. It was found that the efficiency of the system was enhanced at higher flow rates.
Nanoparticles for Applications in Cellular Imaging

In the following review we discuss several types of nanoparticles (such as TiO2, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles) and their impact on the ability to image biological components in fixed cells. The review also discusses factors influencing nanoparticle imaging and uptake in live cells in vitro. Due to their unique size-dependent properties nanoparticles offer numerous advantages over traditional dyes and proteins. For example, the photostability, narrow emission peak, and ability to rationally modify both the size and surface chemistry of Quantum Dots allow for simultaneous analyses of multiple targets within the same cell. On the other hand, the surface characteristics of nanometer sized TiO2allow efficient conjugation to nucleic acids which enables their retention in specific subcellular compartments. We discuss cellular uptake mechanisms for the internalization of nanoparticles and studies showing the influence of nanoparticle size and charge and the cell type targeted on nanoparticle uptake. The predominant nanoparticle uptake mechanisms include clathrin-dependent mechanisms, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis.
Micropropagation of sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum)

A micropropagation protocol for shoot culture of sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) is described. Nodal explants, initially established on MS medium, were transferred to WPM supplemented with combinations of BA and GA3. Maximum shoot multiplication was observed on explants cultured on medium supplemented with BA concentration higher than 1.1 μM, and 14 μM GA3. Although Stage II medium supplemented with BA concentration higher than 1.1 μM resulted in increased shoot multiplication, it also caused a decrease in shoot length. A negative carry over effect of GA3 on rooting was observed in subsequent Stage III cultures. The presence of GA3 in Stage II medium promoted shoot elongation, but it also caused a decrease in microcutting rooting. For this reason, 0.5 μM BA and 14 μM GA3 were selected for optimum Stage II shoot multiplication. Although 100% microcuttings formed roots when cultured on medium containing 6.0 μM NAA, significant callus formation was observed and ex vitro survival rate was low (49%). Rooting was achieved after 3 weeks with 82% of microcuttings on medium supplemented with 3 μM IBA. The survival rate of plantlets under ex vitro conditions was 100% after 3 weeks. Plants looked healthy with no visually detectable phenotypic variation based on observation of about 30 plants.
Rehospitalization for Heart Failure: Predict or Prevent?

Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization among adults >65 years of age in the United States. Annually, >1 million patients are hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of heart failure, accounting for a total Medicare expenditure exceeding $17 billion.1 Despite dramatic improvement in outcomes with medical therapy,2,3 admission rates following heart failure hospitalization remain high,4 with ≥50% patients readmitted to hospital within 6 months of discharge.5–7 Because reduction in readmission rates might simultaneously reduce costs and improve quality of care, public and private payers have increasingly targeted readmissions as a focus of pay-for-performance initiatives.8 In 2009, the US Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services began public reporting of all-cause readmission rates after heart failure hospitalization, and, in the following year, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act9 established financial penalties for hospitals with the highest readmission rates during the first 30 days after discharge. Increasing concern regarding the need to reduce readmissions has focused national research and hospital-driven efforts on the prediction of which patients with heart failure are likely to be readmitted and the design of interventions to prevent readmissions. Discharge from a heart failure hospitalization is followed by a readmission within 30 days in ≈24% of cases.5 Recurrent heart failure and related cardiovascular conditions account for only about half of readmissions in patients with heart failure, whereas other comorbid conditions account for the rest.10 Although the proportion of noncardiovascular admissions is higher in those with preserved ejection fraction (EF),11 overall readmission rates for heart failure remain similar whether the heart failure occurs with reduced or preserved EF.12 The rate and characteristics of readmission for patients with an initially low EF that recovers to ≥40% (heart failure with ‘better' EF) are yet to be …
Capitalism and Competition

WITHIN THE SPAN of five generations the United States has developed out of a pioneer, agricultural environment to be the most productive, industrial nation of the world. Unhampered by the traditions of feudalism, this new-world nation has seen its most capable, energetic, and self-centered men pushed to the front in business. As a consequence the American businessman has been praised as was the military man in the feudal period. His vanity, his desire for distinction and prestige have been satisfied by the quite general acknowledgment of his merit and by the acceptance of his leadership. In the United States a businessman's civilization has flourished. The businessman has been a go-getter, a self-reliant man with initiative; but his economic and political vision has been nearsighted. Primarily he has been almost solely interested in the immediate in time and the nearby in space. He has expected each man to look out for himself; it has been assumed that later generations must look out for themselves. The American businessman has had no clear vision of the broad aspects of social welfare. Influenced by nearness to the frontier and to small-scale industry he has naively assumed that those efforts which benefited him and his business must be beneficial to the community or at least not inimical to the general welfare. These points of view are now being repeatedly questioned. Business is often attacked as an anti-social or exploiting interest; the businessman is pictured as a selfish individual. Communists insist that the worker is "exploited" under capitalism. In passing, Americans may ask: Are workers exploited as a class in the United States? They receive about 70 per cent of the national income. Doubtless there are many inequities; but may not these be ironed out instead of destroying the fabric? Leftwingers vociferously declare, however, that there is little hope of social betterment as long as business interests are powerful in the political arena and in the economic sphere. Observers should not forget that labor organizations also are primarily concerned with their own selfish interests. The same statement is true of many non-profit organizations. The pessimist writes: "there is no public interest anymore; there are only in/crests." It is foolish to attack business and labor unions because they are selfish. Of course, both are selfish; but
Low-Dimensional Approach for Reconstruction of Airfoil Data via Compressive Sensing

Compressive sensing is used to compress and reconstruct a turbulent-flow particle image velocimetry database over a NACA 4412 airfoil. The spatial velocity data at a given time are sufficiently sparse in the discrete cosine transform basis, and the feasibility of compressive sensing for velocity data reconstruction is demonstrated. Application of the proper orthogonal decomposition/principal component analysis on the dataset works better than the compressive-sensing-based reconstruction approach with discrete cosine transform as the basis in terms of the reconstruction error, although the performance gap between the two schemes is not significant. Using the proper orthogonal decomposition/principal component analysis as the sparsifying basis, compressive-sensing-based velocity reconstruction is implemented, which outperformed discrete cosine transform. Compressive sensing preprocessing (filtering) with discrete cosine transform as the basis is applied to a reduced number of particle image velocimetry snap...