cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ACUTE VASCULAR EFFECTS OF NANOPARTICLE INFUSION IN ISOLATED PERFUSED SKIN

Abstract The majority of studies on the effect of nanomaterials on biological function involves either isolated in vitro cell systems or are concerned with in vivo effects after inhalational or dermal exposure. The current work reports on an intriguing observation of the vascular effects seen in an ex vivo perfused tissue preparation, the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF), in studies conducted to assess nanomaterial biodistribution. Compared with a relatively large dataset involving organic chemical infusions (n = 53), infusion of six different nanoparticles of diverse sizes and composition (silica or dextran coated Fe 2 O 3 , silica or citrate coated silver, PEG or carboxylated quantum dots [QD]) resulted in statistically significant post-infusion flap weight gain and an increase in arterial perfusion pressure (especially with QD-PEG). In contrast, infusion with nC 60 nanoparticles did not produce these effects. These observations suggest certain nanoparticle infusions may be associated with acute vascular physiologic effects that merit further attention. From the Clinical Editor In this study utilizing a perfused porcine skin flap, specific nanoparticle infusions were demonstrated to be associated with significant acute vascular physiological effects.
The adsorption and decomposition of ethylene on Ni(100)

Abstract The adsorption behavior of ethylene on Ni(100) at a variety of temperatures has been studied using temperature programmed desorption, and X-ray and UV photoemission. The adsorption of ethylene at 98 K results in molecular adsorption with a saturation C/Ni ratio of 0.76. Heating this surface to any temperature between 213 and 683 K reduces the C/Ni ratio to 0.5. Exposure to ethylene at 300 K leads to decomposition producing surface carbide, adsorbed hydrogen atoms and an adsorbed CxH2x species. A comparison with other work on Ni(111) indicates that ethylene adsorption processes are structure sensitive.
Mechanism of sudden cardiac arrest while swimming in a child with the prolonged QT syndrome

We describe the abrupt sequence of events resulting in cardiac arrest while swimming in a 12-year-old with long QT syndrome. Diving into cold water resulted in an irregular cardiac rhythm and further prolongation of the QT interval, followed by a premature ventricular complex, which initiated pulseless ventricular tachycardia (rate >300/minute). The transition from sinus rhythm to ventricular tachycardia occurred in <5 seconds and was followed by a successful implantable cardioverter-defibrillator rescue shock.
Regulation of Cholecystokinin Secretion by Calcium-Dependent Calmodulin Kinase II: Differential Effects of Phenylalanine and cAMP

The release of cholecystokinin was investigated in STC-1 cells, an intestinal cholecystokinin-secreting cell line. Fifteen minute incubation of cells with the amino acid, L-phenylalanine (20 mM), or the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX (100 microM), stimulated cholecystokinin secretion. Stimulation of secretion by both agents was associated with an increase in cytosolic calcium and was inhibited by the calcium channel blocker, diltiazem (10 microM). The calcium-calmodulin kinase II inhibitor, KN-65 (1.4 microM), markedly reduced IBMX-stimulated secretion, but had no effect on phenylalanine-mediated activity. KN-62 also inhibited IBMX-induced increases in cytosolic calcium, suggesting that cAMP may activate diltiazem-sensitive calcium channels by a calmodulin-dependent process.
Measuring health disparities: trends in racial−ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in obesity among 2- to 18-year old youth in the United States, 2001–2010

Purpose Although eliminating health disparities by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) is a top public health priority internationally and in the United States, weight-related racial/ethnic and SES disparities persist among adults and children in the United States. Few studies have examined how these disparities have changed over time; these studies are limited by the reliance on rate differences or ratios to measure disparities. We sought to advance existing research by using a set of disparity metrics on both the absolute and relative scales to examine trends in childhood obesity disparities over time.
Regulating damage claims for emotional injuries before the First World War

During the late 19th century, as a result of litigation following railway accidents, damage claims for emotional injuries became a medico-legal issue. Efforts to find fair and socially acceptable means of settling such claims involved an interaction between medical theory and legal rules. Between 1866 and 1890 doctors debated the significance of 'nervous' symptoms, which resulted from accidents in which Little or no physical damage occurred. They rejected a strictly somatic interpretation of these symptoms and replaced it with a psychosomatic interpretation. Hoping to prevent a fiood of 'false claims', Anglo-American courts initially rejected this psychosomatic interpretation, and ruled against damages in cases where fear without physical impact was the cause of the plaintiffs symptoms. Later, common law courts accepted the psychosomatic perspective and granted damages for physical illnesses in which fear was 'one link in the chain of causation'. While early appeals under workers' compensation laws followed these later courts, worries about the social consequences ofthese rulings were also evident in the years before the First World War. Language: en
LOW REFLECTION HIGH-SPEED SIMULTANEOUS BI-DIRECTIONAL DATA BUS

In this paper, a new Simultaneous Bi-directional Data Bus architecture has been presented. The new architecture provides stable and consistent impedance matching to the transmission channel, which can significantly reduce reflections and ensure the signal integrity and transmission reliability. To validate the design, an in-depth comparative study has been performed.
Selecting health insurance: the importance of prescription drug coverage and pharmacy factors in consumer decision making.

This study determined how important rescription drug coverage was to consumers in selecting their healt 1 insurance plans, the specific pharmacy factors they considered, and the importance of factors considered. A mail survey questionnaire was sent to 800 state eovernment and universitv emulovees residine in the Madison, Wisconsin area; 453 questionaires wire returned. The majority (59.0 percent) of respondents aware of health insurance prescription coverage placed at least moderate importance on that coverage when selecting their health insurance plan. The specific factors considered most often were cost, location, convenience, and flexibility to choose or change pharmacies. The importance ratings for cost, location, flexibility, and the pharmacist varied among respondents enrolled in different health insurance plans.
Perceptions of and support for sex offender policies: Testing Levenson, Brannon, Fortney, and Baker’s findings

Abstract Purpose In one of the most impactful studies of perceptions of sex offender legislation, respondents claimed that they would support the laws, “even if there is no scientific evidence showing that they reduce sexual abuse” (Levenson, Brannon, Fortney, & Baker, 2007). The present research experimentally tested that assertion across two samples of Alabama residents. Methods In both samples, an experimental group was informed that, “There is no conclusive scientific evidence showing that sex offender registries or notification laws reduce sexual abuse.” All respondents were then asked about community notification statutes. Results Support was high among all respondents (regardless of the experimental prompt) and did not differ significantly based on demographic characteristics. Males were more likely than females to perceive some policies as effective. Parents reported that they would feel significantly more fear and anger if a sex offender moved into their neighborhood than did non-parents. Conclusions These findings suggest that: 1.) despite their limited instrumental impact, sex offender laws hold symbolic value to the public, 2.) more research is needed to further understand demographic differences in perceptions of sex offender policies, and 3.) perhaps public education must precede an effective attempt at implementing evidence-based sex offender legislation.
Growth of psittacosis virus in tissue culture.

Extensive investigations have shown that members of the psittacosis-lymphogranuloma group resemble one another in many respects (Gordon, 1955; Weiss, 1955). Principal differences in the growth cycle among members have been observed primarily in the morphological development of the inclusion vesicle, which in one member may be compact and in another diffuse (Weiss, 1949). The type of vesicle formed resulted, in part, in the formulation of different hypotheses to explain the exact mode of virus reproduction. It was suggested from the observations made by Bedson and Bland (1934), Bland and Canti (1935), Burnet and Rountree (1935) and Yanamura and Meyer (1941) that this group of microorganisms multiplies by binary fission after an initial lag phase. This hypothesis is further supported by the recent evidence presented by Bedson and Gostling (1954), Swain (1955) and Litwin (1959). However, a few investigators believe that the growth of the psittacosis group is characterized by an eclipse phase when the virus exists in a noninfectious state dur-
QEHA27, a peptide that binds to G-protein βγ-subunits, reduces the inhibitory effect of 5-HT on the Ca2+ current of rat dorsal raphe neurons

Abstract We studied a 27 amino acid peptide (QEHA 27 ) containing the G β γ binding motif QXXER, found in adenylyl cyclase 2 and several effector proteins of the G β γ -subunit. The patch-clamp technique was utilized to record Ca 2+ current from serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons and to introduce the peptide QEHA 27 into the cell. We investigated whether it antagonized the inhibitory modulation of Ca 2+ current. Compared to the control group, 5-HT was 41% less effective at inhibiting Ca 2+ current with 500 μ M QEHA 27 in the pipette. The QEHA 27 peptide did not simply occlude the response to 5-HT because there was no stimulating effect of QEHA 27 on the G-protein mediated response. This appears to be the first report of an interference between this peptide and the modulation of Ca 2+ currents; it suggests that at least part of the action of the G-protein may be mediated by a β γ -subunit.
Biaxial Compliance Changes of Mitral Valve Leaflets Following Radiofrequency Ablation

The mitral valve (MV), located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, is responsible for preventing retrograde blood flow by closing during systole. There are two MV leaflets, anterior and posterior. The anterior is the larger of the two and semicircular; the posterior leaflet is more rectangular and can be subdivided into three scallops, the middle scallop being the largest in most human hearts. The two leaflets are anchored to the wall of the left ventricle by the chordae tendinae. The MV annulus forms a complete fibrous ring anchored along the anterior leaflet (1).Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The chiroptical properties of proteins. III. Adenylate kinase.

The CD spectrum of the enzyme adenylate kinase has been investigated. Theoretical calculations, based on the x-ray crystal structure, have been carried out by means of an origin independent matrix formalism. The entire molecule was included in the calculations in the sense that essentially all electronic transitions that occur at wavelengths longer than 185 nm were included in the basis set. A linear dielectric function was utilized to evaluate the intertransition coupling potentials. The results of the theoretical calculations were in reasonable agreement with experimental CD spectra of the molecule.
Enhanced Elemental Mercury Removal from Coal-Fired Flue Gas by Sulfur−Chlorine Compounds

Oxidation of Hg0 with any oxidant or converting it to a particle-bound form can facilitate its removal. Two sulfur−chlorine compounds, sulfur dichloride (SCl2) and sulfur monochloride (S2Cl2), were...
On improving an approximate solution of a functional equation by deferred corrections

The improvement of discretization algorithms for the approximate solution of nonlinear functional equations is considered. Extensions to the method of difference corrections by Fox are discussed and some general results are proved. Applications to nonlinear boundary problems and numerical examples are given in some detail.
Linear Ising Models and the Antiferromagnetic Behavior of Certain Crystalline Organic Free Radicals

Linear Ising models including molecular fields and impurities are employed to interpret the susceptibility and specific heat data of picryl amino carbazyl (PAC), 1,3‐bisdiphenylene 2‐phenyl allyl (BDPA), and Wurster's blue perchlorate (WB). Data taken below 1°K on the linewidth and susceptibility of diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and BDPA is presented. A possible criterion is suggested for distinguishing whether impurities or dislocations are responsible for a low‐temperature susceptibility rise in an antiferromagnetic system. Expressions determining the long‐range order and the correlations between the spins are found.
Body mass index versus dual energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived indexes: predictors of cardiovascular and diabetic disease risk factors.

Objectives: The body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight/height2, dominates estimation of adiposity in population studies. BMI, however, does not distinguish among fat, muscle, or bone mass. Accordingly, its usage to assess and manage obesity in the population is limited. This study compares the use of BMI with direct measures of fat- and lean-mass to predict established cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors: blood pressure, lipids, and glucose. Methods: The entire Buffalo Police Department was the object of recruitment to a baseline study of physiological and psychological stress. Four hundred nine officers constitute the sample for this analysis. Regression methods focusing on explained variance in blood pressure, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and blood glucose compare the use of BMI to that of fat- and lean-mass indexes derived from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Results: DEXA indexes explain 1.6%–3.3% (P < 0.05, all risk factors) more variance than BMI. Fat mass drives the association for blood pressure, trunk lean mass for HDL cholesterol, and both for blood glucose. High degrees of multicollinearity complicate interpretation of predictive models jointly containing BMI and DEXA indexes. Conclusions: In police officers, DEXA indexes are better predictors of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk factors. However, populations with different distributions of fitness, diet, and health conditions may demonstrate differentfeatures. In contrast to BMI, DEXA-derived measurements suggest avenues to explore metabolic processes, which relate to an index's underlying association with risk and may suggest more effective intervention strategies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NITRIC OXIDE (NO) PRODUCTION BY PULMONARY ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES (AM) FROM NEONATAL, INFANT AND ADULT RATS

Objectives: This study addresses whether an age-related reduction in inducible NO synthase (iNOS) activity by AM causes the high incidence of opportunistic pneumonias in infants who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Mycobacterium spp.) are inhibited or killed by NO. Design and setting: A rodent study preformed in an university research laboratory. Subjects: Four litters of newborn or infant rats, and 4 adult rats, were used. Interventions: Cultured AM lavaged from newborn (3-day-old), infant (10-day), or adult rats were stimulated with interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide. Measurements: Supernatants from AM had NO production determined as its end products, nitrite [NO2-, Griess assay] and nitrate [NO2-, nitrate reductase enzyme method]. iNOS activity by AM was equaled to superoxide anion (O2-) production [ferricytochrome c assay] and lysozyme content [lysoplate method]. Results: Micromolar content of NO2- & NO3- were: 114±4 & 59±15* (3 day), 40±9 & 37±6 (10-day), and 36±5 & 42±6 (adult). O2- production (nmol/106 am/10 min) was: 18±1 (3-day). 15±1 (10-day), and 16±2 (adult). Lysozyme content (ng lysozyme/μg cell protein) was: 6±1 (3-day), 13±4 (10-day), and 27±6 (adult). Data presented as mean±SEM; * = p<0.05 v. adult. Conclusions: Inducible NO production by AM is elevated in newborns compared to adults suggesting that infantile susceptibility 10 opportunistic pneumonias associated with HIV infection is not due 10 an age-related reduction in iNOS expression.
Utilization Review Health Economics and Cost-Effective Resource Management

In an effort to reduce their health care burden, health care payors have turned to utilization controls and restructured health care payment systems to con trol health care costs. While health care payors are interested in economic restraints, health care pro viders are being placed at increasing levels of finan cial risk, and they struggle to maintain high quality services. Quality of care must remain our number one priority, but it is essential to achieve this goal in a cost-efficient manner. Cost-efficiencies are gained through the development of a comprehensive physi cian education program that encourages information exchange, physician input, and the implementation of positive alternatives that lead to efficiencies in re source management.
Pluripotent Stem Cells from Domesticated Mammals

This review deals with the latest advances in the study of embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from domesticated species, with a focus on pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, cats, and dogs. Whereas the derivation of fully pluripotent ESC from these species has proved slow, reprogramming of somatic cells to iPSC has been more straightforward. However, most of these iPSC depend on the continued expression of the introduced transgenes, a major drawback to their utility. The persistent failure in generating ESC and the dependency of iPSC on ectopic genes probably stem from an inability to maintain the stability of the endogenous gene networks necessary to maintain pluripotency. Based on work in humans and rodents, achievement of full pluripotency will likely require fine adjustments in the growth factors and signaling inhibitors provided to the cells. Finally, we discuss the future utility of these cells for biomedical and agricultural purposes.
Current Trends in Service Quality: A Transportation Sector Review

Studies have emphasized the influence a service employee has on customer perceptions of service quality. Results indicate that employees’ positive and negative behaviors are highly correlated to customer overall satisfaction (Kattara, Weheba, & El-said, 2008). Moreover, research indicates that many service firms fail in delivering service quality to their customers; their frontline employees deliver inferior value to the end user, and this attitude and interaction performed during the service encounter influences customer perceptions of the service delivered. Although many studies have examined general quality management practices, industry-specific studies on quality management practices and factors that influence their success in the shipping industry are rather few (Cheng & Choy, 2007). This review hopes to add to the body of knowledge by positing that truck drivers acting as frontline service employees, play a fundamental role in a company’s assessment of service quality as these drivers deliver cargo to the end
Plasma salicylate concentrations in immature dogs following aspirin administration: comparison with adult dogs

Aspirin disposition in immature and adult dogs, assessed by plasma salicylate concentrations following single doses of aspirin given orally (p.o.) and intravenously (i.v.), was compared. Using a cross-over design, four immature (12-16-weeks-old) and eight adult (1-2-years-old) dogs were given a single dose of aspirin at 17.5 mg/kg body weight i.v. and a single dose of buffered aspirin at 35 mg/kg body weight p.o. Blood was collected from the jugular vein for 24 h following each dose. A fluorescence polarization immunoassay was used for determination of salicylate in plasma. Significant differences in aspirin disposition were identified between the two groups. Immature dogs had significantly shorter salicylate half-life, lower mean residence time, and more rapid salicylate clearance than adult dogs. The difference in volume of distribution between the two groups was not significantly different. Immature dogs had lower mean (+/- SD) peak plasma salicylate concentrations (64.5 +/- 2.38 mg/L) than adult dogs (95.9 +/- 12.2 mg/L) following a single oral dose of buffered aspirin at 35 mg/kg body weight. Predicted plasma salicylate concentration-time curves were constructed for various aspirin dosage regimens. This analysis showed that the previously recommended buffered aspirin dose for adult dogs of 25 mg/kg body weight p.o. every 8 h would be ineffective in maintaining plasma salicylate concentrations > 50 mg/L in immature dogs.
Interleaved pipeline structures for two-dimensional recursive filtering

Parallel and pipeline structures for real-time 2D recursive filtering are presented. For general scalar 2D recursive filters, a 2D multiple-interleaved pipeline architecture is introduced that is compatible with the nature of the image-scanning scheme. Using this structure, the sampling period can be a fraction of the time needed for one scalar addition operation and the delay is only a few samples. In addition, this structure does not require any I/O buffers for real-time implementation. >
Integration of LEED Concepts into the AEC Curriculum

Sustainability topics have experienced an increasing trend in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) education within the past few years. While the construction research is increasingly adopting sustainable design, green rating systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has become a center of interest for both the educators and the AEC students. Therefore, it is now a basic need to integrate LEED certification into the existing curriculum. At this stage, it is important to identify and analyze students' needs and expectations. This paper presents a senior level course, taught at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), which covers sustainable design and LEED concepts in order to prepare students for the LEED professional certification exams as well as for their future careers. The study conducts a survey to learn the perception of students about integrating the LEED concepts into the AEC curriculum in terms of benefits for the curriculum and construction industry, in addition to their expectations from a LEEDbased course. The results showed how much students expected LEED concepts and professional certification exams to be integrated into the curriculum, and can serve as a guideline for sustainability educators to design a successful LEED-based course for undergraduate students.
A six-canal maxillary first molar: case report.

Aim The aim of this case report is to describe an unusual six-canal maxillary first molar tooth. Case report The maxillary left first molar of a young African-American male was treated as an emergency at the first visit. At the second visit, the five canals (MB1 and 2, Pal1 and 2 and DB) were easily identified at high magnification of 16-25 under an operating microscope. The canals were then instrumented and filled using the Microseal technique. A careful radiographic examination of the final fill indicated that there was a third canal in the palatal root as suggested by a slight extrusion of the filling material between the two canals. At the third visit, the fillings of the palatal canals were removed and the apical 4mm was re-examined. The existence of a third palatal canal exiting between the two apices was verified and subsequently instrumented and obturated. Key learning points It should be assumed that all molar teeth have more than the traditionally expected three canals. The location of root canals should be identified at high magnification under the microscope. Careful radiographic re-examination of the fillings should be done in order to identify possibly missed canals.
Cavity flows driven by buoyancy and shear

Fluid motion driven by the combined effects of a moving wall and natura convection is examined for rectangular cavities with heightlwidth ratios of ½, 1 and 2. The Reynolds number and Prandtl number are held fixed at Re = 100 and Pr = 1; the Grashof number is varied over the range of values Gr = 0, ±104, ±106. Flow and temperature fields obtained from numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations reveal a marked influence of buoyancy for the larger aspect ratios when Gr = ±106 and the dominance of buoyancy for all aspect ratios when Gr = ± 106. Results are compared with earlier work where possible and some observations are offered on the convergence of the numerical solutions.
The calculation of spin-restricted single-determinant wavefunctions

A procedure is described for the calculation of spin-restricted single-determinant molecular orbital wavefunctions for systems such as free radical ground states and lowest triplet states. It is a further development of ‘partitioning techniques’, which divide the available one-electron space (for a given basis) into three mutually orthogonal subspaces for doubly-occupied, singly-occupied and empty orbitals respectively. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the calculated total energy to be stationary with respect to changes in these subspaces. These lead to an iterative procedure for the determination of self-consistent molecular orbitals. Some preliminary applications to hydrocarbon radicals are described and compared with corresponding spin-unrestricted results.
Lethal iron deprivation induced by non-neutralizing antibodies targeting transferrin receptor 1 in malignant B cells

AbstractA number of antibodies have been developed that induce lethal iron deprivation (LID) by targeting the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1/CD71) and either neutralizing transferrin (Tf) binding, blocking internalization of the receptor and/or inducing its degradation. We have developed recombinant antibodies targeting human TfR1 (ch128.1 and ch128.1Av), which induce receptor degradation and are cytotoxic to certain malignant B-cells. We now show that internalization of TfR1 bound to these antibodies can lead to its sequestration and degradation, as well as reduced Tf uptake, and the induction of a transcriptional response consistent with iron deprivation, which is mediated in part by downstream targets of p53. Cells resistant to these antibodies do not sequester and degrade TfR1 after internalization of the antibody/receptor complex, and accordingly maintain their ability to internalize Tf. These findings are expected to facilitate the rational design and clinical use of therapeutic agents targeting iron ...
Centralizing Inventory in Supply Chains by Using Shapley Value to Allocate the Profits

How should the excess profit because of inventory pooling be shared amongst firms at different levels along the supply chain? Suppose each of several retailers observes local demand for a common item and places an order at the supplier, which is immediately filled if the supplier has the item in stock. The supplier can fill retailer orders either from their reserved inventories or from a shareable pool of inventory. Using terminology from cooperative game theory, we say that the supplier and the retailers whose orders are filled from the common pool have formed an inventory-pooling coalition and study the use of Shapley value to allocate the expected excess profit because of pooling. We find that under Shapley value allocations the retailers have incentive to join the inventory-pooling coalition, and the supplier carries the level of inventory that is optimal for the coalition. Shapley value allocations might not lie within the core of the game, but the grand coalition of all players is stable in the farsighted sense. And, although the supplier's share of the expected excess profit is largest when all the retailers participate in the inventory-pooling coalition, the allocations to the retailers may diminish as the coalition grows. Colluding against the supplier (by merging and forming larger retailers) may seem like an appealing strategy for the retailers to increase their share of the total supply chain profit, but we find that the total expected after-pooling profits of retailers may instead go down because of collusion.
Atrial endocardial activation in man electrode catheter technique for endocardial mapping

The sequence of antegrade atrial endocardial activation was evaluated in 49 patients: 24 with a normal P wave configuration, 15 with electrocardiographic criteria for left atrial enlargement and 14 with a variety of supraventricular arrhythmias. In 17 patients, 6 with and 11 without evidence of the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, retrograde atrial activation sequence was analyzed during ventricular premature beats, junctional rhythm or supraventricular tachycardia. The recording sites included the high mid- and low right atrium the right atrioventricular (A-V) junction and the distal coronary sinus or the left atrium. In patients with normal P waves atrial activation began at either the high or the mid-right atrium and proceeded to the low right atrium and A-V junction and then the coronary sinus. A similar sequence of activation was noted In patients with left atrial enlargement, but activation at the coronary sinus was markedly delayed (77 ± 8 [mean ± standard deviation] versus 112 ± 14 msec, P
Interleukin 7 worsens graft-versus-host disease.

Impaired immune reconstitution has moved to the forefront of clinical problems limiting progress in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The identification of therapies that can enhance immune reconstitution by increasing thymopoiesis is critical to solving this problem. Interleukin 7 (IL-7) is the most potent thymopoietic cytokine identified thus far. To study the effects of IL-7 on immune reconstitution and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic BMT, we administered recombinant human IL-7 (rhIL-7) in a murine parent into an F1 model. Results showed that rhIL-7 therapy lowered the “threshold” T-cell dose required to induce both clinical signs of GVHD as well as lethal GVHD. Histologic analysis of GVHD target tissues revealed that rhIL-7 increased the degree of inflammation and tissue damage observed at all T-cell doses studied, but did not change the pattern of organs affected or the histologic appearance of the GVHD within target organs. In addition, we evaluated the capacity for rhIL-7 to enhance thymopoiesis in the setting of allogeneic T cell–depleted (TCD) and T-cell–replete BMT. We observed that rhIL-7 therapy enhanced thymic function in TCD allogeneic BM transplant recipients, but not in animals that received even modest doses of T cells presumably due to thymic toxicity of the graft-versus-host reaction. Thus, caution must be exercised as IL-7 is developed clinically as an immunorestorative agent for use in the setting of allogeneic BMT. These results suggest that use of IL-7 should be limited to the setting of TCD BMT to obtain the greatest benefit on immune competence with the least toxicity.
A randomized 3x3 crossover study to evaluate the effect of Hass avocado intake on post-ingestive satiety, glucose and insulin levels, and subsequent energy intake in overweight adults

Background The behavioral outcome of food ingestion is a complex process that involves psychological and biological factors. Avocados are nutrient dense with properties that may favorably impact energy balance. This study sought to evaluate if incorporating approximately one half of a Hass avocado by addition or inclusion into a lunch meal will influence post-ingestive satiety, glucose and insulin response, and subsequent energy intake among overweight adults.
Cardiac Norepinephrine Stores and the Contractile State of Heart Muscle

In order to assess the role played by endogenous norepinephrine (NE) stores in the intrinsic contractile state of cardiac muscle, the right ventricular papillary muscles from normal cats and cats with cardiac NE depletion produced by chronic cardiac denervation or reserpine pretreatment were studied. The contractile state of NE-depleted ventricular myocardium was found to be normal. The resting and active length-tension curves, the forcevelocity relations, and the augmentation of isometric tension achieved by paired electrical stimulation and by increasing frequency of contraction were not depressed in either group of NE-depleted muscles. Similarly, no changes in the absolute refractory period and electrical excitability were observed. It is concluded that cardiac stores of NE are not fundamental for maintaining the intrinsic contractile state of the myocardium. Further, release of endogenous NE from cardiac muscle does not appear to play an essential role in the mediation of the positive inotropic effects of increasing frequency of contraction or of sustained postextrasystolic potentiation.
The role of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in glioma surgery

For patients with gliomas, the goal of surgery is to maximize the extent of tumor resection while avoiding injury to functional tissue. The hope is to improve patients’ survival and maintain the highest quality of life as possible. However, because of the infiltrative nature of gliomas these two goals often oppose each other so a compromise must be met. Many tools have been developed to help with this challenge of glioma surgery. Over the past two decades, intraoperative-magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) has emerged as an increasingly important modality to enhance surgical safety while providing the surgeon with updated information to guide their resection. Here the authors review the studies that demonstrate a positive correlation between extent of resection (EOR) and overall survival (OS), although the data is clearer in patients with low-grade gliomas (LGG) and still somewhat controversial in those with higher-grade tumors. We will then review some of the studies that support the role of iMRI and how it has impacted glioma surgery by increasing the EOR. The value of iMRI usage in regards to overall patient outcome can be extrapolated through its effect on EOR. Overall, available data support the safe use of iMRI and as an effective adjunct in glioma surgery.
Computer Input Devices and the Elderly: A Musculoskeletal Disorder Focus

The aging process carries important implications for the design of human-computer interfaces. Decreases in vision, motor control and muscle force combined with a higher vulnerability to musculoskeletal disorders and to degenerative diseases should be taken in consideration when designing and selecting computer input devices for the elderly. This study reviews the recent research literature on computer input devices and their adequacy to the elderly user. Significant findings from evaluative studies are summarized, and recommendations are provided.
Influence of Sampler Variation on Adult Corn Rootworm Population Estimates

A study was conducted to determine if adult corn rootworm ( Diabrotica spp.) population estimates were influenced by training and experience of the sampler and(or) if they were affected by inherent personal differences between individuals of equal training and experience. Two levels each of plant counts, ear-tip collections, and timed collections were used in replicated studies in 2 Iowa cornfields. One field was typical of cornfields grown for grain production. The other field was late planted and late maturing, simulating those fields that develop extreme corn rootworm problems because of their attractiveness to migrating beetles. The plant counts and ear-tip collections were not significantly influenced by the maturity of the field or the investigators' inherent abilities or level of experience. Corn rootworm population estimates produced by timed collections were influenced by both field maturity and investigator variability.
Thermal and electronic properties of rare-earth Ba2Cu3Ox superconductors.

We have measured the electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat of a series of high-temperature superconducting compounds of the form RBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/, with R = Y, Eu, Gd, Dy, and Er. Our results show that the afore-mentioned physical properties are virtually identical for all samples considered. In particular, the molar specific heats are identical to within +- 2% and exhibit Debye-type behavior. We observe a nearly constant thermal conductivity above T/sub c/, but a rather sudden increase developes as the temperature is lowered below the critical temperature. The electrical resistivity is nearly linear in the normal state. Thermal and electrical conductivities indicate that for T>T/sub c/, the predominant electron scattering mechanism is due to phonon interactions. Using electrical resistivity data and the Wiedemann-Franz law, we estimate the magnitude of the electronic component of the thermal conductivity to be an order of magnitude smaller than the measured thermal conductivity. We thus conclude that heat transport is predominantly by phonons. The enhancement of the lattice conduction below the critical temperature is understood as a reduction of carrier-phonon scattering as electrons condense into Cooper pairs. This lends support to standard Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer-type superconductivity. An estimate of the superconducting transition temperatures ismore » made using the electron-phonon coupling constants and Debye temperatures deduced from the data which brackets the observed T/sub c/ quite well. We discuss the thermal conductivity at very low temperature in terms of a phonon mean-free path limited by pores in the samples.« less
Trials of commercial reagents in anion-exchange coagulation procedures: ortho diagnostics.

The suitability of Ortho Diagnostics one-stage prothrombin time (PT) reagent (Ortho® Brain Thromboplastin) and activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT) reagent (Activated Thrombofax®) has been evaluated for use in conjunction with the anion-exchange heparin removal maneuver. The PT/HR and aPTT/HR are tests used to follow the anticoagulant influence of coumarins when heparin also is being administered. After establishing a coumarin therapeutic range for Activated Thrombofax,® a parallel trial was conducted with Ortho Brain Thromboplastin on coumarintreated patient plasmas. Determinations also were made after heparin (0.2 μ/mL) was added and then removed by ECTEOLA microchromatography columns. Ortho Brain Thromboplastin was found to induce a shortening bias associated with a spurious improvement in the precision of tests run on anion-exchange treated plasmas that potentially could result in coumarin over-dosage. The systematic error did not appear to result either from protracted incubation or the activation of prekallikrein, high molecular weight kininogen, Factor XI or XII. This reagent was found to perform appropriately with plasma not exposed to ECTEOLA. Activated Thrombofax gave reliable and reproducible results before and after heparin removal. This aPTT reagent could be used in the aPTT/HR anticoagulant surveillance scheme.
The use of neural networks and texture analysis for rapid objective selection of regions of interest in cytoskeletal images.

Understanding cytoskeletal dynamics in living tissue is prerequisite to understanding mechanisms of injury, mechanotransduction, and mechanical signaling. Real-time visualization is now possible using transfection with plasmids that encode fluorescent cytoskeletal proteins. Using this approach with the muscle-specific intermediate filament protein desmin, we found that a green fluorescent protein–desmin chimeric protein was unevenly distributed throughout the muscle fiber, resulting in some image areas that were saturated as well as others that lacked any signal. Our goal was to analyze the muscle fiber cytoskeletal network quantitatively in an unbiased fashion. To objectively select areas of the muscle fiber that are suitable for analysis, we devised a method that provides objective classification of regions of images of striated cytoskeletal structures into “usable” and “unusable” categories. This method consists of a combination of spatial analysis of the image using Fourier methods along with a boosted neural network that “decides” on the quality of the image based on previous training. We trained the neural network using the expert opinion of three scientists familiar with these types of images. We found that this method was over 300 times faster than manual classification and that it permitted objective and accurate classification of image regions.
Southern Extension of the Range of the Pigmy Rabbit in California

Severaid (Jour. Mamm., 31: 1–4, 1950) reported the presence of the pigmy rabbit ( Sylvihgus idahoensis ) in the Bodie area, northern Mono County, California. Prior to his observations pigmy rabbits had been reported in California only in Modoc and Lassen counties, 190 miles to the northwest (Orr, the rabbits of California, Calif. Acad. Sci., 192–201, 1940). Between 1951 and 1955, while working in Inyo and Mono Counties, I heard several local residents speak of shooting so-called “brush rabbits” in the Crowley Lake area of southern Mono County. Clear distinction was made between these and …
Evaluating Cumulative Organophosphorus Pesticide Body Burden of Children: A National Case Study

Biomonitoring is a valuable tool for identifying exposures to chemicals that pose potential harm to human health. However, to date there has been little published on ways to evaluate the relative public health significance of biomonitoring data for different chemicals and even less on cumulative assessment of multiple chemicals. The objectives of our study are to develop a methodology for a health risk interpretation of biomonitoring data and to apply it using NHANES 1999−2002 body burden data for organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. OP pesticides present a particularly challenging case given the nonspecificity of many metabolites monitored through NHANES. We back-calculate OP pesticide exposures from urinary metabolite data and compare cumulative dose estimates with available toxicity information for a common mechanism of action (brain cholinesterase inhibition) using data from U.S. EPA. Our results suggest that approximately 40% of children in the United States may have had insufficient margins of exposure...
Startle habituation and midfrontal theta activity in parkinson disease

The ability to adapt to aversive stimuli is critical for mental health. Here, we investigate the relationship between habituation to startling stimuli and startle-related activity in medial frontal cortex as measured by EEG in both healthy control participants and patients with Parkinson disease PD. We report three findings. First, patients with PD exhibited normal initial startle responses but reduced startle habituation relative to demographically matched controls. Second, control participants had midfrontal EEG theta activity in response to startling stimuli, and this activity was attenuated in patients with PD. Finally, startle-related midfrontal theta activity was correlated with the rate of startle habituation. These data indicate that impaired startle habituation in PD is a result of attenuated midfrontal cognitive control signals. Our findings could provide insight into the frontal regulation of startle habituation.
25 – Miscellaneous Infections Caused by Fungi and Pneumocystis

This chapter continues the discussion of infectious diseases involving the lungs, and considers miscellaneous infections caused by fungi and Pneumocystis . For some of the organisms discussed, infection is a common potential problem for the individual with intact immunologic defense mechanisms. Histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and blastomycosis are the major fungal infections in this category, yet even for these diseases, impairment of normal defense mechanisms may substantially alter the presentation, clinical consequences, and natural history of the illness. For many other fungi and for Pneumocystis , the normal host is essentially protected from the organism. Disease occurs almost exclusively as a consequence of an underlying illness or a breakdown of normal defense mechanisms. Aspergillus is perhaps the most important fungus of this sort and is the main one considered in this chapter. Pneumocystis also is considered in this chapter.
The Effort to Realize a Global Digital Mathematics Library

A decade after a resolution in 2006 by the International Mathematical Union endorsing the notion of a global digital mathematics library, and following a thorough report on possibilities written under the auspices of the US National Research Council in 2012, an 8-person Working Group, set up in 2014, is still working toward implementations of some of the ideas. There are difficulties with mobilizing the mathematical community toward building worthwhile infrastructure in times that are both perilous and well off, depending on where you stand. But progress continues.
Influence of insurance status on survival of adults with glioblastoma multiforme: A population-based study

BACKGROUND To the authors' knowledge, the impact of insurance status on the survival time of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has not been fully understood. The objective of the current study was to clarify the association between insurance status and survival of patients with GBM by analyzing population-based data. METHODS The authors performed a cohort study using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. They included adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with GBM as their primary diagnosis from the years 2007 to 2012. Patients without information regarding insurance status were excluded. A survival analysis between insurance status and GBM-related death was performed using an accelerated failure time model. Demographic and clinical variables were included to adjust for confounding effects. RESULTS Among the 13,665 adult patients in the study cohort, 558 (4.1%) were uninsured, 1516 (11.1%) had Medicaid coverage, and 11,591 (84.8%) had non-Medicaid insurance. Compared with patients who were uninsured, insured patients were more likely to be older, female, white, married, and with a smaller tumor size at diagnosis. Accelerated failure time analysis demonstrated that older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; P<.001), male sex (HR, 1.08; P<.001), large tumor size at the time of diagnosis (HR, 1.26; P<.001), uninsured status (HR, 1.14; P =.018), and Medicaid insurance (HR, 1.10; P =.006) were independent risk factors for shorter survival among patients with GBM, whereas radiotherapy (HR, 0.40; P<.001) and married status (HR, 0.86; P<.001) indicated a better outcome. The authors discovered an overall yearly progressive improvement in survival in patients with non-Medicaid insurance who were diagnosed from 2007 through 2011 (P =.015), but not in uninsured or Medicaid-insured patients. CONCLUSIONS Variations existed in insurance status within the GBM population. Uninsured status and Medicaid insurance suggested shorter survival compared with non-Medicaid insurance among a population of patients with GBM. Cancer 2016;122:3157–65. © 2016 American Cancer Society.